Twentieth Adventure: How King Etzel Proposed for Kriemhild

'Twas of yore, in the season when Dame Helca died,
And the stout King Etzel would take another bride,
His friends all gave him counsel his marriage troth to plight
To a proud Burgundian widow, that Lady Kriemhild hight.

His courtiers thus, when Helca had ended now her life,
Bespoke him, "Would you ever take a noble wife,
The best with whom a monarch could share his royal state,
Make choice of this fair lady; bold Siegfried was her mate."

Then answer'd stout King Etzel, "How can succeed the plan,
For me, that am a heathen, and not a christen'd man,
To woo a Christian woman? never consent will she;
Sure 'twere a very marvel if this could ever be."

Thereto his knights made answer, "What if she yet consent
Mov'd by your name so glorious and potent regiment?
'Twere well to make the trial whatever thence accrue;
For such a fair companion a king might gladly sue."

The noble king then question'd, "Who among you knows
The people and the country where Rhine's fair current flows?"
Said Rudeger of Bechlaren, "For that trust me alone;
I from earliest childhood the noble kings have known.

"Gunther and Gernot, good knights as e'er can be;
The third is the young Giselher; each of the brethren three
Does all, whereby clear honor and high repute are won,
Just as their brave forefathers down to our times have done."

Thereto gave answer Etzel, "Friend, do to me declare,
If she indeed be worthy here the proud crown to wear;
And, if she be so lovely as by report is borne,
My best friends may be certain, they'll have no cause to mourn.

"For peerless grace and beauty with Helca she may vie,
My lady ever-honor'd; saw yet never eye
In all this world a fairer; she's of all queens the best;
The lord of such a lady must be supremely blest."

"Then, as thou lov'st me, Rudeger, go, court her for my bride,
And if I should come ever to lie by Kriemhild's side,
Assure thee, to my utmost I will thy pains requite;
Well thou hast ever serv'd me, and done my will aright.

"Out of my treasure-chamber whate'er thou wilt I'll give,
That thou and thy companions merrily may live.
Clothes, horses, all thou needest, I'll willingly defray.
Of such make full provision, and speed thee on thy way."

Thereto in answer Rudeger, the wealthy margrave, spake,
"Surely 'twould ill beseem me ought from the stores to take.
Fain will I bear thy message to the Rhenish brethren bold
From my own rich possessions, that of thee I have and hold."

Then spake the mighty monarch, "Now when will you ride
To seek my love and lady? God be your guard and guide,
And keep you both in safety through all the paths you trace,
And fortune speed my wooing, that I may win my lady's grace."

Then Rudeger made answer, "Ere this land we quit,
With weapons and with raiment our band we out must fit,
That we before the princes in splendor due may shine.
Five hundred stately warriors I'll lead unto the Rhine;

"That, when the stout Burgundians me and mine shall see,
It by all beholders at once confess'd shall be,
That ne'er despatch'd a monarch, on distant wooing bent,
A band more choice and numerous than thou to Rhine hast sent.

"And, noble king, remember whom thou desir'st to wed;
The first of martial champions, Sir Siegfried, shar'd her bed,
The son of royal Siegmund; thou hast seen him here before;
From all, the highest honors, and well deserv'd, he bore."

Then replied King Etzel, "If she was Siegfried's wife,
So honor'd was her husband, while he was yet in life,
That at my hands his consort will meet true love and care.
Heaven grant that I may find her as gracious as she's fair!"

Then spake the noble margrave, "Thus then at once I say,
We'll fix for our departure the four and twentieth day.
Straight to my dear wife Gotelind I'll send to let her know,
That on this quest for Kriemhild I must in person go."

Rudeger to Bechlaren bade a courier speed amain;
The margravine his message fill'd both with joy and pain.
He told her he was going for the king to woo;
Fair Helca she remembered with tender love and true.

Glad was she from her husband such tidings to receive,
And yet in part she sorrow'd; she could not choose but grieve,
In doubt to find a mistress so gracious as before,
And when she thought on Helca, her very heart was sore.

