hence they have ridden into this land. They be strangers indeed if
I know them not straightway."

The guests had been to their lodging. The envoy and his train were
richly arrayed. Their clothes were good, and cunningly fashioned; and
they rode to the court.

Then said bold Hagen, "So far as I know, for it is long since I saw the
knights, they ride like the men of Rudeger, a bold warrior from the land
of the Huns."

"How could I believe," said the king, "that he of Bechlaren should come
into this land?" King Gunther had scarcely made an end of speaking, when
bold Hagen saw the good Rudeger.

He and all his friends ran to him. Five hundred knights sprang from
their horses. The Huns were well received; never were envoys so richly
clad.

Then cried Hagen of Trony, "Welcome, in God's name, is this knight, the
prince of Bechlaren, and all his men." Worshipful greeting got the
Huns. The nearest of kin to the king pressed forward, and Ortwin of Metz
said to Rudeger, "We have not, for long, seen guests so gladly. I speak
the truth."

They thanked the heroes for their welcome. Then they went with the
warriors into the hall, where they found the king amidst of many bold men.

Gunther rose from his seat out of courtesy. On what friendly wise he
went toward the envoys! He and Gernot hasted to meet the guests and his
men, as beseemed them, and Gunther took Rudeger by the hand. He led him
to the highseat where he sat himself, and bade his men set before the
strangers goodly meats, and the best wine that was to be found in all the
land round about the Rhine; the which was done gladly.

Giselher and Gary, Dankwart and Folker, came in, for they had heard of
the worthy guests. They rejoiced to see them, and welcomed, in the
presence of the king, the noble knights and good.

Then said Hagen of Trony to his master, "Thy knights are greatly beholden
for what the Margrave hath done for our sake. The husband of fair
Gotelind should be well requited."

King Gunther said, "I pray thee tell me, for I would know, how it
standeth with Etzel and Helca in the land of the Huns."

The Margrave answered, "I will tell thee gladly."

Then he rose from his seat with all his men, and said to the king, "Give
me leave to deliver the message that King Etzel hath sent me with, here
to Burgundy."

Gunther answered, "I will hear the message wherewith thou art charged,
without taking counsel with my friends. Speak it before me and