court, and asked if there were any that desired them.
At the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to
these they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such
as well befitted king's messengers for to wear.

Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men
saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and
greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks.
That he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his
men. Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were
the folk more merry; now know that of a truth."

To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,
as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of
other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side.
In courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns
and all your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you
hither to the Burgundian land?"

To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also
Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They
have sent us to you knights in all good faith."

Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so
asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"

Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never
have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their
kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we
departed hence."

"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of
my sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in
happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."

The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard
the tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to
see the envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be
very welcome to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine,
ye would find friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm
shall hap you in this land."

"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to
you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who
live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth
mind you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever
h