Seven days Sir Rudeger in Hungary abode;
Well pleas'd was stout King Etzel when forth his envoy rode. In the city
of Vienna was ordered all their weed.
The margrave would not tarry, but ever on would speed.

Right gladly at Bechlaren he and his men were seen;
Him waited there Dame Gotelind and the young margravine
Rudeger's gentle daughter, and many a noble dame
Was there with fitting welcome as home the warriors came.

Ere the noble Rudeger to Bechlaren took his way
From the city of Vienna, the raiment rich and gay
Had safe arriv'd to meet them, full many a sumpter's load;
So strong they march'd, that little was robb'd upon the road.

When they came to Bechlaren, to his companions brave
A warm and hearty welcome, the host, as fitted, gave,
And in commodious chambers lodg'd them all and some.
Dame Gotelind the wealthy rejoic'd to see him come.

And so did his dear daughter, the fair young margravine.
Never were guests so welcome as these to her, I ween.
The chiefs that came from Hungary how gladly she survey'd!
Then thus with smiling aspect spake the noble maid.

"Welcome home, dear father, welcome thy comrades too!"
Fair thanks were paid the damsel by all that knightly crew,
As them and her befitted, for her reception kind.
Well to Lady Gotelind was known her husband's mind.

As by the side of Rudeger that night awake she lay,
Thus in soft accents asking the margravine 'gan say,
"Whither have you been order'd by the King of Hungary?"
Said he, "My Lady Gotelind, I'll tell you willingly.

"Our king again would marry now that fair Helca's dead,
And I must go a-wooing in royal Etzel's stead.
To ask the hand of Kriemhild hence to the Rhine I ride. Here will she
rule as lady with queenly power and pride."

"God grant it!" answered Gotelind, "So 'twill be surely best.
We hear her praise and honor by every tongue confess'd.
She'll be to us hereafter what Helca was whilere.
We the proud crown of Hungary may gladly see her wear."

Then said the noble margrave, "Love and lady mine,
To the good knights, that with me prick hence unto the Rhine,
Give friendly gifts in plenty from our abundant store.
Fair robes and rich equipments the bold embolden more."

"Whoe'er will take a present," she answer'd, "not a guest
Shall go by me unguerdon'd of what may suit him best.
Whoever poor dismounted, rich shall return to selle."
Thereto replied the margrave, "Your words content me well."

Ah! what rich stuffs the warriors then from her chamber bore!
'Mong the good knights were mantles shar'd out in copious store,
Each with the patient needle well sewn from throat to spur.
Therefrom whatever pleas'd him chose out Sir Rudeger.

'Twas on the seventh fair morning that from Bechlaren rode
The host and his companions; they through Bavaria yode
With store of arms and raiment, yet such was their array,
That robbers rarely ventur'd to assail them on their way.

Within twelve days of journey by Rhine they drew the rein.
The news of their arrival no secret could remain.
To the king and his liegemen at once the tidings ran,
That come were certain strangers; the host to ask began,

If they were known to any; who knew, should say so straight
'Twas seen their sturdy sumpters bore many a heavy weight;
So, that they were wealthy, each took at once for known.
Forthwith were they to chambers in the wide city shown.

Since no man knew the strangers who to the land were come,
Narrowly was each chieftain observ'd by all and some.
They wonder'd wherefore came they, and from what distant coast.
The same of stout Sir Hagan inquir'd the anxious host.

Then said the Knight of Trony, "I have not seen them yet;
I can inform you better when I and they have met.
Whatever be their country, how far soe'er it be,
They must indeed be strangers, if they're unknown to me."

Now were in fitting chambers bestow'd the noble guests.
The margrave and his comrades all donn'd their choicest vests,
And rode to court attended; all gaz'd on them their fill;
Right gorgeous was their raiment, and cut with curious skill.

