He spake: "Since Kriemhild never / may me in favor hold,
E'en so here must tarry / Siegfried's store of gold.
Wherefore unto mine enemies / such mickle treasure go?
What with the treasure Kriemhild / intendeth, that full well I know.
"Might she but take it thither, / in sooth believe I that,
'Twould be dealt out in largess / to stir against me hate.
Nor own they steeds sufficient / the same to bear away.
'Twill safe be kept by Hagen / —so shall they unto Kriemhild say."
When she did hear the story, / with grief her heart was torn.
Eke unto the monarchs / all three the tale was borne.
Fain would they prevent it: / yet when that might not be,
Spake the noble Ruediger / in this wise full joyfully:
"Wherefore, queen full stately, / weep'st thou o'er this gold?
For thee will King Etzel / in such high favor hold
When but his eyes behold thee, / to thee such store he'll give
That ne'er thou may'st exhaust it: / that, lady, by my word believe."
Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Full noble Ruediger,
Greater treasure never / king's daughter had for share
Than this that Hagen from me / now hath ta'en away."
Then went her brother Gernot / to the chamber where the treasure lay.