Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/86

8

Until the seventh sunrise the festival went on.

Then did the rich queen, Sieglind, as in old days was done,

For love of her son Siegfried, share out her red gold free:

To win all folks’ hearts to him thereby, in sooth, hoped she.

Not one who in the games played, methinks, went poor away;

It rainéd steeds and raiment through all the land that day.

As if had come the world’s end, and common life were o’er!

Such gifts, in such abundance, were never known before;

So, with befitting honour, ended the festal day.

And some of the rich nobles were overheard to say,

That they would like the young man, Prince Siegfried, for their lord:

Howbeit the honest Siegfried, gave heed not to their word.

While Siegmund and Sieglinda were living, their dear son

Would never dream of wearing the crown for any one!

He wished to be lord only the mighty to restrain,

Who kept the land in terror,— the bold and gallant thane!

The Prince was little troubled by pangs of heartache yet!

The people’s talk, however, erelong his ears beset:

How there was in Burgundia a maiden, passing fair;—

For her sake joy and sorrow thereafter he did bear.