As did well befit him, he was bred with care, And his own lofty nature gave him virtues rare, From him his father's country grace and honor drew, To see him prov'd in all things so noble and so true. VII He now, grown up to youthhood, at court his duty paid; The people saw him gladly; many a wife and many a maid Wish'd he would often thither, and bide forever there; They view'd him all with favor, whereof he well was ware. VIII The child by his fond parents was deck'd with weeds of pride, And but with guards about him they seldom let him ride. Uptrain'd was he by sages, who what was honor knew, So might he win full lightly broad lands and liegemen too. IX Now had he strength and stature that weapons well he bore; Whatever thereto needed, he had of it full store. He began fair ladies to his love to woo, And they inclin'd to Siegfried with faith and honor true. X Then bade his father Siegmund all his liegemen tell, With his dear friends to revel it would please him well. Where other kings were dwelling the tidings took their course. To friends and eke to strangers he gave both weed and horse. XI Whosoe'er was worthy to become a knight For his lofty lineage, did they each invite, High-born youths and valiant to the feastful board; With the young king Siegfried took they then the sword. XII Of that proud feast royal wonders one might say; King Siegmund and Queen Siegelind well might that day Win honor for the bounty they shower'd with lavish hand, For which full many a stranger came flocking through their land. XIII Sworded squires four hundred rich raiment had to wear With the noble Siegfried. Full many a maiden fair Ceaseless plied the needle to please the warrior bold; Precious stones unnumber'd the women set in gold, XIV (For gold was there in plenty), and as each could best For the love of Siegfried they work'd the jewel'd vest. The Host rais'd seats unnumber'd for many a martial wight On the fair midsummer when his heir was dubb'd a knight. XV Forthwith to the high minster flock'd many a squire along, And many a knight of worship. To fitly train the young The old should lend that service which once to them was lent. They pass'd the hours in pastime and gentle merriment. XVI But first to God's due honor a holy mass they sung, And then a press and struggle arose the crowd among, And then with pomp befitting each youth was dubb'd a knight. In sooth, before was never seen so fair a sight. XVII All ran at once, where saddled many a war-horse stood. In the court of Siegmund the tourney was so rude, That both hall and palace echoed far around, As those high-mettled champions shock'd with thundering sound. XVIII