en had done on their apparel, the proud warriors that
were to lead them out drew nigh, a mighty force, bearing shields and
ashen spears.

Tenth Adventure

How Brunhild Was Received at Worms

On the far bank of the Rhine appeared a mighty host--the king with his
guests--and they drew nigh to the strand, where damsels, led by the
bridle, stood ready with welcome. When they from Issland, and
Siegfried's men of the Nibelung, saw that the ships were come, they
hasted to the beach and laid hold, for they spied the king's friends that
waited on the other side.

It is told of Uta, the rich queen, that she brought her damsels from the
castle to ride with her, so that knights and maidens won knowledge of one
another. The Margrave Gary held Kriemhild's bridle till they were out
from the fortress; then Siegfried hasted to serve her, for the which he
was after requited.

Ortwin the bold went by dame Uta's side, and, paired meetly and in sweet
fellowship, knights and maidens rode together. Never, in sooth, at such
meeting were so many women gathered. The men held tourney in the
presence of Kriemhild and the rest, until the ships were landed, and did
valiant deeds, that had been ill left undone at such a season.

Then they lifted the rich-attired women from their horses. Ha! what
splintering of lances, what din of shields, what noise and clash of
wrought bucklers, when the king and his guests were come over to the fair
ones that stood by the haven!

Gunther, with his friends, went down from the ships; he led Brunhild by
the hand; garments and precious stones shone bright and sparkled. And
Kriemhild went eagerly toward them, and greeted Brunhild and her
following. They drew back their head-bands with white fingers, and
kissed one another through love. Then Kriemhild, the maid, spake
courteously, "Thou art right welcome in this land, to me and to my
mother, and to our friends." And they courtsied and embraced. Never, I
ween, was any greeted fairer than the bride, by Uta and her daughter, for
they ceased not to kiss her sweet mouth.

When Brunhild's women were all gotten to land, the knights led them
before the queen, where welcome was not stinted them, and, where many a
red mouth was kissed. The rich kings' daughters stood long side by side,
and the warriors gazed on them. What these had heard tell they saw with
their eyes, that none surpassed those two women in beauty, neither was
any blemish found in them. T