ave of both men and women, and rode merrily
forth to Swabia. Gernot sent his warriors with them thus far, that none
might do them a hurt.

When their escorts parted from them, Etzel's might kept them safe by the
way, that none robbed them of horses or vesture. Then they spurred
swiftly to the land of the Huns. Them that they knew for friends, they
told that the Burgundians from the Rhine would pass there shortly. They
brought the tidings also to Bishop Pilgerin.

When they rode down by Bechlaren, they failed not to send word to Rudeger
and Dame Gotelind, the Margrave's wife, that was merry of her cheer
because she was to see the guests so soon.

The minstrels were seen spurring through the land. They found Etzel in
his town of Gran. They gave the king, that grew red for joy, the
greetings that had been sent him.

When the queen heard for certain that her brothers would come, she was
well content, and requited the minstrels with goodly gifts, which did her
honour. She said, "Now tell me, both of you, Werbel and Schwemmel, which
of my friends, of the best that we have bidden, come to the hightide.
What said Hagen when he heard the news?"

"He came to the council one morning early. He had little good to say of
the hightide. It was named by grim Hagen the death-ride. Thy brothers,
the three kings, come in merry mood. Who further are with them I cannot
say. Folker, the bold minstrel, is one."

"I had made shift to do without Folker," said the king's wife. "Hagen I
esteem; he is a good knight. I am right glad that wee shall see him
here."

Then Kriemhild went to the king, and spake to him right sweetly, "How
doth the news please thee, dearest lord? All my heart's desire shall now
be satisfied."

"Thy will is my pleasure," answered the king. "I were less glad had it
been mine own kinsmen. Through love of thy dear brethren all my cares
have vanished."

Etzel's officers bade fit up the palace and hall everywhere with seats
for the welcome guests. They took much joy from the king.

Twenty-Fifth Adventure

How the Kings Journeyed to the Huns

But of their doings there we shall tell no further. High-hearted heroes
never rode so proudly into any king's land. All that they wanted they
had, both of weapons and apparel. They say that the Prince of the Rhine
equipped a thousand and three score of knights, and nine thousand squires
for the hightide. They that tarried at home were soon to weep for