Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/299

XXI.]

Thence rode they swiftly forward down through Bavarian land.

The people told the tidings of how a mickle band

Of unknown guests were coming, nigh where a cloister still

Doth stand, and where Inn river the Danube’s flood doth fill.

Within the town of Passau there was a bishop’s see.

The hostels and the palace stood empty presently:

To meet the guests men hied them on to Bavarian ground,

Where Pilgerin the bishop the fair Kriemhilda found.

The warriors of the country no whit displeaséd were

To see behind her coming so many ladies fair,

Their eyes upon these daughters of noble knights did rest.

Good lodging was provided for every noble guest.

The bishop into Passau, his niece beside him, rode;

And when among the burghers the news was noised abroad

That coming was Kriemhilda, their prince’s sister’s child,

Right gladly was she welcomed by all the merchant guild.

That they were come to sojourn the bishop fain had known,

But Eckewart said to him: “It is not to be done;

To Rüdeger’s dominions we needs must journey down,

Where many knights await us: as is to all well-known.”

The tidings of their coming now fair Gotlinda knew.

Straightway she made her ready, her noble daughter too . For Rüdeger had warn’d her that he would deem it good

If when the queen was coming— to somewhat cheer her mood—