Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/115

IV.]

In combat undivided these noble princes were;

And o’er their helmets, harmless, flew many a well-aimed spear

Between the glitt’ring targets from each opposing knight.

And blood-stained were the bucklers that whilom shone se bright.

And, in the stress of battle, full many an eager knight

Dismounted from his charger. Thus, hand to hand, did fight

Siegfried the bold, and Lud’ger, who each did each defy,

One saw the broken splinters of shafts and lances fly.

Fast flew the shield-clasps, severed by mighty Siegfried’s hand.

He thought himself the victor, this prince of Netherland,

Over the dauntless Saxons;— so many wounded lay.

Ha, how the bright mail-armour at Dankwart’s strokes did fray!

Just then the Saxon Lud’ger espied upon a shield

A kingly crown emblazoned, which Siegfried’s arm did wield.

Then knew he, of a surety, that ’twas the mighty man.

The chieftain to his comrades loudly to call began:

“Forego your fighting, warriors,— my lieges, all is done!

For here have I seen Siegfried, the royal Siegmund’s son;—

Siegfried the mighty hero mine eyes have seen, I trow,—

Sent by some evil devil to work us Saxons woe.”

Then lowered were the ensigns at Ludeger’s command.

For peace he sued; which, erelong, was granted to his band;

Though he as Gunther’s pris'ner must go to Burgundy:

Bold Siegfried’s hand alone ’twas that won this victory.