Spread was the feast in the castle and all the city through. Never were guests from a far land so ministered unto! Whatsoever one haply craved for, with joy unto him was it brought: So rich was the Lord of the kingdom that from none withheld they aught. Lovingly all folk served them and ever ungrudgingly. The King in the great hall feasted, and amidst of his guests sat he; And to Siegfried the place of honour, even as of old, they gave, And with him passed in to the banquet warriors many and brave. Yea, noble knights twelve hundred in that mighty hall were seen With him at the banquet seated. And ever Brunhild the Queen Thought in her heart: "Never vassal hath been so wealthy as this!" Yet still did she bear him a kindness, and she grudged him nought of his bliss. Mid the mirth of the summer evening as sat the King mid his guests, Dew-sprent with the ruddy wine-drops were many rich-wrought vests, As the cupbearers brimming the goblets from table to table went In ever-unfailing service tireless-diligent. In the olden courteous fashion whensoe'er was the banquet arrayed, From the board to their bowers of slumber escorted were matron and maid. Whence came each guest soever, he seemed the King's chief care. In all lovingkindness and honour had each enough and to spare. When ended now was the night-tide, and the light of the dayspring shone, Out of the sumpter-caskets full many a precious stone Came flashing on rich-wrought raiment, as forth fair fingers brought Many a royal vesture, through the scented chests as they sought. {P. 110} Ere day had fully broken, to the court before the hall Came knights and squires full many, and rang from wall to wall The tourney-clash, ere matins before the King had been sung; And he thanked for their gallant riding those valiant knights and young. With strenuous blast the trumpets roared through the morning air, With pipes and drums replying; so mighty was the blare That Worms the wide-built fortress with clamorous echoes rang. Then here, then there the bold knights upon their chargers sprang. Then in the Land Burgundian a glorious tourney began Where good knights thronged to the contest: was many a valiant man Whose young heart with glad courage was thrilled and filled to the height: Ha! there under shield beheld they many a gallant knight. Adown from the casements gazing in fair adornings arrayed Were many a noble lady and many a lovely maid: They watched while the throngs of brave men played that knightly play. Yea, the King himself with his kinsmen rode the lists that day.