Then sent they for Etzel's heralds once more to her presence to come-- For now from the land of Gunther would they fain be faring home Bearing consent or denial, as Kriemhild's mind might be. Then Rüdiger came to the palace. Now his fellows instantly Urged him to seek decision of the mind of the noble King, And betimes to end their doubting: such was the counselling Of all; for a weary journey to their land before them lay. So into the presence of Kriemhild Rüdiger brought they. With words exceeding courteous that gallant knight drew nigh To the lady sorrow-stricken, and prayed her to make reply For the message wherewith she would charge him, to bear to the land of the Hun. But the herald with all his pleading nought but denial won:-- "Never man will I love hereafter, nor another husband wed!" "Nay, Lady," answered the Margrave, "is the word so wisely said? Wherefore to sorrow's blasting this glory of beauty ban, When thou mayest become with honour the bride of a good true man?" {P. 171} Yet nothing availed their pleading, till Rüdiger drew near, And murmured a word in secret in the Lady Kriemhild's ear That for all the wrongs she had suffered should requital be made unto her. Now sinketh the storm of her sorrow as the new thoughts inly stir. Yet again to the Queen he whispered: "Let be thy mourning and moan; For, though thou hadst mid the Hunfolk none save me alone, Even me and my loyal kinsmen, and my vassals stout and true, Whosoever had wronged thee, Lady, we would make him bitterly rue." Then the face of the lady lightened, her eyes like steel flashed keen-- "Swear unto me," she answered, "whatsoever my wrong hath been, That, Rüdiger, thou wilt be foremost to avenge me with heart and hand." Made answer to her the Margrave: "Unto this, Queen, will I stand." For himself and for all his vassals Rüdiger sware to her then To the death evermore to serve her, and that he and his mighty men Would deny or delay her nothing afar in Etzel's land, Whatsoever her honour demanded; and to this he gave his hand.