Now did the three Kings' kinsmen down many a highway ride Through all the land to the city, which were summoned from every side To the end that these with honour might welcome the bidden guests. Then drawn from their cedar coffers were many costly vests. Now heard are the tidings that watchers have spied the far-off gleam Of the knights of the train of Brunhild. Lo, how the great throngs stream As all the multitudes gather and flock through Burgundia-land! What gallant knights went riding in either princely band! Then spake she, Kriemhild the Lovely: "O my bower-maidens, ye Which forth unto this guest-welcome this day will ride with me, Out of the coffers take ye attire most glorious, And so shall praise and honour by the guests be rendered to us." Then also hasted the good knights, and bade their squires bring out Goodly saddles with red gold all richly set about. Mounting-blocks gold-gleaming upon foot-cloths spread on the earth They set for the feet of the ladies on that day of gladness and mirth. There in the court stood waiting the palfreys richly dight, Prepared, as the old song telleth, for many a lady bright. On the breast of each horse gleaming was the dainty martingale Of the richest silk threads woven ever sung in minstrel's tale. Fourscore-and-six fair ladies came pacing forth in state With their bright hair wimple-hooded: gather now to the palace-gate Kriemhild's own bower-maidens in lovely vesture arrayed; Decked with their jewels came they, many a winsome maid. Fifty-and-four were her fair ones, the maids of Burgundia-land; There were none of such high-born lineage as they of her queenly band: The silken snoods fair-jewelled mid their golden tresses shone. Sooth, all that the King had prayed for, with right good will was it done. {P. 78} All of the costliest loom-work and the best that earth bestowed Was the vesture of their arrayal as to meet those guests they rode; With the lily and rose of their faces it blended in harmony. Whosoe'er had been ill-contented, a witless wight were he! Mantles of ermine and sable over the housings flowed; On lovely arm and white wrist many a bracelet glowed. Clasps gathered the silk in many a softly-floating fold:-- But of all their splendour-devising the end can ne'er be told.