LVIII
Now when to the broad linden they all would take their way,Thus spake the fraudful Hagan, "Full oft have I heard say,That none a match in swiftness for Kriemhild's lord can be,Whene'er to race he pleases; would he grant us this to see?"
LIX
Then spake the Netherlander, Siegfried with open heart,"Well then! let's make the trial! together we will startFrom hence to yonder runnel; let us at once begin,And he shall pass for winner who shall be seen to win."
LX
"Agreed!" said treacherous Hagan, "let us each other try."Thereto rejoin'd stout Siegfried, "And if you pass me by,Down at your feet I'll lay me humbled on the grass."When these words heard Gunther, what joy could his surpass?
LXI
Then said the fearless champion, "And this I tell you more,I'll carry all th' equipment that in the chase I wore,My spear, my shield, my vesture—leave will I nothing out."His sword then and his quiver he girt him quick about.
LXII
King Gunther and Sir Hagan to strip were nothing slow;Both for the race stood ready in shirts as white as snow.Long bounds, like two wild panthers, o'er the grass they took,But seen was noble Siegfried before them at the brook.
LXIII
Whate'er he did, the warrior high o'er his fellows soar'd.Now laid he down his quiver, and quick ungirt his sword.Against the spreading linden he lean'd his mighty spear.So by the brook stood waiting the chief without a peer.
LXIV
In every lofty virtue none with Sir Siegfried vied.Down he laid his buckler by the water's side.For all the thirst that parch'd him, one drop he never drankTill the king had finish'd; he had full evil thank.
LXV
Cool was the little runnel, and sparkled clear as glass.O'er the rill King Gunther knelt down upon the grass.When he his draught had taken he rose and stepp'd aside.Full fain alike would Siegfried his thirst have satisfied.
LXVI
Dear paid he for his courtesy; his bow, his matchless blade,His weapons all, Sir Hagan far from their lord convey'd,Then back sprung to the linden to seize his ashen spear,And to find out the token survey'd his vesture near;
LXVII
Then, as to drink Sir Siegfried down kneeling there he found,He pierc'd him through the crosslet, that sudden from the woundForth the life-blood spouted e'en o'er his murderer's weed.Never more will warrior dare so foul a deed.
LXVIII
Between his shoulders sticking he left the deadly spear.Never before Sir Hagan so fled for ghastly fear,As from the matchless champion whom he had butcher'd there.Soon as was Sir Siegfried of the mortal wound aware,
LXIX
Up he from the runnel started as he were wood.Out from betwixt his shoulders his own huge boar-spear stood.He thought to find his quiver or his broadsword true.The traitor for his treason had then receiv'd his due.
LXX
But, ah! the deadly wounded nor sword nor quiver found;His shield alone beside him lay there upon the ground.This from the bank he lifted and straight at Hagan ran;Him could not then by fleetness escape King Gunther's man.
LXXI
E'en to the death though wounded, he hurl'd it with such power,That the whirling buckler scatter'd wide a showerOf the most precious jewels, then straight in shivers broke.Full gladly had the warrior ta'en vengeance with that stroke.
LXXII
E'en as it was, his manhood fierce Hagan level'd low.Loud, all around, the meadow rang with the wondrous blow.Had he in hand good Balmung, the murderer he had slain.His wound was sore upon him; he writh'd in mortal pain.
LXXIII
His lively color faded; a cloud came o'er his sight;He could stand no longer; melted all his might;In his paling visage the mark of death he bore.Soon many a lovely lady sorrow'd for him sore.
LXXIV
So the lord of Kriemhild among the flowerets fell.From the wound fresh gushing his heart's blood fast did well.Then thus amidst his tortures, e'en with his failing breath,The false friends he upbraided who had contriv'd his death.
LXXV
Thus spake the deadly wounded, "Ay! cowards false as hell!To you I still was faithful; I serv'd you long and well;—But what boots all?—for guerdon treason and death I've won,By your friends vile traitors! foully have you done.
LXXVI
"Whoever shall hereafter from your loins be born,Shall take from such vile fathers a heritage of scorn.On me you have wreak'd malice where gratitude was due.With shame shall you be banish'd by all good knights and true."
