When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant
knight again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then
first the lovely maid began to thank him that he had fought so
gloriously before so many knights. "Now God requite you, Sir
Siegfried," spake the comely maid, "that ye have brought to pass
with your service, that the warriors do love you with such fealty
as I hear them say."

Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I
will serve them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life
shall last, never will I lay my head to rest till I have done
their will; and this I do, my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."

A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome
maid beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her
kin. This service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of
joy and pleasure was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall,
without and eke within, from many a daring man. Ortwin and Hagen
began to do great marvels. Whatever any wished to play, these
lusty knights were fully ready; thus they became well known to
all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land was decked with
honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming forth;
they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard
themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to
help them, for there was great store of men.

At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer.
He kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a
king; men saw him move in friendly wise among his guests. He