Then thought the Faithful-hearted: "Since I thus lightly have won Friends so many and steadfast, I will e'en let folk say on What things they list of 'the Heathen'! O sorrow-laden wife!-- What and if I at last win vengeance for my lost belovèd's life?" She thought: "Since this King Etzel is served of many a knight Over whom shall I be mistress, I may do as seemeth me right. He hath such stintless treasures, I may yet give bounteously:-- All that was mine hath Hagen the ruthless torn from me!" Again unto Rüdiger spake she: "Except I had heard folk say That the King is a heathen, gladly my feet should tread the way Whither the great King biddeth, and him for my lord would I take." "Fret not thyself, O Lady," he answered, "for such words' sake. (C) Not wholly is he a heathen; this know thou for very sooth. For my belovèd master was indeed baptized in his youth, Though haply he since have turned him unto ancient altar and fane. But, Lady, if thou wilt wed him, his heart may be turned yet again. {P. 172} So many good knights serve him which be thanes of Christ the Lord, That no ill may betide thee with the King, or in deed or word. And what if thine holy converse thy lord to the font should bring? Then proud wert thou and happy to be wife of Etzel the King!" Then spake unto her her brethren: "Belovèd sister, consent, And all thy tribulation shall be swallowed up in content." So long and so instantly prayed they, that the Queen of the Sorrowful Life Pledged her at last to the heroes to be King Etzel's wife. She spake: "I needs must yield me, a crown of sorrow who wear, With you to go to the Hunfolk when ye bid me thither to fare, If I find friends trusty and loyal to lead me hence to your land." And thereto in the heroes' presence fair Kriemhild gave her hand. Answered the Lord of the Marches: "Though thou have but liegemen twain, Thereto can I add full many. With all these in thy train Of a surety in safety and honour shalt thou be brought over Rhine. Lady, tarry no longer in the land that is no more thine! Knights have I here five hundred, and kinsmen, a warrior-band. Lo, these be all thy servants, both here and in Etzel's land, Sworn to do all thy bidding. I stand by my plighted troth. I will shame mine honour never when thou biddest remember mine oath. Prepare then journeying-raiment and the trappings of the steed. As touching Rüdiger's counsel, thou never shalt rue his rede. And bid thy maidens who journey with thee that they swiftly prepare. Many a chosen hero shall meet us as onward we fare."