LXXVII
Thither ran all the warriors where in his blood he lay.To many of that party sure 'twas a joyless day.Whoe'er were true and faithful, they sorrow'd for his fall.So much the peerless champion had merited of all.
LXXVIII
With them the false King Gunther bewept his timeless end.Then spake the deadly wounded, "Little it boots your friendYourself to plot his murder, and then the deed deplore.Such is a shameful sorrow; better at once 'twere o'er."
LXXIX
Then spake the low'ring Hagan, "I know not why you moan.Our cares all and suspicions are now for ever flown.Who now are left, against us who'll dare to make defence?Well's me, for all this weeping, that I have rid him hence."
LXXX
"Small cause hast thou," said Siegfried, "to glory in my fate.Had I ween'd, thy friendship cloak'd such murderous hate,From such as thou full lightly could I have kept my life.Now grieve I but for Kriemhild, my dear, my widow'd wife.
LXXXI
"Now may God take pity, that e'er I had a son,Who this reproach must suffer from deed so foully done,That by his murderous kinsmen his father thus was slain.Had I but time to finish, of this I well might plain.
LXXXII
"Surely so base a murder the world did never see,"Said he, and turn'd to Gunther, "as you have done on me.I sav'd your life and honor from shame and danger fell,And thus am I requited by you I serv'd so well."
LXXXIII
Then further spake the dying, and speaking sigh'd full deep,"Oh king! if thou a promise with anyone wilt keep,Let me in this last moment thy grace and favor findFor my dear love and lady, the wife I leave behind.
LXXXIV
"Remember, she's thy sister, yield her a sister's right,Guard her with faith and honor, as thou'rt a king and knight.My father and my followers for me they long must wait,Comrade ne'er found from comrade so sorrowful a fate."
LXXXV
In his mortal anguish he writh'd him to and fro,And then said, deadly groaning, "This foul and murderous blowDeep will ye rue hereafter; this for sure truth retain,That in slaying Siegfried you yourselves have slain."
LXXXVI
With blood were all bedabbled the flowerets of the field.Some time with death he struggled, as though he scorn'd to yieldE'en to the foe, whose weapon strikes down the loftiest head.At last prone in the meadow lay mighty Siegfried dead.
LXXXVII
When now the chiefs were certain that dead was the good knight,They laid him on a buckler with gold all richly dight,Then counsel took together the general to mislead,And keep the shameful secret that Hagan did the deed.
LXXXVIII
Then many said, repenting, "This deed will prove our bale;Still let us shroud the secret, and all keep in one tale,That the good lord of Kriemhild to hunt alone preferr'd,And so was slain by robbers as through the wood he spurr'd."
LXXXIX
"I'll bring him home, and gladly," said Hagan, frowning stern;"As to his wife, I reck not whether the truth she learn,Who slander'd gentle Brunhild, and wrought her so much ill.I care not for her weeping, do she whate'er she will."
XC
Of that same little runnel where Siegfried murder'd fell,The true and rightful story you now shall hear me tell.In th' Odenwald is a village, Odenheim is its name.There still the brook is running; doubt not it is the same.
I
Till nightfall there they tarried, and then the Rhine recross'd;Never yet hunted warriors at such a grievous cost.Many a fair lady sorrow'd for a hart they slew that day;The life of many a champion must for that hunting pay.
II
Of overweening outrage now must tell my strain,And dire revenge remorseless; the dead, thus foully slain,As though athirst for horrors, Hagan bade bear away,And cast before the chamber where unweeting Kriemhild lay.
III
He bade his followers darkling down lay him at the door,That she might surely find him, as she stepp'd the threshold o'er.Going forth to matins ere the dawn of day,For from a single service she seldom kept away.
IV
The minster bells were ringing at th' early 'custom'd hour.Upstarted then fair Kriemhild, and wak'd each maid in bower.For light she call'd and vesture that she might straight be gown'd.A chamberlain hasten'd thither, and there Sir Siegfried found.
V
He saw him blood-bespatter'd, with weed all dabbled o'er;He knew not 'twas his master stretch'd on the reeking floor;In went he to the chamber; with him the light he took,By which on such deep horror sad Kriemhild was to look.
