Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame
was seen arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions
stood hard by, the which quite filled the plain of Worms. The
kinsmen of the king came crowding around, when Brunhild and
Kriemhild and with them all the dames were bidden go to where
shade was found. Thither the knights from the Burgundian land
escorted them.

Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in
many royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though
the whole land had burst forth into flames. There many a knight
became well known as champion. Many a maiden saw what there the
warriors plied. Methinks, Sir Siegfried and his knights rode
many a turn afore the tents. He led a thousand stately
Nibelungs.

Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted
in gentle wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered
with the dust, the which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then
spake Sir Gernot: "Let stand the steeds till the air grow cooler,
for ye must be full ready when that the king will ride.
Meanwhile let us serve the comely dames before the spacious
hall."

When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights,
on pastime bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high
pavilion in the hope of lofty joys. There they passed the hours
until they were minded to ride away.

Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew