The Foul Fiend was it surely that whispered Kriemhild's heart In outward-seeming friendship from Gunther the King to part, And with kiss of feigned forgiveness, in Burgundia years ago. Now the old pain woke, and her vesture was drenched with the hot tears' flow. On her heart lay morning by morning, and evening by evening lay The thought, how they had constrained her the faith of her youth to betray By taking to husband a heathen, when will thereto she had none. This wrong unto her had Hagen and her brother Gunther done. How she might wreak her vengeance still thought she day by day:-- "Now am I waxen so mighty, I have such far-reaching sway, That I of them that have wronged me could exact the penalty. Gladly with Hagen of Troneg would I deal as he dealt with me! For my belovèd mourneth my spirit within me still. Might I but draw them hither which have worked me all this ill, Then, then might I have vengeance at last for my Siegfried's death. Scarce can I endure this waiting!" she moaned with passionate breath. Well was she loved of all men of Etzel's vassal-array Which were named the Knights of Kriemhild: good cause in sooth had they. Friends many were won by Eckwart her treasurer's open hand. The will of the Lady Kriemhild might none in the realm withstand. Each day was she thinking, thinking: "I will make my request to the King If so of his grace and his goodness he may haply grant this thing That my friends be bidden to see me here in the Land of the Hun." But the guileful purpose of Kriemhild the while was divined of none. One night, when the Lady Kriemhild beside King Etzel lay, When he held her in arms enfolding, even as his wont was aye {P. 191} In his love for the noble lady who was dear as his life unto him, Then on her enemies thought she, and her thoughts were guileful and grim. She spake unto King Etzel: "My dearly-belovèd Lord, I would make unto thee my petition, if this thy grace would accord, That thou suffer mine heart to be gladdened, if my love hath deserved this meed, By the proof of mine eyes that my kinsmen be dear unto thee indeed." Then spake the King, and, speaking, was guileless his heart within: "Hereof will I certify thee: whatsoe'er to thine hero-kin Is done for their honour and profit, for mine own joy shall it be done; For never by love of woman nobler kin have I won."