Then said the minstrel Werbel, "And might it also be, That you would permit us a little s.p.a.ce to see My gracious Lady Uta ere we retire to rest?"

Thereto a.s.sent Sir Giselher thus courteously express'd.

x.x.xI

"That no one will refuse you, and, would you thither go, Full well you'd please my mother, that for a truth I know; Surely for my sister the Lady Kriemhild's sake She will behold you gladly, and friendly welcome make."

x.x.xII

Giselher then led them where he the lady found; Full gladly she beheld them, the chiefs from Hunnish ground.

She gave them friendly greeting, for she was good and wise; They then their charge deliver'd in grave and courtly guise.

x.x.xIII

"To you the queen my lady," thus n.o.ble Swemmeline spake, "Commends her love and duty; this you for truth may take, That if your royal daughter her mother oft could see, In all the world no pleasure more dear to her would be."

x.x.xIV

Thereto the queen made answer, "That cannot be, I fear; Much as 'twould glad me, often to see my daughter dear, She dwells from hence too distant, the n.o.ble Etzel's wife.

May she and he together ever lead a happy life!

x.x.xV

"I pray you, give me notice, e'er you from Rhineland go, When you begin your journey; this too for certain know, That I never envoys with more content have seen."

The squires to do her pleasure made promise to the queen.

x.x.xVI

The messengers from Hungary thence to their chambers went; Meanwhile in haste King Gunther round to his friends had sent, And, when all were a.s.sembled, inquir'd of every man, What thought they of the message; many then to speak began.

x.x.xVII

That into Etzel's country be might in safety ride, This all the best advis'd him, who stood there by his side, Save only stern Sir Hagan; he drew the king apart, And grimly frowning mutter'd, "You strike at your own heart.

x.x.xVIII

"You sure must still remember what we ere now have done.

We must beware of Kriemhild for ever, every one.

To the death her husband I smote with this good hand; How then can we with prudence set foot in Etzel's land?"

x.x.xIX

Then spake the mighty monarch, "She thinks no more of this; At parting she forgave us, with many a loving kiss, All we had done against her; her wrath is overblown.

If she bear malice, Hagan, 'tis sure 'gainst you alone."

XL

"Trust not, Sir King," said Hagan, "how smooth soe'er they be, The messengers from Hungary; if Kriemhild you will see, You put upon the venture your honor and your life.

A nurse of ling'ring vengeance is Etzel's moody wife."

XLI

Then took the word Prince Gernot, and in the council spake, "Because you with good reason believe your life at stake In yonder Hunnish kingdoms, must we too Kriemhild shun, And visit not our sister? that sure were wrongly done."

XLII

Then to the frowning warrior Prince Giselher turn'd his rede, "Since you know yourself guilty, friend Hagan, in this deed, Better stay here in safety, and of your life take care, And with us to our sister let journey those who dare."

XLIII

Thereat the Knight of Trony to kindle wrath began, "Never shall you, never, lead with you hence a man That with you dare ride readier to visit your worst foe; Since you will not hear counsel, this I ere long will show."

XLIV

Then spake the steward Rumolt, a hardy knight and true; "You can dispose in Rhineland of friends and strangers too After your own good pleasure; abundance have you here; No one, I ween, in Hungary has bound you to appear.

XLV

"Since you will not hear Hagan, to my advice attend; This is what Rumolt counsels, your firm and faithful friend; Stay here in peace and plenty; let those who need it roam, And let the great King Etzel cheer his fair queen at home.

XLVI

"Where can you be better for pleasure or repose?

Where more with friends surrounded, and more secure from foes?

So be wise and merry, the richest raiment wear, Drink the best wine in Rhineland, and woo the fairest fair.

XLVII

"Store have you too of dainties, the best and most to prize That ever feasted monarch, and, if 'twere otherwise, At home you still should tarry for love of your fair wife, Nor in such childish fashion expose your precious life.

XLVIII