The messenger to seat him / and his men they gave command.
The twain valiant margraves / saw ye before her stand,
Eckewart and Gere, / the noble knights and keen,
Such was the lady's sorrow, / none saw ye there of cheerful mien.
They saw before her sitting / full many a lady fair,
And yet the Lady Kriemhild / did naught but sorrow there.
The dress upon her bosom / was wet with tears that fell,
And soon the noble margrave / perceived her mickle grief full well.
Then spake the lofty messenger: / "Daughter of king full high,
To me and these my fellows / that bear me company
Deign now the grace to grant us / that we before thee stand
And tell to thee the tidings / wherefore we rode unto thy land."
"That grace to thee is granted," / spake the lofty queen;
"Whate'er may be thy message, / I'll let it now be seen
That I do hear it gladly: / thou'rt welcome messenger."
That fruitless was their errand / deemed the others well to hear.
Then spake of Bechelaren / the noble Ruediger:
"Pledge of true love unto thee / from lofty king I bear,
Etzel who bids thee, lady, / here royal compliment:
He hath to woo thy favor / knights full worthy hither sent.