How Siegfried came home with his Wife
690
When that now the strangers / all from thence were gone,Spake unto his followers / noble Siegmund's son:"We shall eke make ready / home to my land to fare."Unto his spouse was welcome / such news when she the same did hear.
691
She spake unto her husband: / "When shall we hence depart?Not hastily on the journey / I pray thee yet to start.With me first my brothers / their wide lands shall share."Siegfried yet it pleased not / such words from Kriemhild to hear.
692
The princes went unto him / and spake they there all three:"Now know thou well, Sir Siegfried, / for thee shall ever beIn faithfulness our service / ready while yet we live."The royal thanes then thanked he / who thus did proof of friendship give.
693
"With thee further share we," / spake young Giselher,"The lands and eke the castles / by us that ownéd are.In wide lands whatsoever / we rule o'er warriors brave,Of the same with Kriemhild / a goodly portion shalt thou have.
694
Then spake unto the princes / the son of SiegmundWhen he their lofty purpose / did rightly understand:"God grant your goodly heritage / at peace may ever be,And eke therein your people. / The spouse in sooth so dear to me."
695
"May well forego the portion / that ye to her would give.For she a crown shall carry, / if to such day I live,And queen more rich than any / that lives she then must be.What else to her ye offer, / therein I'll meet you faithfully."
696
Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "If wealth thou wilt not choose,Yet gallant thanes of Burgundy / shalt thou not light refuse.They're such as monarch gladly / would lead to his own land.Of these shall make division / with me my loving brothers' hand."
697
Thereto spake noble Gernot: / "Now take to please thy mind.Who gladly will go with thee / full many here thou'lt find.Of thirty hundred warriors / we give thee thousand menTo be thy royal escort." / Kriemhild did summon then
698
Hagen of Tronje to her / and Ortwein instantly:And would they and their kinsmen / make her good company?To hear the same did Hagen / begin to rage full sore.Quoth he: "E'en royal Gunther / may thus bestow us nevermore.
699
"Other men that serve thee, / let them follow thee;Thou know'st the men of Tronje / and what their pledges be:Here must we by the monarchs / in service true abide;Hereto as them we followed, / so shall we henceforth keep their side."
700
And so the thing was ended: / to part they ready make.A high and noble escort / did Kriemhild to her take,Maidens two and thirty / and five hundred men also.In Lady Kriemhild's company / the Margrave Eckewart did go.
701
Leave took they all together, / squire and also knight,Maidens and fair ladies, / as was their wont aright.There parted they with kisses / and eke with clasp of hand:Right merrily they journeyed / forth from royal Gunther's land.
702
Their friends did give them escort / upon the way full far.Night-quarters at every station / they bade for them prepare,Where they might wish to tarry / as on their way they went.Then straightway was a messenger / unto royal Siegmund sent,
703
To him and Siegelind bearing / thereof the joyful signThat his son was coming / from Worms upon the RhineAnd with him Ute's daughter, / Kriemhild the fair lady.As this could other message / nevermore so welcome be.
704
"Well is me!" quoth Siegmund, / "that I the day have known,When the fair Lady Kriemhild / here shall wear a crown.Thus higher shall my kingdom / stand in majesty.My son the noble Siegfried / here himself the king shall be."
705
Then dealt the Lady Siegelind / velvet red in store,Silver and gold full heavy / to them the news that bore:She joyed to hear the story / that there her ear did greet.Then decked themselves her ladies / all in rich attire meet.
706
'Twas told, with Siegfried coming / whom they did expect.Then bade they sitting-places / straightway to erect,Where he before his kinsmen / a crown in state should wear.Then men of royal Siegmund / forward rode to meet him there.
707
Was e'er more royal greeting, / news have I not to hand,As came the knights full noble / into Siegmund's land.There the royal Siegelind / to Kriemhild forth did rideWith ladies fair a many, / and followed gallant knights beside
708
Out a full day's journey / to welcome each high guest.And little with the strangers / did they ever restUntil into a castle / wide they came once more,The same was called Xanten, / where anon a crown they wore.
709
With smiling lips Dame Siegelind / —and Siegmund eke did this—To show the love they bore her / full oft did Kriemhild kiss,And eke the royal Siegfried: / far was their sorrow gone.And all the merry company, / good welcome had they every one.
710
The train of strangers bade they / 'fore Siegmund's Hall to lead,And maidens fair a many / down from gallant steedHelped they there dismounting. / Full many a man was thereTo do them willing service / as was meet for ladies fair.
711
How great soe'er the splendor / erstwhile beside the Rhine,Here none the less was given / raiment yet more fine,Nor were they e'er attired / in all their days so well.Full many a wonder might I / of their rich apparel tell.
712
How there in state resplendent / they sat and had full store,And how each high attendant / gold-broidered raiment wore,With stones full rare and precious / set with skill therein!The while with care did serve them / Siegelind the noble queen.
