THE NIBELUNGENLIED (continued 6)

1749

Great shame thereat did Kriemhild's / bosom quickly fill; She feared lest Dietrich's anger / should work her grievous ill. Naught she spake unto them / as thence she swiftly passed, But fierce the lightning glances / that on her enemies she cast.

1750

By hand then grasped each, other / doughty warriors twain: Hight the one was Dietrich, / with Hagen, noble thane. Then spake in courteous manner / that knight of high degree: "That ye are come to Hunland, / 'tis very sorrow unto me;

1751

"For what hath here been spoken / by the lofty queen." Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Small cause to grieve, I ween." Held converse thus together / those brave warriors twain, King Etzel which perceiving / thus a questioning began:

1752

"I would learn full gladly," / —in such wise spake he— "Who were yonder warrior, / to whom so cordially Doth greeting give Sir Dietrich. / Meseemeth high his mood. Whosoe'er his sire, / a thane he is of mettle good."

1753

Unto the king gave answer / of Kriemhild's train a knight: "Born he was of Tronje, / Aldrian his sire hight. How merry here his bearing, / a thane full grim is he. That I have spoken truly, / shalt thou anon have cause to see."

1754

"How may I then perceive it / that fierce his wrath doth glow?" Naught of basest treachery / yet the king did know, That anon Queen Kriemhild / 'gainst her kinsmen did contrive, Whereby returned from Hunland / not one of all their train alive.

1755

"Well knew I Aldrian, / he once to me was thane: Praise and mickle honor / he here by me did gain. Myself a knight did make him, / and gave him of my gold. Helke, noble lady, / did him in highest favor hold.

1756

"Thereby know I fully / what Hagen since befell. Two stately youths as hostage / at my court did dwell, He and Spanish Walter, / from youth to manhood led. Hagen sent I homeward; / Walter with Hildegunde fled."

1757

He thought on ancient story / that long ago befell. His doughty friend of Tronje / knew he then right well, Whose youthful valor erstwhile / did such assistance lend. Through him in age he must be / bereft of many a dearest friend.

TWENTY-NINTH ADVENTURE

How He arose not before Her

1758

Then parted from each other / the noble warriors twain, Hagen of Tronje / and Dietrich, lofty thane. Then did King Gunther's warrior / cast a glance around, Seeking a companion / the same he eke full quickly found.

1759

As standing there by Giselher / he did Volker see, He prayed the nimble Fiddler / to bear him company, For that full well he knew it / how grim he was of mood, And that in all things was he / a knight of mettle keen and good.

1760

While yet their lords were standing / there in castle yard Saw ye the two knights only / walking thitherward Across the court far distant / before the palace wide. The chosen thanes recked little / what might through any's hate betide.

1761

They sate them down on settle / over against a hall, Wherein dwelt Lady Kriemhild, / beside the palace wall. Full stately their attire / on stalwart bodies shone. All that did look upon them / right gladly had the warriors known.

1762

Like unto beasts full savage / were they gaped upon, The two haughty heroes, / by full many a Hun. Eke from a casement Etzel's / wife did them perceive: Once more to behold them / must fair Lady Kriemhild grieve.

1763

It called to mind her sorrow, / and she to weep began, Whereat did mickle wonder / many an Etzel's man, What grief had thus so sudden / made her sad of mood. Spake she: "That hath Hagen, / ye knights of mettle keen and good."

1764

They to their mistress answered: / "Such thing, how hath it been? For that thee right joyous / we but now have seen. Ne'er lived he so daring / that, having wrought thee ill, His life he must not forfeit, / if but to vengeance point thy will."

1765

"I live but to requite him / that shall avenge my wrong; Whate'er be his desire / shall unto him belong. Prostrate I beseech you," / —so spake the monarch's wife— "Avenge me upon Hagen, / and forfeit surely be his life."

1766

Three score of valiant warriors / made ready then straightway To work the will of Kriemhild / and her best obey By slaying of Sir Hagen, / the full valiant thane, And eke the doughty Fiddler; / by shameful deed thus sought they gain.

1767

When the queen beheld there / so small their company, In full angry humor / to the warriors spake she: "What there ye think to compass, / forego such purpose yet: So small in numbers never / dare ye Hagen to beset.

1768

"How doughty e'er be Hagen, / and known his valor wide, A man by far more doughty / that sitteth him beside, Volker the Fiddler: / a warrior grim is he. In sooth may not so lightly / the heroes twain confronted be."

1769

When that she thus had spoken, / ready soon were seen Four hundred stalwart warriors; / for was the lofty queen Full intent upon it / to work them evil sore. Therefrom for all the strangers / was mickle sorrow yet in store.

1770

When that complete attiréd / were here retainers seen, Unto the knights impatient / in such wise spake the queen: "Now bide ye yet a moment / and stand ye ready so, While I with crown upon me / unto my enemies shall go.

1771

"And list while I accuse him / how he hath wrought me bane, Hagen of Tronje, / Gunther's doughty thane. I know his mood so haughty, / naught he'll deny of all. Nor reck I what of evil / therefrom may unto him befall."

1772

Then saw the doughty Fiddler / —he was a minstrel keen— Adown the steps descending / the high and stately queen Who issued from the castle. / When he the queen espied, Spake the valiant Volker / to him was seated by his side:

1773

"Look yonder now, friend Hagen, / how that she hither hies Who to this land hath called us / in such treacherous wise. No monarch's wife I ever / saw followed by such band Of warriors armed for battle, / that carry each a sword in hand.

1774

"Know'st thou, perchance, friend Hagen, / if hate to thee they bear? Then would I well advise thee / of them full well beware And guard both life and honor. / That methinks were good, For if I much mistake not, / full wrathful is the warriors' mood.

1775

"Of many eke among them / so broad the breasts do swell, That who would guard him 'gainst them / betimes would do it well. I ween that 'neath their tunics / they shining mail-coats wear: Yet might I never tell thee, / 'gainst whom such evil mind they bear."

1776

Then spake all wrathful-minded / Hagen the warrior keen: "On me to vent their fury / is their sole thought, I ween, That thus with brandished weapons / their onward press we see. Despite them all yet trow I / to come safe home to Burgundy.

1777

"Now tell me, friend Volker, / wilt thou beside me stand, If seek to work me evil / here Kriemhild's band? That let me hear right truly, / as I am dear to thee. By thy side forever / shall my service faithful be."

1778

"Full surely will I help thee," / the minstrel straight replied; "And saw I e'en a monarch / with all his men beside Hither come against us, / the while a sword I wield Not fear shall ever prompt me / from thy side one pace to yield."

1779

"Now God in heaven, O Volker, / give thy high heart its meed. Will they forsooth assail me, / whereof else have I need? Wilt thou thus stand beside me / as here is thy intent, Let come all armed these warriors, / on whatsoever purpose bent."

1780

"Now rise we from this settle," / the minstrel spake once more, "While that the royal lady / passeth here before. To her be done this honor / as unto lady high. Ourselves in equal manner / shall we honor eke thereby."

1781

"Nay, nay! as me thou lovest," / Hagen spake again, "For so would sure imagine / here each hostile thane That 'twere from fear I did it, / should I bear me so. For sake of never any / will I from this settle go.

1782

"Undone we both might leave it / in sooth more fittingly. Wherefore should I honor / who bears ill-will to me? Such thing will I do never, / the while I yet have life. Nor reck I aught how hateth / me the royal Etzel's wife."

1783

Thereat defiant Hagen / across his knee did lay A sword that shone full brightly, / from whose knob did play The light of glancing jasper / greener than blade of grass. Well perceivéd Kriemhild / that it erstwhile Siegfried's was.

1784

When she the sword espiéd, / to weep was sore her need. The hilt was shining golden, / the sheath a band of red. As it recalled her sorrow, / her tears had soon begun; I ween for that same purpose / 'twas thus by dauntless Hagen done.

1785

Eke the valiant Volker / a fiddle-bow full strong Unto himself drew nearer; / mickle it was and long, Like unto a broad-sword / full sharp that was and wide. So sat they all undaunted / the stately warriors side by side.

1786

There sat the thanes together / in such defiant wise That would never either / from the settle rise Through fear of whomsoever. / Then strode before their feet The lofty queen, and wrathful / did thus the doughty warriors greet.

1787

Quoth she: "Now tell me, Hagen, / upon whose command Barest thou thus to journey / hither to this land, And knowest well what sorrow / through thee my heart must bear. Wert thou not reft of reason, / then hadst thou kept thee far from here."

1788

"By none have I been summoned," / Hagen gave reply. "Three lofty thanes invited / were to this country: The same I own as masters / and service with them find. Whene'er they make court journey / 'twere strange should I remain behind."

1789

Quoth she: "Now tell me further, / wherefore didst thou that Whereby thou hast deservéd / my everlasting hate? 'Twas thou that slewest Siegfried, / spouse so dear to me, The which, till life hath ended, / must ever cause for weeping be."

1790

Spake he: "Why parley further, / since further word were vain? E'en I am that same Hagen / by whom was Siegfried slain, That deft knight of valor. / How sore by him 'twas paid That the Lady Kriemhild / dared the fair Brunhild upbraid!

1791

"Beyond all cavil is it, / high and royal dame, Of all the grievous havoc / I do bear the blame. Avenge it now who wisheth, / woman or man tho't be. An I unto thee lie not, / I've wrought thee sorest injury."

1792

She spake: "Now hear, ye warriors, / how denies he not at all The cause of all my sorrow. / Whate'er may him befall Reck I not soever, / that know ye, Etzel's men." The overweening warriors / blank gazed upon each other then.

1793

Had any dared the onset, / seen it were full plain The palm must be awarded / to the companions twain, Who had in storm of battle / full oft their prowess shown. What that proud band designed / through fear must now be left undone.

1794

Outspake one of their number: / "Wherefore look thus to me? What now I thought to venture / left undone shall be, Nor for reward of any / think I my life to lose; To our destruction lures us / here the royal Etzel's spouse."

1795

Then spake thereby another: / "Like mind therein have I. Though ruddy gold were offered / like towers piléd high, Yet would I never venture / to stir this Fiddler's spleen. Such are the rapid glances / that darting from his eyes I've seen.

1796

"Likewise know I Hagen / from youthful days full well, Nor more about his valor / to me need any tell. In two and twenty battles / I the knight have seen, Whereby sorest sorrow / to many a lady's heart hath been.

1797

"When here they were with Etzel, / he and the knight of Spain Bore storm of many a battle / in many a warlike train For sake of royal honor, / so oft thereof was need. Wherefore of right are honors / high the valiant Hagen's meed.

1798

"Then was yet the hero / but a child in years; Now how hoary-headed / who were his youthful feres, To wisdom now attainéd, / a warrior grim and strong, Eke bears he with him Balmung, / the which he gained by mickle wrong."

1799

Therewith the matter ended, / and none the fight dared start, Whereat the Lady Kriemhild / full heavy was of heart. Her warriors thence did vanish, / for feared they death indeed At hands of the Fiddler, / whereof right surely was there need.

1800

Outspake then the Fiddler: / "Well we now have seen, That enemies here do greet us, / as we forewarned have been. Back unto the monarchs / let us straight repair, That none against our masters / to raise a hostile hand may dare.

1801

"How oft from impious purpose / doth fear hold back the hand, Where friend by friend doth only / firm in friendship stand, Until right sense give warning / to leave the thing undone. Thus wisdom hath prevented / the harm of mortals many a one."

1802

"Heed I will thy counsel," / Hagen gave reply. Then passed they where / the monarchs found they presently In high state received / within the palace court. Loud the valiant Volker / straight began after this sort

1803

Unto his royal masters: / "How long will ye stand so, That foes may press upon you? / To the king ye now shall go, And from his lips hear spoken / how is his mind to you." The valiant lords and noble / consorted then by two and two.

1804

Of Bern the lofty Dietrich / took by the hand Gunther the lordly monarch / of Burgundian land; Irnfried escorted Gernot, / a knight of valor keen, And Ruediger with Giselher / going unto the court was seen.

1805

Howe'er with fere consorted / there any thane might be, Volker and Hagen / ne'er parted company, Save in storm of battle / when they did reach life's bourne, 'Twas cause that highborn ladies / anon in grievous way must mourn.

1806

Unto the court then passing / with the kings were seen. Of their lofty retinue / a thousand warriors keen, And threescore thanes full valiant / that followed in their train; The same from his own country / had doughty Hagen with him ta'en.

1807

Hawart and eke Iring, / chosen warriors twain, Saw ye walk together / in the royal train. By Dankwart and Wolfhart, / a thane of high renown, Was high courtly bearing / there before the others shown.

1808

When the lord of Rhineland / passed into the hall, Etzel mighty monarch / waited not at all, But sprang from off his settle / when he beheld him nigh. By monarch ne'er was given / greeting so right heartily.

1809

"Welcome be, Lord Gunther, / and eke Sir Gernot too, And your brother Giselher. / My greetings unto you I sent with honest purpose / to Worms across the Rhine; And welcome all your followers / shall be unto this land of mine.

1810

"Right welcome be ye likewise, / doughty warriors twain, Volker the full valiant, / and Hagen dauntless thane, To me and to my lady / here in my country. Unto the Rhine to greet you / many a messenger sent she."

1811

Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Thereof I'm well aware, And did I with my masters / not thus to Hunland fare, To do thee honor had I / ridden unto thy land." Then took the lofty monarch / the honored strangers by the hand.

1812

He led them to the settle / whereon himself he sat, Then poured they for the strangers / —with care they tended that— In goblets wide and golden / mead and mulberry wine, And bade right hearty welcome / unto the knights afar from Rhine.

1813

Then spake the monarch Etzel: / "This will I freely say: Naught in this world might happen / to bring my heart more joy, Than that ye lofty heroes / thus are come to me. The queen from mickle sadness / thereby make ye likewise free.

1814

"To me 'twas mickle wonder / wherein had I transgressed, That I for friends had won me / so many a noble guest, Yet ye had never deignéd / to come to my country. 'Tis now turned cause of gladness / that you as guests I here may see."

1815

Thereto gave answer Ruediger, / a knight of lofty mind: "Well mayst thou joy to see them; / right honor shalt thou find And naught but noble bearing / in my high mistress' kin. With them for guest thou likewise / many a stately thane dost win."

1816

At turn of sun in summer / were the knights arrived At mighty Etzel's palace. / Ne'er hath monarch lived That lordly guests did welcome / with higher compliment. When come was time of eating, / the king with them to table went.

1817

Amid his guests more stately / a host was seated ne'er. They had in fullest measure / of drink and goodly fare; Whate'er they might desire, / they ready found the same. Tales of mickle wonder / had spread abroad the heroes' fame.

THIRTIETH ADVENTURE

How they kept Guard

1818

And now the day was ended / and nearing was the night. Came then the thought with longing / unto each way-worn knight, When that they might rest them / and to their beds be shown. 'Twas mooted first by Hagen / and straight was answer then made known.

1819

To Etzel spake then Gunther: / "Fair days may God thee give! To bed we'll now betake us, / an be it by thy leave; We'll come betimes at morning, / if so thy pleasure be." From his guests the monarch / parted then full courteously.

1820

Upon the guests on all sides / the Huns yet rudely pressed, Whereat the valiant Volker / these words to them addressed: "How dare ye 'fore these warriors / thus beset the way? If that ye desist not, / rue such rashness soon ye may.

1821

"Let fall will I on some one / such stroke of fiddle-bow, That eyes shall fill with weeping / if he hath friend to show. Why make not way before us, / as fitting were to do! Knights by name ye all are, / but knighthood's ways unknown to you."

1822

When outspake the Fiddler / thus so wrathfully Backward glanced bold Hagen / to see what this might be. Quoth he: "He redes you rightly, / this keen minstrel knight. Ye followers of Kriemhild, / now pass to rest you for the night.

1823

"The thing whereof ye're minded / will none dare do, I ween. If aught ye purpose 'gainst us, / on the morrow be that seen, And let us weary strangers / the night in quiet pass; I ween, with knights of honor / such evermore the custom was."

1824

Then were led the strangers / into a spacious hall Where they found prepared / for the warriors one and all Beds adorned full richly, / that were both wide and long. Yet planned the Lady Kriemhild / to work on them the direst wrong.

1825

Rich quilted mattress covers / of Arras saw ye there Lustrous all and silken, / and spreading sheets there were Wrought of silk of Araby, / the best might e'er be seen. O'er them lay rich embroidered / stuffs that cast a brilliant sheen.

1826

Coverlets of ermine / full many might ye see, With sullen sable mingled, / whereunder peacefully They should rest the night through / till came the shining day. A king with all retinue / ne'er, I ween, so stately lay.

1827

"Alack for these night-quarters!" / quoth young Giselher, "Alack for my companions / who this our journey share! How kind so e'er my sister's / hospitality, Dead by her devising, / I fear me, are we doomed to be."

1828

"Let now no fears disturb you," / Hagen gave reply; "Through the hours of sleeping / keep the watch will I. I trust full well to guard you / until return the day, Thereof be never fearful; / let then preserve him well who may."

1829

Inclined they all before him / thereat to give him grace. Then sought they straight their couches; / in sooth 'twas little space Until was softly resting / every stately man. But Hagen, valiant hero, / the while to don his armor gan.

1830

Spake then to him the Fiddler, / Volker a doughty thane: "I'll be thy fellow, Hagen, / an wilt thou not disdain, While watch this night thou keepest, / until do come the morn." Right heartily the hero / to Volker then did thanks return.

1831

"God in heaven requite thee, / Volker, trusty fere. In all my time of trouble / wished I none other near, None other but thee only, / when dangers round me throng. I'll well repay that favor, / if death withhold its hand so long."

1832

Arrayed in glittering armor / both soon did ready stand; Each did take unto him / a mighty shield in hand, And passed without the portal / there to keep the way. Thus were the strangers guarded, / and trusty watchers eke had they.

1833

Volker the valiant, / as he sat before the hall, Leaned his trusty buckler / meanwhile against the wall, Then took in hand his fiddle / as he was wont to do: All times the thane would render / unto his friends a service true.

1834

Beneath the hall's wide portal / he sat on bench of stone; Than he a bolder fiddler / was there never none. As from his chords sweet echoes / resounded through the hall, Thanks for glad refreshment / had Volker from the warriors all.

1835

Then from the strings an echo / the wide hall did fill, For in his fiddle-playing / the knight had strength and skill. Softer then and sweeter / to fiddle he began And wiled to peaceful slumber / many an anxious brooding man.

1836

When they were wrapped in slumber / and he did understand, Then took again the warrior / his trusty shield in hand And passed without the portal / to guard the entrance tower, And safe to keep his fellows / where Kriemhild's crafty men did lower.

1837

About the hour of midnight, / or earlier perchance, The eye of valiant Volker / did catch a helmet's glance Afar from out the darkness: / the men of Kriemhild sought How that upon the strangers / might grievous scathe in stealth be wrought.

1838

Quoth thereat the Fiddler: / "Friend Hagen, 'tis full clear That we do well together / here this watch to share. I see before us yonder / men arméd for the fight; I ween they will attack us, / if I their purpose judge aright."

1839

"Be silent, then," spake Hagen, / "and let them come more nigh. Ere that they perceive us / shall helmets sit awry, By good swords disjointed / that in our hands do swing. Tale of vigorous greeting / shall they back to Kriemhild bring."

1840

Amid the Hunnish warriors / one full soon did see, That well the door was guarded; / straightway then cried he: "The thing we here did purpose / 'tis need we now give o'er, For I behold the Fiddler / standing guard before the door.

1841

"Upon his head a helmet / of glancing light is seen, Welded strong and skilful, / dintless, of clearest sheen. The mail-rings of his armor / do sparkle like the fire, Beside him stands eke Hagen; / safe are the strangers from our ire."

1842

Straightway they back returned. / When Volker that did see, Unto his companion / wrathfully spake he: "Now let me to those caitiffs / across the court-yard go; What mean they by such business, / from Kriemhild's men I fain would know."

1843

"No, as thou dost love me," / Hagen straight replied; "If from this hall thou partest, / such ill may thee betide At hands of these bold warriors / and from the swords they bear, That I must haste to help thee, / though here our kinsmen's bane it were.

1844

"Soon as we two together / have joined with them in fight, A pair or two among them / will surely hasten straight Hither to this hall here, / and work such havoc sore Upon our sleeping brethren, / as must be mournéd evermore."

1845

Thereto gave answer Volker: / "So much natheless must be, That they do learn full certain / how I the knaves did see, That the men of Kriemhild / hereafter not deny What they had wrought full gladly / here with foulest treachery."

1846

Straightway then unto them / aloud did Volker call: "How go ye thus in armor, / ye valiant warriors all? Or forth, perchance, a-robbing, / Kriemhild's men, go ye? Myself and my companion / shall ye then have for company."

1847

Thereto no man gave answer. / Wrathful grew his mood: "Fie, ye caitiff villains," / spake the hero good, "Would ye us so foully / have murdered while we slept? With knights so high in honor / full seldom thus hath faith been kept."

1848

Then unto Queen Kriemhild / were the tidings borne, How her men did fail their purpose: / 'twas cause for her to mourn. Yet otherwise she wrought it, / for grim she was of mood: Anon through her must perish / full many a valorous knight and good.

THIRTY-FIRST ADVENTURE

How they went to Mass

1849

"So cool doth grow my armor," / Volker made remark, "I ween but little longer / will endure the dark. By the air do I perceive it, / that soon will break the day." Then waked they many a warrior / who still in deepest slumber lay.

1850

When brake the light of morning / athwart the spacious hall, Hagen gan awaken / the stranger warriors all, If that they to the minster / would go to holy mass. After the Christian custom, / of bells a mickle ringing was.

1851

There sang they all uneven, / that plainly might ye see How Christian men and heathen / did not full well agree. Each one of Gunther's warriors / would hear the service sung, So were they all together / up from their night-couches sprung.

1852

Then did the warriors lace them / in so goodly dress, That never heroes any, / that king did e'er possess, More richly stood attired; / that Hagen grieved to see. Quoth he: "Ye knights, far other / here must your attire be.

1853

"Yea, know among you many / how here the case doth stand. Bear ye instead of roses / your good swords in hand, For chaplets all bejewelled / your glancing helmets good, Since we have well perceivéd / how is the angry Kriemhild's mood.

1854

"To-day must we do battle, / that will I now declare. Instead of silken tunic / shall ye good hauberks wear, And for embroidered mantle / a trusty shield and wide, That ye may well defend you, / if ye must others' anger bide.

1855

"My masters well belovéd, / knights and kinsmen true, 'Tis meet that ye betake you / unto the minster too, That God do not forsake you / in peril and in need, For certain now I make you / that death is nigh to us indeed.

1856

"Forget ye not whatever / wrong ye e'er have done, But there 'fore God right meekly / all your errors own; Thereto would I advise you, / ye knights of high degree, For God alone in heaven / may will that other mass ye see."

1857

Thus went they to the minster, / the princes and their men. Within the holy churchyard / bade them Hagen then Stand all still together / that they part not at all. Quoth he: "Knows not any / what may at hands of Huns befall.

1858

"Let stand, good friends, all ready, / your shields before your feet, That if ever any / would you in malice greet, With deep-cut wound ye pay him; / that is Hagen's rede, That from men may never / aught but praises be your meed."

1859

Volker and Hagen, / the twain thence did pass Before the broad minster. / Therein their purpose was That the royal Kriemhild / must meet them where they stood There athwart her pathway. / In sooth full grim she was of mood.

1860

Then came the royal Etzel / and eke his spouse full fair. Attired were the warriors / all in raiment rare That following full stately / with her ye might see; The dust arose all densely / round Kriemhild's mickle company.

1861

When the lofty monarch / thus all armed did see The kings and their followers, / straightway then cried he: "How see I in this fashion / my friends with helm on head? By my troth I sorrow / if ill to them have happenéd.

1862

"I'll gladly make atonement / as doth to them belong. Hath any them affronted / or done them aught of wrong, To me 'tis mickle sorrow, / well may they understand. To serve them am I ready, / in whatsoever they command."

1863

Thereto gave answer Hagen: / "Here hath wronged us none. 'Tis custom of my masters / to keep their armor on Till full three days be over, / when high festival they hold. Did any here molest us, / to Etzel would the thing be told."

1864

Full well heard Kriemhild likewise / how Hagen gave reply. Upon him what fierce glances / flashed furtively her eye! Yet betray she would not / the custom of her country, Though well she long had known it / in the land of Burgundy.

1865

How grim soe'er and mighty / the hate to them she bore, Had any told to Etzel / how stood the thing before, Well had he prevented / what there anon befell. So haughty were they minded / that none to him the same would tell.

1866

With the queen came forward / there a mighty train, But no two handbreadths yielded / yet those warriors twain To make way before her. / The Huns did wrathful grow, That their mistress passing / should by them be jostled so.

1867

Etzel's highborn pages / were sore displeased thereat, And had upon the strangers / straightway spent their hate, But that they durst not do it / their high lord before. There was a mickle pressing, / yet naught of anger happened more.

1868

When they thence were parting / from holy service done, On horse came quickly prancing / full many a nimble Hun. With the Lady Kriemhild / went many a maiden fair, And eke to make her escort / seven thousand knights rode there.

1869

Kriemhild with her ladies / within the casement sat By Etzel, mighty monarch, / —full pleased he was thereat. They wished to view the tourney / of knights beyond compare. What host of strangers riding / thronged the court before them there!

1870

The marshal with the squires / not in vain ye sought, Dankwart the full valiant: / with him had he brought His royal master's followers / of the land of Burgundy. For the valiant Nibelungen / the steeds well saddled might ye see.

1871

When their steeds they mounted, / the kings and all their men, Volker thane full doughty, / gave his counsel then, That after their country's fashion / they ride a mass mellay. His rede the heroes followed / and tourneyed in full stately way.

1872

The knight had counsel given / in sooth that pleased them well; The clash of arms in mellay / soon full loud did swell. Many a valiant warrior / did thereto resort, As Etzel and Kriemhild / looked down upon the spacious court.

1873

Came there unto the mellay / six hundred knights of those That followed Dietrich's bidding, / the strangers to oppose. Pastime would they make them / with the men of Burgundy, And if he leave had granted. / had done the same right willingly.

1874

In their company rode there / how many a warrior bold! When unto Sir Dietrich / then the thing was told, Forbade he that 'gainst Gunther's / men they join the play. He feared lest harm befall them, / and well his counsel did he weigh.

1875

When of Bern the warriors / thence departed were, Came they of Bechelaren, / the men of Ruediger, Bearing shield five hundred, / and rode before the hall; Rather had the margrave / that they came there not at all.

1876

Prudently then rode he / amid their company And told unto his warriors / how they might plainly see, That the men of Gunther / were in evil mood: Did they forego the mellay, / please him better far it would.

1877

When they were thence departed, / the stately knights and bold, Came they of Thuringia, / as hath to us been told, And of them of Denmark / a thousand warriors keen. From crash of spear up-flying / full frequent were the splinters seen.

1878

Irnfried and Hawart / rode into the mellay, Whom the gallant men of Rhineland / received in knightly play: Full oft the men of Thuringia / they met in tournament, Whereby the piercing lance-point / through many a stately shield was sent.

1879

Eke with three thousand warriors / came Sir Bloedel there. Etzel and Kriemhild / were of his coming ware, As this play of chivalry / before them they did see. Now hoped the queen that evil / befall the men of Burgundy.

1880

Schrutan and Gibecke / rode into the mellay, Eke Ramung and Hornbog / after the Hunnish way; Yet must they come to standstill / 'fore the thanes of Burgundy. High against the palace / wall the splintered shafts did fly.

1881

How keen soe'er the contest, / 'twas naught but knightly sport. With shock of shields and lances / heard ye the palace court Loud give back the echo / where Gunther's men rode on. His followers in the jousting / on every side high honor won.

1882

So long they held such pastime / and with so mickle heat That through the broidered trappings / oozed clear drops of sweat From the prancing chargers / whereon the knights did ride. In full gallant manner / their skill against the Huns they tried.

1883

Then outspake the Fiddler, / Volker deft of hand: "These knights, I ween, too timid / are 'gainst us to stand. Oft did I hear the story / what hate to us they bore; Than this a fairer season / to vent it, find they nevermore."

1884

"Lead back unto the stables," / once more spake Volker then, "Now our weary chargers; / we'll ride perchance again When comes the cool of evening, / if fitting time there be. Mayhap the queen will honor / award to men of Burgundy."

1885

Beheld they then prick hither / one dressed in state so rare That of the Huns none other / might with him compare. Belike from castle tower / did watch his fair lady; So gay was his apparel / as it some knight's bride might be.

1886

Then again quoth Volker: / "How may I stay my hand? Yonder ladies' darling / a knock shall understand. Let no man here deter me, / I'll give him sudden check. How spouse of royal Etzel / thereat may rage, I little reck."

1887

"Nay, as thou dost love me," / straight King Gunther spake; "All men will but reproach us / if such affront we make. The Huns be first offenders, / for such would more befit." Still did the royal Etzel / in casement by Queen Kriemhild sit.

1888

"I'll add unto the mellay," / Hagen did declare; "Let now all these ladies / and knights be made aware How we can ride a charger; / 'twere well we make it known, For, come what may, small honor / shall here to Gunther's men be shown."

1889

Once more the nimble Volker / into the mellay spurred, Whereat full many a lady / soon to weep was heard. His lance right through the body / of that gay Hun he sent: 'Twas cause that many a woman / and maiden fair must sore lament.

1890

Straight dashed into the mellay / Hagen and his men. With three score of his warriors / spurred he quickly then Forward where the Fiddler / played so lustily. Etzel and Kriemhild / full plainly might the passage see.

1891

Then would the kings their minstrel / —that may ye fairly know— Leave not all defenceless / there amid the foe. With them a thousand heroes / rode forth full dexterously, And soon had gained their purpose / with show of proudest chivalry.

1892

When in such rude fashion / the stately Hun was slain, Might ye hear his kinsmen / weeping loud complain. Then all around did clamor: / "Who hath the slayer been?" "None but the Fiddler was it, / Volker the minstrel keen."

1893

For swords and for shields then / called full speedily That slain margrave's kinsmen / of the Hun's country. To avenge him sought they / Volker in turn to slay. In haste down from the casement / royal Etzel made his way.

1894

Arose a mighty clamor / from the people all; The kings and men of Burgundy / dismounted 'fore the hall, And likewise their chargers / to the rear did send. Came then the mighty Etzel / and sought to bring the strife to end.

1895

From one of that Hun's kinsmen / who near by him did stand Snatched he a mighty weapon / quick from out his hand, And therewith backward smote them, / for fierce his anger wrought. "Shall thus my hospitality / unto these knights be brought to naught?"

1896

"If ye the valiant minstrel / here 'fore me should slay," Spake the royal Etzel, / "it were an evil day. When he the Hun impaléd / I did observe full well, That not through evil purpose / but by mishap it so befell.

1897

"These my guests now must ye / ne'er disturb in aught." Himself became their escort. / Away their steeds were brought Unto the stables / by many a waiting squire, Who ready at their bidding / stood to meet their least desire.

1898

The host with the strangers / into the palace went, Nor would he suffer any / further his wrath to vent. Soon were the tables ready / and water for them did wait. Many then had gladly / on them of Rhineland spent their hate.

1899

Not yet the lords were seated / till some time was o'er. For Kriemhild o'er her sorrow / meantime did trouble sore. She spake: "Of Bern, O Master, / thy counsel grant to me, Thy help and eke thy mercy, / for here in sorry plight I be."

1900

To her gave answer Hildebrand, / a thane right praiseworthy: "Who harms the Nibelungen / shall ne'er have help of me, How great soe'er the guerdon. / Such deed he well may rue, For never yet did any / these gallant doughty knights subdue."

1901

Eke in courteous manner / Sir Dietrich her addressed: "Vain, O lofty mistress, / unto me thy quest. In sooth thy lofty kinsmen / have wronged me not at all, That I on thanes so valorous / should thus with murderous purpose fall.

1902

"Thy prayer doth thee small honor, / O high and royal dame, That upon thy kinsmen / thou so dost counsel shame. Thy grace to have they deeméd / when came they to this land. Nevermore shall Siegfried / avengéd be by Dietrich's hand."

1903

When she no guile discovered / in the knight of Bern, Unto Bloedel straightway / did she hopeful turn With promise of wide marches / that Nudung erst did own. Slew him later Dankwart / that he forgot the gift full soon.

1904

Spake she: "Do thou help me, / Sir Bloedel, I pray. Yea, within the palace / are foes of mine this day, Who erstwhile slew Siegfried, / spouse full dear to me. Who helps me to avenge it, / to him I'll e'er beholden be."

1905

Thereto gave answer Bloedel: / "Lady, be well aware, Ne'er to do them evil / 'fore Etzel may I dare, For to thy kinsmen, lady, / beareth he good will. Ne'er might the king me pardon, / wrought I upon them aught of ill."

1906

"But nay, Sir Bloedel, my favor / shall thou have evermore. Yea, give I thee for guerdon / silver and gold in store, And eke a fairest lady, / that Nudung erst should wed: By her fond embraces / may'st thou well be comforted.

1907

"The land and eke the castles, / all to thee I'll give; Yea, may'st thou, knight full noble, / in joyance ever live, Call'st thou thine the marches, / wherein did Nudung dwell. Whate'er this day I promise, / fulfil it all I will full well."

1908

When understood Sir Bloedel / what gain should be his share, And pleased him well the lady / for that she was so fair, By force of arms then thought he / to win her for his wife. Thereby the knight aspirant / was doomed anon to lose his life.

1909

"Unto the hall betake thee," / quoth he unto the queen, "Alarum I will make thee / ere any know, I ween. Atone shall surely Hagen / where he hath done thee wrong: To thee I'll soon give over / King Gunther's man in fetters strong."

1910

"To arms, to arms!" quoth Bloedel, / "my good warriors all: In their followers' quarters / upon the foe we'll fall. Herefrom will not release me / royal Etzel's wife. To win this venture therefore / fear not each one to lose his life."

1911

When at length Queen Kriemhild / found Bloedel well content To fulfil her bidding, / she to table went With the monarch Etzel / and eke a goodly band. Dire was the treason / she against the guests had planned.

1912

Since in none other manner / she knew the strife to start, (Kriemhild's ancient sorrow / still rankled in her heart), Bade she bring to table / Etzel's youthful son: By woman bent on vengeance / how might more awful deed be done?

1913

Went upon the instant / four of Etzel's men, And soon came bearing Ortlieb, / the royal scion, then Unto the princes' table, / where eke grim Hagen sate. The child was doomed to perish / by reason of his deadly hate.

1914

When the mighty monarch / then his child did see, Unto his lady's kinsmen / in manner kind spake he: "Now, my good friends, behold ye / here my only son, And child of your high sister: / may it bring you profit every one.

1915

"Grow he but like his kindred, / a valiant man he'll be, A mighty king and noble, / doughty and fair to see. Live I but yet a little, / twelve lands shall he command; May ye have faithful service / from the youthful Ortlieb's hand.

1916

"Therefore grant me favor, / ye good friends of mine; When to your country ride ye / again unto the Rhine, Shall ye then take with you / this your sister's son, And at your hands may ever / by the child full fair be done.

1917

"Bring him up in honor / until to manhood grown. If then in any country / hath wrong to you been done, He'll help you by his valor / vengeance swift to wreak." Eke heard the Lady Kriemhild / royal Etzel thus to speak.

1918

"Well might these my masters / on his faith rely, Grew he e'er to manhood," / Hagen made reply: "Yet is the prince, I fear me, / more early doomed of fate. 'Twere strange did any see me / ever at court on Ortlieb wait."

1919

The monarch glanced at Hagen, / sore grieved at what he heard; Although the king full gallant / thereto spake ne'er a word, Natheless his heart was saddened / and heavy was his mind. Nowise the mood of Hagen / was to merriment inclined.

1920

It grieved all the princes / and the royal host That of his child did Hagen / make such idle boast. That they must likewise leave it / unanswered, liked they not: They little weaned what havoc / should by the thane anon be wrought.

THIRTY-SECOND ADVENTURE

How Bloedel was Slain

1921

The knights by Bloedel summoned / soon armed and ready were, A thousand wearing hauberks / straightway did repair Where Dankwart sat at table / with many a goodly squire. Soon knight on knight was seeking / in fiercest way to vent his ire.

1922

When there Sir Bloedel / strode unto the board, Dankwart the marshal / thus spoke courteous word: "Unto this hall right welcome / good Sir Bloedel be. What business hast thou hither / is cause of wonder yet to me."

1923

"No greeting here befits thee," / spake Bloedel presently, "For that this my coming / now thy end must be, Through Hagen's fault, thy brother, / who Siegfried erstwhile slew To the Huns thou mak'st atonement, / and many another warrior too."

1924

"But nay, but nay, Sir Bloedel," / Dankwart spake thereto, "For so should we have reason / our coming here to rue. A child I was and little / when Siegfried lost his life, Nor know I why reproacheth / me the royal Etzel's wife."

1925

"In sooth I may the story / never fully tell. Gunther and Hagen was it / by whom the deed befell. Now guard you well, ye strangers, / for doomed in sooth are ye, Unto Lady Kriemhild / must your lives now forfeit be."

1926

"An so thou wilt desist not," / Dankwart declared, "Regret I my entreaty, / my toil were better spared." The nimble thane and valiant / up from the table sprung, And drew a keen-edged weapon, / great in sooth that was and long.

1927

Then smote he with it Bloedel / such a sudden blow That his head full sudden / before his feet lay low. "Be that thy wedding-dower," / the doughty Dankwart spake, "Along with bride of Nudung / whom thou would'st to thy bosom take.

1928

"To-morrow may she marry, / but some other one: Will he have bridal portion, / e'en so to him be done." A Hun that liked not treason / had given him to know How that the queen upon him / thought to work so grievous woe.

1929

When the men of Bloedel / saw thus their master slain, To fall upon the strangers / would they longer not refrain. With swords swung high above them / upon the squires they flew In a grimmest humor. / Soon many must that rashness rue.

1930

Full loudly cried then Dankwart / to all his company: "Behold ye, noble squires, / the fate that ours must be. Now quit yourselves with valor, / for evil is our pass, Though fair to us the summons / hither from Lady Kriemhild was!"

1931

They, too, reached down before them, / who no weapons bore, And each a massive footstool / snatched from off the floor, For the Burgundian squires / no whit were they dismayed; And by the selfsame weapons / was many a dint in helmet made.

1932

How fierce they fought to shield them / the strangers one and all! E'en their arméd foemen / drove they from the hall. Or smote dead within it / hundreds five or more; All the valiant fighters / saw ye drenched with ruddy gore.

1933

Ere long the wondrous tidings / some messenger did tell Unto Etzel's chieftain / —fierce did their anger swell— How that slain was Bloedel / and knights full many a one; The which had Hagen's brother / with his lusty squires done.

1934

The Huns, by anger driven, / ere Etzel was aware, Two thousand men or over, / did quick themselves prepare. They fell upon those squires / —e'en so it had to be— And never any living / they left of all that company.

1935

A mickle host they faithless / unto those quarters brought, But lustily the strangers / 'gainst their assailants fought. What booted swiftest valor? / Soon must all lie dead. A dire woe thereafter / on many a man was visited.

1936

Now may ye hear a wondrous / tale of honor told: Of squires full nine thousand / soon in death lay cold, And eke good knights a dozen / there of Dankwart's band. Forlorn ye saw him only / the last amid his foemen stand.

1937

The din at last was ended / and lulled the battle-sound, When the valiant Dankwart / did cast a glance around. "Alack for my companions," / cried he, "now from me reft. Alack that I now only / forlorn amid my foes am left."

1938

The swords upon his body / fell full thick and fast, Which rashness many a warrior's / widow mourned at last. His shield he higher lifted / and drew the strap more low: Down coats of ring-made armor / made he the ebbing blood to flow.

1939

"O woe is me!" spake Dankwart, / the son of Aldrian. "Now back, ye Hunnish fighters, / let me the open gain, That the air give cooling / to me storm-weary wight." In splendid valor moving / strode forward then anew the knight.

1940

As thus he battle-weary / through the hall's portal sprang, What swords of new-come fighters / upon his helmet rang! They who not yet had witnessed / what wonders wrought his hand, Rashly rushed they forward / to thwart him of Burgundian land.

1941

"Now would to God," quoth Dankwart, / "I found a messenger Who to my brother Hagen / might the tidings bear, That 'fore host of foemen / in such sad case am I! From hence he'd surely help me, / or by my side he slain would lie."

1942

Then Hunnish knights gave answer: / "Thyself the messenger Shalt be, when to thy brother / thee a corse we bear. So shall that thane of Gunther / first true sorrow know. Upon the royal Etzel / here hast thou wrought so grievous woe."

1943

Quoth he: "Now leave such boasting / and yield me passage free, Else shall mail-rings a many / with blood bespattered be. Myself will tell the tidings / soon at Etzel's court, And eke unto my masters / of this my travail make report."

1944

Etzel's men around him / belabored he so sore That they at sword-point / durst not withstand him more. Spears shot into his shield he / so many there did stop That he the weight unwieldy / must from out his hand let drop.

1945

Then thought they to subdue him / thus of his shield bereft, But lo! the mighty gashes / wherewith he helmets cleft! Must there keen knights full many / before him stagger down, High praise the valiant Dankwart / thereby for his valor won.

1946

On right side and on left side / they still beset his way, Yet many a one too rashly / did mingle in the fray. Thus strode he 'mid the foemen / as doth in wood the boar By yelping hounds beleaguered; / more stoutly fought he ne'er before.

1947

As there he went, his pathway / with reeking blood was wet. Yea, never any hero / more bravely battled yet When by foes surrounded, / than he did might display. To court did Hagen's brother / with splendid valor make his way.

1948

When stewards and cup-bearers / heard how sword-blades rung, Many a brimming goblet / from their hands they flung And eke the viands ready / that they to table bore; Thus many doughty foemen / withstood him where he sought the door.

1949

"How now, ye stewards?" / cried the weary knight; "'Twere better that ye tended / rather your guests aright, Bearing to lords at table / choice food that fitteth well, And suffered me these tidings / unto my masters dear to tell."

1950

Whoe'er before him rashly / athwart the stairway sprung, On him with blow so heavy / his mighty sword he swung, That soon faint heart gave warning / before his path to yield. Mickle wonder wrought he / where sword his doughty arm did wield.

THIRTY-THIRD ADVENTURE

How the Burgundians fought with the Huns

1951

Soon as the valiant Dankwart / stood beneath the door, Bade he Etzel's followers / all make way before. With blood from armor streaming / did there the hero stand; A sharp and mighty weapon / bore he naked in his hand.

1952

Into the hall then Dankwart / cried with voice full strong: "At table, brother Hagen, / thou sittest all too long. To thee and God in heaven / must I sore complain: Knights and squires also / lie within their lodging slain."

1953

Straight he cried in answer: / "Who hath done such deed?" "That hath done Sir Bloedel / and knights that he did lead. Eke made he meet atonement, / that may'st thou understand: His head from off his body / have I struck with mine own hand."

1954

"'Tis little cause for sorrow," / Hagen spake again, "When they tell the story / of a valiant thane, That he to death was smitten / by knight of high degree. The less a cause for weeping / to winsome women shall it be.

1955

"Now tell me, brother Dankwart, / how thou so red may'st be; From thy wounds thou sufferest, / I ween, full grievously. Lives he within this country / who serves thee in such way, Him must the devil shelter, / or for the deed his life shall pay."

1956

"Behold me here all scatheless. / My gear is wet with blood, From wounds of others, natheless, / now hath flowed that flood, Of whom this day so many / beneath my broadsword fell: Must I make solemn witness, / ne'er knew I full the tale to tell."

1957

He answered: "Brother Dankwart, / now take thy stand before, And Huns let never any / make passage by the door. I'll speak unto these warriors, / as needs must spoken be: Dead lie all our followers, / slain by foulest treachery."

1958

"Must I here be chamberlain," / replied the warrior keen, "Well know I such high monarchs / aright to serve, I ween. So will I guard the stairway / as sorts with honor well." Ne'er to the thanes of Kriemhild / so sorry case before befell.

1959

"To me 'tis mickle wonder," / Hagen spake again, "What thing unto his neighbor / whispers each Hunnish thane. I ween they'd forego the service / of him who keeps the door, And who such high court tidings / to his friends of Burgundy bore.

1960

"Long since of Lady Kriemhild / the story I did hear, How unavenged her sorrow / she might no longer bear. A memory-cup now quaff we / and pay for royal cheer! The youthful lord of Hunland / shall make the first instalment here."

1961

Thereat the child Ortlieb / doughty Hagen slew, That from the sword downward / the blood to hand-grip flew, And into lap of Kriemhild / the severed head down rolled. Then might ye see 'mid warriors / a slaughter great and grim unfold.

1962

By both hands swiftly wielded, / his blade then cut the air And smote upon the tutor / who had the child in care, That down before the table / his head that instant lay: It was a sorry payment / wherewith he did the tutor pay.

1963

His eye 'fore Etzel's table / a minstrel espied: To whom in hasty manner / did wrathful Hagen stride, Where moved it on the fiddle / his right hand off smote he; "Have that for thy message / unto the land of Burgundy."

1964

"Alack my hand!" did Werbel / that same minstrel moan; "What, Sir Hagen of Tronje, / have I to thee done? I bore a faithful message / unto thy master's land. How may I more make music / thus by thee bereft of hand?"

1965

Little in sooth recked Hagen, / fiddled he nevermore. Then in the hall all wrathful / wrought he havoc sore Upon the thanes of Etzel / whereof he many slew; Ere they might find exit, / to death then smote he not a few.

1966

Volker the full valiant / up sprang from board also: In his hand full clearly / rang out his fiddle-bow, For mightily did fiddle / Gunther's minstrel thane. What host of foes he made him / because of Hunnish warriors slain!

1967

Eke sprang from the table / the lofty monarchs three, Who glad had stilled the combat / ere greater scathe might be. Yet all their art availed not / their anger to assuage, When Volker and Hagen / so mightily began to rage.

1968

When the lord of Rhineland / saw how his toil was vain, Gaping wounds full many / himself did smite amain Through rings of shining mail-coats / there upon the foe. He was a valiant hero, / as he full gallantly did show.

1969

Strode eke into the combat / Gernot a doughty thane; By whom of Hunnish warriors / full many a one was slain With a sword sharp-edgéd / he had of Ruediger; Oft sent to dire ruin / by him the knights of Etzel were.

1970

The youthful son of Ute / eke to the combat sprang, And merrily his broadsword / upon the helmets rang Of many a Hunnish warrior / there in Etzel's land; Feasts of mickle wonder / wrought Giselher with dauntless hand.

1971

How bold soe'er was any, / of kings and warrior band, Saw ye yet the foremost / Giselher to stand There against the foemen, / a knight of valor good; Wounded deep full many / made he to fall in oozing blood.

1972

Eke full well defend them / did Etzel's warriors too. There might ye see the strangers / their gory way to hew With swords all brightly gleaming / adown that royal hall; Heard ye there on all sides / loudly ring the battle-call.

1973

Join friends within beleaguered / would they without full fain, Yet might they at the portal / but little vantage gain. Eke they within had gladly / gained the outer air; Nor up nor down did Dankwart / suffer one to pass the stair.

1974

There before the portal / surged a mighty throng, And with a mickle clangor / on helm the broadsword rung. Thus on the valiant Dankwart / his foes did sorely press, And soon his trusty brother / was anxious grown o'er his distress.

1975

Full loudly cried then Hagen / unto Volker: "Trusty fere, behold'st thou / my brother standing there, Where on him Hunnish warriors / their mighty blows do rain? Good friend, save thou my brother / ere we do lose the valiant thane."

1976

"That will I do full surely," / thereat the minstrel spake. Adown the hall he fiddling / gan his way to make; In his hand full often / a trusty sword rang out, While grateful knights of Rhineland / acclaimed him with a mickle shout.

1977

Soon did the valiant Volker / Dankwart thus address: "Hard this day upon thee / hath weighed the battle's stress. That I should come to help thee / thy brother gave command; Keep thou without the portal, / I inward guarding here will stand."

1978

Dankwart, thane right valiant, / stood without the door And guarded so the stairway / that none might pass before. There heard ye broadswords ringing, / swung by warrior's hand, While inward in like manner / wrought Volker of Burgundian land.

1979

There the valiant Fiddler / above the press did call: "Securely now, friend Hagen, / closed is the hall. Yea, so firmly bolted / is King Etzel's door By hands of two good warriors, / as thousand bars were set before,"

1980

When Hagen thus of Tronje / the door did guarded find, The warrior far renownéd / swung his shield behind; He first for harm receivéd / revenge began to take, Whereat all hope of living / did soon his enemies forsake.

1981

When of Bern Sir Dietrich / rightly did perceive How the doughty Hagen / did many a helmet cleave, The king of Amelungen / upon a bench leaped up; Quoth he: "Here poureth Hagen / for us exceeding bitter cup."

1982

Great fear fell eke on Etzel, / as well might be the case, (What trusty followers snatched they / to death before his face!) For well nigh did his enemies / on him destruction bring. There sat he all confounded. / What booted him to be a king?

1983

Cried then aloud to Dietrich / Kriemhild, the high lady: "Now help me, knight so noble, / that hence with life I flee, By princely worth, I pray thee, / thou lord of Amelung's land; If here do reach me Hagen, / straight find I death beneath his hand."

1984

"How may my help avail thee, / noble queen and high?" Answered her Sir Dietrich, / "Fear for myself have I. Too sorely is enraged / each knight in Gunther's band, To no one at this season / may I lend assisting hand."

1985

"But nay, but nay, Sir Dietrich, / full noble knight and keen, What maketh thy bright chivalry, / let it this day be seen, And bring me hence to safety, / else am I death's sure prey." Good cause was that on Kriemhild's / bosom fear so heavy lay.

1986

"So will I here endeavor / to help thee as I may; Yet shalt thou well believe me, / hath passed full many a day Since saw I goodly warriors / of so bitter mood. 'Neath swords behold I flowing / through helmets plenteously the blood."

1987

Lustily then cried he, / the warrior nobly born, That his voice rang loudly / like blast from bison's horn, That all around the palace / gave back the lusty sound; Unto the might of Dietrich / never limit yet was found.

1988

When did hear King Gunther / how called the doughty man Above the storm of combat, / to hearken he began. Quoth he: "The voice of Dietrich / hath fallen upon mine ear; I ween some of his followers / before our thanes have fallen here.

1989

"High on the board I see him; / he beckons with the hand. Now my good friends and kinsmen / of Burgundian land, Stay ye your hands from conflict, / let us hear and see If done upon the chieftain / aught by my men of scathe there be."

1990

When thus King Gunther / did beg and eke command, With swords in stress of battle / stayed they all the hand. 'Twas token of his power / that straight the strife did pause. Then him of Bern he questioned / what of his outcry were the cause.

1991

He spake: "Full noble Dietrich, / what here on thee is wrought By any of my warriors? / For truly is my thought To make a full atonement / and amends to thee. If here hath wronged thee any, / 'twere cause of mickle grief to me."

1992

Then answered him Sir Dietrich: / "Myself do nothing grieve. Grant me with thy protection / but this hall to leave And quit the dire conflict, / with them that me obey. Then surely will I ever / seek thy favor to repay."

1993

"How plead'st thou thus so early?" / Wolfhart was heard; "The Fiddler so securely / the door not yet hath barred, But it so wide we'll open / to pass it through, I trow." "Now hold thy peace," quoth Dietrich, / "wrought but little here hast thou."

1994

Then spake the royal Gunther: / "That grant I thee to do, Forth from the hall lead many / or lead with thee few, An if my foes it be not; / here stay they every one. Upon me here in Hunland / hath grievous wrong by them been done."

1995

When heard he Gunther's answer / he took beneath his arm The noble Queen Kriemhild, / who dreaded mickle harm. On the other side too led he / Etzel with him away; Eke went thence with Dietrich / six hundred knights in fair array.

1996

Then outspake the margrave, / the noble Ruediger: "If leave to any others / be granted forth to fare, Of those who glad would serve you, / give us the same to see. Yea, peace that's never broken / 'twixt friends 'tis meet should ever be."

1997

Thereto gave answer Giselher / of the land of Burgundy: "Peace and unbroken friendship / wish we e'er with thee, With thee and all thy kinsmen, / as true thou ever art. We grant thee all untroubled / with thy friends from hence to part."

1998

When thus Sir Ruediger / from the hall did pass, A train of knights five hundred / or more with him there was, Of them of Bechelaren, / kinsmen and warriors true, Whose parting gave King Gunther / anon full mickle cause to rue.

1999

When did a Hunnish warrior / Etzel's passing see 'Neath the arm of Dietrich, / to profit him thought he. Smote him yet the Fiddler / such a mighty blow, That 'fore the feet of Etzel / sheer on the floor his head fell low.

2000

When the country's monarch / had gained the outer air, Turned he looking backward / and gazed on Volker. "Alack such guests to harbor! / Ah me discomfited! That all the knights that serve me / shall before their might lie dead.

2001

"Alack their coming hither!" / spake the king once more. "Within, a warrior fighteth / like to wild forest boar; Hight the same is Volker, / and a minstrel is also; To pass the demon scatheless / I to fortune's favor owe.

2002

"Evil sound his melodies, / his strokes of bow are red, Yea, beneath his music / full many a knight lies dead. I know not what against us / hath stirred that player's ire, For guests ne'er had I any / whereby to suffer woe so dire."

2003

None other would they suffer / to pass the door than those. Then 'neath the hall's high roof-tree / a mighty din arose. For evil wrought upon them / those guests sore vengeance take. Volker the doughty Fiddler, / what shining helmets there he brake!

2004

Gunther, lofty monarch, / thither turned his ear. "Hear'st thou the music, Hagen, / that yonder Volker Doth fiddle for the Hun-men, / when near the door they go? The stroke is red of color, / where he doth draw the fiddle-bow."

2005

"Mickle doth it rue me," / Hagen spake again, "That in the hall far severed / I am from that bold thane. I was his boon companion / and he sworn friend to me: Come we hence ever scatheless, / trusty feres we yet shall be.

2006

"Behold now, lofty sire, / the faith of Volker bold! With will he seeks to win him / thy silver and thy gold. With fiddle-bow he cleaveth / e'en the steel so hard, Bright-gleaming crests of helmets / are scattered by his mighty sword.

2007

"Never saw I fiddler / so dauntless heart display, As the doughty Volker / here hath done this day. Through shield and shining helmet / his melodies ring clear; Give him to ride good charger / and eke full stately raiment wear."

2008

Of all the Hunnish kindred / that in the hall had been, None now of all their number / therein to fight was seen. Hushed was the din of battle / and strife no more was made: From out their hands aweary / their swords the dauntless warriors laid.

THIRTY-FOURTH ADVENTURE

How they cast out the Dead

2009

From toil of battle weary / rested the warriors all. Volker and Hagen / passed out before the hall, And on their shields did lean them, / those knights whom naught could daunt. Then with full merry converse / gan the twain their foes to taunt.

2010

Spake meanwhile of Burgundy / Giselher the thane: "Not yet, good friends, may ye / think to rest again. Forth from the hall the corses / shall ye rather bear. Again we'll be assailéd, / that would I now in sooth declare.

2011

"Beneath our feet no longer / here the dead must lie. But ere in storm of battle / at hand of Huns to die, We'll deal such wounds around us / as 'tis my joy to see. Thereon," spake Giselher, / "my heart is fixed right steadfastly."

2012

"I joy in such a master," / Hagen spake again: "Such counsel well befitteth / alone so valiant thane As my youthful master / hath shown himself this day. Therefor, O men of Burgundy, / every one rejoice ye may."

2013

Then followed they his counsel / and from the hall they bore Seven thousand bodies / and cast them from the door. Adown the mounting stairway / all together fell, Whereat a sound of wailing / did from mourning kinsmen swell.

2014

Many a man among them / so slight wound did bear That he were yet recovered / had he but gentle care, Who yet falling headlong / now surely must be dead. Thereat did grieve their kinsmen / as verily was sorest need.

2015

Then outspake the Fiddler, / Volker a hero bold: "Now do I find how truly / hath to me been told That cowards are the Hun-men / who do like women weep. Rather should be their effort / their wounded kin alive to keep."

2016

These words deemed a margrave / spoken in kindly mood. He saw one of his kinsmen / weltering in his blood. In his arms he clasped him / and thought him thence to bear, But as he bent above him / pierced him the valiant minstrel's spear.

2017

When that beheld the others / all in haste they fled, Crying each one curses / on that same minstrel's head. From the ground then snatched he / a spear with point full keen, That 'gainst him up the stairway / by a Hun had hurléd been.

2018

Across the court he flung it / with his arm of might Far above the people. / Then did each Hunnish knight Seek him safer quarters / more distant from the hall. To see his mighty prowess / did fill with fear his foemen all.

2019

As knights full many thousand / far 'fore the palace stood, Volker and Hagen / gan speak in wanton mood "Unto King Etzel, / nor did they aught withhold; Wherefrom anon did sorrow / o'ertake those doughty warriors bold.

2020

"'Twould well beseem," quoth Hagen, / "the people's lofty lord Foremost in storm of battle / to swing the cutting sword, As do my royal masters / each fair example show. Where hew they through the helmets / their swords do make the blood to flow."

2021

To hear such words brave Etzel / snatched in haste his shield. "Now well beware of rashness," / cried Lady Kriemhild, "And offer to thy warriors / gold heaped on shield full high: If yonder Hagen reach thee, / straightway shalt thou surely die."

2022

So high was the king's mettle / that he would not give o'er, Which case is now full seldom / seen in high princes more; They must by shield-strap tugging / him perforce restrain. Grim of mood then Hagen / began him to revile again.

2023

"It was a distant kinship," / spake Hagen, dauntless knight, "That Etzel unto Siegfried / ever did unite, And husband he to Kriemhild / was ere thee she knew. Wherefore, O king faint-hearted, / seek'st thou such thing 'gainst me to do?"

2024

Thereto eke must listen / the noble monarch's spouse, And grievously to hear it / did Kriemhild's wrath arouse. That he 'fore men of Etzel / durst herself upbraid; To urge them 'gainst the strangers / she once more her arts essayed.

2025

Cried she: "Of Tronje Hagen / whoso for me will slay, And his head from body severed / here before me lay, For him the shield of Etzel / I'll fill with ruddy gold, Eke lands and lordly castles / I'll give him for his own to hold."

2026

"I wot not why they tarry," / —thus the minstrel cried; "Ne'er saw I heroes any / so their courage hide, When to them was offered, / like this, reward so high. 'Tis cause henceforth that Etzel / for aye to them goodwill deny."

2027

"Who in such craven manner / do eat their master's bread, And like caitiffs fail him / in time of greatest need, Here see I standing many / of courage all forlorn, Yet would be men of valor; / all time be they upheld to scorn."

THIRTY-FIFTH ADVENTURE

How Iring was Slain

2028

Cried then he of Denmark, / Iring the margrave: "Fixed on things of honor / my purpose long I have, And oft in storm of battle, / where heroes wrought, was I. Bring hither now my armor, / with Hagen I'll the combat try."

2029

"I counsel thee against it," / Hagen then replied, "Or bring a goodly company / of Hun-men by thy side. If peradventure any / find entrance to the hall, I'll cause that nowise scatheless / down the steps again they fall."

2030

"Such words may not dissuade me," / Iring spake once more; "A thing of equal peril / oft have I tried before. Yea, will I with my broadsword / confront thee all alone. Nor aught may here avail thee / thus to speak in haughty tone."

2031

Soon the valiant Iring / armed and ready stood, And Irnfried of Thuringia / a youth of mettle good, And eke the doughty Hawart, / with thousand warriors tried. Whate'er his purpose, Iring / should find them faithful by his side.

2032

Advancing then with Iring / did the Fiddler see All clad in shining armor / a mighty company, And each a well-made helmet / securely fastened wore. Thereat the gallant Volker / began to rail in anger sore.

2033

"Seest thou, friend Hagen, / yonder Iring go, Who all alone to front thee / with his sword did vow? Doth lying sort with honor? / Scorned the thing must be. A thousand knights or over / here bear him arméd company."

2034

"Now make me not a liar," / cried Hawart's man aloud, "For firm is still my purpose / to do what now I vowed, Nor will I turn me from it / through any cause of fear. Alone I'll stand 'fore Hagen, / awful howsoe'er he were."

2035

On ground did throw him Iring / before his warriors' feet, That they leave might grant him / alone the knight to meet. Loath they were to do it; / well known to them might be The haughty Hagen's prowess / of the land of Burgundy.

2036

Yet so long besought he / that granted was their leave; When they that followed with him / did his firm mind perceive, And how 'twas bent on honor, / they not restrained him. Then closed the two chieftains / together in a combat grim.

2037

Iring of Denmark / raised his spear on high, And with the shield he covered / himself full skilfully; He upward rushed on Hagen / unto the hall right close, When round the clashing fighters / soon a mighty din arose.

2038

Each hurled upon the other / the spear with arm of might, That the firm shields were piercéd / e'en to their mail-coats bright, And outward still projecting / the long spear-shafts were seen. In haste then snatched their broadswords / both the fighters grim and keen.

2039

In might the doughty Hagen / and prowess did abound, As Iring smote upon him / the hall gave back the sound. The palace all and towers / re-echoed from their blows, Yet might that bold assailant / with victory ne'er the combat close.

2040

On Hagen might not Iring / wreak aught of injury. Unto the doughty Fiddler / in haste then turnéd he. Him by his mighty sword-strokes / thought he to subdue, But well the thane full gallant / to keep him safe in combat knew.

2041

Then smote the doughty Fiddler / so lustily his shield That from it flew its ornaments / where he the sword did wield. Iring must leave unconquered / there the dauntless man; Next upon King Gunther / of Burgundy in wrath he ran.

2042

There did each in combat / show him man of might; Howe'er did Gunther and Iring / yet each the other smite, From wounds might never either / make the blood to flow, So sheltered each his armor, / well wrought that was and strong enow.

2043

Gunther left he standing, / upon Gernot to dash, And when he smote ring-armor / the fire forth did flash. But soon had he of Burgundy, / Gernot the doughty thane, Well nigh his keen assailant / Iring of Denmark slain.

2044

Yet from the prince he freed him, / for nimble was he too. Four of the men of Burgundy / the knight full sudden slew Of those that followed with them / from Worms across the Rhine. Thereupon might nothing / the wrath of Giselher confine.

2045

"God wot well, Sir Iring," / young Giselher then cried, "Now must thou make requital / for them that here have died 'Neath thy hand so sudden." / He rushed upon him so And smote the knight of Denmark / that he might not withstand the blow.

2046

Into the blood down fell he / staggering 'neath its might, That all who there beheld it / might deem the noble knight Sword again would never / wield amid the fray. Yet 'neath the stroke of Giselher / Iring all unwounded lay.

2047

Bedazed by helmet's sounding / where ringing sword swung down, Full suddenly his senses / so from the knight were flown: That of his life no longer / harbored he a thought. That the doughty Giselher / by his mighty arm had wrought.

2048

When somewhat was subsided / the din within his head From mighty blow so sudden / on him was visited, Thought he: "I still am living / and bear no mortal wound. How great the might of Giselher, / till now unwitting, have I found."

2049

He hearkened how on all sides / his foes around did stand; Knew they what he did purpose, / they had not stayed their hand. He heard the voice of Giselher / eke in that company, As cunning he bethought him / how yet he from his foes might flee.

2050

Up from the blood he started / with fierce and sudden bound; By grace alone of swiftness / he his freedom found. With speed he passed the portal / where Hagen yet did stand, And swift his sword he flourished / and smote him with his doughty hand.

2051

To see such sight quoth Hagen: / "To death thou fall'st a prey; If not the Devil shield thee, / now is thy latest day." Yet Iring wounded Hagen / e'en through his helmet's crown. That did the knight with Waske, / a sword that was of far renown.

2052

When thus Sir Hagen / the smart of wound did feel, Wrathfully he brandished / on high his blade of steel. Full soon must yield before him / Hawart's daring man, Adown the steps pursuing / Hagen swiftly after ran.

2053

O'er his head bold Iring / his shield to guard him swung, And e'en had that same stairway / been full three times as long, Yet had he found no respite / from warding Hagen's blows. How plenteously the ruddy / sparks above his helm arose!

2054

Unscathed at last came Iring / where waited him his own. Soon as was the story / unto Kriemhild known, How that in fight on Hagen / he had wrought injury, Therefor the Lady Kriemhild / him gan to thank full graciously.

2055

"Now God requite thee, Iring, / thou valiant knight and good, For thou my heart hast comforted / and merry made my mood. Red with blood his armor, / see I yonder Hagen stand." For joy herself did Kriemhild / take his shield from out his hand.

2056

"Small cause hast thou to thank him," / thus wrathful Hagen spake; "For gallant knight 'twere fitting / trial once more to make. If then returned he scatheless, / a valiant man he were. The wound doth boot thee little / that now from his hand I bear.

2057

"That here from wound upon me / my mail-coat see'st thou red, Shall bring woful reprisal / on many a warrior's head. Now is my wrath arouséd / in full 'gainst Hawart's thane. As yet in sooth hath Iring / wrought on me but little bane."

2058

Iring then of Denmark / stood where fanned the wind. He cooled him in his armor / and did his helm unbind. Then praised him all the people / and spoke him man of might, Whereat the margrave's bosom / swelled full high with proud delight.

2059

"Now hearken friends unto me," / Iring once more spake; "Make me straightway ready, / new trial now to make If I this knight so haughty / may yet perchance subdue." New shield they brought, for Hagen / did his erstwhile asunder hew.

2060

Soon stood again the warrior / in armor all bedight. In hand a spear full massy / took the wrathful knight, Wherewith on yonder Hagen / he thought to vent his hate. With grim and fearful visage / on him the vengeful thane did wait.

2061

Yet not abide his coming / might Hagen longer now. Adown he rushed upon him / with many a thrust and blow, Down where the stairway ended / for fierce did burn his ire. Soon the might of Iring / must 'neath his furious onset tire,

2062

Their shields they smote asunder / that the sparks began To fly in ruddy showers. / Hawart's gallant man Was by sword of Hagen / wounded all so sore Through shield and shining cuirass, / that whole he found him never more.

2063

When how great the wound was / Iring fully knew, Better to guard his helm-band / his shield he higher drew. The scathe he first receivéd / he deemed sufficient quite, Yet injury far greater / soon had he from King Gunther's knight.

2064

From where it lay before him / Hagen a spear did lift And hurled it upon Iring / with aim so sure and swift, It pierced his head, and firmly / fixed the shaft did stand; Full grim the end that met him / 'neath the doughty Hagen's hand.

2065

Backward Iring yielded / unto his Danish men. Ere for the knight his helmet / they undid again, From his head they drew the spear-point; / to death he was anigh. Wept thereat his kinsmen, / and sore need had verily.

2066

Came thereto Queen Kriemhild / and o'er the warrior bent, And for the doughty Iring / gan she there lament. She wept to see him wounded, / and sorely grieved the queen. Then spake unto his kinsmen / the warrior full brave and keen.

2067

"I pray thee leave thy moaning, / royal high lady. What avails thy weeping? / Yea, soon must ended be My life from wounds outflowing / that here I did receive. To serve thyself and Etzel / will death not longer grant me leave."

2068

Eke spake he to them of Thuringia / and to them of Danish land: "Of you shall never any / receive the gift in hand From your royal mistress / of shining gold full red. Whoe'er withstandeth Hagen / death calleth down upon his head."

2069

From cheek the color faded, / death's sure token wore Iring the gallant warrior: / thereat they grieved full sore. Nor more in life might tarry / Hawart's valiant knight: Enraged the men of Denmark / again did arm them for the fight.

2070

Irnfried and Hawart / before the hall then sprang Leading thousand warriors. / Full furious a clang Of weapons then on all sides / loud and great ye hear. Against the men of Burgundy / how hurled they many a mighty spear!

2071

Straight the valiant Irnfried / the minstrel rushed upon, But naught but grievous injury / 'neath his hand he won: For the noble Fiddler / did the landgrave smite E'en through the well-wrought helmet; / yea, grim and savage was the knight.

2072

Sir Irnfried then in answer / the valiant minstrel smote, That must fly asunder / the rings of his mailed coat Which showered o'er his cuirass / like sparks of fire red. Soon must yet the landgrave / fall before the Fiddler dead.

2073

Eke were come together / Hawart and Hagen bold, And saw he deeds of wonder / who did the sight behold. Swift flew the sword and fiercely / swung by each hero's hand. But soon lay Hawart prostrate / before him of Burgundian land.

2074

When Danish men and Thuringians / beheld their masters fall, Fearful was the turmoil / that rose before the hall As to the door they struggled, / on dire vengeance bent. Full many a shield and helmet / was there 'neath sword asunder rent.

2075

"Now backward yield," cried Volker / "and let them pass within; Thus only are they thwarted / of what they think to win. When but they pass the portals / are they full quickly slain. With death shall they the bounty / of their royal mistress gain."

2076

When thus with pride o'erweening / they did entrance find, The head of many a warrior / was so to earth inclined, That he must life surrender / 'neath blows that thickly fell. Well bore him valiant Gernot / and eke Sir Giselher as well.

2077

Four knights beyond a thousand / were come into the house; The light from sword-blades glinted, / swift swung with mighty souse. Not one of all their number / soon might ye living see; Tell might ye mickle wonders / of the men of Burgundy.

2078

Thereafter came a stillness, / and ceased the tumult loud. The blood in every quarter / through the leak-holes flowed, And out along the corbels / from men in death laid low. That had the men of Rhineland / wrought with many a doughty blow.

2079

Then sat again to rest them / they of Burgundian land, Shield and mighty broadsword / they laid from out the hand. But yet the valiant Fiddler / stood waiting 'fore the door, If peradventure any / would seek to offer combat more.

2080

Sorely did King Etzel / and eke his spouse lament, Maidens and fair ladies / did sorrow sore torment. Death long since upon them, / I ween, such ending swore. To fall before the strangers / was doomed full many a warrior more.

THIRTY-SIXTH ADVENTURE

How the Queen bade set fire to the Hall

2081

"Now lay ye off the helmets," / the words from Hagen fell: "I with a boon companion / will be your sentinel. And seek the men of Etzel / to work us further harm, For my royal masters / full quickly will I cry alarm."

2082

Then freed his head of armor / many a warrior good. They sate them on the corses, / that round them in the blood Of wounds themselves had dealt them, / prostrate weltering lay. Now to his guests so lofty / scant courtesy did Etzel pay.

2083

Ere yet was come the even, / King Etzel did persuade, And eke the Lady Kriemhild, / that once more essayed The Hunnish knights to storm them. / Before them might ye see Good twenty thousand warriors, / who soon for fight must ready be.

2084

Then with a furious onset / the strangers they attacked. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, / who naught of courage lacked, Sprang out 'mid the besiegers / to ward them from the door. 'Twas deemed a deadly peril, / yet scatheless stood he there before.

2085

Fierce the struggle lasted / till darkness brought an end. Themselves like goodly heroes / the strangers did defend Against the men of Etzel / all the long summer day. What host of valiant warriors / before them fell to death a prey!

2086

At turn of sun in summer / that havoc sore was wrought, When the Lady Kriemhild / revenge so dire sought Upon her nearest kinsmen / and many a knight beside, Wherefore with royal Etzel / never more might joy abide.

2087

As day at last was ending / sad they were of heart. They deemed from life 'twere better / in sudden death to part Than be thus long tormented / by great o'erhanging dread. That respite now be granted, / the knights so proud and gallant prayed.

2088

They prayed to lead the monarch / hither to them there. As heroes blood-bespotted, / and stained from battle-gear, Forth from the hall emergéd / the lofty monarchs three. They wist not to whom complainéd / might their full grievous sorrows be.

2089

Etzel and Kriemhild / they soon before them found, And great was now their company / from all their lands around. Spake Etzel to the strangers: / "What will ye now of me? Ye hope for end of conflict, / but hardly may such favor be.

2090

"This so mighty ruin / that ye on me have wrought, If death thwart not my purpose, / shall profit you in naught. For child that here ye slew me / and kinsmen dear to me, Shall peace and reconcilement / from you withheld forever be."

2091

Thereto gave answer Gunther: / "To that drove sorest need. Lay all my train of squires / before thy warriors dead Where they for night assembled. / How bore I so great blame? Of friendly mind I deemed thee, / as trusting in thy faith I came."

2092

Then spake eke of Burgundy / the youthful Giselher: "Ye knights that still are living / of Etzel, now declare Whereof ye may reproach me! / How hath you harmed my hand? For in right friendly manner / came I riding to this land."

2093

Cried they: "Well is thy friendship / in burgh and country known By sorrow of thy making. / Gladly had we foregone The pleasure of thy coming / from Worms across the Rhine. Our country hast thou orphaned, / thou and brother eke of thine."

2094

In angry mood King Gunther / unto them replied: "An ye this mighty hatred / appeased would lay aside, Borne 'gainst us knights here homeless, / to both a gain it were For Etzel's wrath against us / we in sooth no guilt do bear."

2095

The host then to the strangers: / "Your sorrow here and mine Are things all unequal. / For now must I repine With honor all bespotted / and 'neath distress of woe. Of you shall never any / hence from my country living go."

2096

Then did the doughty Gernot / unto King Etzel say: "God then in mercy move thee / to act in friendly way. Slay us knights here homeless, / yet grant us down to go To meet thee in the open: / thine honor biddeth thus to do.

2097

"Whate'er shall be our portion, / let that straightway appear. Men hast thou yet so many / that, should they banish fear, Not one of us storm-weary / might keep his life secure. How long shall we here friendless / this woeful travail yet endure?"

2098

By the warriors of Etzel / their wish nigh granted was, And leave well nigh was given / that from the hall they pass. When Kriemhild knew their purpose, / high her anger swelled, And straightway such a respite / was from the stranger knights withheld.

2099

"But nay, ye Hunnish warriors! / what ye have mind to do, Therefrom now desist ye, / —such is my counsel true; Nor let foes so vengeful / pass without the hall, Else must in death before them / full many of your kinsmen fall.

2100

"If of them lived none other / but Ute's sons alone, My three noble brothers, / and they the air had won Where breeze might cool their armor, / to death ye were a prey. In all this world were never / born more valiant thanes than they."

2101

Then spake the youthful Giselher: / "Full beauteous sister mine, When to this land thou bad'st me / from far beside the Rhine, I little deemed such trouble / did here upon me wait. Whereby have I deservéd / from the Huns such mortal hate?