394.
The queen her beauteous maidens did thereupon command
To leave the windows straightway: they ought not there to stand,
A gazing-stock for strangers! they readily obey’d.
And what the ladies next did hath since to us been said:
395.
They decked themselves for sake of the visitors unknown,
As comely women ever since days of old have done.
Then to the narrow windows they quickly came again,
Whence they could see the heroes,— and gazed with might and main.
396.
There were of them four only, who came unto the land.
Bold Siegfried now was leading a horse along the sand;
The comely dames beheld him, across the window shelf:
Whilst Gunther thought with pride that they gazed upon himself.
397.
He held it by the bridle,— the shapely animal,
It was so sleek and handsome, so big and strang withal,—
Until the king had mounted, and in the saddle sat.
Thus Siegfried did him service; which he erelong forgat.
398.
Then Siegfried fetched his own steed, which in the ship did stay;
Such service had he rendered but seldom till that day,
To stand at a man’s stirrup, until he was astride!
The fair and noble ladies this from their lattice spied.
399.
These two high-mettled heroes— to one ensample clad—
White chargers and white raiment like snow new-fallen had,
Each matching with the other; their solid bucklers bright
Shone, on the left hand hanging of either goodly knight.
