Rich saddles were made ready, and shields of glittering pride. To the knights and ladies, that should with Siegfried ride, Whate'er they wish'd was granted; none wanted there for ought. To his friends in Rhineland many a lordly guest he brought. XLIV Meanwhile homeward speeding prick'd the envoys fast. Back came the noble Gary to Burgundy at last. He met with hearty welcome; straight they dismounted all From war-horse and from palfrey before King Gunther's hall. XLV Old and young (as the use is) ran up from every side, And ask'd what news they brought them? the noble knights replied, "When I the king have told it, 'twill spread to all around." Then went he with his comrades to where the king he found. XLVI From sheer pleasure Gunther started from his seat At the happy tidings; that they had come so fleet, Much thanks had they from Brunhild. Gunther straight begun, "How fares it with Siegfried, who so much for me has done?" XLVII "To hear of you," said Gary, "he redden'd with delight, Both he, and eke your sister; never living wight Sent his friends a message so tender and so true, As by me Sir Siegfried and his father have to you." XLVIII Then to the valiant margrave the noble queen 'gan say, "Tell me, is Kriemhild coming? does still her form display The beauty and soft graces, she well to foster knew?" The good knight, Gary, answer'd, "She's surely coming too." XLIX Then before Dame Uta the messengers were brought; Well without her asking could Gary guess her thought, So, ere she put the question, "How did Kriemhild fare?" He said, how he had found her, and that she'd soon be there. L Of all the gorgeous presents nothing was left untold, Given them by good Sir Siegfried; the raiment and the gold, That the three brethren's lieges might view them forth were laid. With thanks the gracious giver was by them all repaid. LI "Ay! of his own," said Hagan, "full lightly he may give; 'Tis past his power to spend it, should he forever live. The Nibelungers' treasure holds he by strength of hand. Ah! would it were brought hither to our Burgundian land!" LII The court, both knights and ladies, were all with joy elate To hear that they were coming. Early forthwith and late The friends of the three brethren were busied every man; Seats with sumptuous trappings to raise they straight began. LIII Hunolt and eke Sindolt, the hardy knights and true, Had not a moment's leisure; full work had they to do The while, as sewer and butler, and many a bench to raise. Ortwine for th' aid he gave them had Gunther's thanks and praise. LIV