"'Tis an ill use," said Etzel, "and one I scarce can bear,
At the feastful table the weeds of war to wear.
But whosoe'er his vengeance on these my guests shall wreak,
His head shall pay the forfeit; this to you Huns I speak."
LIV
'Twas long before was seated every lordly guest.
Fell care and deep disquiet wrung Kriemhild's laboring breast.
"Prince of Bern," she murmur'd, "thy counsel, aid and grace
I seek in sore affliction; pity my mournful case."
LV
Then answer'd her Sir Hildebrand, a warrior frank and free,
"Who'd slay the Nibelungers shall have no help from me,
No, not for countless treasure; th' attempt he well may rue;
The good knights ne'er were conquer'd, with whom he'll have to do."
LVI
Said she, "Yet surely Hagan has done me cruel wrong;
He murder'd my beloved, the strongest of the strong.
Who'd lure him from the others, should have my gold for meed.
'Twould inly discontent me should one but Hagan bleed."
LVII
Then answer'd Master Hildebrand, "How can that ever be?
Slay him among his fellows? Why surely you must see,
That, if we strike at Hagan, to battle straight will all,
And rich and poor together must in one slaughter fall."