Many a stone full precious flash'd from her vesture bright; Her rosy blushes darted a softer, milder light. Whate'er might be his wishes, each could not but confess, He ne'er on earth had witness'd such perfect loveliness. XX As the moon arising outglitters every star That through the clouds so purely glimmers from afar, E'en so love-breathing Kriemhild dimm'd every beauty nigh. Well might at such a vision many a bold heart beat high. XXI Rich chamberlains before them march'd on in order due; Around th' high-mettled champions close and closer drew, Each pressing each, and struggling to see the matchless maid. Then inly was Sir Siegfried both well and ill apaid. XXII Within himself thus thought he: "How could I thus misdeem That I should dare to woo thee? sure 'twas an idle dream! Yet, rather than forsake thee, far better were I dead." Thus thinking, thus impassion'd, wax'd he ever white and red. XXIII So stood the son of Siegelind in matchless grace array'd, As though upon a parchment in glowing hues portray'd By some good master's cunning; all own'd, and could no less, Eye had not seen a pattern of such fair manliness. XXIV Those, who the dames attended, bade all around make way; Straight did the gentle warriors, as such became, obey. There many a knight, enraptur'd, saw many a dame in place Shine forth in bright perfection of courtliness and grace. XXV Then the bold Burgundian, Sir Gernot, spoke his thought, "Him, who in hour of peril his aid so frankly brought, Requite, dear brother Gunther, as fits both him and you, Before this fair assembly; th' advice I give, I ne'er shall rue. XXVI "Bid Siegfried come to Kriemhild; let each the other meet; 'Twill sure be to our profit, if she the warrior greet. 'Twill make him ours forever, this man of matchless might, If she but give him greeting, who never greeted knight." XXVII Then went King Gunther's kinsmen, a high-born haughty band, And found, and fair saluted the knight of Netherland. "The king to court invites you; such favor have you won; His sister there will greet you; this to honor you is done." XXVIII Glad man was then Sir Siegfried at this unlook'd-for gain; His heart was full of pleasure without alloy of pain, To see and meet so friendly fair Uta's fairer child. Then greeted she the warrior maidenly and mild. XXIX There stood he, the high-minded, beneath her star-bright eye, His cheek as fire all glowing; then said she modestly, "Sir Siegfried, you are welcome, noble knight and good!" Yet loftier at that greeting rose his lofty mood. XXX