Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/236

178 queen gave Gotelind’s daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she brought to Etzel’s land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her, yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In turn the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not wear her jewels or her lordly robes.

When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by the lady of the house to Etzel’s bride. The fair young margravine, too, was much caressed. To the queen she spake: “Whenso it thinketh you good, I know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to the Hunnish land.” How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her truly.

The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren and the noble queen took leave of Rüdeger’s wife and daughter. With a greeting many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each other since these days. From Medelick the folk bare in their hands many a rich cup of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers on the highway. Thus they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight Astolt, who showed them the road to the Austrian land, towards Mautern down the Danube. There the noble queen was later served full well. From his niece the bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled her that she should bear her well and that she should purchase honor for herself, as Helca, too, had done! Ho, what great worship she later gained among the Huns!