“That will I not,” answered Brunhild. “Thereby should I lose many knights that, with him, owe us homage.”
Whereat fair Kriemhild waxed very wroth. “Lose them thou must, for any service he will do thee. He is nobler even than Gunther, my noble brother. Wherefore, spare me thy foolish words. I wonder, since he is thy vassal, and thou art so much mightier than we, that for so long time he hath failed to pay tribute. Of a truth thine arrogancy irketh me.”
“Thou vauntest thyself too high,” cried the queen; “I would see now whether thy body be holden in like honour with mine.”
Both the women were angry.
Kriemhild answered, “That shalt thou see straightway. Since thou hast called Siegfried thy vassal, the knights of both kings shall see this day whether I dare enter the minster before thee, the queen. For I would have thee know that I am noble and free, and that my husband is of more worship than thine. Nor will I be chidden by thee. To-day thou shalt see thy vassals go at court before the Burgundian knights, and me more honoured than any queen that ever wore a crown.”
Fierce was the wrath of the women.
“If thou art no vassal,” said Brunhild, “thou and thy women shall walk separate from my train when we go to the minster.”
And Kriemhild answered, “Be it so.”
“Now adorn ye, my maidens,” said Siegfried’s wife, “that I be not shamed. If ye have rich apparel, show it this day. She shall take back what her mouth hath spoken.”
She needed not to bid twice; they sought out their richest vesture, and dames and damsels were soon arrayed.