When to Etzelburg the tidings / soon were borne along,
Therein of men and women / were seen a merry throng.
Who once the Lady Helke / as mistress did obey,
Anon by Lady Kriemhild / lived they many a gladsome day.
There did stand expectant / full many a maid high-born,
That since the death of Helke / had pined all forlorn.
Daughters of seven monarchs / Kriemhild there waiting found,
That were the high adornment / of all King Etzel's country round.
Herrat, a lofty princess, / did all the train obey,
Sister's child to Helke, / in whom high virtues lay,
Betrothéd eke of Dietrich, / of royal lineage born,
Daughter of King Nentwein; / her did high honors eft adorn.
Against the strangers' coming / her heart with joy flowed o'er:
Eke was thereto devoted / of wealth a mickle store.
Who might e'er give the picture, / how the king eft sat on throne?
Nor had with any mistress / the Huns such joyous living known.
As with his spouse the monarch / up from the river came,
Unto the noble Kriemhild / of each they told the name
'Mong them that she did find there: / she fairer each did greet.
Ah, how mighty mistress / she long did sit in Helke's seat!