“Thy will is my pleasure,” answered the king. “I were less glad had it been mine own kinsmen. Through love of thy dear brethren all my cares have vanished.” Etzel’s officers bade fit up palace and hall everywhere with seats for the welcome guests. They took much joy from the king. Twenty-Fifth Adventure How the Kings Journeyed to the Huns But of their doings there we shall tell no further. High-hearted heroes never rode so proudly into any king’s land. All that they wanted they had, both of weapons and apparel. They say that the Prince of the Rhine equipped a thousand and three score of knights, and nine thousand squires for the hightide. They that tarried at home were soon to weep for them. Whilst they carried their harness across the court at Worms, an old bishop from Spires said to fair Uta, “Our friends will ride to the hightide. God help them there.” Then noble Uta said to her children, “Stay here, good heroes. Last night I dreamed an evil dream, that all the birds in this land were dead.” “He that goeth by dreams,” said Hagen, “careth little for his honour. I would have my noble master take leave without delay, and ride forward merrily into Etzel’s land. There kings need heroes’ hands to serve them, and we must see Kriemhild’s hightide.” Hagen counselled them now to the journey, but he rued it later. He had withstood them, but that Gernot had mocked him. He minded him on Siegfried, Kriemhild’s husband, and said, “It is for that, that Hagen durst not go.” But Hagen said, “I hold not back from fear. If ye will have it so, heroes, go forward. I am ready to ride with you to Etzel’s land.” Soon many a helmet and shield were pierced by him. The ships lay waiting for the kings and their men. They carried their vesture down to them, and were busy till eventide. Merry of cheer they quitted their homes. On the camping ground across the Rhine they pitched tents and put up booths. The king’s fair wife entreated him to stay, for much she loved him. Flutes and trumpets rang out early in the morning, and gave the signal to be gone. Many a true lover was torn from his loved one’s arms by King Etzel’s wife. King Uta’s sons had a liegeman bold and true. When he saw they would forth, he spake to the king secretly, “Much I grieve that thou goest to this hightide.” Rumolt was his name, a chosen knight. He said, “To whom wilt thou leave thy folk and thy land? Alack! that none can turn you knights from your purpose! Kriemhild’s message never pleased me.” “I leave my land and child in thy charge. I will have it so. Comfort them that thou seest weeping. Etzel’s wife will do us no hurt!” The king held a council with his chief men or he started. He left not land and castles defenceless. Many a chosen knight stayed behind to guard them.