"Dearest sister Kriemhild, we must wear costly weed, And therewith to equip us thy snowy hand we need, And let thy maids their utmost upon the same bestow, For sure my purpos'd journey never will I forego." XL Then spoke the noble virgin, "Mark now what I say; I've silk myself in plenty; on shields, as best you may, Precious stones bid bring us to work the clothes withal. Gunther and eke Siegfried bade bring them at her call. XLI "And who are the companions," ask'd the royal maid, "Who you to court will follow thus gorgeously array'd?" "We're four in all," he answer'd; "two of my men beside, Dankwart and Hagan, with us to court will ride. XLII "And, dame, mark well, I pray thee, what I have yet to say. Let each be well provided three changes every day, And for four days successive, and all be of the best; So back shall I wend homeward no scorn'd, dishonor'd guest." XLIII So with kind dismissal away the warriors strode. Then quick the fair queen summon'd from bowers where they abode Thirty maids, her brother's purpose to fulfil, Who in works of the needle were the chief for craft and skill. XLIV Silks from far Arabia, white as driven snow, And others from Zazamanc, green as grass doth grow, They deck'd with stones full precious; Kriemhild the garments plann'd, And cut them to just measure with her own lily hand. XLV Of the hides of foreign fishes were linings finely wrought; Such then were seen but rarely, and choice and precious thought; Fine silk was sewn above them to suit the wearers well. Now of the rich apparel hear me fresh marvels tell. XLVI From the land of Morocco and from the Libyan coast The best silk and the finest e'er worn and valued most By kin of mightiest princes, of such had they good store. Well Kriemhild show'd the favor that she the wearers bore. XLVII E'er since the chiefs were purpos'd the martial queen to win, In their sight was precious the goodly ermelin With coal-black spots besprinkled on whiter ground than snow, E'en now the pride of warriors at every festal show. XLVIII Many a stone full precious gleam'd from Arabian gold; That the women were not idle, scarcely need be told. Within seven weeks, now ready was the vesture bright, Ready too the weapons of each death-daring knight. XLIX Now when all was ready, by the Rhine you might mark Built with skill and labor a stout though little bark, Wherein a-down the river to sea they were to go. To the noble maidens their toil brought mickle woe. L When now 'twas told the champions, that the vesture gay, Which they should carry with them, was ready for the way, And that nought impeded their firmly-fixed design, No longer would they tarry by the banks of Rhine. LI