VI

Then bade the queen her maidens from the windows go; Them it ill befitted to stand a sight and show For the rude eyes of strangers; they bow'd to her behest, But what next did the ladies, we since have heard confest.

VII

They rob'd them in their richest to meet the strangers' gaze; Such, ever since were women, were ever women's ways.

Through every c.h.i.n.k and loophole was levelled many an eye At the unweeting champions, through love to peep and pry.

VIII

There were but four together who came into the land.

The far-renowned Siegfried led a horse in hand.

This Brunhild at a window mark'd with heedful eye.

As lord of such a liegeman was Gunther valued high.

IX

Then humbly by the bridle he held the monarch's steed, Huge of limb and puissant and of the purest breed, Till in the royal saddle King Gunther proudly sat; So serv'd him n.o.ble Siegfried, which he too soon forgat.

X

Then his own the warrior led from ship to sh.o.r.e; He of a truth such service hath seldom done before, As to stand at the stirrup, when another mounted steed.

Of all, close at the windows, the women took good heed.

XI

To look upon these champions was sure a glorious sight; Their horses and their garments were both of snowy white, And both match'd well together; each bore a polished shield, Which, still as it was shaken, flash'd around the field.

XII

So forward rode they lordly to Brunhild's gorgeous hall: Rich stones beset their saddles, their poitrals, light and small, Had golden bells down-hanging that tinkled as they went.

On mov'd the proud companions led by their bold intent.

XIII

Their spears were newly sharpen'd as if to meet a foe; Their swords of choicest temper down to the spur hung low; Keen of edge was each one, and thereto broad of blade.

All this was mark'd by Brunhild, the chief-defying maid.

XIV

With them together Dankwart and Hagan came ash.o.r.e 'Tis told us in old stories that these two warriors wore Apparel of the richest, but raven-black of hue; Ponderous were their bucklers, broad and bright and new.

XV

Stones from the land of India display'd each gorgeous guest, That ever gleam'd and glittered in the flutt'ring vest.

They left their bark unguarded beside the dashing wave, And straight on to the fortress rode the champions brave.

XVI

Six and eighty turrets saw they there in all, Three palaces wide-stretching, and the fairest hall Of the purest marble (never was gra.s.s so green), Where with her fair damsels sat the fairer queen.

XVII

Unlock'd was straight the castle, the gates flew open wide; Up in haste to meet them Brunhild's liegemen hied, And bade the strangers welcome to their lady's land, And took his horse from each one and the shield from every hand.

XVIII

A chamberlain then bespoke them: "Be pleas'd to give us now Your swords and glitt'ring breastplates." "That can we ne'er allow,"

Hagan of Trony answer'd, "our arms ourselves will bear."

The custom of the castle then Siegfried 'gan declare.

XIX

"'Tis the use of this castle, as I can well attest, That never warlike weapons should there be borne by guest.

'Twere best to keep the custom; let th' arms aside be laid."

Hagan, Gunther's liegeman, unwillingly obey'd.

XX

Wine to the guests they offer'd, and goodly welcome gave; Then might you see apparel'd in princely raiment brave Many a stately warrior, on to court that pa.s.s'd, And many a glance of wonder upon the strangers cast.

XXI

Meanwhile to fair Queen Brunhild one came and made report, That certain foreign warriors had come unto her court In sumptuous apparel, wafted upon the flood.

Then thus began to question the maiden fair and good:

XXII

"Now tell me," said the princess, "and let the truth be shown, Who are these haughty champions from foreign sh.o.r.es unknown, Whom there I see so stately standing in rich array, And on what hard adventure have they hither found their way?"

XXIII