Kriemhild the while, the high-born, in sorrow-stricken mood For Rüdiger sat waiting, that noble knight and good, Not decked as a queen, but in raiment that served her day by day; But clad were her bower-maidens in royal-rich array. At his coming she rose, and to meet him to the bower-door she went, And with gracious greeting welcomed the herald of Etzel sent. With none save comrades eleven he came before the Queen, And with worshipful honour was welcomed: never princelier envoys were seen. They bade them unto the high-seats, even him and his knightly train. The while in the presence of Kriemhild stood the margraves twain, The noble knights and valiant, Eckwart and Gere withal. But by reason of Kriemhild's sorrow heavy of cheer were they all. Sat in their Lady's presence many a comely maid; But never the flood of the weeping and mourning of Kriemhild was stayed. Her raiment over her bosom was wet with the hot tears' flow. And the noble Lord of the Marches beheld, and grieved in her woe. Then spake that courteous herald: "O Daughter of Kings, I pray For myself and my fellow-farers which have come from far away, That thou of thy grace wilt suffer that now in thy presence we stand And utter to thee the message that we bring from our fatherland." "This grace do I freely accord thee," the sad Queen made reply; "Speak whatsoe'er thou desirest, for purposed now am I Gladly to hear that message: good herald and true thou art." Yet all through the courteous bidding discerned the reluctant heart. {P. 168} Then the Knight of Bechlaren, the Margrave Rüdiger, spake the word: "Unto thee, O Lady, Etzel the mighty King my Lord In love and in faith doth commend him; his greeting I bear to thy land; And good knights many he sendeth, his suitors for thine hand. He maketh thee faithful proffer of love that shall banish pain; All constancy of affection from his true heart shalt thou gain, Even such as had Helka, who nearest lay to his heart of old-- The heart that remembers her goodness in lone grief manifold."