The king asked Hagen who the knights were, and the hero of Trony answered, “I have not seen them aright. When we meet them, I will tell thee whence they have ridden into this land. They be strangers indeed if I know them not straightway.”
The guests had been to their lodging. The envoy and his train were richly arrayed. Their clothes were good, and cunningly fashioned; and they rode to the court.
Then said bold Hagen, “So far as I know, for it is long since I saw the knights, they ride like the men of Rudeger, a bold warrior from the land of the Huns.”
“How could I believe,” said the king, “that he of Bechlaren should come into this land?” King Gunther had scarcely made an end of speaking, when bold Hagen saw the good Rudeger.
He and all his friends ran to him. Five hundred knights sprang from their horses. The Huns were well received; never were envoys so richly clad.
Then cried Hagen of Trony, “Welcome, in God’s name, is this knight, the prince of Bechlaren, and all his men.” Worshipful greeting got the Huns. The nearest of kin to the king pressed forward, and Ortwin of Metz said to Rudeger, “We have not, for long, seen guests so gladly. I speak the truth.”
They thanked the heroes for their welcome. Then they went with the warriors into the hall, where they found the king amidst of many bold men.
Gunther rose from his seat out of courtesy. On what friendly wise he went toward the envoys! He and Gernot hasted to meet the guests and his men, as beseemed them, and Gunther took Rudeger by the hand. He led him to the highseat where he sat himself, and bade his men set before the strangers goodly meats, and the best wine that was to be found in all the land round about the Rhine; the which was done gladly.
Giselher and Gary, Dankwart and Folker, came in, for they had heard of the worthy guests. They rejoiced to see them, and welcomed, in the presence of the king, the noble knights and good.
Then said Hagen of Trony to his master, “Thy knights are greatly beholden for what the Margrave hath done for our sake. The husband of fair Gotelind should be well requited.”