XVIII
Then answer'd thus King Etzel, "Dear love and lady mine,
If they regard not distance, I'll send beyond the Rhine.
And hither bid whomever thou here to see art fain."
Much joy'd the vengeful lady thus his consent to gain.
XIX
Said she, "Would'st thou but please me, dear lord and master mine,
Despatch from hence thy envoys to Worms beyond the Rhine.
Such friends as most I long for, I hither will invite,
And straight will come among us full many a noble knight."
XX
Said he, "As thou would'st have it, so let the matter be;
Assure thee, thou wilt never thy friends so gladly see
As I shall gladly see them, noble Uta's children dear;
It irks me much and deeply, they've been such strangers here.
XXI
"So, if it thus content thee, dear love and lady mine,
I'll gladly send my minstrels for those good friends of thine.
They this very morning shall start for Burgundy."
With that, the king his minstrels bade summon instantly.
XXII
They hasten'd at the summons where, newly ris'n from bed,
The king sat with his consort; thus to both he said,
"Hence you with a message to Burgundy must ride."
With that, the richest vesture, he bade for them provide.