Through all that time of the meeting of Kriemhild with Etzel the King, All in the ancient fashion young knights were tourneying: With gentle and joyous jousting right gallantly they rode, As the Christian knights and heathen their countries' customs showed. With what knightly prowess the champions of Dietrich's warrior-band Were hurling the whizzing javelin from the strong unerring hand! Forth through the air far-leaping over the shields did they skim. By the guests from Germany shivered was many a broad shield-rim. With the ceaseless clashing of spear-shafts splintered loud was the air; For the mighty men of the Hunland all were gathered there; And there were the guests of Etzel, an exceeding noble array. Now passeth the King with Kriemhild from the place of their meeting away, And they come where hard beside them doth a stately pavilion stand: All round was the whole plain covered with tents on every hand; There guests after toil of their travel unto sweet rest now might win; And many a winsome maiden the heroes led therein {P. 185} Unto their Queen, where Kriemhild sat in splendour there On a couch all costly-broidered; for the Margrave's diligent care Had ordered so its arraying that the tent was splendour-dight: And the heart of the Hun-king Etzel was filled with deep delight. What of their princely converse may a simple minstrel know Save this?--in his right hand rested a hand like a flake of snow. So sat they on love's threshold; for the wise thane Rüdiger, For the honour of Kriemhild, left not King Etzel alone with her. Then stayed was the clash of tourney o'er all the echoing field. Hushed as beseemed was the crashing of lance and the clang of shield. Back to the tents went trooping King Etzel's vassalage: And to all was there given lodging and spacious harbourage. So drew the day to an ending and the sleep of the summer night, Till fled away the shadows and they saw the breaking of light. Then many a gallant hero gat him again to horse, And ho for the honour of Etzel and the gallant tourney-course! For the King said: "See ye acquit you for yours and for my renown." Then rode they on from Tulna to Vienna the royal town: There splendour-attired did ladies unnumbered their coming abide To welcome with duteous worship King Etzel's royal bride.