“Take back my castles and towns, the wealth that you have given me, and
the possessions I have won for myself. I will go penniless into the
wide world with my wife and child, and what is my best wealth, Honour
and Truth.”
“Nay, noble Margrave, but you cannot do so,” replied the queen, “if you
fail in obedience. Think of the time when you came to Burgundy to woo
me for Etzel. I feared to go alone amongst the barbarous Huns, where I
had not a friend or helper, and you swore to me with a solemn oath that
you would help me against every adversary, except your liege lord. Your
sworn faith to me is older than that which you promised to the
Nibelungs. If you break your oath to me, you are dishonoured.”