Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/283

XX.]

Meanwhile they had good lodgings made ready for each guest.

So well provided were they, that Rüdeger confess’d

That he had friends in plenty amongst King Gunther’s men;

As he had once served Hagen, so Hagen served him then.

So Rüdeger abode there till the third day was come.

The king a council summon’d, (as was his wise custom)

Inquiring of his kinsmen if they would deem it right

That Kriemhild should to Etzel her faith in wedlock plight.

They all, save only Hagen, agreed with one accord;

But he unto the warrior, to Gunther spake this word:

“If you are rightly minded, so will you take good heed,

That, even though she wish it, you will not do this deed.”

“And wherefore,” answer’d Gunther, “should I not do this thing?

Whate’er of love the future unto the queen may bring,

I surely shall not grudge her: sister she is to me.

We ought ourselves to seek it, if for her good it be.”

But once again spake Hagen: “With further talk be done!

Knew you as much of Etzel as I of him have known,—

And were she him to marry, as I have heard you say,—

Then would you see good reason, at length to rue the day.”

“And wherefore?” answered Gunther, “since I should take good care

“Never to come so nigh him, e’en though my sister were

His wife, that I need suffer from any hate of his.”

But once again said Hagen: “I’ll ne’er agree to this.”