t sit
where he had sat aforetime, and many a proud warrior strode after him to
the feast. Twelve hundred knights were in the circle at the table;
whereat Brunhild thought, "Never afore was vassal so rich." Nevertheless
she was well minded to him, nor contrived aught to his hurt.

Many a rich cloak was wetted where the king sat that night, with the wine
that the butlers ceased not to pour; for they toiled sore to serve all.

As hath still been the custom at hightides, the women and the damsels
were led to their beds betimes; and to each guest, from whencesoever he
came, the host gave honour and gifts enow.

When the night was ended, and the morning shone, precious stones sparkled
on the rich apparel that the hands of the women drew forth from the
travelling chests. Many a rich robe was sought out.

Or it was well day, knights and squires gathered before the hall, and the
din of tourney arose again before the early mass that they sang for the
king. Gunther thanked the young heroes. Then the trumpets were blown
lustily, and the noise of drums and flutes were so loud that Worms, the
wide town, rang therewith.

Everywhere the bold heroes sprang to horse, and tourney was held in the
land. Many young hearts were there that beat high, and, under their
shields, many a doughty knight. In the windows sat stately dames and
beautiful maidens, featly adorned, and gazed down at the joisting of the
warriors, till that the king himself began to tilt with his kinsmen. So
they passed the time, nor thought it long.

Then the bells rang from the dome, whereat they led up the horses, and
the women rode forth, with many stark knights following the queens. They
alighted before the minster, on the grass. Still was Brunhild well
minded to her guests, and, with their crowns on, they went into the great
church. But soon jealousy made an end of their love.

When the mass was sung they rode home in state, and went merrily to
table. Nor was there an end of joy at the hightide till the eleventh day.

Then the queen thought, "I can hide it no longer. I must contrive by
some means that Kriemhild tell me why her husband, that is our vassal,
hath so long paid us no tribute. I cannot lose this riddle."

So she waited for the hour when the Devil tempted her, and she turned the
joy of the hightide to dole. For it pressed on her heart, and must needs
come to light. By reason thereof many lands were filled with mourning.

Fourteen