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 thaneAs 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 boreSeven 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 bearThat 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 toldThat 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 mightFar above the people. / Then did each Hunnish knightSeek 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 lordForemost 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."
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 seeAll 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 beThe 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 shieldThat 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 slewOf 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 soAnd 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 knightSword 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 headFrom 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 makeIf 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 beganTo fly in ruddy showers. / Hawart's gallant manWas by sword of Hagen / wounded all so soreThrough 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 liftAnd 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 beMy 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 handFrom 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 woreIring 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 sprangLeading thousand warriors. / Full furious a clangOf 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 smiteE'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 coatWhich 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 hallAs 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.
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 bloodOf 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 essayedThe Hunnish knights to storm them. / Before them might ye seeGood 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 defendAgainst 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 soughtUpon 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 partThan 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 deadWhere 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 declareWhereof 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 knownBy sorrow of thy making. / Gladly had we foregoneThe 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 wereFor Etzel's wrath against us / we in sooth no guilt do bear."
2095
The host then to the strangers: / "Your sorrow here and mineAre things all unequal. / For now must I repineWith 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 goTo 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 wonWhere 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?
2102
"To thee I ever faithful / was, nor wronged thee e'er.In such faith confiding / did I hither fare,That thou to me wert gracious, / O noble sister mine.Show mercy now unto us, / we must to thee our lives resign."
2103
"No mercy may I show you, / —unmerciful I'll be.By Hagen, knight of Tronje, / was wrought such woe to me,That ne'er is reconcilement / the while that I have life.That must ye all atone for," / —quoth the royal Etzel's wife.
2104
"Will ye but Hagen only / to me as hostage give,Then will I not deny you / to let you longer live.Born are ye of one mother / and brothers unto me,So wish I that compounded / here with these warriors peace may be."
2105
"God in heaven forfend it," / Gernot straightway said;"E'en though we were a thousand, / lay we all rather dead,We who are thy kinsmen, / ere that warrior oneHere we gave for hostage. / Never may such thing be done."
2106
"Die must we all," quoth Giselher, / "for such is mortal's end.Till then despite of any, / our knighthood we'll defend.Would any test our mettle, / here may he trial make.For ne'er, when help he needed, / did I a faithful friend forsake."
2107
Then spake the valiant Dankwart, / a knight that knew no fear;"In sooth stands not unaided / my brother Hagen here.Who here have peace denied us / may yet have cause to rue.I would that this ye doubt not, / for verily I tell you true."
2108
The queen to those around her: / "Ye gallant warriors, goNow nigher to the stairway / and straight avenge my woe.I'll ever make requital / therefor, as well I may.For his haughty humor / will I Hagen full repay.
2109
"To pass without the portal / let not one at all,For at its four corners / I'll bid ignite the hall.So will I fullest vengeance / take for all my woe."Straightway the thanes of Etzel / ready stood her hest to do.
2110
Who still without were standing / were driven soon withinBy sword and spear upon them, / that made a mighty din.Yet naught might those good warriors / from their masters take,By their faith would never / each the other's side forsake.
2111
To burn the hall commanded / Etzel's wife in ire,And tortured they those warriors / there with flaming fire;Full soon with wind upon it / the house in flames was seen.To any folk did never / sadder plight befall, I ween.
2112
Their cries within resounded: / "Alack for sorest need!How mickle rather lay we / in storm of battle dead.'Fore God 'tis cause for pity, / for here we all must die!Now doth the queen upon us / vengeance wreak full grievously."
2113
Among them spake another: / "Our lives we here must end.What now avails the greeting / the king to us did send?So sore this heat oppresseth / and parched with thirst my tongue,My life from very anguish / I ween I must resign ere long."
2114
Then quoth of Tronje Hagen: / "Ye noble knights and good,Whoe'er by thirst is troubled, / here let him drink the blood.Than wine more potent is it / where such high heat doth rage,Nor may we at this season / find us a better beverage."
2115
Where fallen knight was lying, / thither a warrior went.Aside he laid his helmet, / to gaping wound he bent,And soon was seen a-quaffing / therefrom the flowing blood.To him though all unwonted, / yet seemed he there such drinking good.
