And now brake forth into weeping Kriemhild, Etzel’s wife.
But he said: “I must keep unbroken the oath that I sware unto thee.
Alas for you, friends! Sad-hearted I become your enemy!”
So from King Etzel’s presence he departed heavy of cheer;
And he looked, and behold, his warriors to their lord had now drawn near.
And he cried: “Ye must forthwith arm you, all ye my faithful ones.
Woe’s me, I must needs do battle with Burgundia’s valiant sons!”
Straightway his warriors shouted, “Ho, bring my battle-gear!”
Then here might ye see a helmet, and a massy buckler here
Across the court borne swiftly by the squires for their lords to don.