Where they saw them standing, all the household ran; They kindly then saluted, as man encounter'd man, And, as they best could please them, spoke many a friendly word, With no small joy King Siegmund of their arrival heard. XXI Straight were allotted quarters to Gary and his men, And charge ta'en of their courses; the messengers went then To where sat bold Sir Siegfried by gentle Kriemhild's side; They were to court invited, and so they thither hied. XXII Uprose, as in they enter'd, the host and his fair dame. Full well receiv'd was Gary, and all who with him came His followers, Gunther's liegemen from distant Burgundy. To a seat the warrior was motion'd courteously. XXIII "Nay, deign," said he, "our message to hear before we sit, And us, way-wearied wanderers, the while to stand permit. We have to tell you tidings to us committed late By Gunther and by Brunhild, who are both in best estate; XXIV "And from the Lady Uta we come, your mother dear, And from the good Sir Gernot and youthful Giselher, And from your choicest kinsmen, who all with kind intent By us to you their service from Burgundy have sent." XXV "Now God then quit!" said Siegfried, "that they're sincere and true, I trust with full assurance, as men with friends should do. The same too feels their sister. Now further to us tell, Whether our friends in Rhineland are hearty all and well. XXVI "Since we from them departed, has any neighboring foe Harried my consort's kindred? this let me surely know. To them by me shall ever such friendly aid be lent, That their wrong the doers shall bitterly repent." XXVII Thereto the Margrave Gary, the good knight, made reply, "Fraught with all manly virtues they bear them proud and high. They bid you to a festal, which they at home prepare. You need not doubt, your kinsmen would gladly see you there. XXVIII "They also beg my lady thither with you to wend, Soon as the blustering winter shall come at length to end, You both ere next midsummer they all expect to see." Then said the valiant Siegfried, "That can hardly be." XXIX But straight the bold Burgundian Gary gave this reply, "Surely your mother Uta you never can deny, Nor Giselher, nor Gernot, who all would meet you fain. That you dwell so far distant, I hear them daily plain. XXX "Brunhild, my noble lady, and all her maidens fair, Are glad to think that forthwith you thither will repair. That they once more may see you, fills every heart with glee." His words to lovely Kriemhild seem'd full good to be. XXXI Gary was her kinsman; him begg'd the host to sit, And straight bade fill the goblets to pledge them, as was fit; Then too, to meet the envoys, King Siegmund join'd the rest, And to the bold Burgundians these friendly words address'd: XXXII