XIII

So rich and so well fashion'd were the riding-vests they wore, That in them they with honor might go the king before; Still they resolv'd no longer the same at court to wear, But ask'd, "Who would accept them?" of those who loiter'd there.

XIV

It chanced that there were many, who were right well content To take their proffer'd bounty; to these they straight were sent.

Then robes of such rare splendor put on the lofty guests, That well might royal envoys keep state in meaner vests.

XV

Straightway, with leave accorded, Etzel's servants went To where the king was sitting; kind looks were on them bent.

To them in courteous fashion up stepp'd Sir Hagan brave, And warmly bade them welcome; due thanks in turn they gave.

XVI

Much after news inquir'd he, much after great and small, How it was with Etzel, how with his warriors all.

The minstrel thus made answer, "The land was ne'er so well, The people ne'er so happy; this I for truth can tell."

XVII

To the host then went the envoys; throng'd was the palace wide; They met right courteous greeting from knights on every side, Such as in distant countries to n.o.ble guests is due.

Werbel there found with Gunther many a champion bold and true.

XVIII

Courteously King Gunther greeted them as they stood; "Welcome to Worms, both welcome, ye Hunnish minstrels good, You and your worthy comrades; wherefore from Hungary Has n.o.ble Etzel sent you so far to Burgundy?"

XIX

Low bow'd they to King Gunther, then Werbel spake, "By me My good king and thy sister their service send to thee, And their fraternal greeting with kind sincere intent.

We to you knights of Rhineland in love and truth are sent."

XX

Then said the puissant Gunther, "This news I'm glad to hear; And how," asked he, "is Etzel, whom long I've held so dear, And my fair sister Kriemhild, who reigns in Hungary?"

Then answer'd thus the minstrel, "I'll tell you faithfully.

XXI

"This take for true and certain, that never yet were seen People so blithe and merry as our good king and queen, Their va.s.sals, and their kinsmen, and knights in bower and hall; The tidings of our journey rejoic'd them one and all."

XXII

"Thanks for his friendly message, which you so far have brought, And also for my sister's; it glads my inmost thought To find they all live happy, both king and liegemen bold.

I ask'd with fear and trembling before your tale was told."

XXIII

The two young kings together alike the presence sought.

But just before, the tidings had to their ears been brought.

Right glad to see the envoys for his dear sister's sake Was the young knight Giselher, and friendly them bespake.

XXIV

"Welcome, ye n.o.ble envoys, welcome to me and mine; Should you be pleas'd more frequent to travel to the Rhine, Friends you would meet with ever who'd see you still with joy, And little you'd encounter to cause you here annoy."

XXV

"For that we freely trust you," straight answer'd Swemmeline; "Express ne'er could I fitly by wit or words of mine What kind and friendly greetings I from King Etzel bear, And from your n.o.ble sister, who reigns so proudly there.

XXVI

"Your love and old affection she bids you keep in mind, And how to her you ever in heart and soul were kind.

But first to the king and foremost we come by high command, To beg you'd deign to travel hence into Etzel's land.

XXVII

"In strictest charge 'twas given us by our redoubted king, Unto you all this message on his account to bring, If you your loving sister are so resolv'd to shun, Yet fain would learn King Etzel, what he to you has done,

XXVIII

"That you to him such strangers and to his land have been; E'en were you distant aliens, nor kinsmen of his queen, He at your hands might merit that you his guests should be, And if this e'er should happen, right well content were he."

XXIX

Thereto replied King Gunther, "Before this sennight's end, I'll tell you, after counsel first ta'en with many a friend.

What I shall have determin'd; meanwhile for you 'twere best To go back to your quarters and there in pleasure rest."

x.x.x