"What more amends for anguish," the warrior answer'd kind,
"Than faithful love unchanging, could one the blessing find,
Choosing the heart's beloved and choosing not amiss?
For life-consuming sorrow what sweeter balm than this?
XCIII
"To love my noble master should you consenting deign,
You o'er twelve mighty kingdoms a crownéd queen shall reign.
And more than thirty princedoms he at your feet will lay,
Won by his matchless puissance in many a bloody fray.
XCIV
"To you, besides, obedience many a good knight shall do,
That to my Lady Helca were wont to serve and sue.
And all the dames and damsels, that once swell'd Helca's state.
Daughters of high-born princes, shall now on Kriemhild wait.
XCV
"Thereto my lord will give you (this bade he me declare),
If you vouchsafe beside him the queenly crown to wear,
The highest rights and honors that once were Helca's due;
All these before his liegemen shall be transferred to you."
XCVI
"How can I feel contented," the mourning queen replied,
"To wed another hero, a widow and a bride?
Grim Death in one already has wounded me so sore,
That nought can now await me, but sorrow evermore."