Now grew unto man in the Low Land the child of a line world-famed.
For Siegmund the King begat him, his mother was Siegelind named,
In a tower-engirdled stronghold renowned through the earth afar,
Where the Rhine and the sea meet: Xanten men named that burg of war.
Now telleth the tale of a hero, how fair and stately he grew,
How the shield of his heart was honour, nor taint of shame he knew,
How shone the star of his glory, how strong was that fearless lord:—
Ho for the harvest of honour that earth’s field gave to his sword!
And his far-sung name was Siegfried, the name of a noble Knight;
And he proved in his strength great-hearted full many a champion’s might,