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XXI.]

Then Rüdeger’s fair daughter with all her company,

Unto the queen approaching, received her lovingly.

There likewise was her mother, the wife of the margrave.

To many a young damsel they kindly greeting gave.

Hands took they with each other, and so together went

Unto a wide-room’d palace of fashion excellent,

For there, beneath it rushing, one saw the Danube’s flood.

They sat and took the breezes, and had much pastime good.

Of what they did there further I cannot say a word.

Thatso much timewaswasted complaints, howe’er, were heard,—

Made by Kriemhilda’s warriors, whose patience thus was tried.

But with them, from Bechlaren what goodly thanes did ride!

By Rüdeger kind service was amply offeréd.

The queen bestow’d, when leaving, twelve golden bracelets red

On Gotelinda’s daughter, and raiment, too, well-wrought She into Etzel’s country herself no better brought.

Although they had despoil’d her of all the Niblung gold,

The love of all who saw her she knew to win and hold

With what small wealth remaining she for her use might have.

Unto her host’s house-servants great store of gifts she gave.

Like honour show’d on her side the lady Gotelind

Unto the guests from Rhineland; to whom she was so kind

That one could find scarce any among the strangers there

Who had not of her jewels or raiment fine to wear.