And they showered upon the heralds who had brought the happy news rich
fees of gold and silver, and gave them garments of silken velvet. And on
the morrow they set out, with a train of earl-folk and lovely ladies,
to meet their son and his bride. For one whole day they journeyed to
the old fortress of Santen, where in former days the king's dwelling had
been. There they met the happy bridal-party, and fond and loving were
the hearty greetings they bestowed upon Kriemhild and the radiant
Siegfried. Then, without delay, they returned to Siegmund's kingly hall;
and for twelve days a high tide, more happy and more splendid than
that which had been held in Burgundy, was made in honor of Siegfried's
marriage-day. And, in the midst of those days of sport and joyance,
the old king gave his crown and sceptre to his son; and all the people
hailed Siegfried, king of the broad Lowlands, and Kriemhild his lovely
queen.

Old stories tell how Siegfried reigned in peace and glad contentment in
his fatherland; and how the joyous sunshine shone wherever he went, and
poured a flood of light and warmth and happiness into every nook and
corner of his kingdom; and how, at length, after the gentle Sigelind
had died, he moved his court to that other country of his,--the far-off
Nibelungen Land. And it is in that strange, dream-haunted land, in a
strong-built mountain fortress, that we shall next find him.

Glad were the Nibelungen folk when their own king and his lovely wife
came to dwell among them; and the mists once more were lifted, and the
skies grew bright and clear, and men said that the night had departed,
and the better days were near. Golden, indeed, and most glorious, was
that summer-time; and long to be remembered was Siegfried's too brief
reign in Nibelungen Land. And, ages afterward, folk loved to sing of his
care for his people's welfare, of his wisdom and boundless lore, of his
deeds in the time of warring, and the victories gained in peace. And
strong and brave were the men-folk, and wise and fair were the women,
and broad and rich were the acres, in Siegfried's well-ruled land. The
farm-lands were yellow with the abundant harvests, fruitful orchards
grew in the pleasant dales, and fair vineyards crowned the hills. Fine
cities sprang up along the seacoast, and strong fortresses were built
on every height. Great ships were made, which sailed to every land, and
brought home rich goods from every clime,--coffee and spices fro