713
Then spake the royal Siegmund / before his people so:"To every friend of Siegfried / give I now to knowThat he before these warriors / my royal crown shall wear."And did rejoice that message / the thanes of Netherland to hear.
714
His crown to him he tendered / and rule o'er wide domainWhereof he all was master. / Where'er did reach his reignOr men were subject to him / bestowed his hand such careThat evil-doers trembled / before the spouse of Kriemhild fair.
715
In such high honor truly / he lived, as ye shall hear,And judged as lofty monarch / unto the tenth year,What time his fairest lady / to him a son did bear.Thereat the monarch's kinsmen / filled with mickle joyance were.
716
They soon the same did christen / and gave to him a name,Gunther, as hight his uncle, / nor cause was that for shame:Grew he but like his kinsmen / then happy might he be.As well he did deserve it, / him fostered they right carefully.
717
In the selfsame season / did Lady Siegelind die,When was full power wielded / by Ute's daughter high,As meet so lofty lady / should homage wide receive.That death her thus had taken / did many a worthy kinsman grieve.
718
Now by the Rhine yonder, / as we likewise hear,Unto mighty Gunther / eke a son did bearBrunhild his fair lady / in the land of Burgundy.In honor to the hero / Siegfried naméd eke was he.
719
The child they also fostered / with what tender care!Gunther the noble monarch / anon did masters rareFind who should instruct him / a worthy man to grow.Alas! by sad misfortune / to friends was dealt how fell a blow!
720
At all times the story / far abroad was told,How that in right worthy / way the warriors boldLived there in Siegmund's country / as noble knights should do.Likewise did royal Gunther / eke amid his kinsmen true.
721
Land of the Nibelungen / Siegfried as well did own,—Amid his lofty kindred / a mightier ne'er was known—And Schilbung's knights did serve him, / with all that theirs had been.That great was thus his power / did fill with joy the knight full keen.
722
Hoard of all the greatest / that hero ever won,Save who erstwhile did wield it, / now the knight did own,The which before a mountain / he seized against despite,And for whose sake he further / slew full many a gallant knight.
723
Naught more his heart could wish for; / yet had his might been less,Rightly must all people / of the high knight confess,One was he of the worthiest / that e'er bestrode a steed.Feared was his mickle prowess, / and, sooth to say, thereof was need.
How Gunther bade Siegfried to the Feast
724
Now all time bethought her / royal Gunther's wife:"How now doth Lady Kriemhild / lead so haughty life?In sooth her husband Siegfried / doth homage to us owe,But now full long unto us / little service he doth show."
725
That in her heart in secret / eke she pondered o'er.That they were strangers to her / did grieve her heart full sore,And so seldom sign of service / came from Siegfried's land.How it thus was fallen, / that she fain would understand.
726
She probed then the monarch, / if the thing might be,That she the Lady Kriemhild / once again might see.She spake it all in secret / whereon her heart did dwell;The thing she then did speak of / pleased the monarch passing well.
727
"How might we bring them hither" / —spake the mighty king—"Unto this my country? / 'Twere ne'er to do, such thing.They dwell too distant from us, / the quest I fear to make."Thereto gave answer Brunhild, / and in full crafty wise she spake:
728
"How high soe'er and mighty / king's man were ever one,Whate'er should bid his master, / may he not leave undone."Thereat did smile King Gunther, / as such words spake she:Ne'er bade he aught of service, / oft as Siegfried he did see.
729
She spake: "Full loving master, / as thou hold'st me dear,Help me now that Siegfried / and thy sister fairCome to this our country, / that them we here may see;In sooth no thing could ever / unto me more welcome be.
730
"Thy sister's lofty bearing / and all her courtesy,Whene'er I think upon it, / full well it pleaseth me,How we did sit together / when erst I was thy spouse!Well in sooth with honor / might she the valiant Siegfried choose."
731
She pleaded with the monarch / so long till answered he:"Know now that guests none other / so welcome were to me.To gain thy wish 'tis easy: / straight messengers of mineTo both shall message carry, / that hither come they to the Rhine."
732
Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Now further shalt thou say,When thou them wilt summon, / or when shall be the dayThat our dear friends come hither / unto our country.Who'll bear thy message thither, / shalt thou eke make known to me."
733
"That will I," spake the monarch. / "Thirty of my menShall thither ride unto them." / The same he summoned then,And bade them with the message / to Siegfried's land to fare.They joyed as gave them Brunhild / stately raiment rich to wear.
734
Then further spake the monarch: / "Ye knights from me shall bringThis message, nor withhold ye / of it anything,Unto the doughty Siegfried / and eke my sister fair:In the world could never any / to them a better purpose bear.
735
"And pray them both that hither / they come unto the Rhine.With me will e'er my lady / such grace to pay combine,Ere turn of sun in summer / he and his men shall knowThat liveth here full many / to them would willing honor show.
736
"Unto royal Siegmund / bear greeting fair from me,That I and my friends ever / to him well-minded be.And tell ye eke my sister / she shall no wise omitHither to friends to journey: / ne'er feast could better her befit."
