How Werbel and Swemmeline Delivered the Message, LXXI–LXXXIV

Girdles and gold she lavish'd, sure more than I can tell, Both for the sake of Kriemhild (for her she lov'd full well) And also of King Etzel, on those same minstrels brave; They willingly accepted what she sincerely gave.

Their leave then took the envoys, well-gifted as might be, Of every noble warrior and every lady free. Thence on they rode to Swabia; Sir Gernot sent along So far his knights to guard them, that none should do them wrong.

When from the friends they parted, who had assur'd their way, In peace they went thenceforward, safe under Etzel's sway, That no man dar'd to pilfer their horses or their weed. So to the land of Etzel they prick'd with fiery speed.

Whom true they found and friendly, them told they all and some, That the bold Burgundians would shortly thither come From the Rhine into Hungary, as Etzel them had pray'd. Also to Bishop Pilgrin like tidings were convey'd.

As they nigh to Bechlaren came riding down the road, Twas told to good Sir Rudeger, who there in peace abode, And to the Lady Gotelind, the noble margravine. To hear she soon would see them, right glad was she, I ween.

On went they with the tidings, fast sped they horse and man; The minstrels found King Etzel in his good town of Gran. Greetings upon greetings were sent from Rhine, they said, All there were at his service; for joy he glow'd a merry red.

When the queen heard for certain (what she so long had plann'd) That her long absent brethren would come into the land, She swam in joy and rapture; richly for service done The minstrels she requited; high honor thus she won.

Then thus she spake, "Now tell me, Werbel and Swemmeline, Who to our feast are coming of kin and friends of mine, Into this land invited with many a friendly word; And tell, too, what said Hagan, when he the tidings heard."

"Early upon a morning to the council-board he came; Little there he utter'd but words of gloom and blame; And when the jaunt to Hungary was voted in a breath, He grimly smil'd and mutter'd, 'This jaunt's a jaunt to death.'

"There are your brethren coming, the noble kings all three, In lofty mood and joyous; who there besides may be, We could not learn for certain, else would we nothing hide. The valiant gleeman Folker agreed with them to ride."

"I could have spar'd full lightly the minstrel's presence here," Replied the wife of Etzel; "this gives me little cheer; I'm well inclin'd to Hagan; he is of courage high; To have him here among us right well content am I."

Then in haste went Kriemhild where sat King Etzel near; How kindly she bespake him! "My lord and husband dear, What thinks't thou of these tidings, thou, who this feast hast will'd? My heart's long lingering wishes shall now be all fulfill'd."

"Thy wishes are my pleasure," the smiling king replied, "Ne'er with my own good kinsmen was I so satisfied, Whene'er into my country they have been pleas'd to fare; Through love of thy brave brethren has vanish'd all my care."

The officers of Etzel forthwith bestirr'd them all, With fitting seats to furnish palace as well as hall For the dear guests, approaching the merry feast to keep. They gave him cause thereafter full bitterly to weep.