Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/310

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Straightway commands were given that all the games be stay’d;

With honour they were ended and all the din allay’d.

Into the wooden houses the men of Etzel hied;

And folk provided lodging around for far and wide.

The day had reached its ending: they laid them down to sleep

Until the light of morning again began to peep.

Then were the steeds bestridden once more, by many a man:

Ha, and in Etzel’s honour what pastimes then began!

The king enjoin’d his Hunsmen to do all honour bade.

Unto Vienna city their way from Tuln they made;

There, deck’d in fine apparel, full many a dame they found;

King Etzel’s wife these welcomed, as in all honour bound.

In all-sufficing plenty whatever they would have

Was there, already for them. Right many a warrior brave

With joy the sport awaited. All went to hostelry.

And soon the royal wedding began right merrily.

But not for all could lodgings be found within the town.

To such as were not strangers, did Rüdeger make known

That they must seek out quarters in country places round.

I ween there were at all times near dame Kriemhilda found

Dietrich, the noble warrior, and many another thane.

These, in their work unresting, but little peace mote gain

Till nothing should be lacking to cheer the strangers’ mood.

So Rüdeger and his comrades had rest and pastime good.