2116
"Now God reward thee, Hagen," / the weary warrior said,"That I so well have drunken, / thus by thy teaching led.Better wine full seldom / hath been poured for me,And live I yet a season / I'll ever faithful prove to thee."
2117
When there did hear the others / how to him it seeméd good,Many more beheld ye / eke that drank the blood.Each thereby new vigor / for his body won,And eke for lover fallen / wept many a buxom dame anon.
2118
The flaming brands fell thickly / upon them in the hall,With upraised shields they kept them / yet scatheless from their fall,Though smoke and heat together / wrought them anguish sore.Beset were heroes never, / I ween, by so great woe before.
2119
Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Stand nigh unto the wall,Let not the brands all flaming / upon your helmets fall.Into the blood beneath you / tread them with your feet.In sooth in evil fashion / us doth our royal hostess greet."
2120
In trials thus enduréd / ebbed the night away.Still without the portal / did the keen Fiddler stayAnd Hagen his good fellow, / o'er shield their bodies leant;They deemed the men of Etzel / still on further mischief bent.
2121
Then was heard the Fiddler: / "Pass we into the hall,For so the Huns shall fondly / deem we are perished allAmid the mickle torture / we suffer at their hand.Natheless shall they behold us / boun for fight before them stand."
2122
Spake then of Burgundy / the young Sir Giselher:"I ween 'twill soon be dawning, / for blows a cooler air.To live in fuller joyance / now grant us God in heaven.To us dire entertainment / my sister Kriemhild here hath given."
2123
Spake again another: / "Lo! how I feel the day.For that no better fortune / here await us may,So don, ye knights, your armor, / and guard ye well your life.Full soon, in sooth, we suffer / again at hands of Etzel's wife."
2124
Fondly Etzel fancied / the strangers all were dead,From sore stress of battle / and from the fire dread;Yet within were living / six hundred men so brave,That never thanes more worthy / a monarch for liegemen might have.
2125
The watchers set to watch them / soon full well had seenHow still lived the strangers, / spite what wrought had beenOf harm and grievous evil, / on the monarchs and their band.Within the hall they saw them / still unscathed and dauntless stand.
2126
Told 'twas then to Kriemhild / how they from harm were free.Whereat the royal lady / quoth, such thing ne'er might beThat any still were living / from that fire dread."Nay, believe I rather / that within they all lie dead."
2127
Gladly yet the strangers / would a truce compound,Might any grace to offer / amid their foes be found.But such appeared not any / in them of Hunnish land.Well to avenge their dying / prepared they then with willing hand.
2128
About the dawn of morning / greeted they were againWith a vicious onslaught, / that paid full many a thane.There was flung upon them / many a mighty spear,While gallantly did guard them / the lofty thanes that knew not fear.
2129
The warriors of Etzel / were all of eager mood,And Kriemhild's promised bounty / win for himself each would;To do the king's high bidding / did likewise urge their mind.'Twas cause full soon that many / were doomed swift death in fight to find.
2130
Of store of bounty promised / might wonders great be told,She bade on shields to carry / forth the ruddy gold,And gave to him that wished it / or would but take her store;In sooth a greater hire / ne'er tempted 'gainst the foe before.
2131
A mickle host of warriors / went forth in battle-gear.Then quoth the valiant Volker: / "Still may ye find us here.Ne'er saw I move to battle / warriors more fain,That to work us evil / the bounty of the king have ta'en."
2132
Then cried among them many: / "Hither, ye knights, more nigh!Since all at last must perish, / 'twere better instantly;And here no warrior falleth / but who fore-doomed hath been."With well-flung spears all bristling / full quickly then their shields were seen.
2133
What need of further story? / Twelve hundred stalwart men,Repulsed in onset gory, / still returned again;But dealing wounds around them / the strangers cooled their mood,And there stood all unvanquished. / Flowing might ye see the blood
2134
From deep wounds and mortal, / whereof were many slain.For friends in battle fallen / heard ye loud complain;Slain were all those warriors / that served the mighty king,Whereat from loving kinsmen / arose a mickle sorrowing.
How the Margrave Ruediger was Slain
2135
At morning light the strangers / had wrought high deed of fame,When the spouse of Gotelinde / unto the courtyard came.To behold on both sides / such woe befallen there,Might not refrain from weeping / sorely the faithful Ruediger.
