Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/327

XXIV.]

“Thou know’st as well as I do what thing we wrought of yore:

Needs must we of Kriemhilda be fearful evermore,

Seeing I slew her husband, and that with mine own hand.

How durst we take this journey and ride to Etzel’s land?”

Then spake the mighty Gunther: “My sister’s wrath was spent.

Pardon to us she granted, ere from this place she went,

With kisses of forgiveness, for what to her was done:

Unless, it may be, Hagen, that thee she hates alone.”

“Be not deceived,” said Hagen, “whate’er the message be

The envoys bring from Hunsland. Would you Kriemhilda see,

Be well prepared to forfeit your honour and your life:

Long-waiting in her vengeance is she, King Etzel’s wife.”

Thereon the princely Gernot unto the council said:

“Because that thou with reason to lose thy life dost dread

Within the Huns’ dominions, must we then lay aside

This plan to see our sister? right ill would that betide.”

Prince Giselher then also spake thus unto the knight:

“Since thou, friend Hagen, knowest thou art the guilty wight,

So stay thou here in safety and of thyself take care,

And let, with us, the bold ones unto my sister fare.”

With wrath began to kindle the warrior of Tronjé:

“I will not have another go with you on your way,

Who dares than I more boldly on this court-ride to go.

Since ye will not be hinder’d, that will I let you know.”