How King Etzel Sent into Burgundy to Propose for Kriemhild, CVI–CXL

Then to herself thus thought she, "How can I Etzel wed? I, a Christian woman, share a heathen's bed? Throughout the world dishonor would surely be my due. No—not for all his kingdoms thus could I ever do."

So let she rest the matter. All night till break of day With troublous thoughts companion'd on her weary couch she lay, Nor ceas'd the tears a moment from her fair eyes to flow, Till early dawn to matins bade the pale mourner go.

Just at mass time returning the kings her brethren came; To their reluctant sister their suit was still the same; To wed the King of Hungary they urg'd her o'er and o'er, But not a whit more yielding they found her than before.

Then summon'd were the warriors that came on Etzel's part; They sought a farewell audience ere they should home depart, Successful or successless, as it might chance to fall. To court straight came Sir Rudeger and his valiant comrades all.

These press'd their noble leader ever by the way To learn the mind of Gunther, and that without delay, For they had far to travel back to their homes, they said. Straight was good Sir Rudeger to Kriemhild's presence led.

With soft persuasive accents the knight began to pray The fair and high-born lady, that she to him would say, What answer to King Etzel she to return would deign. Naught, ween I, but denial he from her lips could gain.

"She'd take no second husband, love she could feel for none." "Nay," said the noble margrave, "that were unwisely done. Why such surpassing beauty waste in a mourning bed? 'Twould sure be to your honor a loving lord to wed."

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.

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

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."

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' assurance of his hand.

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?"

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."

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.

"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.

"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."

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.

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.

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

"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.

"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."

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!

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.

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. She long'd t' enrich the comrades of Rudeger, every man.

Gold had she yet remaining from the Nibelungers' land; All wish'd she to th' Hungarians to give with lavish hand; Sturdy mules a hundred could not have borne the same. But the tale of this huge treasure to th' ear of Hagan came.

Said he, "She'll ne'er forgive me, that need I not be told; So safe with us Burgundians shall stay Sir Siegfried's gold. Why should I let such treasure to deadly foes accrue? I know full well what Kriemhild with all this wealth will do.

"If once she hence could fetch it, I guess her whole intent; I doubt not, every farthing would to my hurt be spent. Besides, they have not horses such weight to undergo; So Hagan here will keep it, and that shall Kriemhild know."

When she heard the tidings, she felt it grievous bale; To the three kings together full soon was told the tale. They wish'd they could avert it, but nothing hence ensued. Then thus the noble Rudeger spoke in right merry mood.

"Rich and noble princess, why sorrow for the gold? Let but the eyes of Etzel your peerless fair behold, So much the king adores you (for this on me depend) He'll give you far more treasure than you can ever spend."

Thereto the queen made answer, "Right noble Rudeger, More wealth had never princess in kingdom far or near, Than this outrageous Hagan has foully reft from me." Then came her brother Gernot to her chamber hastily.

The king's key in a moment he dash'd into the door. The gold of Lady Kriemhild, thirty thousand marks or more, Out was laid in order from the secret cell. He bade the strangers take it; that pleas'd King Gunther well.

Then he of Bechlaren, fair Gotelind's husband, spake: "If my Lady Kriemhild had power with her to take All that from Nibelung's country was ever brought to Rhine, Yet touch'd should it be never by her hand or by mine.

"So let it here be treasur'd, for none of it will I. From home I have hither brought such a large supply, That on the road full lightly we can with this dispense, So amply are we furnish'd for all the journey hence."

Twelve chests of gold, the choicest that e'er was seen of eye, Her maidens had kept ever in close reserve laid by. Now with them, as they parted, they took the precious load, With store of women's trinkets, to serve them on the road.

Still she look'd for violence from Hagan bad and bold. She had yet for pious uses a thousand marks of gold. These for the soul of Siegfried, her dearest lord, she gave. "Her love," thought noble Rudeger, "lives e'en beyond the grave."