Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/164

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Thus spake the hero Siegfried: “Then must thou straightway go

And bring me of the warriors the best we have, I trow;

Of Nibelungs a thousand I fain would here behold.”

But wherefore these he wanted that was to no man told,

Of Albrich and the giant the fetters he unbound.

Then Alberich ran quickly to where the knights he found.

The Nibelungs he wakened from sleep right cautiously,

And said; “Up now, ye heroes! to Siegfried hasten ye!”

Then sprang they from their couches all ready at his call,—

A thousand active warriors equipp’d stood in the hall.

So went they unto Siegfried, who by himself did stand,

And fairly did he greet them,— some knelt to kiss his hand.

They lit full many a taper, pure wine for him they pour’d.

He thank’d them all for coming so promptly at his word.

Then spake he: “Ye must yonder with me across the flood!”

For this he found them ready, those heroes bold and good.

Full thirty hundred warriors had come at his behest;

From out their numbers took he a thousand of the best.

To these were brought their helmets, and all their gear to hand,—

Because he fain would lead them unto Brunhilda’s land.

He spake: “Ye good knights, hearken to that which now I say:

Your raiment should at court be exceeding rich and gay,—

For many a lovely woman will look on us, I trow;

So make your bodies handsome with good clothes ere we go.”