So they gave command to the good knights from tourney-sport to refrain,

For that now for the peace of the night-tide the King and his bride were fain.

And before the great hall-stairway face to face they met,

Kriemhild and Brunhild—nothing had sundered their love as yet.

Followed the train of the handmaids; they lingered there no more

As on to the bridal-chamber the torches led before.

Now came the Kings, and parted the knights of either’s train.

Then followed after Siegfried full many a noble thane.

Now over the bridal threshold are King and Hero gone,

And the heart of either was leaping at the thought of a winsome one,