Unto hand-clasp and embracing the wives of the two Kings came. Now fast were the saddles emptied, for many a comely dame By heroes' hands down-holpen, stood on the meadow-green. Who joyed in the service of ladies, had work enow, I ween. To meet and to greet each other those winsome ladies stept, And for joy of their lovely presence full many a knight's heart leapt, And for joy of the gracious greeting of the glory of either land; For beside those comely maidens did many a good knight stand. Then did the hands kind-clasping each unto other cling: There was grace of courtly obeisance through that bright gathering, Sweet salutations of kisses 'twixt ladies passing fair: And the men of Gunther and Siegfried glad-hearted watched them there. Then tarried they there no longer, but on to the city they rode. And the folk of the Land Burgundian by command of their Lord forthshowed To their guests their joy of the meeting by knightly courtesies; And through all the way they jousted to gladden the ladies' eyes. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwein made manifest that day To the eyes of all beholders what stalwart knights were they: Marshals they were of the tourney, and all men obeyed their behests; So of these much courtly service was rendered to those dear guests. There might ye hear shields ringing afront of the castle-gate, Spear-snapping and buckler-crashing: long time on his charger sate The King mid his friends there watching, or ever within they passed. In many a knightly pastime the bright hours fleeted fast. Unto the gate of the guest-hall rode they all joyously. Many a rich-wrought housing fashioned fair to see From the saddles of lovely ladies swinging on either hand Hung to the ground. There waiting did the palace-pages stand. Unto their several chambers by these were the guests led on; And men marked how the eyes of Brunhild glanced ever and anon {P. 109} Askance at the Lady Kriemhild;--sooth, passing-fair she showed, As her bright cheeks' lilies and roses against the red gold glowed. All up through the streets of the city of Worms did the glad sounds ring Of that merry company's thronging. His hest gave Gunther the King Unto his marshal Dankwart to provide for all their need; And to fair-dight harbourage therefore those several guests did he lead.