VI
As she now with her maidens to church would take her way,The chamberlain bespoke her; "Lady, a little stay;A murder'd knight is lying close before the sill.""O woe!" cried fearful Kriemhild, "what means this tale of ill?"
VII
Ere yet she could see clearly 'twas her lord who lay there lay slain,The question put by Hagan rush'd to her mind again,How he could guard her husband; then anguish first she felt.From his death for ever with lingering grief she dwelt.
VIII
To earth down sank she senseless, that not a word she spoke.There lay the fair, the friendless, beneath that mortal stroke.Then, from her swoon reviving, up from the ground she sprang,And shriek'd so shrill and sudden, that all the chamber rang.
IX
Then said her trembling maidens, "What stranger here lies slain?"From her mouth a bloody torrent burst through heart-quelling pain."No, no!" said she, "'tis Siegfried, my love, that there lies low.'Twas Brunhild gave the counsel, and Hagan struck the blow."
X
Thither where the corpse was lying, her maids their lady led;With her lily hand, all trembling, she raised his languish'd head;Howe'er with blood 'twas dabbled, her lord at once she knew.There lay the Chief of Netherland, a piteous sight to view.
XI
Then weeping thus and wailing the queen her sorrows pour'd;"Woe's me, woe's me for ever! sure no fair foeman's swordShiver'd thy failing buckler; 'twas murder stopp'd thy breath;O that I knew who did it! death I'd requite with death."
XII
Then wept and wail'd full shrilly her gentle maidens allWith their beloved mistress; woe were they for the fallOf their noble master there in his blood embrued.Hagan the wrath of Brunhild had wreak'd with deadly feud.
XIII
Then spake the sorrow-laden, "Go hence with your best speed,Quick call up Siegfried's liegemen, his warriors good at need;To Siegmund, too, let tidings of my deep loss be borne,That he may help his daughter his murder'd son to mourn."
XIV
A messenger ran quickly, and came where slept the bandOf Siegfried's chosen champions from the Nibelunger's land.Their merry cheer his tidings chang'd to sorrow deep.His tale they would not credit until they saw him weep.
XV
Thence quickly came he running where aged Siegmund layFrom the king's aching eyelids sweet sleep was far away.His heart, I ween, foreboded the deed that had been done,And that the childless father no more should see his son.
XVI
"Wake, wake! Sir King! Sir Siegmund! Kriemhild, my lady dear,In haste hath sent me hither; she's plung'd in doleful drear;Woe, that all woe surpasses, wrings her inmost heart.Help her to mourn the misery, whereof you own a part."
XVII
Then said the king, half-rising, "What has happ'd of woeTo the fair Lady Kriemhild, which here thou com'st to show?""Alas!" replied he weeping, "concealment here is vain;The noble Netherlander, Siegfried, thy son, is slain."
XVIII
Then said the good King Siegmund, "Leave off such idle sport;For my sake spread no further this mischievous report.Were't true indeed that Siegfried my son were made away,Ne'er could I cease from wailing e'en to my dying day."
XIX
"If me you will not credit, but still will doubt my tale,Hark then yourself to Kriemhild, hear her so wildly wail,Her and her band of maidens, for noble Siegfried dead."Then sorely shudder'd Siegmund; deep cause had he for dread.
XX
Straight from his bed up sprang he, and his hundred warriors too;Their long sharp-edged weapons with hasty hand they drew.Where they heard the wailing, headlong they thither ran;Thither too Siegfried's thousand, each a chosen man,
XXI
Led by the shrieks of horror, ran with like eager speed.Some of the household fancied, they came for funeral weed.Well might they be confounded, and from their senses start.The sting of deadly sorrow was deep in every heart.
XXII
Then said the good King Siegmund, when Kriemhild he had seen,"Woe worth our journey hither! would it had never been!'Midst such good friends and kinsmen, who has this murder done,Which thee hath cost thy husband, and me, alas! my son?"
XXIII
The noble lady answer'd, "Could I the murderer find,I'd wreak on him such vengeance with all my heart and mind,That all his friends should sorrow at the woful tale,While they had eyes for weeping, while they had tongues to wail."
