Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/218

160 knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the men from Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes. Then Hagen of Troneg spake full loudly: “Now be these knights, the lord of Bechelaren and all his men, welcome in God’s name.”

With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the king went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rüdeger: “Never have we seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say.”

On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all their fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the king and with him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats; through their great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met the messengers! Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals warmly, as was his due. He took the good knight Rüdeger by the hand and led him to the seat where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the guests (full gladly this was done) passing good mead and the best of wine that one might find in the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had heard about the strangers. Merry they were of mood and greeted before the king the noble knights and good.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: “These thy knights should ever requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the husband of fair Gotelind receive reward.”

King Gunther spake: “I cannot hold my peace; ye