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Walther rejects Attila’s offer of a bride (142–169)

When Walter came, the king unveiled these thoughts to him,
Encouraging his marriage; he, however, was
Already making plans he later would accomplish.
With these words he responded to Attila’s urging: 145
“It is indeed a mark of your own goodness that
You should perceive the motive for my modest service;
However, never could I have deserved that you
Take notice of the sluggish efforts of my mind.
I pray that you accept your faithful servant’s words.
If, following my lord’s command, I take a wife, 150
I will be bound first by my love and care for the girl
And often kept away from service to the king.
The need to build a house and supervise my farmland
Will hinder me from being present in your sight
And giving to the Huns’ realm my accustomed care. 155
Whoever once has tasted pleasure then becomes
Accustomed to find hardships unendurable.
For nothing is so sweet to me as always being
In faithful obedience to my lord. I ask you, therefore,
To let me lead my life free of the yoke of marriage. 160
If late or in the dead of night you summon me,
I’ll go wherever you command, prepared, unhindered.
In battle, no anxieties will urge retreat—
Not wife nor children will restrain or make me flee.
I beg you, best of fathers, by your very life 165
And still unconquered tribe of the Pannonians,
Do not continue to force me to take a wife.”
Defeated by these prayers, the king abandoned all
His urging, hoping Walter never would take flight.

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Note: this English text is identical to that found in Waltharius and Ruodlieb, edited and translated by Dennis M. Kratz. The Garland library of medieval literature, Series A, vol. 14. New York: Garland Pub., 1984.