Wolfbrand: who is there then
left to help me in the land of the Amelungs? Is bold Gelfrich slain
also? And Gerbart and Wichart? When shall I have done weeping? This
day hath ended all my joy. Alack! that none may die of grief!"

Thirty-Ninth Adventure

How Gunther, Hagen, and Kriemhild Were Slain

Thereupon Sir Dietrich went and got his harness himself. Old Hildebrand
helped to arm him. The strong man wept so loud that the house rang with
his voice. But soon he was of stout heart again, as beseemed a hero. He
did on his armour in wrath. He took a fine-tempered shield in his hand,
and they hasted to the place--he and Master Hildebrand.

Then said Hagen of Trony, "I see Sir Dietrich yonder. He cometh to
avenge his great loss. This day will show which of us twain is the
better man. Howso stark of body and grim Sir Dietrich may deem him, I
doubt not but I shall stand against him, if he seek vengeance." So spake
Hagen.

Dietrich, that was with Hildebrand, heard him. He came where both the
knights stood outside the house, leaning against the wall. Good Dietrich
laid down his shield, and, moved with deep woe, he said, "Why hast thou
so entreated a homeless knight? What had I done to thee? Thou hast
ended all my joy. Thou deemedst it too little to have slain Rudeger to
our scathe; now thou hast robbed me of all my men. I had never done the
like to you, O knights. Think on yourselves and your loss--the death of
your friends, and your travail. By reason thereof are ye not heavy of
your cheer? Alack! how bitter to me is Rudeger's death! There was never
such woe in this world. Ye have done evilly by me and by yourselves.
All the joy I had ye have slain. How shall I ever mourn enough for all
my kinsmen?"

"We are not alone to blame," answered Hagen. "Your knights came hither
armed and ready, with a great host. Methinketh the tale hath not been
told thee aright."

"What shall I believe then? Hildebrand said that when my knights of
Amelung begged you to give them Rudeger's body, ye answered mockingly, as
they stood below."

Then said the prince of the Rhineland. "They told me they were come to
bear Rudeger hence. I denied them, not to anger thy men, but to grieve
Etzel withal. Whereat Wolfhart flew in a passion."

Said the prince of Bern, "There is nothing for it. Of thy knightliness,
atone to me for the wrong thou hast done me, and I will avenge it no
further. Yield thee captive, the