Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/147

VII.

Bejewell’d were their saddles, their saddle-bows were small;

So rode they in their glory, before Brunhilda’s hall.

The bells upon their harness were wrought of bright red gold,

They came unto that country as bound on venture bold.

With spear-heads newly sharpened, with swords well-wrought and keen,

Which hung down to the rowels of these two goodly men;

Such weapons bore the bold ones, with broad and sharp-edged blade.

’Twas all marked by Brunhilda, the great and noble maid.

With them came also Dankwart, and Hagen of Tronjé.

These warriors were apparell’d, as ancient legends say,

Alike, in costly raiment and raven-black of hue;

Fair were their shields and mighty, and strong and broad thereto.

The jewels that adorned them from India’s land were brought,

And glittered on their garments, as these the sunshine caught.

Their little vessel left they unguarded, on the flood;

So rode they to the castle, these heroes brave and good.

Full six-and-eighty turrets they saw within the wall,

Three palaces far-stretching, and one fair, well-built hall,

Compact of precious marble, as meadow-grass all green;

And here, amid her court-folk, awaited them the queen.

The castle gate unlock’d was, the doors were open thrown,

Brunhilda’s liegemen hasted to meet these guests unknown,

To welcome these newcomers unto their lady’s land;

They bade men take their horses and bucklers from their hand.