The Nibelungenlied Part 38

XI

Next to greet Dame Brunhild approach'd Dame Uta too; Oft she and oft her daughter their arms around her threw, And on her sweet mouth lavish'd many a loving kiss.

Never was known a welcome so kind and frank as this.

XII

Soon as Brunhild's women were all come to the strand, Many a courtly warrior took by her lily hand A lady fair, and gently her mincing steps upstay'd.

Now before Dame Brunhild stood many a n.o.ble maid.

XIII

'Twas long before the greeting had gone through all the list.

On either part in plenty rosy mouths were kiss'd.

Still the two fair princesses were standing side by side, A pair with love and rapture by longing warriors ey'd.

XIV

What erst had been but rumor, was now made clear to sight, That naught had yet been witness'd so beautiful and bright As those two lovely damsels; 'twas plain to every eye; None the slightest blemish in either form could spy.

XV

Whoever look'd on women with but the sight for guide, Such for her faultless beauty prais'd Gunther's stately bride; But those, whose thoughts went deeper, and div'd into the mind, Maintained that gentle Kriemhild left Brunhild far behind.

XVI

Now met the dames and damsels in friendly converse free; Fair robes and fairer beauties were there in store to see; Many a silk pavilion and many a gorgous tent The plain before the city fill'd in its whole extent.

XVII

King Gunther's kinsmen ceas'd not to press to that fair show.

And now was begg'd each princess from the sun to go Close by, with their attendants, where shade was overhead.

By bold Burgundian warriors thither were they led.

XVIII

Then clomb to horse the heroes, and scour'd the sounding field; Many a joust was practised with order'd spear and s.h.i.+eld; Right well were prov'd the champions, and o'er the trampled plain, As though the land were burning, the dust curl'd up amain.

XIX

So all before the ladies display'd their skill and force.

Nor doubt I that Sir Siegfried rode many a knightly course Before the rich pavilions, and, ever as he sped, His thousand Nibelungers, a stately squadron, led.

XX

Then came the knight of Trony by the good king's command; In friendly wise he parted the jousters on the strand, For fear the dust, now thick'ning, the ladies might molest.

Him with ready reverence obey'd each gentle guest.

XXI

Then spake the n.o.ble Gernot, "Let each now rest his steed Till the air be cooler, 't will then be our's to lead These lovely ladies homeward e'en to the palace wide.

So keep yourselves all ready till it please the king to ride."

XXII

Thus ended was the tourney, and now the warriors went To join the dames and damsels beneath each lofty tent, And there in gentle converse their grace and favor sought; So flew the hours in pastime till of riding home they thought.

XXIII

Now as drew on the twilight, when cooler grew the air And the sun was setting, they would not linger there, But up rose lords and ladies to seek the castle high; Many a fair dame was cherish'd by many a love-lit eye.

XXIV

So on the fair they waited as from good knights is due.

Then hardy squires, hot-spurring before the n.o.bles' view, After the country's custom rode for the prize of weed As far as to the palace, where sprung the king from steed.

XXV

There too the proud queens parted, each taking thence her way.

Dame Uta and her daughter with their handmaids gay Into a s.p.a.cious chamber both together went.

There might you hear on all sides the sound of merriment.

XXVI

In hall the seats were order'd; the king would instant hie With all his guests to table; beside him you might spy His lovely bride, Queen Brunhild; her royal crown she wore There in King Gunther's country; so rich was none before.

XXVII

Seats were there plac'd unnumber'd with tables broad and good, As is to us reported, full heap'd with costly food.

How little there was wanted that pa.s.ses for the best!

There with the king was seated full many a n.o.ble guest.