But, how blithe soe’er were his people, in bitter heaviness
Went the Lord of the land: on his forehead did the crown royal heavily press.
After the land’s old custom, whereunto bound are kings,
Gunther and Brunhild forbore not from observance of holy things.
So passed they on to the minster, and the mass-chant rolled along
The aisles: thither also Siegfried came, and a mighty throng.
As beseemeth the honour of kingfolk, ready were all things found
Which were meet for their arraying, wherein to be robed and crowned,
And the oil of consecration. Now all hath been done aright,
And they four, joy-triumphant, stand crowned in all men’s sight.