595.
The kinsmen of King Gunther came thronging thereunto.
Brunhilda and Kriemhilda were thither bade to go
And take with them their ladies,— where they in shade could stand.
There, with them, came the nobles of the Burgundian land.
596.
Meanwhile upon their chargers the guests were all a-field,
And many a doughty lance-thrust was caught upon the shield.
The plain with dust was smoking,— as though the very earth
In flames would soon be bursting: now heroes show’d their worth.
597.
Upon these knightly doings looked many a maiden’s eye.
I doubt not that Sir Siegfried full many a time rode by
The tents, as with his liegemen he back and forward sped.
A thousand gallant warriors from Nibelung he led.
598.
Then Hagen, lord of Tronjé, at his host’s bidding went,
And courteously the hero did close the tournament,—
Lest by the dust besprinkled the beauteous maids should be.
This order by the guests was obey’d good-humouredly.
599.
Then spake the noble Gernot: “Let now the horses rest.
As soon as it grows cooler we knights will do our best
To please these lovely ladies, before the palace wide.
Let everyone be ready whene’er the king will ride.”
600.
When all the wide field over the tournament was stayed,
For pastime went the heroes beneath the tall tents’ shade,
To parley with the ladies,— on mirth and pleasure bent;
Thus, till ’twas time for riding, their leisure hours were spent.
