r true
service and their steadfast faith and love. When the envoys had heard
the message, they set out again, and the Margravine prayed God in Heaven
to guard them.

Or they left Bavaria, swift Werbel sought out the bishop: what greeting
he sent to his friends by the Rhine I know not. But he gave his red gold
to the envoys out of love, and let them ride on. Bishop Pilgerin said,
"Right gladly would I see my sister's sons here. Seldom, alack! can I
win to them at the Rhine."

I cannot tell by what road they fared through the land; but none took
from them their silver and fine clothes, for all feared the wrath of
their master: the great king was mighty and of high lineage.

Within twelve days Werbel and Schwemmel reached Worms on the Rhine. And
the king sand their men were told the news, that foreign envoys were
come. Thereupon Gunther, the prince of the Rhine, began to question his
folk, and said, "Who will tell us whence these strangers are come riding
into the land?"

And none knew, till that Hagen of Trony saw the envoys, and said to
Gunther, "We shall have news, I promise thee, for I have seen Etzel's
fiddlers here. Thy sister hath sent them. Let us welcome them right
heartily for their master's sake."

They rode straight to the palace. Never goodlier show made the minstrels
of a king. Gunther's courtiers hasted to meet them, and gave them
lodging, and bade see to their gear. Their travelling clothes were rich
and well fashioned. With all honour they might have gone before the king
therein. Yet the scorned to wear them at the court, and asked whether
any desired them. There was no lack of needy folk, that took them
gladly, and to these they were sent. Then the guests clad them in rich
apparel, as beseemed the envoys of a king.

Etzel's men got leave to go before Gunther. They that saw them
rejoiced. Hagen sprang from his seat and ran to them, and received them
lovingly, for which the youths thanked him. He asked for news of Etzel
and his men, whereto the fiddlers made answer, "The land was never more
prosperous, nor the people more joyful; know that of a surety."

He led them before the king, through the hall full of folk, and the
guests were well received, as envoys should ever be in foreign kings'
lands. Werbel found many a knight by Gunther.

The gracious prince greeted them, and said, "Ye are both welcome, Etzel's
minstrels, ye and your followers. Wherefore hath the mighty Etzel sent