To and fro were flashing the light jests, and the laughter echoed round.

Now on this was the King still musing—thereof had he long been ware—

How the heart of the Netherland hero lay tangled in love’s snare

Spell-drawn unto his sister, whom yet he had ne’er looked on,

The lady by whom all maidens were in loveliness outshone.

(C) And he spake: “Now all give counsel, both kinsman and vassal true,

What thing to make all-perfect this feast-tide shall we do,

That no man may chide us for failing in aught in the coming days;

For in sooth by our deeds men judge us at the last, to blame us or praise.”

Then the Lord of Metz, knight Ortwein, spake to that kingly host: