The King of Rhineland answered, “They are my men, that I left some little way behind when I journeyed hither. I summoned them, and now, Queen, they are here.”
They welcomed the noble guests courteously. Siegfried stood in the prow of the vessel, richly clad, and many warriors beside him.
The queen said, “Tell me, O King, shall I greet the guests, or no?”
He answered, “Go out now before the castle. So shall they see that they are welcome.” And the queen did as he counselled her, and greeted Siegfried before any. And they lodged them, and took their arms in charge.
Now so many guests were in the land that they were pressed for room, and the Burgundians were eager to be home.
Then said the queen, “I would thank him that would distribute for me, among mine and the king’s guests, the gold and silver that I have in plenty.”
Dankwart, bold Giselher’s man, answered, “Noble Queen, give me the key, and I will so divide it that, if there be any shame, it shall be mine only.”
None could deny that he gave freely. When Hagen’s brother held the key, he bestowed costly gifts without stint. Whoso desired a mark received so much that the poorest was rich his life long. Pounds, by the hundred, he gave uncounted, and many an one went forth from the hall richly dight, that never afore had worn so fair vesture.
They told it to the queen, who was wroth, and said, “I would know, King, wherefore thy chamberlain leaveth me naught of my apparel, and spendeth all my gold. I would thank him that stayed his hand. He giveth as he thought I had summoned Death hither. But I trust to live yet a while, and can spend for myself, I trow, what my father left me.”
Never had queen so lavished a chamberlain.