2136
"O woe is me!" exclaimed he, / "that ever I was born.Alack that this great sorrow / no hand from us may turn!Though I be ne'er so willing, / the king no peace will know,For he beholds his sorrow / ever great and greater grow."
2137
Then did the kindly Ruediger / unto Dietrich send,If to the lofty monarchs / they yet might truce extend.The knight of Bern gave message: / "How might such thing be?For ne'er the royal Etzel / granteth to end it peacefully."
2138
When a Hunnish warrior / saw standing RuedigerAs from eyes sore weeping / fell full many a tear,To his royal mistress spake he: / "Behold how stands he thereWith whom here by Etzel / none other may in might compare,
2139
"And who commandeth service / of lands and people all.How many lordly castles / Ruediger his own doth call,That unto him hath given / the bounty of the king!Not yet in valorous conflict / saw'st thou here his sword to swing.
2140
"Methinks, but little recks he, / what may here betide,Since now in fullest measure / his heart is satisfied.'Tis told he is, surpassing / all men, forsooth, so keen,But in this time of trials / his valor ill-displayed hath been."
2141
Stood there full of sorrow / the brave and faithful man,Yet whom he thus heard speaking / he cast his eyes upon.Thought he: "Thou mak'st atonement, / who deem'st my mettle cold.Thy thought here all too loudly / hast thou unto the people told."
2142
His fist thereat he doubled / and upon him ran,And smote with blow so mighty / there King Etzel's manThat prone before him straightway / fell that mocker dead.So came but greater sorrow / on the royal Etzel's head.
2143
"Hence thou basest caitiff," / cried then Ruediger;"Here of pain and sorrow / enough I have to bear.Wherefore wilt thou taunt me / that I the combat shun?In sooth had I the utmost / of harm upon the strangers done,
2144
"For that good reason have I / to bear them hate indeed,But that myself the warriors / as friends did hither lead.Yea, was I their safe escort / into my master's land;So may I, man most wretched, / ne'er raise against them hostile hand."
2145
Then spake the lofty Etzel / unto the margrave:"What aid, O noble Ruediger, / here at thy hands we have!Our country hath so many / already doomed to die,We need not any other: / now hast thou wrought full wrongfully."
2146
Returned the knight so noble: / "My heart he sore hath grieved,And reproached me for high honors / at thy hand receivedAnd eke for gifts unto me / by thee so freely made;Dearly for his slander / hath the base traducer paid."
2147
When had the queen come hither / and had likewise seenHow on the Hunnish warrior / his wrath had vented been,Incontinent she mourned it, / and tears bedimmed her sight.Spake she unto Ruediger: / "How dost thou now our love requite,
2148
"That for me and thy master / thou bring'st increase of woe?Now hast thou, noble Ruediger, / ever told us so,How that thou life and honor / for our sake wouldst dare.Eke heard I thanes full many / proclaim thee knight beyond compare.
2149
"Of the oath I now remind thee / that thou to me didst swear,When counsel first thou gavest / to Etzel's land to fare,That thou wouldst truly serve me / till one of us were dead:Of that I wretched woman / never stood so sore in need."
2150
"Nor do I, royal mistress, / deny that so I swareThat I for thy well-being / would life and honor dare:But eke my soul to forfeit, / —that sware I not indeed.'Tis I thy royal brothers / hither to this land did lead."
2151
Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Ruediger, / of thy fidelityAnd oath once firmly plighted / that aught of harm to meShould ever be avengéd, / and righted every ill."Replied thereto the margrave: / "Ne'er have I failed to work thy will."
2152
Etzel the mighty monarch / to implore him then began,And king and queen together / down knelt before their man,Whereat the good margrave / was seen in sorest plight,And gan to mourn his station / in piteous words the faithful knight.
2153
"O woe is me most wretched," / he sorrow-stricken cried,"That forced I am my honor / thus to set aside,And bonds of faith and friendship / God hath imposed on me.O Thou that rul'st in heaven! / come death, I cannot yet be free.
2154
"Whate'er it be my effort / to do or leave undone,I break both faith and honor / in doing either one;But leave I both, all people / will cry me worthy scorn.May He look down in mercy / who bade me wretched man be born!"
2155
With many a prayer besought him / the king and eke his spouse,Wherefore was many a warrior / soon doomed his life to loseAt hand of noble Ruediger, / when eke did die the thane.Now hear ye how he bore him, / though filled his heart with sorest pain.
2156
He knew how scathe did wait him / and boundless sorrowing,And gladly had refuséd / to obey the kingAnd eke his royal mistress. / Full sorely did he fear,That if one stranger slew he, / the scorn of all the world he'd bear.
2157
Then spake unto the monarch / the full gallant thane:"O royal sire, whatever / thou gavest, take again,The land and every castle, / that naught remain to me.On foot a lonely pilgrim / I'll wander to a far country."
2158
Thereto replied King Etzel: / "Who then gave help to me?My land and lordly castles / give I all to thee,If on my foes, O Ruediger, / revenge thou wilt provide.A mighty monarch seated, / shalt thou be by Etzel's side."
2159
Again gave answer Ruediger: / "How may that ever be?At my own home shared they / my hospitality.Meat and drink I offered / to them in friendly way,And gave them of my bounty: / how shall I seek them here to slay ?
2160
"The folk belike will fancy / that I a coward be.Ne'er hath faithful service / been refused by meUnto the noble princes / and their warriors too;That e'er I gained their friendship, / now 'tis cause for me to rue.
2161
"For spouse unto Sir Giselher / gave I a daughter mine,Nor into fairer keeping / might I her resign,Where truth were sought and honor / and gentle courtesy:Ne'er saw I thane so youthful / virtuous in mind as he."
2162
Again gave answer Kriemhild: / "O noble Ruediger,To me and royal Etzel / in mercy now give earFor sorrows that o'erwhelm us. / Bethink thee, I implore,That monarch never any / harbored so evil guests before."
2163
Spake in turn the margrave / unto the monarch's wife:"Ruediger requital / must make to-day with lifeFor that thou and my master / did me so true befriend.Therefore must I perish; / now must my service find an end.
2164
"E'en this day, well know I, / my castles and my landMust surely lose their master / beneath a stranger's hand.To thee my wife and children / commend I for thy care,And with all the lorn ones / that wait by Bechelaren's towers fair."
2165
"Now God reward thee, Ruediger," / thereat King Etzel quoth.He and the queen together, / right joyful were they both."To us shall all thy people / full commended be;Eke trow I by my fortune / no harm shall here befall to thee."
2166
For their sake he ventured / soul and life to lose.Thereat fell sore to weeping / the royal Etzel's spouse.He spake: "I must unto you / my plighted word fulfil.Alack! beloved strangers, / whom to assail forbids my will."
2167
From the king there parting / ye saw him, sad of mood,And passed unto his warriors / who at small distance stood."Don straightway now your armor, / my warriors all," quoth he."Alas! must I to battle / with the valiant knights of Burgundy."
2168
Then straightway for their armor / did the warriors call.A shining helm for this one, / for that a shield full tallSoon did the nimble squires / before them ready hold.Anon came saddest tidings / unto the stranger warriors bold.
2169
With Ruediger there saw ye / five hundred men arrayed,And noble thanes a dozen / that came unto his aid,Thinking in storm of battle / to win them honor high.In sooth but little knew they / how death awaited them so nigh.
2170
With helm on head advancing / saw ye Sir Ruediger.Swords that cut full keenly / the margrave's men did bear,And eke in hand each carried / a broad shield shining bright.Boundless was the Fiddler's / sorrow to behold the sight.
2171
When saw the youthful Giselher / his bride's sire goThus with fastened helmet, / how might he ever knowWhat he therewith did purpose / if 'twere not only good?Thereat the noble monarchs / right joyous might ye see of mood.
2172
"I joy for friends so faithful," / spake Giselher the thane,"As on our journey hither / we for ourselves did gain.Full great shall be our vantage / that I found spouse so dear,And high my heart rejoiceth / that plighted thus to wed we were."
2173
"Small cause I see for comfort," / thereto the minstrel spake."When saw ye thanes so many / come a truce to makeWith helmet firmly fastened / and bearing sword in hand?By scathe to us will Ruediger / service do for tower and land."
2174
The while that thus the Fiddler / had spoken to the end,His way the noble Ruediger / unto the hall did wend.His trusty shield he rested / on the ground before his feet,Yet might he never offer / his friends in kindly way to greet.
