Ere that they thence departed / they Lady Ute sought,
Whereat the gallant Giselher / straight the minstrels brought
Unto his mother's presence. / Kind greetings sent the dame,
And wish that high in honor / still might stand her daughter's name.
Then bade the lofty lady / embroidered silks and gold
For the sake of Kriemhild, / whom loved she as of old,
And eke for sake of Etzel, / unto the minstrels give.
What thus so free was offered / might they in sooth right fain receive.
Soon now had ta'en departure / the messengers from thence,
From knight and fairest lady, / and joyous fared they hence
Unto Suabian country; / Gernot had given behest
Thus far for armed escort, / that none their journey might molest.
When these had parted from them, / safe still from harm were they,
For Etzel's might did guard them / wherever led their way.
Nor ever came there any / that aught to take would dare,
As into Etzel's country / they in mickle haste did fare.
Where'er they friends encountered, / to all they straight made known
How that they of Burgundy / should follow after soon
From Rhine upon their journey / unto the Huns' country.
The message brought they likewise / unto Bishop Pilgrim's see.