XXIV
His arms round the dead champion Sir Siegmund trembling threw;Thereat so loud the sorrow of each beholder grew,That the proud hall of Gunther and the palace highAnd Worms, through all his quarters, rung to the thrilling cry.
XXV
But none there could bring comfort to Siegfried's lady true.Out from his bloodied vesture his comely limbs they drew,And wash'd his wound wide-gaping, and laid him on the bier.Woe were his weeping followers through heart-consuming drear.
XXVI
Out then spake his warriors from the Nibelungers' land;"Revenge will we our master each with his own good handThis very house must harbor him who has done the deed."Then hasten'd Siegfried's meiny to don their warlike weed.
XXVII
Now did the chosen squadron each with his buckler stand,Eleven hundred champions; at head of all the bandWas seen the reverend Siegmund; to faith and honor trueFain would he take vengeance on those who Siegfried slew.
XXVIII
With whom they were to battle they could not yet discern,Unless it were with Gunther and his Burgundians stern,For with them did Siegfried to the fatal hunting go.When Kriemhild saw them weapon'd, 'twas ill on ill, 'twas woe on woe.
XXIX
However deep her anguish, however great her need,She fear'd to see her followers the Nibelungers bleedBeneath her brother's numbers; so, their stout minds to bend,She gave them gentle counsel, as friend should deal with friend.
XXX
Thus said the mournful lady, "Siegmund, my lord, give ear.What is it you are doing? some rash resolve I fear.King Gunther has about him full many a man of might;You and all must perish in such unequal fight."
XXXI
Each had bound on his buckler; each held his sword in hand;They yearn'd for blood and vengeance; with prayer and with commandShe press'd th' impatient warriors to choose the milder part;They call'd for instant battle; that cut her to the heart.
XXXII
She spake, "My good lord Siegmund, lay thoughts of vengeance byTill some more fitting season; then with you fain will IRevenge my murder'd husband; could I but come to knowWho has made me thus a widow, woe should be his for woe.
XXXIII
"Many are the haughty warriors here on the banks of Rhine,So keep peace for the present; such sure advice is mine;The match is too unequal, thirty at least to one;God do to them hereafter as they to us have done.
XXXIV
"Stay here, and in my sorrow be pleas'd a part to take,Mine and my lord's revengers, till day begin to break,And help me then to coffin my lord who there lies low."Then all the warriors answer'd, "Dear lady, be it so."
XXXV
In sooth it was a wonder that none can tell aright,How wept and loud lamented many a dame and many a knight,That e'en unto the city the rueful wail was borne;In haste the noble burghers came when they heard them mourn.
XXXVI
They with the guests lamented, for sore they griev'd as well.What was the offence of Siegfried, none of them could tell,For which by stroke so sudden the chief had lost his life.There with the high-born ladies wept each good burgher's wife.
XXXVII
Joiners and smiths were summon'd to frame a coffin strong,Beset with gold and silver, massy and broad and long,And braced with bars of iron to guard the frailer wood.Then all the crowd about it in dreary sorrow stood.
XXXVIII
And now the night was over; forth peep'd the morning fair;Straight bade the noble lady thence to the minster bearThe matchless champion Siegfried, her husband lov'd so dear.All her friends close follow'd with many a sigh and tear.
XXXIX
When they the minster enter'd, how many a bell was rung!How many a priest on all sides the mournful requiem sung!Then thither with his meiny came Dankrat's haughty son,And thither too grim Hagan; it had been better left undone.
XL
Then spoke the king, "Dear sister, woe worth this loss of thine!Alas that such misfortune has happ'd to me and mine!For sure the death of Siegfried we ever both must rue.""Nay," said the mournful lady, "so without cause you do,
XLI
"For if you really rued it, never had it been.I know you have your sister forgotten quite and clean,So I and my beloved were parted as you see.Good God! would he had granted the stroke had fall'n on me!"
XLII
Firmly they made denial; Kriemhild at once replied,"Whoe'er in this is guiltless, let him this proof abide.In sight of all the people let him approach the bier,And so to each beholder shall the plain truth appear."
XLIII
It is a mighty marvel, which oft e'en now we spy,That, when the blood-stain'd murderer comes to the murder'd nigh,The wounds break out a-bleeding; then to the same befell,And thus could each beholder the guilt of Hagan tell.
