Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/175

IX.]

Then all along the highways throughout the countryside

Were seen the three kings’ kinsmen, who bidden were to ride

And wait the guests’ arrival, who soon were to appear.

While from the stores was taken abundance of rich gear.

Erelong was spread the rumour that certain folk had seen

Brunhilda’s friends approaching; at which there did begin

Great stir among the people in the Burgundian land,

Ay me! what gallant warriors were seen on either hand!

Then spake the fair Kriemhilda: “Ye maids attending me,

Who would at this reception fain bear me company,

Go, seek from out my presses the richest robes and best:

That thereby praise and honour we gain from every guest.”

The warriors came shortly,— who ordered to be brought

The saddles nobly-fashioned, with finest gold inwrought,

On which should ride the ladies, at Worms upon the Rhine.

One never saw horse-trappings  more fitting or more fine.

Ha! what a golden gleaming from these gay palfreys shone,

And how the bridles sparkled with many a precious stone!

The footstools eke were golden, on carpets bright and good

Placed for the ladies’ mounting: right joyous was their mood.

The women’s mares were saddled, and in the court did stay

For the young maids of honour,— as I erewhile did say.

Small saddle-bows and silken one saw these palfreys bear:

The finest silk, I warrant, of which you e’er could hear.