Now the messengers of Kriemhild of all, both dame and knight, Courteous farewell had taken, and with merry hearts and light On into Suabia rode they, and Gernot sent thus far A warrior-band to escort them, that none their peace might mar. When the knights of the Rhine had departed, who thus had warded their way, By the power of the terror of Etzel were they shielded from that day. No reiver there was so daring as to touch or vesture or steed. So back to the land of the Hunfolk they rode with fiery speed. Wheresoever they found friends dwelling, they told, as they passed, the tale How the lords of the land Burgundian in few days would not fail To come from the Rhineland riding unto the Hun-king's home; And to Pilgerin the bishop withal did the tidings come. {P. 204} When, riding adown the highways, they came to Bechlaren's hold, Unto Rüdiger were the tidings of those swift messengers told, And withal to the Lady Gotlind, the noble Margravine. With exceeding joy rejoiced they that these of their eyes should be seen. Ever their foaming horses the minstrels twain spurred on, Until to the presence of Etzel in his city of Gram they won. As by greeting upon greeting unto the King they showed The love of the far-off kinsfolk, for joy his visage glowed. Now unto the Lady Kriemhild were the welcome tidings come That her brethren had consented to fare to her Hunland home. Then was she glad: of her bounty did the messengers receive Rich gifts, such as are for the honour of so great a queen to give. She said: "Now give ye answer, Werbel and Schwemmel, to me: Who of my kinsmen be minded at my festal tide to be Of their noblest whom we have bidden to ride to the land of the Hun? When Hagen heard the tidings, what said that mighty one?" They answered and said: "To their council he came with earliest day; But little good of the high-tide would he be moved to say. When others commended the journey hither with eager breath, Hagen the grim withstood them, and named it the Ride unto Death. Hitherward come thy brethren, the royal Princes three, Uplifted in spirit: what other shall be of their company-- Of the rest can I speak not surely that thou shouldst be certified, Save this, that the valiant minstrel Volker with these will ride." "I could well have foregone his presence," answered Kriemhild the Queen: "Small longing had I that Volker should here in our halls be seen. But I joy for the coming of Hagen, for he is a hero good: In the thought that we shall behold him, lightsome am I of mood."