1347.
And last of all King Etzel; and with him Dietrich came
With all his chosen comrades and many a knight of fame,
Right noble and praiseworthy, and valiant and good.
Whereat was dame Kriemhilda much lightsomer of mood.
1348.
Then, to the princess speaking, the nobler Rüdeger
Said: “Lady, I will welcome the mighty sovran here.
And whomsoe’er I bid you to kiss, so do it then:
You must not give like greeting to all of Etzel’s men.”
1349.
Then down from off her palfrey the high-born queen they took;
Whereon the mighty Etzel no more delay could brook.
He from his steed dismounted with many a bold knight too:
And then one saw him blithely towards Kriemhilda go.
1350.
Two rich and mighty princes, as has to us been told,
Were standing near the lady her garment’s train to hold,
What time the royal Etzel went forward her to meet.
The noble prince with kisses then did she kindly greet.
1351.
She raised the veil that screen’d her; her dainty colour glow’d
Out of its golden setting; and many a knight avow’d
That ne’er could Lady Helka have shown a face more fair.
King Etzel’s brother, Bloedelin, was standing very near.
1352.
Him Rüdeger the margrave bade her to kiss; and eke
King Gibeche; and Dietrich, who was not far to seek.
A dozen of the warriors were kiss’d by Etzel’s bride;
Then gave she other greeting to many a knight beside.
