When with grim death many a hero face to face should be set.
Unto these were messages given and tokens from Etzel’s hand.
With wealth enriched they journeyed: they might bear them as lords of the land.
Fair leave of their liege-lord Etzel and his comely wife took they,
And they went forth splendour-vestured in royal-rich array.
XXIV.
How the Hun-King’s Minstrels bade the Burgundians to the Feast
When Etzel forth to the Rhineland had his viol-minstrels sped,
From land to land the story on the wings of rumour fled.
By messengers swift to his barons request and command he gave
To come to his festal high-tide; and they came—to the gates of the grave.