e river. During his last trip,
perceiving the chaplain on board and wishing to give the lie to the
swan-maidens' prophecy, Hagen flings the priest into the water; but
the long ecclesiastical garments buoy up their wearer and enable him
to regain the bank which he has just left, whence he makes his way
back to Burgundy. On perceiving the priest's escape, Hagen realizes
none of the rest will return, so grimly destroys the boat as soon as
he is through with it. Then he directs his friends to ride onward,
leaving him to guard their rear, for he knows the boatman's friends
will pursue and attack them.

_26th Adventure._ Although Hagen's apprehensions are soon justified,
the Burgundians fight so bravely that their assailants are defeated. A
little farther on they find a man sleeping by the roadside, and
discover it is Ekkewart, lying in wait to warn them that Kriemhild
cherishes evil intentions. But, undeterred by this warning also, the
Burgundians continue their journey, and visit Bishop Pilgrin and
Rudiger on their way.

_27th Adventure._ While at Rudiger's,--where the ladies welcome all
save Hagen with a kiss, and where the host lavishes gifts upon his
guests,--Hagen suggests that a marriage be arranged between Giseler,
the youngest Burgundian prince, and Rudiger's daughter. In compliance
with this suggestion, a formal betrothal takes place.

Then had the bride and bridegroom within a ring to stand,
For such was then the custom; a merry stripling band
Encircled the fair couple, and gaz'd on them their fill,
And thought the while as idly as think young people still.

This ceremony over, Rudiger prepares to guide the Burgundians to
Etzel's court, where Kriemhild is rejoicing to think they will soon
appear.

_28th Adventure._ So patent are Kriemhild's evil intentions, that
Dietrich of Bern and his faithful henchman Hildebrand also caution the
Burgundians to be on their guard. This second warning impresses the
visitors, who at Hagen's suggestion announce they will retain their
weapons for three days. When they arrive at the palace, Kriemhild
cordially embraces her youngest brother, but refuses the same welcome
to the two others, and grimly asks Hagen whether he has brought her
gold. When he bluntly rejoins her treasures will remain in the Rhine
until Doomsday, she abruptly turns her back upon him, and invites the
rest to enter the palace, leaving their arms at the door. Thereupon
Hagen announces his masters have