How lovingly he parted from the dames!

The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and
Hunolt and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work
of putting up the seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The
royal stewards, too, were found at work. Ortwin and Gere would
not desist, but sent to fetch their friends on every side, and
made known to them the feasting that was to be. The many comely
maids arrayed themselves against the feast. Everywhere the
palace and the walls were decked out for the guests. Gunther's
hall was passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus
began full merrily this splendid feast.

From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the
kinsmen of these three kings, who had been called that they might
wait upon those who were coming home. Then from the presses
great store of costly weeds was taken. Soon tidings were brought
that men saw Brunhild's kinsmen ride along. Great jostling then
arose from the press of folk in the Burgundian land. Ho, what
bold knights were found on either side!

Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with
me at the greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of
robes; then will praise and honor be given us by the guests."
Then came the warriors, too, and bade the lordly saddles of pure
red gold be carried forth, on which the ladies should ride from
Worms down to the Rhine. Better trappings might there never be.
Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on the jet-black palfreys! From
their bridles there gleamed forth many a precious stone. The
golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on shining carpets