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The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous
page 53 of 374 (14%)
journey to the Burgundian land drew near; man and wife began to
fear lest they never should come home again. The heroes bade
lade their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their steeds
were fair and their trappings red with gold. No need were there
to live more proudly than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked
for leave to journey to the land of Burgundy; this the king and
queen sorrowfully vouchsafed. Lovingly he comforted them twain.
"For my sake," spake he, "must ye not weep, nor have fear for me
or for my life."

The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their
hearts did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would
come to death because of this. Just cause had they for wailing;
need enow they had in sooth.

Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the
brave warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their
trappings fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold
Siegfried's men. Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and
fair their helmets, as Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in
Gunther's land. Never had such princely attire been seen on
heroes; their sword-points hung down to their spurs. Sharp
javelins were borne by these chosen knights. Siegfried wielded
one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut most
dangerously. In their hands they held gold-colored bridles;
their martingales were silken: so they came into the land.
Everywhere the folk began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's
men fared forth to meet them. High-mettled warriors, both knight
and squire, betook them to the lords (as was but right), and
received into the land of their lords these guests and took from
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