737
Brunhild and Ute / and ladies all at hand,They sent a fairest greeting / unto Siegfried's landTo winsome ladies many / and many a warrior brave.With godspeed from the monarch / and friends the messengers took leave.
738
They fared with full equipment: / their steeds did ready standAnd rich were they attired: / so rode they from that landThey hastened on the journey / whither they would fare;Escort safe the monarch / had bidden eke for them prepare.
739
Their journey had they ended / e'er three weeks were spent.At the Nibelungen castle, / whither they were sent,In the mark of Norway / found they the knight they sought,And weary were the horses / the messengers so far had brought.
740
Then was told to Siegfried / and to Kriemhild fairHow knights were there arrivéd / who did raiment wearLike as in land of Burgundy / of wont the warriors dressed.Thereat did hasten Kriemhild / from couch where she did lying rest.
741
Then bade eke to a window / one of her maids to go.She saw the valiant Gere / stand in the court below,And with him his companions, / who did thither fare.To hear such joyous tidings, / how soon her heart forgot its care.
742
She spake unto the monarch: / "Look now thitherwardWhere with the doughty Gere / stand in the castle yardWhom to us brother Gunther / adown the Rhine doth send!"Thereto spake doughty Siegfried: / "With greeting fair we'll them attend."
743
Then hastened their retainers / all the guests to meet,And each of them in special / manner then did greetThe messengers full kindly / and warmest welcome bade.Siegmund did likewise / o'er their coming wax full glad.
744
In fitting way was harbored / Gere and his men,And steeds in charge were taken. / The messengers went thenWhere beside Sir Siegfried / the Lady Kriemhild sat.To court the guests were bidden, / where them did greeting fair await.
745
The host with his fair lady, / straightway up stood he,And greeted fairly Gere / of the land of BurgundyAnd with him his companions / King Gunther's men also.Gere, knight full mighty, / bade they to a settle go.
746
"Allow that first the message / we give ere sit we down;The while we'll stand, though weary / upon our journey grown.Tidings bring we to you / what greetings high have sentGunther and Brunhild / who live in royal fair content.
747
"Eke what from Lady Ute / thy mother now we've brought.The youthful Giselher / and also Sir GernotAnd best among thy kinsmen / have sent us here to thee:A fairest greeting send they / from the land of Burgundy."
748
"God give them meed," spake Siegfried; / "Good will and faith withalI trow full well they harbor, / as with friends we shall;Likewise doth eke their sister. / Now further shall ye tellIf that our friends belovéd / at home in high estate do dwell.
749
"Since that we from them parted / hath any dared to doScathe to my lady's kinsmen? / That shall ye let me know.I'll help them ever truly / all their need to bearTill that their enemies / have good cause my help to fear."
750
Then spake the Margrave / Gere, a knight full good:"In all that maketh knighthood / right proud they stand of mood.Unto the Rhine they bid you / to high festivity:They'd see you there full gladly, / thereof may ye not doubtful be.
751
"And bid they eke my Lady / Kriemhild that she too,When ended is the winter, / thither come with you.Ere turn of sun in summer / trust they you to see."Then spake the doughty Siegfried: / "That same thing might hardly be."
752
Thereto did answer Gere / of the land of Burgundy:"Your high mother Ute / hath message sent by me,Likewise Gernot and Giselher, / that they plead not in vain.That you they see so seldom / daily hear I them complain.
753
"Brunhild my mistress / and all her companyOf fair maids rejoice them; / if the thing might beThat they again should see you, / of merry mood they were."Then joy to hear the tidings / filled the Lady Kriemhild fair.
754
Gere to her was kinsman. / The host did bid him rest,Nor long were they in pouring / wine for every guest.Thither came eke Siegmund / where the strangers he did see,And in right friendly manner / spake to the men of Burgundy:
755
"Welcome be, ye warriors, / ye Gunther's men, each one.Since that fair Kriemhild / Siegfried my sonFor spouse did take unto him, / we should you ofter seeHere in this our country, / an ye good friends to us would be."
756
They spake, whene'er he wished it, / full glad to come were they.All their mickle weariness / with joy was ta'en away.The messengers were seated / and food to them they bore,Whereof did Siegfried offer / unto his guests a goodly store.
757
Until nine days were over / must they there abide,When did at last the valiant / knights begin to chideThat they did not ride thither / again unto their land.Then did the royal Siegfried / summon his good knights to hand.
758
He asked what they did counsel: / should they unto the Rhine?"Me unto him hath bidden / Gunther, friend of mine,He and his good kinsmen, / to high festivity.Thither went I full gladly, / but that his land so far doth lie.
759
"Kriemhild bid they likewise / that she with me shall fare.Good friends, now give ye counsel / how we therefor prepare.And were it armies thirty / to lead in distant land,Yet must serve them gladly / evermore Siegfried's hand."
