XIII
Then answer'd Lady Kriemhild, "Such friends as wish me well
And bear me love, advise me among them here to dwell,
Since in the land of Nibelung nor kith nor kin have I."
Woe was the noble Siegmund at hearing her reply.
XIV
"In this at least," return'd he, "trust not their offers fair.
Thou before all my kindred the royal crown shalt wear
With the same pride and puissance as ere our joys were crost,
Nor want of aught remind thee that Siegfried we have lost.
XV
"Come then, return among us for thy fair infant's sake;
Desert not the young orphan; a mother's duty take.
When he grows up to manhood, he'll comfort thy sad cheer;
Meanwhile good knights shall serve thee, who held thy husband dear."
XVI
Said she, "My good lord Siegmund, from home I cannot ride.
Whatever hence befall me, here must I still abide
Among my proper kinsmen, who'll help me to lament."
Her words gave the good warriors sorrow and discontent.
XVII
With one accord they answer'd, "We must in truth confess,
That never till this moment we felt true bitterness,
If thou persist to tarry among our foemen here.
Sure for a peaceful journey knights never paid so dear."