“My lord, the ladies of the court, and the little children, pine in
silence in the sunless rooms of the palace, while we enjoy the free air
and light of heaven, the music, and the gay scenes before us. There is
nothing wanting to make this day’s joy complete, save the presence of
our dear ones to share these pleasures with us.”
Gunther was delighted to hear these words; and he sent a herald to the
palace, and invited all the ladies of the court and all the children to
come out and view the games, and join in the general gladness.
When Dame Ute heard the message which the herald brought from her kingly
son, she hastened to make ready rich dresses and costly jewels wherewith
to adorn the dames and damsels of the court. And, when all were in
readiness, the peerless Kriemhild, with her mother at her side, went
forth from the castle; and a hundred knights, all sword in hand, went
with her as a body-guard, and a great number of noble ladies dressed in
rich attire followed her. As the red dawn peers forth from behind gray
clouds, and drives the mists and shadows away from earth, so came
the lovely one. As the bright full moon in radiant splendor moves in
queen-like beauty before her train of attendant stars, and outshines
them all, so was Kriemhild the most glorious among all the noble ladies
there. And the thousand knights and warriors paused in their games, and
greeted the peerless princess as was due to one so noble and fair. Upon
the highest platform, under a rich canopy of cloth-of-gold, seats were
made ready for the maiden and her mother and the fair ladies in their
train; and all the most worthy princes in Rhineland sat around, and the
games were begun again.
For twelve days the gay high-tide lasted, and nought was left undone
whereby the joy might be increased. And of all the heroes and princes
who jousted in the tournament, or took part in the games, none could
equal the unassuming Siegfried; and his praises were heard on every
hand, and all agreed that he was the most worthy prince that they had
ever seen.
When at last the festal days came to an end, Gunther and his brothers
called their guests and vassals around them, and loaded them with costly
gifts, and bade them God-speed. And tears stood in the eyes of all at
parting.
The captive kings, Leudiger and Leudigast, were not forgotten.
“What will ye give me for your freedom?” asked King Gunther, half in
jest.