Meanwhile are the envoys returning, and ever they speed on fast. So cometh the proud thane Gere to Burgundia-land at last, And with honour there is he welcomed. Down to the earth they spring From saddle of steed and palfrey in front of the hall of the King. Forth poured the youths and the elders, as folk be wont to do, And asked of him touching his tidings. Made answer the knight thereto: "When I speak to the King my message, unto you shall the same be known." So entered he in with his comrades where Gunther sat on his throne. Upleapt the King from the high-seat, and bright for joy was his face. Brunhild withal the lovely thanked them with queenly grace For this their speedy returning, and the King to the messengers spake: "How fareth Siegfried, who ofttimes hath ventured his life for my sake?" Made answer Gere the valiant: "For joy was his face aflame, Even his and thy sister's. Message so gracious never came From any man aforetime that would greet far-sundered friends, As now unto you with his father the noble Siegfried sends." Then of the Lord of the Marches the King's wife questioned and cried: "Answer me, cometh Kriemhild? As of old is her beauty's pride And the grace of the queenly bearing that to her did of yore appertain?" "O yea, of a surety she cometh," made answer Gere the thane. Then the herald at Uta's bidding came before that Queen, And now by her eager asking all in a moment was seen Whereunto was her whole heart yearning--"How hath my child's weal sped?" And he said, "She is well, and she cometh ere many days be fled." {P. 105} Then showed they the herald's guerdon in the palace for all to behold, The gifts of the hand of Siegfried, the raiment and the gold: Nothing thereof was hidden from the three Kings' vassalry. All rendered the hero honour for his bounty and courtesy. "Ha! well may the man," cried Hagen, "with full hand give away. Ne'er could he spend his treasure, not though he should live for aye. The Hoard of the Niblungs lieth in the hollow of his hand! --Ha, if the same came ever hither to Burgundy-land!"