The Nibelungenlied Part 36

XXVIII

She bade the knight be seated; nothing loth was he; Then spake the lovely maiden; "'Twere no small joy for me, Could I with gold reward you for what you just have said; But you're for that too wealthy; take my good will instead."

XXIX

"Were I," replied the champion, "the lord of thirty lands Still would I take with pleasure a gift from your fair hands."

Straight said the modest damsel, "Then you shall be content."

So for the costly guerdon her treasurer she sent.

x.x.x

Four and twenty bracelets she gave him for his fee, Each set with stones full precious; yet so proud was he, That he would not keep them, but gave the jewels rare To her lovely maidens, whom he found in waiting there.

x.x.xI

And then her mother greeted the n.o.ble warrior well.

"To both of you," replied he, "I yet have more to tell, Whereof the king entreats you, and, if you but attend To what he asks so dearly, he'll ever be your friend.

x.x.xII

"His n.o.ble guests, he begs you, and his beauteous bride Receive with kindly welcome, and forth to meet them ride On the strand before the city. To you has sent the king This true and gracious message, which I as truly bring."

x.x.xIII

"I'm ready at his bidding," the lovely maid replied, "Whatever I can to serve him shall never be denied, So heartily and truly his pleasure will I do."

Then her love-kindled blushes glow'd a deeper hue.

x.x.xIV

Never prince's envoy a heartier welcome won; Had she dar'd to kiss him, fain would she so have done.

In loving wise he parted from th' unwilling maid.

Forthwith the bold Burgundians did as the warrior bade.

x.x.xV

Sindolt and Hunoldt and Rumolt the good knight Early and late were stirring as briskly as they might; They rais'd the seats in order, such duty well they knew; From side to side unwearied the royal servant flew.

x.x.xVI

Ortwine of Metz and Gary, King Gunther's liegemen bold, The marriage feast, that forthwith their master was to hold, Proclaim'd to friends and neighbors; against the festal day Every n.o.ble maiden prepar'd her best array.

x.x.xVII

Adorn'd was all the palace, and richly every wall Bedeck'd to grace the strangers; King Gunther's s.p.a.cious hall By the skill was furbish'd of many a foreign man; With merriment and pastime the royal feast began.

x.x.xVIII

By every road advancing with ceaseless press and din Flock'd all to Worms together the royal brethren's kin, Summon'd by hasty message to meet th' expected guests.

Then from the folded wrappers were ta'en the well-stor'd vests.

x.x.xIX

Sudden spread the tidings, that now one might espy Brunhild's friends advancing; straight rose a press and cry 'Mong the Burgundian thousands, that waiting stood around.

Ah! what men of valor on either side were found!

XL

Then spake the lovely Kriemhild, "My maidens fair and free, Who at this reception must bear your part with me, Let each her choice apparel search out from secret chest; The matrons too I'd counsel to prank them in their best."

XLI

Then forward came the warriors, and straight th' attendants told To bring forth sumptuous saddles o'erlaid with ruddy gold, Whereon might ride the ladies from Worms unto the Rhine.

Never was better horse-gear beheld, nor work so fine.

XLII

What store of gold resplendent about the palfreys shone!

From their gorgeous bridles gleam'd many a precious stone.

Richly gilt side-saddles with trappings of bright hue Were brought forth for the ladies, who gladden'd at the view.

XLIII

Caparison'd all richly with silken housings rare Was led a gentle palfrey for every lady there.

Each steed a silken poitral (the silk was of the best That e'er was spun or fas.h.i.+on'd) had hanging at his breast.

XLIV

Six and eighty ladies, each a married dame, With hairy bounds in fillets to lovely Kriemhild came, Each radiant in her beauty, each in rich garb array'd; Thither too in full adornment came many a blooming maid.

XLV