Then spake King Gunther: “Sorrow I find here bitter as death.
The Lady Brunhild hath told me a tale of venomous breath,
Even this, that thou hast vaunted that thou in bridal bed
First didst embrace her. Of Kriemhild thy wife is this thing said.”
Made answer the hero Siegfried: “If Kriemhild hath said this thing,
I will take no rest or ever she rue her slandering!
Yea, and thereof will I clear me in presence of all thy lords
By the faith of my solemn oath-plight, that never I spake such words.”
Answered the Lord of Rhineland: “Give that assurance thou.
Let the oath that thou hast tendered be spoken before these now.