Thus answer'd her Sir Blœdel, "Lady, to truth give ear;
I dare not wreak your vengeance, for Etzel's wrath I fear.
He's glad to see your kinsmen and all their vassals throng,
And never would forgive me if I should do them wrong."
"Nay, say not so, Sir Blœdel, I'll stand thy friend at need;
Silver and gold in plenty I'll give thee for thy meed,
Besides a beauteous damsel, whom Nudung had to wife.
Lapp'd in her soft caresses thou'lt lead a loving life.
LXIV
"The lands and eke the castles to thee I'll freely give;
So may'st thou, noble warrior, with joy for ever live,
If thou but win the lordships where Nudung once held sway.
I'll truly keep the promise I've given you here to-day."
LXV
No sooner heard Sir Blœdel of such a guerdon tell,
Beside that for her beauty the lady pleas'd him well,
Than he resolv'd by battle to win the lovely bride.
He miss'd, alas! the damsel, and lost his life besides.
LXVI
He thus bespake Queen Kriemhild, "To th' hall back haste away;
Ere one can take precaution, I'll stir a bloody fray.
Hagan, who sow'd in murder, shall reap a harvest meet.
I'll bring the man of Gunther in fetters to your feet.
LXVII