(C) “In troth,” made answer Rumold, “I will be one at the least
Who never will cross Rhine-river unto Etzel’s high-tide feast.
The better part I have chosen shall I on the hazard fling?
So long as my strength availeth to my one life will I cling.”
(C) “So likewise am I minded,” spake to him Ortwein the thane;
“I will help thee to ward the kingdom, and the peace of the home to maintain.”
And so spake many another: of the journey would they none.
“Dear Lords, God have you in keeping,” said they, “in the land of the Hun!”
(C) Indignant was then King Gunther, when he saw how many were these
That were minded in Rhineland to tarry, and there to take their ease.