XCVII
"Fair queen," the Huns made answer, "if only you consent,
Your days will with King Etzel so royally be spent,
That each will, as it passes, some varied pleasure bring;
Such store of courtly warriors has our redoubted king.
XCVIII
"Together Helca's damsels and your fair maids will vie
In zeal to do you service, one blooming company;
Good knights will there be merry amid so bright a train;
Be well advis'd, high lady! in sooth 'twill be your gain."
XCIX
"Well," said she, soft and courteous, "this converse now give o'er
Until to-morrow morning, then hither come once more,
And then your monarch's message I'll answer as I may."
The high-descended warriors could not but obey.
C
So to their several chambers the lofty strangers went.
Straight to her brother Giselher the noble lady sent,
And eke to her good mother; to both them 'gan she say,
That nothing now became her but to weep her life away.
CI