Then spake the dreadless Volker: "Now for ourselves have we found The truth whereof we had warning, that here foes swarm all round. Let us pass on then to the Princes, where in the palace they are, That none may beset our masters unawares with array of war." "Good; lead thou on, I follow," did Hagen answering say. And thence went those two comrades; and there in the hall saw they Those knights, and the Hunfolk greeting thronged them all about. Then the voice of Volker the dreadless like a trumpet-blast rang out, As he cried to his lords the Princes: "How long are ye minded to stay To be thronged and pressed thus tamely? Ye should to the King straightway, And hear in his presence-chamber what is his mood unto you." Then the good knights and valiant set forward two by two. For the champion of Bern, Lord Dietrich, in fellowship took by the hand The mighty ruler Gunther, the King of Burgundia-land; {P. 246} And with Gernot the valiant hero was Irnfried handed there; And with Giselher to the palace went the noble Rüdiger. But, howsoe'er companioned were the rest, to the hall as they hied, Never did Volker and Hagen leave one another's side, Save only in one grim conflict, until on their death they came, Which was cause of sorrow and weeping unto many a noble dame. On passed to the hall of the presence with the Princes a gallant train, A thousand of their vassals, each man a valiant thane. There were threescore knights moreover of that royal company, Warriors whom Hagen the dauntless had brought from his seignory. Hawart and Iring, chieftains of Etzel's own war-band, Went with Burgundia's Princes to the palace hand in hand. Dankwart withal, and Wolfhart, an earl of high degree, Bare them amidst of the concourse with knightly courtesy. So now when the Lord of Rhineland passed through the palace-door, Etzel the King wide-ruling would tarry no whit more: He leapt adown from his high-seat when he saw him standing there. Never was welcoming given by king unto king more fair. "Welcome be thou, Lord Gunther! Lord Gernot, welcome to thee, And to Giselher your brother! I bade you Princes three, With greeting and all true service, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Welcome to me, King Gunther, be all these vassals of thine. Be ye twain also welcome, good knights, to my festival, Volker the valiant champion, and thou, Lord Hagen withal. Unto me and my wife be ye welcome here in the land of the Hun: Messages unto Rhineland hath she sent you many an one." Made answer Hagen of Troneg: "Her words of love have I heard. Had I not in my masters' service hither to Hunland spurred, O King, to render thee honour had I come unto thy land."