LV

Then spake the bold Burgundian, Gernot the stout and true,
"The death of fair Queen Helca the world may ever rue.
Beauty and worth together are buried in her grave."
To the words of Sir Gernot assent Sir Hagan gave.

LVI

Thereon the high-born envoy his message freely told,
"King, since you have permitted, I'll to your ears unfold,
Wherefore my royal master me to your court has sent,
Plung'd as he is in sorrow and doleful dreariment.

LVII

"It has been told my master, Sir Siegfried now is dead,
And Kriemhild left a widow; if thus they both have sped,
Would you but permit her, she the crown shall wear
Before the knights of Etzel, this bids me my good lord declare."

LVIII

Thereto the king made answer, with courteous kind intent,
"She will perform my pleasure if she to this consent.
Within three days I'll tell you whether her mind be so.
How can I promise Etzel; till first her will I know?"

[LIX]

Meanwhile the guests were feasted and furnish'd with the best,
And all so well entreated, that Rudeger confess'd
That among Gunther's vassals true friends he sure had won.
With zeal him serv'd Sir Hagan, as he once to him had done.