Siegfried's happiness was complete, however, when he was appointed the escort of this peerless maiden; and on the way to and from the tournament and mass he made good use of his opportunity to whisper pretty speeches to Kriemhild, who timidly expressed her gratitude for the service he had rendered her brother, and begged that he would continue to befriend him. These words made Siegfried blush with pride, and then and there he registered a solemn vow to fulfill her request. "'Ever,' said he, 'your brethren I'll serve as best I may, Nor once, while I have being, will head on pillow lay Till I have done to please them whate'er they bid me do; And this, my Lady Kriemhild, is all for love of you.'" _Nibelungenlied_ (Lettsom's tr.). The festivities being ended, Gunther bestowed many gifts on the departing guests; but when Siegfried would also have departed he entreated him to remain at Worms. This the young hero was not at all loath to do, as he had fallen deeply in love with the fair Kriemhild, whom he was now privileged to see every day. [Sidenote: Brunhild.] The excitement consequent on the festivities had not entirely subsided in Worms when King Gunther declared his desire to win for his wife Brunhild, a princess of Issland, who had vowed to marry none but the man who could surpass her in casting a spear, in throwing a stone, and in jumping. "Then spake the lord of Rhineland: 'Straight will I hence to sea, And seek the fiery Brunhild, howe'er it go with me. For love of the stern maiden I'll frankly risk my life; Ready am I to lose it, if I win her not to wife.'" _Nibelungenlied_ (Lettsom's tr.). In vain Siegfried, who knew all about Brunhild, tried to dissuade him; Gunther insisted upon departing, but proposed to Siegfried to accompany him, promising him as reward for his assistance Kriemhild's hand as soon as the princess of Issland was won. Such an offer was not to be refused, and Siegfried immediately accepted it, advising Gunther to take only Hagen and Dankwart as his attendants.