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Then Rüdeger the noble, well versed in chivalry,

Spake unto the Burgundians: “We ought not, verily,

To hide that we are coming unto the Hunfolk near;

Such good news hath King Etzel ne’er had the chance to hear.

Down through the Austrian kingdom the messenger rode fast;

Soon to the folk on all sides from mouth to mouth it pass’d,

That coming were the heroes from Worms beyond the Rhine.

No tidings the king’s lieges could more to joy incline.

The messengers sped forwards and now the tidings bare

Of how the Niblung warriors within the Huns’ land were.

“Thou shouldst right well receive them, Kriemhilda, lady mine;

To thee come in great honour these brothers dear of thine.”

Meanwhile, as dame Kriemhilda beside a window-sill

Stood watching for her kinsmen,— as friends for others will,

Lo, from her father’s country there saw she many a man.

The king, who heard the tidings, to laugh for glee began.

“Now joy of all who love me be mine!” Kriemhilda said,

“For hither come my kinsmen with many a shield new-made,

And many a bright steel hauberk. Who would have gold of me

Let him my wrongs remember, my friend he e’er shall be!”