A hundred high-born damsels begirt the parting queen, All clad, as well became them, in robes of glittering sheen. Full many a tear of sorrow from their bright eyes was shed. At Etzel's court soon after a joyous life they led. CXLVI Then in place young Giselher and Gernot you might view; They came, through love to Kriemhild, with all their followers true. On her way the brethren to bring their sister sought, And with them well accoutred a thousand warriors brought. CXLVII Then came the active Gary, Ortwine was present too, And there the steward Rumold his duty had to do. These found them fitting quarters e'en to the Danube's shore. A little from the city rode Gunther, and no more. CXLVIII Ere from the Rhine for ever their eastward steps they bent, They to the Huns beforehand swift messengers had sent, To tell the stout King Etzel what Rudeger had done, And how he peerless Kriemhild for his lord had woo'd and won. CXLIX The messengers spurr'd hotly; no time had they to lose; They rode at once for honor and the guerdon of good news. When home they brought the tidings, and all the truth made clear, Word surely never sounded so sweet in Etzel's ear. CL For joy of such fair tidings the king was pleas'd to give The messengers such presents, that thenceforth each might live Merrily for ever, e'en to his dying day. Through love the king's long sorrow vanish'd at once away. TWENTY-FIRST ADVENTURE HOW KRIEMHILD DEPARTED I Enough now of the messengers; we'll tell you, as we may, How the queen through the country went riding on her way, And where Gernot and Giselher, who forth with her had passed, And serv'd her well and truly, took leave of her at last. II On rode they to the Danube, and Vergen now was near When leave they took, lamenting of the queen their sister dear, For to the Rhine together they would retrace their road. As such nigh kindred parted, many a sad tear there flow'd. III As leave took Sir Giselher, to his sister thus said he, "Lady, if hereafter thou e'er have need of me, Whatever be thy danger, if thou but let me know, Straight to the land of Etzel to serve thee will I go." IV All those, who were her kinsmen, kiss'd on her mouth the queen. That day a loving farewell 'twixt Kriemhild's friends was seen And the good margrave's vassals; they thence asunder sped. The high-born queen right onward many a fair maiden led. V Fivescore and four together, a richly vested throng In stuffs of divers colors; many a buckler strong Follow'd the lovely lady, while many a knight of pride, At length from her departing, turn'd rein and homeward hied. VI