1735.
Then quarters were appointed for the Burgundian men.
The whole of Gunther’s followers were sunder’d from him then.
This by the queen was compass’d, with hatred for him fill’d;
Hence all the yeomen, later, were in their hostel kill’d.
1736.
Since Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, the marshal had been made,
The king with zeal commended the men to him; and bade
That he would seek their comfort and let them have their fill.
This chief of the Burgundians bore all of them goodwill.
1737.
And now came Queen Kriemhilda with all her company
That she might greet the Niblungs with feignéd courtesy.
But Giselher, her brother, she kiss’d and took his hand.
This Hagen saw, and tighter he laced his helmet’s band.
1738.
“In view of such a greeting,” thus Hagen blurted out,
“A prompt and ready warrior may well have some misdoubt!
To kings and to their vassals greetings unlike befall:
We’ve made no lucky journey to this high festival.”
1739.
“To those who fain would see thee,” said she, “now welcome be:
Thou shalt not have a greeting for friendship’s sake from me.
Say what it is thou bringest from Worms beyond the Rhine,
That thou so great a welcome shouldst have from me and mine.”
1740.
“If I had heard the tidings,” so Hagen spake again,
“That you for gifts were looking at hands of every thane,
Had I myself been wealthy I would have twice bethought
Or ever to this country my gifts for you I brought.”
