"God in heaven forfend it," / Hagen spake again,
"That unto thee should yield them / ever warriors twain
Who in their strength reliant / all armed before thee stand,
And yet 'fore foes defiant / may freely swing a blade in hand."
"So shall ye not," spake Dietrich, / "proffered peace forswear,
Gunther and Hagen. / Misfortune such I bear
At both your hands, 'tis certain / ye did but do aright,
Would ye for so great sorrow / now my heart in full requite.
"I give you my sure promise / and pledge thereto my hand
That I will bear you escort / home unto your land;
With honors fit I'll lead you, / thereon my life I set,
And for your sake sore evil / suffered at your hands forget."
"Ask thou such thing no longer," / Hagen then replied.
"For us 'twere little fitting / the tale be bruited wide,
That twain of doughty warriors / did yield them 'neath thy hand.
Beside thee is none other / now but only Hildebrand."
Then answered Master Hildebrand: / "The hour may come, God wot,
Sir Hagen, when thus lightly / disdain it thou shalt not
If any man such offer / of peace shall make to thee.
Welcome might now my master's / reconciliation be."