Never yet were warriors dismiss'd with so much grace.

LVI

Empty was left each chamber as thence the strangers rode, Yet still in royal splendor the king at home abode With many a n.o.ble warrior and va.s.sal of his court, Whom you might see to Kriemhild day by day resort.

LVII

And now the n.o.ble Siegfried leave to take was fain.

What he so deeply yearn'd for he little hop'd to gain.

It was told King Gunther that he would hence away.

'Twas Giselher the youthful that won the chief to stay.

LVIII

"Why would you leave us, Siegfried, n.o.ble friend and true?

Tarry here among us (what I entreat you, do) With Gunther and his liegemen, warriors frank and free.

Here are store of lovely ladies, whom you may gladly see."

LIX

Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Lead in the steeds again; Forthwith to ride I purpos'd, but now will here remain; And back, too, bear the bucklers; indeed I homeward yearn'd, But Giselher with honor my fix'd intent has turn'd."

LX

So stay'd the bold Sir Siegfried for love and friendship's sake; Nor surely could he elsewhere so gladly tarriance make As at the court of Gunther, for there throughout his stay The love-devoted warrior saw Kriemhild every day.

LXI

Through her unmeasur'd beauty Sir Siegfried linger'd there; His friends with many a pastime charm'd from him every care, Save longing love for Kriemhild; this mov'd him oft to sigh, This too thereafter brought him most miserably to die.

SIXTH ADVENTURE

HOW GUNTHER WENT TO WOO BRUNHILD

I

Beyond the Rhine high tidings again were nois'd around.

There many a maid was dwelling for beauty wide renown'd, And one of these King Gunther, 'twas said, design'd to woo: Well pleas'd the monarch's purpose his knights and liegemen true.

II

There was a queen high seated afar beyond the sea; Never wielded sceptre a mightier than she; For beauty she was matchless, for strength without a peer; Her love to him she offer'd who could pa.s.s her at the spear.

III

She threw the stone, and bounded behind it to the mark; At three games each suitor with sinews stiff and stark Must conquer the fierce maiden whom he sought to wed, Or, if in one successless, straight must lose his head.

IV

E'en thus for the stern virgin had many a suitor died.

This heard a n.o.ble warrior who dwelt the Rhine beside, And forthwith resolv'd he to win her for his wife.

Thereby full many a hero thereafter lost his life.

V

Once on a day together sat with his men the king, Talking each with the other, and deeply pondering, What maiden 'twas most fitting for their lord to woo, One who him might comfort, and grace the country too.

VI

Then spake the lord of Rhineland: "Straight will I hence to sea, And seek the fiery Brunhild howe'er it go with me.

For love of the stern maiden I'll frankly risk my life; Ready am I to lose it, if I win her not to wife."

VII

"That would I fain dissuade you," Sir Siegfried made reply, "Whoe'er would woo fair Brunhild, plays a stake too high; So cruel is her custom, and she so fierce a foe.

Take good advice, King Gunther, nor on such a journey go."

VIII

Then answer'd thus King Gunther: "Ne'er yet was woman born So bold and eke so stalwart, but I should think it scorn Were not this hand sufficient to force a female foe."

"Be still," replied Sir Siegfried, "her strength you little know.

IX

"E'en were you four together, nought could all four devise 'Gainst her remorseless fury; hear then what I advise From true and steadfast friendship, and, as you value life, Tempt not for love of Brunhild a vain, a hopeless strife."

X

"How strong she be soever, the journey will I take, Whatever chance befall me, for lovely Brunhild's sake; For her unmeasur'd beauty I'll hazard all that's mine.

Who knows, but G.o.d may bring her to follow me to the Rhine?"