The well-born maiden answered: “Why speak of me so ill

The well-born maiden answered: “Why speak of me so ill? Never have I, poor maiden, had the thought or will With any man to tattle, however dear I held him, Unless it were a kinsman; a talk with him I rightfully might yield him.”

“Say you I chide you wrongly? Hush, you idle jade! For this, to-night, I tell you, a reckoning shall be made. To be so bold and shameless you then will dare no longer; Before with you I’ve ended, your back shall feel that I than you am stronger.”

“In that will I gainsay you,” said then the maiden proud; “Again with rods to beat me you ne’er shall be allowed. You and all your kindred in birth are far below me; You may yet for this be sorry, if treatment so unseemly you shall show me.”

Then spake the wolfish Gerlind: “Where is my clothing left, That, folded in your apron, you thus your hands have wrapt; Bearing yourself so idly, now from toil thus turning? If I live a little longer, another kind of work shall you be learning.”

King Hagen’s grandchild answered: “Down by the deep sea-flood I left your clothing lying. It was too great a load; I found the weight too heavy, alone to the house to carry. If never again you see them, but little I care, the while with you I tarry.”

Then quoth the old she-devil: “All this shall help you not; Before I sleep this evening, bitter shall be your lot!” Then were tied, at her bidding, rods from hedges broken; Gerlind would not give over the training hard ’gainst which the maid had spoken.