He bow'd with soft emotion, and thank'd the blushing fair; Love's strong constraint together impelled th' enamour'd pair; Their longing eyes encountered, their glances, every one, Bound knight and maid for ever, yet all by stealth was done. XXXI That in the warmth of passion he press'd her lily hand, I do not know for certain, but well can understand. 'Twere surely past believing they ventur'd not on this; Two loving hearts, so meeting, else had done amiss. XXXII No more in pride of summer nor in bloom of May Knew he such heart-felt pleasure as on this happy day, When she, than May more blooming, more bright than summer's pride, His own, a dream no longer, was standing by his side. XXXIII Then thought full many a champion, "Would this had happ'd to me To be with lovely Kriemhild as Siegfried now I see, Or closer e'en than Siegfried; well were I then, I ween." Never yet was champion who so deserv'd a queen. XXXIV Whate'er the king or country of the guests assembled there, All could look on nothing save on that gentle pair. Now 'twas allow'd that Kriemhild the peerless knight should kiss. Ne'er in the world had drain'd he so full a draught of bliss. XXXV Then spake the King of Denmark the gather'd crowd before, "Because of this high greeting lie many wounded sore, As I know to my sorrow, by Siegfried's might and main. God grant, he ne'er to Denmark may find his way again." XXXVI Then 'twas proclaim'd on all sides to make for Kriemhild way; Straight went to church the maiden in royal rich array With a bold train of warriors, a fair and courtly sight. There soon from her was parted the lofty-minded knight. XXXVII She now the minster enter'd; her follow'd many a dame; There so her stately beauty her rich attire became, That droop'd each high aspiring, born but at once to die. Sure was that maid created to ravish every eye. XXXVIII Scarce could wait Sir Siegfried till the mass was sung. Well might he thank his fortune, that, all those knights among, To him inclined the maiden whom still in heart he bore, While he to her, as fitted, return'd as much or more. XXXIX When now before the minster after the mass she stood, Again to come beside her was call'd the champion good. Then first by that sweet maiden thanks to the knight were given, That he before his comrades so warrior-like had striven. XL "God you reward, Sir Siegfried!" said the noble child, "For all your high deservings in honor's beadroll fil'd, The which I know from all men have won you fame and grace." Sir Siegfried, love-bewilder'd, look'd Kriemhild in the face. XLI