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 Gunther's land won glory. The wounded also came forth to
take part with their comrades, to skirmish with the buckler, and to shoot
the shaft, and waxed strong thereby, and increased their might.

Gunther gave order that, for the term of the hightide, they should set