Upon these words defiant / left Dietrich Hildebrand,
And to the warriors hither / came where both did stand
Without before the palace, / and leaning respite found.
His shield well proved in battle / Sir Dietrich lowered to the ground.
Addressed to them Sir Dietrich / these words of sorrowing:
"Wherefore hast thou such evil, / Gunther mighty king,
Wrought 'gainst me a stranger? / What had I done to thee,
Of my every comfort / in such manner reft to be?
"Seemed then not sufficient / the havoc unto you
When from us the hero / Ruediger ye slew,
That now from me ye've taken / my warriors one and all?
Through me did so great sorrow / ne'er to you good knights befall.
"Of your own selves bethink you / and what the scathe ye bore,
The death of your companions / and all your travail sore,
If not your hearts, good warriors, / thereat do heavy grow.
That Ruediger hath fallen, / —ah me! how fills my heart with woe!
"In all this world to any / more sorrow ne'er befell,
Yet have ye minded little / my loss and yours as well.
Whate'er I most rejoiced in / beneath your hands lies slain;
Yea, for my kinsmen fallen / never may I cease to plain."