LXXIII When from the friends they parted, who had assur'd their way, In peace they went thenceforward, safe under Etzel's sway, That no man dar'd to pilfer their horses or their weed. So to the land of Etzel they prick'd with fiery speed. LXXIV Whom true they found and friendly, them told they all and some, That the bold Burgundians would shortly thither come From the Rhine into Hungary, as Etzel them had pray'd. Also to Bishop Pilgrin like tidings were convey'd. LXXV As they nigh to Bechlaren came riding down the road, Twas told to good Sir Rudeger, who there in peace abode, And to the Lady Gotelind, the noble margravine. To hear she soon would see them, right glad was she, I ween. LXXVI On went they with the tidings, fast sped they horse and man; The minstrels found King Etzel in his good town of Gran. Greetings upon greetings were sent from Rhine, they said, All there were at his service; for joy he glow'd a merry red. LXXVII When the queen heard for certain (what she so long had plann'd) That her long absent brethren would come into the land, She swam in joy and rapture; richly for service done The minstrels she requited; high honor thus she won. LXXVIII Then thus she spake, "Now tell me, Werbel and Swemmeline, Who to our feast are coming of kin and friends of mine, Into this land invited with many a friendly word; And tell, too, what said Hagan, when he the tidings heard." LXXIX "Early upon a morning to the council-board he came; Little there he utter'd but words of gloom and blame; And when the jaunt to Hungary was voted in a breath, He grimly smil'd and mutter'd, 'This jaunt's a jaunt to death.' LXXX "There are your brethren coming, the noble kings all three, In lofty mood and joyous; who there besides may be, We could not learn for certain, else would we nothing hide. The valiant gleeman Folker agreed with them to ride." LXXXI "I could have spar'd full lightly the minstrel's presence here," Replied the wife of Etzel; "this gives me little cheer; I'm well inclin'd to Hagan; he is of courage high; To have him here among us right well content am I." LXXXII Then in haste went Kriemhild where sat King Etzel near; How kindly she bespake him! "My lord and husband dear, What thinks't thou of these tidings, thou, who this feast hast will'd? My heart's long lingering wishes shall now be all fulfill'd." LXXXIII "Thy wishes are my pleasure," the smiling king replied, "Ne'er with my own good kinsmen was I so satisfied, Whene'er into my country they have been pleas'd to fare; Through love of thy brave brethren has vanish'd all my care." LXXXIV