Now on both sides advancing the gorgeous trains drew near. Many a good knight between them forth prick'd in full career, And waged the mimic battle; their knightly sports, I ween, Drew many a damsel's glances, nor irk'd the stately queen. XIX When met the noble strangers and Rudeger's vassals true, Up in the air, loud crashing, many a splinter flew From the hands of heroes in knightly exercise. Well before the ladies rode they for the prize. XX Soon was o'er the tourney; the knights together sped, Each friendly greeting other; then Gotelind forth was led, Her duty to Queen Kriemhild in humble guise to pay. The skill'd in ladies' service, scant leisure sure had they. XXI To meet his wife, the margrave rode forward from the queen. Not ill pleas'd was surely the noble margravine, That back from Rhine so hearty had come her own good knight. Her long-brooded sorrows vanish'd in delight. XXII When now had pass'd the welcome the loving pair between, He bade her with her ladies alight upon the green. None then was idle standing among the nobles there; All busily bestirr'd them in the service of the fair. XXIII Soon as the Lady Kriemhild beheld the margravine There with the ladies standing, rode on a space the queen; Then sudden check'd her palfrey (the bit he answer'd well) And instant bade her servants lift her down from selle. XXIV Then might you see the bishop, already sprung from steed, Him and good Sir Eckewart, his niece to Gotelind lead. All there made way before them as softly on they came. Then on the mouth the wanderer kiss'd the good margrave's dame. XXV Then said the wife of Rudeger, with tender love and true, "Now well is me, dear lady, that one so fair as you Here at last in our country I with my eyes have seen. Ne'er in these times, be certain, so happy have I been." XXVI "Now heaven you quit," said Kriemhild, "for all that you have done. Should we live, noble Gotelind, both I and Botlung's son, You may indeed be thankful that you have look'd on me." 'Twas all unknown to either what after was to be. XXVII Courteously one to another went many a blooming maid; Young knights to yield them service with ready zeal essay'd; So after kindly greeting (though erst unknown I ween) They soon came friends together close sitting on the green. XXVIII With wine were serv'd the ladies; by this 'twas height of noon; The noble knights and damsels again were moving soon. Thence rode they to a meadow where spacious tents were pight, And all within made ready for solace and delight. XXIX There through the dark they rested till morn began to smile. They of Bechlaren bestirr'd themselves the while, For such guests and so many fittingly to prepare. The margrave so had order'd, little was wanting there. XXX