How Gunther Invited Siegfried to the Festival, XXXVI–LV

"They beg moreover, Kriemhild the journey too may share. Now, my good friends, advise me; what's best to do, declare. Should they for them request me to harry thirty lands, Well they such warlike service might claim at Siegfried's hands."

Thereto his knights thus answer'd, "As you desire to speed, If you this feast will visit, hearken to our rede. Take of your best warriors a thousand by your side. So 'midst the bold Burgundians in honor you'll abide."

Then spake the lord of Netherland, Siegmund the frank and free, "If you're for this high festal, why say not so to me? I, if it not displease you, will with you to the Rhine, And bring, to swell your squadron, a hundred knights of mine."

"Will you too journey with us, my father ever dear?" Exclaim'd the bold Sir Siegfried; "it glads me this to hear. Within twelve days at furthest we'll wend upon our way." To all, who ask'd, then gave he good steeds and garments gay.

When now to take the journey fix'd was the king's design, He bade the knights of Gunther ride back unto the Rhine, And sent by them a message to Kriemhild's kinsmen there, That to the feast, they purpos'd, full fain would he repair.

Siegfried and Kriemhild (so says the tale) bestow'd More gifts upon the envoys, than o'er such length of road Their horses home could carry; a wealthy man was he. They drove their strong-back'd sumpters merrily o'er the lea.

Siegfried and eke Siegmund their people cloth'd anew; Eckewart the Margrave all Siegfried's country through Bade seek out women's raiment, whate'er was stored in chest Or could be bought for money, the choicest and the best.

Rich saddles were made ready, and shields of glittering pride. To the knights and ladies, that should with Siegfried ride, Whate'er they wish'd was granted; none wanted there for ought. To his friends in Rhineland many a lordly guest he brought.

Meanwhile homeward speeding prick'd the envoys fast. Back came the noble Gary to Burgundy at last. He met with hearty welcome; straight they dismounted all From war-horse and from palfrey before King Gunther's hall.

Old and young (as the use is) ran up from every side, And ask'd what news they brought them? the noble knights replied, "When I the king have told it, 'twill spread to all around." Then went he with his comrades to where the king he found.

From sheer pleasure Gunther started from his seat At the happy tidings; that they had come so fleet, Much thanks had they from Brunhild. Gunther straight begun, "How fares it with Siegfried, who so much for me has done?"

"To hear of you," said Gary, "he redden'd with delight, Both he, and eke your sister; never living wight Sent his friends a message so tender and so true, As by me Sir Siegfried and his father have to you."

Then to the valiant margrave the noble queen 'gan say, "Tell me, is Kriemhild coming? does still her form display The beauty and soft graces, she well to foster knew?" The good knight, Gary, answer'd, "She's surely coming too."

Then before Dame Uta the messengers were brought; Well without her asking could Gary guess her thought, So, ere she put the question, "How did Kriemhild fare?" He said, how he had found her, and that she'd soon be there.

Of all the gorgeous presents nothing was left untold, Given them by good Sir Siegfried; the raiment and the gold, That the three brethren's lieges might view them forth were laid. With thanks the gracious giver was by them all repaid.

"Ay! of his own," said Hagan, "full lightly he may give; 'Tis past his power to spend it, should he forever live. The Nibelungers' treasure holds he by strength of hand. Ah! would it were brought hither to our Burgundian land!"

The court, both knights and ladies, were all with joy elate To hear that they were coming. Early forthwith and late The friends of the three brethren were busied every man; Seats with sumptuous trappings to raise they straight began.

Hunolt and eke Sindolt, the hardy knights and true, Had not a moment's leisure; full work had they to do The while, as sewer and butler, and many a bench to raise. Ortwine for th' aid he gave them had Gunther's thanks and praise.

Sore toil'd the chief cook, Rumolt; ah! how his orders ran Among his understrappers! how many a pot and pan, How many a mighty cauldron rattled and rang again! They dress'd a world of dishes for all th' expected train.

Nor less was then the labor to the fair ladies known, As they prepar'd their garments; many a precious stone They set in gold far-beaming, and glitter'd both so bright, And with such grace they wore them, as ravish'd every sight.