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When they enough had eaten, and time it was to start,

The mistress of the household proffer’d, with all her heart,

Most true and loyal service to Etzel’s wife to-be.

Then was the fair young maiden embraced right lovingly.

Unto the Queen thus spake she: “If it seem good to you,

I know that my dear father right gladly this will do:

He’ll send me into Hunsland that I with you may be.”

That she was loyal-hearted Kriemhilda well could see.

In front of Bechelaren the horses had been led;

The noble queen already her parting words had said

Unto the wife and daughter of margrave Rüdeger;

With greetings, too, departed full many a maiden fair.

They scarce from that day forward saw one another more.

And when they came to Medlick, lo! in their hands men bore

A store of brave gold flagons, wherein, unto the street,

Wine brought they for the strangers; to give them welcome meet.

There was a lord of manor here dwelling, hight Astold;

Into the Austrian country the way to them he told:

By Mautern, somewhat further the Danube stream adown.

There right true service later the mighty queen did own.

Unto his niece the bishop a loving farewell bade;

To be of cheerful spirit her earnestly he pray’d,

And win herself such honour as Helka erst had done.

Ay! what great honour later amongst the Huns she won!