Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/313

XXII.]

At Miesenburg the wealthy unto the boats they took.

The stream with men and horses was hidden, as to look

Not otherwise than dry land; yet ever seem’d to flow.

The women, travel-weary, had ease and comfort now.

Together had been fasten’d ships many and right good,

That they might get no damage from either waves or flood;

And many a well-made awning thereover did they strain,

As if they still beneath them had land and open plain.

At Etzelburg, before them, arrived these tidings then.

Whereat was great rejoicing of women and of men.

The ladies of Queen Helka, who erewhile were her care,

Soon many days and happy did with Kriemhilda share.

There stood and waited for her full many a noble maid,

On whom abundant sorrow since Helka’s death had weigh’d.

The daughters of kings seven still there Kriemhilda found,

Who were the pride and glory of Etzel’s land around.

The maiden lady Herrat, still of them all had care,

Queen Helka’s sister’s daughter, of many virtues rare,

The bride betroth’d of Dietrich, child of a king of fame,

The daughter, too, of Nentwein: to honour great she came.

Unto the guests’ arrival she look’d with mood right glad,

Whereto great stores and treasure were also ready made.

How later the king feasted— who could it all declare?

And with a queen at no time did Hunsmen better fare.