How Siegfried fared to his Knights, the Nibelungen
482
Thence went then Siegfried / out through the castle doorIn his sightless mantle / to a boat upon the shore.As Siegmund's son doth board it / him no mortal sees;And quickly off he steers it / as were it wafted by the breeze.
483
No one saw the boatman, / yet rapid was the flightOf the boat forth speeding / driven by Siegfried's might.They weened that did speed it / a swiftly blowing wind:No, 'twas Siegfried sped it, / the son of fairest Siegelind.
484
In that one day-time / and the following nightCame he to a country / by dint of mickle might,Long miles a hundred distant, / and something more than this:The Nibelungen were its people / where the mighty hoard was his.
485
Alone did fare the hero / unto an island vastWhereon the boat full quickly / the gallant knight made fast.Of a castle then bethought him / high upon a hill,And there a lodging sought him, / as wayworn men are wont to still.
486
Then came he to the portals / that locked before him stood.They guarded well their honor / as people ever should.At the door he gan a-knocking, / for all unknown was he.But full well 'twas guarded, / and within it he did see
487
A giant who the castle / did guard with watchful eye,And near him did at all times / his good weapons lie.Quoth he: "Who now that knocketh / at the door in such strange wise?"Without the valiant Siegfried / did cunningly his voice disguise.
488
He spake: "A bold knight-errant / am I; unlock the gate.Else will I from without here / disturbance rare createFor all who'd fain lie quiet / and their rest would take."Wrathful grew the Porter / as in this wise Siegfried spake.
489
Now did the giant valorous / his good armor don,And placed on head his helmet; / then the full doughty manHis shield up-snatched quickly / and gate wide open swung.How sore was he enraged / as himself upon Siegfried he flung!
490
'How dared he thus awaken / brave knights within the hall?'The blows in rapid showers / from his hand did fall.Thereat the noble stranger / began himself to shield.For so a club of iron / the Porter's mighty arm did wield,
491
That splinters flew from buckler, / and Siegfried stood aghastFrom fear that this same hour / was doomed to be his last,So mightily the Porter's / blows about him fell.To find such faithful warder / did please his master Siegfried well.
492
So fiercely did they struggle / that castle far withinAnd hall where slept the Nibelungen / echoed back the din.But Siegfried pressed the Porter / and soon he had him bound.In all the land of Nibelungen / the story soon was bruited round.
493
When the grim sound of fighting / afar the place had filled,Alberich did hear it, / a Dwarf full brave and wild.He donned his armor deftly, / and running thither foundThis so noble stranger / where he the doughty Porter bound.
494
Alberich was full wrathy, / thereto a man of power.Coat of mail and helmet / he on his body wore,And in his hand a heavy / scourge of gold he swung.Where was fighting Siegfried, / thither in mickle haste he sprung.
495
Seven knobs thick and heavy / on the club's end were seen,Wherewith the shield that guarded / the knight that was so keenHe battered with such vigor / that pieces from it brake.Lest he his life should forfeit / the noble stranger gan to quake.
496
The shield that all was battered / from his hand he flung;And into sheath, too, thrust he / his sword so good and long.For his trusty chamberlain / he did not wish to slay,And in such case he could not / grant his anger fullest sway.
497
With but his hands so mighty / at Alberich he ran.By the beard then seized he / the gray and aged man,And in such manner pulled it / that he full loud did roar.The youthful hero's conduct / Alberich did trouble sore.
498
Loud cried the valiant steward: / "Have mercy now on me.And might I other's vassal / than one good hero's be,To whom to be good subject / I an oath did take,Until my death I'd serve thee." / Thus the man of cunning spake.
499
Alberich then bound he / as the giant before.The mighty arm of Siegfried / did trouble him full sore.The Dwarf began to question: / "Thy name, what may it be?"Quoth he: "My name is Siegfried; / I weened I well were known to thee."
500
"I joy to hear such tidings," / Dwarf Alberich replied."Well now have I found thee / in knightly prowess tried,And with goodly reason / lord o'er lands to be.I'll do whate'er thou biddest, / wilt thou only give me free."
501
Then spake his master Siegfried: / "Quickly shalt thou go,And bring me knights hither, / the best we have to show,A thousand Nibelungen, / to stand before their lord."Wherefore thus he wished it, / spake he never yet a word.
502
The giant and Alberich / straightway he unbound.Then ran Alberich quickly / where the knights he found.The warriors of Nibelung / he wakened full of fear.Quoth he: "Be up, ye heroes, / before Siegfried shall ye appear."
503
From their couches sprang they / and ready were full soon,Clothed well in armor / a thousand warriors boon,And went where they found standing / Siegfried their lord.Then was a mickle greeting / courteously in act and word.
504
Candles many were lighted, / and sparkling wine he drank.That they came so quickly, / therefor he all did thank.Quoth he: "Now shall ye with me / from hence across the flood."Thereto he found full ready / the heroes valiant and good.
505
Good thirty hundred warriors / soon had hither pressed,From whom were then a thousand / taken of the best.For them were brought their helmets / and what they else did need.For unto Brunhild's country / would he straightway the warriors lead.
506
He spake: "Ye goodly nobles, / that would I have you hear,In full costly raiment / shall ye at court appear,For yonder must there see us / full many a fair lady.Therefore shall your bodies / dight in good apparel be."
507
Upon a morning early / went they on their way.What host of brave companions / bore Siegfried company!Good steeds took they with them / and garments rich to wear,And did in courtly fashion / unto Brunhild's country fare.
