The queen heard with astonishment that the Nibelungs were still alive
and armed for a new fight. While she pondered what it were best to do,
one of the Hunnish notables told her that she should apply for help,
either to the Margrave of Bechelaren, who had received so many benefits
from the king, or to Dietrich of Bern, who had enjoyed Etzel’s
hospitality so long as a fugitive. Chriemhild thought the advice good,
and at once sent off a message to Rüdiger.
The noble Margrave immediately obeyed the queen’s summons. Etzel
explained to him the true position of affairs, and reminding him of all
the honours that had been heaped upon him, told him the time was come
to prove his gratitude. He must punish the Nibelungs for the great
scath they had wrought to the royal house and to the land of the Huns.
“My liege,” said the good old hero sadly, “all that you have said is
true, and I am ready to do you any service, however dangerous, but do
not ask that I should break the faith I swore to them when they stayed
with me at Bechelaren, before I led them to Etzelburg at your command.
They trusted me utterly, and young Giselher chose my daughter to be his
wife, and to share the Burgundian throne. Methinks it were an ill deed
to raise my hand against them that trusted me.”