Forthwith for many a champion, who thence would soon away, Prepar'd were shields and saddles and all the proud array That to the land of Etzel each was with him to bring; Meanwhile Queen Kriemhild's envoys were call'd before the king. LXII Then thus began Sir Gernot to th' envoys there in place, "The king will do the bidding of royal Etzel's grace. Fain will we seek his festal, which it were ill to miss, And see once more our sister; she may depend on this." LXIII Then spake to them King Gunther, "Could you to us declare The time of this high festal, and when we should be there With all our following present?" then Swemmeline made reply, "For the next midsummer is fix'd the festal high." LXIV The king then gave permission, not granted till that hour, If they wish'd to visit Dame Brunhild in her bower, With his free allowance thither at once to go, Then interpos'd Sir Folker (the queen would have it so). LXV "Just now my Lady Brunhild is not so well of cheer," Said the good knight, "that strangers before her can appear. Wait until to-morrow; then you the queen may see." Much wish'd they to behold her, yet never could it be. LXVI Then in his gracious fashion commanded straight the king Through kindnes to the envoys forth his gold to bring Spread out on massy bucklers; good store thereof had he. Rich gifts his friends too gave them with liberal hand and free. LXVII Gernot alike and Giselher and Gary and Ortwine Show'd, they as well could lavish the treasures of the mine. Such rich gifts on the envoys were shower'd with one accord, That they durst not accept them through terror of their lord. LXVIII On this the messenger Swemmeline thus to the king 'gan say, "Sir King, needs must your presents here in your country stay; We cannot take them with us; our king has so decreed, And strictly that forbidden; besides, we've little need." LXIX Not little wonder'd Gunther, and felt displeasure more, That they refus'd such presents given from his royal store. Still he at last constrain'd them his gold and weed to take, And to the land of Etzel to bear them for his sake. LXX An audience of Queen Uta, ere they set out, they sought. Young Giselher the minstrels before his mother brought. The lady to her daughter by them this message sent, To hear of all her honors, it gave her full content. LXXI Girdles and gold she lavish'd, sure more than I can tell, Both for the sake of Kriemhild (for her she lov'd full well) And also of King Etzel, on those same minstrels brave; They willingly accepted what she sincerely gave. LXXII Their leave then took the envoys, well-gifted as might be, Of every noble warrior and every lady free. Thence on they rode to Swabia; Sir Gernot sent along So far his knights to guard them, that none should do them wrong.