1267.
“Now see that you have ready your horse accoutrement;
What Rüdeger doth counsel you never shall repent;
And say this to your maidens whom you will thither bring:
‘Ay, many a chosen hero shall we meet travelling.’”
1268.
Still much of wrought equipment from Siegfried’s time they had,
That had been used in riding; wherewith full many a maid
Might take the road with honour whene’er they thence should fare.
Ay! goodly were the saddles they gave the ladies fair.
1269.
If such-like costly raiment they ere had worn before,
Now ready for the journey they had a goodly store;
For of the King such marvels had unto them been said.
Chests that had long been standing close-lock’d were open laid.
1270.
Unwearyingly work’d they till unto the fifth day;
They sought from out the presses the stores that in them lay.
Her treasure-chests to open Kriemhild herself did go.
On Rüdeger’s good liegemen she fain would wealth bestow.
1271.
Still had she somewhat over of gold from Niblung-land;
(Among the Huns she thought to divide it with her hand),
A hundred sumpter horses the load could nowise bear.
This tale about Kriemhilda was brought to Hagen’s ear.
1272.
Quoth he: “Because Kriemhilda will ne’er to me be kind,
The gold that once was Siegfried’s, she needs must leave behind.
Why should I such a treasure unto my foes let go?
Right well I know what Kriemhild with all this gold will do.
