Well pleased were the Burgundians; when all was brought to pass, The lords rode on together; the yeomen on the grass Laid them down in clusters; there to repose they fell; I ween, in all their journey they ne'er had far'd so well. XIII And now from forth the castle the noble margravine Had gone with her fair daughter; beside them there was seen Many a lovely lady, and many a smiling maid, All deck'd with store of bracelets, and in bright robes array'd. XIV Precious stones were sparkling ever and anon About their gorgeous raiment; themselves yet brighter shone. Thither rode up the strangers and lighted instantly. Ah! what high bearing had they, those chiefs of Burgundy! XV Six and thirty maidens and thereto many a dame, Each fair as wish could sigh for, or busy fancy fame, Stepp'd forth to greet the strangers with warriors many a one; Their task by those high ladies with comely grace was done. XVI The margravine went forward, and kiss'd the kings all three; The like too did her daughter; Hagan, the next was he. Her father bade her kiss him; a glance on him she cast, And thought he look'd so dreadful, that him she fain had pass'd. XVII At length perforce she did it, since so her father said, Yet could not but change color, now waxing white, now red. She kiss'd, too, noble Dankwart, and Folker last in place. For his strength and valor the minstrel gain'd such grace. XVIII This done, with gentle gesture the damsel meek and mild By the hand, yet trembling, took Giselher the child, Her mother took King Gunther, the bold Burgundian lord. So with the knights the ladies mov'd thence in blithe accord. XIX The host went with Sir Gernot into a spacious hall; There both chiefs and ladies down sat together all. Straight to his guests the margrave bade hand good wine around. Better entertainment knights yet never found. XX There many a longing eye-glance from all sides might you see Bent on the margrave's daughter, so fresh and fair was she. Many a good knight was breathing for her the secret sigh; In truth she well deserv'd it; her thoughts were pure and high. XXI They mus'd just as it pleas'd them, yet naught could thence befall. Alike meanwhile were glances cast by the knights in hall On other dames and damsels, whereof there sat good store. Soon show'd the noble minstrel what love the host he bore. XXII And now at last they sever'd, as custom there requir'd; Ladies and knights, as fitted, to separate rooms retir'd. In the broad hall the tables in order straight were set; There soon the noble strangers all lordly service met. XXIII