XXVI
And there among was lying the wishing-rod of gold,
Which whoso could discover, might in subjection hold
All this wide world as master, with all that dwell therein.
There came to Worms with Gernot full many of Albric's kin.
XXVII
When Gernot and young Giselher had thus possession gain'd
Of that power-giving treasure, the rule they straight obtain'd
Of the country and the castles and many a warlike knight;
All was constrained to serve them through terror of their might.
XXVIII
When they had brought the treasure thence to King Gunther's land,
And had their charge delivered into fair Kriemhild's hand,
Cramm'd were the towers and chambers wherein the same they stor'd.
Ne'er told was tale of riches to match this boundless hoard.
XXIX
Yet had she found the treasure a thousand-fold as great,
Could she have seen but Siegfried restored to life's estate,
Bare as her hand had Kriemhild preferr'd with him to live,
Renouncing all the puissance which all that hoard could give.
XXX
Now she had gain'd possession, so liberal was the dame,
That foreign knights unnumber'd into the country came.
All prais'd her generous virtues, and own'd they ne'er had seen
Lady so open-handed as this fair widow'd queen.