Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/125

V.]

Was ever such gay living and hospitality!

Delights, beyond all measure, and boundless jollity

Were shared by all the people, and found on every hand.

And there was joy and gladness throughout King Gunther’s land.

’Twas on a Whitsun morning; one saw them all go by,

All festively apparelled, and mounted gallantly:

Five thousand men, and upwards, to join the revels ride.

And many a pleasant contest began on ev’ry side.

The host was not unmindful, and well did understand

How heartily and truly the prince of Netherland

Love-bound was to his sister, whom yet he had not seen;—

A match for whom in beauty no maiden yet had been.

Then to the king did Ortwein the thane, his thought unfold:

“If you, with fullest honour, this festival would hold,

You should allow our brave guests our winsome maids to see

Who are, in truth, the glory and pride of Burgundy.

“For where would man’s delight be, and what could charm his life,

If there were no fair maidens, and ne’er a comely wife?

Now, therefore, let your sister before your guests appear.”

This was a pleasing counsel to many a hero’s ear!

“Most gladly will I do this,” replied the king, straightway,

And all who heard his answer had merry hearts that day.

He sent to summon Uté, and eke her daughter fair,

And bade them with their maidens at once to court repair.