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XXI.]

Unto the Traisen river the guests they soon did bring;

And Rüdeger’s retainers served them, unwearying,

Until the Hun-folk nding across the country came.

Then was there mickle honour done to the royal dame.

The king of the Huns’ country did, near the Traisen, own

A very noble stronghold, to everyone well known.

Its name was Traisenmauer, where Helka lived of yore,

And practised such great virtues, scarce met with any more,

Save only in Kriemhilda;— for she knew how to give;—

And, after all her sorrow, was for some joy to live,

In that she also honour of Etzel’s folk might have;

Which soon, in fullest measure, the heroes to her gave.

The sovereignty of Etzel was own’d so far and wide

That at his court were met with, at every time and tide,

The bravest of all warriors whose names were known to fame

’Mongst Christians or heathens: all thither to him came.

With him there was at all times— which scarce again can come—

The Christian confession along with heathendom.

Whatever rule of living each for himself might have,

The king’s mood was so easy, plenty to all he gave.