VII 'Twas on a Whitsun' morning the warriors you might see, Five thousand men or better, fair pricking o'er the lea, Yclad in courtly raiment, to that high festival, In jollity and pastime were vying one and all. VIII Right well had mark'd King Gunther, who love could understand, What heartfelt love impassion'd the knight of Netherland, E'en though he ne'er had seen her, his peerless sister bare, The maid proclaim'd by all men the fairest of the fair. IX Said he, "Now all advise me, kinsmen and men of mine, How best of this high tourney to perfect the design, So that our earnest efforts henceforth none may blame. 'Tis but on deeds deserving that rests enduring fame." X He scarce had thus address'd them, when answer'd bold Ortwine, "Would you, O King! full honor to this high feast assign, Bring forth our choicest treasures to this proud chivalry, The matrons and the maidens of our fair Burgundy. XI "What more the heart enraptures, or courage more inflames Than to look on lovely damsels, on high and stately dames? Bid too come forth your sister to feast each stranger's sight." Well was approv'd the counsel by each surrounding knight. XII "'Tis well advis'd," said Gunther, "I straight will do my part." Whoever heard his answer was inly glad at heart. Then bade he Lady Uta and her fair daughter call To grace the court and tourney, them and their maidens all. XIII In haste through all the presses for rich attire they sought, What lay in wrappers folded alike to light was brought, Bracelets and clasps and brooches all ready forth were laid. Soon deck'd in all her choicest was every noble maid. XIV Many a young knight that morning, within his flutt'ring breast, Long'd, that on him, contented, bright beauty's glance might rest; Such glance he would not barter for all a king can own. Each look'd on each full gladly, albeit before unknown. XV Then bade the wealthy monarch with royal pomp and state Of his men a hundred on his sister wait, His and the maiden's kinsmen; each carried sword in hand. These were the chosen courtiers of Burgundy's fair land. XVI With her the wealthy Uta there coming too was seen; She had with her in waiting of fair and stately mien, A hundred dames or better, all gorgeously array'd. Her daughter, too, was followed by many a noble maid. XVII On from bower advancing they came in fair array; Much press was there of heroes along the crowded way Through anxious glad expectance to see that beauty rare, The fairest and the noblest of the noble and the fair. XVIII Now went she forth, the loveliest, as forth the morning goes From misty clouds out-beaming; then all his weary woes Left him, in heart who bore her, and so, long time, had done. He saw there stately standing the fair, the peerless one. XIX