2175
Loudly the noble margrave / cried into the hall:"Now guard you well, ye valiant / Nibelungen all.From me ye should have profit: / now have ye harm from me.But late we plighted friendship: / broken now these vows must be."
2176
Then quailed to hear such tidings / those knights in sore distress,For none there was among them / but did joy the lessThat he would battle with them / for whom great love they bore.At hand of foes already / had they suffered travail sore.
2177
"Now God in heaven forfend it," / there King Gunther cried,"That from mercy to us / thou so wilt turn aside,And the faithful friendship / whereof hope had we.I trow in sooth that never / may such thing be done by thee."
2178
"Desist therefrom I may not," / the keen knight made reply,"But now must battle with you, / for vow thereto gave I."Now guard you, gallant warriors, / as fear ye life to lose:From plighted vow release me / will nevermore King Etzel's spouse."
2179
"Too late thou turnst against us," / spake King Gunther there."Now might God requite thee, / O noble Ruediger,For the faith and friendship / thou didst on us bestow,If thou a heart more kindly / even to the end wouldst show.
2180
"We'd ever make requital / for all that thou didst give,—I and all my kinsmen, / wouldst thou but let us live,—For thy gifts full stately, / as faithfully thou hereTo Etzel's land didst lead us: / know that, O noble Ruediger."
2181
"To me what pleasure were it," / Ruediger did say,"With full hand of my treasure / unto you to weighAnd with a mind right willing / as was my hope to do!Thus might no man reproach me / with lack of courtesy to you."
2182
"Turn yet, O noble Ruediger." / Gernot spake again,"For in so gracious manner / did never entertainAny host the stranger, / as we were served by thee;And live we yet a little, / shall thou well requited be."
2183
"O would to God, full noble / Gernot," spake Ruediger,"That ye were at Rhine river / and that dead I wereWith somewhat saved of honor, / since I must be your foe!Upon good knights was never / wrought by friends more bitter woe."
2184
"Now God requite thee, Ruediger," / Gernot gave reply,"For gifts so fair bestowéd. / I rue to see thee die,For that in thee shall perish / knight of so gentle mind.Here thy sword I carry, / that gav'st thou me in friendship kind.
2185
"It never yet hath failed me / in this our sorest need,And 'neath its cutting edges / many a knight lies dead.'Tis strong and bright of lustre, / cunning wrought and well.I ween, whate'er was given / by knight it doth in worth excel.
2186
"An wilt thou not give over / upon us here to fall,And if one friend thou slayest / here yet within this hall,With this same sword thou gavest, / I'll take from thee thy life.I sorrow for thee Ruediger, / and eke thy fair and stately wife."
2187
"Would God but give, Sir Gernot, / that such thing might be,That thou thy will completely / here fulfilled mightst see,And of thy friends not any / here his life should lose!Yea, shalt thou live to comfort / both my daughter and my spouse."
2188
Then out spake of Burgundy / the son of Ute fair:"How dost thou so, Sir Ruediger? / All that with me areTo thee are well disposéd. / Thou dost an evil thing,And wilt thine own fair daughter / to widowhood too early bring.
2189
"If thou with arméd warriors / wilt thus assail me here,In what unfriendly manner / thou makest to appearHow that in thee I trusted / beyond all men beside,When thy fairest daughter / erstwhile I won to be my bride."
2190
"Thy good faith remember, / O Prince of virtue rare,If God from hence do bring thee," / —so spake Ruediger:"Forsake thou not the maiden / when bereft of me,But rather grant thy goodness / be dealt to her more graciously."
2191
"That would I do full fairly," / spake Giselher again."But if my lofty kinsmen, / who yet do here remain,Beneath thy hand shall perish, / severed then must beThe friendship true I cherish / eke for thy daughter and for thee."
2192
"Then God to us give mercy," / the knight full valiant spake.Their shields in hand then took they, / as who perforce would makeTheir passage to the strangers / into Kriemhild's hall.Adown the stair full loudly / did Hagen, knight of Tronje, call:
2193
"Tarry yet a little, / O noble Ruediger,For further would we parley," / —thus might ye Hagen hear—"I and my royal masters, / as presseth sorest need.What might it boot to Etzel / that we strangers all lay dead.
