Here held his wary station a host that Astolt hight; From him the road to Austria the travellers learn'd aright, Toward Mautern down the Danube; all anxious there were seen To meet with zealous service King Etzel's gracious queen. XLII There lovingly the bishop parted from his niece, How strongly he advis'd her to live in joy and peace, And gain fair fame and credit as Helca did of yore! Ah! what high honors thenceforth among the Huns she bore! XLIII Thence their way to the Traisem the noble strangers made. The men of the good margrave all fair attendance paid, Till the Huns to meet them came riding o'er the green. Then with royal honors was welcomed the fair queen. XLIV Fast beside the Traisem the King of Hungary Possess'd a famous castle kept well and warily; It's name was Zeissenmauer; there Helca once did dwell, Displaying such high virtues, that none could her excel, XLV Save only peerless Kriemhild, who well knew how to give; Sure, after all her sorrows, she might contented live, Such crowds of Etzel's warriors were proud on her to wait, Adorers of her beauty and vassals of her state. XLVI Wide was the rule of Etzel, and wider his renown; The most redoubted champions from castle and from town Were at his court assembled; together, all and some, Christian knights and Paynim, they now with him were come. XLVII With him at every season was many a prowest chief Alike of heathen doctrine and of the true belief. Whate'er his faith, each warrior was prompt at Etzel's call, And the king was so gracious, he gave enough to all. TWENTY-SECOND ADVENTURE HOW THE HUNS RECEIVED KRIEMHILD I Kriemhild at Zeissenmauer remain'd till the fourth day; On the roads, while there she rested, the dust no moment lay. It seem'd the land was burning, so smok'd each hoof-beat plain, As Etzel's men through Austria came trampling on amain. II When to the monarch's hearing the joyful tidings came. How stately through his country rode the Burgundian dame, All sorrow in a moment was from his heart effac'd; To meet his love and lady he spurred with burning haste. III Good knights of many a region and many a foreign tongue Prick'd before King Etzel, that all the champaign rung; Christian and heathen squadrons, careering wide around, Advanc'd in dazzling splendor to where the queen they found. IV Chiefs from Greece and Russia in crowds were there to meet; Polacks and Wallachians there were spurring fleet. Each his fiery charger had in due command; Each display'd the customs of his own native land. V From Kiev came many a champion, each in fair array, And savage Petchenegers, that ever on their way Kept shooting from the saddle at wild birds as they flew; The arrow-head full strongly to the bend of the bow they drew. VI