Knights many swift in service in the halls of the palace there were

That to and fro were hasting clad all in goodly array;

Yet, for all their splendour, their glances to those goodlier four would stray.

Now word is brought unto Brunhild, and the tale to her ears hath come

Of those unknown knights-errant which have fared to her island-home

Sailing over the sea-flood, and attired each man like a king.

Then the Maiden royal and lovely fell to questioning:

And thus spake the Maid-queen Brunhild: “Now shall ye tell unto me

Who the unknown knights-errant may peradventure be

Whom yonder I see in my castle, each man like a kingdom’s lord;