“Take my head. I shall not even tremble when the executioner’s sword
touches me. But do not force me to do what my conscience disallows.”
The conversation lasted a good while longer. At length Rüdiger with a
heavy heart consented to obey the king and queen.
The Nibelungs stood by the window looking out for help. On seeing the
noble Margrave approach with his men, Giselher exclaimed joyfully that
all was not lost, that they should see Bechelaren and the Rhine again.
When Rüdiger came close to the door he explained his errand. Gunther
reminded him of the friendship they had sworn, and Rüdiger answered
sadly that the oath he had sworn to Etzel’s wife forced him now to
fight her battle. And so they took fair leave of each other, as noble
friends forced to fight against their will. Once more the blood of the
Nibelungs and their opponents stained the great hall. The heat of
battle raged anew in every heart, and many men were slain. Amongst the
number were Rüdiger and Gernot. At length the men of Bechelaren were
conquered, and slain to the very last man. Two hundred Nibelungs also
fell before this victory was gained.
The heroes were silent in the wide hall. They heard the sound of voices
in the court without. The queen’s voice was raised in indignation, as
she accused the Margrave Rüdiger of playing the false traitor and
making peace with the Nibelungs. Volker’s anger was roused at this
unjust suspicion. Leaning out of the window, he told her not to vex
herself on that score, nor accuse a good man falsely, for the hero of
Bechelaren had died serving her. He then commanded the Margrave’s body
to be shown at the window, so that the king and queen and all the Huns
should see it. Etzel uttered a loud cry of horror, and cursed the hand
that had done the deed. He called for his sword, that he might himself
lead the band of avengers, but he forebore to unsheath it when he saw
that terrible pair (Hagen and Volker) still guarding the threshold.
Chriemhild stood looking on with folded arms. She was beautiful as
ever, but it was now the beauty of a fallen angel. She shed a few tears
for the loss of her old friend Rüdiger. Perhaps also because she feared
that he was her last ally. She may likewise have pondered whether by
any means she might yet attain her end. But be that as it may, the next
events were unexpected by her as by every one else.