If perchance some little relenting he might win from Etzel the stern.
But the Lord of Bern sent answer: “The doom who now may stay?
No man will King Etzel suffer to stand between him and the prey.”
Then a certain man of the Hunfolk saw Rüdiger making dole
With weeping eyes; for long time had he stood there bitter of soul.
And spake to the Queen that scorner: “Behold him idly stand
Whom Etzel and thou have exalted above all else in the land!
Lordships he hath and vassals; to him all minister.
Wherefore be castles so many committed to Rüdiger,
Those stately towers that he holdeth now of the King our Lord?