How Brunhild Was Received at Worms, I–XXXV

Beyond the Rhine King Gunther, with many a well-arm'd rank And all his guests about him, rode toward the river's bank; You might see by the bridle led forward many a maid. Those, who were to receive them, were ready all array'd.

Soon as the men of Issland came to the shallops down, And eke the Nibelungers, lieges of Siegfried's crown, To th' other shore they hasten'd (busy was ever hand) Where them the friends of Gunther awaited on the strand.

Now hear, by wealthy Uta what a device was wrought. Down with her from the castle a virgin train she brought, That rode where she was riding in that procession bright; So many a maid acquainted became with many a knight.

Kriemhild by the bridle the Margrave Gary led. But only from the castle; then forward Siegfried sped, And did that gentle service; fair was the blushing maid; Full well for that thereafter the warrior she repaid.

Ortwine, the fearless champion, rode by Dame Uta's rein; Knights and maids together followed, a social train. At such a stately meeting, all must confess, I ween, So many lovely ladies were ne'er together seen.

Full many a famous champion careering you might spy (Ill there were sloth and idless) beneath fair Kriemhild's eye E'en to the place of landing; by knights of fair renown There many a high-born lady from steed was lifted down.

The king was now come over, and many a worthy guest. Ah! before the ladies what spears were laid in rest! How many went in shivers at every hurtling close! Buckler clashed with buckler; ah! what a din arose!

Now might you see the ladies fast by the haven stand. With his guests King Gunther debark'd upon the strand, In his hand soft leading the martial maiden fair. Then each on each flash'd radiance, rich robes and jewels rare.

With that the smiling Kriemhild forth stepp'd a little space, And Brunhild and her meiny greeted with gentle grace. Each with snowy fingers back her headband drew, And either kiss'd the other lovingly and true.

Then spoke in courteous manner Kriemhild the fair and free, "In this our land, dear Brunhild, ever welcome be To me and to my mother and all by us allow'd For faithful friends and liegemen," Then each to th' other bow'd.

Next to greet Dame Brunhild approach'd Dame Uta too; Oft she and oft her daughter their arms around her threw, And on her sweet mouth lavish'd many a loving kiss. Never was known a welcome so kind and frank as this.

Soon as Brunhild's women were all come to the strand, Many a courtly warrior took by her lily hand A lady fair, and gently her mincing steps upstay'd. Now before Dame Brunhild stood many a noble maid.

'Twas long before the greeting had gone through all the list. On either part in plenty rosy mouths were kiss'd. Still the two fair princesses were standing side by side, A pair with love and rapture by longing warriors ey'd.

What erst had been but rumor, was now made clear to sight, That naught had yet been witness'd so beautiful and bright As those two lovely damsels; 'twas plain to every eye; None the slightest blemish in either form could spy.

Whoever look'd on women with but the sight for guide, Such for her faultless beauty prais'd Gunther's stately bride; But those, whose thoughts went deeper, and div'd into the mind, Maintained that gentle Kriemhild left Brunhild far behind.

Now met the dames and damsels in friendly converse free; Fair robes and fairer beauties were there in store to see; Many a silk pavilion and many a gorgous tent The plain before the city fill'd in its whole extent.

King Gunther's kinsmen ceas'd not to press to that fair show. And now was begg'd each princess from the sun to go Close by, with their attendants, where shade was overhead. By bold Burgundian warriors thither were they led.

Then clomb to horse the heroes, and scour'd the sounding field; Many a joust was practised with order'd spear and shield; Right well were prov'd the champions, and o'er the trampled plain, As though the land were burning, the dust curl'd up amain.

So all before the ladies display'd their skill and force. Nor doubt I that Sir Siegfried rode many a knightly course Before the rich pavilions, and, ever as he sped, His thousand Nibelungers, a stately squadron, led.

Then came the knight of Trony by the good king's command; In friendly wise he parted the jousters on the strand, For fear the dust, now thick'ning, the ladies might molest. Him with ready reverence obey'd each gentle guest.

Then spake the noble Gernot, "Let each now rest his steed Till the air be cooler, 't will then be our's to lead These lovely ladies homeward e'en to the palace wide. So keep yourselves all ready till it please the king to ride."

Thus ended was the tourney, and now the warriors went To join the dames and damsels beneath each lofty tent, And there in gentle converse their grace and favor sought; So flew the hours in pastime till of riding home they thought.

Now as drew on the twilight, when cooler grew the air And the sun was setting, they would not linger there, But up rose lords and ladies to seek the castle high; Many a fair dame was cherish'd by many a love-lit eye.

So on the fair they waited as from good knights is due. Then hardy squires, hot-spurring before the nobles' view, After the country's custom rode for the prize of weed As far as to the palace, where sprung the king from steed.

There too the proud queens parted, each taking thence her way. Dame Uta and her daughter with their handmaids gay Into a spacious chamber both together went. There might you hear on all sides the sound of merriment.

In hall the seats were order'd; the king would instant hie With all his guests to table; beside him you might spy His lovely bride, Queen Brunhild; her royal crown she wore There in King Gunther's country; so rich was none before.

Seats were there plac'd unnumber'd with tables broad and good, As is to us reported, full heap'd with costly food. How little there was wanted that passes for the best! There with the king was seated full many a noble guest.

The chamberlains of Gunther in ewers of ruddy gold Brought to the guests the water; should you be ever told That at a prince's table service was better done, 'Twere labor lost to say so, 't would be believ'd by none.

Then, ere the Lord of Rhineland touch'd the water bright, Up to him, as befitted, went Siegfried the good knight, And brought to him remembrance the promise made him there, Ere yet afar in Issland he look'd on Brunhild fair.

Said he, "You must remember what swore to me your hand, That, soon as Lady Brunhild were come into this land, To me you'd give your sister; your oaths now where are they? On me throughout your journey much toil and travail lay."

"Well did you to remind me," the noble king replied, "By what my hand has promis'd, I ever will abide, And in this thing to serve you will do my best, my all." Then sent he to beg Kriemhild to come into the hall.

Straight to the hall came Kriemhild begirt with many a maid, When from the lofty staircase young Giselher thus said, "Send back your maidens, Kriemhild, this business is your own; On this the king our brother would speak with you alone."

Then forward led was Kriemhild, as Gunther gave command, Where stood the king, and round him from many a prince's land Were noble knights unnumber'd; at once all silence kept; At that same instant Brunhild had just to table stepp'd.

Thence came it, she knew nothing of what was to be done. Then to his gather'd kinsmen spoke Dankrat's royal son, "Help me to move my sister Siegfried for lord to take." "Such match," they all gave answer, "with honor she may make."

Then spoke the king to Kriemhild, "Sister, I ask of thee From an oath to set me by thy kindness free. Thee to a knight I promised; if thou become his bride, Thou'lt do the will of Gunther, and show thy love beside."