Now when all at the last lay ready, men saw by the Rhine-river strand A galley of stout oak builded by the cunning craftsman's hand, Wherein down Rhine-flood the heroes on to the sea should be borne. And by this were the noble maidens by their labour of love outworn. Then they sent to the knights the message that ready all things were In the which they would fain go bravely, that raiment passing-fair; Accomplished was all they had prayed for, and the labour of love was done. Now therefore beside Rhine-river no more would they linger on. So then to those gallant comrades was a message from Kriemhild brought To come and behold the apparel that her hands had newly wrought, If perchance for the heroes' wearing it were over short or long: And behold, it was all just measure, and they thanked that maiden-throng. Into whosesoever presence they came, all men must say That never on earth had they looked on more passing-fair array. Blithe-hearted might they wear it in the palace of proudest queen, For of goodlier knights' apparel had none or heard or seen. So then to these noble maidens all-courteous thanks they gave. And now must the bold knights-errant for leave of parting crave. With courtesy right gentle they spake their last farewell: Ah, then were there bright eyes troubled and dim as the tears fast fell. She spake: "O brother belovèd, 'twere better that here ye stayed-- Yea, wiselier done I account it--and wooed some other maid Where ye should not thus be enforcèd to hazard limb and life: Ye should find in a land near-lying no less a high-born wife." {P. 51} Already their hearts foreboded the trouble darkening near. All needs must weep, whatsoever words were spoken of cheer: The gold on their bosoms gleaming grew dim with the hot tears stained, With the tears that aye fell earthward from sorrowing eyes down-rained. Then spake she: "O Lord Siegfried, to thy love and thy loyalty Hereby do I commit him, this brother belovèd of me, That nothing of peril harm him afar in Brunhild's land." And the hero pledged him, and swore it on the Lady Kriemhild's hand. And he spake, that noble war-thane: "So long as endure my days, No shadow of trouble, Princess, shall fall across thy ways. I will bring him back into Rhineland--I swear it by life and limb!-- By peril unscathed." Low bowed she with soft eyes thanking him.