318.
Then took they leave, for all were impatient to be gone;
But first, before Kriemhilda the guests filed, one by one;
There sat dame Uté also, the Queen, who bade “God speed”!
Never before were warriors sped half so well, indeed.
319.
The hostels were left empty when they had ridden away.
Only at home remainéd the king, in state array
With all his friends and kinsmen,— full many a noble knight.
These, day by day, were gladden’d, by dame Kriemhilda’s sight.
320.
Now Siegfried, the good hero, did also sue for leave:
Not heping more to win her, to whom his heart did cleave.
The king o’erheard the saying that he would fain away:
’Twas Giselher who urged him his journey to delay.
321.
“Now whither, noble Siegftied, is it thy will to ride?
Stay rather, I beseech thee, and with our warriors bide.
Remain with our King Gunther, and with his men and me;—
Are there not here fair women, whom thou hast leave to see?”
322.
Then spake the stalwart Siegfried: “So bide the steeds in stall!
For I have changed my purpose, I will not ride at all.
And bear the bucklers hence too;— I hoped to see my land,
But Giselher's true friendship I know not to withstand.”
323.
Thus did the gallant hero remain for friendship’s sake.
And in no other country could he a sojourn make
That to his soul were sweeter;— and so it hap’d that he
On every day thenceforward did fair Kriemhilda see.
