for the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said, the
palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard for the noble maids.
One saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best of silk,
of which tale might be told. Six and eighty ladies who wore
fillets (1) in their hair were seen come forth. The fair ones
came to Kriemhild wearing glittering robes. Then followed many a
comely maid in brave attire, fifty and four from the Burgundian
land. They were eke the best that might anywhere be found. Men
saw them walking with their flaxen hair and shining ribbons.
That which the king desired was done with zeal. They wore before
the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that could be
found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample
beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur.
Many an arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the
silken sleeves, which they should wear. None might tell the
story of this tiring to the end. Many a hand played with
well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above gay colored robes,
over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of Araby. In high
spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were sewed
in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had
good cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in
contrast to her weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair
retainers. When now the lovely maids had donned the garments
they should wear, there then drew near a mickle band of
high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they carried
many an ashen spear.


ENDNOTES:
(1) "Fillets" were worn only by married women.