Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly
weeds and many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell
me, shall I receive the strangers or shall I deny them
greetings?"

He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that
they may well perceive how fain we be to see them here."

Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out
Siegfried with her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them
lodgings and took in charge their trappings. So many strangers
were now come to the land, that everywhere they jostled
Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men fare home to
Burgundy.

Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could
deal out to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of
which I have such store."

To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble
queen," spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I
trow to deal it out in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let
be mine own." That he was bountiful, he made appear full well.

When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's
hand did proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6)
received such store that all the poor might lead a merry life.
Full hundred pounds he gave, nor did he stop to count. Enow
walked before the hall in rich attire, who never had worn afore