from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
with precious stones.



ADVENTURE III
How Siegfried Came to Worms.

It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He
heard tales told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid,
fashioned wondrous fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of
joy, but suffering, too. Her beauty out of measure was known far
and wide. So many a here heard of her noble mind, that it alone
brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's land. But however many
were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never confessed within
her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was still a
stranger to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of
Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to
his but as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In
later days the noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride.
Kinsmen and liegemen enow advised him, since he would have hope
of constant love, that he woo one who was his peer. At this bold
Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose Kriemhild, the fair maid of
Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure. This I know full well,
never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a wife, that it
would not beseem him to love this noble queen."

Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the
courtiers he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it
was to the king, that his child would woo the glorious maid.