Fifty and four, the fairest and of the best report Of all, whose beauty honor'd the proud Burgundian court, Went forth with glittering laces above their flaxen hair.

What Gunther had requested, all did with all their care.

XLVI

The best stuffs and the richest, that e'er were found, they bore To meet the stranger heroes; every robe they wore With care and skill was chosen to suit their lovely hue.

He were a fool, who'd murmur at one of that fair crew.

XLVII

Of sable and of ermine many a robe was there, And many a sparkling bracelet o'er silken raiment fair The wrists and arms encircled of many a lady gay.

The care, the taste, the splendor none might at full display.

XLVIII

Many a glittering girdle, that rich and long down hung, By many a snowy finger o'er gorgeous weed was flung To bind the far-brought garment of stuff from Araby.

Each n.o.ble damsel's bosom swell'd high and joyfully.

XLIX

In the tighten'd bodice many a smiling maid Had laced herself full deftly; each were ill appaid Did not her bright complexion outshine her vesture sheen.

A train so fair and graceful now has ne'er a queen.

L

Soon as the lovely ladies for the joyful day Had donn'd their rich apparel, forthwith, in meet array, Of bold high-mettled warriors a mighty force drew near, With many a shield bright-beaming and many an ashen spear.

TENTH ADVENTURE

HOW BRUNHILD WAS RECEIVED AT WORMS

I

Beyond the Rhine King Gunther, with many a well-arm'd rank And all his guests about him, rode toward the river's bank; You might see by the bridle led forward many a maid.

Those, who were to receive them, were ready all array'd.

II

Soon as the men of Issland came to the shallops down, And eke the Nibelungers, lieges of Siegfried's crown, To th' other sh.o.r.e they hasten'd (busy was ever hand) Where them the friends of Gunther awaited on the strand.

III

Now hear, by wealthy Uta what a device was wrought.

Down with her from the castle a virgin train she brought, That rode where she was riding in that procession bright; So many a maid acquainted became with many a knight.

IV

Kriemhild by the bridle the Margrave Gary led.

But only from the castle; then forward Siegfried sped, And did that gentle service; fair was the blushing maid; Full well for that thereafter the warrior she repaid.

V

Ortwine, the fearless champion, rode by Dame Uta's rein; Knights and maids together followed, a social train.

At such a stately meeting, all must confess, I ween, So many lovely ladies were ne'er together seen.

VI

Full many a famous champion careering you might spy (Ill there were sloth and idless) beneath fair Kriemhild's eye E'en to the place of landing; by knights of fair renown There many a high-born lady from steed was lifted down.

VII

The king was now come over, and many a worthy guest.

Ah! before the ladies what spears were laid in rest!

How many went in shivers at every hurtling close!

Buckler clashed with buckler; ah! what a din arose!

VIII

Now might you see the ladies fast by the haven stand.

With his guests King Gunther debark'd upon the strand, In his hand soft leading the martial maiden fair.

Then each on each flash'd radiance, rich robes and jewels rare.

IX

With that the smiling Kriemhild forth stepp'd a little s.p.a.ce, And Brunhild and her meiny greeted with gentle grace.

Each with snowy fingers back her headband drew, And either kiss'd the other lovingly and true.

X

Then spoke in courteous manner Kriemhild the fair and free, "In this our land, dear Brunhild, ever welcome be To me and to my mother and all by us allow'd For faithful friends and liegemen," Then each to th' other bow'd.