How they came to Bechelaren
1650
Then went forth the margrave / where two ladies sate,His wife beside his daughter, / nor longer did he waitTo tell the joyful tidings / that unto him were brought,How Kriemhild's royal brothers / his hospitality had sought.
1651
"Dearly lovéd lady," / spake then Ruediger,"Full kind be thy reception / to lordly monarchs here,That now with train of warriors / to court do pass this way.Fair be eke thy greeting / to Hagen, Gunther's man, this day.
1652
"One likewise with them cometh, / Dankwart by name,Volker hight the other, / a knight of gallant fame.Thyself and eke thy daughter / with kiss these six shall greet;Full courteous be your manner / as ye the doughty thanes shall meet."
1653
Gave straight their word the ladies, / and willing were thereto.From out great chests they gorgeous / attire in plenty drew,Which they to meet the lofty / strangers thought to wear,Mickle was the hurry / there of many a lady fair.
1654
On ne'er a cheek might any / but nature's hue be seen.Upon their head they carried / band of golden sheen,That was a beauteous chaplet, / that so their glossy hairBy wind might not be ruffled: / that is truth as I declare.
1655
At such employment busy / leave we those ladies now.Here with mickle hurry / across the plain did seeFriends of noble Ruediger / the royal guests to meet,And them with warmest welcome / unto the margrave's land did greet.
1656
When coming forth the margrave / saw their forms appear,How spake with heart full joyous / the valiant Ruediger!"Welcome be ye, Sires, / and all your gallant band.Right glad am I to see you / hither come unto my land."
1657
Then bent the knights before him / each full courteously.That he good-will did bear them / might they full quickly see.Hagen had special greeting, / who long to him was known;To Volker eke of Burgundy / was like highest honor shown.
1658
Thus Dankwart eke he greeted, / when spake the doughty thane:"While we thus well are harbored, / who then for all the trainOf those that follow with us / shall meet provision make?""Yourselves this night right easy / shall rest," the noble margrave spake.
1659
"And all that follow with you, / with equipment whatsoe'erYe bring into my country / of steed or warlike gear,So sure shall it be guarded / that of all the sum,E'en to one spur's value, / to you shall never damage come.
1660
"Now stretch aloft, my squires, / the tents upon the plain.What here ye have of losses / will I make good again.Unbridle now the horses / and let them wander free."Upon their way they seldom / did meet like hospitality.
1661
Thereat rejoiced the strangers. / When thus it ordered was,Rode the high knights forward. / All round upon the grassLay the squires attendant / and found a gentle rest.I ween, upon their journey / was here provision costliest.
1662
Out before the castle / the noble margravineHad passed with her fair daughter. / In her train were seenA band of lovely women / and many a winsome maid,Whose arms with bracelets glittered, / and all in stately robes arrayed.
1663
The costly jewels sparkled / with far-piercing rayFrom out their richest vestments, / and buxom all were they.Now came the strangers thither / and sprang upon the ground.How high in noble courtesy / the men of Burgundy were found!
1664
Six and thirty maidens / and many a fair lady,—Nor might ye ever any / more winsome wish to see—Went then forth to meet them / with many a knight full keen.At hands of noble ladies / fairest greeting then was seen.
1665
The margrave's youthful daughter / did kiss the kings all threeAs eke had done her mother. / Hagen stood thereby.Her father bade her kiss him; / she looked the thane upon,Who filled her so with terror, / she fain had left the thing undone.
1666
When she at last must do it, / as did command her sire,Mingled was her color, / both pale and hue of fire.Likewise kissed she Dankwart / and the Fiddler eke anon:That he was knight of valor / to him was such high favor shown.
1667
The margrave's youthful daughter / took then by the handThe royal knight Giselher / of Burgundian land.E'en so led forth her mother / the gallant Gunther high.With those guests so lofty / walked they there full joyfully.
1668
The host escorted Gernot / to a spacious hall and wide,Where knights and stately ladies / sate them side by side.Then bade they for the strangers / pour good wine plenteously:In sooth might never heroes / find fuller hospitality.
1669
Glances fond and many / saw ye directed thereUpon Ruediger's daughter, / for she was passing fair.Yea, in his thoughts caressed her / full many a gallant knight;A lady high in spirit, / well might she every heart delight.
1670
Yet whatsoe'er their wishes, / might none fulfilléd be.Hither oft and thither / glanced they furtivelyOn maidens and fair ladies, / whereof were many there.Right kind the noble Fiddler / disposéd was to Ruediger.
