Then out spake to Sir Rudeger that minstrel bold and true,
"High and puissant margrave, God sure has dealt with you
As one whom most He favors, since he so fair a wife
Has given you for a helpmate, and bless'd with joy your life.
XXVI
"If I were a monarch and if a crown I wore,"
Said the good knight, "no maiden should be my queen before
Your fair and gentle daughter; my heart's desire I tell;
Lovely is she to look on, high-born and nurtur'd well."
XXVII
Then spake the noble margrave, "What chance could ever bring
To woo my child beloved a proud and puissant king?
My wife and I are exiles, both worn with age and care,
And can give her nothing; what boots then all her fair?"
XXVIII
Thereat the courteous Gernot took up the word and spake,
"If I desir'd a helpmate after my heart to take
None would I ask more gladly than this same modest maid."
Thereupon Sir Hagan in courtly fashion said,
XXIX
"Now fits it my lord Giselher to take a bride, I ween,
And sure so high-descended is the young margravine,
That I and all his vassals would do her homage fain,
If crown'd we were to see her in our Burgundian reign."
XXX