How Gunther won Brunhild
––––––––
The while they thus did parley their ship did forward glide
So near unto the castle that soon the king espied
Aloft within the casements many a maiden fair to see.
That all to him were strangers thought King Gunther mournfully.
He asked then of Siegfried, who bare him company:
"Know'st thou aught of the maidens, who the same may be,
Gazing yonder downward upon us on the tide?
Howe'er is named their master, minded are they high in pride."
Then spake the valiant Siegfried: "Now thither shalt thou spy
Unseen among the ladies, then not to me deny
Which, wert thou free in choosing, thou'dst take to be thy queen."
"That will I do," then answered Gunther the valiant knight and keen.
"I see there one among them by yonder casement stand,
Clad in snow
