941.
Then suddenly, on all sides, were heard great noise and cries.
From dogs and men together such tumult did arise
That all the woodland echoed, and eke the mountain-side
For four-and-twenty leash-hounds the hunters had untied.
942.
Then many a forest creature must unto death be done,
Since every hunter fancied that he might be the one
To win the prize for hunting: but no award could be
Until beside the camp-fire stout Siegfried they did see.
943.
The hunting, though ’twas over, was not yet brought to end:
For some, with burdens laden, to camp their way did wend,
Of beast fells bringing many, and game a goodly store.
What piles of it for cooking the king’s camp-servants bore!
944.
Then to the high-born hunters the king would have it known
That he to dine was ready. Then all at once was blown
A hunting-horn, right loudly, that all might know around
That now the noble princes would at the camp be found.
945.
Quoth one of Siegfried’s huntsmen: “Sir, I have heard but now,
By sounding of a horn, that ’tis time for us to go
Back to the camp: in answer I will my bugle wind.”
Then went the loud blasts flying their followers to find.
946.
‘Then spake the noble Siegfried: “Now let us leave the wood!”
His hunter bore him smoothly: and all in haste they rode.
They startled, with their clatter, a grisly brute and grim,—
A savage bear. Then, turning to those who followed him,
M
