“So must men’s wives be governed,” again spake Siegfried the thane,
“That from all such arrogant speeches they may for ever refrain.
Thou then to thy wife forbid them; this likewise to mine will I.
For such overweening railing I take shame verily.”
But by reason of words once spoken fair ladies held them apart.
And the Lady Brunhild sorrowed with such sore anguish of heart
That in all her affliction afflicted were Gunther’s vassal-train.
Then went in Hagen of Troneg to commune with the Queen of her pain.
And he asked of her what ailed her, that weeping he found her there;
And she told him the shameful story. A grim oath straightway he sware: