"Nay, say not so, Lord Blœdel," Sir Dankwart answer made,
"So should we rue this visit in faith and honor paid.
I was a little infant when Siegfrid lost his life;
How could I have offended King Etzel's moody wife?"
V
"I know not, and I care not, if this be false or true.
'Twas done by your base kinsmen, Gunther and Hagan too.
So ward ye well, ye strangers! 'tis all in vain to fly;
Your lives are pledg'd to Kriemhild, and take them now will I."
VI
"So you are fix'd," said Dankwart, "for murder all prepar'd!
Would I had ne'er besought you! that had been better spar'd."
Upstarted from the table the warrior swift and strong;
Out he drew a broadsword heavy and sharp and long.
Straight at luckless Blœdel he struck a blow so fleet,
That his head in an instant lay before his feet.
"Take that, thou thriving wooer!" victorious Dankwart cried,
"For a marriage-morning's present to Nudung's mincing bride.
VIII