Never prince's envoy a heartier welcome won; Had she dar'd to kiss him, fain would she so have done. In loving wise he parted from th' unwilling maid. Forthwith the bold Burgundians did as the warrior bade. XXXV Sindolt and Hunoldt and Rumolt the good knight Early and late were stirring as briskly as they might; They rais'd the seats in order, such duty well they knew; From side to side unwearied the royal servant flew. XXXVI Ortwine of Metz and Gary, King Gunther's liegemen bold, The marriage feast, that forthwith their master was to hold, Proclaim'd to friends and neighbors; against the festal day Every noble maiden prepar'd her best array. XXXVII Adorn'd was all the palace, and richly every wall Bedeck'd to grace the strangers; King Gunther's spacious hall By the skill was furbish'd of many a foreign man; With merriment and pastime the royal feast began. XXXVIII By every road advancing with ceaseless press and din Flock'd all to Worms together the royal brethren's kin, Summon'd by hasty message to meet th' expected guests. Then from the folded wrappers were ta'en the well-stor'd vests. XXXIX Sudden spread the tidings, that now one might espy Brunhild's friends advancing; straight rose a press and cry 'Mong the Burgundian thousands, that waiting stood around. Ah! what men of valor on either side were found! XL Then spake the lovely Kriemhild, "My maidens fair and free, Who at this reception must bear your part with me, Let each her choice apparel search out from secret chest; The matrons too I'd counsel to prank them in their best." XLI Then forward came the warriors, and straight th' attendants told To bring forth sumptuous saddles o'erlaid with ruddy gold, Whereon might ride the ladies from Worms unto the Rhine. Never was better horse-gear beheld, nor work so fine. XLII What store of gold resplendent about the palfreys shone! From their gorgeous bridles gleam'd many a precious stone. Richly gilt side-saddles with trappings of bright hue Were brought forth for the ladies, who gladden'd at the view. XLIII Caparison'd all richly with silken housings rare Was led a gentle palfrey for every lady there. Each steed a silken pöitral (the silk was of the best That e'er was spun or fashion'd) had hanging at his breast. XLIV Six and eighty ladies, each a married dame, With hairy bounds in fillets to lovely Kriemhild came, Each radiant in her beauty, each in rich garb array'd; Thither too in full adornment came many a blooming maid. XLV Fifty and four, the fairest and of the best report Of all, whose beauty honor'd the proud Burgundian court, Went forth with glittering laces above their flaxen hair. What Gunther had requested, all did with all their care. XLVI