So fleeted the summer morning, and the hours seemed all too short Ere the chiming bells of the minster summoned them from the sport. Palfreys they brought for the ladies, and a river of splendour flowed Through the streets as the valiant warriors behind the proud Queens rode. They lighted down on the greensward before the minster-gate. Still to her guests did Brunhild harbour nought of hate. Hosts, guests, passed crowned together beneath the wide-hung dome. --Soon all that love was sundered; sprang bitter affliction therefrom. When the chanting of mass was ended, forth of the doors again Came they in splendour and honour. Passed that gladsome train On to the banquet-royal: joy knew nor stint nor stay In the flowing tide of pleasure--till dawned the eleventh day. (C) Yet ever the Queen was musing: "Delay no longer will I! In such fashion will I contrive it, that Kriemhild must needs reply Wherefore is tribute denied us by her lord thus year after year-- Yet is the man but our vassal! From searching I cannot forbear!" {P. 111} (C) So she bided her time till the Devil whispered to her at the last To wither the festal glory, and pleasure with pain to blast. The serpent of jealousy coiling round her heart to the light must come; And therefrom through many a kingdom spread desolation and doom. XIV. How the Queens spake bitter Words Each unto Other It befell, ere it rang unto vespers, that the clash of joyous sport Came up through the palace-casements from many a knight in the court As they fell to the gallant tourney to wing with mirth the hours. From the hall men hasted to watch them, and maidens from their bowers. There sat those Queens together, queens famous far and near, And of two knights still were they thinking, two knights without a peer.