Said he, "Whate'er the message that Etzel by you sends,
I give you leave to speak it without consulting friends.
At once then let me hear it, and these my comrades too.
All power you have with honor your business here to do."
LI
Then spake the noble envoy, "My mighty sovran sends
His love sincere and service to you and all your friends.
Here in distant Rhineland, and I in honor bring
A true and faithful greeting from a true and faithful king.
LII
"The noble king entreats you his sorrow to deplore;
His vassals all are mourning; my lady is no more,
Helca the fair and virtuous, who shar'd his royal bed.
Many a young maid is orphan'd now the good queen is dead.
LIII
"Children of noble princes she train'd with fostering care;
Whom have they now, so truly a mother's charge to bear?
The land is all in sorrow, the king can nought but plain;
'Twill be long time, I fear me, ere he be blithe again."
LIV
"Now heaven him quit," said Gunther, "that with so fair intent
To me and mine so distant his service he hath sent.
I take his greeting kindly; henceforth, as best they may,
My kinsmen and my servants his favor shall repay."