760
Then answer gave his warriors. / "An't pleaseth thee to goThither to the festival, / we'll counsel what thou do.Thou shalt with thousand warriors / unto Rhine river ride.So may'st thou well with honor / in the land of Burgundy abide."
761
Then spake of Netherland / Siegmund the king:"Will ye to the festival, / why hide from me the thing!I'll journey with you thither, / if it not displeasing be,And lead good thanes a hundred / wherewith to swell your company."
762
"And wilt thou with us journey, / father full dear to me,"Spake the valiant Siegfried, / "full glad thereat I'll be.Before twelve days are over / from these my lands I fare."To all who'd join the journey / steeds gave they and apparel rare.
763
When now the lofty monarch / was minded thus to rideBade he the noble messengers / longer not to bide,And to his lady's kinsmen / to the Rhine a message sent,How that he would full gladly / join to make them merriment.
764
Siegfried and Kriemhild, / this same tale we hear,To the messengers gave so richly / that the burden could not bearTheir horses with them homeward, / such wealth in sooth he had.The horses heavy-laden / drove they thence with hearts full glad.
765
Siegfried and Siegmund / their people richly clad.Eckewart the Margrave, / straightway he badeFor ladies choose rich clothing, / the best that might be found,Or e'er could be procuréd / in all Siegfried's lands around.
766
The shields and the saddles / gan they eke prepare,To knights and fair ladies / who with them should fareLacked nothing that they wished for, / but of all they were possessed.Then to his friends led Siegfried / many a high and stately guest.
767
The messengers swift hasted / homeward on their way,And soon again came Gere / to the land of Burgundy.Full well was he receivéd, / and there dismounted allHis train from off their horses / before the royal Gunther's Hall.
768
Old knights and youthful squires / crowded, as is their way,To ask of them the tidings. / Thus did the brave knight say:"When to the king I tell them / then shall ye likewise hear."He went with his companions / and soon 'fore Gunther did appear.
769
Full of joy the monarch / did from the settle spring;And did thank them also / for their hasteningBrunhild the fair lady. / Spake Gunther eagerly:"How now liveth Siegfried, / whose arm hath oft befriended me?"
770
Then spake the valiant Gere: / "Joy o'er the visage wentOf him and eke thy sister. / To friends was never sentA more faithful greeting / by good knight ever one,Than now the mighty Siegfried / and his royal sire have done."
771
Then spake unto the Margrave / the noble monarch's wife:"Now tell me, cometh Kriemhild? / And marketh yet her lifeAught of the noble bearing / did her erstwhile adorn?""She cometh to thee surely," / Gere answer did return.
772
Ute straightway the messengers / to her did command.Then might ye by her asking / full well understandTo her was joyous tidings / how Kriemhild did betide.He told her how he found her, / and that she soon would hither ride.
773
Eke of all the presents / did they naught withhold,That had given them Siegfried: / apparel rich and goldDisplayed they to the people / of the monarchs three.To him were they full grateful / who thus had dealt so bounteously.
774
"Well may he," quoth Hagen, / "of his treasure give,Nor could he deal it fully, / should he forever live:Hoard of the Nibelungen / beneath his hand doth lie.Heigh-ho, if came it ever / into the land of Burgundy!"
775
All the king's retainers / glad they were thereat,That the guests were coming. / Early then and lateFull little were they idle, / the men of monarchs three.Seats builded they full many / toward the high festivity.
776
The valiant knight Hunold / and Sindold doughty thaneLittle had of leisure. / Meantime must the twain,Stands erect full many, / as their high office bade.Therein did help them Ortwein, / and Gunther's thanks therefor they had.
777
Rumold the High Steward / busily he wroughtAmong them that did serve him. / Full many a mighty pot,And spacious pans and kettles, / how many might ye see!For those to them were coming / prepared they victuals plenteously.
How they fared to the Feast
778
Leave we now the ardor / wherewith they did prepare,And tell how Lady Kriemhild / and eke her maidens fairFrom land of Nibelungen / did journey to the Rhine.Ne'er did horses carry / such store of raiment rich and fine.
779
Carrying-chests full many / for the way they made ready.Then rode the thane Siegfried / with his friends in companyAnd eke the queen thither / where joy they looked to find.Where now was high rejoicing / they soon in sorest grief repined.
780
At home behind them left they / Lady Kriemhild's sonThat she did bear to Siegfried / —'twas meet that that be done.From this their festive journey / rose mickle sorrow sore:His father and his mother / their child beheld they never more.
781
Then eke with them thither / Siegmund the king did ride.Had he e'er had knowledge / what should there betideAnon from that high journey, / such had he never seen:Ne'er wrought upon dear kindred / might so grievous wrong have been.
782
Messengers sent they forward / that the tidings told should be.Then forth did ride to meet them / with gladsome companyUte's friends full many / and many a Gunther's man.With zeal to make him ready / unto his guests the king began.
783
Where he found Brunhild sitting, / thither straight went he."How receivéd thee my sister, / as thou cam'st to this country?Like preparations shalt thou / for Siegfried's wife now make.""Fain do I that; good reason / have I to love her well," she spake.
