Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/89

III.]

“By force can never any expect to win the maid,”

Declared the good King Siegmund; “that hath been always said!

But if thou with thy warriors wilt to her country ride,

An’ we have any friends left, I’ll call them to thy side.”

“Far be it from my purpose,” cried Siegfried, eagerly,

“That when I ride to Rhine-land warriors should follow me,

Like an invading army! I should abhor this thing—

By force the glorious maiden into my arms to bring!

“i will not owe her winning to any other hand;

I and eleven others will ride to Gunther’s land.

Your help, good father Siegmund, I, for this purpose, pray.”

Then gave they to his warriors both coloured stuffs and gray.

His mother heard the tidings, the lady Siegelind,

She fell to grieving over her dear son in her mind;

Fearing lest she might lose him through some of Gunther’s men.

The noble queen refrained not from bitter weeping then.

This seeing, young lord Siegfried to her his way did make,

And unto his dear mother thus tenderly he spake:

“I prithee weep not, lady, because of mine intent;

I have no fear of foemen, nor of disparagement.

“Aid thou me in my journey to the Burgundian land,

That I and my companions may bravely furnished stand

In raiment that shall honour proud heroes, such as we,—

Then will I for this favour, aye thank thee fervently.”