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Then said the noble sovereign: “Doth any one of you

The people of the Rhine-land and eke the country know?”

Good Rüdeger made answer, who from Bechlaren came:

I’ve known her from her childhood, this queen of noble name.

“King Gunther and King Gernot, the noble knights and brave,

And Giselher, the third one,— each ever doth behave

In such wise as high honour and virtue too have taught;

Nor elsewise from aforetime have their forefathers wrought.”

But furthermore said Etzel: “Friend, I would learn of thee

If in my land she ’s worthy to wear the crown with me?

And if she ’s fair of body as has to me been said?—

Then those to me most friendly, need never be dismay’d.”

“Indeed unto my lady in beauty likeneth she,

To Helka, the most mighty; ay! in this world could be

For any king whatever never a wife more fair.

To whom her love she plighteth he may be of good cheer.”

He spake: “Then win her, Rüdeger, if dear to thee am I.

And if beside Kriemhilda it e’er be mine to lie,

I will reward thee for it as fully as may be;—

Seeing thou wilt my wishes have compass’d thoroughly.

“So much out of my treasure I’ll have bestow’d on thee

That thou and thy companions may live right merrily;

Of horses and of raiment whatever you may need,

I will have for your journey made ready with all speed.”