So on a night reposing, as by the king she lay (He in his arms embrac'd her, and bless'd the happy day, That gave him such a consort, dear to him as his life; She on her foes was thinking and th' old intestine strife), XV Thus spake she to the monarch, "Dear lord, full fain would I Entreat of thee a favor, which thou wilt not deny If thou think'st I deserve it, to let me see aright If my friends in good earnest have favor in thy sight." XVI Then spake the mighty monarch (kind was his heart and true), "Of that can I assure thee; whatever good accrue To those bold knights, be certain to me content it lends; Never through love of woman acquir'd I better friends." XVII Then thus made Kriemhild answer, "'Tis true, as thou dost know, Right noble are my kinsmen, yet ever am I woe That still they keep so distant nor I by them am seen. I'm told, for a mere outcast people report your queen." XVIII Then answer'd thus King Etzel, "Dear love and lady mine, If they regard not distance, I'll send beyond the Rhine. And hither bid whomever thou here to see art fain." Much joy'd the vengeful lady thus his consent to gain. XIX Said she, "Would'st thou but please me, dear lord and master mine, Despatch from hence thy envoys to Worms beyond the Rhine. Such friends as most I long for, I hither will invite, And straight will come among us full many a noble knight." XX Said he, "As thou would'st have it, so let the matter be; Assure thee, thou wilt never thy friends so gladly see As I shall gladly see them, noble Uta's children dear; It irks me much and deeply, they've been such strangers here. XXI "So, if it thus content thee, dear love and lady mine, I'll gladly send my minstrels for those good friends of thine. They this very morning shall start for Burgundy." With that, the king his minstrels bade summon instantly. XXII They hasten'd at the summons where, newly ris'n from bed, The king sat with his consort; thus to both he said, "Hence you with a message to Burgundy must ride." With that, the richest vesture, he bade for them provide. XXIII For four and twenty warriors fit raiment was prepar'd. Moreover to his envoys his will the king declar'd, How they should to Hungary bid Gunther and his folk. But what the queen enjoin'd them close apart she spoke. XXIV Thus them address'd King Etzel, "I'll tell you what to do; To my good friends go tender my love and service true, And bid them deign ride hither, and taste our Hunnish cheer. Guests have I none other whom I hold so dear. XXV "So if they will do me the favor which I pray, Entreat them not to linger; speed makes the surest way. At my high feast this summer I trust to see my friends, And on my wife's fair kinsmen much of my joy depends." XXVI