So were the noble maiden for our utter discomfiture born!”
Then answered Siegfried the mighty: “This will I countervail.
So will I deal, that the purpose that disquieteth you shall fail.
Them that shall help I will bring you hitherward unto this shore,
Even chosen knights, such a war-host as ye have not seen heretofore.
Ye shall ask not concerning mine absence: I will journey away from this place.
God have your honour in keeping, and guard it safe for a space!
Soon shall ye see me returning: a thousand men will I bring,
And these the mightiest war-thanes that ever followed king.”
“Only not long do thou linger,” the King made answer again,