Then Etzel’s heart misgave him, so long was the hush and so deep.
“Woe’s me for this treacherous service!” in anger cried the Queen:
“Too long be they holding parley! Our enemies therewithin
Are like to be wholly scatheless of our champion Rüdiger’s hand!
He is plotting to send them safely back to Burgundia-land!
What boots it, O King Etzel, that on this man we have heaped
All wealth he desired soever? A foul return have we reaped!
He that was pledged to avenge us, a truce with our foes will he make!”
Unto her made answer Volker, and the knightly minstrel spake:
“Not so, alas, is the story, O Queen exalted high;