As the thunder of that conflict through the mountain's heart far rolled, It was heard of the Dwarf, the dauntless Albrich, the tameless-souled. In haste he armed him, and thither he ran, and behold, he found That noble stranger-warrior, and the giant warder bound. Of fiery mood was Albrich, and mighty strength he had: In hauberk-rings and in helmet was his body for battle clad; And a morning-star huge-headed of gold had he gripped in his hand. With swift feet rushed he onward unto where did Siegfried stand. Seven balls spike-studded and massy by chains from the mace-head swung, Wherewith on the shield that the hero's arm before him flung He hailed down blows so bitter that in fragments all it flew, So that somewhat adread that noble guest for his own life grew. The shield by that flail of battle shattered he flung from his hand, And he thrust back into the scabbard Balmung, the long keen brand: He would smite not therewith, lest his faithful seneschal should die; For aye was he noble-hearted, and the flower of chivalry. But the hero leapt upon Albrich with his strong bare hands alone, And fast by the beard he gripped him, that hoary-headed one, And he mightily plucked, that the Earth-dwarf shrieked for very pain, As the hero-knight tamed Albrich with his fingers' bitter strain. Loud cried the erstwhile aweless: "Ah, leave my life unto me! Had I not to another hero sworn true fealty, And bowed myself in homage to be vassal to him for aye, Thee would I serve to my death-day," did the crafty-wise one say. {P. 68} Then bound he Albrich, even as he bound that giant before: Of a truth the prowess of Siegfried galled him exceeding sore! Then asked the Dwarf of the hero: "I pray thee, how named art thou?" And he answered: "My name is Siegfried: thou hast heard that name, I trow." Spake Albrich: "For these tidings of a truth mine heart is fain! Of thy strength, the strength of a hero, hast thou given proof again, Hast shown how well thou art worthy to be lord of the Niblung Land. So thou spare me for that I withstood thee, will I do all thy command." Answered the good knight Siegfried: "Up then, and speedily Bring thou unto me my bravest which here in the fortress be, A thousand Niblungs: before me now would I see them brought." But the cause for the which he desired them thus, he told him not.