Rhine. Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to hold with
Brunhild a mighty wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she
hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she
give fair greeting to my bride. For that I will ever render
Kriemhild service."

The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as
beseemed him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the
Rhine. Never might there be a better envoy in this world. He
rode with four and twenty men-at-arms to Worms; he came without
the king. When that was noised about, the courtiers all were
grieved; they feared their master had been slain.

Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood.
Giselher, the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot
his brother, too. How quickly then he spake, when he saw not
Gunther at Siegfried's side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me
know where ye have left the king my brother? The prowess of
Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from us. Great scathe had her
haughty love then brought us."

"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you
and to his kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead,
that I might be his messenger with tidings hither to this land.
Pray have a care, however that may hap, that I may see the queen
and your sister, too, for I must let them hear what message
Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are in high estate."

Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye
have brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my