clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what costly bucklers rang
loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the shore as
Gunther and his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led
Brunhild by the hand. Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth
in rivalry. Lady Kriemhild walked with courtly breeding to meet
Dame Brunhild and her train. White hands removed the chaplets,
(1) as these twain kissed each other; through deference this was
done.

Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome
in these lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the
loyal kin we have."

Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such
loving greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame
Uta and her daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they
kissed her oft. When now Brunhild's ladies all were come to
land, stately knights took many a comely woman by the hand in
loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were seen to stand before
the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the greetings all
were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth. Still
side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well
the doughty warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast
afore that such beauty had ne'er been seen as these two dames
possessed, spied now with all their eyes and must confess the
truth. Nor did one see upon their persons cheats of any kind.
Those who wot how to judge of women and lovely charms, praised
Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had seen more clear and
spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before Brunhild.