Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/365

XXVII.]

The pair were thereon bidden within a ring to stand,

According to the custom. Of many youths a band,

In mood for merry-making, stood opposite the twain,

And thought what they were minded, as youngsters still are fain.

When they began to question, and ask’d the winsome maid

If she would have the warrior, she was a whit dismay’d:

And yet she still was minded to take the goodly wight;

She blush’d but at the question, as any maiden might.

Then Rudeger her father bade her to answer “Yea!”

That she would gladly take him. Whereon, without delay,

His white hands stretch’d towards her to fold her lovingly,

Young Giselher came forward,— short though their joy must be!

“Ye noble kings and mighty,” thereon the margrave spake;

“When home again your journey to Burgundy ye take,

Then I (as is the custom) will give my child to you,

That ye may take her with you.” That they engaged to do.

Noisy as were the revels, at last they had an end.

The damsels to their chambers were bidden then to wend;

In sleep the guests, too, rested till daybreak did appear;

Then victuals were made ready; for all the host took care.

Wher they their fast had broken fain would they forward go

Towards the Hunnish country. “I pray you, do not so,”

Besought their host right noble; “awhile ye yet must stay;

Since I no guests so welcome have seen for many a day.”