XXXIV
Huge was his wealth and worship; yet, had he naught possess'd
Whoever look'd upon him could not but have confess'd,
He was the prowest champion that e'er in saddle sat.
All trembled at his manhood; good cause had they for that.
TWELFTH ADVENTURE
HOW GUNTHER INVITED SIEGFRIED TO THE FESTIVAL
I
Still Gunther's consort ever thought with deep-musing care,
Why should the Lady Kriemhild herself so proudly bear?
And yet her husband Siegfried—what but our man is he?
And late but little service has yielded for his fee.
II
In her heart his thought she foster'd deep in its inmost core;
That still they kept such distance, a secret grudge she bore.
How came it that their vassal to court declin'd to go,
Nor for his land did homage, she inly yearn'd to know.
III
She made request of Gunther, and begg'd it so might be,
That she the absent Kriemhild yet once again might see,
And told him too, in secret, whereon her thoughts were bent.
With the words she utter'd her lord was scarce content.