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 vowed to spend the next three days in arms, a measure which Dietrich openly approves, informing Kriemhild to her very face that he is sure she means no good.
_29th Adventure._ Although the three royal brothers accompany Kriemhild into the palace, Hagen lingers at the door, and, inviting the minstrel Volker to sit on the bench beside him, confides to him his fears, entreating him to stand by him, and promising to do the same in his behalf should the need occur.
"Tell me now, friend Volker, will you stand me by, If these men of Kriemhild's would my mettle try?
Show me, if you love me, faithful friend and true! And when you need my service I'll do as much for you." On seeing her foe so close at hand, Kriemhild summons four hundred warriors, and bids them attack Hagen, for at present _he_ is the only one against whom she has sinister designs.

To prove to the men that Hagen is guilty, she offers to meet and question her foe in their presence.

On seeing her coming, Volker suggests they rise in token of respect, but Hagen grimly rejoins Kriemhild would merely take such politeness as a proof of weakness.

Instead of rising, he therefore ostentatiously lays Siegfried's sword across his lap.