508
As gazed from lofty parapet / women fair to see,Spake the queen unto them: / "Knows any who they be,Whom I see yonder sailing / upon the sea afar?Rich sails their ships do carry, / whiter than snow they are."
509
Then spake the king of Rhineland: / "My good men they are,That on my journey hither / left I lying near.I've sent to call them to me: / now are they come, O Queen."With full great amazing / were the stately strangers seen.
510
There saw they Siegfried / out on the ship's prow standClad in costly raiment, / and with him his good band.Then spake Queen Brunhild: / "Good monarch, let me know,Shall I go forth to greet them, / or shall I greetings high forego?"
511
He spake: "Thou shalt to meet them / before the palace go,So that we see them gladly / they may surely know."Then did the royal lady / fulfil the king's behest.Yet Siegfried in the greeting / was not honored with the rest.
512
Lodgings were made ready / and their armor ta'en in hand.Then was such host of strangers / come into that land,On all sides they jostled / from the great company.Then would the knights full valiant / homeward fare to Burgundy.
513
Then spake Queen Brunhild: / "In favor would I holdWho might now apportion / my silver and my goldTo my guests and the monarch's, / for goodly store I have."Thereto an answer Dankwart, / Giselher's good warrior, gave:
514
"Full noble royal Lady, / give me the keys to hold.I trow I'll so divide it," / spake the warrior bold,"If blame there be about it, / that shall be mine alone."That he was not a niggard, / beyond a doubt he soon had shown.
515
When now Hagen's brother / the treasure did command,So many a lavish bounty / dealt out the hero's hand,Whoso mark did covet, / to him was given such storeThat all who once were poor men / might joyous live for evermore.
516
In sooth good pounds a hundred / gave he to each and all.A host in costly raiment / were seen before the hall,Who in equal splendor / ne'er before were clad.When the queen did hear it, / verily her heart was sad.
517
Then spake the royal lady: / "Good King, it little needs,That now thy chamberlain / of all my stately weedsLeave no whit remaining, / and squander clean my gold.Would any yet prevent it, / him would I aye in favor hold.
518
"He deals with hand so lavish, / in sooth doth ween the thaneThat death I've hither summoned; / but longer I'll remain.Eke trow I well to spend all / my sire hath left to me."Ne'er found queen a chamberlain / of such passing generosity.
519
Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Lady, be thou told,That the king of Rhineland / raiment hath and goldSo plenteous to lavish / that we may well foregoTo carry with us homeward / aught that Brunhild can bestow."
520
"No; as high ye hold me," / spake the queen again,"Let me now have filled / coffers twice times tenOf gold and silken raiment, / that may deal out my hand,When that we come over / into royal Gunther's land."
521
Then with precious jewels / the coffers they filled for her.The while her own chamberlain / must be standing near:For no whit would she trust it / unto Giselher's man.Whereat Gunther and Hagen / heartily to laugh began.
522
Then spake the royal lady: / "To whom leave I my lands?First must they now be given / in charge from out our hands."Then spake the noble monarch: / "Whomsoe'er it pleaseth thee,Bid him now come hither, / the same we'll let our Warden be."
523
One of her highest kindred / near by the lady spied,—He was her mother's brother— / to him thus spake the maid:"Now be to thee entrusted / the castles and eke the land,Until that here shall govern / Gunther the king by his own hand."
524
Trusty knights two thousand / from her companyChose she to journey with her / unto Burgundy,Beyond those thousand warriors / from Nibelungenland.They made ready for the journey, / and downward rode unto the strand.
525
Six and eighty ladies / led they thence with her,Thereto good hundred maidens / that full beauteous were.They tarried no whit longer, / for they to part were fain.Of those they left behind them, / O how they all to weep began!
526
In high befitting fashion / quitted she her land:She kissed of nearest kindred / all who round did stand.After fair leave-taking / they went upon the sea.Back to her father's country / came never more that fair lady.
527
Then heard you on the journey / many a kind of play:Every pleasant pastime / in plenty had they.Soon had they for their journey / a wind from proper art:So with full great rejoicing / did they from that land depart.
528
Yet would she on the journey / not be the monarch's spouse:But was their pleasant pastime / reserved for his own houseAt Worms within his castle / at a high festival,Whither anon full joyous / came they with their warriors all.
How Siegfried was sent to Worms
529
When that they had journeyed / full nine days on their way,Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Now hear what I shall say.We tarry with the tidings / for Worms upon the Rhine.At Burgundy already / should now be messengers of thine."
530
Then outspake King Gunther: / "There hast thou spoken true.And this selfsame journey, / none were so fit theretoAs thyself, friend Hagen. / So do thou now ride on.This our high court journey, / none else can better make it known."
531
Thereto answered Hagen: / "Poor messenger am I.Let me be treasure-warden. / Upon the ships I'll stayNear by the women rather, / their guardian to be,Till that we bring them safely / into the land of Burgundy.
532
"Now do thou pray Siegfried / that he the message bear,For he's a knight most fitting / this thing to have in care.If he decline the journey, / then shalt thou courteously,For kindness to thy sister, / pray that he not unwilling be."
533
He sent for the good warrior / who came at his command.He spake: "Since we are nearing / home in my own land,So should I send a message / to sister dear of mineAnd eke unto my mother, / that we are nigh unto the Rhine.
534
"Thereto I pray thee, Siegfried, / now meet my wish aright,"Spake the noble monarch: / "I'll ever thee requite."But Siegfried still refused it, / the full valiant man,Till that King Gunther / sorely to beseech began.
535
He spake: "Now bear the message, / in favor unto meAnd eke unto Kriemhild / a maiden fair to see,That the stately maiden / help me thy service pay."When had heard it Siegfried, / ready was the knight straightway.
536
"Now what thou wilt, command me: / 'twill not be long delayed.This thing will I do gladly / for sake of that fair maid.Why should I aught refuse her, / who all my heart hath won?What thou for her commandest, / whate'er it be 'twill all be done."
537
"Then say unto my mother, / Ute the queen,That we on our journey / in joyous mood have been.Let know likewise my brothers / what fortune us befell.Eke unto all our kinsmen / shalt thou then merry tidings tell.
538
"Unto my fair sister / shalt thou all confide.From me bring her fair compliment / and from Brunhild beside,And eke unto our household / and all my warriors brave.What my heart e'er did strive for, / how well accomplished it I have!
539
"And say as well to Ortwein / nephew dear of mineThat he do bid make ready / at Worms beside the Rhine.And all my other kindred, / to them made known shall be,With Brunhild I am minded / to keep a great festivity.
540
"And say unto my sister, / when that she hath learnedThat I am to my country / with many a guest returned,She shall have care to welcome / my bride in fitting way.So all my thoughts of Kriemhild / will be her service to repay."
541
Then did Sir Siegfried / straightway in parting greetHigh the Lady Brunhild, / as 'twas very meet,And all her company; / then toward the Rhine rode he.Nor in this world a better / messenger might ever be.
542
With four and twenty warriors / to Worms did he ride.When soon it was reported / the king came not beside,Then did all the household / of direst news have dread:They feared their royal master / were left in distant country dead.
543
Then sprang they from the saddle, / full high they were of mood.Full soon before them Giselher / the prince so youthful stood,And Gernot his brother. / How quickly then spake he,When he the royal Gunther / saw not in Siegfried's company:
544
"Be thou welcome, Siegfried. / Yet shalt thou tell to me,Why the king my brother / cometh not with thee.Brunhild's prowess is it / hath taken him, I ween;And so this lofty wooing / hath naught but our misfortune been."
545
"Now cease such ill foreboding. / To you and friends hath sentMy royal companion / his good compliment.Safe and sound I left him; / myself did he commandThat I should be his herald / with tidings hither to your land.
546
"Quickly shall ye see to it, / how that it may be,That I the queen and likewise / your fair sister see.From Gunther and Brunhild / the message will I tellThat hath now been sent them: / the twain do find them passing well."
547
Then spake the youthful Giselher: / "So shalt thou go to her:Here dost thou on my sister / a favor high confer.In sooth she's mickle anxious / how't with my brother be.The maid doth see thee gladly, / —of that will I be surety."
548
Then outspake Sir Siegfried: / "If serve her aught I can,That same thing most willing / in truth it shall be done.Who now will tell the ladies / I would with them confer?"Then was therein Giselher / the stately knight his messenger.
549
Giselher the valiant / unto his mother kindAnd sister spake the tidings / when he the twain did find:"To us returned is Siegfried, / the hero of NetherlandsUnto the Rhine he cometh / at my brother Gunther's command.
550
"He bringeth us the tidings / how't with the king doth fare.Now shall ye give permission / that he 'fore you appear.He'll tell the proper tidings / from Isenland o'er the main."Yet mickle sad forebodings / did trouble still the ladies twain.
551
They sprang for their attire / and donned it nothing slow.Then bade they that Siegfried / to court should thither go.That did he right willing / for he gladly them did see.Kriemhild the noble maiden / spake to him thus graciously.
552
"Welcome be, Sir Siegfried, / thou knight right praiseworthy.Yet where may King Gunther / my noble brother be?It is through Brunhild's prowess, / I ween, he is forlorn.Alack of me, poor maiden, / that I into this world was born!"
553
The valiant knight then answered: / "Give me news-bringer's meedKnow ye, fairest ladies, / ye weep without a need.I left him well and happy, / that would I have you know;They two have sent me hither / to bear the tidings unto you.
554
"And offer thee good service / both his bride and he,My full noble lady, / in love and loyalty.Now give over weeping, / for straight will they be here."They had for many a season / heard not a tale to them so dear.
555
With fold of snow-white garment / then her eyes so brightDried she after weeping. / She gan thank the knightWho of these glad tidings / had been the messenger.Then was a mickle sorrow / and cause of weeping ta'en from her.
556
She bade the knight be seated, / which he did willingly.Then spake the lovely maiden: / "It were a joy to me,Could I the message-bringer / with gold of mine repay.Thereto art thou too high-born; / I'll serve thee then in other way."
557
"If I alone were ruler," / spake he, "o'er thirty lands,Yet gifts I'd take right gladly, / came they from thy fair hands."Then spake the virtuous maiden: / "In truth it shall be so."Then bade she her chamberlain / forth for message-money go.
558
Four and twenty armlets / with stones of precious kind,These gave she him for guerdon. / 'Twas not the hero's mind,That he himself should keep them: / he dealt them all aroundUnto her fair attendants / whom he within the chamber found.
559
Of service, too, her mother / did kindly offer make."Then have I more to tell you," / the keen warrior spake:"Of what the king doth beg you, / when comes he to the Rhine.Wilt thou perform it, lady, / then will he e'er to thee incline.
560
"The noble guests he bringeth, / —this heard I him request,That ye shall well receive them; / and furthermore his hest,That ye ride forth to meet him / 'fore Worms upon the strand.So have ye from the monarch / faithfully his high command."
561
Then spake the lovely maiden: / "Full ready there am I.If I in aught can serve him, / I'll never that deny.In all good faith and kindness / shall it e'er be done."Then deeper grew her color / that from increase of joy she won.
562
Never was royal message / better received before.The lady sheer had kissed him, / if 'twere a thing to dare.From those high ladies took he / his leave in courteous wise.Then did they there in Burgundy / in way as Siegfried did advise.
563
Sindold and Hunold / and Rumold the thaneIn truth were nothing idle, / but wrought with might and mainTo raise the sitting-places / 'fore Worms upon the strand.There did the royal Steward / busy 'mid the workers stand.
564
Ortwein and Gere / thought longer not to bide,But sent unto their kinsmen / forth on every side.They told of festive meeting / there that was to be;And deck themselves to meet them / did the maidens fair to see.
565
The walls throughout the palace / were dight full richly all,Looking unto the strangers; / and King Gunther's hallFull well with seats and tables / for many a noble guest.And great was the rejoicing / in prospect of the mighty feast.
566
Then rode from every quarter / hither through the landThe three monarchs' kinsmen, / who there were called to hand,That they might be in waiting / for those expected there.Then from enfolding covers / took they store of raiments rare.
567
Some watchers brought the tidings / that Brunhild's followers wereSeen coming riding hither. / Then rose a mickle stirAmong the folk so many / in the land of Burgundy.Heigh-ho! What valiant warriors / alike on both parts might you see!
568
Then spake the fair Kriemhild: / "Of my good maidens, yeWho at this reception / shall bear me company,From out the chests now seek ye / attire the very best.So shall praise and honor / be ours from many a noble guest."
569
Then came the knights also / and bade bring forth to viewThe saddles richly furnished / of ruddy golden hue,That ladies fair should ride on / at Worms unto the Rhine.Better horse-equipment / could never artisan design.
570
Heigh-ho! What gold all glancing / from the steeds there shone!Sparkled from their bridles / full many a precious stone.Gold-wrought stools for mounting / and shining carpets goodBrought they for the ladies: / joyous were they all of mood.
571
Within the court the heroes / bedight with trappings dueAwaited noble maidens, / as I have told to you.A narrow band from saddle / went round each horse's breast,Its beauty none could tell you: / of silk it was the very best.
572
Six and eighty ladies / came in manner meetWearing each a wimple. / Kriemhild there to greetThey went, all fair to look on, / in shining garments clad.Then came eke well apparelled / full many a fair and stately maid.
573
Four and fifty were they / of the land of Burgundy,And they were eke the noblest / that ever you might see.Adorned with shining hair-bands / the fair-haired maids came on.What now the king desired, / that most carefully was done.
574
Made of stuffs all costly, / the best you might desire,Before the gallant strangers / wore they such rich attireAs well did fit the beauty / of many amid the throng.He sure had lost his senses, / who could have wished them any wrong.
575
Of sable and of ermine / many a dress was worn.Arms and hands a many / did they full well adornWith rings o'er silken dresses / that there did clothe them well.Of all the ready-making / none might ever fully tell.
576
Full many a well-wrought girdle / in long and costly braidAbout the shining garments / by many a hand was laidOn dress of precious ferrandine / of silk from Araby.And full of high rejoicing / were those maids of high degree.
577
With clasps before her bosom / was many a fair maidLaced full beauteously. / She might well be sad,Whose full beaming color / vied not with weeds she wore.Such a stately company / ne'er possessed a queen before.
578
When now the lovely maidens / attired you might see,Soon were those beside them / should bear them company,Of warriors high-hearted / a full mickle band.And with their shields they carried / full many an ashen shaft in hand.
How Brunhild was received at Worms
579
On yonder side Rhine river / they saw a stately band,The king and host of strangers, / ride down unto the strand,And also many a lady / sitting on charger led.By those who should receive them / was goodly preparation made.
580
Soon they of Isenland / the ship had entered then,And with them Siegfried's vassals / the Nibelungen men;They strained unto the shore / with untiring handWhen they beheld the monarch's / friends upon the farther strand.
581
Now list ye eke the story / of the stately queen,Ute, how at her bidding / ladies fair were seenForth coming from the castle / to ride her company.Then came to know each other / full many a knight and fair lady.
582
The Margrave Gere / but to the castle gateThe bridle held for Kriemhild; / the keen Siegfried did waitThenceforward upon her. / She was a beauteous maid.Well was the knight's good service / by the lady since repaid.
583
Ortwein the valiant / Queen Ute rode beside,And many a knight full gallant / was stately lady's guide.At such a high reception, / that may we say, I ween,Was ne'er such host of ladies / in company together seen.
584
With show of rider's talent / the tilt was carried on,For might the knights full gallant / naught fitting leave undone,As passed down to the river / Kriemhild the lady bright.Then helped was many a lady / fair from charger to alight.
585
The king had then come over / and many a stranger too.Heigh-ho! What strong shafts splintered / before the ladies flew!Many a shaft go crashing / heard you there on shield.Heigh-ho! What din of costly / arms resounded o'er the field.
586
The full lovely maidens / upon the shore did stand,As Gunther with the strangers / stepped upon the land;He himself did Brunhild / by the hand lead on.Then sparkled towards each other / rich dress and many a shining stone.
587
Then went Lady Kriemhild / with fullest courtesy due,To greet the Lady Brunhild / and her retinue.And saw ye each the head-band / with fair hand move asideWhen they kissed each other: / high courtesy did the ladies guide.
588
Then spake the maiden Kriemhild, / a high-born lady she:"Unto this our country / shalt thou right welcome be,To me and to my mother / and each true friend of mine,That we here have with us." / Then each did unto each incline.
589
Within their arms the ladies / oft-times clasped each other.Like this fond reception / heard ye of ne'er another,As when both the ladies / there the bride did greet,Queen Ute and her daughter; / oft-times they kissed her lips so sweet.
590
When all of Brunhild's ladies / were come upon the strand,Then was there taken / full fondly by the handBy the warriors stately / many a fair lady.Before the Lady Brunhild / the train of fair maids might ye see.
591
Before their greetings ended / a mickle time was gone,For lips of rosy color / were kissed there, many a one.Long stood they together, / the royal ladies high,And so to look upon them / pleased many a noble warrior's eye.
592
Then spied with probing eye, too, / who before did hearThat till then was never / aught beheld so fair,As those two royal ladies: / they found it was no lie.In all their person might ye / no manner of deceit espy.
593
Who there could spy fair ladies / and judge of beauty rare,They praised the wife of Gunther / that she was passing fair;Yet spake again the wise men / who looked with keener gaze,They rather would to Kriemhild / before Brunhild award the praise.
594
Then went unto each other / maid and fair lady.Full many a fair one might ye / in rich adornment see.There stood rich tents a many, / silken great and small,Wherewith in every quarter / 'fore Worms the field was covered all.
595
Of the king's high kindred / a mighty press there was.Then bade they Brunhild / and Kriemhild on to pass,And with them all the ladies, / where they in shade might be.Thither did bring them warriors / of the land of Burgundy.
596
When now the strangers also / on horse sat every one,Plenteous knightly tilting / at shield was there begun.Above the field rose dust-clouds, / as had the country beenAll in flames a-burning; / who bore the honors there was seen.
597
Looked on full many a maiden / as the knights did sport them so.Meseemeth that Sir Siegfried / full many a to-and-froDid ride with his good followers / along 'fore many a tent.With him of Nibelungen / a thousand stately men there went.
598
Then came of Tronje Hagen, / whom the king did send;He bade in pleasing manner / the tourney have an end,Before in dust be buried / all the ladies fair.And ready to obey him / soon the courteous strangers were.
599
Then spake Sir Gernot: / "Now let the chargers stand,Until the air is cooler, / for we must be at handAs escort for fair ladies / unto the stately hall;And will the king take saddle, / so let him find you ready all."
600
When now the sound of tourney / o'er all the field was spent,Then went for pleasant pastime / 'neath many a lofty tentThe knights unto the ladies, / and willing thither hied.And there they passed the hours / till such time as they thence should ride.
601
Just before the evening / when the sun was in the west,And the air grew cooler, / no longer did they rest,But both knights and ladies / unto the castle passed.And eyes in loving glances / on many a beauteous maid were cast.
602
By hand of goodly warrior / many a coat was rent,For in the country's custom / they tourneyed as they went,Until before the palace / the monarch did dismount.They tended fairest ladies / as knights high-spirited are wont.
603
After fairest greeting / the queens did part again.Dame Ute and her daughter, / thither passed the twainWith train of fair attendants / unto a hall full wide.Din of merrymaking / heard ye there on every side.
604
Arranged were sitting-places / where the king would beWith his guests at table. / By him might ye seeStanding the fair Brunhild. / She wore a royal crownIn the monarch's country, / the which might well such mistress own.
605
Seats for all the people / at many a spacious boardThere were, as saith the story, / where victuals rich were stored.How little there was lacking / of all that makes a feast!And by the monarch saw ye / sitting many a stately guest.
606
The royal host's attendants / in basins golden redCarried water forward. / And should it e'er be saidBy any that a better / service did receiveEver guests of monarch, / I never could such thing believe.
607
Before the lord of Rhineland / with water was waited on,Unto him Sir Siegfried, / as fitting was, had gone;He called to mind a promise / that made by him had beenEre that the Lady Brunhild / afar in Isenland he'd seen.
608
He spake: "Thou shalt bethink thee / what once did plight thy hand,If that the Lady Brunhild / should come unto this land,Thou'dst give to me thy sister. / Where now what thou hast sworn?In this thy wooing journey / not small the labor I have borne."
609
Then to his guest the monarch: / "Well hast thou minded me,And by this hand shall never / false word plighted be.To gain thy wish I'd help thee / in the way as best I know."Bidden then was Kriemhild / forth unto the king to go.
610
With her full beauteous maidens / unto the Hall she passed.Then sprang the youthful Giselher / adown the steps in haste"Bid now these many maidens / wend their way again;None but my sister only / unto the king shall enter in."
611
Then led they Kriemhild thither / where the king was found,With him were knights full noble / from many a land around.Within that Hall so spacious / she waited the king's behest,What time the Lady Brunhild / betook her likewise to the feast.
612
Then spake the royal Gunther: / "Sister mine full fair,Redeem the word I've given, / an hold'st thou virtue dear.Thee to a knight I plighted: / An tak'st thou him to man,Thereby my wish full truly / unto the warrior hast thou done."
