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166 are come with me, to stand before you and tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither.”

“Now may ye speak whatso ye list,” spake the queen. “I am minded to hear it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger.”

The others noted well her unwilling mood.

Then spake Prince Rüdeger of Bechelaren: “Etzel, a high-born king, hath in good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers hither to this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your love. Great joy without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready to give you constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay within his heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full often joyless days.”

Then spake the queen: “Margrave Rüdeger, were there any who knew my bitter sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the best of husbands that ever lady won.”

“What may comfort grief,” the bold knight replied, “but married joy. When that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble master, ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord will give you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand hath overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen, who were subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and princely race, who owned her sway.” Thus spake the brave knight and bold. “Thereto my lord will give you (this he bade