And eke they sent to Brunhild their service and best will,
Their loyalty devoted, and love enduring still.
So, thus at full commission'd, the envoys sprung to selle;
The margravine at parting pray'd God to guard them well.
VI
Ere the despatchful minstrels had ridd'n Bavaria through,
Swift Werbel found the bishop, Queen Kriemhild's uncle true.
What to his Rhenish kinsmen by their mouths he said
Came never to my knowledge; but th' envoys gold so red
VII
He gave for a remembrance ere he let them part;
But first thus spake good Pilgrin, "'Twould gladden sure my heart
To see them in Bavaria, these sister's sons of mine,
Since I can hope so seldom to seek them by the Rhine."
VIII
What roads they took yet further, as to the Rhine they far'd,
Is more than I can utter; none sure to pilfer dar'd
Their silver or their raiment; Etzel all had dread;
His majesty and puissance so wide around were spread.
IX
Within twelve days, so riding, they came unto the Rhine,
E'en to Worms, the minstrels Werbel and Swemmeline.
To the kings and their liegemen forthwith the tidings ran,
That come were foreign envoys. Gunther to ask began.