Straight cried the nimble Hagan, "If I conjecture right,
(Though now 'tis many a summer since last I saw the knight),
So moves yon gallant squadron, that we must needs have here
The mighty Hunnish margrave redoubted Rudeger."

"Nay! how can I believe it," said Gunther instantly,
"That he of Bechlaren has come to Burgundy?"
The king had scarce well ended, when they had drawn so nigh,
That Hagan could for certain good Rudeger descry.

He and his friends ran forward, and flock'd the guests around.
Five hundred knights together sprung from horse to ground.
The valiant chiefs of Hungary were welcom'd o'er and o'er.
Messengers yet never such goodly raiment wore.

Then the stout Knight of Trony spoke these fair words aloud,
"Now in God's name welcome all ye champions proud,
The Lord of Bechlaren and his followers bold."
The warlike Huns were greeted with honors manifold.

King Gunther's nearest kinsmen to see them forward press'd.
Ortwine of Metz thus friendly Sir Rudeger address'd,
"We ne'er have seen so gladly on any former day
Guests in the bounds of Rhineland; this can I truly say."

Much thanks for their fair welcome return'd the warriors all.
Thence forthwith stepp'd they forward into the spacious hall,
Where the king was seated amidst his chivalry.
He rose as in they enter'd, such was his courtesy.

With what kind condescension to the messengers he went!
Gunther and Gernot welcom'd with friendly warm intent
Their guest and his companions, and made them fitting cheer.
By the hand then took King Gunther the noble Rudeger.

To the seat he brought him whereon himself he sat.
Then bade he hand the strangers (a joyful task was that)
Cups of his best metheglin and of the choicest wine
That ere was made from vineyards in the land all round the Rhine.

Giselher and Gary had both arriv'd at court,
Dankwart too and Folker had heard the glad report
Of such fair guests come thither; before the king they stood,
And joyously saluted the noble knights and good.

Then to his lord Sir Hagan the Knight of Trony spake,
"These chiefs to Gotelind's husband a fit return should make
For all the friendly service he did to us of yore.
We should at full requite him, and love him still the more."

Then thus began King Gunther, "This now I needs must ask
How are they both who sent you (to tell me be your task),
King Etzel and Queen Helca, who reign in Hungary?"
The noble margrave answer'd, "I'll tell you willingly."

Then from his seat the warrior uprose with all his train,
And thus bespake King Gunther, "If you, Sir King, are fain
To grant me gracious audience, nothing will I withhold.
The message, that I bring you, it shall be freely told."

Said he, "Whate'er the message that Etzel by you sends,
I give you leave to speak it without consulting friends.
At once then let me hear it, and these my comrades too.
All power you have with honor your business here to do."

Then spake the noble envoy, "My mighty sovran sends
His love sincere and service to you and all your friends.
Here in distant Rhineland, and I in honor bring
A true and faithful greeting from a true and faithful king.

"The noble king entreats you his sorrow to deplore;
His vassals all are mourning; my lady is no more,
Helca the fair and virtuous, who shar'd his royal bed.
Many a young maid is orphan'd now the good queen is dead.

"Children of noble princes she train'd with fostering care;
Whom have they now, so truly a mother's charge to bear?
The land is all in sorrow, the king can nought but plain;
'Twill be long time, I fear me, ere he be blithe again."

"Now heaven him quit," said Gunther, "that with so fair intent
To me and mine so distant his service he hath sent.
I take his greeting kindly; henceforth, as best they may,
My kinsmen and my servants his favor shall repay."

Then spake the bold Burgundian, Gernot the stout and true,
"The death of fair Queen Helca the world may ever rue.
Beauty and worth together are buried in her grave."
To the words of Sir Gernot assent Sir Hagan gave.

Thereon the high-born envoy his message freely told,
"King, since you have permitted, I'll to your ears unfold,
Wherefore my royal master me to your court has sent,
Plung'd as he is in sorrow and doleful dreariment.

