Sat in their midst at the table; but there was her child not seen,
For apart she abode with the maidens, as the land’s wont was from of old;
And the brave knights sighed for the beauty they might no longer behold.
So when with the meats and the wine-cup the guests were satisfied,
Back to the feast-hall led they the ladies lovely-eyed.
Then a murmur of admiration and of worship from all men broke,
And chiefly the valiant Volker the praise of beauty spoke;
For that same viol-minstrel spake freely and openly:
“O noble Lord of the Marches, God hath bestowed upon thee
All gifts of his gracious bounty: he hath given to thee for wife