And rolling in swift circling course
About the castle lay.
Gay banners in the morning glow,
Soon waved on every height;
In majesty, like giant swans,
Upon the waters bright,
Glided the ships with sails outspread—
In truth a noble sight.
One of the damsels approached Gudrun’s bed, and cried, “Awaken, lady, for our knights are near!”
Quickly she sprang up and hastened to the window; but when she saw the banners fluttering in the morning breeze and looked down on the thousands who were joyously pressing on to battle, she burst into tears at the thought of how many gallant heroes must fall in death that day.