Thence came they to Bechlaren as on the spur they rode; There all were glad to tend them, and naught but kindness show'd. Rudeger and Gotelind by them their service true Sent to their friends in Rhineland, so did their daughter too. IV Thence without many a present they would not let them part, So that the men of Etzel might go with merrier heart. Rudeger bade tell Uta and her children three, That sure no other margrave lov'd them so well as he. V And eke they sent to Brunhild their service and best will, Their loyalty devoted, and love enduring still. So, thus at full commission'd, the envoys sprung to selle; The margravine at parting pray'd God to guard them well. VI Ere the despatchful minstrels had ridd'n Bavaria through, Swift Werbel found the bishop, Queen Kriemhild's uncle true. What to his Rhenish kinsmen by their mouths he said Came never to my knowledge; but th' envoys gold so red VII He gave for a remembrance ere he let them part; But first thus spake good Pilgrin, "'Twould gladden sure my heart To see them in Bavaria, these sister's sons of mine, Since I can hope so seldom to seek them by the Rhine." VIII What roads they took yet further, as to the Rhine they far'd, Is more than I can utter; none sure to pilfer dar'd Their silver or their raiment; Etzel all had dread; His majesty and puissance so wide around were spread. IX Within twelve days, so riding, they came unto the Rhine, E'en to Worms, the minstrels Werbel and Swemmeline. To the kings and their liegemen forthwith the tidings ran, That come were foreign envoys. Gunther to ask began. X Thus said the Lord of Rhineland, "I fain would understand, Whence have the strangers journey'd who thus have sought our land." Not one to his inquiry could satisfaction bring, Till they were seen by Hagan, who thus bespake the king; XI "These must be weighty tidings; that can I vouch for true; Sure they are Etzel's minstrels whom here I have in view. Your sister sends them hither unless I much mistake; Let's give them hearty welcome for their great master's sake." XII At once up to the palace in fair array they rode; Never prince's minstrels before so lordly show'd. Forth stepp'd King Gunther's servants with courteous act and look, And led them to fit chambers, and in charge their raiment took. XIII So rich and so well fashion'd were the riding-vests they wore, That in them they with honor might go the king before; Still they resolv'd no longer the same at court to wear, But ask'd, "Who would accept them?" of those who loiter'd there. XIV