"Thereto my lord will give thee / —he bids to thee make known—
If that beside the monarch / thou deign'st to wear a crown,
Power in fullest measure / that Helke e'er might boast:
The same in lordly manner / shalt thou wield o'er Etzel's host."
Then spake the royal lady: / "How might again my life
Have thereof desire / to be a hero's wife?
Hath death in one already / wrought me such sorrows sore,
That joyless must my days be / from this time for evermore."
Then spake the men of Hunland: / "O royal high lady,
Thy life shall there by Etzel / so full of honor be
Thy heart 'twill ever gladden / if but may be such thing:
Full many a thane right stately / doth homage to the mighty king.
"Might but Helke's maidens / and they that wait on thee
E'er be joined together / in one royal company,
Well might brave knights to see them / wax merry in their mood.
Be, lady, now persuaded / —'tis verily thy surest good."
She spake in courteous manner: / "Let further parley be
Until doth come the morrow. / Then hither come to me.
So will I give my answer / to bear upon your way."
The noble knights and worthy / must straight therein her will obey.