Gladly I hearken the greeting borne this day unto me,
And willing service I tender from me and mine by thee.”
Outspake a Prince Burgundian, and the good knight Gernot said:
“Well may the world sit mourning that Helka the fair is dead;
For in her did princely virtues and the law of kindness reign.”
“This witness is true: I have seen it,” said Hagen the high-born thane.
But again that noble herald, Lord Rüdiger, spake on:
“Lord King, now suffer me further: mine errand not yet is done.
I would utter the word of my dear Lord, the which by my mouth he saith.
He liveth in sorrow exceeding since the Lady Helka’s death.