LXXIX

"I'll not deny," soft sighing the n.o.ble 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.

Lx.x.x

"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.

Lx.x.xI

Nothing the n.o.ble 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.

Lx.x.xII

So early on the morrow, about the matin song, Forth came the n.o.ble 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.

Lx.x.xIII

Kriemhild, the fair, the spotless, amidst her ladies stood, Waiting for Sir Rudeger the n.o.ble 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.

Lx.x.xIV

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.

Lx.x.xV

They bade the chief be seated, and with him all his band.

There the two n.o.ble 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.

Lx.x.xVI

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 n.o.ble margrave, her grief was lively yet.

Lx.x.xVII

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. .h.i.ther from our far-distant land."

Lx.x.xVIII

"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.

Lx.x.xIX

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.

XC

"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."

XCI

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."

XCII

"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?

XCIII

"To love my n.o.ble master should you consenting deign, You o'er twelve mighty kingdoms a crowned queen shall reign.

And more than thirty princedoms he at your feet will lay, Won by his matchless puissance in many a b.l.o.o.d.y fray.

XCIV

"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.

XCV

"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."