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“Children of noble princes, whom she did rear of late—

And therefore is the country in lamentable state:

These now, alas, have no one to rear them faithfully.

I doubt there is no ending to the king’s misery.”

“Requite him God,” said Gunther, “for that to me he sends

So willingly his service, as eke unto my friends!

The greeting thou hast brought me right gladly have I heard:

My kinsmen and my lieges shall merit his good word.”

Then spake, from the Burgundians, Gernot the warrior:

“The world fair Helka’s dying  may rue for evermore,

For all her many virtues, which she to cherish knew.”

The doughty knight, Sir Hagen, agreed that this was true.

But Rüdeger said further, the high ambassador:

“Since you, O king, allow me, I have to tell you more

Of that which my dear master hath bidden me fulfil;

Since from the death of Helka things have with him gone ill.

“It hath been told my master that, Siegfried being dead,

Kriemhilda is a widow. If this be so, indeed,

And you to her will grant it, then she a crown shall wear

Before King Etzel’s warriors: this have I to declare.”

The mighty monarch answer’d (in courteous mood was he):

“I’ll tell her my opinion, if she perchance agree.

I’ll see that you our answer in three days’ time shall know,

How should I, ere I’ve asked her, say unto Etzel, no?