Dispatch'd were travelling cases well fraught with precious load; Then with his queen and comrades Sir Siegfried forward rode.

Her heart with pleasure's promise was ready to o'erflow; All was chang'd thereafter to wail and mortal woe.

III

At home, since so it needed, they left their infant heir, The son that valiant Siegfried begot on Kriemhild fair.

To the poor boy misfortune that fatal journey bore; His father and his mother saw he never more.

IV

And with them good Sir Siegmund p.r.i.c.k'd forth in merry mood.

Had he but once foreboded the woes that thence ensued, At that disastrous festal he ne'er had sat a guest, Ne'er had he seen the ruin of those he loved the best.

V

Dispatch'd before were couriers to say they were at hand Straight rode out to meet them a royal vested band, Many a friend of Uta's, of Gunther's many a knight.

The host himself was stirring to welcome them aright.

VI

Forthwith he sought out Brunhild, where sat the stately dame.

"How did my sister greet you when first you hither came?

So greet the wife of Siegfried, take care to fail in nought."

"So will I," said she, "gladly; I love her as I ought."

VII

"To-morrow they'll be with us," said he, "by early day, So, if you mean to greet them, be stirring while you may.

We must not, sure, be lurking within the castle here.

Never had I the fortune to welcome guests so dear."

VIII

She bade her dames and damsels look out their choicest vests, The same they wore at festals before high-honor'd guests, Such were to be expected with to-morrow's sun, I need not say her bidding right willingly was done.

IX

Then too, to do their service the men of Gunther sped.

With him all his warriors the host in squadron led.

Next the queen came pacing full royally array'd.

To guests belov'd so dearly was goodliest welcome made.

X

With what joy and gladness welcom'd were they there!

It seem'd, when came Dame Brunhild to Burgundy whilere, Her welcome by Dame Kriemhild less tender was and true; The heart of each beholder beat higher at the view.

XI

Now too was come Sir Siegfried with all his men around.

You might see the warriors careering o'er the ground, Now hither and now thither, with fire-sparkling hoof.

From the dust and tumult none could keep aloof.

XII

When Siegfried and eke Siegmund met King Gunther's eyes, The host both son and father bespoke in loving wise.

"To me you are right welcome, to all my friends as dear.

It is our pride and pleasure as guests to have you here."

XIII

"Now G.o.d you quit!" said Siegmund, the grave and reverend man; "Ever since my Siegfried you for his comrade wan, My wish had it been always to see you and to know."

"Right glad I am," said Gunther, "it now has happen'd so."

XIV

Receiv'd was bold Sir Siegfried, as fitted well his state, With the highest honors; no man bore him hate.

Young Giselher and Gernot proffer'd all courtly care; Never met friend or kinsman reception half so fair.

XV

Now either king's fair consort nigh to the other came; Emptied were store of saddles; many a smiling dame To the gra.s.s by stalwart champions down was lifted light.

In the ladies' service how busy was many a knight!

XVI

And now the lovely ladies each to the other went.

Thereat was many a chieftain full well at heart content, When both a welcome offer'd so friendly and so fair.

Meanwhile the warriors ceas'd not to tend the ladies there.

XVII

Chieftain now to chieftain held out the cordial hand; Low bows were made in plenty by either courtly band.

Amongst the high-born ladies pa.s.s'd many a loving kiss.

Both Gunther's men and Siegfried's were fain to look on this.