In that fair land Burgundian unto Gunther the mighty king
The Queen, even Brunhild the lovely, had also borne a son.
Siegfried, for love of the Hero, they named that little one.
Ah, with what care exceeding they watched his childhood-days!
Wise warders Gunther appointed to rear him in wisdom’s ways,
Even all that for noble manhood and knightly should stand him in stead.
—Ah me, what woes from his kinsfolk lighted on that child’s head!
Through the golden years was the story aye published far and wide
In what fashion those valiant barons in princely pomp and pride
Lived in the land of Siegmund through the happy-fleeting days.