IV
"How could we bring them hither," the king in turn began,
"Such a length of journey? 'twere past the power of man.
I could not ask it of them, they dwell from us so wide."
Thereto in haughty fashion the frowning queen replied,
V
"How rich soe'er a vassal, how broad soe'er his lands,
Obedience is his duty, whate'er his lord commands."
Sure could but smile Sir Gunther when thus he heard her fret.
'Twas not for suit and service that he and Siegfried met.
VI
Said she, "Dear lord, for my sake thy efforts join with mine,
That Siegfried and thy sister once more may seek the Rhine,
That we again may see them, and all in love unite.
Nothing, I well assure thee, could give me more delight.
VII
"What soft emotion soothes me, whene'er I call to mind
Thy sister's noble graces, her accent soft and kind,
And how, when both were married, we both sat side by side!
No doubt may she with honor be Siegfried's loving bride."
VIII
She press'd so long, that Gunther replied with alter'd cheer,
"Now know that guests so welcome never saw I here.
Much pressing little needed; so messengers of mine
I'll send to bid them hasten hither to the Rhine."