Echoes From Mist-land by Aubertine Woodward Moore

Author:Aubertine Woodward Moore [Moore, Aubertine Woodward]
Language: eng
Format: epub

21

How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Land Of The Huns

AFTER crossing the Danube, dame Kriemhild and her retinue passed through Bavaria, and speedily reached the city of Passau, situated at the junction of the Inn and the Danube. Here dwelt dame Ute’s brother, bishop Pilgerin. The good bishop was overjoyed when he learned that his beloved sister’s child was without his gates, hastened out with his followers to greet her, conducted her and her attendants into his palace, and provided for them a most sumptuous repast. He insisted upon their accepting his hospitality for several days, and when he found that it was impossible to persuade them to do so, he resolved to accompany his dear niece some distance upon her way.

From point to point, as they advanced onward, new escorts were added to their numbers, until, finally, so large a force was at their command that Kriemhild had little cause to fear the bands of robbers bold who infested Bavaria. Just beyond the town of Everdingen, upon the banks of the Enns, they found an encampment of tents in a broad field, and every evidence of preparations for a festal reception. This was the work of Gotelind, who had been warned by her husband of the royal guest’s approach, and was there herself to meet her. The Vogt of Bechlaren rode joyfully forward to accost his wife, who was relieved of much anxiety at sight of him. When dame Kriemhild saw the margravine, she lost no time in requesting to be presented to her, and it did the old bishop’s heart good to watch the welcome accorded his sister’s child by lovely Gotelind.

This noble lady kissed her guest upon the lips, and accosted her with loving words.

“Most happy am I, dear lady,” cried she, “that my eyes have beheld you in this land. No greater pleasure could be mine!”

“Now God reward you, most noble Gotelind!” said Kriemhild. “May good betide you from my coming.”

Unclouded by thoughts of the events which must befall them in the days to come, they seated themselves in state upon the clover, and discoursed right merrily. The travelers rested in this place all day and all night, and the following morning journeyed onward to Bechlaren, where a brilliant reception awaited Kriemhild. The windows of all the houses in the town were thrown wide open, and were crowded with spectators, all eager to behold the expected guests. The Vogt of Bechlaren’s young daughter, Dietelind, sallied forth with her maidens to welcome the honored guest and conduct her into the palace.

Kriemhild’s spirits were greatly heightened by the attentions bestowed upon her. Had she all the treasures that were once at her command, she would have been very lavish of her gifts to those around her. As it was, she dealt out large shares of the personal possessions she carried with her. Dietelind received from her twelve bracelets of great value, and several of the finest garments that she had brought with her into King Etzel’s land. The margravine, in her turn, showered costly gifts on dame Kriemhild’s ladies, and the knights from the Rhine.

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