Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/297

XX.]

Then led they forth the palfreys, for it was time to go.

Her friends all fell a-weeping, and many tears did flow.

The noble lady Uté and many a maiden fair

Show’d that for dame Kriemhilda their hearts were full of care.

A hundred highborn maidens along with her she led,

Who as their rank befitted were all apparelléd.

Then from their eyes bright-shining did many a tear-drop well.

And yet with Etzel later much pleasure them befell.

Lord Giselher came also and Gernot none the less,

With many of their household, as bade their courtliness.

They would their well-loved sister upon her journey bring.

They led a thousand warriors, a goodly following.

The ever-ready Gere, and Ortwein also came;

Rumold the kitchen-master he too must come with them.

Night-quarters made they ready hard by the Danube side,

But Gunther from the city did but a small space ride.

Ere from the Rhine they journey’d they had before them sent

Their messengers, who swiftly unto the Huns’ land went,

And told the king beforehand how Rüdeger had done,

And as a wife for Etzel the noble queen had won.