Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/108

50 better knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise. Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.

Kriemhild spake: “Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a birth.”

I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.

She spake: “Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild’s land.” This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild’s hand.

The mighty warrior spake: “If I lose not my life, ye may be free from every care, my lady. I’ll bring him to you sound again hither to the Rhine; that know of a surety.” The fair maid bowed her thanks.

Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would ride away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids stood at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the proud war fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.

Then spake King Gunther: “Who shall be the captain of the ship?”

“That will I,” quoth Siegfried, “I wot well how to