Then one and all for his greeting they thanked that princely thane; And into the Hall of the Presence paced Rüdiger and his train. There they beheld King Gunther begirt with barons bold; And he rose from his throne to greet them, like a great king courteous-souled. With welcome how royal-courteous those heralds did he meet! How eagerly did Gunther and Gernot his brother greet That stately guest and his good knights! Worthy thereof they were. Then by the hand did Gunther the King lead Rüdiger: He brought him unto the high-seat whence himself had risen but now; And he bade pour out for his guest-friends--and with joy they obeyed, I trow-- The sparkling mead of welcome, and the choicest of all wine That man might find by searching in the lands that fringe the Rhine. Came Giselher and Gere to bid the guests all-hail; Dankwart withal and Volker, for these too heard the tale Of the strangers worship-worthy. Blithe were they all of mood As they greeted in Gunther's presence that noble knight and good. And now to his liege-lord Gunther did Hagen of Troneg say: "With loving service ever should these thine earls repay The kindness the Lord of the Marches showed unto us of old. Now let the husband of Gotlind be requited manifold." Then spake King Gunther: "From asking will I no more delay:-- How fare thy Lord and thy Lady tell unto me straightway, Etzel and Queen Helka, which rule the Hunfolk's land." Answered the Margrave: "Gladly will I do my Lord's command." Then rose he up from the high-seat; uprose his vassals all; And he answered and spake unto Gunther: "If this indeed may befall That thou givest me, King, free licence, without more tarrying With willing lips will I utter the message that I bring." {P. 163} And the King said: "Whatsoever the charge of thy message be, With friends do I take not counsel ere I grant thee liberty To speak out all thy message unto me and my friends, O guest. All honour shall be accorded thy petition and thy request."