784
Then quoth the mighty monarch: / "The morn shall see them here.Wilt thou go forth to meet them, / apace do thou prepare,That not within the castle / their coming we await.Guests more welcome never / greeted I of high estate."
785
Her maidens and her ladies / straight did she commandTo choose them rich apparel, / the best within the land,In which the stately company / before the guests should go.The same they did right gladly, / that may ye full surely know.
786
Then eke to offer service / the men of Gunther hied,And all his doughty warriors / saw ye by the monarch's side.Then rode the queen full stately / the strangers forth to meet,And hearty was the welcome / as she her loving guests did greet.
787
With what glad rejoicings / the guests they did receive!They deemed that Lady Kriemhild / did unto Brunhild giveNe'er so warm a welcome / to the land of Burgundy.Bold knights that yet were strangers / rejoiced each other there to see.
788
Now come was also Siegfried / with his valiant men.The warriors saw ye riding / thither and back again,Where'er the plain extended, / with huge company.From the dust and crowding / could none in all the rout be free.
789
When the monarch of the country / Siegfried did seeAnd with him also Siegmund, / spake he full lovingly:"Be ye to me full welcome / and to all these friends of mine.Our hearts right glad they shall be / o'er this your journey to the Rhine."
790
"God give thee meed," spake Siegmund, / a knight in honor grown."Since that my son Siegfried / thee for a friend hath known,My heart hath e'er advised me / that thee I soon should see."Thereto spake royal Gunther: / "Joy hast thou brought full great to me."
791
Siegfried was there receivéd, / as fitted his high state,With full lofty honors, / nor one did bear him hate.There joined in way right courteous / Gernot and Giselher:I ween so warm a welcome / did they make for strangers ne'er.
792
The spouse of each high monarch / greeted the other there.Emptied was many a saddle, / and many a lady fairBy hero's hand was lifted / adown upon the sward.By waiting on fair lady / how many a knight sought high reward!
793
So went unto each other / the ladies richly dight;Thereat in high rejoicing / was seen full many a knight,That by both the greeting / in such fair way was done.By fair maidens standing / saw ye warriors many a one.
794
Each took the hand of other / in all their company;In courteous manner bending / full many might ye seeAnd loving kisses given / by ladies debonair.Rejoiced the men of Gunther / and Siegfried to behold them there.
795
They bided there no longer / but rode into the town.The host bade to the strangers / in fitting way be shown,That they were seen full gladly / in the land of Burgundy.High knights full many tilting / before fair ladies might ye see.
796
Then did of Tronje Hagen / and eke OrtweinIn high feats of valor / all other knights outshine.Whate'er the twain commanded / dared none to leave undone;By them was many a service / to their high guests in honor shown.
797
Shields heard ye many clashing / before the castle gateWith din of lances breaking. / Long in saddle sateThe host and guests there with him, / ere that within they went.With full merry pastime / joyfully the hours they spent.
798
Unto the Hall so spacious / rode the merry company.Many a silken cover / wrought full cunninglySaw ye beyond the saddles / of the ladies debonairOn all sides down hanging. / King Gunther's men did meet them there.
799
Led by the same the strangers / to their apartments passed.Meanwhile oft her glances / Brunhild was seen to castUpon the Lady Kriemhild, / for she was passing fair.In lustre vied her color / with the gold that she did wear.
800
Within the town a clamor / at Worms on every handArose amid their followers. / King Gunther gave commandTo Dankwart his Marshal / to tend them all with care.Then bade he fitting quarters / for the retinue prepare.
801
Without and in the castle / the board for all was set:In sooth were never strangers / better tended yet.Whatever any wished for / did they straightway provide:So mighty was the monarch / that naught to any was denied.
802
To them was kind attention / and all good friendship shown.The host then at the table / with his guests sat him down.Siegfried they bade be seated / where he did sit before.Then went with him to table / full many a stately warrior more.
803
Gallant knights twelve hundred / in the circle there, I ween,With him sat at table. / Brunhild the lofty queenDid deem that never vassal / could more mighty be.So well she yet was minded, / she saw it not unwillingly.
804
There upon an evening, / as the king with guests did dine,Full many a rich attire / was wet with ruddy wine,As passed among the tables / the butlers to and fro.And great was their endeavor / full honor to the guests to show.
805
As long hath been the custom / at high festivityFit lodging there was given / to maid and high lady.From whence soe'er they came there / they had the host's good care;Unto each guest was meted / of fitting honors fullest share.
806
When now the night was ended / and came forth the dawn,From chests they carried with them, / full many a precious stoneSparkled on costly raiment / by hand of lady sought.Stately robes full many / forth to deck them then they brought.
807
Ere dawn was full appeared, / before the Hall againCame knights and squires many, / whereat arose the dinE'en before the matins / that for the king were sung.Well pleaséd was the monarch / at joust to see the warriors young.
