The Margravine's fair daughter drew with her maidens nigh

The Margravine's fair daughter drew with her maidens nigh To the palace-portal, and welcomed the Queen right lovingly, And there by her side did her mother, the wife of Rüdiger, stand; And maidens to bower-maidens outstretched the welcoming hand, And two by two they drew them with fingers that lovingly clung To a wide hall stately-builded, with tapestries fair-hung. Afront of the windows the Danube-river flowed below. There sat they in merry converse, and felt the cool breeze blow.

Of all that befell as they tarried the minstrel may not sing: Yet certes the knights of Kriemhild at such long tarrying Murmured, for now were they chafing that so slowly the goal was won. What gallant knights from Bechlaren thereafter escorted them on! Service the Margrave tendered most loving and manifold. Then gave that Daughter of Princes twelve armlets of red gold Unto the daughter of Gotlind, and raiment lovely-wrought. Into the land of Etzel none fairer had Kriemhild brought. Albeit the gold of the Niblungs out of her hand had been reft, Yet with the little treasure that still unto her was left She won the hearts of all folk that looked upon her face. Great gifts unto Rüdiger's household she gave of her royal grace. And for her part Lady Gotlind to the guests from Rhineland showed Such high and bounteous honour in the gifts that she bestowed, That hard had it been mid the strangers to find so much as one Who had not of her hands fair-woven vesture or precious stone.

So when these guests had eaten, and would forth on their journey again, Her loyal service commended that noble chatelaine In speech most lowly-loving unto great Etzel's Queen; And Kriemhild embraced at parting the fair young Margravine. Then spake unto Kriemhild the damsel: "If this my Queen content, Well know I, my dear-loved father thereto would gladly consent To send me to thee into Hunland, to wait on my Lady there." How loyal could be that maiden, full well was Kriemhild ware.