Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/125

Rh The tugging of the youthful knight hurt Alberich sore.

Loud cried the valiant dwarf: “Now spare my life. And might I be the vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own him as my lord, I’d serve you till my death.” So spake the cunning man.

He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: “How are ye named?”

“My name is Siegfried,” he replied; “I deemed ye knew me well.”

“Well is me of these tidings,” spake Alberich, the dwarf. “Now have I noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran of the land. I’ll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live.”

Then spake Sir Siegfried: “Go quickly now and bring me the best of knights we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here.”

Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: “Up now, ye heroes, ye must go to Siegfried.”

From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand doughty knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw Sir Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds. Great store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine. He gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: “Ye must away with me across the flood.”