808
Full lustily and loudly / many a horn did blare,Of flutes and eke of trumpets / such din did rend the airThat loud came back the echo / from Worms the city wide.The warriors high-hearted / to saddle sprung on every side.
809
Arose there in that country / high a jousting keenOf many a doughty warrior / whereof were many seen,Whom there their hearts more youthful / did make of merry mood;Of these 'neath shield there saw ye / many a stately knight and good.
810
There sat within the casements / many a high ladyAnd maidens many with them, / the which were fair to see.Down looked they where did tourney / many a valiant man.The host with his good kinsmen / himself a-riding soon began.
811
Thus they found them pastime, / and fled the time full well;Then heard they from the minster / the sound of many a bell.Forth upon their horses / the ladies thence did ride;Many a knight full valiant / the lofty queens accompanied.
812
They then before the minster / alighted on the grass.Unto her guests Queen Brunhild / yet well-minded was.Into the spacious minster / they passed, and each wore crown.Their friendship yet was broken / by direst jealousy anon.
813
When the mass was ended / went they thence againIn full stately manner. / Thereafter were they seenJoyous at board together. / The pleasure full did last,Until days eleven / amid the merry-making passed.
How the Queens Berated Each Other
814
Before the time of vespers / arose a mickle stirOn part of warriors many / upon the courtyard there.In knightly fashion made they / the time go pleasantly;Thither knights and ladies / went their merry play to see.
815
There did sit together / the queens, a stately pair,And of two knights bethought them, / that noble warriors were.Then spake the fair Kriemhild: / "Such spouse in sooth have I,That all these mighty kingdoms / might well beneath his sceptre lie."
816
Then spake the Lady Brunhild: / "How might such thing be?If that there lived none other / but himself and thee,So might perchance his power / rule these kingdoms o'er;The while that liveth Gunther, / may such thing be nevermore."
817
Then again spake Kriemhild: / "Behold how he doth standIn right stately fashion / before the knightly band,Like as the bright moon beameth / before the stars of heaven.In sooth to think upon it / a joyous mood to me is given."
818
Then spake the Lady Brunhild: / "How stately thy spouse be,Howe'er so fair and worthy, / yet must thou grant to meGunther, thy noble brother, / doth far beyond him go:In sooth before all monarchs / he standeth, shalt thou truly know."
819
Then again spake Kriemhild: / "So worthy is my spouse,That I not have praised him / here without a cause.In ways to tell full many / high honor doth he bear:Believe well may'st thou, Brunhild, / he is the royal Gunther's peer."
820
"Now guard thee, Lady Kriemhild, / my word amiss to take,For not without good reason here / such thing I spake.Both heard I say together, / when them I first did see,When that erstwhile the monarch / did work his royal will o'er me,
821
And when in knightly fashion / my love for him he won,Then himself said Siegfried / he were the monarch's man.For liegeman thus I hold him, / since he the same did say."Then spake fair Lady Kriemhild: / "With me 'twere dealt in sorry way.
822
"And these my noble brothers, / how could they such thing see,That I of their own liegeman / e'er the wife should be?Thus will I beg thee, Brunhild, / as friend to friend doth owe,That thou, as well befits thee, / shalt further here such words forego."
823
"No whit will I give over," / spake the monarch's spouse."Wherefore should I so many / a knight full valiant lose,Who to us in service / is bounden with thy man?"Kriemhild the fair lady / thereat sore to rage began.
824
"In sooth must thou forego it / that he should e'er to theeAught of service offer. / More worthy e'en is heThan is my brother Gunther, / who is a royal lord.So shalt thou please to spare me / what I now from thee have heard.
825
"And to me is ever wonder, / since he thy liegeman is,And thou dost wield such power / over us twain as this,That he so long his tribute / to thee hath failed to pay.'Twere well thy haughty humor / thou should'st no longer here display."
826
"Too lofty now thou soarest," / the queen did make reply."Now will I see full gladly / if in such honor highThis folk doth hold thy person / as mine own it doth."Of mood full sorely wrathful / were the royal ladies both.
827
Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "That straightway shall be seen.Since that thou my husband / dost thy liegeman ween,To-day shall all the followers / of both the monarchs know,If I 'fore wife of monarch / dare unto the minster go.
828
"That I free-born and noble / shalt thou this day behold,And that my royal husband, / as now to thee I've told,'Fore thine doth stand in honor, / by me shall well be shown.Ere night shalt thou behold it, / how wife of him thou call'st thine own
829
To court shall lead good warriors / in the land of Burgundy.And ne'er a queen so lofty / as I myself shall beWas seen by e'er a mortal, / or yet a crown did wear."Then mickle was the anger / that rose betwixt the ladies there.
830
Then again spake Brunhild: / "Wilt thou not service own,So must thou with thy women / hold thyself aloneApart from all my following, / as we to minster go."Thereto gave answer Kriemhild: / "In truth the same I fain will do."
