Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/217

XIV.]

Alighting at the minster, they stood down on the grass.

Unto her guests Brunhilda so far right friendly was.

Into the wide cathedral, wearing their crowns of state,

They went: ere long love changéd to jealousy and hate.

When they to mass had listen’d they left the church, and so

Rode off with many honours. One saw them later go

All gaily to the banquet. Their pleasure knew no stay,

And all was merrymaking until the eleventh day.

Before the hour of vespers one day the tumult loud

Was heard, of many warriors, who in the court did crowd.

Their knightly feats they practised to pass the time away:

And many a man and woman ran up to watch the play.

The noble queens were seated together, side by side,

They thought of two bold warriors, renownéd far and wide.

Then said the fair Kriemhilda: “I have indeed a lord

Who rightly is the ruler of all this kingdom broad.”

Then cried the Lady Brunhild: “Howe’er could such thing be,

Unless there were none living but only thou and he?

Beneath his rule the kingdom might fall in such a case:

So long as Gunther liveth, it could not come to pass.”