Joined in their plotting were Gernot and Ortwein, Metz's lord. "Death unto Siegfried!" the heroes counselled with one accord. Then Giselher, child of Uta, did these into council take; But swiftly against their sentence the lad true-hearted spake: "Alas, good knights, now wherefore would ye do so black a deed? Never such ruthless hatred hath Siegfried earned for meed { P. 118} That e'er he should pay you forfeit of the precious life for this! By very nothings enkindled is the wrath of a woman, I wis." "Shall men say that we rear his bastards?" cried Hagen savagely: "It should bring right little honour unto good knights such as we! The name of our Lady belovèd hath he blasted with arrogant breath! If his life for the slander atone not, myself will die the death!"
Then the King's self spake: "Nay, nothing hath he done to us unto this day Save lovingkindness and honour: let him therefore live, I say. What boots it that I should harbour hatred of this good knight? Loyally aye hath he helped us, and hath had therein his delight." Then the Knight of Metz, Lord Ortwein, made answer passion-hot: "Though passing-great be his prowess, it shall verily help him not: I will wreak on him deadliest vengeance, so my Lord will but suffer me." So the heroes imagined mischief against him causelessly.
Yet further went none with the matter, save that Hagen ever and aye In season and out of season, still unto Gunther would say: "If but Siegfried live no longer, lordships many shall come Under thine hand." The spirit of the King was wrapped in gloom. But awhile the matter rested. Men jousted even as before: Strong spear-shafts many they shivered from afront of the minster-door Up the broad green space to the palace, escorting Siegfried's wife. But of Gunther's liegemen were many that lowered on the joyous strife.
Spake the King: "Put away for ever the murderous hate ye nurse. He was born to be honour and profit to us, and nowise a curse; Yea also, so battle-resistless is the marvellous hero's hand, That, if aught he divined of your purpose, before him should no man stand." "That shall he never," said Hagen. "Beware thou reveal it not! With secrecy so deadly will I handle the matter, I wot, That to him shall the weeping of Brunhild be Ruin's baleful breath. Evermore unto him shall Hagen be Hate and the Shadow of Death!"