Thereat apace all lighter / the lady's sorrow grew,
She spake: "So swear thou truly, / what any 'gainst me do,
That thou wilt be the foremost / my sorrows to requite."
Thereto spake the margrave: / "Lady, to thee my word I plight."
With all his men together / sware then Ruediger
Faithfully to serve her, / and in all things whatsoe'er
Naught would e'er deny her / the thanes from Etzel's land,
Whereof she might have honor: / thereto gave Ruediger his hand.
Then thought the faithful lady: / "Since I thus have won
Band of friends so faithful, / care now have I none
How shall speak the people / in my sore need of me.
The death of my loved husband / perchance shall yet avengéd be."
Thought she: "Since hath Etzel / so many knights and true,
An shall I but command them, / whate'er I will I do.
Eke hath he such riches / that free may be my hand:
Bereft of all my treasure / by Hagen's faithless art I stand."
Then spake she unto Ruediger: / "Were it not, as I do know,
The king is yet a heathen, / so were I fain to go
Whithersoe'er he willed it, / and take him for my lord."
Thereto spake the margrave: / "Lady, no longer hold such word.