"It has been told my master, Sir Siegfried now is dead,
And Kriemhild left a widow; if thus they both have sped,
Would you but permit her, she the crown shall wear
Before the knights of Etzel, this bids me my good lord declare."

Thereto the king made answer, with courteous kind intent,
"She will perform my pleasure if she to this consent.
Within three days I'll tell you whether her mind be so.
How can I promise Etzel; till first her will I know?"

Meanwhile the guests were feasted and furnish'd with the best,
And all so well entreated, that Rudeger confess'd
That among Gunther's vassals true friends he sure had won.
With zeal him serv'd Sir Hagan, as he once to him had done.

So to the third day rested Sir Rudeger and his crew.
Meanwhile the king took counsel ('twas wisdom so to do),
And ask'd, what thought his kinsmen, if 'twere a fitting thing,
That Kriemhild for her husband should take the noble king.

All with one voice advis'd it; Hagan alone said nay;
Then to the bold knight Gunther thus 'gan the warrior say,
"If you are in your senses, beware what I foresee. E'en with consent of
Kriemhild ne'er let this marriage be."

"Wherefore," returned King Gunther, "should I oppose her will?
Whate'er may please fair Kriemhild, I'll grant it freely still.
Remember, she's my sister; let her this crown obtain.
Ourselves should seek th' alliance, if honor thence she gain."

Thereto replied Sir Hagan, "Let this no farther go;
If you knew King Etzel as I King Etzel know,
You ne'er would let him wed her as now I hear you say,
But rather look for ruin from this same marriage day."

"What should I fear?" said Gunther, "Safe can I keep me still.
I dwell from him so distant, he ne'er can work me ill.
E'en though he wed my sister, I'll never come him nigh."
Once more rejoin'd Sir Hagan, "This ne'er advise will I."

For Gernot and young Giselher in haste King Gunther sent,
To learn of both the brethren whether they were content
That their fair sister Kriemhild should be King Etzel's bride.
Still gainsaid Sir Hagan, and not a soul beside.

Then spake the bold Burgundian, Giselher the good knight.
"Now may you, friend Hagan, do what is just and right.
Make her full atonement, whom you have caus'd such pain,
Nor of the gift of fortune deprive her once again.

"Yes, you have cost my sister so many a bitter tear,"
Thus further spoke the warrior redoubted Giselher,
"That she has cause to hate you; this must yourself confess,
For ne'er by man was woman spoil'd of such happiness."

"What I foresee for certain, that give I you to know.
If she but wed King Etzel and to his country go,
Some way she'll work us mischief, and bring revenge to bear.
She'll have all at her service many a good warrior there."

Thereto the bold Sir Gernot thus in answer said,
"All then may rest in quiet e'en till they both are dead.
For wherefore should we ever set foot on Etzel's ground?
But yet to serve her truly we're all in honor bound."

Thereto thus answer'd Hagan, "For that I little care;
Let but the noble Kriemhild the crown of Helca wear,
Howe'er she plot our ruin, 'twill sure and sudden fall.
So let alone this matter; 'twere better so for all."

Then spake in wrath Sir Giselher, fair Uta's youngest son,
"We must not sure like traitors demean us every one.
Her good should make us happy, her hopes we should fulfil.
Howe'er you murmur, Hagan, I'll serve her truly still."

Ill pleas'd thereat was Hagan, and darkly frowning stood.
Gernot straight and Giselher, the noble knights and good,
And the rich King Gunther in this conclusion met,
T' assent, if Kriemhild wish'd it, and all ill will forget.

"I'll go and tell my lady," said Gary there in place,
"That forthwith to King Etzel she may accord her grace.
He holds such countless warriors beneath his awful sway;
Full well may he requite her for many a mournful day."

Swift went the chief to Kriemhild, exulting for her sake;
Gladly she receiv'd him; how quickly then he spake!
"Well may you greet me, lady; my newsman's guerdon give;
You and your woes are parted--henceforth with pleasure live.

