On earth no worthier bridegroom for my dear child could I gain,
Nor in knightly spirit nor honour, nor in faith, nor in this world’s good.
Never was prince thus youthful so chivalrous of mood.”
But again made answer Kriemhild: “O Rüdiger, noble chief,
Think also on us; have pity on all our wrongs and our grief,
Upon mine and my Lord King Etzel’s; yea, ponder well thereon.
No host in the wide world ever more pestilent guests hath won.”
Thereat unto Queen Kriemhild did the Lord of the Marches say:
“His life must be rendered in payment by Rüdiger this day
For all the kindness showed me of thee and my Lord the King.