LXIII

E'en for their best beloved in heart they sorrow'd sore,
For those, whom at Bechlaren they were to see no more.
Yet merrily the champions prick'd along the strand
Downward beside the Danube to reach the Hunnish land.

LXIV

Then thus to the Burgundians out spake the stately knight.
"Rudeger the noble, methinks, it were but right
We should announce we're coming e'en now to Hunnish ground;
More pleasantly no tidings in Etzel's ear will sound."

LXV

Straight adown through Austria he bade a courier ride;
At once among the people 'twas publish'd far and wide,
That coming were the heroes from Worms beyond the Rhine.
Right glad were Etzel's vassals, and those of Etzel's line.

[LXVI]

With the news the couriers forth gallop'd hastily,
That the Nibelungers were now in Hungary.
"Well should'st thou receive them, Kriemhild, lady mine!
They come to do thee honor, these brethren dear of thine."

LXVII