III
At home, since so it needed, they left their infant heir,
The son that valiant Siegfried begot on Kriemhild fair.
To the poor boy misfortune that fatal journey bore;
His father and his mother saw he never more.
IV
And with them good Sir Siegmund prick'd forth in merry mood.
Had he but once foreboded the woes that thence ensued,
At that disastrous festal he ne'er had sat a guest,
Ne'er had he seen the ruin of those he loved the best.
V
Dispatch'd before were couriers to say they were at hand
Straight rode out to meet them a royal vested band,
Many a friend of Uta's, of Gunther's many a knight.
The host himself was stirring to welcome them aright.
VI
Forthwith he sought out Brunhild, where sat the stately dame.
"How did my sister greet you when first you hither came?
So greet the wife of Siegfried, take care to fail in nought."
"So will I," said she, "gladly; I love her as I ought."
VII
"To-morrow they'll be with us," said he, "by early day,
So, if you mean to greet them, be stirring while you may.
We must not, sure, be lurking within the castle here.
Never had I the fortune to welcome guests so dear."