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Sieglind his mother heard it, and sorrowed for her dear son, for fear she might lose him by the hand of Gunther's men. The noble queen wept sore. Siegfried went where she sat, and spake comfortably to her. "Weep not, mother, for my sake, for I shall be without scathe among foemen.
So measureless fair is the maiden of Burgundy, that the greatest emperor, were he minded to wed, were none too good for her." The tidings came to Siegmund's ear. His knights told him Siegfried's intent, and it irked him that his son should woo the royal maiden. To Sieglind, the king's wife, they told it also, and she feared for his life, for she knew Gunther and his men.
Sieglind rode forth, herself, to greet fair Kriemhild, with beautiful women and bold knights, a day's journey or they spied the guests. And strangers and friends were pressed alike for room, till that they came to a great castle that hight Xanten, where Siegfried and his wife were crowned afterward.
Neither had he asked better, had he known that his heart's dear one gazed upon him: the fairest thing on earth had he deemed it to behold her eyes. When he stood there amidst of the heroes in the tilt-yard, as the custom is, to rest at the tourney, so graceful the son of Sieglind bare him, that the hearts of many maidens yearned toward him.
I say sooth." Hagen's heart was uplifted at her word; he gave them back their clothes and stayed no longer. When they had put on their wonderful raiment, they told him the truth about the journey. The other mermaid, that hight Sieglind, said, "Be warned, Hagen, son of Aldrian. My aunt hath lied to thee because of her clothes. If ye go to the Huns, ye are ill-advised.
I pray thee, show us over the stream. So be it, replied Sieglind; since ye will not turn you from your journey. See you yonder inn by the waters side? There is the only ferry over the river. At once Hagen made off. But Sieglind called after him: Stay, Sir Knight; credit me, you are too much in haste.
Siegmund and Sieglind kissed Kriemhild, and Siegfried also, many times with smiling mouth for their sorrow was ended; and Kriemhild's attendants got a gracious welcome. They brought the guests into Siegmund's palace, and lifted the fair damsels from the horses. There were knights enow eager to serve them.
Siegmund said, "Praised be God that I have lived to see the day when Kriemhild shall wear the crown here. My heritage is increased in worth, and Siegfried himself shall be king." Queen Sieglind gave the envoys, for fee, red velvet and heavy silver and gold, for she was glad at the news.
And Siegfried joyed, and sorrowed likewise, for he said in his heart, "How should I woo such as thee? Surely it was a vain dream; yet I were liefer dead than a stranger to thee." Thinking thus he waxed oft white and red; yea, graceful and proud stood the son of Sieglind, goodliest of heroes to behold, as he were drawn on parchment by the skill of a cunning master.
I heed not thy words, said Hagen, for how should it be that all of us die there through the hate of anyone? So must it be, said Sieglind, for none of you shall live, save the Kings chaplain, who alone will come again safe and sound to Gunthers land. Ye are wise wives, laughed Hagen bitterly. Well would Gunther and his lords believe me should I tell him this rede.
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