Fast by the flowing Danube there stands on Austrian ground A city that hight Tulna; there first fair Kriemhild found Many an outlandish custom, and was with welcome sought By many a knight, whom after to doom and death she brought. VII Before King Etzel riding his household forward came, Four and twenty princes of loftiest birth and name, Merry, and rich, and courtly, and glittering all with gold, Who long'd for nothing better than their lady to behold. VIII Duke Ramung of Wallachia rode trampling o'er the plain; Seven hundred chosen warriors behind him held the rein; You might see them speeding like wild birds in their flight. Thither came Prince Gibek with many a squadron bright. IX Swift Hornbog, with a thousand trampling the dusty green, Left the side of the monarch, and gallop'd toward the queen. After their country's fashion they shouted shrill and loud. Hotly was also ridden by Etzel's kinsmen proud. X Hawart was there of Denmark (a champion bold was he), And the nimble Iring from falsehood ever free, And Irnfried of Thüringia, a stern and stately knight. These receiv'd fair Kriemhild with all the pomp they might. XI With men at arms twelve hundred advanc'd they o'er the lea. Thither too from Hungary rode on with thousands three Sir Blœdel, Etzel's brother, for knightly deeds renown'd; He mov'd with princely splendor to where the queen he found. XII Last the great King Etzel and eke Sir Dietrich came With all his brave companions; there many a knight of fame And proud descent was present, prudent, and bold, and true, High beat the heart of Kriemhild their wide array to view. XIII Then to the queen beside him thus spoke Sir Rudeger; "Lady, with your permission the king I'll welcome here. Whome'er to kiss I bid you, let it straight be done. It fits not, such a favor be granted every one." XIV Straight from her sleek palfrey the queen was lifted down; No longer dallied Etzel, the king of wide renown; From horse with many a warrior he lighted on the green, And merrily went forward to meet the noble queen. XV Two great and mighty princes, as has to us been told, Advanc'd with the fair lady in raiment rich with gold, As the wide-ruling Etzel approached his bride to meet, When she deign'd the monarch with a loving kiss to greet. XVI With that her veil back threw she; forth beam'd her rosy hue From the gold around it; many were there to view; All own'd Dame Helca's beauty scarce with hers could vie. There the king's brother Blœdel close was standing by. XVII Him the first kiss'd Kriemhild as bade the margrave good, And next to him King Gibek; there too Sir Dietrich stood. Twelve, the chief and noblest, were kiss'd by Etzel's bride. With courteous grace she welcom'd many a good knight beside. XVIII