How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms, XXXVI–L

Ortwine of Metz and Gary, King Gunther's liegemen bold, The marriage feast, that forthwith their master was to hold, Proclaim'd to friends and neighbors; against the festal day Every noble maiden prepar'd her best array.

Adorn'd was all the palace, and richly every wall Bedeck'd to grace the strangers; King Gunther's spacious hall By the skill was furbish'd of many a foreign man; With merriment and pastime the royal feast began.

By every road advancing with ceaseless press and din Flock'd all to Worms together the royal brethren's kin, Summon'd by hasty message to meet th' expected guests. Then from the folded wrappers were ta'en the well-stor'd vests.

Sudden spread the tidings, that now one might espy Brunhild's friends advancing; straight rose a press and cry 'Mong the Burgundian thousands, that waiting stood around. Ah! what men of valor on either side were found!

Then spake the lovely Kriemhild, "My maidens fair and free, Who at this reception must bear your part with me, Let each her choice apparel search out from secret chest; The matrons too I'd counsel to prank them in their best."

Then forward came the warriors, and straight th' attendants told To bring forth sumptuous saddles o'erlaid with ruddy gold, Whereon might ride the ladies from Worms unto the Rhine. Never was better horse-gear beheld, nor work so fine.

What store of gold resplendent about the palfreys shone! From their gorgeous bridles gleam'd many a precious stone. Richly gilt side-saddles with trappings of bright hue Were brought forth for the ladies, who gladden'd at the view.

Caparison'd all richly with silken housings rare Was led a gentle palfrey for every lady there. Each steed a silken pöitral (the silk was of the best That e'er was spun or fashion'd) had hanging at his breast.

Six and eighty ladies, each a married dame, With hairy bounds in fillets to lovely Kriemhild came, Each radiant in her beauty, each in rich garb array'd; Thither too in full adornment came many a blooming maid.

Fifty and four, the fairest and of the best report Of all, whose beauty honor'd the proud Burgundian court, Went forth with glittering laces above their flaxen hair. What Gunther had requested, all did with all their care.

The best stuffs and the richest, that e'er were found, they bore To meet the stranger heroes; every robe they wore With care and skill was chosen to suit their lovely hue. He were a fool, who'd murmur at one of that fair crew.

Of sable and of ermine many a robe was there, And many a sparkling bracelet o'er silken raiment fair The wrists and arms encircled of many a lady gay. The care, the taste, the splendor none might at full display.

Many a glittering girdle, that rich and long down hung, By many a snowy finger o'er gorgeous weed was flung To bind the far-brought garment of stuff from Araby. Each noble damsel's bosom swell'd high and joyfully.

In the tighten'd bodice many a smiling maid Had laced herself full deftly; each were ill appaid Did not her bright complexion outshine her vesture sheen. A train so fair and graceful now has ne'er a queen.

Soon as the lovely ladies for the joyful day Had donn'd their rich apparel, forthwith, in meet array, Of bold high-mettled warriors a mighty force drew near, With many a shield bright-beaming and many an ashen spear.