sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.
Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great
worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty
knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What
bold warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders
might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors
he received and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him
in their love; with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of
himself what virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored,
that he was found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he
become of the age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw
him, many a maid wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow
gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom
was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and
Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were
acquaint with courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore
might he win both folk and land.

Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed
thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;
these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund
have cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving
kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings.
To the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever
any was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these
noble youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the
youthful prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell
of this great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great
worship with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store.
Wherefore one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred
sword-thanes (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a
fair maid was aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them
all. Many precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together
with the edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young
warriors, for this must needs be done.

The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer
fes