A whole day's journey's distance, till came the guests in view. Then no small toil and trouble both friends and strangers knew To reach a spacious fortress (Xanten the name it bore), Where royal crowns thereafter the bride and bridegroom wore. XX Sieglind and Siegmund wecom'd fair Kriemhild lovingly; With laughing mouth full often they kiss'd her tenderly, And did as much to Siegfried; far flown was all their care. All the train of followers were warmly greeted there. XXI Straight were brought the strangers to Siegmund's royal hall. Down there the lovely maidens from horse were lifted all By knights and squires officious, and many a high-born man To wait on beauteous ladies with courtly zeal began. XXII How great soe'er the splendor of Gunther's marriage day, Yet here were fairer garments profusely given away Than ever yet at festals had deck'd the warriors bold; Of their surpassing richness marvels might be told. XXIII As sat they in high honor with all delights in store, What bright gold-color'd raiment their joyful followers wore, Laces and stones full precious fair work'd in vesture sheen! Well were the guests entreated by the rich and noble queen. XXIV Then spake the good Sir Siegmund before his friends in hall, "This my resolve declare I to Siegfried's kinsmen all, That he before these warriors my royal crown shall wear." The news gave full contentment to the Netherlanders there. XXV His crown and power he gave him and seisin of his land; Their master then became he; zealous was every hand To execute his judgments; his mouth pronounc'd the law. To th' husband of fair Kriemhild all look'd with fear and awe. XXVI So liv'd he in high honor, a rightful monarch crown'd, And giving righteous judgment till the tenth year came round, When the fair queen his consort bore him at last an heir. Glad were thereat his kinsmen, glad too the royal pair. XXVII Forthwith the babe was christen'd, and given him was a name After his uncle Gunther; it could not bring him shame. If he his kin resembled, in worth he would excel; His parents, as became them, train'd up the infant well. XXVIII About the self-same season the Lady Sieglind died; The child of noble Uta her vacant place supplied, And to the power succeeded that Sieglind held before. The people deeply sorrow'd that Sieglind was no more. XXIX Next messengers came posting the joyful news to bring, How by the Rhine to Gunther, the stout Burgundian king, A son was borne by Brunhild the once relentless dame; He for the love of Siegfried receiv'd the hero's name. XXX With every care they train'd him; Gunther his father dear Bade tutors the young infant in every virtue rear, That, nurtur'd so to manhood, all worship he might win. Ah! by mishap thereafter how lost he all his kin! XXXI