542.
With four and twenty horsemen he into Worms did ride.
“Without the king he cometh!” was heard on every side;
And all the folk lamented, and stirr’d were with the dread
Lest in that foreign country they’d left their master dead!
543.
They from their steeds dismounted: right happy was their mood;
And Giselher hasten’d to them, the youthful king and good,
And eke his brother Gernot: how eagerly spake he,
When he the kingly Gunther did not with Siegfried see!
544.
“Be welcome, Siegfried,” cried he, “but, pray you let me know
Where you have left my brother, who forth with you did go?
If Queen Brunhilda’s prowess have robbed us of our king,
Methinks your high-aim’d wooing hath been an evil thing!”
545.
“Forego your fears!” quoth Siegfried, “my noble comrade sends
His loyal love and greeting to you and all his friends.
In rare good health I left him: I came at his command
To bring you, as his envoy, tidings to this your land.
546.
“You must see to it quickly, however it may be,
That I the good queen-mother and your fair sister see;—
For they must hear the message, which I was bade to tell,
From Gunther and Brunhilda: with both of whom ’tis well,”
547.
Then Giselher the lad said: “Go then to her you’ve won,
Since for my sister’s favour, such service you have done!
Great trouble doth she suffer about my brother’s fate,
The maid will see you gladly, I’ll warrant me of that!”
