418.
With these there went, in order, the thanes of Isenland,
The warriors of Brunhilda, each with his sword in hand,
Five hundred men, or over; whereat their hearts misgave.
Then from their seats uprose they, the heroes bold and brave.
419.
When first the Queen Brunhilda perceived the knight Siegfried,
Ye would, perchance, be told of the words the maiden said:
“Be welcome,” quoth she, “Siegfried, here unto this our land.
What meaning hath your journey I fain would understand?”
420.
“I proffer, dame Brunhilda, my hearty thankfulness,
That you have deigned to greet me, most generous princess,
Before this noble warrior, who stands beside me now;—
Seeing that he my lord is, such grace I disavow!
421.
“By birth he is of Rhineland; and what shall I say more?
His love for thee ’tis only that brings us to this shore.
My lord doth seek to wed thee, whatever may befall;
Of this, in time, bethink thee: he will not change at all.
422.
“The name he bears is Gunther, he is a mighty king.
If haply he may win thee, he asks no other thing.
’Twas this good warrior bade me upon this journey come:
An’ I had dared deny him, I’d fain have stay’d at home.”
423.
She spake: “Since he’s thy master, and thou his vassal art,
I’ll stake a venture with him, if he dare play his part,
And if he gain the mast’ry, then will I be his wife;
But should I be the winner, ye all do risk your life.”
