782.
Heralds were sent before them the news betimes to say.
And soon rode out to meet them, in lordliest array,
Many of Uté’s kinsfolk and Gunther’s gallant men.
The host began to stir him his guests to welcome then.
783.
He went unto Brunhilda where seated was the dame:
“How did my sister greet you,” quoth he, “when first you came?
Even in the self-same fashion you Siegfried’s wife must greet.”
Said she: “That will I gladly; I love her, as is meet.”
784.
Then spake the great king: “Early to-morrow are they due.
If you would fain receive them, be quick in what you do;
Lest we have first to greet them in this our citadel.
In all my days I have not had guests I loved so well.”
785.
Her maidens and her women she therefore straightway bade
To go and seek fine raiment, the best that could be had,—
Such as her own attendants might wear her guests before.
This did they with much pleasure, of that you may be sure!
786.
King Gunther’s men now hasten’d to tender service due.
The host about his person had all his warriors true.
The queen herself rode with him, all gloriously array’d;
To these well-lovéd guests was a royal welcome made.
787.
With what unfeign’d rejoicing the guests by all were met!
’Twas said that Dame Brunhilda did ne’er such greeting get
In the Burgundian kingdom on the part of Dame Kreimhild.
They who had ne’er beheld her with happiness were fill’d.
