LXXXI
"Now may God take pity, that e'er I had a son,
Who this reproach must suffer from deed so foully done,
That by his murderous kinsmen his father thus was slain.
Had I but time to finish, of this I well might plain.
LXXXII
"Surely so base a murder the world did never see,"
Said he, and turn'd to Gunther, "as you have done on me.
I sav'd your life and honor from shame and danger fell,
And thus am I requited by you I serv'd so well."
LXXXIII
Then further spake the dying, and speaking sigh'd full deep,
"Oh king! if thou a promise with anyone wilt keep,
Let me in this last moment thy grace and favor find
For my dear love and lady, the wife I leave behind.
LXXXIV
"Remember, she's thy sister, yield her a sister's right,
Guard her with faith and honor, as thou'rt a king and knight.
My father and my followers for me they long must wait,
Comrade ne'er found from comrade so sorrowful a fate."
LXXXV