God grant such treachery never may be wrought by man again!

(C) So when these royal hunters had woven the dark death-snare,

Then told they the plot to their fellows. Yet Gernot and Giselher

Would not with the rest go hunting. Wherefore from warning their friend

They hardened their hearts, I know not. Fully paid was the price in the end.

XVI.
How Siegfried was Murdered

Now Gunther the King and Hagen, those knights of high-born blood,

Have contrived with treacherous purpose the hunt through the glades of the wood.

O yea, with their spears keen-whetted will they pierce the forest-bear

And the wild boar and the bison—what sport for the brave more fair?