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Then was a great leave-taking, of squire as well as knight,

Of maiden and of matron: as was indeed but right.

Friend kissing friend at parting was seen on every hand:

Right gaily they departed from out King Gunther’s land.

Their kinsmen did escort them far out upon the way.

And camping-grounds were fix’d on, where they the night should stay,—

Wherever seem’d good to them throughout the kings’ domain.

Swift messengers to Siegmund the tidings bear amain

That he and Dame Sieglinda, might straight be made aware

How that their son was coming, with Uté’s daughter fair,—

The beauteous Kriemhilda, of Worms on the Rhine-strand.

No dearer news and better could e’er have come to hand.

“Ah, well for me,” quoth Siegmund, “that I this day have known

When beauteous Kriemhilda comes hither for a crown!

Mine heritage I reckon thereby a worthier thing:

My son, the noble Siegfried, shall here himself be king.”

Then gave the Lady Sieglind much velvet of red hue,

And weighty gold and silver, that was their herald’s due;

So much the news rejoiced her which she had heard that day.

With zeal her waiting-maidens now donn’d their best array.

Folks talk’d of who was coming with Siegfried to their land.

They bade men raise a platform, with benches close at hand,

Wherefrom his friends might see him as with his crown he rode.

King Siegmund’s men went forward to meet him on the road.