"One of the mightiest monarchs that ever sceptre bore
Of far-extended kingdoms, or crown imperial wore,
Now for your love is suing; noble knights, his friends,
Are hither come to woo you; this news your brother sends."

Then spake the sorrow-laden, "Now God in heaven forfend
That you, or any other that calls himself my friend,
Should mock a lonely widow! Who once has gain'd the free
And virgin love of woman, how can he think of me?"

Firmly she made denial; together came to her
Next her two faithful brethren, Gernot and Giselher.
With loving words they cheer'd her, and kindly urg'd her, too,
To take the king for husband; right well she thus would do.

Yet could not all persuasion the faithful mourner bring
To choose a second lover, and yield unto the king.
Then begg'd the noble warriors, "If nothing more can be,
Consent at least a moment the messengers to see."

"I'll not deny," soft sighing the noble dame replied,
"But that I'd fain see Rudeger renown'd so far and wide
For all his many virtues: 'tis due to him alone;
Were't any other envoy, to him I'd ne'er be known.

"So beg him," said she further, "to let me see him here
In my bower to-morrow; then I'll acquaint his ear
Myself with all my wishes and tell him all my tale."
Then bitterly began she once more to weep and wail.

Nothing the noble Rudeger had more desir'd, I ween,
Than to obtain an audience of that fair widow'd queen.
Such he well knew his wisdom and smooth persuasive skill,
He doubted not, to reason he'd bend her stubborn will.

So early on the morrow, about the matin song,
Forth came the noble envoys; there was a mighty throng;
To court with the good margrave there went a gorgeous crowd,
In glittering weed accoutred, of high-born knights and proud.

Kriemhild, the fair, the spotless, amidst her ladies stood,
Waiting for Sir Rudeger the noble envoy good.
He found her in the vesture that every day she wore;
Her dames stood by in raiment all work'd and broider'd o'er.

To the door to meet him with stately step she went,
And well and warmly welcom'd the chief from Etzel sent.
Eleven good knights were with him, himself the twelfth was there.
Ne'er came such high-born suitors to woo a queen so fair.

They bade the chief be seated, and with him all his band.
There the two noble margraves were seen before her stand,
Eckewart and Gary; none there was blithe or glad;
All wore one face of mourning, e'en as their lady sad.

Before her meekly seated many a fair maid was seen,
Pale sorrowful companions of that woe-wither'd queen.
The cloth, that veil'd her bosom, with scalding tears was wet.
Well saw the noble margrave, her grief was lively yet.

Then spake the high-born envoy, "Fair child of mightiest kings,
To me and to my comrades after our wanderings,
Vouchsafe now your permission before you here to stand,
And tell what brought us hither from our far-distant land."

"Now take my full permission," the queen said with a sigh,
"And speak your wishes freely; not ill inclin'd am I
To hear you, honored margrave! You are an envoy good."
Thereby her firm reluctance the rest well understood.

Then the Prince of Bechlaren, Sir Rudeger, thus spake,
"The mighty monarch Etzel, lady! for your fair sake
Has bidd'n me journey hither, and many a good knight too
Has sent with me to Rhineland all for your hand to sue.

"True love to you he proffers, pleasure unmix'd with pain,
A firm unswerving friendship, that shall to death remain;
Such love he bore Dame Helca; deep in his heart she lay;
He now for her lost virtues leads many a joyless day."

Then thus the queen made answer, "Margrave Rudeger,
If man could feel my sorrows, no suit would vex my ear,
Again to take a husband, and be again undone.
More have I lost already than woman ever won."

"What more amends for anguish," the warrior answer'd kind,
"Than faithful love unchanging, could one the blessing find,
Choosing the heart's beloved and choosing not amiss?
For life-consuming sorrow what sweeter balm than this?

"To love my noble master should you consenting deign,
You o'er twelve mighty kingdoms a crownéd queen shall reign.
And more than thirty princedoms he at your feet will lay,
Won by his matchless puissance in many a bloody fray.

