And should droop the eyes of scorning, yon vassals at Brunhild’s side!
I would teach them to go softly, full well I ween!—O yea,
Though oaths had I sworn a thousand to keep the peace this day!—
Ere I saw my belovèd liege-lord lie trapped in a foul death-snare,
Doomed to forsake life—quotha!—because this woman is fair!”
“Ay, and we would unshackled from this land win forth clear,”
Answered his brother Hagen, “had we but the armour here
That we lack for the clash of the onset, and the trusty battle-blade;
Then soon should the pride be humbled of yonder stalwart maid!”
Full well overheard were his murmurs of the Lady royally born.