So do the legends tell—
Hella! what thousands of brave men
By Burgund weapons fell.
Thus night came on, and gladly would the war-worn heroes have sought a speedy death. Their thoughts also turned toward peace, and they made known to the Huns that they would have speech with the King. Word was sent to Etzel, and he forthwith appeared, with Kriemhild, before the palace, upon the stairway of which stood the three princes in their blood-stained armor, and behind them Hagen and Volker and Dankwart.
Then Etzel spoke: “What would ye have with me? ’Twere vain to sue for peace, for never so long as I have breath shall it be granted to those who so cruelly have slain my only child and many of my kin!”
Günther answered that it had been forced upon them, while Giselher, turning to the Huns, cried out:
“What charge against me do ye bring? Did I not come hither in all peace and friendship to your land?”
The knights replied: “Already hath such friendship cost us dear! Full many a widowed wife and orphaned child have bitter cause to wish thou ne’er hadst left the Rhine!”
Again Günther sought to make peace; but Etzel would hear naught thereof. “Your griefs are not as mine,” he said, “for to my loss is added shame; nor may it be effaced save with your blood. Wherefore, I say, not one of you shall depart hence with his life!”
Then said the youthful Giselher: