INTRODUCTION (continued 2)

O noble Daughter of Princes, not yet have I told thee all;

For behold, these twain were captive taken by Siegfried’s hand.

Never so many war-thralls have come into this our land

As now his valour haleth hitherward unto the Rhine.”

—More welcome words had she hearkened never, ye well may divine—

“Five hundred barons unwounded, nay more, be hitherward led,

O Queen, and of men sore stricken in fight, yea, well-nigh dead,

Full fourscore blood-stained litters come softly through the land;

And of these were the more part smitten by dauntless Siegfried’s hand.

They whose pride overweening challenged the Lords of Rhine to the war

Now captives of King Gunther by sore constraint they are.

With joy to thy land that goodly prey do our warriors hale.”

Then flushed into rose the lily at the telling of that tale.

Yea, over her lovely visage for rapture the roses burned

That out of the imminent peril alive and whole had returned

Her knight, her winsome Siegfried, of the young, heart-conquering eyes—

Yea, she rejoiced for her kinsfolk withal in sisterly wise.

Then spake that Queen of Beauty: “Glad tidings to me hast thou brought.

I will give thee for thy guerdon bright raiment richly wrought;

And my treasurer shall count thee withal ten marks of gold.”

He is happy of whom such tidings unto noble dames be told!

They gave him for his guerdon the gold and the costly array.

Many a lovely maiden from her casement leaned that day,

And gazed o’er the city highway, and saw go riding by

Many a thane high-hearted of the land of Burgundy.

First rode the knights unwounded, then the train of the stricken came,—

Well might these hearken the greeting of friends with nought of shame!

And the King rode forth glad-hearted to meet them, kinsman and guest:

From all his care in rejoicing his soul had gotten rest.

Then greeted he well his kinsfolk, and hailed each stranger knight,

As for kings of men so mighty is ever meet and right

With thanks and with lovingkindness to meet men faring back

From plucking the flower of glory from the field of the battle-wrack.

Now touching his friends and his kinsmen King Gunther questioneth,

Even who in the highways of battle had been stricken unto death:

And behold, in heroes fourscore the tale of their slain is told!—

But the brave dead none bewaileth, and so hath it been from of old.

Yea, even the knights unwounded brought many a sword-hacked shield,

And many a rifted helmet, home from that stricken field.

And the riders sprang from their horses at the gates of the hall of the King;

And with shouts of salutation did the very heavens ring.

Fair harbourage unto the good knights they gave that city through;

And the King commanded to honour his guests with tendance due;

And they bound up the hurts of the wounded, and with diligent heed did they tend:

Yea, that knightly King was gracious unto foe no less than friend.

Then unto Lüdegast spake he: “Welcome to me be thou!

Through thy misdeed to my kingdom hath mischief been wrought enow,

For the which thou must make atonement, if this may be compassed of me.

God look on my friends and reward them: right well have they holpen me!”

“Well mayst thou thank thine helpers,” spake Lüdiger answering:

“In sooth such high-born captives had never earthly king!

And now for knightly warding we tender thee goodly fee,

And pray thee for gracious dealing with them that were foes unto thee.”

“Unto both of you freedom from fetters,” he answered, “will I accord,

So all which have fought against me abide here still in ward:

And for this shall ye give me pledges that none shall leave my land,

Except as I give them licence.” To the covenant gave they the hand.

Then they led to their rest the weary, where all things ready were made.

Full soon upon easeful couches were the wounded warriors laid.

And they poured for the knights unwounded bright wine and mead good store:

Never in mirth and joyance were hearts uplifted more.

The bucklers battle-riven took they, and they laid them by,

And saddles blood-empurpled might one see plenteously;

But these caused they to be hidden, lest women should weep at the sight:—

Ah, the sun went down that even upon many a wayworn knight!

“Give kindliest entertainment to my guests,” did the King command:—

With the native-born and with strangers now thronged was all the land:—

He took thought for the heedful tendance of each sore-wounded foe:

Ha, how was their haughty defiance in humility brought low!

Whosoever were cunning in leechcraft, rich guerdon their skill repaid,

Bright gold unstinted and silver outlavished, yea, unweighed,

So they would but heal those heroes who had gotten hurt in the war.

And with gifts the King still loaded his guests that came from far.

And whoso of these was minded homeward to turn again,

As one should entreat a dear friend, so prayed they him to remain.

Nor forgat the King his liegemen, but devised for them rich reward,

Even all whose labour of glory had accomplished the will of their lord.

Then spake Prince Gernot his counsel: “Let our guests depart as now:

And in forty days—proclaim it, and to all men publish it thou—

Unto a festal high-tide shall all return once more;

For healed by then shall be many that now lie wounded sore.”

Then made his request Prince Siegfried: “I pray you, let me depart.”

But when to the Rhine-lord Gernot was known the desire of his heart,

He besought him in loving fashion for a season to tarry still:—

Sooth, but for the love of his sister, he had swayed him not to his will!

To a prince so royal might no man for his measureless desert

Proffer reward; but his guerdon was the love of Gunther’s heart,

And of all his friends and kinsfolk; for alway in their sight

Fair shone the mighty achievements that his hand had wrought in fight.

He said to his heart: “I will linger for the sake of Beauty’s Queen,

If at last I may haply behold her.” And so was his heart’s dream seen

At the last: after long, long waiting he beheld her, his love and his star;

Then with heart all love-overflowing he rode to his home afar.

Now the King had given commandment for tourneys day by day,

And strong young knights rode gladly in the gentle and joyous fray.

And he bade make ready the high-seats in the city beside Rhine-strand

For the noble guests who were bidden to the feast in Burgundia-land.

Now as near drew the day and nearer when the guests from afar should be there,

Told was the tale of their coming unto Kriemhild the passing-fair,

And of that great festal high-tide with dear-loved friends she heard—

Lo, the heart of each winsome lady to beauty’s arraying is stirred;

And they seek out wimples to deck them, and the lovely robes unfold.

And now to the lady Uta the tidings moreover are told

Of the coming of those proud warriors which unto the feast are bidden.

Forth drawn is the costly raiment in the cedar caskets hidden;

And she bade for her sons’ sake fashion bright mantle and vest straightway

For the clothing of maid and matron in royal-rich array;

Yea, doublet and cloak for vesture of the knights of Burgundy,

And withal for many a stranger much goodly bravery.

V. How Siegfried first saw Kriemhild

Now day by day the watchers saw heroes Rhineward ride,

Warriors fain of the joyance of that great festal-tide,

Knights that for love of the Rhine-lords into the Rhineland pressed;

And ever with gifts were they greeted, swift steed and goodly vest.

Fair-dight by this were the high-seats with purple and gleam of gold

For the noblest and the bravest, as the ancient tale hath told,

For the princes two-and-thirty that thronged to the festival.

And in rivalry of beauty fair women arrayed them withal.

There Giselher the stripling all-eager might ye see,

As he welcomed the homeland-dweller and the stranger courteously;

And with him stood Gernot his brother and all their knightly train:

With the honour of ancient custom they greeted each noble thane.

Through the Rhineland highways rode they on saddles with gold red-glowing;

Great shields all splendour-blazoned, rich mantles lordly-flowing

Went flashing up the city to that glorious festal-tide:—

Yea, men unhealed blithe-hearted looked forth on their knightly pride;

Ay, the battle-stricken tossing on beds of pain all day

Forgat how near to the shadow of bitter death they lay:

For the sick and the fever-blasted love’s lips forgot to sigh,

So glad were they all for the dawning of the festal days so nigh;

For they thought, “In such royal bounty shall we live and see good days!”

There were murmurs of mirth unmeasured through all the city’s ways;

There were overflowings of gladness—more bliss no man hath beheld:

High through the land of Gunther the tides of joyance swelled.

All on a merry morning of Whitsuntide rode they,

Those splendour-vestured chosen brave knights in long array,

Five thousand men—nay, haply yet more, to the King’s feast bound:

To and fro were flashing the light jests, and the laughter echoed round.

Now on this was the King still musing—thereof had he long been ware—

How the heart of the Netherland hero lay tangled in love’s snare

Spell-drawn unto his sister, whom yet he had ne’er looked on,

The lady by whom all maidens were in loveliness outshone.

(C) And he spake: “Now all give counsel, both kinsman and vassal true,

What thing to make all-perfect this feast-tide shall we do,

That no man may chide us for failing in aught in the coming days;

For in sooth by our deeds men judge us at the last, to blame us or praise.”

Then the Lord of Metz, knight Ortwein, spake to that kingly host:

“If thy festival with honour shall be crowned to the uttermost,

Thou suffer thy guests to look on the maidens peerless-fair

Whose praise through the land Burgundian is rumoured everywhere.

Wherein is a man’s heart-pleasure, and his eyes’ most dear delight,

Save in loveliness of a maiden, in the beauty of lady bright?

Thou suffer then that thy sister before thy guests appear.”

Leapt the heart of many a hero that welcome word to hear.

“Full fain will I heed thy counsel,” was Gunther’s answering word,

And thereat were the hearts of all men exultation-stirred;

And he spake to the Lady Uta, and to Kriemhild the lovely-eyed,

To come with all their maidens to the King’s high festal-tide.

Then in the cedar-caskets for fair attire sought they,

And unfolded the flashing splendour of royal-rich array,

And the cloudy lace and the bracelets, whereof good store they had.

So with loveliest adorning were the winsome maidens clad.

There was many a young knight yearning that day in eager wise

That he might be found well-pleasing in the high-born ladies’ eyes.

That hope would he not have bartered, no, not for a kingdom’s fee.

The fair forms unbeholden ere this it was joy to see.

Then the great King gave commandment that a guard of honour should go

With his sister and his mother, in their farings to and fro,

Of a hundred of his good knights, each man with sword in hand,

As was ever the royal custom in fair Burgundia-land.

Beside her princess-daughter Uta the queenly came,

And a bright train followed after of many a lovely dame,

Five score, yea more peradventure, in costly raiment arrayed;

And paced behind fair Kriemhild many a winsome maid.

From a stately tiring-bower those daintiest feet forth paced:

Then surged the great press forward of heroes eager-faced

Which had stood there long-expectant, if haply their lot might be

To look glad-eyed on the Fairest, on the Star of Burgundy.

Now forth of the doors the Loveliest came, as the morning-red

From lowering clouds forth breaketh;—lo, how his heart-ache fled,

His, who in his soul had shrined her through all that weary tide!

For he saw that glory of women stand there in her beauty’s pride.

Flashed many a priceless gemstone from the folds of her attire,

And the roses flushed through the lilies, a snare of hearts’ desire.

Howsoe’er ’gainst the spell of her beauty one strove, he needs must own

That nothing so passing lovely in the wide world yet had he known.

As the full moon in her glory swims on before the stars,

And the brightness of her splendour floats forth of the cloudy bars,

So before all other women shone out that Queen of Love.

Well might the hearts of the heroes be uplifted for joy thereof!

Paced onward before the maidens the stately chamberlains.

Now could they forbear no longer, those noble-hearted thanes,

But to gaze on her winsome sweetness forward still did they press.

Then was Siegfried’s heart joy-ravished, and anon in heaviness.

In his inmost soul was he musing: “How dared I dream such bliss

That I, I ever should woo thee?—an idle dream was this!

Yet must I for aye be a stranger? Better that I lay dead!”

And oft in his thoughts’ wild tumult he paled, and anon flushed red.

There Siegelind’s son stood moveless, and so winsome did he seem

As though by the hand of a master were the angel of his dream

Limned on the missal-parchment: none looked on him, and forbore

To own that so comely a hero had none seen theretofore.

Then the knights that attended Kriemhild bade all to left and to right

Avoid from the path, and obedient to the word was many a knight.

What joy it was to behold them, that heart-uplifted throng,

As the gentle-nurtured ladies all queenlike swept along!

Then spake the Prince Burgundian, and Gernot uttered his rede:

“The hero who did thee service ungrudging in thy need,

Gunther, belovèd brother, thou guerdon him for the same

Before all these: of my counsel shall no man dare think shame.

Bid Siegfried unto my sister, that he meet her face to face,

That the maiden may greet him: of the honour shall we win us enduring grace.

If to him be accorded her greeting, who on knight smiled never before,

We have gotten this goodly war-thane to our friend for evermore.”

Hasted the kinsmen of Gunther unto where did Siegfried stand,

And they bare that courteous bidding to the knight of Netherland:

“This is the King’s good pleasure, that thou come where the seed-royal be,

To the end that his sister may greet thee for especial honour to thee.”

How thrilled the soul of Siegfried to hear that gracious word!

Passed as a dream his heart-ache, his spirit with rapture was stirred

That on Uta’s lovely daughter he should look with unhindered eyes:

And she, she received Prince Siegfried in courtly-winsome wise.

When she saw him stand before her, that hero-hearted lord,

Her cheeks were aflame with the love-light, her sweet lips spake the word:

“Welcome to thee, Lord Siegfried, to a good and noble knight!”

Then the wings of his soul at her greeting soared to the heaven’s height

Love-lowly he bent before her: she laid her hand in his;

And each moved on by other in a yearning trance of bliss.

From their eyes the soft love-lightning flashed those twain alway

Strong hero and fair maiden—yet stolen glances were they.

Ask ye, were those white fingers by him pressed lovingly

For speech of the heart?—such knowledge is all too high for me;

Yet—yet I may nowise believe it, that he spared to do this thing.

Soon came sweet self-betrayal of the heart that had found its king.

It was all in the summer season, in the very glory of May.

Never his heart had tasted such bliss as on that glad day,

Never such soul-uplifting, as in that hour he knew

When walked that maiden beside him, whom the hero fain would woo.

Then many a knight was thinking: “Ah me, that my bliss it were

Even so to be pacing beside her, as he is pacing there!

And O in mine arms to clasp her!—how fain thereof had I been!”

Yet who might begrudge?—never hero was so worthy to win a queen.

From what far land soever those guests had come, each thane

Had eyes, in all that feast-tide, for nothing save these twain.

Then suffered was the maiden to kiss that goodly knight:

Never in all his life-days had he known such dear delight.

But the King of the Danefolk murmured under his breath straightway:

“Ah, many for this high greeting lie sorely hurt this day

By the hand of Siegfried stricken—for witness stand I here:—

God grant his face in Daneland may never more appear!”

Then the heralds cried that all folk should avoid to left and right

From the path of Kriemhild the lovely; and many a gallant knight

And warrior gently-nurtured in her train to the minster hied:

So for a space was parted the hero from her side.

So passed she into the minster with her maiden-company;

And the dim aisles shone with beauty so glorious to see,

That many a prayer dropped earthward that should to heaven aspire,

For of all those chosen champions was she the eyes’ desire.

Now scarce could Siegfried tarry till the mass was brought to an end,

And his heart still sang thanksgiving unto Fortune, unto the friend

Which had bowed unto him her favour whom shrined in his heart he bare:

Fast bound in loyal service was he to the Fairest Fair.

When again forth out of the minster after the mass she came,

Again to her presence was bidden that hero of far-sung fame.

Then the winsome-lovely maiden her thanks unto him outpoured

That so bravely beyond all others he helped when her brethren warred:

“Lord Siegfried, now God reward thee,” that Queen of Beauty said:

“The good knights’ loyal homage this day hast thou merited;

All true hearts’ love-avowal right nobly hast thou earned!”

Then the love in the eyes of Siegfried on the eyes of Kriemhild burned.

“For ever and aye will I serve thee!” Siegfried the hero said:

“Never to rest or slumber will I lay down mine head

Till thine every wish be accomplished, while life shall endure in me!

And this do I, O Kriemhild, Kriemhild, for love of thee!”

So it fell that through twelve days, ever as dawned each new day’s light,

By the witchery-winsome maiden lingereth still the knight

Oft as in kingfolk’s presence her feet through the fair halls pace,

For mighty love hath constrained her to yield unto him this grace.

Glad noise of jubilation and the merry tourney’s clang,

Still as the days on-fleeted, round Gunther’s palace rang,

Within, without, as in feast-hall and in lists the valiant vied;

And by marvels of prowess were Ortwein and Hagen magnified.

In what manly sport soever men strove, these twain evermore,

These champions keen in the onset, their part to the uttermost bore.

In the eyes of the guests of the kingdom bright made they their renown:

Of the whole land of King Gunther the glory were they and the crown.

They which had long lain wounded now to the sun forth came:

They were fain with Gunther’s liegemen to share each knightly game,

Would wield the fence of the buckler and hurl the lance afar:

No lack had they of companions in the merry mimic war.

And ever in the feast-hall that kingly host took heed

That his guests should be served of the choicest, that no least word should proceed

Of blame from the lips of any, such as smircheth the name of a king;

And aye mid his guests was he passing with gracious welcoming.

And he spake in the midst: “Ye good knights, or ever ye ride from my land,

Accept ye the gifts of my giving, for so doth mine heart’s wish stand,

And to you will I aye be beholden: then think not scorn thereof,

For with that which I share among you is given mine heart’s whole love.”

Then answered the lords of Daneland there as they stood in hall:

“Or ever aback to the homeland we ride delivered from thrall,

Assure to us peace abiding: thereof is our need full sore,

Seeing many our friends down-stricken by your friends shall rise no more.”

Now by this from his hurts recovered was Lüdegast the Dane,

And the Lord of the land of the Saxons was whole from the battle again,

Albeit some of their warriors must they leave in a strange land dead.

Then went King Gunther to Siegfried, and drew him apart, and he said:

“Now give me herein thy counsel”—thus spake he unto the knight—

“Our captive guests would ride hence with the first of the morrow’s light,

And petition for reconciling long-lasting with mine and me.

O valiant knight, give counsel how best it seemeth to thee.

Now what these two kings proffer, unto thee shall it now be told:

Five hundred horses’ burden they tender of red gold.

This willingly give they for ransom, so I will set them free.”

Spake Siegfried the strong: “For thine honour this thing shall nowise be.

Nay, freely, without all ransom, let them fare forth hence, these twain,

If so be that these noble war-lords will swear henceforth to refrain

From riding the raid of the foeman hitherward unto your land:

And for pledge hereunto be given a king’s unsullied hand.”

“I will do even after thy counsel,” he said. So parted they:

And unto their adversaries was answer made straightway

That the gold was desired of no man that was proffered of them at the first.

Ah, sick were their hearts with longing for dear ones, and home-athirst!

Shields many treasure-laden his henchmen thitherward bare,

And therefrom to his friends bright silver unweighed did the knight-king share,

Five hundred marks unto each one—unto many an one yet more:

So was Gunther advised of Gernot, that noble counsellor.

Then prayed all, “Let us depart hence”; for now would they fain ride home;

And into the presence of Kriemhild did the guests for farewell come,

And unto the foot of the high-seat whereon sat Uta the Queen.

Ne’er in such gracious fashion were guests sped forth, I ween.

Now void were the city’s hostels, as forth of the gates they rode;

Yet still in the land Burgundian in royal state abode

The King with all his kinsfolk in the midst of a knightly train,

And each day in the presence of Kriemhild appeared each noble thane.

Then Siegfried the hero petitioned, “I pray you, let me depart”;

For his hope waxed faint of winning her who was queen of his heart:

And the King heard tell of his purpose, that thence he would fare straightway.

But the young lad Giselher pleaded, and wrought on him to delay:

“Whither away, O Siegfried, is thine heart on journeying set?

Nay, hearken to my petition, abide with the good knights yet;

Abide thou with King Gunther and his loyal liegemen still.

Lo, here be lovely ladies: thou mayst see them at thy will.”

Made answer Siegfried the mighty: “Nay then, let the steeds abide.

Lo, I have foregone my purpose, and hence not yet will I ride.

Bear hence the shields and uphang them—albeit I long for mine home,

Lord Giselher’s love true-hearted hath turned my mind therefrom.”

So tarried the valiant warrior there by a friend’s love won.

In all the rest of the wide world other place was there none

Wherein he had rested so gladly; and now none said him nay,

But he looked on the beauty of Kriemhild ever day by day;

For the sake of her measureless fairness he could not choose but stay.

In many a pleasant pastime they wore the hours away.

Only he felt love’s torment, he knew none other care.

—Ah me, but the days were coming when she should be his death-snare!

VI. How they Voyaged on Love-quest to Isen-land

Now over the Rhine came a story of none heard theretofore,

A tale of the marvellous beauty of maids on a far-away shore.

Then stirred was the spirit of Gunther to win such an one for his bride:

In the hope thereof uplifted was his heart in kingly pride.

There was a Queen of Beauty enthroned beyond the sea;

Through all the world’s wide compass was none so fair as she.

In loveliness was she peerless, and of measureless bodily might;

For she matched her with champions that wooed her in speeding the lance’s flight,

And in hurling the stone, and in leaping far as it flew through the air.

Whosoever to wife would win her, that terrible test must dare,

And in contests three overcome her, that champion-maid high-born.

Let him fail in but one of the trials, and his head from his shoulders was shorn.

Full oft that Daughter of Princes had done this ruthless thing:

But now by the Rhine her rumour came to a knightly king,

And he turned his whole heart’s longing to win that fair one to wife.

—Ah, many a knight thereafter for her sake lost his life!

(C) As once in the midst of his people the noble Gunther sat,

Much question arose, as the speech-tide flowed swiftly this way and that,

What queen among women was worthy that the King should choose her for bride,

Who should be Queen of Burgundia, and sit enthroned at his side.

Then spake the Lord of Rhineland: “I will take ship down to the sea,

And will sail to the Lady Brunhild, howsoever it fare with me.

For the love of that Queen of Women will I venture limb and life:

Yea, ready I stand to lose them, an I win her not to my wife.”

“I give my counsel against it,” cried Siegfried with earnest mien;

“Such deadly-ruthless customs be practised of that dread queen,

That whoever is her love’s suitor, his head he imperilleth.

Well mayst thou advise thee rather to turn from this path of death.”

(C) Answered and spake King Gunther: “Never was woman born

So strong and so fierce of spirit, but her might were by mine outworn

Lightly, in any contest, by my single hand alone!”

“Ah hush!” made answer Siegfried, “unto thee is this woman unknown.

(C) Though four such as thou withstood her, the strength of them all were as nought

Against her terrible fury: thou therefore renounce that thought;

In loyal faith I advise thee. If with death thou be not in love,

Travail not thou to win her, for nought can come thereof.”

(C) “Be she as strong as she may be, on that journey I needs must fare

Hence unto Brunhild, befall me what may befall me there!

For the sake of her peerless beauty no peril will I decline.

Peradventure may God yet move her to follow us to the Rhine.”

“Then will I counsel,” made answer Hagen, “if this must be,

That thou make thy request unto Siegfried, that he will bear with thee

The burden of this sore travail: this rede remaineth the best,

Seeing he hath alone clear knowledge of Brunhild’s perilous test.”

Said the King, “O Siegfried belovèd, mine helper wilt thou fare

In my wooing of Brunhild the lovely? Do according to this my prayer,

And if for my bride I win her, and crown her my queenly wife,

For thee at all times will I venture honour and limb and life.”

Answered him Siegfried, the scion of Siegmund the Lowland’s lord:

“This will I do, if thou promise to give me for reward

The Lovely, the Queen of Women, Kriemhild thy sister, for bride:

For my toil for thee nor guerdon nor thank I desire beside.”

“Even this do I promise,” said Gunther, “O Siegfried, on thine hand;

And if Brunhild the lovely cometh hither to this my land,

Then will I give thee my sister to wife in requital for this;

So mayest thou with thy fair one for ever live in bliss.”

Then by an oath did they pledge them, those noble warriors twain;

But thereof unto both was begotten exceeding toil and strain.

Or ever they brought into Rhineland that lady of princely blood,

In peril exceeding grievous those valiant heroes stood.

(C) Now concerning the tameless Earth-dwarfs this thing have I heard folk say,

That they dwell in the mountain-caverns, and about their heads they lay

For helmets the Hoods of Darkness, and a strange power floweth thence;

For who weareth such on his body, therein hath perfect defence

(C) From stroke of sword and from spear-thrust; while resteth on him this pall,

No man may in any wise see him, but he heareth and seeth all

So much as his soul desireth, yet himself may none behold;

And his strength to a giant’s waxeth, as the tale in our ears hath been told.

Now the Hood of Darkness Siegfried for their help at need hath ta’en,

Even that which the valiant warrior had wrested with toil and strain

From Alberich, Dwarf of the Mountain, in the stormy days gone by.

So these to their journey addressed them in their fearless chivalry.

Now whene’er the stalwart Siegfried had donned that Hood of Night,

He gat from its overscreening exceeding fulness of might;

In twelve men’s strength he clad him, as the runes of the old songs run.

So it fell, by the Dwarf-lords’ cunning that glorious bride was won.

Yea, and so wondrous-shapen was that strange cloudy Hood,

That a man overpalled by its shrouding might do even that which he would,

Yea, after his heart’s good pleasure, for of none was he espied:

Therewith did he win Queen Brunhild—and through her at the last he died.

“Now, ere we set forth on our journey, unto me, O Siegfried, declare

How best for our honour and glory over the sea we may fare.

Shall we lead ’neath our banners a war-host of knights unto Brunhild’s land?

Swiftly may thrice ten thousand be arrayed in our warrior-band.”

“How great soever the war-host that we take,” spake Siegfried to him,

“The might of that queen and her fury be so exceeding grim,

That all our array should be blasted ’neath the storm of her battle-mood.

I will give to you better counsel, O valiant thanes and good:

In guise as of lone knights-errant let us sail adown the Rhine.

Touching who in our band shall be numbered, hear this counsel of mine:

With thee and with me two only let there go, none other beside,

That with these we may woo this lady, whatsoever thereafter betide.

Even I am one in the venture, the second must needs be thou,

And let the third be Hagen—fear not, we shall prosper now;—

For the fourth be chosen Dankwart, that lord of battle-might;

Then not a thousand aliens shall ever withstand us in fight.”

“Of this too,” spake King Gunther, “would I fain be certified—

For thereof should mine heart be gladdened—or ever forth we ride,

What manner of raiment in presence of Brunhild befits that we wear

Such as shall meetly beseem us: this, O Siegfried, declare.”

“In the richest of all rich vesture that is found in any land

Be arrayed evermore the people that in Brunhild’s presence stand.

Let us therefore appear before her in silk and in ermine and gold,

That none think scorn of our splendour when the tale thereafter is told.”

Answered the good thane Gunther: “Myself will go forthright

To my well-belovèd mother, if haply good in her sight

It shall be that her comely maidens may fashion attire so fair

As before that queenly lady with honour we may wear.”

Then out spake Hagen of Troneg, that lord of stately port:

“What boots it to trouble thy mother for service in such a sort?

Breathe but a word to thy sister of thy thought and thy desire,

And cunning fingers shall frame you exceeding rich attire.”

Then the King sent word to his sister that fain would he confer

With her, even he and Siegfried. But, or ever they came unto her,

That lovely one had adorned her in such royal-rich array

That with right scant heart-misgivings their coming did she stay.

Stood the ladies that waited upon her clad richly in their degree:

Then came to her bower the Princes: at their entering-in rose she

To meet them, from her high seat: ah, with what queenly grace

She greeted the noble stranger and her brother with radiant face!

“Blithe welcome unto my brother, and welcome to his friend!

I am fain,” spake on that sweet one, “I am fain to know the end

Of your coming to this bower royal, what thing your hearts would crave.

I beseech you, let me hearken what the noble knights would have.”

Then spake King Gunther: “Lady, this will I tell:—we bear,

For all our knightly courage, the burden of a care.

We be minded to ride a-wooing to a strange land far away,

And fain would we have for our journey exceeding goodly array.”

“Now seat thee, belovèd brother,” that child of kings ’gan say,

“And of this thing first instruct me, what fairest of fair ones be they

Whom ye are so fain to be wooing in a strange king’s far-off land.”

And therewith those chosen chieftains did the maiden take by the hand,

And with these twain onward paced she, and seated them royally

On splendour-gleaming couches—nought passing the truth tell I—

With imagery fair-fashioned with the red gold threads entwined:

Of a truth, in that bower of ladies fair pleasure might they find!

Flashes of swift love-lightning and of yearning of the heart,

From the eyes of each unto other, well might they ofttimes dart!

For shrined in his soul he bare her; she was more unto him than life,

And ere long by noble service he won her to be his wife.

Then spake that goodly war-king: “Belovèd sister mine,

Our desire may be nowise accomplished saving with help of thine.

We would fare forth pleasure-questing to the Lady Brunhild’s land,

And knights need fair arrayal that in presence of ladies stand.”

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: “Belovèd brother mine,

If aught mine help may avail you to compass your design,

Hereof have utter assurance, I am ready to bear my part.

Yea, if another denied thee, it were pain unto Kriemhild’s heart.

O noble knight, it needs not that ye ask as in fear and doubt:

What best ye bring soever in lordly wise tell out.

Whatsoever may do you a pleasure, ready awaiteth mine aid,

And with all mine heart I do it.” So spake that winsome maid.

“Our will is, sister belovèd, to array us in vesture fair,

And we pray that thine own white fingers may this our apparel prepare.

And let these thy maidens be heedful that each man be arrayed like a king;

For no gainsaying shall turn us from this our journeying.”

Answered and spake that Fair One: “To this my request give heed:

Silks have we beside us in plenty; command that one bring for our need

The gemstones that gleam on your bucklers; these on the silk will we lay.”

Thereunto Gunther and Siegfried glad-hearted answered yea.

“Now who be the journeying-fellows,” the Princess asked again,

“Who shall wend so goodly-apparelled unto where this queen doth reign?”

“Myself am the fourth: first Siegfried; two of my liegemen withal,

Dankwart and Hagen, shall journey with us to her palace-hall.

Heed well, O sister belovèd, what now unto thee we say:—

See to it, that we four comrades three several times a day

May through four days change our raiment, and still go gorgeously,

So that none, when we pass from her country, may scoff at our bravery.”

With outpouring of thanks, from her chamber then passed they in knightly wise.

Then to seek help of her women did Kriemhild the princess arise,

And of all her bower-maidens thirty summoned she

Which above all others were cunning in needle-mastery.

On white Arabian samite—as the snow was its pearly sheen—

And on far-fetched velvet of Orient, as the springtide clover green,

Laid they the flashing gemstones,—O rich was the vesture and rare,

For by hands of Kriemhild the lovely were the garments shapen fair.

Sea-otter furs and sealskins for lining thereof chose they,

A marvel to all beholders—was never such rich array!—

And with silk did they overlay them, and drew the seams with gold.

Sooth, many a marvellous story of the splendour thereof hath been told.

Out of the land of the Morians came the goodliest silk on earth,

And from sun-smitten plains of Libya: on children of royal birth

Was ne’er seen costlier vesture; and of these was enough and to spare.

And through all the threadwork woven was the love that Kriemhild bare.

For the costly raiment craved for by those far-voyagers

She lavished with love ungrudging the ermine’s argent furs—

Soft whiteness gleaming whiter for its flecks of coal-black hue—

Such as valorous knights wear proudly in a great king’s retinue.

Out of bezels of gold of Arabia the glorious gemstones gleamed:

For those watchful eyes no smallest pearl too tiny seemed.

So fashioned they all that raiment ere seven weeks fleeted away:

And withal for the good knights ready by this was their war-array.

Now when all at the last lay ready, men saw by the Rhine-river strand

A galley of stout oak builded by the cunning craftsman’s hand,

Wherein down Rhine-flood the heroes on to the sea should be borne.

And by this were the noble maidens by their labour of love outworn.

Then they sent to the knights the message that ready all things were

In the which they would fain go bravely, that raiment passing-fair;

Accomplished was all they had prayed for, and the labour of love was done.

Now therefore beside Rhine-river no more would they linger on.

So then to those gallant comrades was a message from Kriemhild brought

To come and behold the apparel that her hands had newly wrought,

If perchance for the heroes’ wearing it were over short or long:

And behold, it was all just measure, and they thanked that maiden-throng.

Into whosesoever presence they came, all men must say

That never on earth had they looked on more passing-fair array.

Blithe-hearted might they wear it in the palace of proudest queen,

For of goodlier knights’ apparel had none or heard or seen.

So then to these noble maidens all-courteous thanks they gave.

And now must the bold knights-errant for leave of parting crave.

With courtesy right gentle they spake their last farewell:

Ah, then were there bright eyes troubled and dim as the tears fast fell.

She spake: “O brother belovèd, ’twere better that here ye stayed—

Yea, wiselier done I account it—and wooed some other maid

Where ye should not thus be enforcèd to hazard limb and life:

Ye should find in a land near-lying no less a high-born wife.”

Already their hearts foreboded the trouble darkening near.

All needs must weep, whatsoever words were spoken of cheer:

The gold on their bosoms gleaming grew dim with the hot tears stained,

With the tears that aye fell earthward from sorrowing eyes down-rained.

Then spake she: “O Lord Siegfried, to thy love and thy loyalty

Hereby do I commit him, this brother belovèd of me,

That nothing of peril harm him afar in Brunhild’s land.”

And the hero pledged him, and swore it on the Lady Kriemhild’s hand.

And he spake, that noble war-thane: “So long as endure my days,

No shadow of trouble, Princess, shall fall across thy ways.

I will bring him back into Rhineland—I swear it by life and limb!—

By peril unscathed.” Low bowed she with soft eyes thanking him.

Their shields with the red gold gleaming down to the shore bare they;

And they laid withal in the galley their goodly war-array;

And aboard men led their horses: on the decks now stand their feet—

O me, what bitter weeping brake forth from maidens sweet!

Now thronged was many a casement with ladies lovely-eyed,

And a great wind lifted the galley as they shook the white sails wide.

So out on the Rhine they floated, those proud hearts, bound for the sea.

Then answered and spake King Gunther: “Our pilot, who shall he be?”

“Even that will I,” said Siegfried: “from hence on can I steer

Your ship on the flood, stout heroes; thereof have ye no fear;

For the printless paths of the waters unto me be throughly known.”

So are these from the land Burgundian with hearts exultant gone.

Then Siegfried set hand to a massy staff such as shipmen wield,

And the ship at his mighty thrusting out from the wharf-side reeled.

Gunther the dauntless hero on the tiller hath laid his hand:

So the glorious war-swift champions swung out clear from the land.

Of meats they bare rich plenty, and therewithal good wine,

The best that from foaming wine-fats was pressed beside the Rhine;

The while their horses rested each tethered safe in stall:

The keel slid onward so smoothly, no hurt might to these befall.

The wind in the strong-twined sail-ropes drew with unresting might:

Twice ten miles onward they fleeted ere sank over earth the night;

Down stream so slid they seaward with a breeze that followed fast.

—Ah me, but their stalwart labour brought sorrow enow at the last!

And now with the twelfth day’s dawning, as singeth the ancient lay,

The wind in the white sails straining had borne them far on their way

Unto Isenstein the fortress, the hold in Brunhild’s land.

All strange, save only to Siegfried, it seemed to that warrior-band.

When its coronal of towers was beheld of Gunther the King,

And the land’s wide-sweeping marches, he spake sore marvelling:

“Make answer to me, friend Siegfried, dost thou know yonder strand?

Unto whom appertain these castles, unto whom that lordly land?

Never in all my life-days—this thing I needs must own—

Fortress so goodly-builded mine eyes unto me have shown,

No, not in any country, as this that here we see.

He which could rear it skyward, a mighty man was he!”

Answered and spake to him Siegfried: “Yea, well do I know all these:

The land and its diadem fortress, they be Brunhild’s seignories,

And Isenstein yon fortress, even that whereof I have told:

There many a lovely lady this day shall your eyes behold.

Now hearken my counsel, ye heroes: be ye one and all in a tale,

And with one accord affirm ye—this only, I trow, shall avail:

For if to the presence of Brunhild this day we go, I ween,

We must needs be exceeding wary who stand before that queen.

When we see that lovely lady amidst her knightly train,

One thing, O far-famed heroes, must ye for truth maintain,

How that Gunther is my liege-lord, and I his vassal alone:

Then the heroes all consented, even as he counselled, to do.

Was none so proud of spirit that he dared say nay thereto.

So they spake even after his bidding; and for them full well was it done,

When Gunther the King beheld her, Brunhild the lovely one.

“Thus I abase me,” said Siegfried, “not for thy love alone,

But to win thy sister, the fairest of maidens, for mine own.

She is unto me as mine own soul, she is dear unto me as my life.

Blithe am I to render service that shall get her to me for wife.”

VII. How the Warrior-maid was won to be Gunther’s Bride

Now while thus they communed, their galley fled onward, and drew nigh

To that seaward-fronting castle; and now did the King espy

High up at the open casements full many a maiden fair,

And his spirit within him was troubled that he wist not who they were.

Then of his comrade Siegfried straightway questioned he:

“Look upon yonder maidens, and say, be they known unto thee,

Even they which be downward gazing o’er the sea as we draw anigh?

Whosoe’er be their lord, of a surety is their bearing proud and high.”

Then spake the valiant Siegfried: “Look keenly and closely now

On the faces of yonder maidens, and then confess to me thou

Which wouldst thou take, were the choosing accorded to thee as of right.”

“Yea, that will I,” answered Gunther, that keen and valiant knight.

“I mark, of all those fair ones, at yonder casement one;

It is she in the snow-white raiment: like unto her is there none.

She of mine eyes is the chosen: so sweet is her beauty’s pride,

That, an I might have the decision, it is she that should be my bride.”

“By the sight of the eyes hast thou chosen, and a fair choice have they found!

Even she is the noble Brunhild, of the beauty world-renowned,

The Star of thine heart’s strong yearning, the choice of thy mind and thy will.”

King Gunther gazed, and he deemed her ever sweeter and fairer still.

Then that Daughter of Kings commanded that her winsome maidens should go

From the casements: she would not suffer that there they stand for a show

And a feast for the eyes of strangers. Was none dared disobey;

Yet that which they did thereafter is told in the ancient lay.

They arrayed them in fairest adorning for the stranger knights to see—

As fair maids have done ever, since time began to be;—

Thereafter through half-drawn curtains they peered, those dainty spies,

At the heroes, to feed fair woman’s immemorial desire of the eyes.

There were four, and none other heroes which came unto that land.

Bold Siegfried led a war-steed from the galley’s side to the strand.

And the lovely ladies peering through the casements saw that thing,

And they deemed that exceeding worship was rendered to the King.

There in their sight was he holding that gallant steed by the rein,

That stately battle-trampler, strong and of noble strain;

Yea, he held it till King Gunther firm in the saddle sat.

So served him Siegfried—service that thereafter he wholly forgat!

Then brought he forth of the galley his own good steed withal.

Never ere then had he rendered the service done by a thrall,

That he should stand by the stirrup while heroes mounted the selle!

And those fair ones from the casements that gazed saw all full well.

In the selfsame fashion accoutred were those princely heroes twain;

For white as snow were their horses, and their raiment white without stain.

As the one was, so was the other; and lovely the shield-rims shone

On the arms of the heroes hanging, flashing brightness like to the sun.

Gleaming with precious gemstones were saddle and breast-band strait.

So rode they in princely fashion before Brunhild’s palace-gate;

And a chiming of bells all-golden that hung from their trappings was heard

As they came into that far country by their princely hearts on-stirred.

With spear-head newly-whetted, with goodly-fashioned sword

Which hung even down to the spur-tips, on rode each kingly lord.

Yea, the glaives of the mighty-hearted were broad of blade and keen.

And all was marked of Brunhild, that noble maiden-queen.

And with these two princes Dankwart and his brother Hagen came;

And these were arrayed, as telleth the tale of olden fame,

In raiment of raven blackness, with rich work broidered o’er.

New, long and broad and goodly withal were the shields that they bore.

From the far land of India came many a precious stone

From the which up and down their vesture was a starry splendour thrown.

Their galley all unwarded they left, in the surf as it swayed.

So they rode to the castle-porchway, those heroes unafraid.

They marked towers six and eighty that crowned that fortress-wall,

Three palaces wide-builded, and a goodly feasting-hall:

It was wrought of the lordly marble, as the lealand grass it was green;

And therein amidst of her people sat a child of kings, the Queen.

Bars clanged and bolts shot backward, the gates of the burg swung wide.

Forth running to meet the strangers the knights of Brunhild hied,

And received them as guests be welcomed, into their Lady’s land;

And they took in charge the war-steed, and received the shield from the hand.

And a chamberlain bespake them: “Yield up your swords unto us,

And withal your gleaming hauberks.” “We will nowise suffer it thus;

Ourselves be minded to bear them!” cried Hagen of Troneg the grim.

Then Siegfried turned, and the manner of the kingdom set forth unto him:

“In this burg is it ever the custom according to that I say,

That the Queen’s guests go unweaponed within her courts alway.

Hence from our hands let them bear them, so all shall be done aright.”

Grudging and loth was the yielding of Hagen, Gunther’s knight.

They poured them the wine of welcome, they led them to chambers fair.

Knights many swift in service in the halls of the palace there were

That to and fro were hasting clad all in goodly array;

Yet, for all their splendour, their glances to those goodlier four would stray.

Now word is brought unto Brunhild, and the tale to her ears hath come

Of those unknown knights-errant which have fared to her island-home

Sailing over the sea-flood, and attired each man like a king.

Then the Maiden royal and lovely fell to questioning:

And thus spake the Maid-queen Brunhild: “Now shall ye tell unto me

Who the unknown knights-errant may peradventure be

Whom yonder I see in my castle, each man like a kingdom’s lord;

And for love of whom these heroes have journeyed hitherward.”

Then of her train one answered: “I needs must own, O Queen,

That of yonder company no man heretofore have I seen;

Yet amidst them is one man standing who beareth Siegfried’s guise;

And in loyal love I counsel, receive him in gracious wise.

And the second his comrade appeareth so worship-worthy to me,

That if haply he wield power royal, a king may he verily be

Over princely domains far-stretching, if he hold such sway indeed;

For he stands mid the rest, meseemeth, as one of royal seed.

For the third of these faring-fellows, he seemeth stern of mien,

Yet none the less of stateliest stature, O mighty Queen.

Swift, keen be his glances as lightning, and flash still to and fro:

Dour and quick unto anger his spirit shall be, I trow.

For the youngest, of all praise worthy he seemeth in mine eyes.

A gallant knight we account him, yet withal of such winsome guise

That the grace of a maiden shineth through all his mien high-born;

Yet verily might all tremble to deal to him scathe or scorn.

For all his gentle bearing and his goodlihead withal,

Yet many a comely woman should weep for her lover’s fall,

If his wrath to the battle were kindled: right sinewy-shapen is he,

In all manner of knightly virtues a flower of chivalry.”

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: “Bring royal raiment to me.

Now if yon mighty Siegfried to my country be come oversea

To seek my love in his wooing, he imperilleth his life.

Nowise I dread him so sorely as to stoop to be his wife!”

So Brunhild the passing lovely full soon was splendour-arrayed;

And there in her train paced hallward many a winsome maid:

Five-score, nay more peradventure, all costly-vestured came:

And to look on the guests with Brunhild went many a noble dame.

To right and to left went marching strong thanes of Isenland,

Vassal-knights of Brunhild, each man with his sword in his hand,

Five hundred, yea more, it may be—for the guests an evil sight!

Then rose from their seats at her coming the Four, those men of might.

Now when that Daughter of Princes looked upon Siegfried’s face—

Would ye know of her greeting?—she bespake him with cold and stately grace:

“Now welcome be thou, O Siegfried, in thy coming to this my land.

What meaneth this your journey?—prithee, cause me to understand.”

“Exceeding thank do I render, O Daughter of Princes, to thee,

That thou deignest to greet me, Brunhild, Lady of Courtesy,

Before this knight hath been greeted, who standeth before me in place,

For that he is my liege-lord:—Siegfried could well have foregone such grace!

He is the King of Rhineland—what need I say of him more?

All for thy love have we voyaged far overseas to thy shore.

Fixed is his heart to woo thee, whatsoever thereof betide.

While yet there is time, bethink thee:—my lord turns never aside.

He hath to name King Gunther; wide is his royal domain.

For thy love he comes hitherward wooing; nought else he desireth to gain.

Forasmuch as he hath commanded, on this journey have I too come.

If so be he were not my liege-lord, sooth, I had forborne therefrom.”

She answered: “If thou be his vassal, and he thy suzerain,

Then must he abide the trial, the tests that I ever ordain.

If he stand at the end the victor, I yield myself his wife;

But if I overcome—bethink you, ye all have staked your life.”

Then out spake Hagen of Troneg: “Suffer us, Queen, to see

To what manner of play thou dost challenge. Ere Gunther my lord unto thee

Shall yield up the mastery, surely he shall strive with bitter strain.

A maiden so passing lovely full well to his wife might he gain.”

“He shall cast the massy quoit-stone, and far as it flies shall he leap,

And shall hurl against me the javelin—hold not this trial cheap!

Ye may lose not honour only: your life and limb be at stake.

Therefore, I rede you, bethink you!” So that fair woman spake.

Then Siegfried the battle-helper drew the King apart,

And he prayed him to speak out boldly all that was in his heart

Unto the Queen replying—“Fear not for the end,” he said;

“By my cunning devices against her full well will I shield thine head.”

Then answered and spake King Gunther: “O child of a royal line,

Lay on me what task thou pleasest: were it harder than this of thine,

Yet for the sake of thy beauty I abide all willingly.

If thou be not won by my wooing, then smite mine head from me.”

So soon as the words had been spoken, straightway that Amazon-maid

Commanded, as meet she deemed it, that the trial be not delayed;

And she caused them to bring her armour, and array for the contest grim,

Even a golden hauberk and a shield of ample rim.

A silk-lined battle-tunic about her that maiden drew—

Nor point nor edge of weapon in fight might pierce it through—

Of fine-dressed fells of lions from the land of Libya brought,

With broidery round its borders flashing radiant-wrought.

Meanwhile her knights were galling those guests with threat and jeer:

And there stood Dankwart and Hagen exceeding heavy of cheer;

For their souls foreboded the issue that might to their lord betide;

And they said in their hearts: “This journey shall we knights dearly abide!”

But Siegfried the while, the resourceful, hath hasted swiftly away,

Ere any was ware of his going, unto where the galley lay;

And he found the Hood of Darkness in its secret hiding-place there,

And with speed he did it upon him, and none thereof was ware.

With speed he returned: of her warriors found he a great array

In the place by the Queen appointed for the wooer’s perilous play:

But he passed through the midst of them stealthwise, and still was beheld of none

Of the multitude there thronging: by magic thus was it done.

For the lists a wide ring drew they where that grim sport should be

In the presence of knights of Brunhild, that the trial all might see,

Bold warriors full seven hundred; and their weapons of war all bare;

And whoso prevailed in the contest, the truth should these declare.

Now in the lists stood Brunhild, in her mail of the adamant rings,

As though she would straight do battle for the land of all earth’s kings.

And all her silken vesture was with gold bands lapped about;

But thereunder the lilies and roses of her lovely flesh shone out.

Now came to the lists her henchmen, and unto her hands they brought

A goodly shield of battle: of the ruddy gold was it wrought

With bands of steel hard-welded, a thing for a giant to sway:

And under that mighty heart-fence would the fair one play the play.

From left unto right within it did a goodly arm-brace pass

With emeralds set thereover, green as the lealand grass;

And their sight-bewildering sparklings flashed o’er the gold thereof.

Sooth, valour he needed and prowess who would win that maiden’s love!

Stood a boss out in front of the buckler, as the olden bard hath sung;

It was three whole spans in thickness, yet lightly its mass she swung.

With burnished steel and with gleaming gold full rich was the shield;

And scarce could her chamberlain, holpen of three, bear this to the field.

Now soon as Hagen the stalwart beheld that Targe of Dread,

Muttered the Lord of Troneg sorely disquieted:

“How is it with thee, King Gunther?—thou hazardest limb and life!

She whom thou fain wouldst be wooing were a very demon-wife!”

Now telleth the song of the raiment of that fair-clad Amazon.

With glistering silk of the Orient her battle-doublet shone—

Ah, it was costly and queenly!—flashed in beholders’ eyes

From the vest of that Daughter of Princes full many a stone of price.

A mighty spear broad-headed then brought they unto the Queen,

Which she hurled evermore in the Contest of Wooers, a javelin keen,

Gigantic, stubborn-shafted, heavy and long, and wide

Were the fierce death-whetted edges thereof on either side.

Of the weight of that fearful javelin be marvellous stories told.

Of five-score pounds of iron was forged its massy mould:

Three of the warriors of Brunhild staggering bare that spear.

Then the heart of the noble Gunther grew heavy with his fear.

Under his breath he whispered: “What task have I now in hand?

Though the Foul Fiend rose out of Hell’s Pit, against her how should he stand?

Were I, with my life delivered, once more beside the Rhine,

Long should she bide untroubled by any wooing of mine!”

(C) Well may ye deem what burden of disquiet his spirit bare.

Then all his harness of battle they set before him there:

And soon the mighty Rhine-lord lapped in his war-mail stood.

But the spirit of Hagen was darkened, and he chafed in bitter mood.

Then out spake Hagen’s brother. Dankwart the valiant: “I rue—

Yea, my inmost soul repenteth that hither we came to woo!

Good knights, time was, men called us! Shall we tamely yield our breath?

Here in the land of the stranger shall a woman do us to death?

Sore vexed am I for our folly, that ever we came to her land!

Ha, if that my brother Hagen but grasped his sword in hand,

And I had also my war-glaive, soon these should abate their pride,

And should droop the eyes of scorning, yon vassals at Brunhild’s side!

I would teach them to go softly, full well I ween!—O yea,

Though oaths had I sworn a thousand to keep the peace this day!—

Ere I saw my belovèd liege-lord lie trapped in a foul death-snare,

Doomed to forsake life—quotha!—because this woman is fair!”

“Ay, and we would unshackled from this land win forth clear,”

Answered his brother Hagen, “had we but the armour here

That we lack for the clash of the onset, and the trusty battle-blade;

Then soon should the pride be humbled of yonder stalwart maid!”

Full well overheard were his murmurs of the Lady royally born.

She cast back over her shoulder a smile of careless scorn:—

“And he deemeth himself so valiant?—e’en bring them hitherward

Their armour, and give to the heroes each his keen-edged sword!

(C) As little I reck of them whether their harness and swords they bear,”

Spake that Daughter of Princes, “or weaponless stand there.

I fear the strength of no man that is known of me unto this day;

Yea, and I look to o’ermaster yon king in the battle-play.”

When, after the Maid’s commandment, unto these were their weapons brought,

The face of the valiant Dankwart for very joy flushed hot.

“Play now what play ye be minded!” he cried, that goodly thane;

“Unfettered now is Gunther: we have our swords again!”

Once more of the might of Brunhild terrible proof is shown:

Men into the ring come bearing an exceeding massy stone,

Most huge, a quoit for a Titan, broad withal and round.

Scarce twelve of her thanes could bear it into love’s strange battle-ground.

Even this ever hurled she in contest, when the flight had been sped of the spear.

Thereat were the lords Burgundian thrilled with foreboding fear.

“Who is this that my lord would be wooing?—Beshrew her!” Hagen cried:

“In the nethermost hell might she fitly be plighted the Foul Fiend’s bride!”

On her snow-white arms the Maiden her tunic-sleeves uprolled,

And she stretched forth her hand to the arm-brace of the shield, and took fast hold:

She hath swung up on high the javelin—lo, the banners of battle unfold!—

Then the hearts of those two heroes at the fire in her eyes waxed cold.

And except in that moment Siegfried to his friend’s help had drawn nigh,

She had reft the life from Gunther the King right certainly:

But he stole to his side all viewless, and softly touched his hand;

Then, as at a spirit’s presence, well-nigh was the King unmanned;

For the bold knight thought: “Who touched me?—do I stand on enchanted ground?”

For, look as he would all round him, no man thereby he found.

Then a whisper came—“It is Siegfried: I, thy companion, am here.

Thou therefore in yon Queen’s presence be wholly void of fear.

Yield up from thy grasp the buckler, and let me bear it for thee,

And lay up in thine heart the counsel which now thou hearest of me:—

Be thine all feigning of action, by me shall the work be done.”

Then leapt his heart for gladness, when he knew it was Siegmund’s son.

“Ever hide thou my cunning devices, speak word thereof unto none:

So by the proud King’s Daughter shall little enow be won,

Through thee and thine overthrowing, of the glory she thinketh to glean.

Behold her, how yonder she standeth with scornful-arrogant mien!”

Then, then that royal maiden hurled across the field

With her uttermost strength the javelin at the mighty and broad new shield

Which braced on his left arm firmly the son of Siegelind bore:

Leapt sparks from the steel, as the wind-blast sweepeth the chaff from a floor.

The fang of the mighty javelin through the shield’s whole thickness crashed;

And it glanced from the warrior’s armour, that the fire from the ring-mail flashed.

Back from the shock went reeling either stalwart thane:—

Except for the Hood of Darkness, of a surety had both been slain!

Yea, from the mouth of Siegfried the valiant burst forth blood;

But he sprang full-height in a moment; then gripped that war-thane good

The selfsame spear which the maiden through the rim of the shield had sped.

Then Siegfried’s strong hand backward swung it above his head.

But he said in his heart: “I will pierce not the maiden sweet to see.”

Backward therefore the deadly point of the lance turned he;

Then hurled he the spear butt-foremost full at the rings of her mail:

Loudly they rang at the smiting of the hand that was strong to prevail.

Flashed out the fire from her hauberk, as flies dust caught by the wind.

Ha, that was a cast most mighty of the son of Siegelind!

For all her strength, she prevailed not against that shock to stand.

In veriest truth, such spear-cast came never from Gunther’s hand!

But the Fairest of fair ones, Brunhild, leapt to her feet forthright:—

“For thy good spear-cast I thank thee, O Gunther, noble knight!”

She cried; for she weened that the hero by his own strength this had done,

Nor dreamed she how that behind him had stolen a mightier one.

Sped she from that place swiftly, for her fury stung her as flame:

She grasped the stone, she upheaved it, that royal Amazon dame.

Far thence from her hand that boulder with her uttermost might she swung,

Then after the cast far leapt she, that her mail-rings clashed and rung.

Twelve fathoms away from the caster crashed that stone to the ground;

But farther yet than the quoit-flight did the high-born maiden bound.

Then strode that swift war-helper, Siegfried, where lay the stone:—

Men saw but the arm of Gunther, the speeder thereof saw none.

Mighty of limb was Siegfried, valiant and tall was he;

Farther than Brunhild he hurled it, he leapt yet farther than she;

And he added thereto a marvel, a deed of magic might,

That he bore in his leap King Gunther, by the power of the Hood of Night.

Lo, now is the great leap taken; behind on the earth lay the stone.

Gunther it was, the war-thane, whom men saw there alone.

Then the face of Brunhild the lovely with helpless anger burned.

—Lo, Siegfried from King Gunther the imminent death hath turned!

Then unto the host of her vassals Queen Brunhild looked, and she cried,

When she saw that hero standing safe on the lists’ far side:

“O ye my friends and liegemen, hitherward come straightway!

Ye be all unto this King Gunther vassals from this day.”

Down laid each valiant warrior his weapons from his hand,

And low at the feet they bowed them of the Lord of Burgundia-land;

Yea, unto Gunther the mighty bent many a valiant knight,

For they weened he had won that contest by his own unaided might.

With chivalrous grace and in loving wise he greeted the maid;

And now that Queen of Beauty her hand in his hath laid,

And to him all rule she yielded over all her wide domain.

Then glad in his heart was Hagen, that bold and knightly thane.

She besought that noble chieftain to her palace builded wide

With her to return, and thither strode Gunther at her side.

There all men fearing before him in homage lowly bent.

So the brethren, Dankwart and Hagen, thereat were well content.

Now Siegfried, the swift war-helper, in all deep craft was wise:

Back bare he the Hood of Darkness, and hid it from all men’s eyes.

Then he passed to the hall, where fair ones sat in their bravery;

And he spake unto King Gunther, and cunningly dealt he:—

“Now why, Lord King, dost thou tarry, that the games not yet begin

Whereof this Queen made promise, and challenged thee herein?

Let us now full soon behold them, and know of the trial’s stress.”

—As nothing knowing of all things he spake in his wiliness.

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: “How might this marvel befall

That thou of the games, Lord Siegfried, hast witnessed nought at all,

Wherein was the victory given unto this King Gunther’s hand?”

Out spake and answered Hagen, the knight of Burgundia-land:

“Thou, Queen,” he said, “didst trouble our spirit exceedingly:

Therefore was Siegfried the good knight abiding by ship and sea

In the hour when the Lord of Rhineland overcame in the wooer’s play;

So nought thereof he knoweth,” did Gunther’s liegeman say.

“Now welcome to me be the tidings,” Siegfried the hero replied,

“That here in such wise a wooer hath humbled thy tameless pride,

And that some one lives to be master at last over thee and thine!

Now shalt thou, noble maiden, fare with us to the Rhine.”

Made answer that high-born Lady: “Not yet may this thing be,

Ere I have summoned my kinsmen and them of my vassalry.

It is all unmeet that so lightly I depart from this my land:

Ere then must my nearest and dearest be bidden from every hand.”

Through the length and the breadth of her kingdom she made her messengers ride;

And all her friends and her vassals she gathered from every side.

Wherefore in swift obedience unto Isenstein came they;

And to each and to all of them gave she most royal-rich array.

Yea, day after day came riding from far, came early and late,

The best of the folk of Brunhild in throngs to her fortress-gate.

“Beshrew our folly,” cried Hagen, “in consenting to this thing!

To our own undoing await we Queen Brunhild’s following.

If these with all their war-might throng into this land thus—

Queen Brunhild’s secret purpose is all unknown unto us,—

What if she be wroth against us? Then were our plight forlorn:

So were the noble maiden for our utter discomfiture born!”

Then answered Siegfried the mighty: “This will I countervail.

So will I deal, that the purpose that disquieteth you shall fail.

Them that shall help I will bring you hitherward unto this shore,

Even chosen knights, such a war-host as ye have not seen heretofore.

Ye shall ask not concerning mine absence: I will journey away from this place.

God have your honour in keeping, and guard it safe for a space!

Soon shall ye see me returning: a thousand men will I bring,

And these the mightiest war-thanes that ever followed king.”

“Only not long do thou linger,” the King made answer again,

“Forasmuch as we of thine helping be most exceeding fain.”

He said, “Ere ye see me returning of a truth shall the days be few:

And this shall ye tell Queen Brunhild, that hence I was sent of you.”

VIII. How Siegfried went to the Niblung Land for his Knights

So thence to the strand and the haven Siegfried hied him away

In the Hood of Darkness shrouded. Now a boat by the wharf-side lay,

And thereinto from men’s eyes hidden stepped Siegfried Siegmund’s son,

And he thrust it forth o’er the waters, as it were by a wind driven on.

Now no one beheld that steersman, though swift was the barge’s flight

Sped on by the strength of Siegfried, so passing-great was his might.

Who marked it, deemed that it drifted before a strange strong wind:

None dreamed it was driven of Siegfried the child of Siegelind.

In the space of that day and the night-tide that followed was he brought

To a certain land, by the mighty strength wherewithal he wrought.

It was leagues full three-and-thirty, yea, more peradventure, away.

This was the Land of the Niblungs, where he won the Hoard for a prey.

Alone stepped forth the hero on to an eyot wide;

And he fastened, that knight resourceful, the boat to the river-side.

Then he passed unto where a castle stood on a craggy bent,

And therein sought harbourage, even as a wayfarer toil-forspent.

So he came before that burg-gate: fast locked and barred did it stand;

For jealous aye for their honour were the warders of that land.

