"For that we freely trust you," straight answer'd Swemmeline; "Express ne'er could I fitly by wit or words of mine What kind and friendly greetings I from King Etzel bear, And from your noble sister, who reigns so proudly there. XXVI "Your love and old affection she bids you keep in mind, And how to her you ever in heart and soul were kind. But first to the king and foremost we come by high command, To beg you'd deign to travel hence into Etzel's land. XXVII "In strictest charge 'twas given us by our redoubted king, Unto you all this message on his account to bring, If you your loving sister are so resolv'd to shun, Yet fain would learn King Etzel, what he to you has done, XXVIII "That you to him such strangers and to his land have been; E'en were you distant aliens, nor kinsmen of his queen, He at your hands might merit that you his guests should be, And if this e'er should happen, right well content were he." XXIX Thereto replied King Gunther, "Before this sennight's end, I'll tell you, after counsel first ta'en with many a friend. What I shall have determin'd; meanwhile for you 'twere best To go back to your quarters and there in pleasure rest." XXX Then said the minstrel Werbel, "And might it also be, That you would permit us a little space to see My gracious Lady Uta ere we retire to rest?" Thereto assent Sir Giselher thus courteously express'd. XXXI "That no one will refuse you, and, would you thither go, Full well you'd please my mother, that for a truth I know; Surely for my sister the Lady Kriemhild's sake She will behold you gladly, and friendly welcome make." XXXII Giselher then led them where he the lady found; Full gladly she beheld them, the chiefs from Hunnish ground. She gave them friendly greeting, for she was good and wise; They then their charge deliver'd in grave and courtly guise. XXXIII "To you the queen my lady," thus noble Swemmeline spake, "Commends her love and duty; this you for truth may take, That if your royal daughter her mother oft could see, In all the world no pleasure more dear to her would be." XXXIV Thereto the queen made answer, "That cannot be, I fear; Much as 'twould glad me, often to see my daughter dear, She dwells from hence too distant, the noble Etzel's wife. May she and he together ever lead a happy life! XXXV "I pray you, give me notice, e'er you from Rhineland go, When you begin your journey; this too for certain know, That I never envoys with more content have seen." The squires to do her pleasure made promise to the queen. XXXVI The messengers from Hungary thence to their chambers went; Meanwhile in haste King Gunther round to his friends had sent, And, when all were assembled, inquir'd of every man, What thought they of the message; many then to speak began. XXXVII