A dream was dreamt by Kriemhild the virtuous and the gay, How a wild young falcon she train'd for many a day, Till two fierce eagles tore it; to her there could not be In all the world such sorrow at this perforce to see. XIV To her mother Uta at once the dream she told, But she the threatening future could only thus unfold; "The falcon that thou trainedst is sure a noble mate; God shield him in his mercy, or thou must lose him straight." XV "A mate for me? what say'st thou, dearest mother mine? Ne'er to love, assure thee, my heart will I resign. I'll live and die a maiden, and end as I began, Nor (let what else befall me) will suffer woe for man." XVI "Nay," said her anxious mother, "renounce not marriage so; Would'st thou true heartfelt pleasure taste ever here below, Man's love alone can give it. Thou 'rt fair as eye can see, A fitting mate God send thee, and naught will wanting be." XVII "No more," the maiden answer'd, "no more, dear mother, say; From many a woman's fortune this truth is clear as day, That falsely smiling Pleasure with Pain requites us ever. I from both will keep me, and thus will sorrow never." XVIII So in her lofty virtues, fancy-free and gay, Liv'd the noble maiden many a happy day, Nor one more than another found favor in her sight; Still at the last she wedded a far-renowned knight. XIX He was the self-same falcon she in her dream had seen, Foretold by her wise mother. What vengeance took the queen On her nearest kinsmen who him to death had done! That single death atoning died many a mother's son. SECOND ADVENTURE OF SIEGFRIED I In Netherland then flourished a prince of lofty kind, (Whose father was called Siegmund, his mother Siegelind) In a sumptuous castle down by the Rhine's fair side; Men did call it Xanten; 't was famous far and wide. II I tell you of this warrior, how fair he was to see; From shame and from dishonor liv'd he ever free. Forthwith fierce and famous wax'd the mighty man. Ah! what height of worship in this world he wan! III Siegfried men did call him, that same champion good; Many a kingdom sought he in his manly mood, And through strength of body in many a land rode he. Ah! what men of valor he found in Burgundy! IV Before this noble champion grew up to man's estate, His hand had mighty wonders achieved in war's debate, Whereof the voice of rumor will ever sing and say, Though much must pass in silence in this our later day. V In his freshest season, in his youthful days, One might full many a marvel tell in Siegfried's praise, What lofty honors grac'd him, and how fair his fame, How he charm'd to love him many a noble dame. VI