XIV

"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.

XV

"And, n.o.ble 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."

XVI

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!"

XVII

Then spake the n.o.ble 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."

XVIII

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.

XIX

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.

XX

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.

XXI

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 n.o.ble dame Was there with fitting welcome as home the warriors came.

XXII

Ere the n.o.ble 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.

XXIII

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.

XXIV

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 n.o.ble maid.

XXV

"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.

XXVI

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.

XXVII

"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."

XXVIII

"G.o.d 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."

XXIX

Then said the n.o.ble margrave, "Love and lady mine, To the good knights, that with me p.r.i.c.k hence unto the Rhine, Give friendly gifts in plenty from our abundant store.

Fair robes and rich equipments the bold embolden more."

x.x.x