"It never yet hath failed me in this our sorest need,
And 'neath its cutting edges many a knight lies dead.
'Tis strong and bright of lustre, cunning wrought and well.
I ween, whate'er was given by knight it doth in worth excel.
"An wilt thou not give over upon us here to fall,
And if one friend thou slayest here yet within this hall,
With this same sword thou gavest, I'll take from thee thy life.
I sorrow for thee Ruediger, and eke thy fair and stately wife."
"Would God but give, Sir Gernot, that such thing might be,
That thou thy will completely here fulfilled mightst see,
And of thy friends not any here his life should lose!
Yea, shalt thou live to comfort both my daughter and my spouse."
Then out spake of Burgundy the son of Ute fair:
"How dost thou so, Sir Ruediger? All t
