"Now arm ye straight," said Blœdel, "my merry men one and all!
Hence to the strangers' quarters upon our foes to fall.
So wills our royal lady, King Etzel's noble wife.
Ye heroes! at her bidding each boldly risk his life."
LXVIII
When Kriemhild thus found Blœdel to work her will intent,
And eager to do battle, to table straight she went
With the redoubted Etzel and eke with all his train,
Against the guests from Rhineland fell counsel had she ta'en.
LXIX
How they went all to table, I now at full must say.
First went the king attended, crown'd and in rich array;
Many a proud prince behind them, many a good knight was seen,
And all display'd their courtship before the noble queen.
LXX
The good host at the tables found place for every guest;
He seated close beside him the highest and the best.
The Christian knights and heathen there feasted nothing loath.
Their food indeed was different, but there was store for both.
LXXI
The yeomen in their quarters the time in feasting spent.
Servers were by good King Etzel to do their bidding sent,
Who gave them all they ask'd for, and serv'd both high and low.
Their merriment and revel were soon outweigh'd by woe.