robes. Then followed many a comely maid in brave attire,
fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They were eke the best that
might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with their flaxen hair and
shining ribbons. That which the king desired was done with zeal. They
wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that
could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample
beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur. Many an
arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken sleeves,
which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring to the
end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above
gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of
Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were
sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good
cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her
weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely
maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a
mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they
carried many an ashen spear.

ENDNOTES:
(1) "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
(2) "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
"ferrandine".
(3) "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
front.

ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.

Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking
to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the
bridle. All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When
those of Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in
boats, they hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the
kindred of the king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale,
too, of the queen, the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the
maidens from the castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint.
Duke Gere led Kriemhild's palfroy by the bridle till just outside
the castle gate. Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her
further. A fair maid was she! Later the noble dame requited well this
deed. Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and
maidens rode in pairs. Well may we aver that so many dames were never
seen together at such stately greeting. Many