So they came in a little season unto the Traisem's flow, And still did the knights of the Margrave heedfully guarding them go, Till far off riding to meet them was a host of the Hunfolk seen. Ha, then was fulness of honour rendered unto the Queen! On the Traisem's bank did a castle of the Lord of the Hunfolk stand, A passing-stately fortress, well known through all the land; And the same hight Traisenmauer: there Helka dwelt of old, A lady beyond all other exceeding bounteous-souled, Except that other were Kriemhild, for her bounty withal was free. Well might she be henceforth happy after all her misery, For all the people of Etzel her kindness extolled and her grace; Yea, in abundant measure she won the heroes' praise. Now the majesty of King Etzel was grown so world-renowned, That at every time and season about his court were found All knights on earth most valiant that ever man had known Mid Christian nations and heathen: all gathered round his throne. {P. 182} Year in, year out, around him--such sight none now may see-- Were Christian knights and heathen dwelling in amity, Each after his own land's custom, even as such might fall. So full and so free was his bounty, that aye it sufficed for all. XXII. How King Etzel wedded Kriemhild At Traisenmauer she tarried till four days were fulfilled; And all that time on the highways for never an hour was stilled The uprolling of dust on all sides like smoke from a forest aflame As the riders of Etzel thither through the land of the Easterlings came. For by this had the joyful tidings been told unto Etzel the King How royally Lady Kriemhild through the land was journeying. By that sweet expectation slain, was the old pain gone, And arose the King, and hastened to meet that loveliest one. Streamed far along the highways warriors of many a tongue. To herald the coming of Etzel came knights in a valiant throng; Christian knights and heathen, in one vast host came they, And they saw their Queen, and forward they swept in a stately array. Warriors many of Russia and many of Greece were there; On flew they, Poles and Wallachs, swiftly as birds of the air; Horsemen on goodly horses, kings of the saddle they rode; Each after his own land's fashion their knightly prowess they showed. From the land of Kiev came riding thitherward many a thane: On came the wild Petschnegers; the great bow did they strain Against the fowl of the heaven as flickered their wings in the blue. Up to the head the arrow with marvellous might they drew. Hard by the Danube river in the land of the Easterlings lies A burg that men name Tulna: there seen of Kriemhild's eyes {P. 183} Was many an alien custom uncouth and marvel-fraught. There was she welcomed of many whose doom at the last she wrought.