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Translated by W. N. Lettsom
IN Netherland then flourished a prince of lofty kind | |
| (Whose father hight Siegmund, his mother Siegelind) | |
| In a sumptuous castle down by the Rhine’s fair side; | |
| Men did call it Xanten; ’t was famous far and wide. | |
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| I tell you of this warrior, how fair he was to see; | 5 |
| From shame and dishonor lived he ever free. | |
| Forthwith fierce and famous waxed the mighty man. | |
| Ah! what height of worship in this world he wan! | |
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| Siegfried men did call him, that same champion good; | |
| Many a kingdom sought he in his manly mood, | 10 |
| And through strength of body in many a land rode he. | |
| Ah! what men of valor he found in Burgundy! | |
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| Before this noble champion grew up to man’s estate, | |
| His hand had mighty wonders achieved in war’s debate, | |
| Whereof the voice of rumor will ever sing and say, | 15 |
| Though much must pass in silence in this our later day. | |
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| In his freshest season, in his youthful days, | |
| One might full many a marvel tell in Siegfried’s praise, | |
| What lofty honors graced him, and how fair his fame, | |
| How he charmed to love him many a noble dame. | 20 |
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| As did well befit him, he was bred with care, | |
| And his own lofty nature gave him virtues rare, | |
| From him his father’s country grace and honor drew, | |
| To see him proved in all things so noble and so true. | |
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