613
Then spake the noble maiden: / "Brother full dear to me,Not long shalt thou entreat me. / In truth I'll ever beObedient to thy bidding; / that shall now be done,And him I'll take full gladly, / my Lord, whom thou giv'st me for man."
614
Before those fair eyes' glances / grew Siegfried's color red.The knight to Lady Kriemhild / his service offeréd.Within a ring together / then were led the twain,And they asked the maiden, / if she to take the knight were fain.
615
Upon her face not little / was the modest glow;Nathless to joy of Siegfried / did fortune will it so,That the maiden would not / refuse the knight her hand.Eke swore his wife to make her / the noble king of Netherland.
616
When he to her had plighted, / and eke to him the maid,Siegfried to embrace her / nothing more delayed,But clasped in arms full fondly / and oft the lady fair,And stately knights were witness / how that he kissed the princess there.
617
When that the maids attendant / from thence had ta'en their leave,In place of honor seated / Siegfried might ye perceiveAnd by him fairest Kriemhild; / and many a knight at handWas seen of the Nibelungen / at Siegfried's service ready stand.
618
There too was Gunther seated / and with him Queen Brunhild.At sight of Kriemhild sitting / by Siegfried was she filledWith anger such as never / before her heart did swell:She wept, and tears in plenty / adown her shining face there fell.619Then spake who ruled the country: / "What aileth, lady mine,That so thou let'st be dimméd / thine eyes that brightly shine?Be straight of joyous spirit, / for now at thy commandMy land and my good castles / and host of stately warriors stand."
620
"Good cause to me for weeping," / spake the lady fair."For sake of this thy sister / sorrow now I bear,Whom here behold I seated / by one that serveth thee.That must forever grieve me, / shall she thus dishonored be."
621
Then answered her King Gunther: / "But for the nonce be still.At other time more fitting / the thing to thee I'll tell,Wherefore thus my sister / to Siegfried I did give.And truly with the hero / may she ever joyous live."
622
She spake: "Her name and beauty / thus lost it grieveth me.An knew I only whither, / from hence I'd surely flee,This night nor e'er hereafter / to share thy royal bed,Say'st thou not truly wherefore / Kriemhild thus hath Siegfried wed."
623
Then spake the noble monarch: / "Then unto thee be knownThat he as stately castles, / lands wide as I, doth own.And know thou that full surely / a mighty monarch he;Wherefore the fairest maiden / I grant him thus his wife to be."
624
Whate'er the king did tell her, / sad was she yet of mood.Then hastened from the tables / full many a warrior good,And jousted that the castle / walls gave back the din.Amid his guests the monarch / waiting longingly was seen.
625
He deemed 'twere better lying / beside his fair lady.Of thinking on that plaisance / his mind he could not free,And what her love would bring him / before the night be past;He many a glance full tender / upon the Lady Brunhild cast.
626
The guests they bade give over / in joust who combated,For that with spouse new-wedded / the monarch would to bed.Leaving then the banquet, / there together metKriemhild and Brunhild: / their bitter hate was silent yet.
627
At hand were their attendants; / they longer tarried not,And chamberlains full lordly / lights for them had brought.Then parted eke the followers / of the monarchs twain,And bearing Siegfried company / went full many a worthy thane.
628
The lords were both come thither / where that they should lie.As each one bethought him / of loving victoryTo win o'er winsome lady, / merry he grew of mood.The noble Siegfried's pastime / it was beyond all measure good.
629
As there Sir Siegfried / by fair Kriemhild layAnd to the maid devoted / himself in such fond wayAs noble knight beseemeth, / they twain to him were one,And not a thousand others / had he then ta'en for her alone.
630
I'll tell you now no further / how he the lady plied,But list ye first the story / what Gunther did betideBy Lady Brunhild lying. / In sooth the noble thaneBy side of other ladies / a deal more happily had lain.
631
Withdrawn were now attendants, / man and also maid;Not long to lock the chamber / within the king delayed.He weened to have good pleasure / of that fair lady,Yet was the time still distant / when that she his wife should be.
632
In gown of whitest linen / unto the bed she passed.Then thought the knight full noble: / "Now have I here at lastAll that I e'er desired / as long as I can tell."Perforce her stately beauty / did please the monarch passing well.
633
That they should shine more dimly / he placed the lights aside,Then where did lie the lady / the thane full eager hied.He placed himself a-nigh her, / his joy right great it was,As in his arms the monarch / the winsome maid did there embrace.
634
A loving plaisance had he / with vigor there begunIf that the noble lady / had let the same be done.She then did rage so sorely / that grieved was he thereat;He weened to find who loved him, / —instead he found him naught but hate.
635
Spake she: "Good knight and noble, / from this thing give o'er.That which thou here hast hope of, / it may be nevermore.A maid I still will keep me / —well mayest thou know that—Until I learn that story." / Gunther wrathy grew thereat.
636
Her gown he wrought to ruin / to win her maidenhead.Whereat did seize a girdle / the full stately maid,A strong and silken girdle / that round her sides she wore,And with the same the monarch / she soon had brought to pains full sore.
637
His feet and his hands also, / together bound she all,Unto a nail she bore him / and hung him on the wall.Him who disturbed her sleeping / in his love she sorely let,And from her mighty prowess, / he full nigh his death had met.
638
Then gan he to entreat her, / who master late had been."From these my bonds now loose me, / my full noble queen.Nor trow I e'er, fair lady, / victor o'er thee to be,And henceforth will I seldom / seek to lie thus nigh to thee."
