XXIII
For four and twenty warriors fit raiment was prepar'd.
Moreover to his envoys his will the king declar'd,
How they should to Hungary bid Gunther and his folk.
But what the queen enjoin'd them close apart she spoke.
XXIV
Thus them address'd King Etzel, "I'll tell you what to do;
To my good friends go tender my love and service true,
And bid them deign ride hither, and taste our Hunnish cheer.
Guests have I none other whom I hold so dear.
XXV
"So if they will do me the favor which I pray,
Entreat them not to linger; speed makes the surest way.
At my high feast this summer I trust to see my friends,
And on my wife's fair kinsmen much of my joy depends."
XXVI
Thereto replied the minstrel, the haughty Swemmeline,
"When in this land of Hungary your feast do you design?
That to your friends exactly your purpose we may say."
"About," replied King Etzel, "next midsummer day."
XXVII