XLIV
The wounds at once burst streaming fast as they did before;Those, who then sorrow'd deeply, now yet lamented more.Then outspake King Gunther, "I give you here to know,He was slain by robbers; Hagan struck ne'er a blow."
XLV
"Ay! well know I those robbers," his widow'd sister said;"By the hands of his true comrades may God revenge the dead!False Gunther, and false Hagan! 'twas you, your friend that slew."Thereat the knights of Siegfried gripp'd to their swords anew.
XLVI
This more distracted Kriemhild; when in her anxious painTwo friends she saw approaching to seek and mourn the slain,Gernot her good brother, and Giselher the young.Their eyes were blind with weeping; true grief their bosoms wrung.
XLVII
They wept for Kriemhild's husband, and inly sorrowed too.Mass now all would be singing; the doors they open threw,And straight into the minster both men and women press'd.Those, who could well spare Siegfried, mourn'd for him with the rest.
XLVIII
Gernot then and Giselher thus spake, "My sister dear!For this sad death take comfort, all must have sorrow here.We'll do our best to help thee as long as we have life."Yet could not they nor others console the widow'd wife.
XLIX
His coffin now was ready; it was about midday;From the bier he was lifted whereon till now he lay.Yet would not his pale lady have him laid at once in ground.His friends and faithful followers to further toil were bound.
L
In richest stuff, deep sighing, they wrapp'd the clay-cold dead.Not one, I ween, was present, but bitter tears he shed.Then wail'd the high-born Uta; deep teen in heart she bore;And all her dames lamented that Siegfried was no more.
LI
Soon as 'twas heard, the murder'd had now been laid in chest,And that the mass was singing, to church the people press'd.For his soul what offerings were brought in all men's view!E'en 'midst foes so deadly, friends had he firm and true.
LII
Then the wretched Kriemhild her chamberlains bespake,"Now must you toil and trouble suffer for my sake.To those who honor'd Siegfried, and dear his widow hold,For the soul of the departed deal out his treasur'd gold."
LIII
No child, howe'er so little, just knowing wrong from right,But brought an offering thither; ere buried was the knight,At least a hundred masses they sang the whole day long;Thither all friends of Siegfried's flock'd in, a numerous throng.
LIV
When now the chants were over, the crowd would wend away.Then spake the sobbing Kriemhild, "Ah! leave me not, I pray,This night alone to sorrow, and watch th' unheeding dead.With him, my own beloved, all my joys lie withered.
LV
"Three nights, three days, I'll keep him, and gaze upon him still,Till of the dearly dear one I thus have had my fill.What if God be willing that me, too, death should seize?Then well at once were ended poor Kriemhild's miseries."
LVI
The people of the city went home as darkness fell;The priests and monks attendant, and all the train, who wellHad serv'd the champion living, fair Kriemhild begg'd to stay.Their night was full of sorrow, of dreariment their day.
LVII
Many of the woful mourners nor meat nor drink would taste,But for all such as needed at hand was ready plac'dGood store of each provision; this Siegmund took in hand.There mickle toil awaited the Nibelungers' band.
LVIII
For three whole days together, as we have heard men say,Whoe'er had skill in singing, on them hard labor lay.Sore were their hearts afflicted, as for the soul they pray'dOf that redoubted champion, who there a corpse was laid.
LIX
There, too, the poor and needy, who of his own had nought,In hand, by Kriemhild furnish'd, a golden offering broughtFrom Siegfried's proper treasure; when his body lifeless lay,Marks full many a thousand for his soul were given away.
LX
Landed rents and revenues she scatter'd wide around,Wherever sacred convents and holy men were found,And to the poor gave silver and clothes in plenteous store.She proved by all her actions what love to him she bore.
LXI
On the third morn when duly the mass was to be sung,With country folk all weeping (such grief their bosoms wrung)The churchyard of the minster was fill'd from end to end.Each wail'd the dead, each sorrow'd as for his dearest friend.
LXII
In four days successive were scattered 'mongst the poorMarks some thirty thousand for Siegfried's soul, or more.To the good knight such honor his friends desir'd to pay,When his life was brought to nothing, and his beauty passed away.
