Sat fashioning goodly raiment, and their love with the threads was enwound,
As they laid the priceless gemstones thereon with the gold set round,
As their broidery-work on the robe-hems gleamed fair in coil on coil
For the strong young knights high-hearted—they were worthy the love-sped toil.
And the King bade dight the high-seats for the guests, for the thanes of pride,
At the feast of the knighting of Siegfried in the heart of the summer-tide.
Then fared they on to the minster, young squires of high degree
And noble knights full many; and in proud humility
Did the elder serve the younger, by the law that from old time came.
On their lips was mirth and laughter, in their eyes the hope of fame.