They drove their strong-back'd sumpters merrily o'er the lea.

XLII

Siegfried and eke Siegmund their people cloth'd anew; Eckewart the Margrave all Siegfried's country through Bade seek out women's raiment, whate'er was stored in chest Or could be bought for money, the choicest and the best.

XLIII

Rich saddles were made ready, and shields of glittering pride.

To the knights and ladies, that should with Siegfried ride, Whate'er they wish'd was granted; none wanted there for ought.

To his friends in Rhineland many a lordly guest he brought.

XLIV

Meanwhile homeward speeding p.r.i.c.k'd the envoys fast.

Back came the n.o.ble Gary to Burgundy at last.

He met with hearty welcome; straight they dismounted all From war-horse and from palfrey before King Gunther's hall.

XLV

Old and young (as the use is) ran up from every side, And ask'd what news they brought them? the n.o.ble knights replied, "When I the king have told it, 'twill spread to all around."

Then went he with his comrades to where the king he found.

XLVI

From sheer pleasure Gunther started from his seat At the happy tidings; that they had come so fleet, Much thanks had they from Brunhild. Gunther straight begun, "How fares it with Siegfried, who so much for me has done?"

XLVII

"To hear of you," said Gary, "he redden'd with delight, Both he, and eke your sister; never living wight Sent his friends a message so tender and so true, As by me Sir Siegfried and his father have to you."

XLVIII

Then to the valiant margrave the n.o.ble queen 'gan say, "Tell me, is Kriemhild coming? does still her form display The beauty and soft graces, she well to foster knew?"

The good knight, Gary, answer'd, "She's surely coming too."

XLIX

Then before Dame Uta the messengers were brought; Well without her asking could Gary guess her thought, So, ere she put the question, "How did Kriemhild fare?"

He said, how he had found her, and that she'd soon be there.

L

Of all the gorgeous presents nothing was left untold, Given them by good Sir Siegfried; the raiment and the gold, That the three brethren's lieges might view them forth were laid.

With thanks the gracious giver was by them all repaid.

LI

"Ay! of his own," said Hagan, "full lightly he may give; 'Tis past his power to spend it, should he forever live.

The Nibelungers' treasure holds he by strength of hand.

Ah! would it were brought hither to our Burgundian land!"

LII

The court, both knights and ladies, were all with joy elate To hear that they were coming. Early forthwith and late The friends of the three brethren were busied every man; Seats with sumptuous trappings to raise they straight began.

LIII

Hunolt and eke Sindolt, the hardy knights and true, Had not a moment's leisure; full work had they to do The while, as sewer and butler, and many a bench to raise.

Ortwine for th' aid he gave them had Gunther's thanks and praise.

LIV

Sore toil'd the chief cook, Rumolt; ah! how his orders ran Among his understrappers! how many a pot and pan, How many a mighty cauldron rattled and rang again!

They dress'd a world of dishes for all th' expected train.

LV

Nor less was then the labor to the fair ladies known, As they prepar'd their garments; many a precious stone They set in gold far-beaming, and glitter'd both so bright, And with such grace they wore them, as ravish'd every sight.

THIRTEENTH ADVENTURE

HOW THEY WENT TO THE FESTIVAL

I

Now we awhile must leave them on household toils intent, And tell how Lady Kriemhild and her maidens went From the Nibelungers' country to the Rhine's fair sh.o.r.e.

Such plenty of rich vesture never sumpters bore.

II