The margravine went forward, and kiss'd the kings all three;
The like too did her daughter; Hagan, the next was he.
Her father bade her kiss him; a glance on him she cast,
And thought he look'd so dreadful, that him she fain had pass'd.
XVII
At length perforce she did it, since so her father said,
Yet could not but change color, now waxing white, now red.
She kiss'd, too, noble Dankwart, and Folker last in place.
For his strength and valor the minstrel gain'd such grace.
XVIII
This done, with gentle gesture the damsel meek and mild
By the hand, yet trembling, took Giselher the child,
Her mother took King Gunther, the bold Burgundian lord.
So with the knights the ladies mov'd thence in blithe accord.
XIX
The host went with Sir Gernot into a spacious hall;
There both chiefs and ladies down sat together all.
Straight to his guests the margrave bade hand good wine around.
Better entertainment knights yet never found.
XX
There many a longing eye-glance from all sides might you see
Bent on the margrave's daughter, so fresh and fair was she.
Many a good knight was breathing for her the secret sigh;
In truth she well deserv'd it; her thoughts were pure and high.