1811.
Hagen of Tronjé answered: “So heard I, more than once!
And had I for my masters not come unto the Huns,
Yet would I you to honour have ridden to this land.”
The noble host then kindly his guests took by the hand;
1812.
And to the seat he brought them where he himself had sat,
Then to the guests they offer’d (they busily did that),
In wide-mouth’d golden goblets, wine, mead and mulberry,
And bade to the newcomers a welcome heartily.
1813.
Then spake the royal Etzel: “I will to you confess
Naught in this world could give me a greater happiness
Than ye have given me, heroes, in coming thus to me;
Whereby the queen is also from mickle grief set free.
1814.
“And ofttimes have I marvell’d what was the fault in me—
So many guests right noble have I been wont to see—
That ye unto my country to come did never deign?
But now that I have seen you to joy is turn’d my pain.”
1815.
Said Rüdeger in answer (a knight of noble mood):
“Well may you see them gladly; their faith indeed is good,
And all my lady’s kinsfolk the same can well uphold;
They bring unto your palace full many a warrior bold.”
1816.
The even of Midsummer, at mighty Etzel’s court
These princes made their entry; and seldom hath report
Told of such royal welcome as on these chiefs he spent.
Now was it time for eating; and all to table went.