2194
"Great is here my trouble," / Hagen did declare:"The shield that Lady Gotelinde / gave to me to bearHath now been hewn asunder / by Hun-men in my hand.With friendly thought I bore it / hither into Etzel's land.
2195
"Would that God in heaven / might grant in kindliness,That I a shield so trusty / did for my own possessAs in thy hand thou bearest, / O noble Ruediger!In battle-storm then need I / never hauberk more to wear."
2196
"Full glad I'd prove my friendship / to thee with mine own shield,Dared I the same to offer / before Lady Kriemhild.But take it, natheless, Hagen, / and bear it in thy hand.Would that thou mightst take it / again unto Burgundian land!"
2197
When with mind so willing / he offered him his shield,Saw ye how eyes full many / with scalding tears were filled;For the last gift was it / that was offered e'erUnto any warrior / by Bechelaren's margrave, Ruediger.
2198
How grim soe'er was Hagen / and stern soe'er of mind,That gift to pity moved him / that there the chieftain kind,So near his latest moment, / did on him bestow.From eyes of many another / began likewise the tears to flow.
2199
"Now God in heaven requite thee, / O noble Ruediger!Like unto thee none other / warrior was there e'er,Unto knights all friendless / so bounteously to give.God grant in his mercy / thy virtue evermore to live.
2200
"Woe's me to hear such tiding," / Hagen did declare."Such load of grief abiding / already do we bear,If we with friends must struggle, / to God our plaint must be."Thereto replied the margrave: / "'Tis cause of sorrow sore to me."
2201
"To pay thee for thy favor, / O noble Ruediger,Howe'er these lofty warriors / themselves against thee bear,Yet never thee in combat / here shall touch my hand,E'en though complete thou slayest / them from out Burgundian land."
2202
Thereat the lofty Ruediger / 'fore him did courteous bend.On all sides was lamenting / that no man might endThese so great heart-sorrows / that sorely they must bear.The father of all virtue / fell with noble Ruediger.
2203
Then eke the minstrel Volker / from hall down glancing said:"Since Hagen thus, my comrade, / peace with thee hath made,Lasting truce thou likewise / receivest from my hand.Well hast thou deserved it / as fared we hither to this land.
2204
"Thou, O noble margrave, / my messenger shalt be.These arm-bands ruddy golden / thy lady gave to me,That here at this high festival / I the same should wear.Now mayst thyself behold them / and of my faith a witness bear."
2205
"Would God but grant," / spake Ruediger, "who ruleth high in heaven,That to thee by my lady / might further gift be given!I'll gladly tell thy tidings / to spouse full dear to me,An I but live to see her: / from doubt thereof thou mayst be free."
2206
When thus his word was given, / his shield raised Ruediger.Nigh to madness driven / bode he no longer there,But ran upon the strangers / like to a valiant knight.Many a blow full rapid / smote the margrave in his might.
2207
Volker and Hagen / made way before the thane,As before had promised / to him the warriors twain.Yet found he by the portal / so many a valiant manThat Ruediger the combat / with mickle boding sore began.
2208
Gunther and Gernot / with murderous intentLet him pass the portal, / as knights on victory bent.Backward yielded Giselher, / with sorrow all undone;He hoped to live yet longer, / and therefore Ruediger would shun.
2209
Straight upon their enemies / the margrave's warriors sprung,And following their master / was seen a valiant throng.Swords with cutting edges / did they in strong arm wield,'Neath which full many a helmet / was cleft, and many a fair wrought shield.
2210
The weary strangers likewise / smote many a whirring slash,Wherefrom the men of Bechelaren / felt deep and long the gashThrough the shining ring-mail / e'en to their life's core.In storm of battle wrought they / glorious deeds a many more.
2211
All his trusty followers / now eke had gained the hall,On whom Volker and Hagen / did soon in fury fall,And mercy unto no man / save Ruediger they showed.The blood adown through helmets, / where smote their swords, full plenteous flowed.
2212
How right furiously / were swords 'gainst armor driven!On shields the well-wrought mountings / from their wards were riven,And fell their jewelled facings / all scattered in the blood.Ne'er again might warriors / show in fight so grim a mood.
2213
The lord of Bechelaren / through foemen cut his way,As doth each doughty warrior / in fight his might display.On that day did Ruediger / show full plain that heA hero was undaunted, / full bold and eke full praiseworthy.