639
She recked not how 'twere with him, / as she full softly lay.There hung he, will he nill he, / the night through unto day,Until the light of morning / through the windows shone.Could he e'er boast of prowess, / small now the measure he did own.
640
"Now tell me, lordly Gunther, / wert thou thereat so sad,If that in bonds should find thee" / —spake the fairest maid—"Thy royal men-in-waiting, / bound by lady's hand?"Then spake the knight full noble: / "Thou should'st in case most evil stand.
641
"Eke had I little honor / therefrom," continued he."For all thy royal honor / let me then go to thee.Since that my fond embracements / do anger thee so sore,With these my hands I pledge thee / to touch thy garment nevermore."
642
Then she loosed him straightway / and he once more stood free.To the bed he went as erstwhile / where rested his lady.But far from her he laid him / and well he now foreboreTo stir the lady's anger / by touching e'en the gown she wore.
643
At length came their attendants / who garments fresh did bring,Whereof was ready for them / good store on that morning.Yet merry as his folk were, / a visage sad did ownThe lord of that proud country, / for all he wore that day a crown.
644
As was the country's custom, / a thing folk do of right,Gunther and Brunhild / presently were dightTo go unto the minster / where the mass was sung.Thither eke came Siegfried, / and in their trains a mighty throng.
645
As fitted royal honor / for them was thither broughtThe crown that each should carry / and garments richly wrought.There were they consecrated; / and when the same was done,Saw ye the four together / happy stand and wearing crown.
646
There was knighted many a squire, / —six hundred or beyond—In honor of the crowning, / that shall ye understand.Arose full great rejoicing / in the land of BurgundyAs hand of youthful warrior / did shatter shaft right valiantly.
647
Then sat in castle casement / maidens fair to see,And many a shield beneath them / gleamed full brilliantly.Yet himself had sundered / from all his men the king;Though joyous every other, / sad-visaged stood he sorrowing.
648
He and the doughty Siegfried, / how all unlike their mood!Well wist the thing did grieve him / that noble knight and good.He went unto the monarch / and straight addressed him so:"This night how hast thou fared? / In friendship give thou me to know."
649
To his guest the king gave answer: / "Than shame and scathe I've naught.The devil's dam I surely / into my house have brought.When as I thought to have her / she bound me like a thrall;Unto a nail she bore me / and hung me high upon the wall.
650
"There hung I sore in anguish / the night through until dayEre that she would unbind me, / the while she softly lay!And hast thou friendly pity / know then the grief I bear."Then spake the doughty Siegfried: / "Such grieves me verily to hear.
651
"The which I'll show thee truly, / wilt thou me not deny.I'll bring it that to-night she / so near to thee shall lieThat she to meet thy wishes / shall tarry nevermore."Thereat rejoice did Gunther / to think perchance his trials o'er.
652
Then further spake Sir Siegfried: / "With thee 'twill yet be right.I ween that all unequal / we twain have fared this night.To me thy sister Kriemhild / dearer is than life;Eke shall the Lady Brunhild / be yet this coming night thy wife."
653
"I'll come unto thy chamber / this night all secretly,"Spake he, "and wrapped in mantle / invisible I'll be,That of this my cunning / naught shall any know;And thy attendants shalt thou / bid to their apartments go.
654
"The lights I'll all extinguish / held by each page in hand,By the which same token / shalt thou understandI present am to serve thee. / I'll tame thy shrewish wifeThat thou this night enjoy her, / else forfeit be my caitiff life."
655
"An thou wilt truly leave me" / —answered him the king—'My lady yet a maiden, / I joy o'er this same thing.So do thou as thou willest; / and takest thou her life,E'en that I'll let pass o'er me, / —to lose so terrible a wife."
656
"Thereto," spake then Siegfried, / "plight I word of mine,To leave her yet a maiden. / A sister fair of thineIs to me before all women / I ever yet have seen."Gunther believed right gladly / what had by Siegfried plighted been.
657
Meanwhile the merry pastime / with joy and zest went on.But all the din and bustle / bade they soon be done,When band of fairest ladies / would pass unto the hall'Fore whom did royal chamberlains / bid backward stand the people all.
658
The chargers soon and riders / from castle court were sped.Each of the noble ladies / by bishop high was led,When that before the monarchs / they passed to banquet board,And in their train did follow / to table many a stately lord.
659
There sat the king all hopeful / and full of merriment;What him did promise Siegfried, / thereon his mind was bent.To him as long as thirty / did seem that single day;To plaisance with his lady, / thither turned his thought alway.
660
And scarce the time he bided / while that the feast did last.Now unto her chamber / the stately Brunhild passed,And for her couch did Kriemhild / likewise the table leave.Before those royal ladies / what host ye saw of warriors brave!
661
Full soon thereafter Siegfried / sat right lovinglyWith his fair wife beside him, / and naught but joy had he.His hand she clasped full fondly / within her hand so white,Until—and how she knew not— / he did vanish from her sight.
662
When she the knight did fondle, / and straightway saw him not,Unto her maids attendant / spake the queen distraught:"Meseemeth a mickle wonder / where now the king hath gone.His hands in such weird fashion / who now from out mine own hath drawn?"
663
Yet further not she questioned. / Soon had he hither goneWhere with lights were standing / attendants many a one.The same he did extinguish / in every page's hand;That Siegfried then was present / Gunther thereby did understand.