1671
They parted each from other / as ancient custom was,And knights and lofty ladies / did separating passWhen tables were made ready / within the spacious hall.There in stately manner / they waited on the strangers all.
1672
To do the guests high honor / likewise the table soughtWith them the lofty margravine. / Her daughter led she not,But left among the maidens, / where fitting was she sat.That they might not behold her, grieved were the guests in sooth thereat.
1673
The drinking and the feasting, / when 'twas ended all,Escorted was the maiden / again into the hall.Then of merry jesting / they nothing lacked, I ween,Wherein was busy Volker, / a thane full gallant and keen.
1674
Then spake the noble Fiddler / to all in lofty tone:"Great mercy, lordly margrave, / God to thee hath shown,For that he hath granted / unto thee a wifeOf so surpassing beauty, / and thereto a joyous life.
1675
"If that I were of royal / birth," the Fiddler spake,"And kingly crown should carry, / to wife I'd wish to takeThis thy lovely daughter, / —my heart thus prompteth me.A noble maid and gentle / and fair to look upon is she."
1676
Then outspake the margrave: / "How might such thing be,That king should e'er desire / daughter born to me?Exiled from my country / here with my spouse I dwell:What avails the maiden, / be she favored ne'er so well?"
1677
Thereto gave answer Gernot, / a knight of manner kind:"If to my desire / I ever spouse would find,Then would I of such lady / right gladly make my choice."In full kindly manner / added Hagen eke his voice:
1678
"Now shall my master Giselher / take to himself a spouse.The noble margrave's daughter / is of so lofty house,That I and all his warriors / would glad her service own,If that she in Burgundy / should ever wear a royal crown."
1679
Glad thereat full truly / was Sir Ruediger,And eke Gotelinde: / they joyed such words to hear.Anon arranged the heroes / that her as bride did greetThe noble knight Giselher, / as was for any monarch meet.
1680
What thing is doomed to happen, / who may the same prevent?To come to the assembly / they for the maidens sent,And to the knight they plighted / the winsome maid for wife,Pledge eke by him was given, / his love should yet endure with life.
1681
They to the maid allotted / castles and spreading land,Whereof did give assurance / the noble monarch's handAnd eke the royal Gernot, / 'twould surely so be done.Then spake to them the margrave: / "Lordly castles have I none,
1682
"Yet true shall be my friendship / the while that I may live.Unto my daughter shall I / of gold and silver giveWhat hundred sumpter-horses / full laden bear away,That her husband's lofty kinsmen / find honor in the fair array."
1683
They bade the knight and maiden / within a ring to stand,As was of old the custom. / Of youths a goodly band,That all were merry-hearted, / did her there confront,And thought they on her beauty / as mind of youth is ever wont.
1684
When they began to question / then the winsome maid,Would she the knight for husband, / somewhat she was dismayed,And yet forego she would not / to have him for her own.She blushed to hear the question, / as many another maid hath done.
1685
Her father Ruediger prompted / that Yes her answer be,And that she take him gladly. / Unto her instantlySprang the young Sir Giselher, / and in his arm so whiteHe clasped her to his bosom. / —Soon doomed to end was her delight.
1686
Then spake again the margrave: / "Ye royal knights and high,When that home ye journey / again to BurgundyI'll give to you my daughter, / as fitting is to do,That ye may take her with you." / They gave their plighted word thereto.
1687
What jubilation made they / yet at last must end.The maiden then was bidden / unto her chamber wend,And guests to seek their couches / and rest until the day.For them the host provided / a feast in hospitable way.
1688
When they had feasted fully / and to the Huns' countryThence would onward journey, / "Such thing shall never be,"Spake the host full noble, / "but here ye still shall rest.Seldom hath my good fortune / welcomed yet so many a guest."
1689
Thereto gave answer Dankwart: / "In sooth it may not be.Bread and wine whence hast thou / and food sufficiently,Over night to harbor / of guests so great a train?"When the host had heard it, / spake he: "All thy words are vain.
1690
"Refuse not my petition, / ye noble lords and high.A fortnight's full provision / might I in sooth supply,For you and every warrior / that journeys in your train.Till now hath royal Etzel / small portion of my substance ta'en."
1691
Though fain they had declined it, / yet they there must stayE'en to the fourth morning. / Then did the host displaySo generous hand and lavish / that it was told afar.He gave unto the strangers / horses and apparel rare.
1692
The time at last was over / and they must journey thence.Then did the valiant Ruediger / with lavish hand dispenseUnto all his bounty, / refused he unto noneWhate'er he might desire. / Well-pleased they parted every one.
