Now by this was the hour of their faring unto Burgundy drawn full near; And the hearts of man and woman were heavy with boding fear Lest never the cherished faces should be seen in the land again. And they bade lade armour and raiment on the beasts of the sumpter-train. Goodly to see were the horses in their trappings of ruddy gold. Long should ye search and vainly more gallant sight to behold Than Siegfried the knight and the warrior-henchmen ranged at his side. Now for nought but the parting-blessing his feet for a space abide. And the King and the Queen there mingled their blessing with many a tear; But he spake to them words of comfort, and cried with loving cheer: "Nought have ye to do with weeping for my peril in any strife: Banish for aye foreboding as touching Siegfried's life!" Yet the earls were heavy-hearted, the maidens' tears ran free; Yea, the fear on their souls lay darkly that yet in the days to be For the dear ones unreturning they should sorrow with hearts bowed low:-- Ah me, for their lamentation at the last was there cause enow! So it fell on the seventh morning that to Worms by the Rhine-river shore Those fearless knights came riding. What raiment soever they wore Was all with the red gold broidered, and the harness glinted and shone As their steeds went softly pacing as they followed Siegfried on. {P. 11} New-wrought were the knights' broad bucklers, bright without fleck or stain, And their helms were a flashing splendour, as rode that gallant train After the aweless Siegfried through the heart of Burgundia-land; Never therein did heroes so goodly-apparelled stand. Low as the spurs all-golden their mighty sword-points hung; Sharp battle-spears those champions in their strong hands lightly swung. Of two full spans was the blue blade of the lance that Siegfried bare; Keen were the long cold edges, and the lightning of death slept there. Starred reins all gold-embroidered swung light in the rider's hand, And the steeds' breast-bands were silken: so rode they through the land; And with parted lips of wonder around them all folk pressed.