"By force, fair son, assure thee, can none the maiden woo," Resum'd the princely Siegmund, "this I have heard for true; But if with knights to back thee, thou'lt ride to Gunther's land, We've friends enough, and forthwith I'll summon all the band." XV "'Tis not to me well pleasing," the fiery youth replied, "That I the Rhine should visit with warriors by my side, As in array of battle, and 'twould my honor stain, If I should need assistance the peerless maid to gain. XVI "I little care to win her save by my own good hand; With comrades but eleven I'll hence to Gunther's land. Thus far, father Siegmund, of you help I pray." Then his friends, to trim their garments, receiv'd striped furs and gray. XVII To his mother Siegelind the heavy news they bore; The queen straight for her Siegfried began to sorrow sore. She shudder'd lest the lov'd one should all untimely die By the fierce knights of Gunther, and wept full bitterly. XVIII Then in haste went Siegfried where she her moan did make, And thus his sobbing mother tenderly bespake, "Weep not for me, dear mother, in better hope repose, Count me forever scathless e'en 'midst a thousand foes. XIX "So give me all that's needful through Burgundy to ride, That I and mine may journey with such fair weeds supplied As best becomes companions of high degree to wear, And from my heart I'll thank thee for all thy love and care." XX "Since naught avails to stay thee," so spake his mother mild, "I'll equip thee for the journey, my dear, my only child, Thee and thy bold companions, and send thee richly dight With weeds the best and fairest that e'er were worn by knight." XXI Then to the queen young Siegfried in duty bent him low, And said, "Upon this journey I would not that we go More than twelve together, so these with robes provide. Full fain am I to witness how stands it with my bride." XXII Fair women at the needle were sitting night and day; Scarcely could a seamstress her head on pillow lay, Till robes were work'd for Siegfried and all his company. The youth was ever yearning to start for Burgundy. XXIII His sire prepar'd his armor, and nothing left undone, That he might leave his country as fitted Siegmund's son; Well temper'd were their breast-plates that flash'd against the light, Of proof were their morions, their bucklers broad and bright. XXIV Their way they now were ready to Burgundy to take; Then man and wife were heavy with sorrow for their sake, Lest evil should befall them, and bar their homeward road, With weapons and apparel the heroes bad the sumpters load. XXV