Thou shalt learn for thine own self—hearken! for that is Kriemhild’s wail
And the cry of all her maidens for Siegfried in death laid low!”
Sharp terror thrilled through Siegmund, and pangs of unfeignèd woe.
He sprang from his bed: gathered round him a hundred men of his band.
Each man had caught up swiftly a sword keen-whetted in hand.
Forth ran they whither the woeful death-keen guided them on,
And after them knights a thousand, bold Siegfried’s vassals, are gone.
Was none that bethought him of vesture, till suddenly these drew nigh
Where the long wild wail of the women went shivering up to the sky.
In their anguish had none remembered; they knew not what they did;