[55]
It was a strong, wild griffin had quickly thither flown;
From the little boy of Sigeband, who ever care had known,
Came ill luck to his father, who soon of this was tasting.
His son, so well-belovéd, to him was lost, with the mighty bird far hasting.
[56]
A shadow now came o’er them, from wings that bore him fleet,
As if a cloud had risen; great strength had the bird, I weet.
The guests, in pastime busy, no thought to this had given,
And the maid, with the child she was leading, was standing now alone, unheeded even.