Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/361

XXVII.]

“And as to all your people, and aught that in your band,

Horses be it, or raiment, hath come unto this land,

So safely will I guard them and all from loss insure,

That ye shall have no damage, nay, not by a single spur.

“So pitch your tents, ye yeomen, upon the open ground,

For any loss ye suffer I’m willing to be bound.

Take off the horses’ bridles and let them freely run.”

The like to them but seldom a host ere then had done.

Right glad of heart the guests were. When all had come to pass,

The lords rode off together. Then down upon the grass

On all sides lay the yeomen, and right good rest they had;

I ween in all the journey they ne’er so softly laid.

The noble margrave’s lady without the castle gate

Had gone with her fair daughter. One saw there with her wait

A crowd of lovely women, and many a maiden fair,

Who wore a store of armlets, and raiment rich and rare.

The precious gems glowed brightly, and might be seen afar

Upon their rich apparel; so finely clad they were.

And now the guests arriving dismounted speedily.

Ay me! what gallant breeding showed they of Burgundy!

Of maidens six-and-thirty and many another dame,

As ever eye could wish for so fair in form they came,

And went towards the strangers with many a gallant man.

Ah, then in sooth fair greetings of noble dames began!