Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/309

XXII.]

Now all the while that Etzel did by Kriemhilda stay

The younger men were busy (as such would be to-day)

With many mighty tiltings; one saw then how they rode;

Both Christian knights and heathen, each following their mode.

How knightly was the bearing of Dietrich’s gallant men!

Their javelins and lances went flying forth amain

High over shields and bucklers, by good knights’ hands address’d.

Then shiver’d were the shield-rims of many a German guest.

Then was a mighty crashing of breaking lance and spear.

The warriors of the country were all assembled there,

As were the king’s guests also,— a throng of noble men:

The mighty king was walking with dame Kriemhilda then.

They saw hard by them standing a very noble tent;

The plain around was cover’d by many a wooden pent,

Where folk might sit and rest them when work was duly sped;

And many beauteous maidens by heroes there were led

Unto their royal mistress, as she was sitting there

Upon the rich chair covers. The margrave right good care

Had taken, so to fit it, that everyone should find

Kriemhilda’s bower delightful: and glad was Etzel’s mind.

What Etzel spake unto her it is not mine to say.

Meanwhile her small white fingers within his right hand lay.

In loving fashion sat they, for knightly Rüdeger

Would have no secret wooing betwixt the king and her.