XXIII

Up for their robes they started, and each herself array'd,
Then bade Sir Siegfried enter; he willingly obey'd,
For much he long'd to see them; then, ere the warrior spoke,
Silence the blushing Kriemhild with friendly accents broke.

XXIV

"Welcome, Sir Siegfried, hither, boldest of the bold!
Where is my brother Gunther? straight be your tidings told.
I fear me, we have lost him, and here are left forlorn.
Woe's me unhappy maiden, that ever I was born!"

XXV

Then spake the warrior, "Give me the guerdon of good news;
You weep for sake of weeping; so you fair ladies use.
I left him safe and hearty; of this assure you well.
He to you both has sent me the joyful tale to tell.

XXVI

"To you, as best beseems him, with gracious kind intent
He and his bride their service, right noble queen, have sent.
And soon will both come hither, so dry your idle tears."
For many a day such gladness had never bless'd her ears.

[XXVII]

Straight with her snow-white apron she wip'd her tears away,
And dried her eyes from weeping; then, once more fresh and gay
Began to thank the envoy for his happy tale,
That ended her deep sorrow and heart-consuming wail.