1083.
So Giselher she promised that there she would abide.
The horses all were ready for Siegmund’s men to ride,—
Who would be homeward riding unto the Niblung-land;
The pack-horses all laden with knightly gear did stand.
1084.
Lord Siegmund came, and standing before Kriemhilda, then
Said he unto the lady: “The whole of Siegfried’s men
Await you by the horses; ’tis time we rode away
For willingly I would not with the Burgundians stay.”
1085.
But lady Kriemhild’ answer’d: “My friends their counsel give—
So many as are faithful— that I with them shoould live:
For I have ne’er a kinsman within the Niblung land.”
Sad was the heart of Siegmund when he did understand.
1086.
Then answer’d her King Siegmund: “Let that be said by none!
Rather than to my kinsmen I’ll give to you my crown.
With power and might you’ll wear it, as you have done before;
You shall be none the worse that our hero is no more.
1087.
“Come back with us, if only it were for your child’s sake:
You surely will not, lady, the babe an orphan make.
When once your son a man is he’ll comfort your sad mood;
Meanwhile you’ll have the service of many heroes good.”
1088.
She spake: “Sir Siegmund, truly I cannot with you ride.
Whate’er may happen to me here must I still abide
Among my friends and kinsfolk, and mourn with me they will.”
The good knights at this answer began to take it ill.
