Then did they bid for Gernot / and Giselher to go,
For wished they of the royal / twain their mind to know,
If that the mighty monarch / Kriemhild for spouse should take.
Yet Hagen and none other / thereto did opposition make.
Then spake of Burgundy / Giselher the thane:
"Well may'st thou now, friend Hagen, / show upright mind again:
For sorrows wrought upon her / may'st thou her well requite.
Howe'er she findeth fortune, / ne'er should it be in thy despite."
"Yea, hast thou to my sister / so many sorrows done,"
So spake further Giselher, / the full noble thane,
"That fullest reason hath she / to mete thee naught but hate.
In sooth was never lady / than she bereft of joy more great."
"What I do know full certain, / that known to all I make:
If e'er shall come the hour / that she do Etzel take,
She'll work us yet sore evil, / howe'er the same she plan.
Then in sooth will serve her / full many a keen and doughty man."
In answer then to Hagen / the brave Gernot said:
"With us doth lie to leave it / until they both be dead,
Ere that we ride ever / unto Etzel's land.
That we be faithful to her / doth honor meantime sure command."