2214
Stood there two knights right gallant, / Gunther and Gernot,And in the storm of battle / to death full many smote.Eke Giselher and Dankwart, / never aught recked theyHow many a lusty fighter / saw 'neath their hand his latest day.
2215
Full well did show him Ruediger / a knight of mettle true,Doughty in goodly armor. / What warriors there he slew!Beheld it a Burgundian, / and cause for wrath was there.Not longer now was distant / the death of noble Ruediger.
2216
Gernot, knight full doughty, / addressed the margrave then,Thus speaking to the hero: / "Wilt thou of all my menLiving leave not any, / O noble Ruediger?That gives me grief unmeasured; / the sight I may not longer bear.
2217
"Now must thy gift unto me / prove thy sorest bane,Since of my friends so many / thou from me hast ta'en.Now hither turn to front me, / thou bold and noble knight:As far as might may bear me / I trust to pay thy gift aright."
2218
Ere that full the margrave / might make his way to him,Must rings of glancing mail-coats / with flowing blood grow dim.Then sprang upon each other / those knights on honor bent,And each from wounds deep cutting / sought to keep him all unshent.
2219
Their swords cut so keenly / that might withstand them naught.With mighty arm Sir Ruediger / Gernot then smoteThrough the flint-hard helmet, / that downward flowed the blood.Therefor repaid him quickly / the knight of keen and valiant mood.
2220
The gift he had of Ruediger / high in hand he swung,And though to death was wounded / he smote with blow so strongThat the good shield was cloven / and welded helmet through.The spouse of fair Gotelinde, / then his latest breath he drew.
2221
In sooth so sad requital / found rich bounty ne'er.Slain fell they both together, / Gernot and Ruediger,Alike in storm of battle, / each by the other's hand.Sore was the wrath of Hagen / when he the harm did understand.
2222
Cried there the lord of Tronje: / "Great is here our loss.In death of these two heroes / such scathe befalleth us,Wherefor land and people / shall repine for aye.The warriors of Ruediger / must now to us the forfeit pay."
2223
"Alack for this my brother, / snatched by death this day!What host of woes unbidden / encompass me alway!Eke must I moan it ever / that noble Ruediger fell.Great is the scathe to both sides / and great the sorrowing as well."
2224
When then beheld Sir Giselher / his lover's sire dead,Must all that with him followed / suffer direst need.There Death was busy seeking / to gather in his train,And of the men of Bechelaren / came forth not one alive again.
2225
Gunther and Giselher / and with them Hagen too,Dankwart and Volker, / doughty thanes and true,Went where found they lying / the two warriors slain,Nor at the sight the heroes / might their grief and tears restrain.
2226
"Death robbeth us right sorely," / spake young Sir Giselher:"Yet now give o'er your weeping / and let us seek the air,That the ringed mail grow cooler / on us storm-weary men.God in sooth will grant us / not longer here to live, I ween."
2227
Here sitting, and there leaning / was seen full many a thane,Resting once more from combat, / the while that all lay slainThe followers of Ruediger. / Hushed was the battle's din.At length grew angry Etzel, / that stillness was so long within.
2228
"Alack for such a service!" / spake the monarch's wife;"For never 'tis so faithful / that our foes with lifeMust to us make payment / at Ruediger's hand.He thinks in sooth to lead them / again unto Burgundian land.
2229
"What boots it, royal Etzel, / that we did ever shareWith him what he desired? / The knight doth evil there.He that should avenge us, / the same a truce doth make."Thereto the stately warrior / Volker in answer spake:
2230
"Alas 'tis no such case here, / O high and royal dame.Dared I but give the lie to / one of thy lofty name,Thou hast in fiendish manner / Ruediger belied.He and all his warriors / have laid all thoughts of truce aside.
2231
"With so good heart obeyed he / his royal master's willThat he and all his followers / here in death lie still.Look now about thee, Kriemhild, / who may thy hests attend.Ruediger the hero / hath served thee faithful to the end.
2232
"Wilt thou my words believe not, / to thee shall clear be shown."To cause her heart a sorrow, / there the thing was done.Wound-gashed they bore the hero / where him the king might see.Unto the thanes of Etzel / ne'er might so great sorrow be.