XXVIII

The chamberlains of Gunther in ewers of ruddy gold Brought to the guests the water; should you be ever told That at a prince's table service was better done, 'Twere labor lost to say so, 't would be believ'd by none.

XXIX

Then, ere the Lord of Rhineland touch'd the water bright, Up to him, as befitted, went Siegfried the good knight, And brought to him remembrance the promise made him there, Ere yet afar in Issland he look'd on Brunhild fair.

x.x.x

Said he, "You must remember what swore to me your hand, That, soon as Lady Brunhild were come into this land, To me you'd give your sister; your oaths now where are they?

On me throughout your journey much toil and travail lay."

x.x.xI

"Well did you to remind me," the n.o.ble king replied, "By what my hand has promis'd, I ever will abide, And in this thing to serve you will do my best, my all."

Then sent he to beg Kriemhild to come into the hall.

x.x.xII

Straight to the hall came Kriemhild begirt with many a maid, When from the lofty staircase young Giselher thus said, "Send back your maidens, Kriemhild, this business is your own; On this the king our brother would speak with you alone."

x.x.xIII

Then forward led was Kriemhild, as Gunther gave command, Where stood the king, and round him from many a prince's land Were n.o.ble knights unnumber'd; at once all silence kept; At that same instant Brunhild had just to table stepp'd.

x.x.xIV

Thence came it, she knew nothing of what was to be done.

Then to his gather'd kinsmen spoke Dankrat's royal son, "Help me to move my sister Siegfried for lord to take."

"Such match," they all gave answer, "with honor she may make."

x.x.xV

Then spoke the king to Kriemhild, "Sister, I ask of thee From an oath to set me by thy kindness free.

Thee to a knight I promised; if thou become his bride, Thou'lt do the will of Gunther, and show thy love beside."

x.x.xVI

Then spake the n.o.ble maiden, "Dearest brother mine, It needed not to ask me; whate'er command be thine, I'll willingly perform it; so now, for thy sake, Whom thou for husband giv'st me, fain I, my lord, will take."

x.x.xVII

With love and eke with pleasure redden'd Siegfried's hue; At once to lady Kriemhild he pledg'd his service true.

They bade them stand together in the courtly circle bright.

And ask'd her if for husband she took that lofty knight.

x.x.xVIII

In modest maiden fashion she blush'd a little s.p.a.ce, But such was Siegfried's fortune and his earnest grace, That not altogether could she deny her hand.

Then her for wife acknowledg'd the n.o.ble King of Netherland.

x.x.xIX

He thus to her affianc'd, and to him the maid, Straight round the long-sought damsel in blushing grace array'd His arms with soft emotion th' enamour'd warrior threw, And kiss'd the high-born princess before that glitt'ring crew.

XL

On this up broke the circle, and to the feast they came; There high-advanc'd Sir Siegfried sat with his spoused dame Right opposite to Gunther; him many a va.s.sal true Serv'd at the board, and near him his Nibelungers drew.

XLI

High at the feast sat Gunther and Brunhild by his side, But woe was then the maiden, when Kriemhild she espied Sitting by valiant Siegfried; she straight began to weep, And her bright visage darken'd with shame and pa.s.sion deep.

XLII

Then spake the king of Rhineland, "What ails you, lady mine, That your fair eyes are clouded, and dimm'd their beamy shine?

You rather should be merry, now that my liegemen true, My country and my castles are subject all to you."

XLIII

"Good cause have I for weeping," return'd the angry fair; "My very heart is bleeding to see your sister there Beside your lowly va.s.sal sitting so content; Never shall I cease weeping for such disparagement."

XLIV

Then spake the n.o.ble Gunther, "No more of this, I pray; You shall be told the reason on some other day, Wherefore I to Siegfried my sister gave for wife.

May she with him ever lead a happy life!"

XLV

Quoth she, "I sorrow ever for her grace and beauty's sake; Had I a place to fly to, my flight I hence would take, For lie will I never, King Gunther, by your side, Ere I know why Kriemhild is given for Siegfried's bride."