Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/333

XXIV.]

Where’er they found acquaintance, to them the news they said:

How the Burgundian people, ere many days were sped,

Unto the Hun-folk’s country were coming from the Rhine.

The news was carried also to Bishop Pilgerin.

As they by Bechelaren along the highway went,

To Rüdeger folk told it,— as naught could well prevent—

And also to Gotlinda, the margrave’s wedded wife.

That she was soon to see them was joy unto her life.

Folk saw how with the tidings the minstrels swiftly rode,

Until they found King Etzel at Gran, where he abode.

And greeting upon greeting which unto him were sent

They to the king deliver’d; ruddy with joy he went.

And when the queen the tidings did fairly understand,

That verily her brothers were coming to the land,

In mood she was right happy; and both the minstrelmen

With costly gifts rewarded: and honour had she then.

“Now Schwemmelin and Werbel, each one of you,” said she,

“Tell me which of my kinsmen will at our feasting be,

Of whom the best and dearest unto our land we bade?

And, when the news was told him, tell me what Hagen said?”

They said: “One morning early he came to the debate,

And not a good word from him we early had or late;

And when the ride to Hunsland was praised by all the folk

Grim Hagen looked not elsewise than if of death they spoke.