had bracelets over the silk; none might tell all the goodly show to the
end. With girdles cunningly fashioned, rich and long, they bound their
gorgeous robes made of silk of Araby. The world held no fairer damsels.
In their tightened bodices they laced them deftly. Certes, they had been
grieved if their red cheeks had not outshone their vesture. Never queen
had lovelier maidens.

When now the women had done on their apparel, the proud warriors that
were to lead them out drew nigh, a mighty force, bearing shields and
ashen spears.


Tenth Adventure
How Brunhild Was Received at Worms

On the far bank of the Rhine appeared a mighty host - the king with his
guests - and they drew nigh to the strand, where damsels, led by the
bridle, stood ready with welcome. When they from Issland, and
Siegfried's men of the Nibelung, saw that the ships were come, they
hasted to the beach and laid hold, for they spied the king's friends that
waited on the other side.

It is told of Uta, the rich queen, that she brought her damsels from the
castle to ride with her, so that knights and maidens won knowledge of one
another. The Margrave Gary held Kriemhild's bridle till they were out
from the fortress; then Siegfried hasted to serve her, for the which he
was after requited.

Ortwin the bold went by dame Uta's side, and, paired meetly and in sweet
fellowship, knights and maidens rode together. Never, in sooth, at such