Then Albrich and the giant from their bonds the hero unbound; And the Dwarf to the place ran swiftly where the Niblung knights slept sound; And in eager haste he uproused them, the men of the Niblung array, Crying, "Up, ye heroes! to Siegfried your lord must ye go straightway." Upsprang they from their couches, and they clad themselves with speed; And a thousand eager warriors stood arrayed in battle-weed; And he led them to where Prince Siegfried abode them in that great hall; And they gave to him loving greeting by word and by deed withal. They have kindled a hundred torches, they have poured the wine for their lord; And for that their speedy coming he thanked them with gracious word; And he said to them: "Now shall ye follow with me far hence oversea." And those valiant knights and loyal consented willingly. Stout vassal-knights three thousand had gathered at his call, And of these he chose a thousand, the goodliest of them all; And their helmets were brought to the chosen, and all their harness of war, Forasmuch as their lord would lead them unto Brunhild's land afar. And he spake: "O knights true-hearted, I would say unto you this thing: Ye must take rich raiment for wearing in the presence of Queen and King; {P. 69} For there shall ye look upon many a maiden fair to see: Therefore ye needs must adorn you with seemly bravery." (C) Now perchance might a simple-one chide me--"Not sooth is this thy song! How might in the castle be gathered so vast a knightly throng? Wherewithal should all these be nourished, and whence purvey them attire? Though realms he had thirty, never had he brought to pass his desire." (C) Tush!--surely ye know this--Siegfried was a passing-wealthy lord: He had that realm in possession, and his was the Niblung Hoard. So he gave to his war-thanes freely so much as they lacked, nay, more. How much he lavished soever, unminished still was his store.