yal Helca, my master's
wife, is dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned,
daughters of noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth
full piteously in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them
faithfully. The king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."

"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth
his service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his
greeting, and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."

Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair
Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."

With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.

Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me,
O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent
you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men
told my lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be
dead. If this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights,
would ye but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."

Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care
to do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in
these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her
wish?"

Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served
so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunthers men.
Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the
third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full
wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that
Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save
Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right
wit, ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
follow."

"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure
happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister.
We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her
honor."

Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel
as have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath
danger happed to you by right."

"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near
him that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she