By the King, the son of Botlung, was as water spilt on the…

By the King, the son of Botlung, was as water spilt on the sand. Withal were there marvels of bounty from Rüdiger's open hand. Yea, also the good knight Blödel, the Lord of Hungary, Bade open his treasure-coffers, and empty them utterly Of the gold therein and the silver—all, all was given away. The heroes of King Etzel in joy lived day by day. Yea, also Werbel and Schwemmel—King Etzel's minstrels they— Each of them with marks a thousand was guerdoned for harp and lay, Yea, even with more peradventure, at the marriage-festival When by Etzel Kriemhild the lovely sat crowned in the sight of all.

Forth on the eighteenth morning from Vienna rode their array. Once more were the bucklers rifted in the gentle and joyous play By the spears that were couched for the onset in many a good knight's hand. So came at the last King Etzel with joy to the Hunfolk's land. At Heimburg the ancient city did the wayfarers rest that night. How vast was the tale of their army none could number aright, Nor say with what countless legions on through the land they rode. Ha, what fair dames in the home-land the coming of these abode!

At Misenburg the wealthy aboard of ships did they go. 'Neath the host of the men and the horses did the waters hidden flow; It seemed as the dry land fleeted away in one long stream! Now journeyed the way-worn women lulled in a restful dream. Galley to goodly galley was lashed with hawsers taut To the end that by wave and current might no disarray be wrought; And awnings of costly loomwork were wide outstretched overhead, That it seemed as if plain and meadow around them still were spread.

Now also in Etzel's castle was the tale of their coming told, And all therein, both women and men, were joyful-souled, The household of Queen Helka, whom she graciously ruled of yore, And for whom with Kriemhild were many happy days in store.

In its hall did high-born maidens in hope her coming abide Whose hearts had carried a burden of grief since Helka died. Yea, seven kings' daughters Kriemhild in the castle fostered found; And all the land of Etzel through these was far-renowned. Of all these Herrat the princess had overcharge and control, Daughter of Helka's sister, a maiden pure of soul, Betrothed unto Dietrich: daughter of a noble prince was she, The child of the great king Nantwein, high-honoured in days to be. Expectant of their coming her heart was filled with delight, And with goodly preparation was the palace richly dight. How blissfully there King Etzel abode what tongue may tell? Under no queen ever the Hunfolk thereafter fared so well.

When the King with his wife came riding up from the river-bank, As maid after maid was presented, named was each, and her rank, By Herrat, and Kriemhild greeted each as a friend long known. In what might she sat and what honour soon upon Helka's throne! Duteous service and loyal waited upon her aye; And ever the Queen was giving: gold, lovely-woven array, Silver and costly gemstones—all goodly things soe'er That she brought over Rhine into Hunland; for her bounty was free as air. Vowed evermore to serve her, and proud withal to obey Were the kinsmen of King Etzel and all that owned his sway, So that never the Lady Helka ruled with such power and might; For unto the death of Kriemhild were they bound by that troth-plight. So exceeding great was the glory of the King, so famed his land, That wherever knights were yearning with gallant heart and hand In knightly sport to prove them, thither they flocked from far; For the love of the King and the kindness of the Queen were their guiding star.

XXIII. How Kriemhild thought on Vengeance for her Wrongs