These press'd their noble leader ever by the way To learn the mind of Gunther, and that without delay, For they had far to travel back to their homes, they said. Straight was good Sir Rudeger to Kriemhild's presence led. CXI With soft persuasive accents the knight began to pray The fair and high-born lady, that she to him would say, What answer to King Etzel she to return would deign. Naught, ween I, but denial he from her lips could gain. CXII "She'd take no second husband, love she could feel for none." "Nay," said the noble margrave, "that were unwisely done. Why such surpassing beauty waste in a mourning bed? 'Twould sure be to your honor a loving lord to wed." CXIII In vain they her entreated, in vain to her they pray'd, Till to the queen the margrave this secret promise made, "He'd full amends procure her for past or future ill." Those words her storm-toss'd bosom had power in part to still. CXIV Then spoke he to the princess, "Cease now to weep and moan; Among the Huns to friend you had you but me alone, And my fearless vassals, and eke my kinsmen true, No one should work you mischief, but he should dearly rue." CXV That still the more attemper'd her coy reluctant mood. "Swear then, whoe'er may wrong me," the lofty dame pursued, "You will be first and foremost revenge on him to take." "Fain will I," said the margrave, "high lady, for your sake." CXVI Then swore to her Sir Rudeger and all his knightly train To serve her ever truly, and all her rights maintain, Nor e'er of her due honors scant her in Etzel's land. Thereto gave the good margrave th' assurance of his hand. CXVII Then thought the faithful mourner, "With such a host of friends, Now the poor lonely widow may work her secret ends, Nor care for what reflections the world on her may cast. What if my lost beloved I may revenge at last?" CXVIII Thought she, "The halls of Etzel such countless heroes fill, That I if I should rule them, may do whate'er I will. Beside, the king's so wealthy, to give I shall have store, As though injurious Hagan had robb'd me ne'er before." CXIX So thus she spake to Rudeger, "If I only knew That he was not a heathen, I'd go, and gladly too, Wherever he requested, and be his faithful bride." "Nay, lady," said the margrave, "such scruples cast aside. CXX "He is not quite a heathen, this take for truth you may; My good lord was converted, as I have heard him say, And then the faith abandon'd he had awhile profess'd. This, if you love him, lady, may be with ease redress'd. CXXI "Of Christian faith moreover so many knights has he, That at his court you'll ever be blithe and sorrow-free. Perhaps, if you desire it, he may be christened too. For this then scorn not Etzel, nor let him vainly woo." CXXII