'Twould sure be to your honor a loving lord to wed."

CXIII

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.

CXIV

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 va.s.sals, and eke my kinsmen true, No one should work you mischief, but he should dearly rue."

CXV

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."

CXVI

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' a.s.surance of his hand.

CXVII

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?"

CXVIII

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."

CXIX

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.

CXX

"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.

CXXI

"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."

CXXII

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.

CXXIII

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.

CXXIV

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

CXXV

"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.

CXXVI

"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."

CXXVII

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!

CXXVIII

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.

CXXIX

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.