Now it fell, in the midst of their glory, that a dream unto Kriemhild appeared: A strong, fair, tameless falcon in a bower of dreams she reared. But before her eyes two eagles swooped upon him and slew-- Never a bitterer sorrow the heart of the maiden knew! {P. 3} So she told to her mother the vision; but from Lady Uta's eyes Was it hid, that she could not interpret the dream save in halting wise: "The falcon reared in thy dream-bower, a princely husband is this-- Now God from evil defend him, else swift dark doom shall be his!" "What is this that thou talkest of husbands, heart's dearest, mother, to me? In the net of love untangled will I for ever be. Unto my death in the beauty of maidenhood I will abide, That I taste not the manifold sorrows that from love of man betide." But she answered: "Not wholly renounce it, for thy vow hath been spoken amiss: For if ever on earth thou knowest a heart full-brimmed with bliss, Of the love of a man shall this come; and a fair and happy bride Shalt thou be, if a noble baron by God's grace stand by thy side." "Let be, let be vain talking, heart's dearest, mother mine. In many a wife's repentance have I read the warning sign, How love hath sorrow for guerdon when the end of its journey is won:-- I will none of love nor of sorrow, I abide in my bliss alone." So Kriemhild in pride of her spirit was a rebel to Lord Love's sway; And her heart-peace flowed as a river through many a sunlit day; And she looked upon earls and champions, but none might the heart of her move: Yet her hour drew near, and the breaking of the glory-dawn of love. For in flight even now was the Falcon, the fulfilment drew nigh and nigher Of the dream half read of her mother--but woe for the vengeance-hire That she paid to the eagles that slew him, her own blood-brethren they! Woe for the sons of women untold whom his death should slay! II. Of the Fostering and the Knighting of Siegfried Now grew unto man in the Low Land the child of a line world-famed. For Siegmund the King begat him, his mother was Siegelind named, In a tower-engirdled stronghold renowned through the earth afar, Where the Rhine and the sea meet: Xanten men named that burg of war. {P. 4} Now telleth the tale of a hero, how fair and stately he grew, How the shield of his heart was honour, nor taint of shame he knew, How shone the star of his glory, how strong was that fearless lord:-- Ho for the harvest of honour that earth's field gave to his sword! And his far-sung name was Siegfried, the name of a noble Knight; And he proved in his strength great-hearted full many a champion's might, And through many a strange land cleft he a path by his own right hand:-- Ho for the fiery warriors he found in Burgundia-land!