Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/136

78 and long, above gay colored robes, over costly ferran skirts of silken cloth of Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps were sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they carried many an ashen spear.