So rich were their travelling-garments, so goodly-fashioned withal, Unshamed they might have worn them in the King's own presence-hall; Yet they scorned for one hour longer to wear them in courts of kings, And they bade make inquisition whether any desired the things. Good sooth, there lacked not people that were right well content That their need be supplied so richly, and to these were the garments sent. Then did the envoys array them in splendour of goodliest gear, Such as fitteth heralds royal in the presence of kings which appear. Then gat they leave and license, those servants of Etzel, to go Where the King sat throned: right gladly men looked on their gallant show. And Hagen sprang from his high-seat, and met them hard by the door, And greeted with kindly welcome, and they gave him thank therefor. Then asked he them of their tidings, and prayed the heralds say Concerning the welfare of Etzel and of all that owned his sway. "Never the land hath prospered more," those bards replied; "Never the folk were happier: hereof be ye certified." {P. 196} To the presence of King Gunther they passed the thronged halls through; And the guests with courteous welcome were received, as aye is it due That envoys so be greeted in the land of another king. There round King Gunther standing were knights in a stately ring. Unto them the King gave greeting of princely courtesy: "O servants of King Etzel, ye minstrels, welcome be ye, Welcome your journeying-fellows! Wherefore hath Etzel your lord Into the land Burgundian sent you hitherward?" Before the King they bowed them, and Werbel answer made: "My dearly belovèd master and Kriemhild your sister bade That hither we fare to your kingdom, and commend their service to you. Unto you, O knights, have they sent us in kindness loving and true." And the mighty King made answer: "Of thy tidings am I fain. How fareth it now with Etzel?"--spake on that royal thane-- "And how with Kriemhild my sister in the Hunland hath it sped?" "I will tell thee all their story," the viol-harper said. "Better in any kingdom never its lords have been, Nor blither, know of a surety, than Hunland's King and Queen, And all their kinsmen and liegemen, and all their knightly train. Right glad were they of our journey, when hither we fared, we twain." "Now thank we him for the message that he sendeth by your voice. Thanks unto him and my sister: herein do I greatly rejoice That your King and all his people in peace and in bliss abide;-- For indeed I feared in mine asking lest haply worse might betide."