From one of that Hun's kinsmen / who near by him did stand
Snatched he a mighty weapon / quick from out his hand,
And therewith backward smote them, / for fierce his anger wrought.
"Shall thus my hospitality / unto these knights be brought to naught?"
"If ye the valiant minstrel / here 'fore me should slay,"
Spake the royal Etzel, / "it were an evil day.
When he the Hun impaléd / I did observe full well,
That not through evil purpose / but by mishap it so befell.
"These my guests now must ye / ne'er disturb in aught."
Himself became their escort. / Away their steeds were brought
Unto the stables / by many a waiting squire,
Who ready at their bidding / stood to meet their least desire.
The host with the strangers / into the palace went,
Nor would he suffer any / further his wrath to vent.
Soon were the tables ready / and water for them did wait.
Many then had gladly / on them of Rhineland spent their hate.
Not yet the lords were seated / till some time was o'er.
For Kriemhild o'er her sorrow / meantime did trouble sore.
She spake: "Of Bern, O Master, / thy counsel grant to me,
Thy help and eke thy mercy, / for here in sorry plight I be."