The messengers leave we riding. / Now shall ye understand
How did the Lady Kriemhild / journey through the land,
And where from her were parted / Gernot and Giselher.
Upon her had they waited / as faithful unto her they were.
As far as to the Danube / at Vergen did they ride,
Where must be the parting / from their royal sister's side,
For that again they homeward / would ride unto the Rhine.
No eye but wet from weeping / in all the company was seen.
Giselher the valiant / thus to his sister said:
"If that thou ever, lady, / need hast of my aid,
And fronts thee aught of trouble, / give me to understand,
And straight I'll ride to serve thee / afar unto King Etzel's land."
Upon the mouth then kissed she / all her friends full dear.
The escort soon had taken / eke leave of Ruediger
And the margrave's warriors / in manner lovingly.
With the queen upon her journey / went many a maid full fair to see.
Four beyond a hundred / there were, all richly clad
In silk of cunning pattern. / Many a shield full broad
On the way did guard the ladies / in hand of valiant thane.
Full many a stately warrior / from thence did backward turn again.