By the wrath of the dauntless strangers have they slept the iron sleep,
And countless knightly heroes in measureless anguish weep.”
But the Lord of Bern made answer: “True liegemen mine, beware
Lest in judging ye be o’er-hasty: what desperate deed soe’er
Hath been done by the homeless heroes, sore need constraineth their will.
My peace with them I plighted—let this advantage them still.”
Then out spake Wolfhart the dreadless: “Lo, I will hence to the hall:
I will ask of sorrow her story, what woe hath chanced to befall,
And to thee will I bring the tidings, O well-belovèd chief,
So soon as I learn what meaneth that voice of a people’s grief,”