"To you, besides, obedience many a good knight shall do,
That to my Lady Helca were wont to serve and sue.
And all the dames and damsels, that once swell'd Helca's state.
Daughters of high-born princes, shall now on Kriemhild wait.

"Thereto my lord will give you (this bade he me declare),
If you vouchsafe beside him the queenly crown to wear,
The highest rights and honors that once were Helca's due;
All these before his liegemen shall be transferred to you."

"How can I feel contented," the mourning queen replied,
"To wed another hero, a widow and a bride?
Grim Death in one already has wounded me so sore,
That nought can now await me, but sorrow evermore."

"Fair queen," the Huns made answer, "if only you consent,
Your days will with King Etzel so royally be spent,
That each will, as it passes, some varied pleasure bring;
Such store of courtly warriors has our redoubted king.

"Together Helca's damsels and your fair maids will vie
In zeal to do you service, one blooming company;
Good knights will there be merry amid so bright a train;
Be well advis'd, high lady! in sooth 'twill be your gain."

"Well," said she, soft and courteous, "this converse now give o'er
Until to-morrow morning, then hither come once more,
And then your monarch's message I'll answer as I may."
The high-descended warriors could not but obey.

So to their several chambers the lofty strangers went.
Straight to her brother Giselher the noble lady sent,
And eke to her good mother; to both them 'gan she say,
That nothing now became her but to weep her life away.

Then spake her brother Giselher, "Sister, I have been told,
And I would fain believe it, that all thy griefs of old,
Etzel will turn to joyance if thou with him wilt dwell.
Whatever others counsel, I like this marriage well.

"Thee will he sure," he added, "for all the past repay,
For there reigns ne'er a monarch of such redoubted sway
From Rhone to Rhine, believe me, from th' Elbe to the salt sea.
With such a king for husband needs must thou happy be."

"Ah! why," said she, "dear brother, advise me to my bale?
Sure it befits me better ever to weep and wail.
How could I ever venture to yonder court to go?
If I once had beauty, 'tis withered all with woe."

Thereat to her dear daughter, the Lady Uta spake,
"Give ear unto thy brethren, dear child, their counsel take;
Do what thy friends advise thee, 'twill to thy profit be.
Thy never-ending sorrow it has griev'd my heart to see."

Full oft she God entreated, nor ceas'd for wealth to pray,
That she might give to others gold, silver, garments gay,
As erst, ere noble Siegfried, her warlike lord, was slain,
Yet never liv'd the mourner such happy hours again.

Then to herself thus thought she, "How can I Etzel wed?
I, a Christian woman, share a heathen's bed?
Throughout the world dishonor would surely be my due.
No--not for all his kingdoms thus could I ever do."

So let she rest the matter. All night till break of day
With troublous thoughts companion'd on her weary couch she lay,
Nor ceas'd the tears a moment from her fair eyes to flow,
Till early dawn to matins bade the pale mourner go.

Just at mass time returning the kings her brethren came;
To their reluctant sister their suit was still the same;
To wed the King of Hungary they urg'd her o'er and o'er,
But not a whit more yielding they found her than before.

Then summon'd were the warriors that came on Etzel's part;
They sought a farewell audience ere they should home depart,
Successful or successless, as it might chance to fall.
To court straight came Sir Rudeger and his valiant comrades all.

These press'd their noble leader ever by the way
To learn the mind of Gunther, and that without delay,
For they had far to travel back to their homes, they said.
Straight was good Sir Rudeger to Kriemhild's presence led.

With soft persuasive accents the knight began to pray
The fair and high-born lady, that she to him would say,
What answer to King Etzel she to return would deign.
Naught, ween I, but denial he from her lips could gain.

"She'd take no second husband, love she could feel for none."
"Nay," said the noble margrave, "that were unwisely done.
Why such surpassing beauty waste in a mourning bed?
'Twould sure be to your honor a loving lord to wed."

