Then cried the knight of Trony, "Sure we with ill are cross'd; Their country and their people in both these chiefs have lost More than they'll e'er recover;--woe worth this fatal day! We have here the margrave's meiny, and they for all shall pay." XC All struck at one another, none would a foeman spare. Full many a one, unwounded, down was smitten there, Who else might have 'scap'd harmless, but now, though whole and sound, In the thick press was trampled, or in the blood was drown'd. XCI "Alas! my luckless brother who here in death lies low! How every hour I'm living brings some fresh tale of woe! And ever must I sorrow for the good margrave too. On both sides dire destruction and mortal ills we rue." XCII Soon as the youthful Giselher beheld his brother dead, Who yet within were lingering by sudden doom were sped. Death, his pale meiny choosing, dealt each his dreary dole. Of those of Bechlaren 'scap'd not one living soul. XCIII King Gunther and young Giselher, and fearless Hagan, too, Dankwart as well as Folker, the noble knights and true, Went where they found together out-stretch'd the valiant twain. There wept th' assembled warriors in anguish o'er the slain. XCIV "Death fearfully despoils us," said youthful Giselher, "But now give over wailing, and haste to th' open air To cool our heated hauberks, faint as we are with strife. God, methinks, no longer will here vouchsafe us life." XCV This sitting, that reclining, was seen full many a knight; They took repose in quiet; around (a fearful sight!) Lay Rudeger's dead comrades; all was hush'd and still; From that long dreary silence King Etzel augur'd ill. XCVI "Alas for this half friendship!" thus Kriemhild frowning spake, "If it were true and steadfast, Sir Rudeger would take Vengeance wide and sweeping on yonder murderous band; Now back he'll bring them safely to their Burgundian land. XCVII "What boot our gifts, King Etzel? Was it, my lord, for this We gave him all he ask'd us? The chief has done amiss. He who should have reveng'd us will now a treaty make." Thereto in answer Folker, the gallant minstrel, spake. XCVIII "Not so the truth is, lady! the more the pity, too! If one the lie might venture to give a dame like you, Most foully 'gainst the margrave you've lied, right noble queen! Sore trick'd in that same treaty he and his men have been. XCIX "With such good-will the margrave his king's commands obey'd, That he and all his meiny dead on this floor are laid. Now look about you, Kriemhild! for servants seek anew; Well were you serv'd by Rudeger; he to the death was true. C