"Ever," said he, "your brethren I'll serve as best I may, Nor once, while I have being, will head on pillow lay, Till I have done to please them whate'er they bid me do, And this, my lady Kriemhild, is all for love of you." XLII For twelve days the maiden each successive day With the knight beside her took to court her way, While, as they pass'd together, their friends were looking on. Out of love to Siegfried was this fair service done. XLIII From morn was there to evening and day by day withal Shouting and merry-making about King Gunther's hall, Within, without, from joyance of many a mighty man. Ortwine and valiant Hagan high wonders there began. XLIV Whatever sports they wish'd for were ready at their will; Of each, as each had liking, each might take his fill. Thus proved were Gunther's warriors by stranger chivalry, Whence fame accrued and honor to all broad Burgundy. XLV They too, who lay sore wounded, crept forth to the free air; They long'd with loving comrades the gentle sports to share, To skirmish with the buckler, and hurl the spear amain; And most through such fair pastime came to full strength again. XLVI The host of that high festal all and some had cheer With meats and drinks the choicest; he kept him ever clear From blame or ought unkingly in action or intent; And now with friendly purpose to his guests he went. XLVII Said he, "Good knights and noble, ere you hence retire, Receive the gifts I offer, as proofs of my desire In all I can to serve you, this I'm resolv'd to do; Disdain not now the riches I'd gladly share with you." XLVIII Straight the men of Denmark to the king replied, "Ere hence we part and homeward to our own country ride, A lasting peace assure us; such peace must captives need, Who have seen their dearest comrades beneath your champions bleed." XLIX Now whole again was Ludegast and all his gashes heal'd, The Saxon too recover'd after that luckless field. Some dead they left behind them entomb'd in Rhenish ground Then thither went King Gunther where he Sir Siegfried found. L To the good knight thus said he, "Now tell me what to do; Early to-morrow morning ride home the Danish crew; With me and mine from henceforth they seek to be at one; Therefore advise me, Siegfried, what best is to be done. LI "What these two monarchs offer, I'll to you declare; As much as steeds five hundred of shining gold can bear, That will they gladly give me to set them free at will." Then answer'd noble Siegfried, "You then would do but ill. LII "Better hence unfetter'd let both together go, And that neither warrior henceforth as a foe Venture to make entry on Burgundian land, For this in full assurance let either give his hand." LIII