Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/301

XXI.]

As Rüdeger’s retainers unto the guests came nigh,

Right many were the lance-shafts one saw raised up on high,

By warriors’ hands uplifted, as is the knightly mode;

And then before the ladies praiseworthily they rode.

This brought they to an ending; then many of the men

Greeted each other kindly. The fair Gotlinda then

To where she saw Kriemhilda they brought upon her way.

They who could serve the ladies had little rest that day.

The lord of Bechelaren up to his wife did ride;

The noble lady-margrave was right well satisfied

That he from the Rhine country all safe and sound had won.

And somewhat was her sorrow in happiness undone.

When she had made him welcome, he bade her on the green

Dismount, with all the ladies who in her train were seen.

Then many a noble liegeman was busy as could be;

And service to the ladies was done right readily.

As now the lady Kriemhild the margravine espied,

Standing with her attendants, she would no nearer ride;

But with the rein her palfrey at once began to stay,

And bade them from the saddle to lift her down straightway.

His sister’s daughter leading one saw the bishop soon,

With Eckewart, to make her unto Gotlinda known;

And, in a trice, the people made wide the way for this.

Upon the lips the stranger did Gotelinda kiss.