831
"Now dress ye fair, my maidens," / Kriemhild gave command."Nor shall shame befall me / here within this land.An have ye fair apparel, / let now be seen by you.What she here hath boasted / may Brunhild have full cause to rue."
832
But little need to urge them: / soon were they richly cladIn garments wrought full deftly, / lady and many a maid.Then went with her attendants / the spouse of the monarch high;And eke appeared fair Kriemhild, / her body decked full gorgeously,
833
With three and forty maidens, / whom to the Rhine led she,All clad in shining garments / wrought in Araby.So came unto the minster / the maidens fair and tall.Before the hall did tarry / for them the men of Siegfried all.
834
The people there did wonder / how the thing might be,That no more together / the queens they thus did see,And that beside each other / they went not as before.Thereby came thanes a many / anon to harm and trouble sore.
835
Here before the minster / the wife of Gunther stood.And good knights full many / were there of merry moodWith the fair ladies / that their eyes did see.Then came the Lady Kriemhild / with a full stately company.
836
Whate'er of costly raiment / decked lofty maids before,'Twas like a windy nothing / 'gainst what her ladies wore.The wives of thirty monarchs / —such riches were her own—Might ne'er display together / what there by Lady Kriemhild shown.
837
Should any wish to do so / he could not say, I ween,That so rich apparel / e'er before was seenAs there by her maidens / debonair was worn:But that it grievéd Brunhild / had Kriemhild that to do forborne.
838
There they met together / before the minster high.Soon the royal matron, / through mickle jealousy,Kriemhild to pass no further, / did bid in rage full sore:"She that doth owe her homage / shall ne'er go monarch's wife before."
839
Then spake the Lady Kriemhild / —angry was her mood:"An could'st thou but be silent / that for thee were good.Thyself hast brought dishonor / upon thy fair body:How might, forsooth, a harlot / ever wife of monarch be?"
840
"Whom mak'st thou now a harlot?" / the king's wife answered her."That do I thee," spake Kriemhild, / "for that thy body fairFirst was clasped by Siegfried, / knight full dear to me.In sooth 'twas ne'er my brother / won first thy maidenhead from thee.
841
"How did thy senses leave thee? / Cunning rare was this.How let his love deceive thee, / since he thy liegeman is?And all in vain," quoth Kriemhild, / "the plaint I hear thee bring.""In sooth," then answered Brunhild, / "I'll tell it to my spouse the king."
842
"What reck I of such evil? / Thy pride hath thee betrayed,That thou deem'st my homage / should e'er to thee be paid.Know thou in truth full certain / the thing may never be:Nor shall I e'er be ready / to look for faithful friend in thee."
843
Thereat did weep Queen Brunhild: / Kriemhild waited no more,But passed into the minster / the monarch's wife before,With train of fair attendants. / Arose there mickle hate,Whereby eyes brightly shining / anon did grow all dim and wet.
844
However God they worshipped / or there the mass was sung,Did deem the Lady Brunhild / the waiting all too long,For that her heart was saddened / and angry eke her mood.Therefore anon must suffer / many a hero keen and good.
845
Brunhild with her ladies / 'fore the minster did appear.Thought she: "Now must Kriemhild / further give me to hearOf what so loud upbraideth / me this free-tongued wife.And if he thus hath boasted, / amend shall Siegfried make with life."
846
Now came the noble Kriemhild / followed by warrior band.Then spake the Lady Brunhild: / "Still thou here shalt stand.Thou giv'st me out for harlot: / let now the same be seen.Know thou, what thus thou sayest / to me hath mickle sorrow been."
847
Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "So may'st thou let me go.With the ring upon my finger / I the same can show:That brought to me my lover / when first by thee he lay."Ne'er did Lady Brunhild / know grief as on this evil day.
848
Quoth she: "This ring full precious / some hand from me did steal,And from me thus a season / in evil way conceal:Full sure will I discover / who this same thief hath been."Then were the royal ladies / both in mood full angry seen.
849
Then gave answer Kriemhild: / "I deem the thief not I.Well hadst thou been silent, / hold'st thou thine honor high.I'll show it with this girdle / that I around me wear,That in this thing I err not: / Siegfried hath lain by thee full near."
850
Wrought of silk of Nineveh / a girdle there she wore,That of stones full precious / showed a goodly store.When saw it Lady Brunhild / straight to weep gan she:Soon must Gunther know it / and all the men of Burgundy.
851
Then spake the royal matron: / "Bid hither come to meOf Rhine the lofty monarch. / Hear straightway shall heHow that his sister / doth my honor stain.Here doth she boast full open / that I in Siegfried's arms have lain."
852
The king came with his warriors, / where he did weeping findHis royal spouse Brunhild, / then spake in manner kind:"Now tell me, my dear lady, / who hath done aught to thee?"She spake unto the monarch: / "Thy wife unhappy must thou see.
853
"Me, thy royal consort, / would thy sister fainRob of all mine honor. / To thee must I complain:She boasts her husband Siegfried / hath known thy royal bed."Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "An evil thing she then hath said."
