XLII Thus 'twas at once decided, and struck was not a blow. Sore irk'd it angry Kriemhild; her heart was wrung with woe. Thence back the knights departed, each fearing to be sped By that redoubted couple; good cause had they for dread. XLIII Then spoke the valiant gleeman, "We now have seen too clear, As we were told by Dietrich, that foes beset us here. Best to court hence hurry, and with the kings unite; Then none against our masters will dare provoke the fight." XLIV How oft does the faint waverer let slip the lucky hour, While friend by friend firm standing confronts the deadliest store. Be they but bold and ready! no charm 'gainst sword and dart Like that which smith ne'er temper'd, wise head and fearless heart. XLV "Lead on then," answer'd Hagan, "I'll follow close behind." They went, where yet the warriors they were in time to find In the court still waiting, girt by a glittering crowd. Thereat the dauntless Folker cried to his lords aloud, XLVI "Noble Burgundian princes! how long here will you stay In all this crowd and pressure? better to court away, And learn the mind of Etzel from his own proper tongue." Then each chose his companion the well-prov'd knights among. XLVII The Prince of Bern, Sir Dietrich, took friendly by the hand Gunther the puissant ruler of Burgundy's fair land, Irnfried went pair'd with Gernot the knight devoid of fear, And to court strode Rudeger with youthful Giselher. XLVIII Howe'er the rest were coupled, as mov'd to court the train, Folker and Hagan they parted ne'er again, Save in one mortal struggle, e'en to their dying hour. That strife high dames lamented each in her widow'd bower. XLIX So on to court mov'd slowly the kings in royal state, Their train a thousand nobles proud on such lords to wait; With them were sixty champions, the flower of all contest, Whom in his land Sir Hagan had chosen for the best. L Hawart and Iring, of knighthood each the pride, With the royal brethren mov'd softly side by side; Dankwart and Wolfhart, a valiant hardy knight, Display'd their courteous bearing in each beholder's sight. LI Soon as the Lord of Rhineland had come within the door, The mighty monarch Etzel could keep his seat no more. At the first glimpse of Gunther up you might see him spring, And welcome him as warmly as king did ever king. LII "Sir Gunther, welcome hither! welcome Sir Gernot too, And your fair brother Giselher; my faithful service true I sent you, as befitted, to Worms beyond the Rhine. Your friends, too, all are welcome alike to me and mine. LIII "And you, bold pair, trice welcome, whom I together view, Danger-defying Folker, and peerless Hagan too, To me and to my lady; she'll see you nothing loath. She many a friendly message to Rhine has sent for both." LIV