2227.
Some sitting, others leaning, one saw there many a thane,
They once again were idle: and round about them, slain,
Lay Rüdeger’s companions. The uproar all was laid.
So long the silence lasted, that Etzel grew afraid.
2228.
“Woe on me for such service!” then spake the royal wife:
“These folk are not so trusty that on our foeman’s life
Shall vengeance due be taken by Rüdeger’s command:
He means to take them safely back to Burgundian land.
2229.
“What boots it us, King Etzel, that we with him and his
Have shared whate’er he wanted? The chief hath done amiss:
He who should wreak our vengeance, doth wish a peace to gain.”
Thereunto answer’d Volker, the all-accomplish’d thane:
2230.
“Not so, alas! the story, most noble queen, I rede;
And, dare I charge with falsehood a dame so nobly bred,
Thee, devilishly lying of Rüdeger, I heard;
For he and his companions from peace have sorely err’d,
2231.
“That which the king commanded he did so zealously,
That he and all his people dead in yon chamber lie.
Now cast about, Kriemhilda, on errands whom to send!
For Rüdeger the hero hath served thee to the end.
2232.
“And wilt thou not believe me, see it thou shalt anon!”
And to her heartfelt sorrow so was it straightway done:
They bore the mangled hero before the king and queen.
The thanes of Etzel never so sad a sight had seen.
