It chanced that there were many, who were right well content To take their proffer'd bounty; to these they straight were sent. Then robes of such rare splendor put on the lofty guests, That well might royal envoys keep state in meaner vests. XV Straightway, with leave accorded, Etzel's servants went To where the king was sitting; kind looks were on them bent. To them in courteous fashion up stepp'd Sir Hagan brave, And warmly bade them welcome; due thanks in turn they gave. XVI Much after news inquir'd he, much after great and small, How it was with Etzel, how with his warriors all. The minstrel thus made answer, "The land was ne'er so well, The people ne'er so happy; this I for truth can tell." XVII To the host then went the envoys; throng'd was the palace wide; They met right courteous greeting from knights on every side, Such as in distant countries to noble guests is due. Werbel there found with Gunther many a champion bold and true. XVIII Courteously King Gunther greeted them as they stood; "Welcome to Worms, both welcome, ye Hunnish minstrels good, You and your worthy comrades; wherefore from Hungary Has noble Etzel sent you so far to Burgundy?" XIX Low bow'd they to King Gunther, then Werbel spake, "By me My good king and thy sister their service send to thee, And their fraternal greeting with kind sincere intent. We to you knights of Rhineland in love and truth are sent." XX Then said the puissant Gunther, "This news I'm glad to hear; And how," asked he, "is Etzel, whom long I've held so dear, And my fair sister Kriemhild, who reigns in Hungary?" Then answer'd thus the minstrel, "I'll tell you faithfully. XXI "This take for true and certain, that never yet were seen People so blithe and merry as our good king and queen, Their vassals, and their kinsmen, and knights in bower and hall; The tidings of our journey rejoic'd them one and all." XXII "Thanks for his friendly message, which you so far have brought, And also for my sister's; it glads my inmost thought To find they all live happy, both king and liegemen bold. I ask'd with fear and trembling before your tale was told." XXIII The two young kings together alike the presence sought. But just before, the tidings had to their ears been brought. Right glad to see the envoys for his dear sister's sake Was the young knight Giselher, and friendly them bespake. XXIV "Welcome, ye noble envoys, welcome to me and mine; Should you be pleas'd more frequent to travel to the Rhine, Friends you would meet with ever who'd see you still with joy, And little you'd encounter to cause you here annoy." XXV