“Well may ye rejoice to behold them, for their knightly honour is high;
And this can my Mistress’ kinsmen in the face of the world maintain.
And they bring to thy palace-portals full many a hero-thane.”
On a fair Midsummer even they came, those guests renowned,
To the court of Etzel the mighty. Full seldom hath it been found
That the guests of a king had greeting so fair as the heroes won.
And by this was the hour of feasting, and the King to the board led on.
In the midst of his guests sat never a host more gracious-willed.
There were meats in abundant measure, and with wine were the cups aye filled.
Whatsoever a guest might crave for, straightway it lay at his side,