Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/369

XXVII.]

“And for my sake must wear them whene’er you go to court;

That when you come back hither I may have good report

How you have done me service at that great festival.”

E’en as the lady bade him he well accomplish’d all.

The host said to the strangers: “Ye will the better fare

If I myself shall lead you, and bid you how beware

Lest anyone should do you a hurt upon the road.”

Then of his sumpter-horses each quickly had its load.

There stood the host all ready, and eke five hundred men

With horses and apparel. These led he with him then

Unto the royal wedding,— a joyous merry train;

Alive to Bechelaren not one came back again!

With many loving kisses the host his farewells said,

As Giselher did also, by honour ever led.

The women fair they fondled with arms around them thrown;

For which would many a damsel be weeping soon, alone.

On all sides were the windows thrown open to the air.

The host with his retainers to mount all eager were.

I ween their hearts foreboded the mighty ills to be;

For many dames were weeping and maidens fair to see.

For dear friends left behind them, plenty at heart were sore,

Whom they at Bechelaren would look on nevermore;

Yet gaily rode they onwards, and down across the sand

Along the Danube river, unto the Hunnish land.