Straight the noble Siegfried swore with uplifted hand,
"'Tis enough," said Gunther, "so well I understand
Thy innocence, that freely all doubts I here remit,
My sister did accuse thee, and I with joy acquit."
XLVIII
Then answer'd noble Siegfried, "If it avail her aught
To have griev'd thy gentle consort, and set her thus at naught,
Such gain of her's assure thee, I deeply shall lament."
Then the bold knights fix'd glances each on the other bent.
XLIX
"Women must be instructed," said Siegfried the good knight,
"To leave off idle talking, and rule their tongues aright.
Keep thy fair wife in order, I'll do by mine the same.
Such overweening folly puts me indeed to shame."
Hasty words have often sunder'd fair dames before.
Then went on sad Brunhild to weep and wail so sore,
That Gunther's warriors could not but pity such deep grief.
Then to his sovran lady came Hagan, Trony's chief.
LI
He ask'd her, what had happen'd—wherefore he saw her weep
She told him all the story; he vow'd to her full deep,
That reap should Kriemhild's husband as he had dar'd to sow,
Or that himself thereafter content should never know.