"E'en then, when my affection he so knightly won, 'Twas fairly own'd by Siegfried that he was Gunther's man. Myself I heard him own it, and such I hold him still." "Forsooth," replied fair Kriemhild, "they must have used me ill. IX "How could my noble brethren their power have so applied, As to make me, their sister, a lowly vassal's bride? For manners' sake then, Brunhild, this idle talk give o'er, And, by our common friendship, let me hear no more." X "Give o'er will I never," the queen replied again; "Shall I renounce the service of all the knightly train That hold of him, our vassal, and are our vassals too?" Into sudden anger at this fair Kriemhild flew. XI "Ay! but thou must renounce it, for never will he grace Thee with his vassal service: he fills a higher place Than e'en my brother Gunther, noble though be his strain. Henceforth thou should'st be wiser, nor hold such talk again. XII "I wonder, too, since Siegfried thy vassal is by right, Since both of us thou rulest with so much power and might, Why to thee his service so long he has denied. Nay! I can brook no longer thy insolence and pride." XIII "Thyself too high thou bearest," Brunhild answer made; "Fain would I see this instant whether to thee be paid Public respect and honor such as waits on me." Then both the dames with anger lowering you might see. XIV "So shall it be," said Kriemhild, "to meet thee I'm prepar'd Since thou my noble husband a vassal hast declar'd, By the men of both our consorts to-day it shall be seen, That I the church dare enter before King Gunther's queen. XV "To-day by proof thou'lt witness, what lofty birth is mine, And that my noble husband worthier is than thine; Nor for this with presumption shall I be tax'd I trow; To-day thou'lt see moreover thy lowly vassal go XVI "To court before the warriors here in Burgundy. Assure thee, thou'lt behold me honor'd more royally Than the proudest princess that ever here wore crown." The dames their spite attested with many a scowl and frown. XVII "Since thou wilt be no vassal," Brunhild rejoin'd again, "Then thou with thy women must apart remain From my dames and damsels, as to the church we go." Thereto Kriemhild answer'd, "Trust me it shall be so. XVIII "Array ye now, my maidens," said Siegfried's haughty dame, "You must not let your mistress here be put to shame. That you have gorgeous raiment make plain to every eye. What she has just asserted, she soon shall fain deny." XIX They needed not much bidding; all sought out their best; Matrons alike and maidens each donn'd a glittering vest. Queen Brunhild with her meiny was now upon her way. By this was deck'd fair Kriemhild in royal rich array, XX