When she no spark of treason found in the Berner brave, Of a wide march to Blœdel the promise straight she gave. It once belong'd to Nudung; a gift 'twas for a queen; Yet a stroke of Dankwart's made him forget it quite and clean. LXI "To give me help, Sir Blœdel," said she, "the task be thine; Harbor'd within this palace are mortal foes of mine, The same, who my dear husband Sir Siegfried did to die; Who helps me to revenge it, to him for ever bound am I." LXII Thus answer'd her Sir Blœdel, "Lady, to truth give ear; I dare not wreak your vengeance, for Etzel's wrath I fear. He's glad to see your kinsmen and all their vassals throng, And never would forgive me if I should do them wrong." LXIII "Nay, say not so, Sir Blœdel, I'll stand thy friend at need; Silver and gold in plenty I'll give thee for thy meed, Besides a beauteous damsel, whom Nudung had to wife. Lapp'd in her soft caresses thou'lt lead a loving life. LXIV "The lands and eke the castles to thee I'll freely give; So may'st thou, noble warrior, with joy for ever live, If thou but win the lordships where Nudung once held sway. I'll truly keep the promise I've given you here to-day." LXV No sooner heard Sir Blœdel of such a guerdon tell, Beside that for her beauty the lady pleas'd him well, Than he resolv'd by battle to win the lovely bride. He miss'd, alas! the damsel, and lost his life besides. LXVI He thus bespake Queen Kriemhild, "To th' hall back haste away; Ere one can take precaution, I'll stir a bloody fray. Hagan, who sow'd in murder, shall reap a harvest meet. I'll bring the man of Gunther in fetters to your feet. LXVII "Now arm ye straight," said Blœdel, "my merry men one and all! Hence to the strangers' quarters upon our foes to fall. So wills our royal lady, King Etzel's noble wife. Ye heroes! at her bidding each boldly risk his life." LXVIII When Kriemhild thus found Blœdel to work her will intent, And eager to do battle, to table straight she went With the redoubted Etzel and eke with all his train, Against the guests from Rhineland fell counsel had she ta'en. LXIX How they went all to table, I now at full must say. First went the king attended, crown'd and in rich array; Many a proud prince behind them, many a good knight was seen, And all display'd their courtship before the noble queen. LXX The good host at the tables found place for every guest; He seated close beside him the highest and the best. The Christian knights and heathen there feasted nothing loath. Their food indeed was different, but there was store for both. LXXI