e hearts of them that saw
it were uplifted. Then Siegfried came up with his men, and the heroes
coursed to and fro on the plain, that none had ease for the dust and the
press.

When the king saw Siegfried and Siegmund, on what loving wise he spake!
"Ye are welcome to me and to all my men. Right joyful have ye made us by
this journey."

"Now God reward thee," answered Siegmund, the worshipful man. "Since my
son Siegfried won thee to his kinsman, my desire hath ever been to behold
thee."

Whereupon Gunther said, "That it hath come to pass doth rejoice me."

Siegfried was received with the honour that was his due; and none wished
him ill. From Gernot and Giselher, also, dear guests had never better
welcome.

Then the two queens drew nigh to each other.

The saddles were emptied, and the women alighted on the grass with the
help of the heroes, that were not slow, I trow, with their service!

The queens met, and the knights rejoiced at so fair a greeting, and
ceased not to wait upon the fair women. Hero now to hero held out the
hand of welcome; the women courtseyed and kissed, and Gunther's and
Siegfried's men looked on well content.

They tarried not longer, but rode to the town, where the host bade it be
shown plain that the guests were welcome to Burgundy. There, too, there
was tilting before the maidens. Hagen of Trony and Ortwin approved them
mighty, for none durst gainsay their command; and they showed the dear
guests much honour.

The clash of shields, and the din of piercing and smiting, rose before
the castle gate. Long time stood the host there with his guest or they
were all gone in, for in pastime the hours flew by. Then they rode
merrily to the great reception hall. Gorgeous footcloths, rich and
cunningly fashioned, hung down from the saddles of the beautiful women.
Gunther's serving-men hasted forward, and led them to their chambers.
All this time Brunhild kept not her eyes from Kriemhild, that was,
certes, fair enow, and of brighter hue than the gold she wore.

Over all the town of Worms was heard the mirth of the company. King
Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, see to them well, who gave them
goodly quarters. Without and within they feasted; never were strangers
fairer entreated; all that they desired stood ready for them, for so rich
was the king, that to none was aught denied. They were served well and
without hate.

Then the king went to table with his guests. Siegfried they le