take his leave. We must gladly ride to
Etzel's land. The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full
well, where we shall behold Kriemhild's feast."

Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have
advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude
words. Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake:
"Because of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."

At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when
it please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to
Etzel's land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.

The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men
bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then
full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised
upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade
his fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately
knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they
should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love
caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.

Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would
hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must
bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and
was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and
lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings
from Kriemhild have never thought me good."

"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well
the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes
King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."

The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who
lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many
a stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were
seen go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly
there. Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them
great harm. This doth never ease the heart.

The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty
turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and
wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily
along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hau