"Our king again would marry now that fair Helca's dead, And I must go a-wooing in royal Etzel's stead. To ask the hand of Kriemhild hence to the Rhine I ride. Here will she rule as lady with queenly power and pride." XXVIII "God grant it!" answered Gotelind, "So 'twill be surely best. We hear her praise and honor by every tongue confess'd. She'll be to us hereafter what Helca was whilere. We the proud crown of Hungary may gladly see her wear." XXIX Then said the noble margrave, "Love and lady mine, To the good knights, that with me prick hence unto the Rhine, Give friendly gifts in plenty from our abundant store. Fair robes and rich equipments the bold embolden more." XXX "Whoe'er will take a present," she answer'd, "not a guest Shall go by me unguerdon'd of what may suit him best. Whoever poor dismounted, rich shall return to selle." Thereto replied the margrave, "Your words content me well." XXXI Ah! what rich stuffs the warriors then from her chamber bore! 'Mong the good knights were mantles shar'd out in copious store, Each with the patient needle well sewn from throat to spur. Therefrom whatever pleas'd him chose out Sir Rudeger. XXXII 'Twas on the seventh fair morning that from Bechlaren rode The host and his companions; they through Bavaria yode With store of arms and raiment, yet such was their array, That robbers rarely ventur'd to assail them on their way. XXXIII Within twelve days of journey by Rhine they drew the rein. The news of their arrival no secret could remain. To the king and his liegemen at once the tidings ran, That come were certain strangers; the host to ask began, XXXIV If they were known to any; who knew, should say so straight 'Twas seen their sturdy sumpters bore many a heavy weight; So, that they were wealthy, each took at once for known. Forthwith were they to chambers in the wide city shown. XXXV Since no man knew the strangers who to the land were come, Narrowly was each chieftain observ'd by all and some. They wonder'd wherefore came they, and from what distant coast. The same of stout Sir Hagan inquir'd the anxious host. XXXVI Then said the Knight of Trony, "I have not seen them yet; I can inform you better when I and they have met. Whatever be their country, how far soe'er it be, They must indeed be strangers, if they're unknown to me." XXXVII Now were in fitting chambers bestow'd the noble guests. The margrave and his comrades all donn'd their choicest vests, And rode to court attended; all gaz'd on them their fill; Right gorgeous was their raiment, and cut with curious skill. XXXVIII