hese shining weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from
Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest silks which the kith of
any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore
the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they had set their minds, they
deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as
coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.
From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone. The
ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought
the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.

When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste
upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward
to the sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the
warriors were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now
prepared; as they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no
longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they sent a message to their
war-companions, if perchance they should care to view their new attire,
to see if it be too long or short. All was found in fitting measure,
and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw them could not but
aver that never in the world had they seen attire more fair. Therefore
they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of better
knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty
knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise.
Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.

Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and
pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then
would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a
birth."

I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.

She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended
to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land."
This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.

The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.

Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the s