Into the midst of a circle led they the plighted twain After the ancient custom. Full many a strong young thane Stood there and gazed upon them with laughter-litten eyes, Thinking such thoughts as ever in young hearts wont to rise. So then when her kin put question unto the winsome maid-- "Wilt thou take this knight to thine husband?" awhile was she loth and afraid: Yet her heart within her was pleading for him, that goodly one; But for shame she hung on her answer, as many a maiden hath done. Then Rüdiger her father spake saying, "Answer yea, And gladly for husband take him." How swiftly did he straightway With loving white hands clasping to his heart his belovèd press; Even Giselher the young prince!--how brief was their happiness! {P. 230} Then spake once more the Margrave: "O kings of lineage high, What time to the realm Burgundian returning ye pass hereby, Then will I give you my daughter, even as is meet and right, To bear her with you to the home-land." Unto this their troth did they plight. The tumult of feasting and joyance at last must have an end; And then did the new-wed maiden to her bridal-chamber wend, And the guests through the castle rested and slept till the day shone clear. Then brake they the bread of the morning, and the host made abundant cheer. And now when the feasting was ended, they addressed them thence to go Journeying on to the Hunland--"I pray you, do not so," Said the Margrave noble-hearted; "awhile yet tarry here. Long is it since in my castle I have harboured guests so dear." Answered and spake to him Dankwart: "Now nay, this may not be. Whence should provision of victual and of wine be gotten of thee Enough to suffice for the feasting of so great a company?" But the host made answer: "I pray you, put all such vain words by! My lords and dearly beloved, ye may not say me nay. With meat and drink can I feast you till endeth the fourteenth day, And all that with you came hither, both lords and vassal-train. Little enow of my substance King Etzel from me hath ta'en." How sorely soe'er they excused them, yet there perforce they abode Till dawned the fourth day's morning. Such lavish gifts were bestowed Of their host's free-handed bounty, that the fame thereof spread wide, How he gave to his guests rich raiment and gallant steeds to ride.