On the seventh morning thereafter rode from Bechlaren away
That host with his train of warriors: weapons of war had they
And store of costly raiment, through Bavaria-land as they pressed.
Such steel-clad strong wayfarers no spoiler dared molest.
So then on the twelfth day’s morning to the land of Rhine they came.
Swiftly the tale of their coming flew on the wings of fame.
Full soon to the King and his kinsmen did the city-warders show
That guests were come from a far land. And now would Gunther know—
“Doth any man know yon strangers? If it be so, let him declare.”
Men looked on the sumpter-horses, and the heavy loads they bare;