At Misenburg the wealthy, on shipboard went the band; From bank to bank the river, as though 'twere firm dry land, With man and horse was cover'd that floated as it flow'd; Rest had the way-worn ladies, borne on their liquid road. XLIII Many a good ship together was lash'd and firmly bound, Lest the damp spray should harm them from billows dashing round; Many a good tent above them kept off the sun and breeze, As if they in a meadow were sitting at their ease. XLIV When to King Etzel's castle the joyful tidings came, Right merry were to hear it many a knight and many a dame. The courtly train, accustom'd Queen Helca to obey, In after time with Kriemhild led many a happy day. XLV In anxious doubt there waiting stood many a noble maid, All, since the death of Helca, down by deep sorrow weigh'd Seven, of proud kings the daughters, Kriemhild found there in place, Of all King Etzel's country the ornament and grace. XLVI Of this fair train of damsels Dame Herrat had the care, Helca's sister's daughter, renown'd for virtues rare, Wife of good Sir Dietrich, daughter of King Nentwine; Her after honors suited well with her lofty line. XLVII That the high guests were coming, it joy'd her much to hear; Straight she bade make ready good store of choicest cheer. How then King Etzel feasted, no tongue may hope to tell. E'en in the days of Helca they scarcely far'd so well. XLVIII As from the shore with Kriemhild rode on King Etzel bold, Who forward led each damsel, straight to the queen was told, And thus each lord and lady she welcomed as was meet; Ah! with what power thereafter she sat in Helca's seat! XLIX Their true and loyal service all vow'd to her alone; Silver, and gold, and raiment, and many a precious stone, She freely shar'd among them; on that auspicious day, All she had brought from Rhineland was giv'n at once away. L To her, as to their mistress, whoe'er the king obey'd, His kinsmen and his vassals, true liegemen's service paid, That never Lady Helca ruled with such mighty sway. Such service held Queen Kriemhild e'en to her dying day. LI So court and country flourish'd with such high honors crown'd, And all at every season fresh joy and pastime found. Every heart was merry, smiles on each face were seen; So kind the king was ever, so liberal the queen. TWENTY-THIRD ADVENTURE HOW KRIEMHILD THOUGHT OF REVENGING HER INJURIES I King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild in proudest honor dwelt For seven whole years together, nor woe nor sorrow felt; Meanwhile to her fond husband the queen produced a boy; Never before did Etzel exult so high with joy. II