Etzel the King most mighty hath straitly commanded us
That by all his love we entreat you, and to each and to all say thus—
If haply the love of your sister avail not to draw you hence,
Yet fain would he know what trespass ye have found in him, or offence,
That ye hold you so far from his kingdom, and the land ye have never seen.
Yea, though unto you a stranger, and wholly unknown were the Queen,
Yet himself might surely merit that ye deigned to look on his face!
If to this ye consent, ye shall gladden his heart by this great grace.”
Answered and spake King Gunther: “After the seventh night
Will I render to you mine answer, the thing that hath seemed me right