17.
“Ah, let alone such counsel, my mother dear, I pray!
By many a woman’s witness ’tis proven, clear as day,
How heart’s delight too often with sorrow sore is paid;—
Lest such mischance befall me, I’ll shun them both,” she said.
18.
So, in her mind Kriemhilda held ever Love at bay,
And lived in happy freedom for many a merry day;—
Caring for nought and no one;— and yet it was her fate
To be one day, in honour, a gallant warrior’s mate.
19.
It was the self-same falcon that she in dreams did see,
Just as her mother told her; and bloody was to be
Her vengeance on her kinsmen, by whom the deed was done:—
For one man’s death did perish full many a mother’s son.
ADVENTURE II.—SIEGFRIED.
20.
In Netherland was growing a rich king’s son and heir,
Whose father’s name was Siegmund, Sieglind his mother fair.
In a strong castle lived they, of far and widespread fame,
Beside the great Rhine river; and Santen was its name.
21.
This prince’s name was Siegfried, a gallant knight and good,
In many kingdoms proved he his brave and warlike mood;
So great his strength of body, he rode from land to land.
Ha! what fine warriors found he on the Burgundian strand!
