Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/149

VII.

“The other his companion, who is so praiseworthy,

If he the power had, either some rich king he might be,

Or have the jurisdiction o’er some wide princely lands:

One sees beside the others how royally he stands.

“The third of these companions he is of aspect grim,

Yet, mighty Queen, right comely he seems, and fair of limb;

From those his rapid glances that he around him throws.

His mien, if I mistake not, a gruesome temper shows.

“The youngest knight among them seems worthy of all praise;

As gentle as a maiden, yet knightly are his ways.

How winsomely he stands there, with what a high-born mien!

And yet, if he were thwarted, we’d rue the hour, I ween.

“How blithe soe’er his bearing, and beautiful his form,

There’s many a goodly woman—  an’ he began to storm—

That he could bring to weeping; his body fashion’d is

To excel in manly virtues,— a brave, bold thane is this!”

Then spake the queen: “Now bring me my raiment and my gear;—

And if the mighty Siegfried to win my love is here,

And therefore to this land comes,— ’tis like to cost his life!“

In sooth, I do not fear him enough to be his wife.”

Ere long, the fair Brunhilda was fittingly array’d.

With her there came full many a beauteous serving-maid,—

A hundred, perhaps, or over,— attired in all their best.

These comely dames were eager to see the stranger-guest.