But Siegfried’s words at length prevailed over his mother’s fears, and she too gave her consent, yet with a heavy heart. Soon all was ready, and Siegfried, with his trusty followers, well armed and equipped, bade a loving farewell to all and set forth upon his journey, followed by many tears and prayers.
The trappings of their prancing steeds
With ruddy gold did shine,
As Siegfried and his gallant knights
Behind them left the Rhine.
So gloriously attired and horsed
Was never martial band,
As they their stately progress made
Into King Günther’s land.
On the seventh day they came to Worms, where never before had such mighty heroes been seen. The people in the streets stood and stared to see them pass, and many ran after them; but Siegfried far surpassed them all in beauty and stature no less than in the splendor of his equipment. Before the King’s castle they halted, whereupon serving-men hastened to assist the strangers to dismount, and provide for their steeds. But Siegfried said: