The Nibelungenlied Part 51

XVIII

They linger'd there no longer, but toward the city rode.

To his guests King Gunther by every action show'd How welcome was their presence to all in Burgundy.

Young knights before young maidens ran tilting joyously.

XIX

The power of mighty Hagan and eke of bold Ortwine Well there might each beholder from what he saw divine.

Whate'er they pleas'd to order, from all obedience won; To the lov'd guests by either was courtly service done.

XX

The s.h.i.+elds they clang'd and clatter'd before the castle gate With fencing and with foining; long time had there to wait His guests and good King Gunther ere they could enter in.

They pa.s.s'd the time right joyous amidst the press and din.

XXI

So to the s.p.a.cious palace on rode they merrily.

You might see rich foot-cloths, well cut and artfully, Down hang from o'er the saddle of many a high-born dame.

Forward to receive them King Gunther's servants came.

XXII

Then to their several chambers the guests were led aside.

From time to time Queen Brunhild with searching glances eyed The love-enkindling Kriemhild; lovely she was indeed; Her hue the gold outsparkled that glitter'd in her weed.

XXIII

At Worms through all the city rang the mirthsome shout Of the rejoicing followers; Gunther the noisy rout Commended to his marshal, and bade him treat them fair; Dankwart sought out good quarters and fitly lodg'd them there.

XXIV

Without, within, was feasting; unbounded was the store.

Sure stranger guests were never treated so well before.

It only needed asking, and all was straight supplied; So rich a king was Gunther that nothing was denied.

XXV

With friendly zeal they serv'd them, with hearts devoid of hate; Amidst his guests at table the host exulting sate.

To sit was bidden Siegfried where he of yore had done.

With him strode to the banquet proud warriors many a one.

XXVI

Twelve hundred stalwart champions in circle there were seen With him at table sitting; Brunhild, the watchful queen, Thought to herself, no va.s.sal could ever wealthier be.

Still him she so far favor'd, that from harm she left him free.

XXVII

All that feastful evening, as sat the king to dine, Store of the richest vesture was wetted by the wine, That in hasty hurry the butlers ever pour'd.

Sore toil'd they in their service at that o'ercrowded board.

XXVIII

Then, as is still the custom at each well-order'd feast, To rest the dames and damsels were in good time releas'd.

All guests with gifts and honors, from whenceso'er they came, The n.o.ble host entreated as well beseem'd his fame.

XXIX

When now the night was over, and reappear'd the dawn, By the fair hands of ladies was many a jewel drawn, Sparkling in goodly raiment, from many a travelling chest, And out was sought and hurried many a lordly vest.

x.x.x

Ere 'twas full day, came flocking the palace hall around Knights and squires in plenty; then arose the sound Of matins sung to Gunther, and, when this was done, So well rode youthful warriors, that the king's thanks they won.

x.x.xI

Shrill fifes and loud-voic'd clarions and blaring trumpet-clang Mix'd with the shouts of thousands, that all the city rang, And through the startled welkin th' alarum spread around.

Proud knights on strong-hoof'd chargers rode thund'ring o'er the ground.

x.x.xII

At once without the city a tourney they began.

There his career exulting many a young warrior ran, Whom his fresh boiling courage impell'd to honor's field.

Many a knight of prowess was there seen under s.h.i.+eld.

x.x.xIII

Many a stately matron and many a smiling maid Sat at the castle windows in costly robes array'd, And look'd on while the warriors display'd their skill and force; The good host with his comrades himself would run a course.

x.x.xIV