"Why does my garland sit So crooked on my brow? How could it straighter fit, Weighed down with gossip now!" "While I my garland wore, Of Laima was no heed; I wear it now no more, And, weeping, Laima need." "Oh thatch a house with reeds, Put silver pegs beneath, So that our sister, needs, Can hang her oaken wreath." "The rattling bridge astride, The groom now rides in view. My kinsmen, if you ride, Your swords will rattle too!" "Look where in warrior's state My kinsmen do great deeds, With swords attend the gate, And calm their fretful steeds!" Within the castle's palisade The relatives thus joyful call, Awaiting suitors there arrayed, Who ride up, seeking, to the wall. With many friends Bearslayer rode Beside Koknesis to the fort, According to their ancient code, Like strangers, entrance there they sought. They asked about a place to rest, For each, and also for his colt.- Within the gates now every guest Demanded answers to unbolt: From whence they came, to where they rode, If they were safe to have inside; Until Old Burtnieks forth strode, Himself the gates then opened wide. Within the hall were tables laid, With sumptuous meals for feasting fit, And in the centre, clear displayed, Chairs where the suitors had to sit. They asked to see the fairest maid; The wedding party led in some, But they rejected all displayed, Until Laimdota forth had come, With Spidala, and joined the folk. They wore rich clothes, and on their head Were decorated wreaths of oak, Bound with brocade and precious thread. The suitors rose and praised each bride, And sat them in the chairs in state, And both men stood there close beside, And now began to ask them straight If they would sell their garlands here. Such precious goods with payment high They willingly would purchase dear. To which the guests made this reply: "Not with a sack of gold or more, Can maidens such as these be bought. Through neither riches, nor through war, Can maidens such as these be caught." But after both were full agreed. And when the men had promised fast To guard them well, meet every need, The maidens gave consent at last. To marry both, the priests now came. With ivy twined round leaves of oak Their hands were joined in Laima's name; Meanwhile the priests this blessing spoke: "Just as the supple ivy curls, And round the oak itself entwines, So with the slender new-wed girls, Whom love now with their groom combines!" The grooms before them gifts now spread- With tears her wreath gave up each bride. Then on their heads were placed instead Expensive caps of marten's hide, Adorned with silver was each hat. Each new-wed bride went with her man Up to the table, where they sat.- The wedding banquet now began.