Then spake that courteous herald: “O Daughter of Kings, I pray
For myself and my fellow-farers which have come from far away,
That thou of thy grace wilt suffer that now in thy presence we stand
And utter to thee the message that we bring from our fatherland.”
“This grace do I freely accord thee,” the sad Queen made reply;
“Speak whatsoe’er thou desirest, for purposed now am I
Gladly to hear that message: good herald and true thou art.”
Yet all through the courteous bidding discerned the reluctant heart.
Then the Knight of Bechlaren, the Margrave Rüdiger, spake the word:
“Unto thee, O Lady, Etzel the mighty King my Lord