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Then messengers to Gernot and Giselher they sent,

To ask of these two princes if they were well content

To have Kriemhilda marry the rich and noble king.

Sir Hagen still gainsayed it, but had no following.

Then spake of the Burgundians the warrior Giselher:

“Now may you show, friend Hagen, that loyal still you are:

Make good to her the evil that you to her have done:

If aught may bring her fortune, that should you leave alone.

“You’ve wrought unto my sister such evil manifold,”—

So Giselher spake further,— the knight of spirit bold:

“That she hath had good reason to hold you in despite.

Ne’er yet was any woman bereft of more delight.”

“That am I well aware of and willing to allow.

And should she marry Etzel and live for long enow,

She’ll do us yet much evil, howe’er she it contrive;

For many a goodly warrior to serve her there doth live.”

Thereon the valiant Gernot to Hagen answeréd:

“In that case it behoves us, until they both be dead,

To study that we ride not into King Etzel’s land.

We must be loyal to her: thus honour doth demand.”

Whereto again spake Hagen: “No man can me gainsay!

And should the noble Kriemhild wear Helka’s crown one day,

She’ll do to us a mischief, howe’er it may be done:

It better would beseem you to leave the thing alone.”