Meanwhile forth rode the envoys, and afar from the Hunland…

Meanwhile forth rode the envoys, and afar from the Hunland went To the folk Burgundian, whither of their lord the King they were sent Unto those three noble Princes and to all their vassal-array, To bid them to Etzel's high-tide; and fast and far rode they. To the castle of Bechlaren those messengers came with speed: There blithe was their entertainment; and for this their hosts took heed That Rüdiger and Gotlind and their daughter sent by these Unto the knights of Rhineland all loving messages. They loaded with gifts the envoys or ever they parted thence, That Etzel's servants might journey in the more magnificence; And to Uta and to her children this greeting did Rüdiger send, That never was living Margrave unto them so true a friend. They commended also to Brunhild their service and ready will, And in steadfast faith they pledged them her pleasure to fulfil. So when they had heard that message, onward the envoys would ride. Then prayed the Margravine Gotlind that God would guard them and guide.

Or ever the messengers wholly had traversed Bavarian ground, Werbel the eager minstrel the holy bishop found. What greetings he sent to his kinsmen, the dwellers beside the Rhine, This have the old bards told not; but of ruddy gold and fine He gave to the heralds freely. When now they would forth again, Spake Pilgerin the bishop: "Mine heart were exceeding fain If I might but see them before me, for my sister's sons they are. Right seldom indeed have I journeyed unto them by the Rhine afar!"

By what tracks fared they onward through the land on the Rhineward way, Thereof no minstrel singeth. Of their silver and rich array No spoiler dared to rob them, for the terror of Etzel lay Heavy on all; so mighty was the high-born Hun-king's sway.

So they came, even Werbel and Schwemmel, to the folk by Rhine-river side, Unto Worms the fortress-city, ere the light of the twelfth day died.

Unto Gunther then and his liegemen did the watchman tidings bring Of the coming of stranger heralds; and straightway questioned the King, And spake the warder of Rhineland: "Who maketh known unto us From whence these guests and strangers to our land come riding thus?" But none was able to answer, till Hagen, Troneg's Lord, Looked forth and beheld those envoys, and he spake unto Gunther the word: "This day is a day of tidings: your surety for this am I; For these be the men of Etzel, and the lords of his minstrelsy. None other than your sister to the Rhine hath sped their feet. For the sake of their noble master must we give them welcome meet." Even as he spake it, rode they into the castle court: Never king's viol-minstrels came in such gallant sort. And the servants of King Gunther to welcome them in made speed, And they gave unto them fair lodging, and looked to their gear with heed.

So rich were their travelling-garments, so goodly-fashioned withal, Unshamed they might have worn them in the King's own presence-hall; Yet they scorned for one hour longer to wear them in courts of kings, And they bade make inquisition whether any desired the things. Good sooth, there lacked not people that were right well content That their need be supplied so richly, and to these were the garments sent. Then did the envoys array them in splendour of goodliest gear, Such as fitteth heralds royal in the presence of kings which appear.

Then gat they leave and license, those servants of Etzel, to go Where the King sat throned: right gladly men looked on their gallant show. And Hagen sprang from his high-seat, and met them hard by the door, And greeted with kindly welcome, and they gave him thank therefor. Then asked he them of their tidings, and prayed the heralds say Concerning the welfare of Etzel and of all that owned his sway. "Never the land hath prospered more," those bards replied; "Never the folk were happier: hereof be ye certified."