Then answer'd stout King Etzel, "How can succeed the plan, For me, that am a heathen, and not a christen'd man, To woo a Christian woman? never consent will she; Sure 'twere a very marvel if this could ever be." IV Thereto his knights made answer, "What if she yet consent Mov'd by your name so glorious and potent regiment? 'Twere well to make the trial whatever thence accrue; For such a fair companion a king might gladly sue." V The noble king then question'd, "Who among you knows The people and the country where Rhine's fair current flows?" Said Rudeger of Bechlaren, "For that trust me alone; I from earliest childhood the noble kings have known. VI "Gunther and Gernot, good knights as e'er can be; The third is the young Giselher; each of the brethren three Does all, whereby clear honor and high repute are won, Just as their brave forefathers down to our times have done." VII Thereto gave answer Etzel, "Friend, do to me declare, If she indeed be worthy here the proud crown to wear; And, if she be so lovely as by report is borne, My best friends may be certain, they'll have no cause to mourn. VIII "For peerless grace and beauty with Helca she may vie, My lady ever-honor'd; saw yet never eye In all this world a fairer; she's of all queens the best; The lord of such a lady must be supremely blest." IX "Then, as thou lov'st me, Rudeger, go, court her for my bride, And if I should come ever to lie by Kriemhild's side, Assure thee, to my utmost I will thy pains requite; Well thou hast ever serv'd me, and done my will aright. X "Out of my treasure-chamber whate'er thou wilt I'll give, That thou and thy companions merrily may live. Clothes, horses, all thou needest, I'll willingly defray. Of such make full provision, and speed thee on thy way." XI Thereto in answer Rudeger, the wealthy margrave, spake, "Surely 'twould ill beseem me ought from the stores to take. Fain will I bear thy message to the Rhenish brethren bold From my own rich possessions, that of thee I have and hold." XII Then spake the mighty monarch, "Now when will you ride To seek my love and lady? God be your guard and guide, And keep you both in safety through all the paths you trace, And fortune speed my wooing, that I may win my lady's grace." XIII Then Rudeger made answer, "Ere this land we quit, With weapons and with raiment our band we out must fit, That we before the princes in splendor due may shine. Five hundred stately warriors I'll lead unto the Rhine; XIV "That, when the stout Burgundians me and mine shall see, It by all beholders at once confess'd shall be, That ne'er despatch'd a monarch, on distant wooing bent, A band more choice and numerous than thou to Rhine hast sent. XV