Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/82

4

“Ah, let alone such counsel, my mother dear, I pray!

By many a woman’s witness ’tis proven, clear as day,

How heart’s delight too often with sorrow sore is paid;—

Lest such mischance befall me, I’ll shun them both,” she said.

So, in her mind Kriemhilda held ever Love at bay,

And lived in happy freedom for many a merry day;—

Caring for nought and no one;— and yet it was her fate

To be one day, in honour, a gallant warrior’s mate.

It was the self-same falcon that she in dreams did see,

Just as her mother told her; and bloody was to be

Her vengeance on her kinsmen, by whom the deed was done:—

For one man’s death did perish full many a mother’s son.

In Netherland was growing a rich king’s son and heir,

Whose father’s name was Siegmund, Sieglind his mother fair.

In a strong castle lived they, of far and widespread fame,

Beside the great Rhine river; and Santen was its name.

This prince’s name was Siegfried, a gallant knight and good,

In many kingdoms proved he his brave and warlike mood;

So great his strength of body, he rode from land to land.

Ha! what fine warriors found he on the Burgundian strand!