Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/41

Rh Nevertheless, on the seventh morning, that adventurous company “ride up the sand,” on the Rhinebeach, to Worms; in high temper, in dress and trappings, aspect and bearing more than kingly.

Siegfried’s reception at King Gunther’s court, and his brave sayings and doings there for some time, we must omit. One fine trait of his chivalrous delicacy it is that, for a whole year, he never hints at his errand; never once sees or speaks of Chriemhild, whom, nevertheless, he is longing day and night to meet. She, on her side, has often through her lattices noticed the gallant stranger, victorious in all tiltings and knightly exercises; whereby it would seem, in spite of her rigorous predeterminations, some kindness for him is already gliding in. Meanwhile, mighty wars and threats of invasion arise, and Siegfried does the state good service. Returning victorious, both as general and soldier, from Hessen (Hessia), where, by help of his own courage and the sword Balmung, he has captured a Danish king, and utterly discomfited a Saxon one; he can now show himself before Chriemhild without other blushes than those of timid love. Nay the maiden has herself inquired pointedly of the messengers, touching his exploits; and “her face grew rose-red when she heard them.” A gay High-tide, by way of triumph, is appointed; several kings, and two-and-thirty princes, and knights enough with “gold-red saddles,” come to joust; and better than whole infinities of kings and princes with their saddles, the fair Chriemhild herself, under guidance of her mother, chiefly too in honour of the victor, is to grace that sport. “Ute the full rich” fails not to set her needle-women to work, and “clothes of price are taken from their presses,” for the love of her child, “wherewith to deck many women and maids.” And now, “on the Whitsun-morning,” all is ready, and glorious as heart could desire it; brave Ritters, “five thousand or more,” all glancing in the lists; but grander still, Chriemhild herself is advancing beside her mother, with a hundred body-guards, all sword-in-hand, and many a noble maid “wearing rich raiment,” in her train!