LI

Soon as the Lord of Rhineland had come within the door, The mighty monarch Etzel could keep his seat no more.

At the first glimpse of Gunther up you might see him spring, And welcome him as warmly as king did ever king.

LII

"Sir Gunther, welcome hither! welcome Sir Gernot too, And your fair brother Giselher; my faithful service true I sent you, as befitted, to Worms beyond the Rhine.

Your friends, too, all are welcome alike to me and mine.

LIII

"And you, bold pair, trice welcome, whom I together view, Danger-defying Folker, and peerless Hagan too, To me and to my lady; she'll see you nothing loath.

She many a friendly message to Rhine has sent for both."

LIV

Then said the Knight of Trony, "Such oft have reach'd my ear And, had I not come hither to serve my lieges dear, I fain, to do you honor, had ridd'n into this land."

His guests then n.o.ble Etzel took friendly by the hand.

LV

Straight to the seat he led them where he had just been sitting; Then to the guests were handed with grave and zeal befitting Mead, morat, wine, successive, in golden goblets bright, And each the n.o.ble strangers welcom'd as best he might.

LVI

Then thus resum'd King Etzel, "I will confess to all, That in this world could nothing so to my wish befall As your arrival hither; besides, this happy day Has to my queen giv'n comfort, and charm'd her griefs away.

LVII

"Before, I own, I wonder'd what wrong I could have wrought, That, while in crowds my table guests of high lineage sought, You ne'er had ridden hither, as though from some annoy, But now that here I see you my wonder's lost in joy."

LVIII

The lofty-minded Rudeger thereto this answer gave, "Well may you joy to see them; they're good and true as brave.

The kinsmen of my lady all honor's lore are taught; They many a stately warrior have to your dwelling brought."

LIX

'Twas an eve of fair midsummer when the lords of Rhineland came To the court of mighty Etzel, and seldom chiefs of fame Met so warm a welcome as was on these bestow'd.

'Twas now the hour of revel: the king with them to table strode.

LX

Host with guest together ne'er merrier took his seat.

They gave them in abundance alike of drink and meat.

Whate'er they wish'd or fancied was brought in plenteous store.

Great wonders of the warriors had oft been told before.

LXI

Etzel, the mighty monarch, had on th' Hungarian soil Uprais'd a s.p.a.cious fabric with mickle cost and toil, Palaces and turrets within a fortress wide, And chambers without number, and a splendid hall beside.

LXII

Long, high and wide had Etzel uprear'd this gorgeous frame, For that to him such numbers of trooping champions came; Beside his other courtiers, twelve kings that sceptres bore; And crowds of worthy warriors had he at all times more

LXIII

Than king had e'er a.s.sembled, as I for truth have found.

He lived in mirth and honor with his kin and men around.

The shouting and the pressing of knights from far and wide Had the good prince ever about him; he thus the world defied.

THIRTIETH ADVENTURE

HOW THE KNIGHTS KEPT WATCH

I

The day it now was ended, the night was near at hand; Deep care was now besetting the travel-tainted band, When they should take their slumber; for rest they sorely yearn'd.

That question put Sir Hagan, and answer soon return'd.

II

To th' host thus spake King Gunther, "G.o.d grant, you long may live!

Fain would we now repose us; such leave, I pray you, give.

If so you wish, to-morrow we'll come at break of day."

The host dismiss'd them gladly, and all went each his way.

III