Now too was come Sir Siegfried with all his men around. You might see the warriors careering o'er the ground, Now hither and now thither, with fire-sparkling hoof. From the dust and tumult none could keep aloof. XII When Siegfried and eke Siegmund met King Gunther's eyes, The host both son and father bespoke in loving wise. "To me you are right welcome, to all my friends as dear. It is our pride and pleasure as guests to have you here." XIII "Now God you quit!" said Siegmund, the grave and reverend man; "Ever since my Siegfried you for his comrade wan, My wish had it been always to see you and to know." "Right glad I am," said Gunther, "it now has happen'd so." XIV Receiv'd was bold Sir Siegfried, as fitted well his state, With the highest honors; no man bore him hate. Young Giselher and Gernot proffer'd all courtly care; Never met friend or kinsman reception half so fair. XV Now either king's fair consort nigh to the other came; Emptied were store of saddles; many a smiling dame To the grass by stalwart champions down was lifted light. In the ladies' service how busy was many a knight! XVI And now the lovely ladies each to the other went. Thereat was many a chieftain full well at heart content, When both a welcome offer'd so friendly and so fair. Meanwhile the warriors ceas'd not to tend the ladies there. XVII Chieftain now to chieftain held out the cordial hand; Low bows were made in plenty by either courtly band. Amongst the high-born ladies pass'd many a loving kiss. Both Gunther's men and Siegfried's were fain to look on this. XVIII They linger'd there no longer, but toward the city rode. To his guests King Gunther by every action show'd How welcome was their presence to all in Burgundy. Young knights before young maidens ran tilting joyously. XIX The power of mighty Hagan and eke of bold Ortwine Well there might each beholder from what he saw divine. Whate'er they pleas'd to order, from all obedience won; To the lov'd guests by either was courtly service done. XX The shields they clang'd and clatter'd before the castle gate With fencing and with foining; long time had there to wait His guests and good King Gunther ere they could enter in. They pass'd the time right joyous amidst the press and din. XXI So to the spacious palace on rode they merrily. You might see rich foot-cloths, well cut and artfully, Down hang from o'er the saddle of many a high-born dame. Forward to receive them King Gunther's servants came. XXII Then to their several chambers the guests were led aside. From time to time Queen Brunhild with searching glances eyed The love-enkindling Kriemhild; lovely she was indeed; Her hue the gold outsparkled that glitter'd in her weed. XXIII