Brake Brunhild forth into weeping: but Kriemhild tarried no…

Brake Brunhild forth into weeping: but Kriemhild tarried no more, And before the wife of Gunther she entered the minster-door, She and her train. Most bitter hate did her words beget. Therefrom bright eyes full many were grief-overclouded and wet. For all the solemn service, and the holy chant and song, That hour of worship to Brunhild lasted all too long; She was heart-overclouded with anguish, and darkly did she brood; And for this full penalty lighted on warriors brave and good. In front of the gate of the minster with her maids did Brunhild stay; And she said to her heart: "Now Kriemhild unto me shall the whole truth say Of those loud-throated railings, who hath whetted her tongue like a sword. If Siegfried thus hath vaunted, his life shall pay for the word!"

Now Kriemhild with bold knights many came forth of the holy place; And sharply spake Queen Brunhild: "Abide thou there for a space! Thou hast chosen to call me leman: the proof thereof will I see. Thy word, know thou, is an evil and a loathly word to me." Spake Kriemhild the Fair: "It were better for thee hadst thou let me go! With the golden ring I prove it on mine hand that glittereth—lo! Unto me did Siegfried bring this what time by thy side he lay." Never had dawned on Brunhild such an utter-wretched day. She cried: "This gold ring royal—even this was stolen from me! It hath been for long years hidden by caitiff treachery! I am now on the track of the felon, the thief that my jewel hath ta'en!" Raging in reinless fury were now these ladies twain.

Spake Kriemhild again: "Of thy jewel the thief was nowise I. Far better hadst thou kept silence, hadst thou held thine honour high! Lo, I prove it again by the girdle which compasseth my waist. Not I am the liar!—by Siegfried first was thy body embraced." Fair-plaited of silk of the Orient was the girdle that she ware, With precious stones thick-studded, a marvel passing fair. That Brunhild beheld, and she brake forth into stormy weeping then, Crying, "This shall be known of Gunther and of all his mighty men!"