On the massy door ’neath the gate-tower did the unknown one begin

Straightway to beat, and his smiting roused up therewithin

A mighty one and a giant, that there kept watch and ward,

And night and day beside him his armour lay and his sword:

And he spake: “Who knocketh so roughly on the burg-gate therewithout?”

In a feigned voice Siegfried the valiant sent back the answering shout:

“Up! I am a knight belated. Knave, open to me forthright,

Else I with strokes heavy-handed shall gall a laggard wight

Who loveth to keep his chamber and lie in the sluggard’s bed!”

Then exceeding wroth was the warder for the word that Siegfried said.

His armour hath that fierce giant in haste on his huge limbs done,

And his helmet hath he settled on his head, that mighty one.

In haste hath he snatched his buckler and the castle gate swung wide:

In a fury of rage against Siegfried forth did he swiftly stride.

“How dar’st thou wake,” he shouted, “all these of our gallant band?”

Then fell fast-raining buffets, dealt by his mighty hand:

From the shield of the noble stranger glanced fierce blows many and rude,

Yet the steel shards flew from his shield-rim as the giant warder hewed

With a massy mace of iron, that the thane was hard-bestead.

Well-nigh began the hero the very death to dread

At the smiting of that huge porter, as the lightning vehement.

Yet was his liege-lord Siegfried with his faithfulness well content.

So furious was their battling, the keep rang echoing round,

And afar in the hall of King Niblung was heard the tempest-sound:

Yet at last he o’ermastered the warder, and bound him foot and hand.

—Ere long men laughed at the story through all the Niblung land.

As the thunder of that conflict through the mountain’s heart far rolled,

It was heard of the Dwarf, the dauntless Albrich, the tameless-souled.

In haste he armed him, and thither he ran, and behold, he found

That noble stranger-warrior, and the giant warder bound.

Of fiery mood was Albrich, and mighty strength he had:

In hauberk-rings and in helmet was his body for battle clad;

And a morning-star huge-headed of gold had he gripped in his hand.

With swift feet rushed he onward unto where did Siegfried stand.

Seven balls spike-studded and massy by chains from the mace-head swung,

Wherewith on the shield that the hero’s arm before him flung

He hailed down blows so bitter that in fragments all it flew,

So that somewhat adread that noble guest for his own life grew.

The shield by that flail of battle shattered he flung from his hand,

And he thrust back into the scabbard Balmung, the long keen brand:

He would smite not therewith, lest his faithful seneschal should die;

For aye was he noble-hearted, and the flower of chivalry.

But the hero leapt upon Albrich with his strong bare hands alone,

And fast by the beard he gripped him, that hoary-headed one,

And he mightily plucked, that the Earth-dwarf shrieked for very pain,

As the hero-knight tamed Albrich with his fingers’ bitter strain.

Loud cried the erstwhile aweless: “Ah, leave my life unto me!

Had I not to another hero sworn true fealty,

And bowed myself in homage to be vassal to him for aye,

Thee would I serve to my death-day,” did the crafty-wise one say.

Then bound he Albrich, even as he bound that giant before:

Of a truth the prowess of Siegfried galled him exceeding sore!

Then asked the Dwarf of the hero: “I pray thee, how named art thou?”

And he answered: “My name is Siegfried: thou hast heard that name, I trow.”

Spake Albrich: “For these tidings of a truth mine heart is fain!

Of thy strength, the strength of a hero, hast thou given proof again,

Hast shown how well thou art worthy to be lord of the Niblung Land.

So thou spare me for that I withstood thee, will I do all thy command.”

Answered the good knight Siegfried: “Up then, and speedily

Bring thou unto me my bravest which here in the fortress be,

A thousand Niblungs: before me now would I see them brought.”

But the cause for the which he desired them thus, he told him not.

Then Albrich and the giant from their bonds the hero unbound;

And the Dwarf to the place ran swiftly where the Niblung knights slept sound;

And in eager haste he uproused them, the men of the Niblung array,

Crying, “Up, ye heroes! to Siegfried your lord must ye go straightway.”

Upsprang they from their couches, and they clad themselves with speed;

And a thousand eager warriors stood arrayed in battle-weed;

And he led them to where Prince Siegfried abode them in that great hall;

And they gave to him loving greeting by word and by deed withal.

They have kindled a hundred torches, they have poured the wine for their lord;

And for that their speedy coming he thanked them with gracious word;

And he said to them: “Now shall ye follow with me far hence oversea.”

And those valiant knights and loyal consented willingly.

Stout vassal-knights three thousand had gathered at his call,

And of these he chose a thousand, the goodliest of them all;

And their helmets were brought to the chosen, and all their harness of war,

Forasmuch as their lord would lead them unto Brunhild’s land afar.

And he spake: “O knights true-hearted, I would say unto you this thing:

Ye must take rich raiment for wearing in the presence of Queen and King;

For there shall ye look upon many a maiden fair to see:

Therefore ye needs must adorn you with seemly bravery.”

(C) Now perchance might a simple-one chide me—“Not sooth is this thy song!

How might in the castle be gathered so vast a knightly throng?

Wherewithal should all these be nourished, and whence purvey them attire?

Though realms he had thirty, never had he brought to pass his desire.”

(C) Tush!—surely ye know this—Siegfried was a passing-wealthy lord:

He had that realm in possession, and his was the Niblung Hoard.

So he gave to his war-thanes freely so much as they lacked, nay, more.

How much he lavished soever, unminished still was his store.

Lo, in the dimness of dawning forth on the sea they fare:

—Ho for the eager warriors that Siegfried had gathered there!—

With goodly battle-horses and lordly attire sailed they:

So unto the land of Brunhild they came, a knightly array.

On her battlements many a fair one stood gazing over the sea.

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: “Knoweth any man who they be

Whom yonder I see far fleeting o’er the waters in gallant show?

How rich be the sails that waft them!—they be whiter than driven snow!”

Then spake the Lord of Rhineland: “My royal train be these

Whom I left as I journeyed hither not far behind overseas.

I have sent to speed them hither: lo, now be they come, O Queen.”

With wondering eyes the coming of those knightly guests was seen.

Men saw on a ship’s prow Siegfried standing foremost of all

In princely vesture: beside him was many a warrior tall.

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: “Lord King, I pray thee, declare:

Shall I greet these guests at their coming, or shall I from greeting forbear?”

He said: “Thou shalt go to meet them with welcome in thy face

Forth of thy palace-portals, that none may doubt of thy grace.”

So did that Daughter of Princes according as Gunther bade:

But cold and haughty greeting from Brunhild Siegfried had.

So they gave them lodging, and safely laid by their battle-gear.

And by this were guests so many there gathered from far and near,

That for these too strait was the city as they thronged on every hand.

And now would the valiant heroes fare home to Burgundia-land.

Then spake that Daughter of Princes: “Unto him were I thankful-souled

Who for me would deal out my bounty of my silver and my gold

Unto my guests and King Gunther’s; for full is my treasury.”

Then Dankwart, Giselher’s liegeman, made answer gallantly:

“O noble Daughter of Princes, unto me commit the key,

And I will deal forth thy treasure,” said the valiant thane, “for thee.

If any cry out on the niggard, on me be all blame thrown!”

—That Dankwart was open-handed, full soon was to all men known.

When to Hagen’s brother committed was the key of her treasury,

The hand of the hero scattered rich gifts all lavishly.

Who craved but one mark only, on him was so much showered

That the poor of the land through their life-days might aye live gladness-dowered.

Pounds of silver uncounted by hundreds lavished he;

And forth of her halls passed many in goodly bravery

Who never before in their life-tide clad in such splendour went.

But when Queen Brunhild heard it, was she passing ill-content.

She arose and she spake unto Gunther the King: “I dare well say

That nought is like to be left me of all my fair array

Through your chamberlain’s reckless dealing: he squandereth all my gold!

Whosoever should bridle his folly, to him were I thankful-souled.

Yon thane, he dreameth, quotha!—such rich gifts doth he give—

I have sent unto Death to take me! Nay, still am I minded to live.

And as for the gold of my fathers, myself can waste it, I trow.

Steward so open-handed never had queen ere now!”

Then answered Hagen of Troneg: “Be it known, O Lady, to thee,

Gold hath the King of Rhineland and raiment fair to see

To bestow in such rich abundance, that in sooth he needeth not

Of all the treasure of Brunhild to carry hence one jot.”

“Now nay, by your love I charge you,” that Queen to the Rhine-lords spake,

“With gold and with silken raiment coffers filled would I take

Twice ten with me for my journey: myself with mine own hand

Will bestow my royal bounty, when we come to Burgundia-land,”

For the Queen then stored they the coffers with many a precious gem;

And the chamberlains of Brunhild the while must be watching them:

She would suffer not Gunther’s liegeman in the storing thereof to partake;

And thereover Gunther and Hagen into merry laughter brake.

“Now to whom,” said that Daughter of Princes, “shall I commit my land

Ere we go? Be a warder appointed by mine and by thine hand.”

Made answer Gunther the noble: “Summon thou hitherward

Whomsoever thou pleasest: appoint him its governor and lord.”

Then the Lady looked on her kinsmen, and beheld one nigh at hand,

And the man was her mother’s brother; and to him gave she her command:

“Now let my land and my castles be given in charge from this day

Unto thee, till it please King Gunther to take them under his sway.”

Out of the train of her vassals two thousand men chose she

For them which should fare on the journey with her unto Burgundy

With the thousand knights of the Niblungs that with Siegfried voyaged o’er.

For the journey they made them ready: men saw them ride to the shore.

Four-score and six fair ladies did she lead with her overseas,

And withal a hundred maidens, and sweet to see were these.

Now forth and away would they hasten; they would linger there no more;

But of such as they took not with them many an one wept sore.

In fashion as well befitteth a queen, so left she the land:

She kissed her nearest and dearest at the last farewell by the strand.

And so with fair leave-taking they launched on the northern main;

And the ancient land of her fathers the maid saw never again.

Still as they voyaged, joyance made music through all the way:

With manifold merry pastime they whiled the hours away.

They were wafted on to the outsea by a breeze that followed fast;

And so with mirth and laughter from land unto land they passed.

Yet not upon that voyage would she be King Gunther’s bride;

But his bliss awhile must tarry until the bridal-tide

In the Castle of Worms, at the stately marriage-festival,

When with joy they should come with their heroes unto Gunther’s royal hall.

IX. How Siegfried bare Tidings to the Royal City

Now when they had so sailed onward for nine days over the sea,

Then out spake Hagen of Troneg: “I pray you, hearken to me:

Lo, here we tarry from sending the tidings to Worms on Rhine;

Yet by this in the land Burgundian should they be, those heralds of thine.”

Made answer to him King Gunther: “Of a truth good counsel is this;

And to send as our tidings-bearer were none so meet, I wis,

As thou thyself, friend Hagen; thou unto my land ride on.

Our royal journey may no man better than thou make known.”

“Now nay, Lord King, of heralds nowise the best should I be.

Let me as thy treasure-warder tarry still on the sea:

Here will I bide with the women, and guard their costly array

Till unto the land Burgundian we have brought them on their way.

Not so; pray rather Siegfried to bear this message for thee:

Well can he do thine errand with wisdom and courtesy.

If he haply be loth for the journey, in kingly-courteous wise

Entreat him in kindly fashion by the love in thy sister’s eyes.”

Then unto the knight sent Gunther, and he came before the King;

And he said to him: “Nigh are we gotten to my land in our journeying;

And now to my dear-loved sister would I send a messenger,

And withal to my mother, to tell them who to the land draw near.

So then, Lord Siegfried, I pray thee that thou wouldst bear this word,

And so will I aye be beholden to thee,” said the Rhineland’s lord.

Yet loth was Siegfried the valiant, and fain would have said him nay,

Until the King besought him, and thus did Gunther pray:

He said unto him: “For my love’s sake thitherward shouldst thou ride,

And withal for the sake of Kriemhild, the maiden lovely-eyed,

To the end that the royal maiden with me may requite thy pain.”

When heard was her name of Siegfried, the knight was exceeding fain.

“Lay on me what charge thou pleasest,” he answered, “all shall be done:

With joy shall it be accomplished for the sake of that lovely one

Whom I bear in my heart enshrinèd!—who am I, to deny or defer?

Even all that thou requirest will I perform for her.”

“So then to my mother Uta the Queen of the land say thou

That with heart uplifted and joyous I am faring homeward now.

And how we have sped in our wooing do thou to my brethren unfold:

And to all our nearest and dearest withal be the story told.

Yea, from my sister, the fair one, nought shalt thou hide thereof:

Commend unto her Queen Brunhild and me in service of love.

And unto all my servants and to all my vassals say,

Whatsoever mine heart hath longed for, all have I gained this day.

And to Ortwein, my nephew belovèd, bear this hest of mine,

That he shall prepare us high-seats in the city beside the Rhine.

Tell also my vassals and kinsfolk this—be it known to them all

That I purpose for Brunhild’s bridal a high-tide festival.

And make my request to my sister, that now that she hath learned

How that I to the land Burgundian with these my guests have returned,

She receive with loving welcome this my belovèd bride:

So bound evermore unto Kriemhild shall my love and my service abide.”

Then of the Lady Brunhild and of all her following

Fair leave was taken of Siegfried, the child of Siegmund the King,

Even as was meet and seemly: then on to the Rhine rode he.

No better herald than Siegfried in all the world might be!

With good knights four-and-twenty to the city of Worms he came.

“Without Gunther he cometh!”—the rumour through the city ran like flame.

Then all the thanes were troubled, and a wailing moaned all round.

They foreboded that in that far land his death the King had found.

But the knights with hearts uplifted sprang each from his gallant steed.

Then Giselher to meet them, the young Prince, hied him with speed:

Came Gernot beside him, his brother, and in eager haste he cried,

When he marked how no King Gunther was there by Siegfried’s side:

“Now welcome to thee, Lord Siegfried! I beseech thee, tell this thing,

Where left ye in your departing my brother, Gunther the King?

The mighty strength of Brunhild, I fear me, hath reft him from us;

So for us should his princely wooing have issue dolorous.”

“Cast to the winds your foreboding: to you and to all true friends

My noble comrade in emprise his loving service sends.

Whole and unharmed I left him: unto you was I sent of your Lord

That I should come with the tidings his messenger hitherward.

Now lend me your aid, to the end that this grace unto me may fall

That I may see Queen Uta, and the Lady your sister withal,

That now I may bear them the story that I was bidden to tell

Of Gunther and Lady Brunhild, that with these twain all is well.”

Then the young Prince Giselher answered: “Speak thou unto them thereof,

So shalt thou unto my sister render a service of love.

For the sake of my brother Gunther in exceeding sorrow she is.

Full gladly the maiden will see thee: lo, I will be surety for this.”

Spake Siegfried: “What service soever unto her may be rendered of me,

Faithfully will I perform it ever and willingly.

Now who beareth word of my coming to the noble Ladies twain?”

So Giselher was herald, that young and comely thane.

Blithely Giselher hasted, and the lad to his mother cried

And his sister, where in their bower these twain sat side by side:

“Siegfried the Netherland hero hither to us is come!

Gunther my brother hath sent him to us in our Rhineland home!

Tidings to us he bringeth of the King your brother’s plight.

Now send him word of your pleasure that he come into your sight.

The story of all that in Iceland was done unto us he brings.”

—But he left to another to comfort those sorrowing Daughters of Kings.

They ran to their tiring-bower, they donned their richest array,

And they sent word praying Siegfried to come unto them straightway.

Full fain did he come at their summons, and he met them with joyful eyes.

Then spake Kriemhild the queenly to the hero in gracious wise:

“Now welcome, Lord Knight Siegfried, peer unto whom is none!

Where bideth my brother Gunther, that noble kingly one?

Through the might of Brunhild, I fear me, are we left of his love forlorn!

Woe for me, hapless maiden, that ever I was born!”

But the bold knight smiled in answer—“My good-news’ guerdon pay!

Ye be weeping, O lovely Ladies, without a cause this day.

Whole and unharmed I left him: this know ye in very deed.

Unto you twain by their bidding with tidings hither I speed.

With all heart’s love and kindness, O Lady of queenly pride,

In service to you he commends him, he and his new-won bride.

Now let your weeping have ending; soon will themselves be here.”

Long, long had it been ere she hearkened a tale to her heart so dear!

Then dried she the tears of her weeping with her vesture’s snow-white fold

From her lovely eyes, and she poured forth the thanks of the happy-souled

To the bearer of these glad tidings that made music in her ears.

Past was all her affliction, and banished were all her tears.

She prayed her herald to seat him; that did he willingly;

Then spake that winsome lady: “Exceeding glad were I

If I dared but give unto Siegfried my gold for his herald’s fee;

But for this art thou too exalted—I have left but love for thee.”

But he said, “Though thirty kingdoms were each and all named mine,

Gifts would I take glad-hearted from this fair hand of thine.”

Answered the high-born Lady, “My desire shall become my deed.”

And her chamberlain she commanded to bring her the herald’s meed.

Four-and-twenty armlets that flashed with many a gem

Gave she to him for guerdon: for himself he kept not them;

Of his knightly and courteous spirit he dealt them in that same hour

To her comely maidens which waited on their Lady in her bower.

Then her most loving service graciously tendered the Queen.

“Lo, this of my message remaineth,” spake on that warrior keen,

“Touching that which the King desireth when he meets you by Rhine-flood’s side:

If herein ye will do his pleasure, in his love shall ye ever abide.

His noble guests receive ye—for this his petition is—

With loving and courteous welcome; and he earnestly asketh this,

That ye ride forth all to meet him from Worms by the Rhine-stream shore.

This is the kindness that Gunther by your love and your faith doth implore.”

“Even that will I do right gladly,” the Fair One made reply:

“Of all wherein I can serve him nothing will I deny.

In loyallest love and kindness shall his every wish be fulfilled.”

And the blood in her fair cheeks mantled from the heart with rapture thrilled.

Never had herald of princes more gracious welcome than he:

An she dared but have kissed him, kissed him with all her heart had she.

And so with sweet leave-taking from those ladies forth he went.

Now Burgundy’s thanes were fulfilling the commands by Siegfried sent.

There Sindold and Hunold bestirred them, and Rumold the noble thane;

With all their hearts they laboured, and in love they toiled amain

Making ready the festal high-seats in Worms beside the river:

Early and late those craftsmen of the King were toiling ever.

Ortwein withal and Gere were nowise slack of hand,

For they sent forth word unto kinsmen through the length and the breadth of the land

To bid those guests to the feast-tide that soon should be holden there;

And ready was made her adorning by many a maiden fair.

Splendour-arrayed was the palace, and with tapestries each wall

Was hung in the great guests’ honour: King Gunther’s royal hall

Was adorned in princely fashion to greet the strangers’ eyes:

And thus did the stately feast-tide begin in gladsome wise.

Now did the three Kings’ kinsmen down many a highway ride

Through all the land to the city, which were summoned from every side

To the end that these with honour might welcome the bidden guests.

Then drawn from their cedar coffers were many costly vests.

Now heard are the tidings that watchers have spied the far-off gleam

Of the knights of the train of Brunhild. Lo, how the great throngs stream

As all the multitudes gather and flock through Burgundia-land!

What gallant knights went riding in either princely band!

Then spake she, Kriemhild the Lovely: “O my bower-maidens, ye

Which forth unto this guest-welcome this day will ride with me,

Out of the coffers take ye attire most glorious,

And so shall praise and honour by the guests be rendered to us.”

Then also hasted the good knights, and bade their squires bring out

Goodly saddles with red gold all richly set about.

Mounting-blocks gold-gleaming upon foot-cloths spread on the earth

They set for the feet of the ladies on that day of gladness and mirth.

There in the court stood waiting the palfreys richly dight,

Prepared, as the old song telleth, for many a lady bright.

On the breast of each horse gleaming was the dainty martingale

Of the richest silk threads woven ever sung in minstrel’s tale.

Fourscore-and-six fair ladies came pacing forth in state

With their bright hair wimple-hooded: gather now to the palace-gate

Kriemhild’s own bower-maidens in lovely vesture arrayed;

Decked with their jewels came they, many a winsome maid.