Which were named the Knights of Kriemhild: good cause in sooth had they.
Friends many were won by Eckwart her treasurer’s open hand.
The will of the Lady Kriemhild might none in the realm withstand.
Each day was she thinking, thinking: “I will make my request to the King
If so of his grace and his goodness he may haply grant this thing
That my friends be bidden to see me here in the Land of the Hun.”
But the guileful purpose of Kriemhild the while was divined of none.
One night, when the Lady Kriemhild beside King Etzel lay,
When he held her in arms enfolding, even as his wont was aye
In his love for the noble lady who was dear as his life unto him,