For this must I die: remaineth no space for lingering.
This day I know of a surety my castles and my land
Shall be yielded up, shall be wrested from me by a foeman’s hand.
I commit to your lovingkindness my wife and my fatherless child,
And all mine household abiding in Bechlaren’s halls exiled.”
“Now God reward thee,” answered the King, “O Rüdiger!”—
Even he and the Lady Kriemhild, so glad at heart they were—
“The care of all thy people as a solemn trust we receive.
Yet, as I hope salvation, I look that thyself shalt live.”
So did he set on the hazard both soul and mortal life.