Or in hurling the massy rock-shard, or in speeding the lance’s flight.

In presence of high-born ladies full oft was their prowess tried,

And proved was the strength of the valiant before the lovely-eyed;

And the Netherland’s knight found favour still with the passing-fair:

But his love was set on the highest, his heart was otherwhere.

(C) Yea, lovely palace-ladies, as the knights rode flashing by,

Would ask of the warrior-stranger of bearing proud and high—

“How stately is his stature, how rich his arraying!” they cried.

“’Tis the hero of the Low Land!” full many a voice replied.

What deeds they essayed soever, still foremost Siegfried pressed: