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“Now back let it be taken, for of it will I naught;

Sufficient from my country, ay, of mine own, I brought,

That we can do without it right well upon the way,

And all our homeward charges right royally can pay.”

Unto that end her maidens had meanwhile pieces told

Into a dozen coffers, all of the finest gold

That ever one might meet with: these with them they would bear,

And ornaments for ladies upon the road to wear.

The mastery of grim Hagen seem’d overpowering.

Some thousand marks still had she left from the almsgiving.

For her dear husband’s welfare the whole did she dispart;

And Rüdeger but deem’d it done with a right true heart.

Then said the weeping lady: “Where are those friends of mine

Who for my sake are willing in banishment to pine?

They who unto the Huns’ land will bear me company?

Let them take of my treasure and horse and raiment buy.”

Then Eckewart the margrave, made answer to the queen:

“So long as in your household a servant I have been

Right truly have I served you,” thus did the warrior say,

“Nor will I cease to do so until my dying day.

“And of my men five hundred eke will I bring with me,

Whom I unto your service do pledge right faithfully.

For nothing shall divide us, till Death our lives do part.”

She bent her head to thank him: too full was her sad heart.