XII
"Ah! had I ne'er betrayed him, but still his secret kept,
I had not now, poor widow! thus lamentably wept.
But ne'er will I forgive them, who this foul deed have done."
Then the stout knight, young Giselher, to intercede begun.
XIII
"Ay," said she, "I must greet him, you press and urge me so;
The more your fault and folly; such bitterness of woe
Hath the king brought upon me with no guilt on my part;
My mouth it may forgive him, but never will my heart."
XIV
"Matters may mend hereafter," her kin said with one voice,
"What if his future kindness should make her yet rejoice?"
"Needs must he," said good Gernot, "make up for former ill."
"See!" said the sorrow-laden, "I'll do what'er you will.
XV
"Yes! I will greet King Gunther." She scarce had given consent
When with his best friends Gunther unto his sister went.
Yet durst not stern Hagan before the mourner go.
He knew himself blood-guilty, he had wrought her mortal woe.
XVI
When she had pardon'd Gunther all that had pass'd amiss,
He thought it fitting kindness the gentle dame to kiss.
Had he the deed not counselled which all that ill had wrought,
With freedom oft and boldness her presence he had sought.