With these words ends the very short first canto, or, in the phraseology of the bard, "adventure" of the poem. The second introduces us to the most prominent male character in the first part of the poem--for it is divided into two distinct parts or acts--the famous SIEGFRIED, "with the horny hide," as the old German chap-book has it, which any of our readers may have for a groschen or two in Leipzig, and not more, we suppose, than a sixpence here. "In Netherland there flourished a prince of lofty kind, (Whose father hight Siegmund, his mother Siegelind) In a sumptuous castle, down by the Rhine's fair side; Men did call it Xanten; 'twas famous far and wide." This princely youth, who, like the Spanish Cid, is perfect even to the smallest hair on his beard, after having employed his early days, like ancient Hercules and Theseus, in attacking and overcoming every sort of terrible monster, in bestial or human guise, that came in his way, is dubbed knight with the stroke of the chivalrous sword, in due form, and a festival is held in honour of the event, the description of which occupies the "second adventure." Like a dutiful son, as well as a fearless knight, he will accept no royal honours, or share in the official dignities of government, so as long as his father and mother live. "While Siegelind and Siegmund yet lived and flourished there, Full little recked their offspring the royal crown to wear. He only would be master, and exercise command, 'Gainst those whose pride o'erweening disturbed the peaceful land. None ventur'd to defy him; since weapons first he took, The bed of sloth but seldom the noble knight could brook! He only sought for battles: his prowess-gifted hand Won him renown eternal in every foreign strand." But even the sturdy mail-clad heroes of mediæval knighthood sometimes tired of "battles;" and when they were thus aweary, they had one other serious occupation, and that, of course, was love. With the entrance on this new career, the third adventure is occupied. "'Twas seldom tear or sorrow the warrior's breast assayed; At length he heard a rumour how a lovely maid In Burgundy was dwelling, the fairest of the fair; For her he won much pleasure, but dash'd with toil and care." Siegfried opens his determination to his parents to follow the fortune of this rumour, and take to wife none other than-- "The bright Burgundian maiden, best gem of Gunther's throne, Whose far-renowned beauty stands unapproached alone." This resolution, of course, as is the fortune of true love, meets with opposition, at first, from the parents of the youth; but with a calm and decided answer, such as true love knows how to give, the difficulty is overcome. "Dearest father mine, The love of high-born women for ever I'll resign Rather than play the wooer but where my heart is set."