Then the heralds cried that all folk should avoid to left and right From the path of Kriemhild the lovely; and many a gallant knight And warrior gently-nurtured in her train to the minster hied: So for a space was parted the hero from her side. So passed she into the minster with her maiden-company; And the dim aisles shone with beauty so glorious to see, That many a prayer dropped earthward that should to heaven aspire, For of all those chosen champions was she the eyes' desire. Now scarce could Siegfried tarry till the mass was brought to an end, And his heart still sang thanksgiving unto Fortune, unto the friend Which had bowed unto him her favour whom shrined in his heart he bare: Fast bound in loyal service was he to the Fairest Fair. {P. 41} When again forth out of the minster after the mass she came, Again to her presence was bidden that hero of far-sung fame. Then the winsome-lovely maiden her thanks unto him outpoured That so bravely beyond all others he helped when her brethren warred: "Lord Siegfried, now God reward thee," that Queen of Beauty said: "The good knights' loyal homage this day hast thou merited; All true hearts' love-avowal right nobly hast thou earned!" Then the love in the eyes of Siegfried on the eyes of Kriemhild burned. "For ever and aye will I serve thee!" Siegfried the hero said: "Never to rest or slumber will I lay down mine head Till thine every wish be accomplished, while life shall endure in me! And this do I, O Kriemhild, Kriemhild, for love of thee!" So it fell that through twelve days, ever as dawned each new day's light, By the witchery-winsome maiden lingereth still the knight Oft as in kingfolk's presence her feet through the fair halls pace, For mighty love hath constrained her to yield unto him this grace.