XCIII

What then had been his rapture, could he have only guess'd, That on him she was looking, who reign'd within his breast!

Could he but once have seen her, I ween, not all the bliss, That all the world can lavish, would he have ta'en for this.

XCIV

Whene'er, as is the custom at intervals of sport, He midst the crowd of heroes was standing in the court, So graceful was the bearing of Siegelind's matchless son, That the heart of every lady that look'd on him he won.

XCV

Oft too would he be thinking, "How now can it be, That I the n.o.ble maiden with mine eyes may see, Whom I in heart love dearly, and so long have done?

And she's an utter stranger! Ah! Woe is me, unhappy one!"

XCVI

Whene'er the kings it needed through their land to ride, Then kept their faithful liegemen attendance by their side, And with them forth must Siegfried; this irk'd his lady sore; He through her love was pining the while as much or more.

XCVII

So with those kings, high honor'd Siegmund's n.o.ble son In Gunther's land was dwelling till full a year was run, Nor, all that weary season, a single glimpse could gain Of her, who after brought him such pleasure and such pain.

FOURTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED FOUGHT WITH THE SAXONS

I

Now strange and stirring tidings were brought to Gunther's throne By messengers commissioned from foreign chiefs unknown, Who bore the brethren malice, and whom they well might fear.

When they receiv'd the message, right heavy was their cheer.

II

The same I now will tell you; King Ludeger the bold, From the land of the Saxons (a mightier ne'er was told) Was leagued with him of Denmark, King Ludegast the strong, And many a famous warrior both brought with them along.

III

Their messengers, hard riding, came to King Gunther's land, As his far-distant foemen had given them in command; Then ask'd the crowd, what tidings the unknown guests might bring.

To court they straight were hurried, and set before the king.

IV

Them well the monarch greeted: "You're welcome; never fear; From whom you come, I know not, but willingly would hear, And it is yours to tell me." So spake the monarch good.

Then 'gan they sore to tremble at Gunther's angry mood.

V

"Since you, O king! permit us to utter plain and true This our high commission, naught will we hide from you.

Our masters we will tell you, who gave us this command.

King Ludegast and King Ludeger will visit you in this land.

VI

"You have deserved their anger; for truth can I relate, That both our puissant masters bear you deadly hate.

They'll lead a host unnumber'd to Worms unto the Rhine.

Of this be warn'd for certain; fix'd is their proud design.

VII

"Within twelve weeks at farthest their camp will onward go; If you've good friends to aid you, 'twill soon be time to show.

Their best will sure be needed to guard both fort and field, Soon shall we here be shiv'ring many a helm and many a shield.

VIII

"Or would you seek a treaty, let it at once be said, Ere their prevailing myriads, one wasteful ruin spread Through all your wide dominions with their consuming might, And Death unsated feast him on many a gallant knight."

IX

"Now wait awhile, ye strangers," thus spake the n.o.ble king, "I must think, ere I answer the message that you bring.

I've friends and faithful liegemen, whose sage advice I use, And with them I must counsel take on this heavy news."

X

The nigh approaching danger irk'd King Gunther sore, And the proud defiance deep in heart he bore; He sent for valiant Hagan and many another knight, And Gernot, too, bade hasten with all the speed he might.

XI

At once they flock'd around him, a stern and stately band; Then spake the king, "Proud strangers, here, in our own good land, Have sent to bid us battle; weigh well such tidings told."

Thereto straight answer'd Gernot, a hardy knight and bold.

XII