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 they 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 you into Burgundy?”
They bowed before him, and Werbel answered, “My dear master, and Kriemhild thy sister, commend their service to thee. With true intent they have sent us hither to you, O knights.”
Then said the noble prince, “I rejoice at the tidings. How fareth it with Etzel, and Kriemhild my sister?”
Whereto the fiddler answered, “Never was king of any land better or happier, nor his kinsmen nor vassals; know that for certain. Right glad were they when we set forth on this journey.”