"Nor may the Lady Kriemhild / ready make thereto,
That any by her counsel / scathe to us may do.
Yet if such wish she cherish, / evil shall be her meed,
For many a chosen warrior / with us shall we thither lead."
Shields well-wrought and saddles, / with all the mickle gear
That into Etzel's country / the warriors should wear,
The same was now made ready / for many a knight full keen.
The messengers of Kriemhild / before King Gunther soon were seen.
When were come the messengers, / Gernot them addressed:
"King Gunther now is minded / to answer Etzel's quest.
Full gladly go we thither / with him to make high-tide
And see our lofty sister, / —of that set ye all doubt aside."
Thereto spake King Gunther: / "Can ye surely say
When shall be the high-tide, / or upon what day
We shall there assemble?" / Spake Schwemmel instantly:
"At turn of sun in summer / shall in sooth the meeting be."
The monarch leave did grant them, / ere they should take their way,
If that to Lady Brunhild / they would their homage pay,
His high pleasure was it / they unto her should go.
Such thing prevented Volker, / and did his mistress' pleasure so.