possession of it. No
sooner have they done so than, fearing lest they may restore it to
Kriemhild, Hagen buries it in the Rhine, telling none but his masters
in what place it is hidden.

_20th Adventure._ Having lost his first wife, Etzel, king of Hungary,
now deems it advisable to marry again and secure an heir to his realm.
As no other woman seems so fitted for so exalted a station as
Kriemhild, Etzel sends his chief nobleman, Rudiger, to Worms with his
proposal. After tarrying a few days on the way with his wife and
daughter, this ambassador hurries to Worms, where he is welcomed by
Hagen, who had formerly spent several years as a hostage at Etzel's
court. Rudiger having made his errand known, Gunther beseeches three
days' time to ascertain his sister's wishes. Flattered by the prospect
of such an alliance, Gunther hopes Kriemhild will accept Etzel's
proposal, but Hagen rejoins that should she secure such powerful
allies, she might in time punish them for Siegfried's death. At first
the widowed Kriemhild refuses to listen to Etzel's offers, but, when
Rudiger swears to her past or future ills, she suddenly announces her
consent.

Then swore to her Sir Rudiger and all his knightly train
To serve her ever truly, and all her rights maintain,
Nor e'er of her due honors scant her in Etzel's land.
Thereto gave the good margrave th' assurance of his hand.

Then thought the faithful mourner, "with such a host of friends
Now the poor lonely widow may work her secret ends,
Nor care for what reflections the world on her may cast.
What if my lost beloved I may revenge at last?"

Then, still escorted by the faithful Ekkewart and carrying off with
her the small portion of the Nibelungen treasure which she still
retains, Kriemhild starts out for Hungary.

_21st Adventure._ The three Burgundian princes escort their sister to
the Danube and, taking leave of her there, allow her to proceed with
Rudiger to Passau, where her uncle, Bishop Pilgrin, gives her a warm
welcome. Thence the travellers proceed to Rudiger's castle, where his
wife and daughter entertain their future queen, who bestows upon them
costly treasures. Resuming her journey, Kriemhild is now met on all
sides by the ovations of her future subjects.

_22d Adventure._ When Etzel and his chief noblemen finally meet her,
Kriemhild courteously kisses her future spouse, as well as the men
whom he points out as worthy of such distinction. Among these is
D