The Queen too was about to reproach him bitterly, when suddenly she bethought her of the vow Rüdiger made to her when he came to Worms to urge King Etzel’s suit. “Bethink thee of thy oath, Sir Rüdiger,” she cried, solemnly. “Didst thou not swear to serve me loyally and faithfully to avenge all my wrongs?” “That did I truly, most noble lady,” replied Rüdiger, “nor would I fail to risk my life in thy cause. But ’tis my soul that I should lose were I to be at strife with these thy guests, for ’twas as friends I brought them hither to thy court!” Yet still the Queen demanded vengeance on her foes, and Etzel thereto joined his prayers, till Rüdiger in bitter anguish cried: “Oh, woe is me, forsaken one, That ever I was born! Oh, woe’s the day, that I must be Of all my honor shorn! Of truth and gentleness of mind Which God to me did give. Oh, God! that I might only die! I fain would cease to live. “Whichever duty I avoid, The other to fulfil, I’m counted dastardly and base, A worker-out of ill; Yet leave I both of them undone, I with the world have strife. May He vouchsafe to counsel me, Who first did give me life!” He besought the King to take back all the lands and honors that he held in fee, and let him retire with his followers to his castle, a poor man, rather than force him to attack the friends whom he had welcomed in all love and loyalty, who had slept beneath his roof, and to one of whom indeed his daughter was betrothed. But he pleaded in vain, for Kriemhild firmly held him to his word, while the King promised him still greater riches and honor if he would rid him of his foes. At last Rüdiger yielded. He agreed to keep his oath and give his life in payment for the kindnesses he had received from his sovereigns; he commended his wife and daughter to their care, then sorrowfully sought his followers and bade them arm for battle with the Burgundians. When Volker saw the band of knights approaching, his heart sank, but Giselher cried joyfully: “Well for us all was it that I was betrothed to Rüdiger’s daughter, for now our gallant friend comes to bring us peace!” “Nay, my lord! he who brings peace comes not in this array,” replied Volker. Pausing before the palace, Rüdiger placed his shield upon the ground, but no friendly greeting did he pay the Burgundians as was his wont. In lieu thereof he renounced his loyalty to them and challenged them to combat. Great was their distress thus to be forced to strife with friends after struggling against so many foes; and Günther cried: “Now Heaven forbid, Sir Knight, that thou shouldst do our friendship such wrong!” “There is no help for it, alas!” replied Rüdiger, “since the Queen demands of me fulfilment of a vow!”