wer me not so, Burgundy; for I cannot bear these speeches. Tell me but that thou art sorry, that thou wishest it were yet undone, and I will try to comfort myself; but thus thou art utterly offensive to my heart.”
The Duke said: “Depart from my sight, false traitor; for thou art the worst enemy I have on Earth.”
Eckart said: “Thou hast of old called me thy friend; but these thoughts are now far from thee. Never did I act against thee; still have I honoured and loved thee as my prince; and God forbid that I should now, as I well might, lay my hand upon my sword, and seek revenge of thee. No, I will depart from thy sight, and die in solitude.”
So saying, he went out; and Burgundy was moved in his mind; but at his call, the guards appeared with their lances, who encircled him on all sides, and motioned to drive Eckart from the chamber with their weapons.
To horse the hero springs,
Wild through the hills he rideth:
“Of hope in earthly things,
Now none with me abideth.
My sons are slain in youth,
I have no child or wife;
The Prince suspects my truth,
Has sworn to take my life.”
Then to the wood he turns him,
There gallops on and on;
The smart of sorrow burns him,
He cries: “They’re gone, they’re gone!
All living men from me are fled,
New friends I must provide me,
To the oaks and firs beside me,
Complain in desert dead.
There is no child to cheer me,
By cruel wolves they’re slain;
Once three of them were near me,
I see them not again.”
As Eckart cried thus sadly,
His sense it pass’d away;
He rides in fury madly
Till dawning of the day.
