“Our captive guests would ride hence with the first of the morrow’s light,
And petition for reconciling long-lasting with mine and me.
O valiant knight, give counsel how best it seemeth to thee.
Now what these two kings proffer, unto thee shall it now be told:
Five hundred horses’ burden they tender of red gold.
This willingly give they for ransom, so I will set them free.”
Spake Siegfried the strong: “For thine honour this thing shall nowise be.
Nay, freely, without all ransom, let them fare forth hence, these twain,
If so be that these noble war-lords will swear henceforth to refrain
From riding the raid of the foeman hitherward unto your land: