Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/226

168 She spake: “My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping and wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his knights? Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft.”

To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: “Whatever thy brothers counsel thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with thee. I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief.”

Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband’s side of yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never have again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: “And shall I give my body to a paynim (I am a Christian wife), forever in the world must I bear shame. An’ he gave me all the kingdoms in the world still 1 would not do it.”

Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come and took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the king of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry. Then they bade fetch hither Etzel’s men, who now would fain have taken their leave, whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost their suit. Rüdeger came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn aright the noble prince’s mind. To all it seemed well that this be done betimes, for long was the way back into their land. Men brought Rüdeger to where Kriemhild was found. Winningly the knight gan beg