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XX.]

When they to Bechelaren within the town did fare,

The host his fellow travellers bade kindly welcome there,

And offer’d board and lodging. Good quarters each one had.

The noble Gotelinda to see him come was glad.

Likewise his well-loved daughter, the little margravine,

At her dear father’s coming could ne’er have gladder been,

The heroes out of Huns’ land how glad she was to see!

And them the noble maiden accosted merrily:

“Right heartily be welcome my father and his men!”

And readily, to thank her, fair words were spoken then

Unto the margrave’s daughter, by many a worthy knight.

Sir Rüdeger’s demeanour Gotlinda read aright.

For when alone at night-time by Rüdeger she lay,

How lovingly besought him the margravine to say

Whither the king from Huns’ land had bidden him to go.

Said he: “My wife Got’linda, I’ll gladly let thee know.

“I for the king my master must seek another wife,

Now that the beauteous Helka departed hath this life.

Therefore to fetch Kriemhilda unto the Rhine ride we;

To Huns’ land she is coming a mighty queen to be.”

“God grant,” said Gotelinda, “that that may come to pass

Since we have heard, in honour, how much she doth surpass.

She may replace my lady  belike, in days to be,

We’ll let her wear in Huns’ land the queen’s crown willingly.”