ingly might,
stuck a key into the door, that they got Kriemhild's gold out--thirty
marks or more. He bade the guests take it, the which pleased Gunther.

But Gotelind's husband of Bechlaren said, "Had my mistress all that was
ever brought from the Nibelung land, neither mine nor the queen's hand
would touch it. Bid them keep it, for I will none of it. I brought with
me so much from my home that we can lightly dispense with it, and yet
live merrily by the way."

But her maidens had filled twelve chests of the best gold that could be;
they took that with them, and many women's trinkets for the journey. But
even in this thing she feared grim Hagen's might. She had still a
thousand gold marks for masses, and this she gave for the soul for her
dear husband; the which Rudeger thought well done.

Then said the weeping queen, "Where are now the friends that will leave
their home for my sake? Let them ride with me into the land of the Huns,
and take of my treasure to buy them horses and apparel."

The Margrave Gary spoke at once, "From the day I was first given to thee
for thine attendant, I have served thee faithfully," said the knight,
"and will do the same to my life's end. I will take with me also five
hundred men; these, with true heart, I make over to thee. Only death
shall part us." Kriemhild thanked the knight for his word and for his
good offer.

Then they brought round the horses, for they were ready to start. There
was bitter weeping of friends. Great Uta and many a fair maiden showed
their grief for the loss of Kriemhild.

She took with her an hundred high-born maidens, arrayed as beseemed
them. The tears ran down from bright eyes. But at Etzel's court they
had joyful days again.

Then Giselher and Gernot came with their followers, as courtesy bade
them, and escorted their dear sister. Brave Gary came, and Ortwin.
Rumolt the cook had also to go. They prepared the night-quarters for the
women on the way. Folker was the marshal, and saw to their lodging.

After the kisses there was loud weeping, or they came from the castle to
the plain. Many rode and followed on foot unbidden, but Gunther went
only a little way from the town.

Or they left the Rhine, they had sent forward swift messengers to the
land of the Huns, that told the king how Rudeger had won the noble queen
for his wife.

They envoys sped fast; needs must they haste, for honour's sake and the
guerdon of good news. When they and