XXVIII

Early upon a morning in haste they parted thence.

What prowest warriors Siegfried brought to his friend's defence!

Their armor darted radiance, their horses toss'd the foam.

Well equipp'd and knightly came they to Brunhild's home.

XXIX

At the windows standing look'd out the maidens gay.

Then cried their royal mistress, "Can any of you say, What strangers there far-floating over the billows go?

Their canvas they are spreading whiter far than snow."

x.x.x

Then spake the king of Rhineland, "They're men of mine, fair dame, Whom I left not distant, when late I hither came; Since, I have bid them join me, and now you see them here."

The n.o.ble guests receiv'd them with good and friendly cheer.

x.x.xI

Then might they see bold Siegfried, array'd in robes of pride, Aboard a bark high standing, and many a chief beside.

Then said the queen to Gunther, "Sir king, what now shall I?

Greet the guests advancing, or that grace deny?"

x.x.xII

Said he, "To meet them, lady, forth from your palace go, That, if you're glad to see them, the same they well may know."

Then did the queen, as Gunther had said him seem'd the best, And Siegfried in her greeting distinguish'd from the rest.

x.x.xIII

They found them fitting quarters, and took their arms in charge; The guests were now so many, that they were ill at large, Such troops of friends and strangers flock'd in on every side.

So the bold Burgundians now would homeward ride.

x.x.xIV

Then said the fair Queen Brunhild, "Him for my friend I'd hold, Who'd help me to distribute my silver and my gold Among my guests and Gunther's; no little store have I."

Bold Giselher's bold liegeman Dankwart straight made reply:

x.x.xV

"Right n.o.ble queen and gracious, trust but your keys with me; Your wealth I'll so distribute, all shall contented be, And as to blame or damage, let that be mine alone."

That he was free and liberal, that made he clearly shown.

x.x.xVI

Soon as Hagan's brother had the keys in hand, Gold began and silver to run away like sand.

If one a mark requested, gifts had he shower'd so rife, That home might go the poorest merry and rich for life.

x.x.xVII

By th' hundred pounds together he gave uncounted out.

Crowds in gorgeous vesture were stalking all about, Who ne'er had worn such splendor, and scarce so much as seen.

They told the tale to Brunhild; it fretted sore the queen.

x.x.xVIII

Straight she spoke to Gunther, "Sir king, I've cause to grieve.

Your treasurer, I fear me, scarce a rag will leave Of all my choice apparel, my last gold piece he'll spend.

Would somebody would stop it! I'd ever be his friend.

x.x.xIX

"He wastes so, he must fancy in his wayward will I've sent for death to fetch me, but wealth I can use still, And what my father left me can waste myself, I ween."

Treasurer so free-handed never yet had queen.

XL

Then spake the knight of Trony, "Lady, you must be told, The king of Rhine has plenty of raiment and of gold, And can of both so lavish, that we may well dispense With all fair Brunhild's vesture, nor need bring any hence."

XLI

"Nay, for my love," said Brunhild, "with gold and silken vests Let me from all my treasure fill twenty travelling chests, That when we come together in Burgundy to live, This hand may still have something royally to give."

XLII

Forthwith her chests were loaded with many a precious stone.

She o'er the work appointed a treasurer of her own.

She would not trust to Dankwart, Giselher's thriftless man.

Gunther thereat and Hagan both to laugh began.

XLIII

Then spake the martial maiden, "Whom shall I leave my lands?

This first must here be settled by our united hands."