XI

Much desir'd the bishop that they awhile would stay; Then said the good Sir Eckewart, "No, we must hence away (Howe'er well pleas'd to linger), down to Rudeger's land.

His knights await our coming, and think us close at hand."

XII

Already had fair Gotelind the joyful tidings heard; She and her n.o.ble daughter quick themselves bestirr'd.

She had been advis'd by Rudeger, her lord and master dear, It seem'd him right and fitting, that, the sad queen to cheer,

XIII

She should ride and meet her with his va.s.sals every one, Up to the Ems advancing. This was no sooner done, Than, afoot or in saddle, all together ran; The roads throughout the country were alive with horse and man.

XIV

To Efferding fair Kriemhild had now her journey made; Many a Bavarian p.r.i.c.ker his hands had gladly laid On the costly baggage as is their custom still, And thus the n.o.ble travellers would have suffer'd loss and ill,

XV

But those light-finger'd rovers the margrave could not brook.

A thousand knights and better to guard his march he took; Thither, too, his consort fair Gotelind had come, And in bright array around her his va.s.sals all and some.

XVI

Thence o'er the Traun they hasten'd, and forthwith all around With tents and huts bespotted the plain of Ems they found.

There the n.o.ble travellers that night their lodging made.

The bands of knights their charges by Rudeger were paid.

XVII

No longer in her quarters fair Gotelind abode; Many a wanton palfrey pranc'd in the crowded road, Every bridle jingling, and glittering every selle.

Right hearty was the welcome; it pleas'd the margrave well.

XVIII

Now on both sides advancing the gorgeous trains drew near.

Many a good knight between them forth p.r.i.c.k'd in full career, And waged the mimic battle; their knightly sports, I ween, Drew many a damsel's glances, nor irk'd the stately queen.

XIX

When met the n.o.ble strangers and Rudeger's va.s.sals true, Up in the air, loud crashing, many a splinter flew From the hands of heroes in knightly exercise.

Well before the ladies rode they for the prize.

XX

Soon was o'er the tourney; the knights together sped, Each friendly greeting other; then Gotelind forth was led, Her duty to Queen Kriemhild in humble guise to pay.

The skill'd in ladies' service, scant leisure sure had they.

XXI

To meet his wife, the margrave rode forward from the queen.

Not ill pleas'd was surely the n.o.ble margravine, That back from Rhine so hearty had come her own good knight.

Her long-brooded sorrows vanish'd in delight.

XXII

When now had pa.s.s'd the welcome the loving pair between, He bade her with her ladies alight upon the green.

None then was idle standing among the n.o.bles there; All busily bestirr'd them in the service of the fair.

XXIII

Soon as the Lady Kriemhild beheld the margravine There with the ladies standing, rode on a s.p.a.ce the queen; Then sudden check'd her palfrey (the bit he answer'd well) And instant bade her servants lift her down from selle.

XXIV

Then might you see the bishop, already sprung from steed, Him and good Sir Eckewart, his niece to Gotelind lead.

All there made way before them as softly on they came.

Then on the mouth the wanderer kiss'd the good margrave's dame.

XXV

Then said the wife of Rudeger, with tender love and true, "Now well is me, dear lady, that one so fair as you Here at last in our country I with my eyes have seen.

Ne'er in these times, be certain, so happy have I been."

XXVI

"Now heaven you quit," said Kriemhild, "for all that you have done.

Should we live, n.o.ble Gotelind, both I and Botlung's son, You may indeed be thankful that you have look'd on me."

'Twas all unknown to either what after was to be.

XXVII