"The hoard of King Nibelung / entire did they bear
Forth from a mountain hollow. / And now the wonder hear,
How that they would share it, / these two Nibelung men.
This saw the fearless Siegfried, / and filled he was with wonder then.
"He came so near unto them / that he the knights espied,
And they in turn him also. / One amongst them said:
'Here comes the doughty Siegfried, / hero of Netherland.'
Since 'mongst the Nibelungen / strange wonders wrought his mighty hand.
"Right well did they receive him, / Schilbung and Nibelung,
And straight they both together, / these noble princes young,
Bade him mete out the treasure, / the full valorous man,
And so long time besought him / that he at last the task began.
"As we have heard in story, / he saw of gems such store
That they might not be laden / on wagons full five score;
More still of gold all shining / from Nibelungenland.
'Twas all to be divided / between them by keen Siegfried's hand.
"Then gave they him for hire / King Nibelung's sword.
And sooth to say, that service / brought them but small reward,
That for them there performed / Siegfried of dauntless mood.
His task he could not finish; / thereat they raged as were they wood.