Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/141

VI.]

Since they on this state journey determined to set forth,

Plain ermine furs they reckoned of insufficient worth.

So over them fur trimmings of coal-black hue they set;

On high-days such like garments brave knights right well befit.

Amidst Arabian gold-work there glittered many a gem.

So careful were the women, naught was too small for them.

in seven weeks the raiment was all prepared aright,

And eke the weapons thereto for every gallant knight.

When this was all made ready, upon the banks of Rhine

Was diligently fashion’d a little vessel, fine

And strong, which down the river should bear them to the sea.

The noble maids by this time were of their tasks weary.

’Twas told unto the warriors that all things were to hand

That they were to take with them;— all their apparel grand,

Such as they had desiréd; it all was now complete:

So would they on the Rhine-bank no longer stay their feet.

Therefore, to fetch their comrades, a messenger was bade,

That they should come and look on this raiment newly made;—

It might be, for the heroes, too long, or else too small.

But ’twas of the right measure: they thanked the ladies all.

For all who came and saw it were bounden to confess,

In all the world they never had seen more noble dress.

They might be proud such clothing in any court to wear;—

Of finer knights’ apparel, in sooth, knew no one there.