Now word is brought unto Brunhild, and the tale to her ears…

Now word is brought unto Brunhild, and the tale to her ears hath come Of those unknown knights-errant which have fared to her island-home Sailing over the sea-flood, and attired each man like a king. Then the Maiden royal and lovely fell to questioning: And thus spake the Maid-queen Brunhild: "Now shall ye tell unto me Who the unknown knights-errant may peradventure be Whom yonder I see in my castle, each man like a kingdom's lord; And for love of whom these heroes have journeyed hitherward."

Then of her train one answered: "I needs must own, O Queen, That of yonder company no man heretofore have I seen; Yet amidst them is one man standing who beareth Siegfried's guise; And in loyal love I counsel, receive him in gracious wise. And the second his comrade appeareth so worship-worthy to me, That if haply he wield power royal, a king may he verily be Over princely domains far-stretching, if he hold such sway indeed; For he stands mid the rest, meseemeth, as one of royal seed. For the third of these faring-fellows, he seemeth stern of mien, Yet none the less of stateliest stature, O mighty Queen. Swift, keen be his glances as lightning, and flash still to and fro: Dour and quick unto anger his spirit shall be, I trow. For the youngest, of all praise worthy he seemeth in mine eyes. A gallant knight we account him, yet withal of such winsome guise That the grace of a maiden shineth through all his mien high-born; Yet verily might all tremble to deal to him scathe or scorn. For all his gentle bearing and his goodlihead withal, Yet many a comely woman should weep for her lover's fall, If his wrath to the battle were kindled: right sinewy-shapen is he, In all manner of knightly virtues a flower of chivalry."

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: "Bring royal raiment to me. Now if yon mighty Siegfried to my country be come oversea To seek my love in his wooing, he imperilleth his life. Nowise I dread him so sorely as to stoop to be his wife!"