Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/88

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Sieglinda also heard it, the noble monarch’s wife,

And much heart-searching had she about her dear son’s life:

For well she knew King Gunther, and his bold warrior-train.

They sought to turn the hero back from his wooing vain.

Then outspake gallant Siegfried: “Belovéd father mine,

The love of noble women I will for aye resign

Unless I woo where Love is, and give my heart its way.

Such is my purpose truly,— whatever men may say.

“If thou canst not forego her,” the king said, “verily

My will shall be as thy will, and well it pleaseth me;

And I will help thee end it, and do the best I can:

Yet hath the royal Gunther full many a haughty man!

“If it were only Hagen, and no one else beside,

He hides ’neath courtly seeming such overweening pride,

That he’ll do us a mischief,— of that I’m sore afraid,

If once we go a-wooing this fair and stately maid.”

“Shall that be hindrance to us?” asked Siegfried, fearlessly.

“If what I ask in kindness he venture to deny,

My strong right hand shall win it! I’ll wrest from him,” quoth he,

“Both land and lieges, surely, for all his subtlety.”

Then spake the royal Stegmund, “I do mislike thy speech!

Should tidings thereof ever to the Rhine-border reach,

Thou durst not ever after into that country ride.

Long have I known King Gunther, and King Gernot beside.