[989]

Gu-drun to this had listened, the wretched, homeless maid;

She said: “My Lady Gerlind, ’twould make you sad indeed

If you must take in wedlock one who the lives had wasted

Of many friends and kinsfolk; by toil for him your life were ever blasted.”

[990]

“This shall no one hinder,” to her then said the queen;

“Gainsay his will no longer, let your love for him be seen,

And on my head I pledge you that rich shall be your guerdon:

If to be a queen you spurn not, you of my crown shall bear the happy burden.”