then were I better dead." At thought of this his color came and
went. There stood the son of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as
he were limned on parchment by skillful master's art. Indeed
'twas said of him that never had so fair a knight been seen. The
escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give way and many a man
obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a wight, as
thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.

Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him
who offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner
requite before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel.
Bid Siegfried now approach my sister, that the maid may greet
him; this will ever be our gain. She who never greeted warrior
shall greet him fair, that by this means we now may win the
stately knight."

Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the
champion from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted
to go to court; his sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed
to do you honor."

At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare
joy without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child.
With lovely grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw
the haughty knight stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed
bright. "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most good and noble knight,"
the fair maid spake, and at this greeting his spirits mounted
high. Courteously he made obeisance; she took him by the hand.
How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon each other this
lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly this