Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/145

VII.

Now, while all this was passing, their ship had neared unto

The castle walls, so closely that the king’s eyes could view

Above them, at the windows, full many a winsome maid,

That he knew none amongst them made Gunther passing sad.

Then questioned he Sir Siegfried, his brave companion:

“Of all thase lovely maidens, dost thou in truth know none,

Who now are gazing downward at us upon the flood?

Whoe’er their lord and master, they be of noble blood.”

To him replied Sir Siegfried: “Now look you, secretly,

Amidst the maids there standing, and then confess to me

Which you would take among them, if you thereto had might.”

“That will I do!” cried Gunther, the bold and valiant knight.

“Yonder, within that window, I see one of them stand

All in a snow-white garment; she’s fairest of the band!

’Tis her mine eyes have chosen, so fair she is to see:

Had I the power to wed her, my wife she needs must be.”

“The judgment of thine eyesight hath done for thee right well!

That is the noble Brunhild, the maiden beautiful,

Whom all thine heart desireth, thy senses, and thy mood.”

In all ways did her bearmg seem to King Gunther good.