Then came the knight of Trony by the good king's command; In friendly wise he parted the jousters on the strand, For fear the dust, now thick'ning, the ladies might molest. Him with ready reverence obey'd each gentle guest. XXI Then spake the noble Gernot, "Let each now rest his steed Till the air be cooler, 't will then be our's to lead These lovely ladies homeward e'en to the palace wide. So keep yourselves all ready till it please the king to ride." XXII Thus ended was the tourney, and now the warriors went To join the dames and damsels beneath each lofty tent, And there in gentle converse their grace and favor sought; So flew the hours in pastime till of riding home they thought. XXIII Now as drew on the twilight, when cooler grew the air And the sun was setting, they would not linger there, But up rose lords and ladies to seek the castle high; Many a fair dame was cherish'd by many a love-lit eye. XXIV So on the fair they waited as from good knights is due. Then hardy squires, hot-spurring before the nobles' view, After the country's custom rode for the prize of weed As far as to the palace, where sprung the king from steed. XXV There too the proud queens parted, each taking thence her way. Dame Uta and her daughter with their handmaids gay Into a spacious chamber both together went. There might you hear on all sides the sound of merriment. XXVI In hall the seats were order'd; the king would instant hie With all his guests to table; beside him you might spy His lovely bride, Queen Brunhild; her royal crown she wore There in King Gunther's country; so rich was none before. XXVII Seats were there plac'd unnumber'd with tables broad and good, As is to us reported, full heap'd with costly food. How little there was wanted that passes for the best! There with the king was seated full many a noble guest. XXVIII The chamberlains of Gunther in ewers of ruddy gold Brought to the guests the water; should you be ever told That at a prince's table service was better done, 'Twere labor lost to say so, 't would be believ'd by none. XXIX Then, ere the Lord of Rhineland touch'd the water bright, Up to him, as befitted, went Siegfried the good knight, And brought to him remembrance the promise made him there, Ere yet afar in Issland he look'd on Brunhild fair. XXX Said he, "You must remember what swore to me your hand, That, soon as Lady Brunhild were come into this land, To me you'd give your sister; your oaths now where are they? On me throughout your journey much toil and travail lay." XXXI "Well did you to remind me," the noble king replied, "By what my hand has promis'd, I ever will abide, And in this thing to serve you will do my best, my all." Then sent he to beg Kriemhild to come into the hall. XXXII