1693
His courteous retainers / to castle gateway broughtSaddled many horses, / and soon the place was soughtEke by the gallant strangers / each bearing shield in hand,For that they thence would journey / onward into Etzel's land.
1694
The host had freely offered / rich presents unto all,Ere that the noble strangers / passed out before the hall.High in honor lived he, / a knight of bounty rare.His fair daughter had he / given unto Giselher.
1695
Eke gave he unto Gunther, / a knight of high renown,What well might wear with honor / the monarch as his own,—Though seldom gift received he— / a coat of harness rare.Thereat inclined King Gunther / before the noble Ruediger.
1696
Then gave he unto Gernot / a good and trusty blade,Wherewith anon in combat / was direst havoc made.That thus the gift was taken / rejoiced the margrave's wife:Thereby the noble Ruediger / was doomed anon to lose his life.
1697
Gotelinde proffered Hagen, / as 'twas a fitting thing,Her gifts in kindly manner. / Since scorned them not the king,Eke he without her bounty / to the high festivityShould thence not onward journey. / Yet loath to take the same was he.
1698
"Of all doth meet my vision," / Hagen then spake,"Would I wish for nothing / with me hence to takeBut alone the shield that hanging / on yonder wall I see.The same I'd gladly carry / into Etzel's land with me."
1699
When the stately margravine / Hagen's words did hear,Brought they to mind her sorrow, / nor might she stop a tear.She thought again full sadly / how her son Nudung fell,Slain by hand of Wittich; / and did her breast with anguish swell.
1700
She spake unto the hero: / "The shield to thee I'll give.O would to God in heaven / that he still did live,Whose hand erstwhile did wield it! / In battle fell he low,And I, a wretched mother, / must weep with never-ending woe.
1701
Thereat the noble lady / up from the settle rose,And soon her arms all snow-white / did the shield enclose.She bore it unto Hagen, / who made obeisance low;The gift she might with honor / upon so valiant thane bestow.
1702
O'er it, to keep its color, / a shining cover layWith precious stones all studded, / nor ever shone the dayUpon a shield more costly; / if e'er a longing eyeDid covet to possess it, / scarce thousand marks the same might buy.
1703
The shield in charge gave Hagen / thence away to bear.Before his host then Dankwart / himself presented there,On whom the margrave's daughter / did costly dress bestow.Wherein anon in Hunland / arrayed full stately he did go.
1704
Whate'er of gifts by any / was accepted there,Them had his hand ne'er taken, / but that intent all wereTo do their host an honor / who gave with hand so free.By his guests in combat / soon doomed was he slain to be.
1705
Volker the valiant / to Gotelinde cameAnd stood in courteous manner / with fiddle 'fore the dame.Sweet melodies he played her / and sang his songs thereby,For thought he from Bechelaren / to take departure presently.
1706
The margravine bade to her / a casket forth to bear.And now of presents given / full freely may ye hear.Therefrom she took twelve armbands / and drew them o'er his hand."These shall thou with thee carry, / as ridest thou to Etzel's land,
1707
"And for my sake shalt wear them / when at court thou dost appear,That when thou hither comest / I may the story hearHow thou hast done me honor / at the high festival."What did wish the lady, / faithfully performed he all.
1708
Thus to his guests the host spake: / "That ye more safely fare,Myself will give you escort / and bid them well bewareThat upon the highway / no ill on you be wrought."Thereat his sumpter horses / straightway laden forth were brought
1709
The host was well prepared / with five hundred menWith horse and rich attire. / These led he with him thenIn right joyous humor / to the high festival.Alive to Bechelaren / again came never one of all.
1710
Thence took his leave Sir Ruediger / with kiss full lovingly;As fitting was for Giselher, / likewise the same did he.With loving arms enfolding / caressed they ladies fair.To many a maid the parting / did bring anon full bitter tear.
1711
On all sides then the windows / were open wide flung,As with his train of warriors / the host to saddle sprung.I ween their hearts did tell them / how they should sorrow deep.For there did many a lady / and many a winsome maiden weep.
1712
For dear friends left behind him / grieved many a knight full sore.Whom they at Bechelaren / should behold no more.Yet rode they off rejoicing / down across the sandHard by the Danube river / on their way to Etzel's land.
1713
Then spake to the Burgundians / the gallant knight and bold,Ruediger the noble: / "Now let us not withholdThe story of our coming / unto the Hun's country.Unto the royal Etzel / might tidings ne'er more welcome be."
1714
Down in haste through Austria / the messenger did ride,Who told unto the people / soon on every side,From Worms beyond Rhine river / were high guests journeying.Nor unto Etzel's people / gladder tidings might ye bring.
1715
Onward spurred the messengers / who did the message bear,How now in Hunnish country / the Nibelungen were."Kriemhild, lofty lady, / warm thy welcome be;In stately manner hither / come thy loving brothers three."
1716
Within a lofty casement / the Lady Kriemhild stood,Looking for her kinsmen, / as friend for friend full good.From her father's country / saw she many a knight;Eke heard the king the tidings, / and laughed thereat for sheer delight.
1717
"Now well my heart rejoiceth," / spake Lady Kriemhild."Hither come my kinsmen / with many a new-wrought shieldAnd brightly shining hauberk: / who gold would have from me,Be mindful of my sorrow; / to him I'll ever gracious be."
How the Burgundians came to Etzel's Castle
1718
When that the men of Burgundy / were come into the land,He of Bern did hear it, / the agéd Hildebrand.He told it to his master, / who sore thereat did grieve;The knight so keen and gallant / bade he in fitting way receive.
1719
Wolfhart the valiant / bade lead the heroes forth.In company with Dietrich / rode many a thane of worth,As out to receive them / across the plain he went,Where might ye see erected / already many a stately tent.
1720
When that of Tronje Hagen / them far away espied,Unto his royal masters / full courteously he said:"Now shall ye, doughty riders, / down from the saddle spring,And forward go to meet them / that here to you a welcome bring.
1721
"A train there cometh yonder, / well knew I e'en when young.Thanes they are full doughty / of the land of Amelung.He of Bern doth lead them, / and high of heart they are;To scorn their proffered greeting / shall ye in sooth full well beware."
1722
Dismounted then with Dietrich, / (as was meet and right,)Attended by his squire / many a gallant knight.They went unto the strangers / and greeted courteouslyThe knights that far had ridden / from the land of Burgundy.
1723
When then Sir Dietrich / saw them coming near,What words the thane delivered, / now may ye willing hear,Unto Ute's children. / Their journey grieved him sore.He weened that Ruediger knowing / had warned what lay for them in store.
1724
"Welcome be ye, Masters, / Gunther and Giselher,Gernot and Hagen, / welcome eke VolkerAnd the valiant Dankwart. / Do ye not understand?Kriemhild yet sore bemoaneth / the hero of Nibelungen land."
1725
"Long time may she be weeping," / Hagen spake again;"In sooth for years a many / dead he lies and slain.To the monarch now of Hunland / should she devoted be:Siegfried returneth never, / buried now long time is he."
1726
"How Siegfried's death was compassed, / let now the story be:While liveth Lady Kriemhild, / look ye for injury."Thus did of Bern Sir Dietrich / unto them declare:"Hope of the Nibelungen, / of her vengeance well beware."
1727
"Whereof shall I be fearful?" / the lofty monarch spake:"Etzel hath sent us message, / (why further question make?)That we should journey hither / into his country.Eke hath my sister Kriemhild / oft wished us here as guests to see.
1728
"I give thee honest counsel," / Hagen then did say,"Now shalt thou here Sir Dietrich / and his warriors prayTo tell thee full the story, / if aught may be designed,And let thee know more surely / how stands the Lady Kriemhild's mind."
1729
Then went to speak asunder / the lordly monarchs three,Gunther and Gernot, / and Dietrich went he."Now tell us true, thou noble / knight of Bern and kind,If that perchance thou knowest / how stands thy royal mistress' mind."
1730
The lord of Bern gave answer: / "What need to tell you more?I hear each day at morning / weeping and wailing soreThe wife of royal Etzel, / who piteous doth complainTo God in heaven that Siegfried / her doughty spouse from her was ta'en."
1731
"Then must we e'en abide it," / was the fearless wordOf Volker the Fiddler, / "what we here have heard.To court we yet shall journey / and make full clear to all,If that to valiant warriors / may aught amid the Huns befall."
1732
The gallant thanes of Burgundy / unto court then rode,And went in stately manner / as was their country's mode.Full many a man in Hunland / looked eagerly to seeOf what manner Hagen, / Tronje's doughty thane, might be.
1733
For that was told the story / (and great the wonder grew)How that of Netherland / Siegfried he slew,That was the spouse of Kriemhild, / in strength without a peer,Hence a mickle questioning / after Hagen might ye hear.
1734
Great was the knight of stature, / may ye know full true,Built with breast expansive; / mingled was the hueOf his hair with silver; / long he was of limb;As he strode stately forward / might ye mark his visage grim.
