XXXIV
Nine days in mirth and feasting the envoys needs must stay.
At length the active warriors could brook no more delay.
Again would they ride homeward; on that their minds were bent
In th' interval King Siegfried for his friends had sent.
XXXV
He ask'd them what they counsel'd; he needs must to the Rhine;
"I bidden am by Gunther that dear friend of mine.
At a high feast my presence he and his kinsmen pray.
Fain would I ride thither, were't not so far away.
XXXVI
"They beg moreover, Kriemhild the journey too may share.
Now, my good friends, advise me; what's best to do, declare.
Should they for them request me to harry thirty lands,
Well they such warlike service might claim at Siegfried's hands."
XXXVII
Thereto his knights thus answer'd, "As you desire to speed,
If you this feast will visit, hearken to our rede.
Take of your best warriors a thousand by your side.
So 'midst the bold Burgundians in honor you'll abide."
XXXVIII
Then spake the lord of Netherland, Siegmund the frank and free,
"If you're for this high festal, why say not so to me?
I, if it not displease you, will with you to the Rhine,
And bring, to swell your squadron, a hundred knights of mine."