So shalt thou of treacherous dealing be acquitted, and stand without stain.”
Then made they the proud Burgundians in a ring draw round these twain.
His hand stretched Siegfried the dauntless to the hand of the King to swear;
But Gunther spake: “Thine utter guiltlessness here I declare
Out of mine heart’s assurance. Thou goest of this charge free.
That whereof Kriemhild accused thee never was done of thee.”
Then yet again spake Siegfried: “And if ever my wife reap joy
Of her sowing for Lady Brunhild this seed of heart-annoy,
This unto me of a surety shall be nought but measureless grief.”
Then looked on each other the good knights with faces of glad relief.