x.x.xII

"And say, too, to young Giselher that he should bear in mind, That he never wrong'd me, but still was good and kind.

My eyes are ever yearning to look upon him here, For dearly do I love him, as I to him am dear.

x.x.xIII

"And tell my n.o.ble mother what honors here I bear.

Then, if Hagan of Trony resolve to tarry there, Who will there be to guide them through lands so waste and lone?

But he the roads to Hungary e'en from a child has known."

x.x.xIV

Not a whit the envoys could guess her deep design In keeping him of Trony from tarrying by the Rhine.

It irk'd them sore thereafter, when their unconscious breath With him had drawn the guiltless into the toils of death.

x.x.xV

Letters and goodly greetings the king was prompt to give; And riches bore they with them right sumptuously to live.

So leave they took of Etzel, and of his n.o.ble queen; Adorn'd were they with raiment as rich as e'er was seen.

TWENTY-FOURTH ADVENTURE

HOW WERBEL AND SWEMMELINE DELIVERED THE MESSAGE

I

When Etzel had his envoys for the Rhenish border bown'd, From land to land the tidings at once flew wide around.

He pray'd and eke commanded by many a nimble post Guests to his gorgeous festal; 'twas the doom of death to most.

II

So from the realm of Hungary forth the envoys went To the bold Burgundians; thither were they sent To three royal brethren and their warriors wight To bid them come to Etzel; fast p.r.i.c.k'd they as they might.

III

Thence came they to Bechlaren as on the spur they rode; There all were glad to tend them, and naught but kindness show'd.

Rudeger and Gotelind by them their service true Sent to their friends in Rhineland, so did their daughter too.

IV

Thence without many a present they would not let them part, So that the men of Etzel might go with merrier heart.

Rudeger bade tell Uta and her children three, That sure no other margrave lov'd them so well as he.

V

And eke they sent to Brunhild their service and best will, Their loyalty devoted, and love enduring still.

So, thus at full commission'd, the envoys sprung to selle; The margravine at parting pray'd G.o.d to guard them well.

VI

Ere the despatchful minstrels had ridd'n Bavaria through, Swift Werbel found the bishop, Queen Kriemhild's uncle true.

What to his Rhenish kinsmen by their mouths he said Came never to my knowledge; but th' envoys gold so red

VII

He gave for a remembrance ere he let them part; But first thus spake good Pilgrin, "'Twould gladden sure my heart To see them in Bavaria, these sister's sons of mine, Since I can hope so seldom to seek them by the Rhine."

VIII

What roads they took yet further, as to the Rhine they far'd, Is more than I can utter; none sure to pilfer dar'd Their silver or their raiment; Etzel all had dread; His majesty and puissance so wide around were spread.

IX

Within twelve days, so riding, they came unto the Rhine, E'en to Worms, the minstrels Werbel and Swemmeline.

To the kings and their liegemen forthwith the tidings ran, That come were foreign envoys. Gunther to ask began.

X

Thus said the Lord of Rhineland, "I fain would understand, Whence have the strangers journey'd who thus have sought our land."

Not one to his inquiry could satisfaction bring, Till they were seen by Hagan, who thus bespake the king;

XI

"These must be weighty tidings; that can I vouch for true; Sure they are Etzel's minstrels whom here I have in view.

Your sister sends them hither unless I much mistake; Let's give them hearty welcome for their great master's sake."

XII

At once up to the palace in fair array they rode; Never prince's minstrels before so lordly show'd.

Forth stepp'd King Gunther's servants with courteous act and look, And led them to fit chambers, and in charge their raiment took.