Forthwith he ask'd of Siegfried, his valiant friend and true, "Know you ought of these maidens, whom here we have in view Down upon us looking, though not, methinks, in scorn? Whoe'er their lord they're surely high-minded and high-born." III Him answer'd Siegfried smiling, "Now you may closely spy, And tell me of these damsels which pleases best your eye, And which, if you could win her, you for your own would hold." "So will I," answer'd Gunther the hardy knight and bold. IV "One see I at a window stand in a snow-white vest; Around her all are lovely, but she's far loveliest. Her have mine eyes selected; Sir Siegfried, on my life, If I can only gain her, that maid shall be my wife." V "In all this world of beauty thine eyes have chosen well; That maid's the noble Brunhild, at once so fair and fell, She, who thy heart bewilders, she, who enchants thy sight." Her every act and gesture to Gunther was delight. VI Then bade the queen her maidens from the windows go; Them it ill befitted to stand a sight and show For the rude eyes of strangers; they bow'd to her behest, But what next did the ladies, we since have heard confest. VII They rob'd them in their richest to meet the strangers' gaze; Such, ever since were women, were ever women's ways. Through every chink and loophole was levelled many an eye At the unweeting champions, through love to peep and pry. VIII There were but four together who came into the land. The far-renowned Siegfried led a horse in hand. This Brunhild at a window mark'd with heedful eye. As lord of such a liegeman was Gunther valued high. IX Then humbly by the bridle he held the monarch's steed, Huge of limb and puissant and of the purest breed, Till in the royal saddle King Gunther proudly sat; So serv'd him noble Siegfried, which he too soon forgat. X Then his own the warrior led from ship to shore; He of a truth such service hath seldom done before, As to stand at the stirrup, when another mounted steed. Of all, close at the windows, the women took good heed. XI To look upon these champions was sure a glorious sight; Their horses and their garments were both of snowy white, And both match'd well together; each bore a polished shield, Which, still as it was shaken, flash'd around the field. XII So forward rode they lordly to Brunhild's gorgeous hall: Rich stones beset their saddles, their pöitrals, light and small, Had golden bells down-hanging that tinkled as they went. On mov'd the proud companions led by their bold intent. XIII Their spears were newly sharpen'd as if to meet a foe; Their swords of choicest temper down to the spur hung low; Keen of edge was each one, and thereto broad of blade. All this was mark'd by Brunhild, the chief-defying maid. XIV