1231.
Then he of Bechelaren, Prince Rüdeger, began:
“With plenteous love, and faithful, Etzel, a great sovran,
To this thy land, fair lady, hath sent an embassy
Of knights to seek thy favour,— a goodly company.
1232.
“He offers thee right frankly love free from all alloy:
And eke such stedfast friendship thou shalt with him enjoy,
As erewhile did dame Helka, so near his heart who lay.
Ay, he hath mourn’d her virtues for many a joyless day.”
1233.
“Sir Rüdeger the margrave,” in answer spake the queen,
“No one who hath already my bitter sorrow seen,
To any man would bid me myself in wedlock bind.
Ay! I have lost the best one that ever wife did find.”
1234.
“What else,” the bold man answer’d, “for sorrow may atone
So well as loving friendship, if such may be, from one
Who for himself is choosing what seems to him the best?
Naught, after heartfelt sorrow, can give such happy rest.
1235.
“If to my noble master to give thy love thou’lt deign,
Of twelve right wealthy kingdoms thou shalt be sovereign.
My lord will also give you full thirty princes’ lands,
Each one of which was conquer’d by his all-potent hands.
1236.
“Thereto shalt thou be mistress of many a worthy wight
Who to my lady Helka did service owe of right;
And over many a lady who dwelt beneath her sway,
Of high and princely lineage.” Thus did the bold knight say.
