2155.
Yet still they urged him straitly, the king and eke his wife.
Thence came it many a warrior ere long must lose his life
By Rüdeger’s achieving; till eke that hero fell.
Now of his direful doing I must the story tell.
2156.
He knew how this must evil and fearful sorrow bring,
And liefer would he therefore denial to the king,
And eke the queen, have given: full sorely fear’d he that
If e’er a guest he slaughter’d, the world would bear him hate.
2157.
Unto the king then spake he— that man of spirit bold:
“Lord king, take back whatever from thee I have and hold,
Both land and burghs: with neither will I have aught to do,
But on my feet departing, will into exile go.”
2158.
Then spake the royal Etzel: “Who then will succour me?
The land as well as castles all will I give to thee,
If thou upon my foemen avenge me, Rüdeger.
Thou’lt be a mighty sovran, of Etzel nigh the peer.”
2159.
But Rüdeger made answer: “How could I this essay?
At home within my dwelling I bade them come and stay;
Of drink and meat I offer’d to them in kindly wise,
And gave them gifts: how can I now death for them devise?
2160.
“The folk belike are thinking that I am cowardly!
My services in nothing to them did I deny—
Or to the noble princes, or any of their men—
That we are knit in friendship repenteth me amain.
