Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/177

IX.]

As now those lovely ladies in full attire were seen,

The knights who should escort them appear’d upon the scene.

High-couraged warnors were they, of mighty strength and craft;

And each, beside his buckler, did bear an ashen shaft.

Now, on the further Rhine-bank, came with a numerous band

The king and his guests with him, and drew nigh to the strand.

One saw, too, by the rein led, full many a maiden’s steed.

For those who should receive them to wait they had no need.

For when the folk of Iceland unto the ship were led,—

And eke the Niblung people who Siegfried followéd,—

They put across the water, with quick, unwearied hand,

To where, upon the quay-side, they saw the king’s friends stand.

Now hearken to my story! I’ll tell you how the Queen

Uté, the rich queen-mother, was with her maidens seen,

Forth coming from the castle, whence she herself did ride.

Then many an acquaintance ‘twixt knight and maid was tied.

Kriemhilda’s palfrey led was by Gere the Margrave

As far as the fort gateway, where Siegfried, warrior brave,

Must thenceforth wait upon her;— she was a lovely maid!

And he by this fair lady was, later, well repaid.