XXI

Rich chamberlains before them march'd on in order due; Around th' high-mettled champions close and closer drew, Each pressing each, and struggling to see the matchless maid.

Then inly was Sir Siegfried both well and ill apaid.

XXII

Within himself thus thought he: "How could I thus misdeem That I should dare to woo thee? sure 'twas an idle dream!

Yet, rather than forsake thee, far better were I dead."

Thus thinking, thus impa.s.sion'd, wax'd he ever white and red.

XXIII

So stood the son of Siegelind in matchless grace array'd, As though upon a parchment in glowing hues portray'd By some good master's cunning; all own'd, and could no less, Eye had not seen a pattern of such fair manliness.

XXIV

Those, who the dames attended, bade all around make way; Straight did the gentle warriors, as such became, obey.

There many a knight, enraptur'd, saw many a dame in place Shine forth in bright perfection of courtliness and grace.

XXV

Then the bold Burgundian, Sir Gernot, spoke his thought, "Him, who in hour of peril his aid so frankly brought, Requite, dear brother Gunther, as fits both him and you, Before this fair a.s.sembly; th' advice I give, I ne'er shall rue.

XXVI

"Bid Siegfried come to Kriemhild; let each the other meet; 'Twill sure be to our profit, if she the warrior greet.

'Twill make him ours forever, this man of matchless might, If she but give him greeting, who never greeted knight."

XXVII

Then went King Gunther's kinsmen, a high-born haughty band, And found, and fair saluted the knight of Netherland.

"The king to court invites you; such favor have you won; His sister there will greet you; this to honor you is done."

XXVIII

Glad man was then Sir Siegfried at this unlook'd-for gain; His heart was full of pleasure without alloy of pain, To see and meet so friendly fair Uta's fairer child.

Then greeted she the warrior maidenly and mild.

XXIX

There stood he, the high-minded, beneath her star-bright eye, His cheek as fire all glowing; then said she modestly, "Sir Siegfried, you are welcome, n.o.ble knight and good!"

Yet loftier at that greeting rose his lofty mood.

x.x.x

He bow'd with soft emotion, and thank'd the blushing fair; Love's strong constraint together impelled th' enamour'd pair; Their longing eyes encountered, their glances, every one, Bound knight and maid for ever, yet all by stealth was done.

x.x.xI

That in the warmth of pa.s.sion he press'd her lily hand, I do not know for certain, but well can understand.

'Twere surely past believing they ventur'd not on this; Two loving hearts, so meeting, else had done amiss.

x.x.xII

No more in pride of summer nor in bloom of May Knew he such heart-felt pleasure as on this happy day, When she, than May more blooming, more bright than summer's pride, His own, a dream no longer, was standing by his side.

x.x.xIII

Then thought full many a champion, "Would this had happ'd to me To be with lovely Kriemhild as Siegfried now I see, Or closer e'en than Siegfried; well were I then, I ween."

Never yet was champion who so deserv'd a queen.

x.x.xIV

Whate'er the king or country of the guests a.s.sembled there, All could look on nothing save on that gentle pair.

Now 'twas allow'd that Kriemhild the peerless knight should kiss.

Ne'er in the world had drain'd he so full a draught of bliss.

x.x.xV

Then spake the King of Denmark the gather'd crowd before, "Because of this high greeting lie many wounded sore, As I know to my sorrow, by Siegfried's might and main.

G.o.d grant, he ne'er to Denmark may find his way again."

x.x.xVI

Then 'twas proclaim'd on all sides to make for Kriemhild way; Straight went to church the maiden in royal rich array With a bold train of warriors, a fair and courtly sight.

There soon from her was parted the lofty-minded knight.

x.x.xVII

She now the minster enter'd; her follow'd many a dame; There so her stately beauty her rich attire became, That droop'd each high aspiring, born but at once to die.

Sure was that maid created to ravish every eye.