IV
Thereto his knights made answer, "What if she yet consent
Mov'd by your name so glorious and potent regiment?
'Twere well to make the trial whatever thence accrue;
For such a fair companion a king might gladly sue."
The noble king then question'd, "Who among you knows
The people and the country where Rhine's fair current flows?"
Said Rudeger of Bechlaren, "For that trust me alone;
I from earliest childhood the noble kings have known.
VI
"Gunther and Gernot, good knights as e'er can be;
The third is the young Giselher; each of the brethren three
Does all, whereby clear honor and high repute are won,
Just as their brave forefathers down to our times have done."
VII
Thereto gave answer Etzel, "Friend, do to me declare,
If she indeed be worthy here the proud crown to wear;
And, if she be so lovely as by report is borne,
My best friends may be certain, they'll have no cause to mourn.
VIII