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“Your brothers here are coming, the noble kings all three,

In high and lordly humour. But who with them may be

That news I cannot give you, seeing I do not know;

But Volker the bold minstrel hath vow’d with them to go.”

“Him could I spare right blithely,” in answer spake the queen;

“Since many a time and often here Volker have I seen.

But fain I am of Hagen, the hero excellent;

That here we soon shall see him doth give me much content.”

Then went the royal lady where she the king did find;

How gently Dame Kriemhilda unto him spake her mind!

“How do the tidings please thee, my lord beloved,” she said,

“Now all my heart hath yearned for shall be accomplishéd.”

“Thy will is eke my pleasure,” thus did the king reply,

“Nor any of my kindred so glad to see were I,

If e’er they should be coming hither unto my land.

For sake of them that love thee is all my trouble bann’d.”

King’s officers then straightway commandment gave to all

That seats should be made ready in palace and in hall,

Meet for the guests belovéd who would be there anon.

By them, ere long, for Etzel was pleasure all fordone.