771.
Then thus unto the margrave the noble king’s wife spake:
“Say, now, is Kriemhild coming? and care doth she yet take
To keep the outward fairness, which she to foster knew?”
“Aye,” said the warrior Gere, “doubtless she comes to you.”
772.
Then Uté to her presence the heralds did command,
And by her question might one right plainly understand
What she to hear was longing: “Still well did Kriemhild fare?”
He told how he had found her, and that she’d soon be there.
773.
Nor from the court retainers did they the gifts withhold
That they had had from Siegfried: the raiment and the gold
In sight of all the liegemen of the three kings were spread.
For their abundant largesse were many thanks repaid.
774.
“’Tis easy,” then said Hagen, “for him such gifts to give:
He could not spend his riches did he for ever live.
The treasure of the Niblungs he holds within his hand.
Ha, what if it should ever come to Burgundian land!”
775.
Then was there great rejoicing among the people all
That soon the guests were coming. From dawn till evenfall
The three kings’ craftsmen labour’d, with zeal untiring fill’d.
Grand rows of seats in plenty they then began to build.
776.
The valiant Sir Hunold and Sindold too, the thane,
Had little time for leisure; they too must work amain,
As steward and cupbearer the places they must set.
And Ortwein help’d them: wherefore they Gunther’s thanks did get.
