"Your counsel I will follow, thus let them home return." His captive foes his message were not slow to learn, No one their gold demanded which they had offer'd late. Meanwhile their friends in Denmark mourn'd for their lost estate. LIV Many a shield heap'd with treasure was brought at Gunther's call; Among the friends around him unweigh'd he shar'd it all; Five hundred marks or better each warrior home might bring; This frank and liberal counsel bold Gernot gave the king. LV Leave soon the guests were taking; their minds were homeward bent; Then might you see how each one before fair Kriemhild went, And eke where Lady Uta sat like a queen in place. Never yet were warriors dismiss'd with so much grace. LVI Empty was left each chamber as thence the strangers rode, Yet still in royal splendor the king at home abode With many a noble warrior and vassal of his court, Whom you might see to Kriemhild day by day resort. LVII And now the noble Siegfried leave to take was fain. What he so deeply yearn'd for he little hop'd to gain. It was told King Gunther that he would hence away. 'Twas Giselher the youthful that won the chief to stay. LVIII "Why would you leave us, Siegfried, noble friend and true? Tarry here among us (what I entreat you, do) With Gunther and his liegemen, warriors frank and free. Here are store of lovely ladies, whom you may gladly see." LIX Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Lead in the steeds again; Forthwith to ride I purpos'd, but now will here remain; And back, too, bear the bucklers; indeed I homeward yearn'd, But Giselher with honor my fix'd intent has turn'd." LX So stay'd the bold Sir Siegfried for love and friendship's sake; Nor surely could he elsewhere so gladly tarriance make As at the court of Gunther, for there throughout his stay The love-devoted warrior saw Kriemhild every day. LXI Through her unmeasur'd beauty Sir Siegfried linger'd there; His friends with many a pastime charm'd from him every care, Save longing love for Kriemhild; this mov'd him oft to sigh, This too thereafter brought him most miserably to die. SIXTH ADVENTURE HOW GUNTHER WENT TO WOO BRUNHILD I Beyond the Rhine high tidings again were nois'd around. There many a maid was dwelling for beauty wide renown'd, And one of these King Gunther, 'twas said, design'd to woo: Well pleas'd the monarch's purpose his knights and liegemen true. II There was a queen high seated afar beyond the sea; Never wielded sceptre a mightier than she; For beauty she was matchless, for strength without a peer; Her love to him she offer'd who could pass her at the spear. III