Soon as ceas'd the margrave, once more her brethren sued, "Grant us this favor, sister, cheer up thy mournful mood." So long they begg'd and pray'd her, that in the end they sped, And, sighing soft, she promis'd that she would Etzel wed. CXXIII She said, "You will I follow, poor, widow'd, lonely queen! I'll to the Huns betake me, and here no more be seen, If I've but friends to guide me hence to King Etzel's land." Thereto before the heroes fair Kriemhild gave her hand. CXXIV Then spake the noble margrave, "If you have but two men, I have more to join them; 'twere well adviséd then Over the Rhine to bring you attended honorably; You must not, lady, longer tarry here in Burgundy. CXXV "Men have I five hundred, and kinsmen not a few, All at your service, lady, both here and yonder too, Whatever you command them; myself will foremost be; If aught you will henceforward, speak but the word to me. CXXVI "Now bid your steeds be saddled, fair dame, and quickly too (Ne'er shall Rudeger's counsels give you cause to rue), And tell the gentle damsels who bear you company, On the road good knights will meet us, the flower of chivalry." CXXVII Still had they many a trinket, in Siegfried's time uplaid To guerdon the best rider; thus could she many a maid Lead forth in fitting splendor, when hence to fare she sought; Ah! what goodly saddles for the fair dames were brought! CXXVIII If ever they had prank'd them in gay apparel dress'd, Sure for the present journey her maids prepar'd their best; They had heard of Etzel's splendor such tales as credence mock'd. Every chest flew open, before kept closely lock'd. CXXIX They rested not a moment for four whole days and more. Forth from the veiling wrappers the gorgeous vests they bore. Kriemhild her treasure-chamber now to unlock began. She long'd t' enrich the comrades of Rudeger, every man. CXXX Gold had she yet remaining from the Nibelungers' land; All wish'd she to th' Hungarians to give with lavish hand; Sturdy mules a hundred could not have borne the same. But the tale of this huge treasure to th' ear of Hagan came. CXXXI Said he, "She'll ne'er forgive me, that need I not be told; So safe with us Burgundians shall stay Sir Siegfried's gold. Why should I let such treasure to deadly foes accrue? I know full well what Kriemhild with all this wealth will do. CXXXII "If once she hence could fetch it, I guess her whole intent; I doubt not, every farthing would to my hurt be spent. Besides, they have not horses such weight to undergo; So Hagan here will keep it, and that shall Kriemhild know." CXXXIII