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But then again said Kriemhild: “There stands he; dost thou see

How he before the warriors doth walk right royally?

Just as the moon all brightly above the stars doth shine!

Good cause have I for wearing this happy mood of mine.”

Then Lady Brunhild answer’d: “Comely as is thy lord,

And gallant too and handsome, thou must the meed award

Unto thy brother Gunther, the noble warrior:

Who, be it known, is truly all other kings before.”

But yet again said Kriemhild: “Mine is a man so rare,

That not without good reason his praises I declare.

By many deeds great honour he hath won, far and near;

Thou wilt allow, Brunhilda, he well is Gunther’s peer.”

“I pray thee now, Kriemhilda, take it not ill of me,

I, too, have grounds for saying what I have said to thee:

I heard them both allow it, when them I first look’d on,

And, as he would, against me the king my wager won,—

What time my love he gainéd in such a knightly siege,

Siegfried himself confess’d it, that he was Gunther’s liege.

Therefore I hold him vassal, I heard him that allow.”

Then spake the fair Kriemhilda: “For me ‘twere ill enow!

“How could my noble brother have hansell’d so for me

That of a mere retainer the good-wife I should be?

I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in all true friendliness,

Oblige me of your kindness and let these cavils cease.”