There might you see wide open every window in every wall; The gates of Bechlaren were back thrown one and all; In rode the guests; loud shouted the townsmen least and most; Choice quarters were prepar'd them by the care of the noble host. XXXI Sir Rudeger's fair daughter with her maidens went Where the queen she greeted with loving kind intent; There found she, too, her mother, who had with Kriemhild stay'd. Meanwhile to each fair damsel was joyous welcome made. XXXII So either party mingled, and each went hand in hand Into a spacious palace with curious cunning plann'd; Beneath it roll'd the Danube; there took they all their ease, In gentle pastime sitting, fann'd by the river breeze. XXXIII What further pass'd among them is more than I can say. Sore murmur'd Kriemhild's followers that they must hence away, And leave the pleasant city where such kind friends abode. Ah! what good warriors with them from Bechlaren rode! XXXIV To them much loving service the noble margrave paid; Then to fair Gotelind's daughter the queen a present made; She gave her twelve red armlets, and robes so richly wrought, That with her nothing better to Etzel's land she brought. XXXV Albeit the wondrous treasure now was hers no more, Still, from the small remainder of her once boundless store, Whome'er she saw, her bounty made every one content, And now to Rudeger's household right precious gifts she sent. XXXVI In turn, as well befitted her state and lofty line, So well Dame Gotelind treated the strangers from the Rhine, That few were there among them, but from her copious store Precious stones in plenty or gorgeous raiment bore. XXXVII When they their fast had broken, and ready were to part, Then the noble hostess with true and faithful heart Proffer'd her constant service to Etzel's stately queen, Who much caress'd and fondly the fair young margravine. XXXVIII To the queen said the damsel, "If it seem you well, Of the mind of my father this I can truly tell, That he would gladly send me among the Huns to you." That the young maiden lov'd her, how well fair Kriemhild knew! XXXIX Their horses now were saddled, and brought before the town. Thither the noble Kriemhild came from the castle down, And bade farewell to Gotelind and to her daughter dear. Many a maid of many a maiden took leave with many a tear. XL They look'd on one another but seldom from that day. At Medilich to the strangers were handed on the way Rich golden cups, well fashion'd, and thereto, as a sign Of free and hearty welcome, fill'd to the brim with wine. XLI