I wot, with dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they
have fair pastime with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly
looks passed now full oft between the twain. In his heart he
bare her, she was dear to him as life. In after days fair
Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.

Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help
it may not be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's
land, and have need of princely garb to wear before the dames."

Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now
to wit, that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I
ready to give. Should any deny you aught, 't would please
Kriemhild but ill. Most noble knights, beseech me not with such
concern, but order me with lordly air to do whatso ye list. I
stand at your bidding and will do it with a will." So spake
the winsome maid.

"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your
noble hand shall help to choose . Your maidens then must make it
fit us, for there be no help against this journey." Then spake
the princess: "Now mark ye what I say. Silks I have myself; see
ye that men do bring us jewels upon the shields and thus we'll
work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too, gave glad assent.

"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you
thus clad to court?"

He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart
and Hagen, shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady,