236.
“Yet still the best achievement that on that field hath been,
Or any, from the youngest to the oldest man hath seen,
Was done in knightly fashion by Siegfried’s own right hand.
Rich hostages he bringeth here, into Gunther's land.
237.
“These by sheer strength he vanquished, the brave and goodly wight!
And Ludegast of Denmark hath suffered great despite,
And Ludeger his brother, who from the Saxons came.
Now hearken to my tidings, most rich and noble dame!
238.
“They twain were taken prisoners, and that by Siegfried’s hand.
Never so many captives were brought into this land
As to the Rhine are coming only for Siegfried’s part.”
No news could have been dearer to Lady Kriemhild’s heart.
239.
“Unwounded captives bring they,— five hundred men and more;
And then the deady-wounded,— of bloody biers fourscore;—
Full eighty bloodstained stretchers, my Lady, understand!
The better part of these were slain by bold Siegfried’s hand.
240.
“They who, thus overweening, have flouted us on Rhine,
Must now, as battle-pris’ners, in Gunther's kingdom pine:
Yea, even now they bring them with joy unto our land.”
Then sweetly flushed her fair face, as she did understand.
241.
Her lovely face, with pleasure, became all rosy red;
For, by good luck, deliver’d out of the direst need
Had been her goodly warrior,— the young man, Prince Siegfried;
For all her friends rejoiced she,— as she was bound, indeed.
