"By him he's charged to tell us, how stands it with the king; Permit him then his message hither to court to bring; Whate'er befell in Issland from him you'll truly know." E'en thus the noble ladies still harbor'd fear and woe. XXIII Up for their robes they started, and each herself array'd, Then bade Sir Siegfried enter; he willingly obey'd, For much he long'd to see them; then, ere the warrior spoke, Silence the blushing Kriemhild with friendly accents broke. XXIV "Welcome, Sir Siegfried, hither, boldest of the bold! Where is my brother Gunther? straight be your tidings told. I fear me, we have lost him, and here are left forlorn. Woe's me unhappy maiden, that ever I was born!" XXV Then spake the warrior, "Give me the guerdon of good news; You weep for sake of weeping; so you fair ladies use. I left him safe and hearty; of this assure you well. He to you both has sent me the joyful tale to tell. XXVI "To you, as best beseems him, with gracious kind intent He and his bride their service, right noble queen, have sent. And soon will both come hither, so dry your idle tears." For many a day such gladness had never bless'd her ears. XXVII Straight with her snow-white apron she wip'd her tears away, And dried her eyes from weeping; then, once more fresh and gay Began to thank the envoy for his happy tale, That ended her deep sorrow and heart-consuming wail. XXVIII She bade the knight be seated; nothing loth was he; Then spake the lovely maiden; "'Twere no small joy for me, Could I with gold reward you for what you just have said; But you're for that too wealthy; take my good will instead." XXIX "Were I," replied the champion, "the lord of thirty lands Still would I take with pleasure a gift from your fair hands." Straight said the modest damsel, "Then you shall be content." So for the costly guerdon her treasurer she sent. XXX Four and twenty bracelets she gave him for his fee, Each set with stones full precious; yet so proud was he, That he would not keep them, but gave the jewels rare To her lovely maidens, whom he found in waiting there. XXXI And then her mother greeted the noble warrior well. "To both of you," replied he, "I yet have more to tell, Whereof the king entreats you, and, if you but attend To what he asks so dearly, he'll ever be your friend. XXXII "His noble guests, he begs you, and his beauteous bride Receive with kindly welcome, and forth to meet them ride On the strand before the city. To you has sent the king This true and gracious message, which I as truly bring." XXXIII "I'm ready at his bidding," the lovely maid replied, "Whatever I can to serve him shall never be denied, So heartily and truly his pleasure will I do." Then her love-kindled blushes glow'd a deeper hue. XXXIV