Thereafter they gave fair lodging unto all their guests straightway. So kindly were they entreated that Rüdiger needs must say That amid King Gunther's liegemen good friends had he found enow. Glad service did Hagen render for his kindness of long ago. There did the Lord of Bechlaren till the third day's dawning abide; And the King dealt prudently, calling his counsellors to his side; And he asked of his friends and his kinsmen if good in their sight this thing Seemed, that his sister Kriemhild should wed with Etzel the King. "Yea, good in our eyes it seemeth," said they with one accord Save Hagen alone: unto Gunther he spake, that valiant lord: "If thou be wise and prudent, hereof take thou good heed, That, be she never so willing, thou never consent to the deed." "Wherefore," made answer Gunther, "should I his wooing withstand? What kindness soever or blessing the Queen may have of mine hand, That will I grant her gladly. Sister she is unto me. Yea, ourselves might seek such alliance, if such for her honour be." But again made answer Hagen: "Nay, put this counsel by! Did ye but know this Etzel and his might so well as I-- If thou, as thou saidst in mine hearing, unto hers add thy consent, Above all men thou most surely shalt have chief cause to repent." "Wherefore?" said Gunther. "Lightly may I ward me against this, To come so nigh to his presence that through any malice of his Hurt I should be or imperilled, although she be wedded to him." "Never will I approve it!" made answer Hagen the grim.