They told the squires they would away. There was hurrying for the horses, for life was a burden to them among their stark foemen. Women and maidens were bidden seek out their clothes.
But when King Siegmund would have set out, Kriemhild’s mother began to beg that she would remain among her kinsfolk.
The wretched queen said, “That could hardly be. How could I have ever before mine eyes him that hath brought this woe upon me, miserable woman that I am?”
Giselher the youth said, “Dear sister mine, thy duty is here by thy mother. Thou need’st no service from them that have wounded and darkened thy spirit, for thou shalt live at my sole charge.”
But she answered the knight, “It cannot be; I must die of grief but to look on Hagen.”
“Nay, I counsel thee, dear sister, to stay by thy brother Giselher; and I will make good to thee thy husband’s death.”
But the God-forsaken one answered, “Need enow hath Kriemhild of comfort.”
While the youth besought her so kindly, Uta and Gernot began to pray her, and her faithful kinsmen also, that she should tarry, for she had few kinsmen among Siegfried’s men.
“They are all strangers to thee,” said Gernot, “and however strong a friend may be, one day he must die. Consider it, dear sister, and take comfort and stay here by thy kinsfolk. It were better for thee.”
So she promised Giselher she would remain there.