Who yet with limbs unfettered before all foes may stand!”
“Ill should ye do to deny me,” said Dietrich thereunto,
“King Gunther and thou Hagen; ye have done unto me, ye two,
Yea, to my heart and my spirit, such passing bitter despite,
That if now ye will make me atonement, it shall be but just and right.
I pledge unto you mine honour and the faith of my right hand,
That with you will I ride, your safeguard, back to your own home-land.
As befitteth kings and heroes will I lead you—else will I die;
And for your sakes all mine anguish in forgetfulness buried shall lie.”
“Require this thing no further!” his answer Hagen flung.