LXVI
Then in his gracious fashion commanded straight the king
Through kindnes to the envoys forth his gold to bring
Spread out on massy bucklers; good store thereof had he.
Rich gifts his friends too gave them with liberal hand and free.
LXVII
Gernot alike and Giselher and Gary and Ortwine
Show'd, they as well could lavish the treasures of the mine.
Such rich gifts on the envoys were shower'd with one accord,
That they durst not accept them through terror of their lord.
LXVIII
On this the messenger Swemmeline thus to the king 'gan say,
"Sir King, needs must your presents here in your country stay;
We cannot take them with us; our king has so decreed,
And strictly that forbidden; besides, we've little need."
LXIX
Not little wonder'd Gunther, and felt displeasure more,
That they refus'd such presents given from his royal store.
Still he at last constrain'd them his gold and weed to take,
And to the land of Etzel to bear them for his sake.
LXX