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XX.]

To Rüdeger thus spake she: “If it were known to me

That he were not an heathen, I would come willingly,

Whithersoe’er he listeth, and take him for my lord.”

The margrave answer’d: “Lady, heed not a single word.

“He hath so many warriors, who in Christ’s faith believe

That with the king at no time shall you have cause to grieve.

What if your faith should win him to take the Christian life?

Then might you well be happy to be King Etzel’s wife.”

Then said her brothers also: “Now, sister mine, say ‘Yes,’

And so be quit for ever of your unhappiness.”

Thus long did they beseech her, till, full of sorrow, she

Before the heroes promised King Etzel’s wife to be.

She said: “You will I follow, a queen right sad of heart,

And fare with you to Huns’ land; so may we now depart,

When I the friends have found me to bring me to his land.”

To that, before the heroes, fair Kriemhild gave her hand.

Then to her said the margrave: “Hast thou a pair of men,

To them I can add many: it will be easy then

To bring you with due honour unto Rhine’s further side:

No longer, mid Burgundians, lady, must thou abide.

“I have five hundred liegemen, and kinsmen too, of whom

Thou mayst command the service,— or here, or there at home

To do thy bidding, lady; and I will do the same,

Whene’er thou claim’st my promise,— that so I have no shame.