On the seventh morning thereafter rode from Bechlaren away That host with his train of warriors: weapons of war had they And store of costly raiment, through Bavaria-land as they pressed. Such steel-clad strong wayfarers no spoiler dared molest. So then on the twelfth day's morning to the land of Rhine they came. Swiftly the tale of their coming flew on the wings of fame. Full soon to the King and his kinsmen did the city-warders show That guests were come from a far land. And now would Gunther know-- "Doth any man know yon strangers? If it be so, let him declare." Men looked on the sumpter-horses, and the heavy loads they bare; {P. 161} How rich were the alien heroes might all discern thereby: Then all through the wide-wayed city they lodged them royally. So soon as men saw these strangers through the streets of the city ride, They gazed on the long procession with wonder eager-eyed, Sore marvelling whence these barons to the land of the Rhine had come. "Know'st thou," the King asked Hagen, "who these shall be, and wherefrom?" Answered the Lord of Troneg: "Not yet have I looked on them well. So soon as mine eyes have marked them, doubt not but I shall tell From what far country hither hath ridden their knightly array. They must needs be far-off dwellers if I know them not straightway." So when into many a hostel those guests of a king were brought, King Etzel's herald arrayed him in vesture richly wrought, Even he and all his fellows, and they rode to the palace thus; And the fashion of their raiment was exceeding glorious. Then spake the valiant Hagen: "As I call up things long past,-- For in sooth many days have fleeted since I saw yon baron last,-- Such are they in semblance, methinketh, as Rüdiger now might be, Out of the land of the Hunfolk, in port and in valiancy." "Meseems it is past believing," the King made answer again, "That unto this far country should journey Bechlaren's thane!" Yet scarce had the word of misgiving from the lips of Gunther flown, Than by Hagen of a surety was the knightly Rüdiger known. Then Troneg's lord and his kinsmen to meet that stranger stept, As valiant thanes five hundred down from the saddle leapt. Courteous greeting and loving those Hunland envoys had. Sooth, never a great king's heralds had come so royally clad. Then Hagen of Troneg lifted his voice, and he cried aloud: "Now unto us be welcome these gallant thanes and proud! Welcome the Lord of Bechlaren and all his valiant ones!" Yea, hailed with abundant honour in truth were the warrior Huns. King Gunther's nearest kinsmen with welcoming hands drew nigh, And to Rüdiger did Ortwein, fair Metz's warder, cry: {P. 162} "No guests so passing welcome to our hearts for many a day Have we looked upon in Rhineland: sheer truth is that I say."