They sent forward messengers betimes, and a proud host of Uta’s kin, and Gunther’s knights, came forth to meet them. Gunther busied him to show his guests worship. He went to Brunhild and said, “How did Kriemhild welcome thee when thou camest first to this land? I would have thee welcome her even so.” She answered, “I will do it gladly, for I have cause to love her.” The king spake further, “They come to-morrow early. If thou wilt receive them, lose no time, lest they surprise us here in the castle, for never have I welcomed dearer guests.” So she gave orders to her women to seek out goodly robes, the best that they had, and to wear them; the which, I trow, they did gladly. Gunther’s men also hasted to meet them; all that he had he led forth; and the queen rode in royal state. Mickle joy was at that greeting. With high honour they welcomed them, yea, with even more, the folk said, than Kriemhild had showed Brunhild aforetime; and the hearts of them that saw it were uplifted. Then Siegfried came up with his men, and the heroes coursed to and fro on the plain, that none had ease for the dust and the press. When the king saw Siegfried and Siegmund, on what loving wise he spake! “Ye are welcome to me and to all my men. Right joyful have ye made us by this journey.” “Now God reward thee,” answered Siegmund, the worshipful man. “Since my son Siegfried won thee to his kinsman, my desire hath ever been to behold thee.” Whereupon Gunther said, “That it hath come to pass doth rejoice me.” Siegfried was received with the honour that was his due; and none wished him ill. From Gernot and Giselher, also, dear guests had never better welcome. Then the two queens drew nigh to each other. The saddles were emptied, and the women alighted on the grass with the help of the heroes, that were not slow, I trow, with their service! The queens met, and the knights rejoiced at so fair a greeting, and ceased not to wait upon the fair women. Hero now to hero held out the hand of welcome; the women courtseyed and kissed, and Gunther’s and Siegfried’s men looked on well content. They tarried not longer, but rode to the town, where the host bade it be shown plain that the guests were welcome to Burgundy. There, too, there was tilting before the maidens. Hagen of Trony and Ortwin approved them mighty, for none durst gainsay their command; and they showed the dear guests much honour. The clash of shields, and the din of piercing and smiting, rose before the castle gate. Long time stood the host there with his guest or they were all gone in, for in pastime the hours flew by. Then they rode merrily to the great reception hall. Gorgeous footcloths, rich and cunningly fashioned, hung down from the saddles of the beautiful women. Gunther’s serving-men hasted forward, and led them to their chambers. All this time Brunhild kept not her eyes from Kriemhild, that was, certes, fair enow, and of brighter hue than the gold she wore.