"In sooth, my Lady Brunhild / hath scarce such health to-day
As that she might receive you," / the gallant knight did say.
"Bide ye till the morrow, / may ye the lady see."
When thus they sought her presence, / might their wish not granted be.
To the messengers right gracious / was the mighty king,
And bade he from his treasure / on shields expansive bring
Shining gold in plenty / whereof he had great store.
Eke richest gifts received they / from his lofty kinsmen more.
Giselher and Gernot, / Gere and Ortwein,
That they were free in giving / soon full well was seen.
So costly gifts were offered / unto each messenger
That they dared not receive them, / for Etzel's anger did they fear.
Then unto King Gunther / Werbel spake again:
Sire, let now thy presents / in thine own land remain.
The same we may not carry, / my master hath decreed
That we accept no bounty. / Of that in sooth we've little need."
Thereat the lord of Rhineland / was seen in high displeasure,
That they should thus accept not / so mighty monarch's treasure?
In their despite yet took they / rich dress and gold in store,
The which moreover with them / home to Etzel's land they bore.