Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/96

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“By a great oath he made him unto him fealty swear,

To serve him in all service, no matter when or where.”

So spake Hagen of Tronjé, “That did he presently:

“There never was a warrior who had such might as he!

“And yet another story of Siegfried I have heard:

How he did slay a dragon, with his own hand and sword,

And in its blood he bathed him till horny grew his skin,

And thus no sword can cut him, as hath been often seen.

“Then let us this young hero receive as best we may,

Lest we deserve his hatred and have to rue the day.

He is of such bold spirit ’twere best to be his friend:

He hath, by his strong right hand, wrought wonders without end.”

Then the great king said, “Truly, methinks that thou art right.

See but how chivalrously he stands prepared to fight,

He and his warriors with him, a dauntless man is he!

We will go down to meet him, and greet him courteously.”

“Thou mayest,” answered Hagen, “with honour do this thing,

His ancestry is noble, his sire a wealthy king.

One sees it in his bearing,— and, by the dear Lord Christ,

It is no trifle brings him, I warrant, on this quest!”

Then spake the country’s ruler: “Right welcome let him be,—

That he is brave and noble hath aye been told to me;

We’ll make his sojourn merry in our Burgundian land.”

So saying, down went Gunther to where Siegfried did stand.