The Song of the Nibelungs (Medieval Literature Classic). Anonymous

away.

       Giselher his brother / did win the knight with them to stay.

      321

      "Whither, O noble Siegfried, / wilt thou now from us ride?

       Do as I earnest pray thee, / and with these thanes abide,

       As guest here with King Gunther, / and live right merrily.

       Here dwell fair ladies many: / them will he gladly let thee see."

      322

      Then spake the doughty Siegfried: / "Our steeds leave yet at rest,

       The while from this my purpose / to part will I desist.

       Our shields once more take from us. / Though gladly home I would,

       Naught 'gainst the fond entreaties / of Giselher avail me could."

      323

      So stayed the knight full gallant / for sake of friendship there.

       In sooth in ne'er another / country anywhere

       Had he so gladly lingered: / iwis it was that he,

       Now whensoe'er he wished it, / Kriemhild the maiden fair could see.

      324

      'Twas her surpassing beauty / that made the knight to stay.

       With many a merry pastime / they whiled the time away;

       But love for her oppressed him, / oft-times grievously.

       Whereby anon the hero / a mournful death was doomed to die.