Like the disciples of Pythagoras, the amorous knights of those days had first to serve a long apprenticeship of the severe discipline of abstinence, before they were permitted to kiss the hand of beauty, or to meet even its distant glance. The fourth adventure, therefore, goes on to tell how Siegfried showed his prowess by fighting with the Saxons, who had come under the guidance of their king, Ludeger the Bold, and leagued with him King Ludegast of Denmark, to attack the realm of the Burgundians. Coming home, like a Mars-subduing Diomede, from this fierce encounter, the knight of the Netherland is at length deemed worthy to be introduced to his destined fair. Another tourney is held, at which Kriemhild publicly appears. "Now went she forth the loveliest, as forth the morning goes, From misty clouds out-beaming: then all his weary woes Left him in heart who bore her, and so long time had done. He saw there stately standing the fair, the peerless one. Many a stone full precious flashed from her vesture bright; Her rosy blushes darted a softer, ruddier light. Whate'er might be his wishes, each could not but confess He ne'er on earth had witnessed such perfect loveliness. As the moon arising out glitters every star, That through the clouds so purely glimmers from afar, E'en so love-breathing Kriemhild dimmed every beauty nigh. Well might, at such a vision, many a bold heart beat high." With not less of serene beauty, and a quiet naturalness that is peculiar to him, the old bard describes the feelings of Siegfried on first coming within the sweet atmosphere of woman's love. "There stood he, the high-minded, beneath her star-bright eye, His cheek as fire all glowing; then said she modestly, 'Sir Siegfried, you are welcome, noble knight and good!' Yet loftier at that greeting rose his lofty mood. He bowed with soft emotion, and thanked the blushing fair; Love's strong constraint together impelled the enamoured pair; Their longing eyes encountered, their glances, every one, Bound knight and maid for ever; yet all by stealth was done. That in the warmth of passion he pressed her lily hand, I do not know for certain, but well can understand. 'Twere surely past believing they ventured not on this; Two loving hearts, so meeting, else had done amiss. No more in pride of summer, nor in bloom of May, Knew he such heart-felt pleasure as on this happy day, When she, than May more blooming, more bright than summer's pride, His own, a dream no longer, was standing by his side. Then thought full many a champion, 'Would this had happ'd to me, To be with lovely Kriemhild, as Siegfried bold I see, Or closer e'en than Siegfried; well were I then, I swear,' None yet was champion who so deserved a queen."