XLIV
Meanwhile homeward speeding prick'd the envoys fast.
Back came the noble Gary to Burgundy at last.
He met with hearty welcome; straight they dismounted all
From war-horse and from palfrey before King Gunther's hall.
XLV
Old and young (as the use is) ran up from every side,
And ask'd what news they brought them? the noble knights replied,
"When I the king have told it, 'twill spread to all around."
Then went he with his comrades to where the king he found.
XLVI
From sheer pleasure Gunther started from his seat
At the happy tidings; that they had come so fleet,
Much thanks had they from Brunhild. Gunther straight begun,
"How fares it with Siegfried, who so much for me has done?"
XLVII
"To hear of you," said Gary, "he redden'd with delight,
Both he, and eke your sister; never living wight
Sent his friends a message so tender and so true,
As by me Sir Siegfried and his father have to you."
Then to the valiant margrave the noble queen 'gan say,
"Tell me, is Kriemhild coming? does still her form display
The beauty and soft graces, she well to foster knew?"
The good knight, Gary, answer'd, "She's surely coming too."