THIRTY-SEVENTH ADVENTURE
HOW MARGRAVE RUDEGER WAS SLAIN
I
That morn had fought the strangers as fitted well their fame;
Meanwhile fair Gotelind's husband into the courtyard came.
Naught saw he there on all sides but woe and doleful drear.
At the sight wept inly the faithful Rudeger.
II
"Woe's me," began the margrave, "That ever I was born,
That none can stay the sorrows of this disastrous morn!
Howe'er I long for concord, the king will ne'er agree;
Woes sees he wax around him, and more has yet to see."
III
With that, the faithful margrave to good Sir Dietrich sent,
That they might seek together to turn the king's intent.
Thereto sent answer Dietrich, "The mischief who can stay?
To none will now King Etzel give leave to part the fray."
IV
Just then a Hunnish warrior observ'd the margrave true
With tearful eyes there standing, as he was wont to do.
The same thus said to Kriemhild, "See how he stands to-day,
Whom Etzel o'er his fellows hath rais'd to power and sway,
V