817.
But then again said Kriemhild: “There stands he; dost thou see
How he before the warriors doth walk right royally?
Just as the moon all brightly above the stars doth shine!
Good cause have I for wearing this happy mood of mine.”
818.
Then Lady Brunhild answer’d: “Comely as is thy lord,
And gallant too and handsome, thou must the meed award
Unto thy brother Gunther, the noble warrior:
Who, be it known, is truly all other kings before.”
819.
But yet again said Kriemhild: “Mine is a man so rare,
That not without good reason his praises I declare.
By many deeds great honour he hath won, far and near;
Thou wilt allow, Brunhilda, he well is Gunther’s peer.”
820.
“I pray thee now, Kriemhilda, take it not ill of me,
I, too, have grounds for saying what I have said to thee:
I heard them both allow it, when them I first look’d on,
And, as he would, against me the king my wager won,—
821.
What time my love he gainéd in such a knightly siege,
Siegfried himself confess’d it, that he was Gunther’s liege.
Therefore I hold him vassal, I heard him that allow.”
Then spake the fair Kriemhilda: “For me ‘twere ill enow!
822.
“How could my noble brother have hansell’d so for me
That of a mere retainer the good-wife I should be?
I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in all true friendliness,
Oblige me of your kindness and let these cavils cease.”
