Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/84

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If any squire were lacking knightly estate and name,

Who, by descent and breeding, had thereunto a claim,

Such noble youth was bidden to tournament and beard,

And with the young king, later, was girt with knightly sword.

One could tell many marvels of this great feast so rare;

Siegmund and Siegelinda did win much honour there

By the good gifts they lavished, with free and open hand;

Therefore so many strangers came riding to their land.

Four hundred squires receivéd their knightly gear that day,

Together with young Siegfried; and maidens fair, they say,

Toiled at the festal raiment, because they did him hold

So dear, and many a jewel they broidered in the gold.

And wove them in the robe-weft, and stitched upon the hem;

Sure, to such proud young warriors behovéd lace and gem!

The host had seats preparéd for many a gallant man,

At that June feast, where Siegfried his knightly course began.

And thither to the Minster came many a wealthy squire,

And many a noble warrior. The elders did aspire

That day to serve the younger, as was the ancient rule;—

And merriment, and pastime, and joy were at the full.

When later, in God’s honour, a solemn Mass was sung,

Up rose from out the people a great and mighty throng,

Who there receivéd knighthood, with fitting knightly rite,

And honours, such as ne’ermore were seen of mortal wight.