How the Huns Received Kriemhild, XXXVI–LI

How once by Rhine she tarried, the bride a moment thought, With her first noble husband; to her eyes the tears it brought; Yet she so well conceal'd it, the feasters mark'd her not; Now, after all her sorrows, what glory was her lot!

All was but a trifle, that by the rest was done, To the liberal deeds of Dietrich; whatever Botlung's son In former days had giv'n him, went scatter'd through the land; Marvels too of bounty were wrought by Rudeger's hand.

Prince Blœdel, too, of Hungary vied nobly with the best; He bade his comrades empty full many a travelling chest Cramm'd with gold and silver; the whole was giv'n away; The warriors of King Etzel a merry life led they.

Werbel as well as Swemmeline, the minstrels of the king, To them no little profit did this fair marriage bring. They gain'd, I ween, in largess a thousand marks or more, When Kriemhild fair with Etzel the crown imperial wore.

'Twas on the eighteenth morning, they from Vienna rode; Pierc'd was many a buckler in tilting on the road By spears which valiant champions level'd dexterously. So back return'd King Etzel to the land of Hungary.

The walls of ancient Haimburg they reach'd by fall of night, So that scarce 'twas easy to estimate by sight How huge a strength of warriors the country round beset; Ah! what fair troops of ladies each, home returning, met!

At Misenburg the wealthy, on shipboard went the band; From bank to bank the river, as though 'twere firm dry land, With man and horse was cover'd that floated as it flow'd; Rest had the way-worn ladies, borne on their liquid road.

Many a good ship together was lash'd and firmly bound, Lest the damp spray should harm them from billows dashing round; Many a good tent above them kept off the sun and breeze, As if they in a meadow were sitting at their ease.

When to King Etzel's castle the joyful tidings came, Right merry were to hear it many a knight and many a dame. The courtly train, accustom'd Queen Helca to obey, In after time with Kriemhild led many a happy day.

In anxious doubt there waiting stood many a noble maid, All, since the death of Helca, down by deep sorrow weigh'd Seven, of proud kings the daughters, Kriemhild found there in place, Of all King Etzel's country the ornament and grace.

Of this fair train of damsels Dame Herrat had the care, Helca's sister's daughter, renown'd for virtues rare, Wife of good Sir Dietrich, daughter of King Nentwine; Her after honors suited well with her lofty line.

That the high guests were coming, it joy'd her much to hear; Straight she bade make ready good store of choicest cheer. How then King Etzel feasted, no tongue may hope to tell. E'en in the days of Helca they scarcely far'd so well.

As from the shore with Kriemhild rode on King Etzel bold, Who forward led each damsel, straight to the queen was told, And thus each lord and lady she welcomed as was meet; Ah! with what power thereafter she sat in Helca's seat!

Their true and loyal service all vow'd to her alone; Silver, and gold, and raiment, and many a precious stone, She freely shar'd among them; on that auspicious day, All she had brought from Rhineland was giv'n at once away.

To her, as to their mistress, whoe'er the king obey'd, His kinsmen and his vassals, true liegemen's service paid, That never Lady Helca ruled with such mighty sway. Such service held Queen Kriemhild e'en to her dying day.

So court and country flourish'd with such high honors crown'd, And all at every season fresh joy and pastime found. Every heart was merry, smiles on each face were seen; So kind the king was ever, so liberal the queen.