Full thirty hundred warriors were come at his request; From these he chose a thousand the bravest and the best. Helmets and other armor were brought for all the band, For he resolv'd to lead them e'en to Queen Brunhild's land. XXV He said, "Good knights adventurous, to my words give heed. At the proud court of Brunhild our richest robes will need. There many a lovely lady will look on every guest, So we must all array us in our choicest and our best." XXVI "How?" said a beardless novice, "that sure can never be. How can be lodg'd together so many knights as we? Where could they find them victual? where could they find them vests? Never could thirty kingdoms keep such a crowd of guests." XXVII You've heard of Siegfried's riches; well could he all afford With a kingdom to supply him, and Niblung's endless hoard. Rich gifts were in profusion to all his knights assign'd. Much as he drain'd the treasure, as much remain'd behind. XXVIII Early upon a morning in haste they parted thence. What prowest warriors Siegfried brought to his friend's defence! Their armor darted radiance, their horses toss'd the foam. Well equipp'd and knightly came they to Brunhild's home. XXIX At the windows standing look'd out the maidens gay. Then cried their royal mistress, "Can any of you say, What strangers there far-floating over the billows go? Their canvas they are spreading whiter far than snow." XXX Then spake the king of Rhineland, "They're men of mine, fair dame, Whom I left not distant, when late I hither came; Since, I have bid them join me, and now you see them here." The noble guests receiv'd them with good and friendly cheer. XXXI Then might they see bold Siegfried, array'd in robes of pride, Aboard a bark high standing, and many a chief beside. Then said the queen to Gunther, "Sir king, what now shall I? Greet the guests advancing, or that grace deny?" XXXII Said he, "To meet them, lady, forth from your palace go, That, if you're glad to see them, the same they well may know." Then did the queen, as Gunther had said him seem'd the best, And Siegfried in her greeting distinguish'd from the rest. XXXIII They found them fitting quarters, and took their arms in charge; The guests were now so many, that they were ill at large, Such troops of friends and strangers flock'd in on every side. So the bold Burgundians now would homeward ride. XXXIV Then said the fair Queen Brunhild, "Him for my friend I'd hold, Who'd help me to distribute my silver and my gold Among my guests and Gunther's; no little store have I." Bold Giselher's bold liegeman Dankwart straight made reply: XXXV