I'll not deny that gladly to this work
I lend my hand, and I would surely meet
In combat any man who came between
My enemy and me, and yet the deed
I hold not for that reason less than just.
GUNTHER.
And yet my brothers spoke against the deed
And turned their backs upon us.
HAGEN.
Had they then
The courage to warn him and hinder us?
They must have felt that we are in the right,
And it is but their youth that makes them shrink
From blood that is not shed in open fight.
GUNTHER.
It must be so.
HAGEN.
Why he has bought off death
And so ennobled murder.
(To the serving men.)