be hand in hand with death."

The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now
seldom hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw
him hence. Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant
kinship," quoth Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He
loved Kriemhild, or ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost
thou plot against me?"

Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew
that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's liegemen. Therefore
she again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that
slayeth me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King
Etzel's shield with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many
goodly lands and castles."

"Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I
seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such
goodly wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again.
Many of those who so basely eat the lording's bread, and now desert him
in the greatest need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass
for brave. May shame ever be their lot!"

ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain.

Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long
time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me
my harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."

"I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights
stand further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I'll
send them back sore wounded down the steps."

"Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I've tried
before such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter
thee alone. What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in
words?"

Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia,
a daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men.
Whatever Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the
fiddler spied a mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring.
Upon their heads they bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a
deal full wroth of mood. "See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder,
who vowed to match you with his sword alone? How doth lying beseem
a hero? Much that misliketh me. There walk with him full a thousand
knights or more, well armed."

"Say not that I lie," spake H