Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/279

XX.]

Now when the all-unknown ones were given an abode,

Upon these self-same nobles vast was the heed bestow’d:

Men wondered whence the warriors to the Rhine had found their way.

The host sent after Hagen, if haply he could say.

Then spake the knight of Tronjé: “I have not seen them yet,

I doubtless may declare you when sight of them I get,

From whence they’ve come a-riding into this land. I trow

They must indeed be strangers if naught of them I know.”

By this time every stranger a place of lodging had.

Then forward came the envoy, in rich apparel clad,

With all his noble comrades; and so to court they rode.

Fine raiment were they wearing right well-devised in mode.

Then quoth the ready Hagen: “For all that I can tell—

Not having seen these nobles for somewhat of a spell—

Such like is their demeanour as Rüdeger might have,

Out of the Hunnish country,— a noble knight and brave.”

“How am I to believe it,” the king replied straightway,

“That he of Bechelaren is hither come this day?”

But as the royal Gunther from speaking did forbear,

Bold Hagen saw for certain that it was Rüdeger.

He and his friends to meet them, did hasten everyone.

One saw from off their horses five hundred knights stand down.

These messengers from Hunsland right welcome were they made,

And never yet were envoys so gallantly array’d.