Yet of that noble warrior all men must needs confess

That of all knights this was the chiefest that ever backed a steed.

Men dreaded his might—and reason had they in veriest deed!

XII.
How Gunther bade Siegfried to a Festival

Now through all these years ever Brunhild the Queen to her own heart said:

“How comes it that Lady Kriemhild beareth so proudly her head?

And yet is her husband Siegfried nought but our vassal, I trow;

Yet for long hath he rendered homage or service little enow!”

So bare she in secret a burden of brooding and heart’s unrest,

And that these in a far land tarried was ever a thorn in her breast,