XXXV
Now when was ask'd the damsel in homely phrase and plain,
If she would have the warrior, she felt a moment's pain;
Not that she was unwilling to take the stately one;
She blush'd but at the question, as many a maid has done.
XXXVI
Her father Rudeger told her at once to answer, "Yes,"
And that she fain would take him. In a trice with tenderness
Young Giselher around her, the shrinking and the coy,
Lock'd his white hands together; alas! how fleeting was their joy!
XXXVII
Then spake again the margrave, "Ye rich and noble kings,
When you, as is the custom, after your revellings
Return by us to Rhineland, I'll give my child to you,
To take her in your party." They promis'd so to do.
XXXVIII
The merry sound of revel was hush'd perforce at last.
With mincing step the maidens forth to their chambers pass'd,
And eke in rest the strangers slept on till break of day.
Then the first meal was ready; none better far'd than they.
XXXIX