In vain they her entreated, in vain to her they pray'd,
Till to the queen the margrave this secret promise made,
"He'd full amends procure her for past or future ill."
Those words her storm-toss'd bosom had power in part to still.

Then spoke he to the princess, "Cease now to weep and moan;
Among the Huns to friend you had you but me alone,
And my fearless vassals, and eke my kinsmen true,
No one should work you mischief, but he should dearly rue."

That still the more attemper'd her coy reluctant mood.
"Swear then, whoe'er may wrong me," the lofty dame pursued,
"You will be first and foremost revenge on him to take."
"Fain will I," said the margrave, "high lady, for your sake."

Then swore to her Sir Rudeger and all his knightly train
To serve her ever truly, and all her rights maintain,
Nor e'er of her due honors scant her in Etzel's land.
Thereto gave the good margrave th' assurance of his hand.

Then thought the faithful mourner, "With such a host of friends,
Now the poor lonely widow may work her secret ends,
Nor care for what reflections the world on her may cast.
What if my lost beloved I may revenge at last?"

Thought she, "The halls of Etzel such countless heroes fill,
That I if I should rule them, may do whate'er I will.
Beside, the king's so wealthy, to give I shall have store,
As though injurious Hagan had robb'd me ne'er before."

So thus she spake to Rudeger, "If I only knew
That he was not a heathen, I'd go, and gladly too,
Wherever he requested, and be his faithful bride."
"Nay, lady," said the margrave, "such scruples cast aside.

"He is not quite a heathen, this take for truth you may;
My good lord was converted, as I have heard him say,
And then the faith abandon'd he had awhile profess'd.
This, if you love him, lady, may be with ease redress'd.

"Of Christian faith moreover so many knights has he,
That at his court you'll ever be blithe and sorrow-free.
Perhaps, if you desire it, he may be christened too.
For this then scorn not Etzel, nor let him vainly woo."

Soon as ceas'd the margrave, once more her brethren sued,
"Grant us this favor, sister, cheer up thy mournful mood."
So long they begg'd and pray'd her, that in the end they sped,
And, sighing soft, she promis'd that she would Etzel wed.

She said, "You will I follow, poor, widow'd, lonely queen!
I'll to the Huns betake me, and here no more be seen,
If I've but friends to guide me hence to King Etzel's land."
Thereto before the heroes fair Kriemhild gave her hand.

Then spake the noble margrave, "If you have but two men,
I have more to join them; 'twere well adviséd then
Over the Rhine to bring you attended honorably;
You must not, lady, longer tarry here in Burgundy.

"Men have I five hundred, and kinsmen not a few,
All at your service, lady, both here and yonder too,
Whatever you command them; myself will foremost be;
If aught you will henceforward, speak but the word to me.

"Now bid your steeds be saddled, fair dame, and quickly too
(Ne'er shall Rudeger's counsels give you cause to rue),
And tell the gentle damsels who bear you company,
On the road good knights will meet us, the flower of chivalry."

Still had they many a trinket, in Siegfried's time uplaid
To guerdon the best rider; thus could she many a maid
Lead forth in fitting splendor, when hence to fare she sought;
Ah! what goodly saddles for the fair dames were brought!

If ever they had prank'd them in gay apparel dress'd,
Sure for the present journey her maids prepar'd their best;
They had heard of Etzel's splendor such tales as credence mock'd.
Every chest flew open, before kept closely lock'd.

They rested not a moment for four whole days and more.
Forth from the veiling wrappers the gorgeous vests they bore.
Kriemhild her treasure-chamber now to unlock began.
She long'd t' enrich the comrades of Rudeger, every man.

Gold had she yet remaining from the Nibelungers' land;
All wish'd she to th' Hungarians to give with lavish hand;
Sturdy mules a hundred could not have borne the same.
But the tale of this huge treasure to th' ear of Hagan came.

Said he, "She'll ne'er forgive me, that need I not be told;
So safe with us Burgundians shall stay Sir Siegfried's gold.
Why should I let such treasure to deadly foes accrue?
I know full well what Kriemhild with all this wealth will do.

