That amid King Gunther’s liegemen good friends had he found enow.
Glad service did Hagen render for his kindness of long ago.
There did the Lord of Bechlaren till the third day’s dawning abide;
And the King dealt prudently, calling his counsellors to his side;
And he asked of his friends and his kinsmen if good in their sight this thing
Seemed, that his sister Kriemhild should wed with Etzel the King.
“Yea, good in our eyes it seemeth,” said they with one accord
Save Hagen alone: unto Gunther he spake, that valiant lord:
“If thou be wise and prudent, hereof take thou good heed,
That, be she never so willing, thou never consent to the deed.”