854
"I did lose a girdle: / here by her 'tis worn,And my ring all golden. / That I e'er was born,Do I rue full sorely / if thou wardest not from meThis full great dishonor: / that will I full repay to thee."
855
Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "Now shall he come near,And hath he such thing boasted, / so shall he let us hear:Eke must full deny it / the knight of Netherland."Then straight the spouse of Kriemhild / hither to bring he gave command.
856
When that angry-minded / Siegfried them did see,Nor knew thereof the reason, / straightway then spake he:"Why do weep these ladies? / I'd gladly know that thing,Or wherefore to this presence / I am bidden by the king."
857
Then spake the royal Gunther: / "Sore grieveth me this thing:To me my Lady Brunhild / doth the story bring,How that thereof thou boastest / that her fair body layFirst in thy embraces: / this doth thy Lady Kriemhild say."
858
Thereto gave answer Siegfried: / "An if she thus hath said,Full well shall she repent it / ere doth rest my head:Before all thy good warriors / of that I'll make me free,And swear by my high honor / such thing hath ne'er been told by me."
859
Then spake of Rhine the monarch: / "That shalt thou let us see.The oath that thou dost offer, / if such performéd be,Of all false accusation / shalt thou delivered stand."In ring to take their station / did he the high-born thanes command.
860
The full valiant Siegfried / in oath the hand did give.Then spake the lordly monarch: / "Well now do I perceiveHow thou art all blameless, / of all I speak thee free;What here maintains my sister, / the same hath ne'er been done by thee."
861
Thereto gave answer Siegfried: / "If gain should e'er accrueUnto my spouse, that Brunhild / from her had cause to rue,Know that to me full sorely / 'twould endless sorrow be."Then looked upon each other / the monarchs twain right graciously.
862
"So should we govern women," / spake the thane Siegfried,"That to leave wanton babble / they should take good heed.Forbid it to thy wife now, / to mine I'll do the same.Such ill-becoming manner /in sooth doth fill my heart with shame."
863
No more said many a lady / fair, but thus did part.Then did the Lady Brunhild / grieve so sore at heart,That it must move to pity / all King Gunther's men.To go unto his mistress / Hagen of Tronje saw ye then.
864
He asked to know her worry, / as he her weeping saw.Then told she him the story. / To her straight made he vow,That Lady Kriemhild's husband / must for the thing atone,Else henceforth should never / a joyous day by him be known.
865
Then came Ortwein and Gernot / where they together spake,And there the knights did counsel / Siegfried's life to take.Thither came eke Giselher, / son of Ute high.When heard he what they counselled, / spake he free from treachery:
866
"Ye good knights and noble, / wherefore do ye that?Ne'er deserved hath Siegfried / in such way your hate,That he therefor should forfeit / at your hands his life.In sooth small matter is it / that maketh cause for woman's strife."
867
"Shall we rear race of bastards?" / Hagen spake again:"Therefrom but little honor / had many a noble thane.The thing that he hath boasted / upon my mistress high,Therefor my life I forfeit, / or he for that same thing shall die."
868
Then spake himself the monarch: / "To us he ne'er did giveAught but good and honor: / let him therefore live.What boots it if my anger / I vent the knight upon?Good faith he e'er hath shown us, / and that full willingly hath done."
869
Then outspake of Metz / Ortwein the thane:"In sooth his arm full doughty / may bring him little gain.My vengeance full he'll suffer, / if but my lord allow."The knights—nor reason had they— / against him mortal hate did vow.
870
None yet his words did follow, / but to the monarch's earNe'er a day failed Hagen / the thought to whisper there:If that lived not Siegfried, / to him would subject beRoyal lands full many. / The king did sorrow bitterly.
871
Then did they nothing further: / soon began the play.As from the lofty minster / passed they on their way,What doughty shafts they shattered / Siegfried's spouse before!Gunther's men full many / saw ye there in rage full sore.
872
Spake the king: "Now leave ye / such mortal enmity:The knight is born our honor / and fortune good to be.Keen is he unto wonder, / hath eke so doughty armThat, were the contest open, / none is who dared to work him harm."
873
"Naught shall he know," quoth Hagen. / "At peace ye well may be:I trow the thing to manage / so full secretlyThat Queen Brunhild's weeping / he shall rue full sore.In sooth shall he from Hagen / have naught but hate for evermore."
874
Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "How might such thing e'er be?"Thereto gave answer Hagen: / "That shalt thou hear from me.We'll bid that hither heralds / unto our land shall fare,Here unknown to any, / who shall hostile tidings bear.
875
"Then say thou 'fore the strangers / that thou with all thy menWilt forth to meet the enemy. / He'll offer service thenIf that thus thou sayest, / and lose thereby his life,Can I but learn the story / from the valiant warrior's wife."
876
The king in evil manner / did follow Hagen's rede,And the two knights, ere any / man thereof had heed,Had treachery together / to devise begun.From quarrel of two women / died heroes soon full many a one.