"For spouse unto Sir Giselher / gave I a daughter mine,
Nor into fairer keeping / might I her resign,
Where truth were sought and honor / and gentle courtesy:
Ne'er saw I thane so youthful / virtuous in mind as he."
Again gave answer Kriemhild: / "O noble Ruediger,
To me and royal Etzel / in mercy now give ear
For sorrows that o'erwhelm us. / Bethink thee, I implore,
That monarch never any / harbored so evil guests before."
Spake in turn the margrave / unto the monarch's wife:
"Ruediger requital / must make to-day with life
For that thou and my master / did me so true befriend.
Therefore must I perish; / now must my service find an end.
"E'en this day, well know I, / my castles and my land
Must surely lose their master / beneath a stranger's hand.
To thee my wife and children / commend I for thy care,
And with all the lorn ones / that wait by Bechelaren's towers fair."
"Now God reward thee, Ruediger," / thereat King Etzel quoth.
He and the queen together, / right joyful were they both.
"To us shall all thy people / full commended be;
Eke trow I by my fortune / no harm shall here befall to thee."