"If once she hence could fetch it, I guess her whole intent;
I doubt not, every farthing would to my hurt be spent.
Besides, they have not horses such weight to undergo;
So Hagan here will keep it, and that shall Kriemhild know."

When she heard the tidings, she felt it grievous bale;
To the three kings together full soon was told the tale.
They wish'd they could avert it, but nothing hence ensued.
Then thus the noble Rudeger spoke in right merry mood.

"Rich and noble princess, why sorrow for the gold?
Let but the eyes of Etzel your peerless fair behold,
So much the king adores you (for this on me depend)
He'll give you far more treasure than you can ever spend."

Thereto the queen made answer, "Right noble Rudeger,
More wealth had never princess in kingdom far or near,
Than this outrageous Hagan has foully reft from me."
Then came her brother Gernot to her chamber hastily.

The king's key in a moment he dash'd into the door.
The gold of Lady Kriemhild, thirty thousand marks or more,
Out was laid in order from the secret cell.
He bade the strangers take it; that pleas'd King Gunther well.

Then he of Bechlaren, fair Gotelind's husband, spake:
"If my Lady Kriemhild had power with her to take
All that from Nibelung's country was ever brought to Rhine,
Yet touch'd should it be never by her hand or by mine.

"So let it here be treasur'd, for none of it will I.
From home I have hither brought such a large supply,
That on the road full lightly we can with this dispense,
So amply are we furnish'd for all the journey hence."

Twelve chests of gold, the choicest that e'er was seen of eye,
Her maidens had kept ever in close reserve laid by.
Now with them, as they parted, they took the precious load,
With store of women's trinkets, to serve them on the road.

Still she look'd for violence from Hagan bad and bold.
She had yet for pious uses a thousand marks of gold.
These for the soul of Siegfried, her dearest lord, she gave.
"Her love," thought noble Rudeger, "lives e'en beyond the grave."

Then spake again the mourner: "Where are my friends," said she,
"Who will a life of exile endure for love of me?
They with the banish'd widow to Hungary must ride;
Let them take of my treasures, and clothes and steeds provide."

Then spake to the sad princess the Margrave Eckewart,
"Since of your royal household first I form'd a part,
I've done you loyal service; this can I truly say,
And will the like do ever e'en to my dying day.

"Of my men, too, five hundred to guard you I will lead,
All at your disposal, faithful and good at need.
Us from the side of Kriemhild death alone shall part."
She bow'd to him in silence; his words went to her heart.

Then forth were led their horses; start must they presently;
There all around them flocking their friends wept bitterly.
Surely did wealthy Uta with her fair maidens show
How deeply they lamented that Kriemhild was to go.

A hundred high-born damsels begirt the parting queen,
All clad, as well became them, in robes of glittering sheen.
Full many a tear of sorrow from their bright eyes was shed.
At Etzel's court soon after a joyous life they led.

Then in place young Giselher and Gernot you might view;
They came, through love to Kriemhild, with all their followers true.
On her way the brethren to bring their sister sought,
And with them well accoutred a thousand warriors brought.

Then came the active Gary, Ortwine was present too,
And there the steward Rumold his duty had to do.
These found them fitting quarters e'en to the Danube's shore.
A little from the city rode Gunther, and no more.

Ere from the Rhine for ever their eastward steps they bent,
They to the Huns beforehand swift messengers had sent,
To tell the stout King Etzel what Rudeger had done,
And how he peerless Kriemhild for his lord had woo'd and won.

The messengers spurr'd hotly; no time had they to lose;
They rode at once for honor and the guerdon of good news.
When home they brought the tidings, and all the truth made clear,
Word surely never sounded so sweet in Etzel's ear.

For joy of such fair tidings the king was pleas'd to give
The messengers such presents, that thenceforth each might live
Merrily for ever, e'en to his dying day.
Through love the king's long sorrow vanish'd at once away.