Sore toil'd the chief cook, Rumolt; ah! how his orders ran Among his understrappers! how many a pot and pan, How many a mighty cauldron rattled and rang again! They dress'd a world of dishes for all th' expected train. LV Nor less was then the labor to the fair ladies known, As they prepar'd their garments; many a precious stone They set in gold far-beaming, and glitter'd both so bright, And with such grace they wore them, as ravish'd every sight. THIRTEENTH ADVENTURE HOW THEY WENT TO THE FESTIVAL I Now we awhile must leave them on household toils intent, And tell how Lady Kriemhild and her maidens went From the Nibelungers' country to the Rhine's fair shore. Such plenty of rich vesture never sumpters bore. II Dispatch'd were travelling cases well fraught with precious load; Then with his queen and comrades Sir Siegfried forward rode. Her heart with pleasure's promise was ready to o'erflow; All was chang'd thereafter to wail and mortal woe. III At home, since so it needed, they left their infant heir, The son that valiant Siegfried begot on Kriemhild fair. To the poor boy misfortune that fatal journey bore; His father and his mother saw he never more. IV And with them good Sir Siegmund prick'd forth in merry mood. Had he but once foreboded the woes that thence ensued, At that disastrous festal he ne'er had sat a guest, Ne'er had he seen the ruin of those he loved the best. V Dispatch'd before were couriers to say they were at hand Straight rode out to meet them a royal vested band, Many a friend of Uta's, of Gunther's many a knight. The host himself was stirring to welcome them aright. VI Forthwith he sought out Brunhild, where sat the stately dame. "How did my sister greet you when first you hither came? So greet the wife of Siegfried, take care to fail in nought." "So will I," said she, "gladly; I love her as I ought." VII "To-morrow they'll be with us," said he, "by early day, So, if you mean to greet them, be stirring while you may. We must not, sure, be lurking within the castle here. Never had I the fortune to welcome guests so dear." VIII She bade her dames and damsels look out their choicest vests, The same they wore at festals before high-honor'd guests, Such were to be expected with to-morrow's sun, I need not say her bidding right willingly was done. IX Then too, to do their service the men of Gunther sped. With him all his warriors the host in squadron led. Next the queen came pacing full royally array'd. To guests belov'd so dearly was goodliest welcome made. X With what joy and gladness welcom'd were they there! It seem'd, when came Dame Brunhild to Burgundy whilere, Her welcome by Dame Kriemhild less tender was and true; The heart of each beholder beat higher at the view. XI