123.
“That I, for one, will hinder!” Gernot in answer said,—
And unto all his warriors insulting speech forbade,
Because such speech did grieve him. Then into Siegfried’s head
Came thoughts of Lady Kriemhild, the lovely, peerless maid.
124.
“Is not all strife unseemly between us?” Gernot said;
“However many heroes fell by our prowess dead,
Small honour would by us be, by you small vantage won.”
Then answered him Prince Siegfried, the royal Siegmund’s son:
125.
“Wherefore delayeth Hagen? and Ortwein, what doth he,
That he and his companions haste not to strive with me?
(Whereof he hath a’ many e’en here in Burgundy).”
But it was Gernot’s counsel that none should risk reply.
126.
“You shall be welcome to us,” continued Ute’s son;
“You and the knightly comrades who come with yeu, each one;
Right gladly will we serve you, I and these kinsmen mine.”
Then for the guests were ordered goblets of Gunther’s wine.
127.
Loud spake the country’s ruler: “All that we have is yours,
What ye desire, in honour, we’ll call no longer ours,
But gladly share it with you, be it or wealth, or blood.”
This wrought in good Str Siegfried a somewhat softer mood.
128.
The knights were soon relievéd of all the gear they brought ;
And lodgment was found for them,— the very best was sought
For Siegfried’s knightly followers; well were they lodged that day.
And now, in all Burgundia, right welcome guests were they.
