Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/271

XIX.]

But to the king said Hagen: “No prudent man and wise

Would leave to such a woman a treasure of this size.

In gifts we’ll see her spend it and squander the whole store,

And then the bold Burgundians may rue it evermore.”

Then answer’d him king Gunther: “To her an oath I swore

That I to her would never do any evil more;

And that will I abide by, for she my sister is.”

But thereunto said Hagen: “Let me be blamed for this.”

The oaths that they had taken they reckon’d all for naught.

And from the widow’s keeping the mighty hoard they brought,

And quietly did Hagen of all the keys get hold.

Wroth was her brother Gernot when he the truth was told.

Then spake the noble Giselher: “Hagen a deal of ill

Hath done unto my sister: reckon with him I will.

And were he not my kinsman, “twould stand him in his life.”

Then once again to weeping fell Siegfried’s widow’d wife.

Then up and spake Lord Gernot: “Ere we be troubled aye

By reason of this treasure, we’ll take it all away

And sink it in the Rhine-stream; then will it no man’s be.”

To Giselher her brother then went she woefully.

She spake: “Belovéd brother, thou must take thought for me;

Of both my life and substance the guardian thou shouldst be.”

Then spake he to the lady: “This will I undertake

When we have home returned: we have a ride to take.”