in the morning they discovered six hundred of the Burgundians were still alive.  The queen appealed to Ruediger to complete the slaughter, but he, aghast at the idea of attacking friends whom he had sworn to protect, was about to refuse, when Kriemhild reminded him of his oath to her.  With sorrow he proceeded to fulfil his promise, and Giselher, seeing his approach, imagined he came as an ally.  But Ruediger promptly disillusioned him.  The Burgundians were as loath to attack Ruediger as he them, and Hagen and he exchanged shields.  The combat recommenced, and great was the slaughter of the Burgundians, until Gernot and Ruediger came together and slew one another.  At this, Wolfhart, Dietrich of Bern’s lieutenant, led his men against the Burgundians to avenge Ruediger’s death, and Giselher and Wolfhart slew one another.  Volker and Dankwart were also slain.  At length all were dead save Gunther and Hagen, whom Dietrich accosted and whom he offered to save.  But this offer Hagen refused.  Then the Lord of Bern grew wroth.

Dietrich Intervenes

Dietrich then donned his armour and was assisted to accoutre himself by Hildebrand.  He felt a heroic mood inspire him, a good sword was in his hand, and a stout shield was on his arm, and with the faithful Hildebrand he went boldly thence.

Hagen espied him coming and said:  “Yonder I see Sir Dietrich.  He desires to join battle with us after his great sorrow.  To-day shall we see to whom must go the palm.  I fear him not.  Let him come on.”

This speech was not unheard of Dietrich and Hildebrand, for Hagen came to where he found the hero leaning against the wall of the house.  Dietrich set his shield on the ground and in woeful tones said:  “O king, wherefore have ye treated me so?  All my men are gone, I am bereft of all good, Knight Ruediger the brave and true is slain.  Why have ye done these things?  Never should I have worked you such sorrow.  Think on yourselves and on your wrongs.  Do ye not grieve for the death of your good kinsmen?  Ah, how I mourn the fall of Ruediger!  Whatsoever joy I have known in life that have ye slain.  It is not for me to sorrow if my kin be slain.”

“How so, Dietrich?” asked Hagen.  “Did not your men come to this hall armed from head to heel with intent to slay us?”

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.”