LII
Ortwine of Metz and Gernot both came to the debate,
Where the collected chieftains advis'd on Siegfried's fate.
Fair Uta's son, young Giselher, alike the council sought;
He, when he heard the question, thus spoke his honest thought.
LIII
"Ye good knights and noble, why would you do this?
Never sure has Siegfried done so much amiss,
Or merited such hatred, that he should lose his life.
Sure 'tis but a trifle to stir an angry wife."
LIV
"Shall we bring up bastards?" said Hagan furiously;
"That were little honor for knights of our degree.
He hath slander'd my dear lady in his boastful fit.
Die will I in this quarrel, or his life shall answer it."
LV
Then spake himself King Gunther, "Naught has he done but give
To us all love and honor; we needs must let him live.
How can it be fitting that I should do him ill?
True was he to us ever alike in deed and will."
LVI