Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/220

162 Then answered Rüdeger, the noble and lordly envoy: “Sith ye permit me, O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men told my lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be dead. If this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel’s knights, would ye but permit her. This my sovran bade me say.”

Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: “And she care to do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I’ve learned her wish?”

Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served so well that Rüdeger owned he had good friends there among Gunthers men. Hagen served him gladly, as Rüdeger had done to him of yore. Till the third day Rüdeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: “Have ye but the right wit, ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho’ she were fain to follow.”

“Why,” spake then Gunther, “should I not consent? Whatever pleasure happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister. We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her honor.”

Then answered Hagen: “Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel as have I, and should she