Said Etzel, "If among us this minstrel here ye slew; 'Twas by mere misadventure he ran your kinsman through. I had my eye upon him just as he struck the blow. It was his steed that stumbled; 'twas heaven would have it so. L "Then leave my friends in quiet, and from the tilt-yard speed." Himself then gave them escort; meanwhile each battle-steed Was led thence to their quarters, for those Burgurdian guests Had many a zealous varlet to tend their high behests. LI Then with his friends King Etzel into his palace went; He bade all cease from anger, and calm'd their fierce intent. Ready were set the tables; for all was water brought. The lives of the Burgundians many a stout foeman sought. LII However irk'd it Etzel, still many an armed knight Press'd close behind the princes, e'en in the king's despite, Lowering with hateful glances as they to table went, Each to revenge his kinsman on those proud strangers bent. LIII "'Tis an ill use," said Etzel, "and one I scarce can bear, At the feastful table the weeds of war to wear. But whosoe'er his vengeance on these my guests shall wreak, His head shall pay the forfeit; this to you Huns I speak." LIV 'Twas long before was seated every lordly guest. Fell care and deep disquiet wrung Kriemhild's laboring breast. "Prince of Bern," she murmur'd, "thy counsel, aid and grace I seek in sore affliction; pity my mournful case." LV Then answer'd her Sir Hildebrand, a warrior frank and free, "Who'd slay the Nibelungers shall have no help from me, No, not for countless treasure; th' attempt he well may rue; The good knights ne'er were conquer'd, with whom he'll have to do." LVI Said she, "Yet surely Hagan has done me cruel wrong; He murder'd my beloved, the strongest of the strong. Who'd lure him from the others, should have my gold for meed. 'Twould inly discontent me should one but Hagan bleed." LVII Then answer'd Master Hildebrand, "How can that ever be? Slay him among his fellows? Why surely you must see, That, if we strike at Hagan, to battle straight will all, And rich and poor together must in one slaughter fall." LVIII Then in his courteous fashion thereto Sir Dietrich spake, "Great queen, this talk give over, and better counsel take. Me never wrong'd your kinsmen, nor is there cause that I Should warriors, whom I value, to mortal strife defy. LIX "It does you little honor, the simple truth to say, Against your trusting kinsmen such deadly plots to lay. 'Twas under a safe-conduct they enter'd Etzel's land. Revenge for Siegfried never expect from Dietrich's hand." LX