How King Etzel Sent into Burgundy to Propose for Kriemhild, XXXVI–LXX

Then said the Knight of Trony, "I have not seen them yet; I can inform you better when I and they have met. Whatever be their country, how far soe'er it be, They must indeed be strangers, if they're unknown to me."

Now were in fitting chambers bestow'd the noble guests. The margrave and his comrades all donn'd their choicest vests, And rode to court attended; all gaz'd on them their fill; Right gorgeous was their raiment, and cut with curious skill.

Straight cried the nimble Hagan, "If I conjecture right, (Though now 'tis many a summer since last I saw the knight), So moves yon gallant squadron, that we must needs have here The mighty Hunnish margrave redoubted Rudeger."

"Nay! how can I believe it," said Gunther instantly, "That he of Bechlaren has come to Burgundy?" The king had scarce well ended, when they had drawn so nigh, That Hagan could for certain good Rudeger descry.

He and his friends ran forward, and flock'd the guests around. Five hundred knights together sprung from horse to ground. The valiant chiefs of Hungary were welcom'd o'er and o'er. Messengers yet never such goodly raiment wore.

Then the stout Knight of Trony spoke these fair words aloud, "Now in God's name welcome all ye champions proud, The Lord of Bechlaren and his followers bold." The warlike Huns were greeted with honors manifold.

King Gunther's nearest kinsmen to see them forward press'd. Ortwine of Metz thus friendly Sir Rudeger address'd, "We ne'er have seen so gladly on any former day Guests in the bounds of Rhineland; this can I truly say."

Much thanks for their fair welcome return'd the warriors all. Thence forthwith stepp'd they forward into the spacious hall, Where the king was seated amidst his chivalry. He rose as in they enter'd, such was his courtesy.

With what kind condescension to the messengers he went! Gunther and Gernot welcom'd with friendly warm intent Their guest and his companions, and made them fitting cheer. By the hand then took King Gunther the noble Rudeger.

To the seat he brought him whereon himself he sat. Then bade he hand the strangers (a joyful task was that) Cups of his best metheglin and of the choicest wine That ere was made from vineyards in the land all round the Rhine.

Giselher and Gary had both arriv'd at court, Dankwart too and Folker had heard the glad report Of such fair guests come thither; before the king they stood, And joyously saluted the noble knights and good.

Then to his lord Sir Hagan the Knight of Trony spake, "These chiefs to Gotelind's husband a fit return should make For all the friendly service he did to us of yore. We should at full requite him, and love him still the more."

Then thus began King Gunther, "This now I needs must ask How are they both who sent you (to tell me be your task), King Etzel and Queen Helca, who reign in Hungary?" The noble margrave answer'd, "I'll tell you willingly."

Then from his seat the warrior uprose with all his train, And thus bespake King Gunther, "If you, Sir King, are fain To grant me gracious audience, nothing will I withhold. The message, that I bring you, it shall be freely told."

Said he, "Whate'er the message that Etzel by you sends, I give you leave to speak it without consulting friends. At once then let me hear it, and these my comrades too. All power you have with honor your business here to do."

Then spake the noble envoy, "My mighty sovran sends His love sincere and service to you and all your friends. Here in distant Rhineland, and I in honor bring A true and faithful greeting from a true and faithful king.

"The noble king entreats you his sorrow to deplore; His vassals all are mourning; my lady is no more, Helca the fair and virtuous, who shar'd his royal bed. Many a young maid is orphan'd now the good queen is dead.

"Children of noble princes she train'd with fostering care; Whom have they now, so truly a mother's charge to bear? The land is all in sorrow, the king can nought but plain; 'Twill be long time, I fear me, ere he be blithe again."

"Now heaven him quit," said Gunther, "that with so fair intent To me and mine so distant his service he hath sent. I take his greeting kindly; henceforth, as best they may, My kinsmen and my servants his favor shall repay."

Then spake the bold Burgundian, Gernot the stout and true, "The death of fair Queen Helca the world may ever rue. Beauty and worth together are buried in her grave." To the words of Sir Gernot assent Sir Hagan gave.

Thereon the high-born envoy his message freely told, "King, since you have permitted, I'll to your ears unfold, Wherefore my royal master me to your court has sent, Plung'd as he is in sorrow and doleful dreariment.

"It has been told my master, Sir Siegfried now is dead, And Kriemhild left a widow; if thus they both have sped, Would you but permit her, she the crown shall wear Before the knights of Etzel, this bids me my good lord declare."

Thereto the king made answer, with courteous kind intent, "She will perform my pleasure if she to this consent. Within three days I'll tell you whether her mind be so. How can I promise Etzel; till first her will I know?"

Meanwhile the guests were feasted and furnish'd with the best, And all so well entreated, that Rudeger confess'd That among Gunther's vassals true friends he sure had won. With zeal him serv'd Sir Hagan, as he once to him had done.

So to the third day rested Sir Rudeger and his crew. Meanwhile the king took counsel ('twas wisdom so to do), And ask'd, what thought his kinsmen, if 'twere a fitting thing, That Kriemhild for her husband should take the noble king.

All with one voice advis'd it; Hagan alone said nay; Then to the bold knight Gunther thus 'gan the warrior say, "If you are in your senses, beware what I foresee. E'en with consent of Kriemhild ne'er let this marriage be."

"Wherefore," returned King Gunther, "should I oppose her will? Whate'er may please fair Kriemhild, I'll grant it freely still. Remember, she's my sister; let her this crown obtain. Ourselves should seek th' alliance, if honor thence she gain."

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."

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

"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."

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."

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