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“Now see that you have ready your horse accoutrement;

What Rüdeger doth counsel you never shall repent;

And say this to your maidens whom you will thither bring:

‘Ay, many a chosen hero shall we meet travelling.’”

Still much of wrought equipment from Siegfried’s time they had,

That had been used in riding; wherewith full many a maid

Might take the road with honour whene’er they thence should fare.

Ay! goodly were the saddles they gave the ladies fair.

If such-like costly raiment they ere had worn before,

Now ready for the journey they had a goodly store;

For of the King such marvels had unto them been said.

Chests that had long been standing close-lock’d were open laid.

Unwearyingly work’d they till unto the fifth day;

They sought from out the presses the stores that in them lay.

Her treasure-chests to open Kriemhild herself did go.

On Rüdeger’s good liegemen she fain would wealth bestow.

Still had she somewhat over of gold from Niblung-land;

(Among the Huns she thought to divide it with her hand),

A hundred sumpter horses the load could nowise bear.

This tale about Kriemhilda was brought to Hagen’s ear.

Quoth he: “Because Kriemhilda will ne’er to me be kind,

The gold that once was Siegfried’s, she needs must leave behind.

Why should I such a treasure unto my foes let go?

Right well I know what Kriemhild with all this gold will do.