1400.
It came to pass one night-time, as by the king she lay,
(His arms were cast about her, as was his wont alway,
Loving the noble lady: for she was as his life)
That of her foes was thinking the fair and noble wife.
1401.
And to the king thus spake she: “My ever dear good lord,
I fain would ask a favour, if thou wouldst such accord:
If I am worthy of it, that thou shouldst let me see
Whether my friends and kinsmen thou lovest verily.”
1402.
Then spake the mighty sovran, and guileless was his mood:
“I would have thee believe that, if any grace or good
Be done unto those warriors, I must thereat be glad,
Since I by love of woman ne’er better friends have made.”
1403.
And yet again the queen spake: “To thee it hath been said,
That I have high-born kinsmen; and this my grief hath made
That they have never troubled to come to see me here.
I hear the people call me naught else but foreigner.”
1404.
Whereunto answer’d Etzel: “Belovéd lady mine,
If not too far it seemeth, so will I from the Rhine
Bid all unto my kingdom whom thou art fain to see.”
When thus she learnt his purpose right glad at heart was she.
1405.
She said: “If thou right truly wouldst serve me, master mine,
So wilt thou send an envoy to Worms beyond the Rhine.
That I may tell my kinsfolk all that I have in mind.
Then many a knight right noble his way to us shall find.”
