’Twas the ancient and honoured custom. So when to the ships they came,
Then lifted they from their palfreys full many a noble dame.
Now the King had by this crossed over with many a stranger knight;
But in jousting still they shivered strong spears in ladies’ sight.
Ever the shields were ringing with echoing clash and clang;
In the press of the warriors charging rich bosses mightily rang.
So there these winsome ladies stood by the river-side;
And forth of the ships came Gunther with his guests, the folk of his bride;
And himself forth out of the galley by the hand led Brunhild the Queen.
As they met, bright raiment to raiment and stone unto stone flashed sheen.