Answered and spake King Etzel: “Friend, unto me declare
If indeed it well beseemeth that the crown at my side she wear.
If indeed she hath such beauty as flieth on rumour’s wing,
Mine high-born kinsmen shall never repent their counselling.”
“She is such as was once my Lady: in beauty is she no less
Than thy Queen the noble Helka; she is peerless in loveliness
Through all the wide world’s compass, a bride for a king to wed.
Who winneth her love, of a surety may his heart be comforted.”
Said the King: “By my love I charge thee, Rüdiger, win me this bride;
And if ever to me fair Kriemhild shall be joined at the marriage-tide,