XXXVIII
So still she brooded mischief, and conn'd her devil's lore,
Till she broke off in sorrow the feast so blithe before.
Ever at her heart lay closely what came perforce to light.
Many a land she startled with horror and affright.
FOURTEENTH ADVENTURE
HOW THE TWO QUEENS REVILED ONE ANOTHER
I
One day at th' hour of vespers a loud alarum rose
From certain lusty champions that for their pastime chose
To prove themselves at tilting in the castle court;
Then many a knight and lady ran thither to see the sport.
II
There were the proud queens sitting together, as befell,
Each on a good knight thinking that either lov'd full well.
Then thus began fair Kriemhild, "My husband's of such might,
That surely o'er these kingdoms he ought to rule by right."
III
Then answer'd Lady Brunhild, "Nay, how can that be shown?
Were there none other living but thou and he alone,
Then might, no doubt, the kingdoms be rul'd by him and thee,
But, long as Gunther's living, that sure can never be."