664
Well wist he what he would there; / so bade he thence be goneLadies and maids-in-waiting. / And when that was done,Himself the mighty monarch / fast did lock the door:Two bolts all wrought securely / he quickly shoved the same before.
665
The lights behind the curtains / hid he presently.Soon a play was started / (for thus it had to be),Betwixt the doughty Siegfried / and the stately maid:Thereat was royal Gunther / joyous alike and sad.
666
Siegfried there laid him / by the maid full near.Spake she: "Let be, now, Gunther, / an hast thou cause to fearThose troubles now repeated / which befell thee yesternight."And soon the valiant Siegfried / through the lady fell in sorry plight.
667
His voice did he keep under / and ne'er a word spake he.Intently listened Gunther, / and though he naught could see,Yet knew he that in secret / nothing 'twixt them passed.In sooth nor knight nor lady / upon the bed had mickle rest.
668
He did there as if Gunther / the mighty king he were,And in his arms he pressed her, / the maiden debonair.Forth from the bed she hurled him / where a bench there stood,And head of valiant warrior / against a stool went ringing loud.
669
Up sprang again undaunted / the full doughty man,To try for fortune better. / When he anew beganPerforce to curb her fury, / fell he in trouble sore.I ween that ne'er a lady / did so defend herself before.
670
When he would not give over, / up the maid arose:"My gown so white thou never / thus shalt discompose.And this thy villain's manner / shall sore by thee be paid,The same I'll teach thee truly," / further spake the buxom maid.
671
Within her arms she clasped him, / the full stately thane,And thought likewise to bind him, / as the king yestreen,That she the night in quiet / upon her couch might lie.That her dress he thus did rumple, / avenged the lady grievously.
672
What booted now his prowess / and eke his mickle might?Her sovereignty of body / she proved upon the knight;By force of arm she bore him, / —'twixt wall and mighty chest(For so it e'en must happen) / him she all ungently pressed.
673
"Ah me!"—so thought the hero— / "shall I now my lifeLose at hand of woman, / then will every wifeEvermore hereafter / a shrewish temper showAgainst her lord's good wishes, / who now such thing ne'er thinks to do."
674
All heard the monarch meanwhile / and trembled for the man.Sore ashamed was Siegfried, / and a-raging he began.With might and main he struggled / again to make him free,Ere which to sorest trouble / 'neath Lady Brunhild's hand fell he.
675
Long space to him it seeméd / ere Siegfried tamed her mood.She grasped his hand so tightly / that 'neath the nails the bloodOozéd from the pressure, / which made the hero wince.Yet the stately maiden / subdued he to obedience since.
676
Her unrestrainéd temper / that she so late displayed,All overheard the monarch, / though ne'er a word he said.'Gainst the bed did press her Siegfried / that aloud she cried,Ungentle was the treatment / that he meted to the bride.
677
Then grasped she for a girdle / that round her sides she wore,And thought therewith to bind him; / but her limbs and body o'erStrained beneath the vigor / that his strong arm displayed.So was the struggle ended / —Gunther's wife was vanquishéd.
678
She spake: "O noble monarch, / take not my life away.The harm that I have done thee / full well will I repay.No more thy royal embraces / by me shall be withstood,For now I well have seen it, / thou canst be lord o'er woman's mood."
679
From the couch rose Siegfried, / lying he left the maid,As if that he would from him / lay his clothes aside.He drew from off her finger / a ring of golden sheenWithout that e'er perceivéd / his practice the full noble queen.
680
Thereto he took her girdle / that was all richly wrought:If from wanton spirit / he did it, know I not.The same he gave to Kriemhild: / the which did sorrow bear.Then lay by one another / Gunther and the maiden fair.
681
Hearty were his embraces / as such king became:Perforce must she relinquish / her anger and her shame.In sooth not little pallid / within his arms she grew,And in that love-surrender / how waned her mighty prowess too!
682
Then was e'en she not stronger / than e'er another bride;He lay with fond embraces / the beauteous dame beside.And had she struggled further, / avail how could it aught?Gunther, when thus he clasped her, / such change upon her strength had wrought.
683
And with right inward pleasure / she too beside him layIn warmest love embracings / until the dawn of day!Meantime now had Siegfried / departure ta'en from there,And was full well receivéd / by a lady debonair.
684
Her questioning he avoided / and all whereon she thought,And long time kept he secret / what he for her had brought,Until in his own country / she wore a royal crown;Yet what for her he destined, / how sure at last it was her own.
685
Upon the morn was Gunther / by far of better moodThan he had been before it; / joy thus did spread abroad'Mid host of knights full noble / that from his lands aroundTo his court had been invited, / and there most willing service found.
686
The merry time there lasted / until two weeks were spent,Nor all the while did flag there / the din of merrimentAnd every kind of joyance / that knight could e'er devise;With lavish hand expended / the king thereto in fitting wise.
687
The noble monarch's kinsmen / upon his high commandBy gifts of gold and raiment / told forth his generous hand,By steed and thereto silver / on minstrel oft bestowed.Who there did gift desire / departed thence in merry mood.
688
All the store of raiment / afar from Netherland,The which had Siegfried's thousand / warriors brought to handUnto the Rhine there with them, / complete 'twas dealt away,And eke the steeds well saddled: / in sooth a lordly life led they.
689
Ere all the gifts so bounteous / were dealt the guests among,They who would straightway homeward / did deem the waiting long.Ne'er had guests of monarch / such goodly gifts before;And so as Gunther willed it / the merry feast at last was o'er.