442.
And in his heart he pondered: “What e’er will be the end?
If she be a hell-devil, who can the matter mend?
Were I alive and safely once more in Burgundy,
Here, rid of love and wooing, she long might wait for me!”
443.
Then outspake Hagen’s brother, the valiant Dankwart,
“Alack that we did ever on this state-joumey start!
But knights we still are, surely, and it were very shame
To perish in this country, o’ermastered by a dame.
444.
I do regret right sorely that e’er I saw this land!
Had but my brother Hagen his weapon in his hand,
And Thad mine! methinketh they’d be a whit more mild,
With all their pride and boasting, these vassals of Brunhild.
445.
“For, know now of a surety, each one of you I warn,
No oath of peace should bind me,— had I a thousand sworn.
Ere I fordone before me my master dear shall see,
This maid her life shall forfeit, how ever fair she be!”
446.
“We, without let or hindrance, could surely leave this land,”
Said Hagen, Dankwart’s brother, “had we good swords in hand,
And eke the armour on us that we in battle need;
Then would this haughty woman soon change her tone indeed!”
447.
Full well the noble maiden heard what the warrior said;
With smiling mouth, half-turning, she o’er her shoulder bade:
“Thinks he himself so valiant? bring them their armour then,
And let these heroes handle their keen-edged swords again.”
