ADVENTURE XXII.—HOW ETZEL ESPOUSED KRIEMHILDA.
1336.
Until the fourth day dawning at Traisenmauer she stay’d.
The dust upon the roadways meanwhile was never laid;
It rose, as from some burning, on every side, like smoke,
While through the Austrian country came riding Etzel’s folk.
1337.
Meanwhile to the king also the news was duly brought;
Whereon his former sorrow soon vanish’d at the thought
How royally Kriemhilda across the land did ride.
The king then made him ready to go and meet his bride.
1338.
Strange tongues of many races one heard upon that road,
As many gallant warriors in front of Etzel rode;
Of Christians and of pagans a host exceeding great;
And when they met the Lady they went in noble state.
1339.
Of Russ and Greek came riding a goodly company,
And Poles and Wallachs saw one go rushing swiftly by
Upon their gallant chargers, that mightfully they rode;
And nothing was there lacking of native use and mode.
1340.
From out of the Kief country rode many a warrior bold;
And hordes from wild Petschnegen. These did the custom hold
Of carrying bow and arrow to shoot birds as they flew;
With strength they pull’d the bow-string, and the full shaft’s length drew.