1735
Then were the thanes of Burgundy / unto quarters shown,But the serving-man of Gunther / by themselves alone.Thus the queen did counsel, / so filled she was with hate.Anon where they were harbored / the train did meet with direst fate.
1736
Dankwart, Hagen's brother, / marshal was he.To him the king his followers / commended urgently,That he provide them plenty / and have of them good care.The noble knight of Burgundy / their safety well in mind did bear.
1737
By her train attended, / Queen Kriemhild wentTo greet the Nibelungen, / yet false was her intent.She kissed her brother Giselher / and took him by the hand:Thereat of Tronje Hagen / did tighter draw his helmet's band.
1733
"After such like greeting," / the doughty Hagen spake,"Let all watchful warriors / full precaution take:Differs wide the greeting / on masters and men bestowed.Unhappy was the hour / when to this festival we rode."
1739
She spake: "Now be ye welcome / to whom ye welcome be.For sake of friendship never / ye greeting have from me.Tell me now what bring ye / from Worms across the Rhine,That ye so greatly welcome / should ever be to land of mine?"
1740
"An I had only known it," / Hagen spake again,"That thou didst look for present / from hand of every thane,I were, methinks, so wealthy / —had I me bethought—That I unto this country / likewise to thee my gift had brought."
1741
"Now shall ye eke the story / to me more fully say:The Nibelungen treasure, / where put ye that away?My own possession was it, / as well ye understand.That same ye should have brought me / hither unto Etzel's land."
1742
"In sooth, my Lady Kriemhild, / full many a day hath flownSince of the Nibelungen / hoard I aught have known.Into the Rhine to sink it / my lords commanded me:Verily there must it / until the day of judgment be."
1743
Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Such was e'en my thought.Thereof right little have ye / unto me hither brought,Although myself did own it / and once o'er it held sway.'Tis cause that I for ever / have full many a mournful day."
1744
"The devil have I brought thee," / Hagen did declare."My shield it is so heavy / that I have to bear,And my plaited armor; / my shining helmet see,And sword in hand I carry, / —so might I nothing bring for thee."
1745
Then spake the royal lady / unto the warriors all:"Weapon shall not any / bear into the hall.To me now for safe keeping, / ye thanes shall give them o'er.""In sooth," gave answer Hagen, / "such thing shall happen nevermore.
1746
"Such honor ne'er I covet, / royal lady mild,That to its place of keeping / thou shouldst bear my shieldWith all my other armor, / —for thou art a queen.Such taught me ne'er my sire: / myself will be my chamberlain."
1747
"Alack of these my sorrows!" / the Lady Kriemhild cried;"Wherefore will now my brother / and Hagen not confideTo me their shields for keeping? / Some one did warning give.Knew I by whom 'twas given, / brief were the space that he might live."
1748
Thereto the mighty Dietrich / in wrath his answer gave:"'Tis I who now these noble / lords forewarnéd have,And Hagen, knight full valiant / of the land of Burgundy.Now on! thou devil's mistress, / let not the deed my profit be."
1749
Great shame thereat did Kriemhild's / bosom quickly fill;She feared lest Dietrich's anger / should work her grievous ill.Naught she spake unto them / as thence she swiftly passed,But fierce the lightning glances / that on her enemies she cast.
1750
By hand then grasped each, other / doughty warriors twain:Hight the one was Dietrich, / with Hagen, noble thane.Then spake in courteous manner / that knight of high degree:"That ye are come to Hunland, / 'tis very sorrow unto me;
1751
"For what hath here been spoken / by the lofty queen."Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Small cause to grieve, I ween."Held converse thus together / those brave warriors twain,King Etzel which perceiving / thus a questioning began:
1752
"I would learn full gladly," / —in such wise spake he—"Who were yonder warrior, / to whom so cordiallyDoth greeting give Sir Dietrich. / Meseemeth high his mood.Whosoe'er his sire, / a thane he is of mettle good."
1753
Unto the king gave answer / of Kriemhild's train a knight:"Born he was of Tronje, / Aldrian his sire hight.How merry here his bearing, / a thane full grim is he.That I have spoken truly, / shalt thou anon have cause to see."
1754
"How may I then perceive it / that fierce his wrath doth glow?"Naught of basest treachery / yet the king did know,That anon Queen Kriemhild / 'gainst her kinsmen did contrive,Whereby returned from Hunland / not one of all their train alive.
