ADVENTURE V.—HOW SIEGFRIED FIRST SAW KRIEMHILDA.
265.
One saw them daily riding to Worms upon the Rhine,
The guests who to the revels did joyously incline,
Those whom the love of Gunther unto his kingdom brought,
Were freely offered horses, and raiment richly wrought.
266.
Seats, ready for all comers, were well and duly made,
Fit for the best and highest,— as hath to us been said,—
For two and thirty princes at that festivity;
For which fair dames bedecked them in merry rivalry.
267.
Then busiest of the busy was Giselher the lad.
For kinsmen and for strangers a welcome kind he had,
Receiving them with Gernot; and every knight and squire
Was greeted by these warriors, as honour did require.
268.
Full many a gilded saddle to Worms these riders brought,
With richly chaséd bucklers, and garments finely wrought;
They brought them to the Rhineland to grace the festival;
And many of the wounded were merry enough withal.
269.
For those who on their pallets lay wounded, in distress,
Must needs, though death were grievous, forget its bitterness,
And all the sick and ailing, must drive dull care away,
And join in the rejoicings for this great holiday.
