spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we
shall be of good cheer because of this your journey to our court."

"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my
son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go
to see you."

At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."

Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none
bare him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great
courtesie. I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.

Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many
saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the
sward. How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women
now drew near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair
greeting passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors
standing by the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each
other by the hand. Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from
fair-fashioned dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen
for to see. They bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host
bade show his guests full well that all were fain to see them in the
Burgundian land. Many a royal joust took place before the high-born
maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too, proved full well their prowess.
One durst not leave undone whatso they would command. Much service was
rendered by them to the welcome guests. Many shields were heard resound
from thrusts and blows before the castle gate. The host and his guests
tarried long time without, or ever they came within. Forsooth the hours
passed quickly for them with their sports. Merrily they rode before the
royal palace. Many cunning housings (2) of good cloth and well cut
were seen hanging on either side from the saddles of the fair-fashioned
dames.

Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to
their easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who
was passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam
in lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout.
Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then
gan lodge the retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke
without. Never were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them
gladly all they craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was the