Kriemhild, the great King’s sister, more oft should we see you thus
Guests in our land, if closer ye would knit up friendship with us.”
And they cried, whensoe’er it should please him, with joyful hearts would they come.
From their limbs was weariness banished, by gladness stolen therefrom.
Then the horns blew up to the banquet, and they feasted with all good cheer,
For Siegfried had bidden lavish the best upon friends so dear.
Till nine full days were accomplished, they constrained them there to abide,
Till the eager knights uplifted a voice of complaining, and cried:
“Will ye aye withhold us from riding back to our land at all?”
Then to a council did Siegfried his friends and his kinsmen call.