At early morn scarce ended was holy prayer and song,
When the heralds drew near: around them pressed a mighty throng
To gaze on the knights to the palace which rode with Rüdiger there:
In the splendour of their raiment right gallant thanes they were.
Kriemhild the while, the high-born, in sorrow-stricken mood
For Rüdiger sat waiting, that noble knight and good,
Not decked as a queen, but in raiment that served her day by day;
But clad were her bower-maidens in royal-rich array.
At his coming she rose, and to meet him to the bower-door she went,
And with gracious greeting welcomed the herald of Etzel sent.