With all his chiefest liegemen: he left not bare of defence

His kingdom and his castles: to keep them safe in ward

He delivered them over to chosen barons, to watch and to guard.

All harnessed stood the horses for vassal and for king.

With loving kisses of parting did wives unto husbands cling

In whose bosoms were hearts high-leaping, in whose veins was lusty life,

Yet for whom there was soon sore weeping of many a widowed wife.

(C) Now all the air was thrilling with weeping and wailing wild.

To the King drew nigh Queen Brunhild; she bare in her arms their child:

“How canst thou endure to leave us desolate both in a day?