Chapter 49

HAGEN.

He'll surely rush to her in all his rage, And when he leaves, then I will seek her out.

GUNTHER.

I'll move in this no further.

HAGEN.

What, my King?

GUNTHER.

Bid heralds come once more and let them say That there is peace again.

HAGEN.

It shall be done When I have talked with Kriemhild privately And learned the secret from her.

GUNTHER.

Hast thou then No bowels of compassion? Thy hard heart No pity feeleth yet?

HAGEN.

Speak plainly, lord; I cannot understand.

GUNTHER.

He shall not die.

HAGEN.

He lives while thou commandest. If I stood Behind him in the woods and poised my spear, But shake thy head, and for this traitor dies A beast.

GUNTHER.

Not traitor, no! Was it his fault That he brought back the girdle carelessly And Kriemhild found it? It escaped him there, As clings an arrow in a warrior's mail If after battle 'tis not shaken off, And only by its rattling is it marked. I ask you one and all: was it his fault?

HAGEN.

No! No! Who says so? Nor was he to blame For lacking clever wits to clear himself, For doubtless he blushed crimson at th' attempt.

GUNTHER.

What then remains?

HAGEN.

Brunhilda's oath remains.

GISELHER.

Then let her slay him if she wants his blood.

HAGEN.

We're quarreling like children. May one not Collect his weapons, though he knoweth not When he may need to use them? One explores An unknown land and finds its passes out. Then why not, pray, a hero? I will try My fortune now with Kriemhild, if it were Only that this fine ruse that we have planned Might not be all in vain. She'll not betray The secret to me unless he hath told The matter to her. Then you may decide Whether to use the knowledge I may gain; And you may really do, if so you please, What I shall but pretend, and so in war Protect the place where death may find him out. But you must know where is his mortal spot.

[_Exit_.]