A stout dwarf was Albric, and bold as well as stout; With helm and mail securely he was arm'd throughout; A golden scourge full heavy in his hand he swung. Straight ran he to the rescue, and fierce on Siegfried sprung. XIV Seven ponderous knobs from th' handle hung, each one by its thong; With these the dwarf kept pounding so sturdy and so strong, That he split the shield of Siegfried to the centre from the rim, And put the dauntless champion in care for life or limb. XV Away he threw his buckler broken all and smash'd; His long well-temper'd weapon into its sheath he dash'd, To spare his own dependents his virtue mov'd him still, And to his heart sore went it his chamberlain to kill. XVI With mighty hands undaunted in on the dwarf he ran; By the beard he caught him, that age-hoary man, He dragg'd him, and he shook him, his rage on him he wreak'd, And handled him so roughly, that loud for pain he shriek'd. XVII Loud cries the dwarf o'ermaster'd, "Spare me and leave me free, And could I ever servant save to one hero be, To whom I've sworn allegiance as long as I have breath," Said the crafty Albric, "you would I serve to death." XVIII Then bound was writhing Albric as the giant just before; The nervous grasp of Siegfried pinch'd him and pain'd him sore. Then thus the dwarf address'd him; "Be pleas'd your name to tell." Said he, "My name is Siegfried; I thought you knew me well." XIX "Well's me for these good tidings," Albric the dwarf replied. "Now know I all your merit, which I by proof have tried. High rule o'er all this country well you deserve to bear; I'll do whate'er you bid me; the vanquish'd only spare." XX Then said the noble Siegfried: "You must hence with speed, And bring me, of the warriors that best we have at need, A thousand Nibelungers; them I here must view; No evil shall befall you, if this you truly do." XXI The dwarf and eke the giant the champion straight unbound; Then ran at once swift Albric where he the warriors found. The slumbering Nibelungers he wak'd with eager care, Saying, "Up, up, ye heroes! ye must to Siegfried fare." XXII Up from their beds they started, and instant ready made, Nimble knights a thousand richly all array'd. So flock'd they quick, where waiting they saw Sir Siegfried stand; Then was there goodly greeting with word of mouth and clasp of hand. XXIII Straight lit was many a taper; then the spiced draught he drank; His friends, who came so quickly, he did not spare to thank. He said, "You hence must instant far o'er the wave with me." He found them for th' adventure as ready as could be. XXIV