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52

For she went to the minster, with all her dames beside.

So fair a sight and queenly was she in all her pride,

That the high vows of many whilom forgot to rise;

And many a hero feasted his soul upon her eyes.

Hardly did Siegfried’s patience last till the mass was done.

Yet might he thank his fortune that he such grace had won,

That she to him inclinéd, whom in his heart he bore:

Therefore it was but fitting that he should love her more.

As she came from the minster, which he had left before,

The gallant thane was bidden to join the dame once more.

Then, first, began to thank him the winsome maid, that he

Beyond all other warriors had fought so gloriously.

“Now God reward you, Siegfried,” thus spake the child so fair,

“Right well have you deservéd that all the warriors here

Do love and serve you truly, as they themselves avow.”

Right tenderly began he to look on Kriemhild now.

“For ever will I serve you!” declared the warrior,

“Henceforth my head I'll never lay down to rest before

Your least wish be accomplished, if life be granted me;

All this, my lady Kriemhild, for your dear sake shall be.”

Then, for the space of twelve days, on each new dawning day,

One saw the lovely maiden beside the knight alway,

As often as to court she before her friends must go.

Unto the knight this service did her great love allow.