IV
Forthwith 'twas told his followers that they must hence with speed;
Each straight to the stable hurried for his steed.
To dwell with deadly foemen scorn and shame they thought;
Matrons and maids were stirring, and out their vesture sought.
V
When now the good King Siegmund ready was to ride,
Her mother sued to Kriemhild among her kin to bide,
That still her only daughter her aged eyes might see.
The joy-bereft made answer, "Nay, that can hardly be.
VI
"With my eyes could I ever the fawning friend behold,
Who wrought me, wretched woman, sorrows so manifold?"
Then spake the youthful Giselher, "Dear sister, why away?
For love's sake and for duty's, here with thy mother stay.
VII
"Who have weigh'd thee down with sorrow and wreak'd on thee their hate,
Of them thou need'st no service; live from my sole estate."
She answer'd thus the warior, "No! no! it cannot be.
Die should I straight of horror, if I should Hagan see."
VIII