XXVI

"Since we from them departed, has any neighboring foe Harried my consort's kindred? this let me surely know.

To them by me shall ever such friendly aid be lent, That their wrong the doers shall bitterly repent."

XXVII

Thereto the Margrave Gary, the good knight, made reply, "Fraught with all manly virtues they bear them proud and high.

They bid you to a festal, which they at home prepare.

You need not doubt, your kinsmen would gladly see you there.

XXVIII

"They also beg my lady thither with you to wend, Soon as the bl.u.s.tering winter shall come at length to end, You both ere next midsummer they all expect to see."

Then said the valiant Siegfried, "That can hardly be."

XXIX

But straight the bold Burgundian Gary gave this reply, "Surely your mother Uta you never can deny, Nor Giselher, nor Gernot, who all would meet you fain.

That you dwell so far distant, I hear them daily plain.

x.x.x

"Brunhild, my n.o.ble lady, and all her maidens fair, Are glad to think that forthwith you thither will repair.

That they once more may see you, fills every heart with glee."

His words to lovely Kriemhild seem'd full good to be.

x.x.xI

Gary was her kinsman; him begg'd the host to sit, And straight bade fill the goblets to pledge them, as was fit; Then too, to meet the envoys, King Siegmund join'd the rest, And to the bold Burgundians these friendly words address'd:

x.x.xII

"Welcome, ye men of Gunther! since Siegfried, my good son, Your n.o.ble lady Kriemhild for his wife has won, You at our court more frequent we should have gladly seen.

Your presence of our friendship the surest bond had been."

x.x.xIII

They said, whene'er he wish'd it, they willingly would come.

Their toil and teen through gladness forgot they all and some.

Siegfried bade all be seated, and viands of the best, And in full abundance, be brought to every guest.

x.x.xIV

Nine days in mirth and feasting the envoys needs must stay.

At length the active warriors could brook no more delay.

Again would they ride homeward; on that their minds were bent In th' interval King Siegfried for his friends had sent.

x.x.xV

He ask'd them what they counsel'd; he needs must to the Rhine; "I bidden am by Gunther that dear friend of mine.

At a high feast my presence he and his kinsmen pray.

Fain would I ride thither, were't not so far away.

x.x.xVI

"They beg moreover, Kriemhild the journey too may share.

Now, my good friends, advise me; what's best to do, declare.

Should they for them request me to harry thirty lands, Well they such warlike service might claim at Siegfried's hands."

x.x.xVII

Thereto his knights thus answer'd, "As you desire to speed, If you this feast will visit, hearken to our rede.

Take of your best warriors a thousand by your side.

So 'midst the bold Burgundians in honor you'll abide."

x.x.xVIII

Then spake the lord of Netherland, Siegmund the frank and free, "If you're for this high festal, why say not so to me?

I, if it not displease you, will with you to the Rhine, And bring, to swell your squadron, a hundred knights of mine."

x.x.xIX

"Will you too journey with us, my father ever dear?"

Exclaim'd the bold Sir Siegfried; "it glads me this to hear.

Within twelve days at furthest we'll wend upon our way."

To all, who ask'd, then gave he good steeds and garments gay.

XL

When now to take the journey fix'd was the king's design, He bade the knights of Gunther ride back unto the Rhine, And sent by them a message to Kriemhild's kinsmen there, That to the feast, they purpos'd, full fain would he repair.

XLI

Siegfried and Kriemhild (so says the tale) bestow'd More gifts upon the envoys, than o'er such length of road Their horses home could carry; a wealthy man was he.