XXXIII
"I'm ready at his bidding," the lovely maid replied,
"Whatever I can to serve him shall never be denied,
So heartily and truly his pleasure will I do."
Then her love-kindled blushes glow'd a deeper hue.
XXXIV
Never prince's envoy a heartier welcome won;
Had she dar'd to kiss him, fain would she so have done.
In loving wise he parted from th' unwilling maid.
Forthwith the bold Burgundians did as the warrior bade.
XXXV
Sindolt and Hunoldt and Rumolt the good knight
Early and late were stirring as briskly as they might;
They rais'd the seats in order, such duty well they knew;
From side to side unwearied the royal servant flew.
XXXVI
Ortwine of Metz and Gary, King Gunther's liegemen bold,
The marriage feast, that forthwith their master was to hold,
Proclaim'd to friends and neighbors; against the festal day
Every noble maiden prepar'd her best array.
XXXVII
Adorn'd was all the palace, and richly every wall
Bedeck'd to grace the strangers; King Gunther's spacious hall
By the skill was furbish'd of many a foreign man;
With merriment and pastime the royal feast began.