d them, and they yearned with
their eyes in secret. I know not whether, from his great love, the youth
pressed her white hand, but two love-desirous hearts, I trow, had else
done amiss.

Nevermore, in summer or in May, bore Siegfried in his heart such high
joy, as when he went by the side of her whom he coveted for his dear
one. And many a knight thought, "Had it been my hap to walk with her, as
I have seen him do, or to lie by her side, certes, I had suffered it
gladly! Yet never, truly, hath warrior served better to win a queen."
From what land soever the guests came, they were ware only of these two.
And she was bidden kiss the hero. He had never had like joy before in
this world.

Said the King of Denmark then, "By reason of this high greeting many good
men lie low, slain by the hand of Siegfried, the which hath been proven
to my cost. God grant he return not to Denmark!"

Then they ordered to make way for fair Kriemhild. Valiant knights in
stately array escorted her to the minster, where she was parted from
Siegfried. She went thither followed by her maidens; and so rich was
her apparel that the other women, for all their striving, were as naught
beside her, for to glad the eyes of heroes she was born.

Scarce could Siegfried tarry till they had sung mass, he yearned so to
thank her for his gladness, and that she whom he bore in his heart had
inclined her desire toward him, even as his was to her, which was meet.

Now when Kriemhild was come forth to the front of the minster, they bade
the warrior go to her again, and the damsel began to thank him, that
before all others he had done valiantly. And she said, "Now, God requite
thee, Sir Siegfried, for they tell me thou hast won praise and honour
from all knights."

He looked on the maid right sweetly, and he said, "I will not cease to
serve them. Never, while I live, will I lay head on pillow, till I have
brought their desire to pass. For love of thee, dear lady, I will do
this."

And every day of twelve, in the sight of all the people, the youth walked
by the side of the maiden as she went to the court. So they showed their
love to the knight.

And there was merriment and gladness and delight in the hall of Gunther,
without and within, among the valiant men. Ortwin and Hagen did many
wonderful deeds, and if any devised a sport, warriors, joyous in strife,
welcomed it straightway. So were the knights proven before the guests,
and they of Gunthe