LIV

Just then, when sorrowing Kriemhild was ready to depart,
And hop'd with her fond mother to ease her aching heart,
She yet was forc'd to tarry and that last hope resign.
'Twas caus'd by sudden tidings, that cross'd from far the Rhine.

TWENTIETH ADVENTURE
HOW KING ETZEL SENT INTO BURGUNDY TO PROPOSE FOR KRIEMHILD

[I]

'Twas of yore, in the season when Dame Helca died,
And the stout King Etzel would take another bride,
His friends all gave him counsel his marriage troth to plight
To a proud Burgundian widow, that Lady Kriemhild hight.

II

His courtiers thus, when Helca had ended now her life,
Bespoke him, "Would you ever take a noble wife,
The best with whom a monarch could share his royal state,
Make choice of this fair lady; bold Siegfried was her mate."

III

Then answer'd stout King Etzel, "How can succeed the plan,
For me, that am a heathen, and not a christen'd man,
To woo a Christian woman? never consent will she;
Sure 'twere a very marvel if this could ever be."