1755
"Well knew I Aldrian, / he once to me was thane:Praise and mickle honor / he here by me did gain.Myself a knight did make him, / and gave him of my gold.Helke, noble lady, / did him in highest favor hold.
1756
"Thereby know I fully / what Hagen since befell.Two stately youths as hostage / at my court did dwell,He and Spanish Walter, / from youth to manhood led.Hagen sent I homeward; / Walter with Hildegunde fled."
1757
He thought on ancient story / that long ago befell.His doughty friend of Tronje / knew he then right well,Whose youthful valor erstwhile / did such assistance lend.Through him in age he must be / bereft of many a dearest friend.
How He arose not before Her
1758
Then parted from each other / the noble warriors twain,Hagen of Tronje / and Dietrich, lofty thane.Then did King Gunther's warrior / cast a glance around,Seeking a companion / the same he eke full quickly found.
1759
As standing there by Giselher / he did Volker see,He prayed the nimble Fiddler / to bear him company,For that full well he knew it / how grim he was of mood,And that in all things was he / a knight of mettle keen and good.
1760
While yet their lords were standing / there in castle yardSaw ye the two knights only / walking thitherwardAcross the court far distant / before the palace wide.The chosen thanes recked little / what might through any's hate betide.
1761
They sate them down on settle / over against a hall,Wherein dwelt Lady Kriemhild, / beside the palace wall.Full stately their attire / on stalwart bodies shone.All that did look upon them / right gladly had the warriors known.
1762
Like unto beasts full savage / were they gaped upon,The two haughty heroes, / by full many a Hun.Eke from a casement Etzel's / wife did them perceive:Once more to behold them / must fair Lady Kriemhild grieve.
1763
It called to mind her sorrow, / and she to weep began,Whereat did mickle wonder / many an Etzel's man,What grief had thus so sudden / made her sad of mood.Spake she: "That hath Hagen, / ye knights of mettle keen and good."
1764
They to their mistress answered: / "Such thing, how hath it been?For that thee right joyous / we but now have seen.Ne'er lived he so daring / that, having wrought thee ill,His life he must not forfeit, / if but to vengeance point thy will."
1765
"I live but to requite him / that shall avenge my wrong;Whate'er be his desire / shall unto him belong.Prostrate I beseech you," / —so spake the monarch's wife—"Avenge me upon Hagen, / and forfeit surely be his life."
1766
Three score of valiant warriors / made ready then straightwayTo work the will of Kriemhild / and her best obeyBy slaying of Sir Hagen, / the full valiant thane,And eke the doughty Fiddler; / by shameful deed thus sought they gain.
1767
When the queen beheld there / so small their company,In full angry humor / to the warriors spake she:"What there ye think to compass, / forego such purpose yet:So small in numbers never / dare ye Hagen to beset.
1768
"How doughty e'er be Hagen, / and known his valor wide,A man by far more doughty / that sitteth him beside,Volker the Fiddler: / a warrior grim is he.In sooth may not so lightly / the heroes twain confronted be."
1769
When that she thus had spoken, / ready soon were seenFour hundred stalwart warriors; / for was the lofty queenFull intent upon it / to work them evil sore.Therefrom for all the strangers / was mickle sorrow yet in store.
1770
When that complete attiréd / were here retainers seen,Unto the knights impatient / in such wise spake the queen:"Now bide ye yet a moment / and stand ye ready so,While I with crown upon me / unto my enemies shall go.
1771
"And list while I accuse him / how he hath wrought me bane,Hagen of Tronje, / Gunther's doughty thane.I know his mood so haughty, / naught he'll deny of all.Nor reck I what of evil / therefrom may unto him befall."
1772
Then saw the doughty Fiddler / —he was a minstrel keen—Adown the steps descending / the high and stately queenWho issued from the castle. / When he the queen espied,Spake the valiant Volker / to him was seated by his side:
1773
"Look yonder now, friend Hagen, / how that she hither hiesWho to this land hath called us / in such treacherous wise.No monarch's wife I ever / saw followed by such bandOf warriors armed for battle, / that carry each a sword in hand.
1774
"Know'st thou, perchance, friend Hagen, / if hate to thee they bear?Then would I well advise thee / of them full well bewareAnd guard both life and honor. / That methinks were good,For if I much mistake not, / full wrathful is the warriors' mood.
1775
"Of many eke among them / so broad the breasts do swell,That who would guard him 'gainst them / betimes would do it well.I ween that 'neath their tunics / they shining mail-coats wear:Yet might I never tell thee, / 'gainst whom such evil mind they bear."
