Besides, he was too wealthy to stoop to soldier's pay, Albeit he well deserv'd it; him lov'd the more each day, The king and all his kinsmen, who on the battle plain, Had seen him deal destruction on Saxon and on Dane, CXXII For the sake of that fair lady he yet would linger there, If he perchance might see her; and soon was eas'd his care. He came to know the maiden to his utmost heart's desire, Then home he rode rejoicing to the kingdom of his sire. CXXIII The king bade practise knighthood and joust from day to day, Well did his youthful warriors and willingly obey. Seats too before the city he rais'd along the strand For those who were to visit the fam'd Burgundian land. CXXIV So bade the royal Gunther, and now the time was near, Ere came the joyful tidings to his fair sister's ear, That he with his dear comrades high festival would hold. Then were fair women stirring; their toil was manifold. CXXV With kirtles, and with head-gear, and all that each should wear, Uta, the rich and noble, amidst her maidens fair Heard of coming warriors, a bold and haughty train; Straight was from out the wrappers store of rich vesture ta'en. CXXVI For the sake of her dear children the garments forth were laid, Wherewith array'd were richly many a wife and many a maid, And many a youthful champion of warlike Burgundy; She bade, too, many a stranger be rob'd as gorgeously. FIFTH ADVENTURE HOW SIEGFRIED FIRST SAW KRIEMHILD I Now might you ever daily see riding toward the Rhine Troops of good knights ambitious at that proud feast to shine. Whoe'er for love of Gunther to Gunther's court would speed, Was at his hands provided with vesture and with steed. II Assign'd were seats befitting to every high-born guest. Thither, as has been told us, the noblest and the best Came two and thirty princes to that high festal tide. In gawds and gems the women each with her neighbor vied. III Now here, now there was busy the youthful Giselher; He and his brother Gernot each with his meiny there Right hospitable welcome to friend and stranger made, And every fitting honor to every warrior paid. IV Full many a gold-red saddle, full many a sparkling shield, With store of sumptuous vesture for that high festal field, Were then convey'd to Rhineland; many an ailing wight Grew merry again and gladsome to see so fair a sight. V Each, who in bed lay wounded, though like to yield his breath, Could now no more remember the bitterness of death. By the sick the healthy could now no longer stay; Comrade laugh'd with comrade against the festal day VI On the good entertainment prepar'd for young and old; Measureless contentment, enjoyment manifold Enliven'd all the people, and spread from band to band. The note of pleasure echoed through all King Gunther's land