[835]

Here before the minster / the wife of Gunther stood.
And good knights full many / were there of merry mood
With the fair ladies / that their eyes did see.
Then came the Lady Kriemhild / with a full stately company.

[836]

Whate'er of costly raiment / decked lofty maids before,
'Twas like a windy nothing / 'gainst what her ladies wore.
The wives of thirty monarchs / —such riches were her own—
Might ne'er display together / what there by Lady Kriemhild shown.

[837]

Should any wish to do so / he could not say, I ween,
That so rich apparel / e'er before was seen
As there by her maidens / debonair was worn:
But that it grievéd Brunhild / had Kriemhild that to do forborne.

[838]

There they met together / before the minster high.
Soon the royal matron, / through mickle jealousy,
Kriemhild to pass no further, / did bid in rage full sore:
"She that doth owe her homage / shall ne'er go monarch's wife before."

[839]

Then spake the Lady Kriemhild / —angry was her mood:
"An could'st thou but be silent / that for thee were good.
Thyself hast brought dishonor / upon thy fair body:
How might, forsooth, a harlot / ever wife of monarch be?"