1776
Then spake all wrathful-minded / Hagen the warrior keen:"On me to vent their fury / is their sole thought, I ween,That thus with brandished weapons / their onward press we see.Despite them all yet trow I / to come safe home to Burgundy.
1777
"Now tell me, friend Volker, / wilt thou beside me stand,If seek to work me evil / here Kriemhild's band?That let me hear right truly, / as I am dear to thee.By thy side forever / shall my service faithful be."
1778
"Full surely will I help thee," / the minstrel straight replied;"And saw I e'en a monarch / with all his men besideHither come against us, / the while a sword I wieldNot fear shall ever prompt me / from thy side one pace to yield."
1779
"Now God in heaven, O Volker, / give thy high heart its meed.Will they forsooth assail me, / whereof else have I need?Wilt thou thus stand beside me / as here is thy intent,Let come all armed these warriors, / on whatsoever purpose bent."
1780
"Now rise we from this settle," / the minstrel spake once more,"While that the royal lady / passeth here before.To her be done this honor / as unto lady high.Ourselves in equal manner / shall we honor eke thereby."
1781
"Nay, nay! as me thou lovest," / Hagen spake again,"For so would sure imagine / here each hostile thaneThat 'twere from fear I did it, / should I bear me so.For sake of never any / will I from this settle go.
1782
"Undone we both might leave it / in sooth more fittingly.Wherefore should I honor / who bears ill-will to me?Such thing will I do never, / the while I yet have life.Nor reck I aught how hateth / me the royal Etzel's wife."
1783
Thereat defiant Hagen / across his knee did layA sword that shone full brightly, / from whose knob did playThe light of glancing jasper / greener than blade of grass.Well perceivéd Kriemhild / that it erstwhile Siegfried's was.
1784
When she the sword espiéd, / to weep was sore her need.The hilt was shining golden, / the sheath a band of red.As it recalled her sorrow, / her tears had soon begun;I ween for that same purpose / 'twas thus by dauntless Hagen done.
1785
Eke the valiant Volker / a fiddle-bow full strongUnto himself drew nearer; / mickle it was and long,Like unto a broad-sword / full sharp that was and wide.So sat they all undaunted / the stately warriors side by side.
1786
There sat the thanes together / in such defiant wiseThat would never either / from the settle riseThrough fear of whomsoever. / Then strode before their feetThe lofty queen, and wrathful / did thus the doughty warriors greet.
1787
Quoth she: "Now tell me, Hagen, / upon whose commandBarest thou thus to journey / hither to this land,And knowest well what sorrow / through thee my heart must bear.Wert thou not reft of reason, / then hadst thou kept thee far from here."
1788
"By none have I been summoned," / Hagen gave reply."Three lofty thanes invited / were to this country:The same I own as masters / and service with them find.Whene'er they make court journey / 'twere strange should I remain behind."
1789
Quoth she: "Now tell me further, / wherefore didst thou thatWhereby thou hast deservéd / my everlasting hate?'Twas thou that slewest Siegfried, / spouse so dear to me,The which, till life hath ended, / must ever cause for weeping be."
1790
Spake he: "Why parley further, / since further word were vain?E'en I am that same Hagen / by whom was Siegfried slain,That deft knight of valor. / How sore by him 'twas paidThat the Lady Kriemhild / dared the fair Brunhild upbraid!
1791
"Beyond all cavil is it, / high and royal dame,Of all the grievous havoc / I do bear the blame.Avenge it now who wisheth, / woman or man tho't be.An I unto thee lie not, / I've wrought thee sorest injury."
1792
She spake: "Now hear, ye warriors, / how denies he not at allThe cause of all my sorrow. / Whate'er may him befallReck I not soever, / that know ye, Etzel's men."The overweening warriors / blank gazed upon each other then.
1793
Had any dared the onset, / seen it were full plainThe palm must be awarded / to the companions twain,Who had in storm of battle / full oft their prowess shown.What that proud band designed / through fear must now be left undone.
1794
Outspake one of their number: / "Wherefore look thus to me?What now I thought to venture / left undone shall be,Nor for reward of any / think I my life to lose;To our destruction lures us / here the royal Etzel's spouse."
1795
Then spake thereby another: / "Like mind therein have I.Though ruddy gold were offered / like towers piléd high,Yet would I never venture / to stir this Fiddler's spleen.Such are the rapid glances / that darting from his eyes I've seen.
1796
"Likewise know I Hagen / from youthful days full well,Nor more about his valor / to me need any tell.In two and twenty battles / I the knight have seen,Whereby sorest sorrow / to many a lady's heart hath been.
