1453.
So Giselher he brought them to where they found the dame.
With joy she saw the heralds who from the Huns’ land came;
And heartily did greet them, so kindly was her mood.
Then told they her the tidings those courtly heralds good.
1454.
Spake Schwemmelin in this wise: “My lady sends to thee
Her faithful love and duty; and if it so might be
That she could see you often, she bids you to believe
That in this world would nothing more gladness to her give.”
1455.
Whereto the queen made answer: “Alas, it may not be!
Often as I am longing my daughter dear to see,
Too distant dwelleth from me your noble monarch’s wife.
May she and Etzel ever be blesséd in their life.
1456.
“But ye must give me warning, ere from this place ye fare,
When ye will be returning; for heralds saw I ne’er
For long days past so gladly, as I have look’d on you.”
The squires then gave their promise her will therein to do.
1457.
And so unto their hostel the men from Hunsland went.
Meanwhile for friends and kinsmen the mighty king had sent.
The noble Gunther question put unto every man
What thought he of the matter. And many then began
1458.
To say that he might fairly ride unto Etzel’s land.
So counsell’d him the warriors who did around him stand,
Excepting only Hagen,— to whom ’twas bitter woe.
He told the king in secret: “Thou wilt thyself undo.
