Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them
sit. With good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best
of wine, of which one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and
the home-folk was shown worship enow. Though much pastime they
had throughout the day, many of the strolling folk forsware all
rest. They served for the largess, which men found there richly,
whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with praise. Then bade
the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land and castles, as
he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the sword-
companions. The journey liked them well, that to this land they
were come. The feasting lasted until the seventh day.
Siegelind, the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out
ruddy gold in time-honored wise. Full well she wot how to make
him beloved of the folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among
the strolling mimes. Steeds and raiment were scattered by their
hand, as if they were to live not one more day. I trow that
never did serving folk use such great bounty. With worshipful
honors the company departed hence. Of the mighty barons the tale
doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of
this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught. Forasmuch
as both Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child
of them twain wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he
become a lord against all the deeds of force within his lands,
whereof the bold and daring knight was sore adread.


ENDNOTES:
(1) "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
independent saga. See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.