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XX.]

“My lord will likewise give thee, as he doth bid me say—

If with the king thou deignest to wear the crown one day—

The highest power that ever he unto Helka gave:

Thou over Etzel’s vassals authority shalt have.”

Then spake the queen: “What pleasure remains for me in life,

That ever I should covet to be a hero’s wife?

Such sorrow have I suffer’d all through the death of one,

That I must aye be joyless, until my life be done.”

But once more spake the Hunsman: ‘Most high and noble queen,

Your life along with Etzel so glorious would be seen,

Naught would it be but gladness, if this should come to pass:

And many a handsome warrior the mighty monarch has.”

“The damsels of Queen Helka, the maids that follow thee,

Shall make with one another a single company;

A sight at which the warriors shall merry be of mood.

Be counsell’d therefore, lady; in sooth ’tis for thy good!”

With courtesy she answer’d: “Now let this parley be

Until to-morrow early; then come again to me

And you shall have my answer to what you have at heart.”

Needs must the valiant warrior agree, and so depart.

When they unto their hostel had all returnéd home,

Then sent the noble lady for Giselher to come,

And likewise for her mother: and unto both did vow,

That nothing else save weeping was fitting for her now.