1797
"When here they were with Etzel, / he and the knight of SpainBore storm of many a battle / in many a warlike trainFor sake of royal honor, / so oft thereof was need.Wherefore of right are honors / high the valiant Hagen's meed.
1798
"Then was yet the hero / but a child in years;Now how hoary-headed / who were his youthful feres,To wisdom now attainéd, / a warrior grim and strong,Eke bears he with him Balmung, / the which he gained by mickle wrong."
1799
Therewith the matter ended, / and none the fight dared start,Whereat the Lady Kriemhild / full heavy was of heart.Her warriors thence did vanish, / for feared they death indeedAt hands of the Fiddler, / whereof right surely was there need.
1800
Outspake then the Fiddler: / "Well we now have seen,That enemies here do greet us, / as we forewarned have been.Back unto the monarchs / let us straight repair,That none against our masters / to raise a hostile hand may dare.
1801
"How oft from impious purpose / doth fear hold back the hand,Where friend by friend doth only / firm in friendship stand,Until right sense give warning / to leave the thing undone.Thus wisdom hath prevented / the harm of mortals many a one."
1802
"Heed I will thy counsel," / Hagen gave reply.Then passed they where / the monarchs found they presentlyIn high state received / within the palace court.Loud the valiant Volker / straight began after this sort
1803
Unto his royal masters: / "How long will ye stand so,That foes may press upon you? / To the king ye now shall go,And from his lips hear spoken / how is his mind to you."The valiant lords and noble / consorted then by two and two.
1804
Of Bern the lofty Dietrich / took by the handGunther the lordly monarch / of Burgundian land;Irnfried escorted Gernot, / a knight of valor keen,And Ruediger with Giselher / going unto the court was seen.
1805
Howe'er with fere consorted / there any thane might be,Volker and Hagen / ne'er parted company,Save in storm of battle / when they did reach life's bourne,'Twas cause that highborn ladies / anon in grievous way must mourn.
1806
Unto the court then passing / with the kings were seen.Of their lofty retinue / a thousand warriors keen,And threescore thanes full valiant / that followed in their train;The same from his own country / had doughty Hagen with him ta'en.
1807
Hawart and eke Iring, / chosen warriors twain,Saw ye walk together / in the royal train.By Dankwart and Wolfhart, / a thane of high renown,Was high courtly bearing / there before the others shown.
1808
When the lord of Rhineland / passed into the hall,Etzel mighty monarch / waited not at all,But sprang from off his settle / when he beheld him nigh.By monarch ne'er was given / greeting so right heartily.
1809
"Welcome be, Lord Gunther, / and eke Sir Gernot too,And your brother Giselher. / My greetings unto youI sent with honest purpose / to Worms across the Rhine;And welcome all your followers / shall be unto this land of mine.
1810
"Right welcome be ye likewise, / doughty warriors twain,Volker the full valiant, / and Hagen dauntless thane,To me and to my lady / here in my country.Unto the Rhine to greet you / many a messenger sent she."
1811
Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Thereof I'm well aware,And did I with my masters / not thus to Hunland fare,To do thee honor had I / ridden unto thy land."Then took the lofty monarch / the honored strangers by the hand.
1812
He led them to the settle / whereon himself he sat,Then poured they for the strangers / —with care they tended that—In goblets wide and golden / mead and mulberry wine,And bade right hearty welcome / unto the knights afar from Rhine.
1813
Then spake the monarch Etzel: / "This will I freely say:Naught in this world might happen / to bring my heart more joy,Than that ye lofty heroes / thus are come to me.The queen from mickle sadness / thereby make ye likewise free.
1814
"To me 'twas mickle wonder / wherein had I transgressed,That I for friends had won me / so many a noble guest,Yet ye had never deignéd / to come to my country.'Tis now turned cause of gladness / that you as guests I here may see."
1815
Thereto gave answer Ruediger, / a knight of lofty mind:"Well mayst thou joy to see them; / right honor shalt thou findAnd naught but noble bearing / in my high mistress' kin.With them for guest thou likewise / many a stately thane dost win."
1816
At turn of sun in summer / were the knights arrivedAt mighty Etzel's palace. / Ne'er hath monarch livedThat lordly guests did welcome / with higher compliment.When come was time of eating, / the king with them to table went.
1817
Amid his guests more stately / a host was seated ne'er.They had in fullest measure / of drink and goodly fare;Whate'er they might desire, / they ready found the same.Tales of mickle wonder / had spread abroad the heroes' fame.