XXIV
Howe'er he might be willing, yet none could dare deny
That such resplendent vesture never met mortal eye
As on that fair retinue then sparkled to the sun.
Except to anger Brunhild, Kriemhild had not so done.
XXV
Both met before the minster in all the people's sight;
There at once the hostess let out her deadly spite.
Bitterly and proudly she bade fair Kriemhild stand;
"No vassalless precedeth the lady of the land."
XXVI
Out then spake fair Kriemhild (full of wrath was she),
"Could'st thou still be silent, better 'twere for thee.
Thou'st made thy beauteous body a dishonor'd thing.
How can a vassal's leman be consort of a king?"
XXVII
"Whom here call'st thou leman?" said the queen again;
"So call I thee," said Kriemhild; "thy maidenly disdain
Yielded first to Siegfried, my husband, Siegmund's son;
Ay! 'was not my brother that first thy favors won.
XXVIII
"Why, where were then thy senses? sure 'twas a crafty train,
To take a lowly lover, to ease a vassal's pain!
Complaints from thee," said Kriemhild, "methinks are much amiss."
"Verily," said Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."