So to their loving comrades a messenger was sent, That they the goodly vesture might see before they went, If it for the warriors too short were or too long. Much thanks they gave the women when found was nothing wrong. LII Whomever met the warriors, all could not but admire; In all the world not any had seen such fair attire; At Brunhild's court 'twould surely become the wearers well. Of better knightly garments not a tongue could tell. LIII Much thank'd was each fair seamstress for her successful toil. Meanwhile, on point of parting for a far and dangerous soil, The warriors would of Kriemhild take leave in knightly wise, Whereat moist clouds of sorrow bedimm'd her sunbright eyes. LIV Said she, "Why thus, dear brother, to foreign regions run? Stay here and woo another; that were far better done, Than on so dire a venture to set your fame and life. You'll find among our neighbors a fairer, nobler wife." LV Their hearts, I ween, foreboded what thence was to befall. How spake they ever boldly, sore wept they one and all. Their tears the gold o'ermoisten'd that on their breasts they wore; So thick they from their eyelids stream'd down upon the floor. LVI "To you," said she, "Sir Siegfried, at least may I resign, To your faith, to your honor, this brother dear of mine, That no mischance beset him in Brunhild's fatal land." Straight promis'd he the maiden, and clasp'd her clay-cold hand. LVII Then spake the loving champion, "Long as I have life, Dismiss the cares, fair lady, that in your breast are rife. I'll bring you back your brother safe and well a-pay'd; Take that for sure and certain." Low bow'd the thankful maid. LVIII Their golden-color'd bucklers were borne down to the strand, With all their costly vesture, and softly led in hand Were their high-mettled chargers; they now would straight depart. Then many an eye was weeping, and throbbing many a heart. LIX Fair maids stood at the windows as they hoisted sail; The bark rock'd, and the canvas flapp'd with the fresh'ning gale. So on the Rhine were seated the comrades frank and free; Then said good King Gunther, "Who shall our steersman be?" LX "I will," said noble Siegfried; "well all our course I know, Well the tides and currents how they shift and flow. Trust me, good knight, to pilot you and your company." So from Worms and Rhineland they parted joyously. LXI With that straight seiz'd Sir Siegfried a pole that lay at hand, And with strong effort straining 'gan push off from the strand; Gunther himself as ready took in hand an oar; So fell off the vessel and parted from the shore. LXII