Ourselves should seek th' alliance, if honor thence she gain."

LXIII

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."

LXIV

"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."

LXV

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.

LXVI

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.

LXVII

"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."

LXVIII

"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."

LXIX

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."

LXX

Thereto thus answer'd Hagan, "For that I little care; Let but the n.o.ble 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."

LXXI

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."

LXXII

Ill pleas'd thereat was Hagan, and darkly frowning stood.

Gernot straight and Giselher, the n.o.ble knights and good, And the rich King Gunther in this conclusion met, T' a.s.sent, if Kriemhild wish'd it, and all ill will forget.

LXXIII

"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."

LXXIV

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.

LXXV

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

LXXVI

Then spake the sorrow-laden, "Now G.o.d 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?"

LXXVII

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.

LXXVIII

Yet could not all persuasion the faithful mourner bring To choose a second lover, and yield unto the king.

Then begg'd the n.o.ble warriors, "If nothing more can be, Consent at least a moment the messengers to see."