Said her mother then, "Be not so sure; for wouldst thou ever on this
earth have heart's gladness, it cometh from the love of a man. And a
fair wife wilt thou be, if God but lead hither to thee a true and trust
knight."

"Say not so, mother mine," answered the maiden, "for on many a woman, and
oft hath it been proven, that the meed of love is sorrow. From both I
will keep me, that evil betide not."

Long in such wise abode the high, pure maiden, nor thought to love any.
Nevertheless, at the last, she wedded a brave man; that was the falcon
she dreamed of erstwhile, as her mother foretold it. Yea, bitter was her
vengeance on her kinsmen that slew him, and by reason of his death died
many a mother's son.


Second Adventure
Concerning Siegfried

There grew up in the Netherland a rich king's child, whose father hight
Siegmund and his mother Sieglind, in a castle high and famous called
Xanten, down by the Rhine's side. Goodly was this knight, by my troth,
his body without blemish, a strong and valiant man of great worship;
abroad, through the whole earth, went his fame. The hero hight
Siegfried, and he rode boldly into many lands. Ha! in Burgundy, I trow,
he found warriors to his liking. Or he was a man grown he had done
marvels with his hand, as is said and sung, albeit now there is no time
for more word thereof.