Swift went the chief to Kriemhild, exulting for her sake; Gladly she receiv'd him; how quickly then he spake! "Well may you greet me, lady; my newsman's guerdon give; You and your woes are parted--henceforth with pleasure live. LXXV "One of the mightiest monarchs that ever sceptre bore Of far-extended kingdoms, or crown imperial wore, Now for your love is suing; noble knights, his friends, Are hither come to woo you; this news your brother sends." LXXVI Then spake the sorrow-laden, "Now God in heaven forfend That you, or any other that calls himself my friend, Should mock a lonely widow! Who once has gain'd the free And virgin love of woman, how can he think of me?" LXXVII Firmly she made denial; together came to her Next her two faithful brethren, Gernot and Giselher. With loving words they cheer'd her, and kindly urg'd her, too, To take the king for husband; right well she thus would do. LXXVIII Yet could not all persuasion the faithful mourner bring To choose a second lover, and yield unto the king. Then begg'd the noble warriors, "If nothing more can be, Consent at least a moment the messengers to see." LXXIX "I'll not deny," soft sighing the noble dame replied, "But that I'd fain see Rudeger renown'd so far and wide For all his many virtues: 'tis due to him alone; Were't any other envoy, to him I'd ne'er be known. LXXX "So beg him," said she further, "to let me see him here In my bower to-morrow; then I'll acquaint his ear Myself with all my wishes and tell him all my tale." Then bitterly began she once more to weep and wail. LXXXI Nothing the noble Rudeger had more desir'd, I ween, Than to obtain an audience of that fair widow'd queen. Such he well knew his wisdom and smooth persuasive skill, He doubted not, to reason he'd bend her stubborn will. LXXXII So early on the morrow, about the matin song, Forth came the noble envoys; there was a mighty throng; To court with the good margrave there went a gorgeous crowd, In glittering weed accoutred, of high-born knights and proud. LXXXIII Kriemhild, the fair, the spotless, amidst her ladies stood, Waiting for Sir Rudeger the noble envoy good. He found her in the vesture that every day she wore; Her dames stood by in raiment all work'd and broider'd o'er. LXXXIV To the door to meet him with stately step she went, And well and warmly welcom'd the chief from Etzel sent. Eleven good knights were with him, himself the twelfth was there. Ne'er came such high-born suitors to woo a queen so fair. LXXXV They bade the chief be seated, and with him all his band. There the two noble margraves were seen before her stand, Eckewart and Gary; none there was blithe or glad; All wore one face of mourning, e'en as their lady sad. LXXXVI