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VI.]

Upspake the Lord of Rhineland: “I’ll go down to the sea,

And yisit this Brunhilda, howe’er it fare with me!

For love of her I’m ready to venture limb and life:

I am content to lose them if she be not my wife.”

“From that would I dissuade you!” in answer Siegfried said,

“In sooth this queen hath customs so terrible and dread,—

That whosoever woos her must pay a price too high;

Seek not to take this journey, I counsel earnestly!”

“Now I would fain advise you,” thus Hagen to him spake, ~

“To bid Siegfried go with you, and half the burden take, ~

And share your risk and danger; I counsel this in faith,

Since he such good acquaintance w with Brunhild’s customs hath.”

Quoth Gunther: “Wilt thou help me in very truth, Siegfried,

To woo and win this fair one? ah, if thou dost indeed

Get her for my betrothéd, my own, my noble wife,—

Then, for thy sake, I’ll venture mine honour and my life!”

For answer gave him Siegftied, the royal Siegmund’s son:

“Giv’st thou to me thy sister, behold, it shall be done!

Give me the lovely Kriemhild, the high and noble queen;

No guerdon for my labour, save this I care to win.”

“That swear I to thee, Siegfried,” cried Gunther “on thine hand!

And if the fair Brunhilda doth come here to this land,

I’ll give my sister to thee, to have and hold for wife:

So mayst thou, with thy fair one, aye lead a joyous life.”