LXIII
The singing now was over, God had been serv'd as due;Then with o'ermastering sorrow strove that empassion'd crew.Next to the grave they brought him from out the minster near.One weeping, one wild wailing was then alone to hear.
LXIV
Loud shrieking, mov'd the people around the bearers slow;None there, nor man nor woman, but wore one face of woe.'Twas sung; 'twas said, as fitted, ere he in ground was laid.Ah! what good priests to Siegfried the last sad duties paid!
LXV
Ere to the grave advancing his own true lady came,Her sense-o'erpowering sorrow so shook her wasted frame,That oft was need to sprinkle her from the cool-springing well.Boundless was her distraction; the like no tongue can tell.
LXVI
'Twas strange, such utter anguish dislodged not the frail life.With eager haste to help her flock'd many a wailing wife.Then spake the queen, "Ye warriors! My murder'd Siegfried's best,By your love to your master grant me this last request.
LXVII
"Let me have one small pleasure 'mid pains so manifold;The stately head of Siegfried I would once more behold."She begg'd so long, so wailful, that less they could not doThan force the coffin open, and give the corpse to view.
LXVIII
So thither they led the lady, where lay the clay-cold dead.With her fine snowy fingers she rais'd his stately head,And kiss'd him lifeless lying; long bending there she stood;Her fair eyes for anguish wept o'er him tears of blood.
LXIX
How woful was their parting! Borne was she thence away,Walk she could no longer; insensible she layThrough bitterness of sorrow, so lovely and so still,As if Death would have smitten, yet wanted heart to kill.
LXX
When now the noble champion was duly laid in ground,O'erwhelm'd with boundless sorrow the valiant chiefs were found,That from the land of Nibelung had come with him erewhile;King Siegmund too thereafter was seldom seen to smile.
LXXI
Many were there among them who made unceasing moan,Nor ate nor drank for anguish till three whole days were gone.Then hard constraint compell'ed them to life against their will,And they from grief recovered, as haps to thousands still.
LXXII
In deadly swoon unconscious the widow'd Kriemhild lay,Both day and night unalter'd e'en to the second day,Nor heard whate'er was spoken, nor mark'd what pass'd around;In like unheeding sorrow was eke King Siegmund drown'd.
LXXIII
With pain back to his senses return'd the childless chief;Shrunk were his powers, and weaken'd through the strong dint of grief,Nor was there ground for wonder. Then said his liegemen near"My lord, best travel homeward; we must not tarry here."
I
The father-in-law of Kriemhild to the pale mourner went,And kindly thus bespake her, "Our thoughts are homeward bent;Unwelcome guests in Rhineland I ween we needs must be,So, Kriemhild, dearest lady, ride to my land with me.
II
"Thou must not here dwell helpless among thy foemen left,Where both of us of Siegfried foul treason hath bereft.I'll guard thee with firm friendship and honor undefil'dFor love of thy good husband and of his noble child.
III
"All power, beloved lady, shall be thine again,And, as thy lord intended, royally shalt thou reign.The land, the crown, thou ownedst, thou both, as erst, shall sway.To thee shall Siegfried's liegeman a willing service pay."
IV
Forthwith 'twas told his followers that they must hence with speed;Each straight to the stable hurried for his steed.To dwell with deadly foemen scorn and shame they thought;Matrons and maids were stirring, and out their vesture sought.
V
When now the good King Siegmund ready was to ride,Her mother sued to Kriemhild among her kin to bide,That still her only daughter her aged eyes might see.The joy-bereft made answer, "Nay, that can hardly be.
VI
"With my eyes could I ever the fawning friend behold,Who wrought me, wretched woman, sorrows so manifold?"Then spake the youthful Giselher, "Dear sister, why away?For love's sake and for duty's, here with thy mother stay.
VII
"Who have weigh'd thee down with sorrow and wreak'd on thee their hate,Of them thou need'st no service; live from my sole estate."She answer'd thus the warior, "No! no! it cannot be.Die should I straight of horror, if I should Hagan see."
VIII
"From that thou may'st be certain I'll shield thee, sister dear,With me shalt thou dwell ever, thy brother Giselher,Who, if love can bring comfort, will thy sad loss supply.""Ah!" said the heaven-forsaken, "Of that sore need have I."
