had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon the
winsome maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights.
The courtiers parted, when that had happed; on the bench over
against the king Siegfried was seen to take his scat with
Kriemhild. Thither many a man accompanied him as servitor; men
saw the Nibelungs walk at Siegfried's side.

The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied
Kriemhild (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's
side. She began to weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks.
Quoth the lord of the land: "What aileth you, my lady, that ye
let bright eyes grow dim? Ye may well rejoice; my castles and my
land and many a stately vassal own your sway."

"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is
sore because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy
vassal's side. I must ever weep that she be so demeaned."

Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your
peace. At another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave
Siegfried my sister unto wife. Certes she may well live ever
happily with the knight."

She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I
fain would flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I
lie close by your side, unless ye tell me through what cause
Kriemhild be Siegfried's bride."

Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath
castles and broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is