Then looked the Lady Kriemhild, and beheld the Margravine Stand in the midst of her ladies. No further rode the Queen; But she checked with bit and bridle the onward-pacing steed, And she bade them from the saddle lift her to earth with speed. Leading the child of his sister the princely bishop strode, With Eckwart beside him, where Lady Gotlind their coming abode. To right and to left all people fell back as onward they came; And the stranger Queen kissed sweetly the lips of the noble dame. With words all lowly-loving did the wife of Rüdiger say: "Now happy am I, dear mistress, and a blessing on this day That in this our land hath given to mine eyes thy face to see! No sight so heart-rejoicing could now have appeared unto me." "O noble Gotlind," said Kriemhild, "God guerdon thee for this! If I with the son of Botlung see days of weal and bliss, Well may it be for thee truly that I have been seen of thee." --Ah, neither of these foreboded the things that were yet to be! Then met with courteous greeting the maidens of either land, And around them tendering service did many a good knight stand; And they sat down after the greeting on earth's clover-mantled floor. So were they made acquainted which were strangers theretofore, As they poured the wine for the ladies. By this the sun was high, Nor longer lingered thereafter that noble company. On rode they, and came to pavilions broad and fair-arrayed Wherein might perfect service to the noble guests be paid. There till the new day's dawning they rested through the night. Now the folk of Bechlaren bestirred them that all should be ordered aright, That guests so many and worthy should be welcomed with honour due: Such heed had Rüdiger taken, that nothing lacked thereto. There thrown wide open for welcome were the windows in the walls; Through the castle of Bechlaren flung wide were the doors of her halls. There amid welcoming faces the guests through the gateway rode, And in many a fair-dight chamber by Rüdiger were they bestowed. {P. 180} The Margravine's fair daughter drew with her maidens nigh To the palace-portal, and welcomed the Queen right lovingly, And there by her side did her mother, the wife of Rüdiger, stand; And maidens to bower-maidens outstretched the welcoming hand, And two by two they drew them with fingers that lovingly clung To a wide hall stately-builded, with tapestries fair-hung. Afront of the windows the Danube-river flowed below. There sat they in merry converse, and felt the cool breeze blow.