Siegfried's Farewell to Kriemhild

Before departing Siegfried had said farewell to Kriemhild, who, she knew
not why, was filled with dark forebodings.

"God grant I may see thee safe and well again," said Siegfried. "Keep
thou a merry heart among thy kin until I return."

Then Kriemhild thought on the secret she had betrayed to Hagen, but she
could not tell Siegfried of it. Sorely she wept, wishing that she had
never been born, and keen and deep was her grief.

"Husband," she said, "go not to the hunt. A baleful dream I had last
night. You stood upon the heath and two wild boars approached. You fled,
but they pursued you and wounded you, and the blossoms under your feet
were red with blood. You behold my tears. Siegfried, I dread treachery.
Wot you not of some who cherish for us a deadly hate? I counsel you, I
beg you, dear lord, go not to the greenwood."

Siegfried tried to laugh her fears away, "It is but for a few days that
I leave thee, beloved," he said. "Who can bear me hate if I cherish none
against them? Thy brothers wish me well, nor have I offended them in any
wise."

But Kriemhild would not be comforted. "Greatly do I dread this parting,"
she wailed, "for I dreamed another dream. You passed by two mountains,
and they rocked on their bases, fell, and buried you, so that I saw you
no more. Go not, for bitterly will I grieve if you depart."

But with a laugh and a kiss Siegfried was gone. Leaping on his steed, he
rode off at a gallop. Nevermore was she to see him in life.

Into the gloomy forest, the abode of the bear, the wolf, and the wild
boar, plunged the knights in their lust of royal sport. Brilliant,
brave, and goodly of cheer was the company, and rich was their
entertainment. Many pack-horses laden with meats and wines accompanied
them, and the panniers on the backs of these bulged with flesh, fish,
and game, fitting for the table of a great king.

On a broad meadow fringing the greenwood they camped, near to the place
where they were to begin the hunt, and watchers were sent round the
camp, so that no one with a message of warning on his lips might win to
the ears of Siegfried.

Siegfried waxed restless, for he had come not to feast but to hunt, and
he desired to be home again with Kriemhild. "Ha, comrades," he cried;
"who will into the forest with me and rouse the game?"

"Then," said the crafty Hagen, "let us find who is the best sportsman.
Let us divide the huntsmen and the hounds so that