2179.
“Too late dost thou forswear us,” the great king answer made;
“Thou, Rüdeger most noble, by God shalt be repaid
For all the love and fealty that thou to us hast shown,—
If thou wilt in thy kindness still to the end go on.
2180.
“And we’ll be aye beholden, for all that thou didst give,
Myself and eke my kinsfolk, if thou’lt but let us live;
Those precious gifts thou gavest, what time, in good faith, here
To Etzel’s land thou ledst us: think of it, Rüdeger!”
2181.
“How gladly would I do it,” said Rüdeger the thane;
“As willingly at this time as ever I was fain
My gifts in full abundance upon you to bestow;
No blame should I thereover e’er need to undergo.”
2182.
“Then have thy way,” said Gernot, “O noble Rüdeger!
For never yet to strangers a welcome kindlier
By any host was bidden than thou to us didst give:
Of that thou hast the profit if we should longer live.”
2183.
“Would God, most noble Gernot,” said Rüdeger again,
“That ye were back in Rhineland, and I myself were slain
With some degree of honour,— since I with you must fight!
From friends have heroes never suffer’d such foul despite.”
2184.
“Now God reward thee, Rüdeger,” spake Gernot in reply,
“For those rich gifts thou gavest: I grieve that thou shouldst die
If with thee there must perish a mind so virtuous too;—
Here carry I the weapon thou gavest me, hero true!
