The morning dawned bright and clear, and away the warriors cantered with a clatter of hoofs and a boasting of bugles.
Siegfried’s Farewell to Kriemhild
Before departing Siegfried had said farewell to Kriemhild, who, she knew not why, was filled with dark forebodings.
“God grant I may see thee safe and well again,” said Siegfried. “Keep thou a merry heart among thy kin until I return.”
Then Kriemhild thought on the secret she had betrayed to Hagen, but she could not tell Siegfried of it. Sorely she wept, wishing that she had never been born, and keen and deep was her grief.
“Husband,” she said, “go not to the hunt. A baleful dream I had last night. You stood upon the heath and two wild boars approached. You fled, but they pursued you and wounded you, and the blossoms under your feet were red with blood. You behold my tears. Siegfried, I dread treachery. Wot you not of some who cherish for us a deadly hate? I counsel you, I beg you, dear lord, go not to the greenwood.”
Siegfried tried to laugh her fears away, “It is but for a few days that I leave thee, beloved,” he said. “Who can bear me hate if I cherish none against them? Thy brothers wish me well, nor have I offended them in any wise.”
But Kriemhild would not be comforted. “Greatly do I dread this parting,” she wailed, “for I dreamed another dream. You passed by two mountains, and they rocked on their bases, fell, and buried you, so that I saw you no more. Go not, for bitterly will I grieve if you depart.”
But with a laugh and a kiss Siegfried was gone. Leaping on his steed, he rode off at a gallop. Nevermore was she to see him in life.
Into the gloomy forest, the abode of the bear, the wolf, and the wild boar, plunged the knights in their lust of royal sport. Brilliant, brave, and goodly of cheer was the company, and rich was their entertainment. Many pack-horses laden with meats and wines accompanied them, and the panniers on the backs of these bulged with flesh, fish, and game, fitting for the table of a great king.