Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/447

XXXVII.]

“I gave away my daughter to Giselher the thane,

In all the world she could not have look’d for better gain

In honour or good breeding, in truth or worldly gear;

I ne’er saw prince so youthful in virtuous mind his peer.”

But yet again spake Kriemhild: “Right noble Rüdeger,

Now let our grievous trouble for both your pity stir,

For me and the king also; and bear ye well in mind

That never host was fated such baleful guests to find.”

Then to the noble lady the margrave answer made:

“To-day, with life, must ransom by Rüdeger be paid

For what to me of kindness thou and my lord have shown:

For that cause I must perish,— and it must now be done.

“This very day, well know I, my castles and my land

Must, ownerless, fall to you, through what ye now command.

My wife and child commend I unto your gracious care,

And eke the hapless people that at Bechlaren are.”

“Now Rüdeger, God bless thee!” the king in answer said;

He and the queen together exceeding glad were made:

“Right well unto thy people our care we both will give,

Though if good luck be with me I trust thou yet mayst live.”

And so upon the venture body and soul he cast;

Whereon the wife of Etzel began to weep at last.

Said he: “What I have promised I must to you fulfil;—

Woe for my friends, whose foeman I am against my will.”