The hightide endured seven days. Sieglind, the wealthy queen, did
according to old custom. She divided red gold among her guests for love
of her son, that she might win their hearts to him.

Among the minstrels none were needy. Horses and raiment were as free as
if they that gave had but a day to live. Never company gave readier.

So the hightide ended with glory, and the rich lords were well minded to
have Siegfried to their prince. While Siegmund and Sieglind lived, their
son, that loved them, desired not to wear the crown, but only, as a brave
man, to excel in strength and might. Greatly was he feared in the land;
nor durst any chide him, for from the day he bare arms he rested not from
strife. Yea, in far countries and for all time, his strong hand won him
glory.


Third Adventure
How Siegfried Came to Worms

Little recked Siegfried of heart's dole till that the news reached him of
a fair maid of Burgundy, than whom none could wish a fairer; by reason of
her, joy befell him, and sorrow.

Her beauty was rumoured far and wide, and the fame of her virtues,
joined thereto, brought many strangers into Gunther's land. Yet, though
many wooed her, Kriemhild was firm-minded to wed none.

Thereupon Siegmund's son yearned to her with true love. Weighed with him
all other suitors were as wind, for he was meet to be chosen of fair