XLVI

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 n.o.ble knights and good.

XLVII

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."

XLVIII

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 n.o.ble margrave answer'd, "I'll tell you willingly."

XLIX

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."

L

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."

LI

Then spake the n.o.ble 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.

LII

"The n.o.ble king entreats you his sorrow to deplore; His va.s.sals 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.

LIII

"Children of n.o.ble 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."

LIV

"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."

LV

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 a.s.sent Sir Hagan gave.

LVI

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.

LVII

"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."

LVIII

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?"

LIX

Meanwhile the guests were feasted and furnish'd with the best, And all so well entreated, that Rudeger confess'd That among Gunther's va.s.sals true friends he sure had won.

With zeal him serv'd Sir Hagan, as he once to him had done.

LX

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 n.o.ble king.

LXI

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."

LXII

"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.