Now the watchers that spied on the strangers full well by this were ware
That many a guest was living, what grievous scathe soe’er
And torment had been suffered by the kings and their warrior-band.
They beheld in the blackened feast-hall a goodly company stand.
Then one brought word unto Kriemhild that yet lived many a foe.
“Nay,” cried the Queen in amazement, “never can this be so—
Never, that one man living through such a fire could come!
Nay, I must needs think rather that all have found one doom.”
Full fain would Princes and liegemen yet have been spared to live,
Had any been moved by mercy that boon at the last to give.