Then spake Dietrich of Bern. "This is fate's work and not the doing of
man," said the hero. "Gunther, thou hast fought well. Yield thee now
as hostage, no shame shall it be to thee. Thou shalt find me true and
faithful with thee."

"Nay, God forbid," cried Hagen; "I am still unfettered and we are only
two. Would ye have me yield me after such a strife?"

"Yet would I save thy life, brave and noble Hagen," said Dietrich
earnestly. "Yield thee, I beg, and I will convoy thee safe home to
Rhineland."

"Nay, cease to crave this thing," replied Hagen angrily. "Such a tale
shall never be told of me. I see but two of ye, ye and Hildebrand."

Hildebrand, addressing Hagen, then said that the hour would come when
he would gladly accept the truce his lord offered, but Hagen in reply
twitted Hildebrand with the manner in which he had fled from the hall.
Dietrich interrupted them, saying that it ill beseemed heroes to scold
like ancient beldams, and forbade Hildebrand to say more. Then, seeing
that Hagen was grim of mood, Dietrich snatched up his shield. A moment
later Hagen's sword rang on his helm, but the Lord of Bern guarded him
well against the dreadful blows. Warily did he guard him against Hagen's
mighty falchion Balmung. At last he dealt Hagen a wound deep and wide.
But he did not wish to slay him, desiring rather to have such a hero as
hostage. Casting away his shield, in his arms he gripped Hagen of Trony,
who, faint from loss of blood, was overthrown. At that Gunther began
to wail greatly. Dietrich then bound Hagen and led him to where stood
Kriemhild and gave him into her hand. Right merry was she at the sight
and blessed Dietrich, bowing low before him, telling him that he had
requited her of all her woes, and that she would serve him until death.

But Dietrich begged Hagen's life of the Queen, telling her that he would
requite her of all that he had done against her. "Let him not suffer,"
said he, "because you see him stand there bound." But she ordered that
Hagen be led away to durance.

Dietrich then went to where Gunther stood in the hall and engaged him
in strife. Loudly rang the swords as the two heroes circled in fight,
dealing mighty blows on each other's helm, and men there had great
wonder how Sir Dietrich did not fall, so sorely angry was Gunther for
the loss of Hagen. But the King's blood was seen to ooze through his
armourings, and as he grew fainter Dietrich overcame him as he had done
Hagen and bou