Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/83

II.]

In his best days of prowess, when he was young and slim,

Full many a wondrous story the country told of him,—

How noble was his stature, how fair he was to see,—

And many a comely woman look’d on him lovingly.

He had a careful rearing, as did his birth befit,

His virtues were his own, though, and nowise due to it!

Unto his father’s country he was an ornament,

For men in all things found him to be right excellent.

Now was he grown so manly that he to court must ride;—

The men-folk saw him gladly; and dames and maids beside

Wished that his will might bring him, not once, but ever there;—

Full many bore him favour, as well the knight was ware!

To ride forth unattended the boy was ne’er allowed.

In costly raiment decked him Siegmund and Sieglind proud;

And the wise elders taught him (as well they understood),

How best to win the people, and rule the land for good.

And being now so stalwart that he could weapons bear,

Having what he requiréd, enough and e’en to spare,

He turned his thoughts to women, and dreamt of a fair bride:

The fairest might stand proudly at the bold Siegfried’s side.

Then did his father, Siegmund, summon his liegemen all

Unto a friendly banquet in the great castle-hall;

To many a neighbour-king’s land the festal tidings spread;

On strangers as on kinsmen steeds, gear, he lavishéd.