Of all that befell as they tarried the minstrel may not sing: Yet certes the knights of Kriemhild at such long tarrying Murmured, for now were they chafing that so slowly the goal was won. What gallant knights from Bechlaren thereafter escorted them on! Service the Margrave tendered most loving and manifold. Then gave that Daughter of Princes twelve armlets of red gold Unto the daughter of Gotlind, and raiment lovely-wrought. Into the land of Etzel none fairer had Kriemhild brought. Albeit the gold of the Niblungs out of her hand had been reft, Yet with the little treasure that still unto her was left She won the hearts of all folk that looked upon her face. Great gifts unto Rüdiger's household she gave of her royal grace. And for her part Lady Gotlind to the guests from Rhineland showed Such high and bounteous honour in the gifts that she bestowed, That hard had it been mid the strangers to find so much as one Who had not of her hands fair-woven vesture or precious stone. So when these guests had eaten, and would forth on their journey again, Her loyal service commended that noble chatelaine In speech most lowly-loving unto great Etzel's Queen; And Kriemhild embraced at parting the fair young Margravine. Then spake unto Kriemhild the damsel: "If this my Queen content, Well know I, my dear-loved father thereto would gladly consent To send me to thee into Hunland, to wait on my Lady there." How loyal could be that maiden, full well was Kriemhild ware. {P. 181} All bridled waited the horses before the castle-port, When the noble Queen had taken her leave in gracious sort Of the wife of the Lord of the Marches and the fair young child at her side; And with many a farewell spoken thence did the maidens ride. Seldom indeed thereafter from that day forth met they! Out of Medelick came the people, and stood beside the way With many a golden goblet rich-wrought filled high with wine That the guests might drink, and "Welcome!" they bade them by word and sign. The Lord of the place in his castle dwelt there, Astolf hight: On the road to the Easterlings' country he set their feet aright: Over against Mautaren by the Danube runs that road. There worshipful observance to the great Queen all folk showed. Of his sister's daughter the bishop took loving farewell there. That long she might live and prosper how earnest was his prayer, And might for herself earn honour as Helka of yore had done! Ha, what high honour and worship in the hearts of the Huns she won!