IX
Soon as this gentle proffer the youthful knight had made,Next Uta and good Gernot and their true cousins pray'dThe joy-deserted mourner among them there to stay.Her kin 'mong Siegfried's followers were few and far away.
X
"To you they all are strangers," said Gernot, drawing nigh;"No man there lives so mighty but he must some time die;Consider this, fair sister, and comfort to you take;Here with your friends 'twere better your fix'd abode to make."
XI
At last she promised Giselher that she would there abide.Meanwhile the knights of Siegmund ready were to rideTo the Nibelunger's country; their steeds were led from stall,And on the sturdy sumpters was laid their raiment all.
XII
The venerable Siegmund went up to Kriemhild then,And with these words address'd her: "Lady, Siegfried's menAre waiting with the horses; part must we instantly;It irks me every moment we stay in Burgundy."
XIII
Then answer'd Lady Kriemhild, "Such friends as wish me wellAnd bear me love, advise me among them here to dwell,Since in the land of Nibelung nor kith nor kin have I."Woe was the noble Siegmund at hearing her reply.
XIV
"In this at least," return'd he, "trust not their offers fair.Thou before all my kindred the royal crown shalt wearWith the same pride and puissance as ere our joys were crost,Nor want of aught remind thee that Siegfried we have lost.
XV
"Come then, return among us for thy fair infant's sake;Desert not the young orphan; a mother's duty take.When he grows up to manhood, he'll comfort thy sad cheer;Meanwhile good knights shall serve thee, who held thy husband dear."
XVI
Said she, "My good lord Siegmund, from home I cannot ride.Whatever hence befall me, here must I still abideAmong my proper kinsmen, who'll help me to lament."Her words gave the good warriors sorrow and discontent.
XVII
With one accord they answer'd, "We must in truth confess,That never till this moment we felt true bitterness,If thou persist to tarry among our foemen here.Sure for a peaceful journey knights never paid so dear."
XVIII
"Hence without thought of danger ride home with God to friend,Your steps a fitting escort shall through this land attendE'en to your native country. Farewell, good knights and true;My dear, my orphan'd infant I trust, my friends, to you."
XIX
When they perceiv'd for certain that she her purpose kept,The warriors of King Siegmund with one accord they wept.With what heart-rending sorrow the reverend Siegmund, too,Parted from Lady Kriemhild! then what was grief he knew.
XX
"Woe worth this dreary festal!" the hoary monarch cried,"To kings nor to their kinsmen shall never more betideFrom merriment and pleasure such heart-devouring teen.In Burgundy shall Siegmund never more be seen."
XXI
Then said and frown'd indignant the knights of Siegfried's train,"Nay, into this same country we well may come againTo seek and find the traitor who laid our master low.Among the kin of Siegfried they have many a mortal foe."
XXII
Lovingly kiss'd he Kriemhild, and sadly thus 'gan say,When he could see too clearly that she was fix'd to stay,"Now home, bereav'd and joyless, a weary way we go.'Tis only now I'm feeling the fulness of my woe."
XXIII
They rode without an escort from Worms beyond the Rhine.Sorrowful and silent they mov'd in lengthen'd line,Nor fear'd assault or ambush by lurking foemen plann'd;Secure each Nibelunger felt in his own right hand.
XXIV
From all they kept disdainful, leave of none they took;Giselher and Gernot such parting could not brook.But lovingly approach'd them; woe were they for their woe;That for their loss they sorrow'd, they gave their guest to know.
XXV
Then gently spoke Prince Gernot, and heav'd full many a sigh,"God in heaven is my witness, nor part the guilt had IIn the death of Siegfried, nor had I heard beforeThat any him bore malice; I sorrow for him sore."
XXVI
To them was given good escort by Giselher the young.Deep-sorrowing altogether he brought them safe along,Both king and loyal liegemen, home to Netherland.There met they all their kindred; small joy was in the band.
XXVII
What happ'd to them thereafter is more than I can say.At Worms still heard was Kriemhild complaining, day by day.That none her sorrow pitied, or brought her comfort due,Save Giselher her brother; he still was good and true.
XXVIII
Meanwhile sat misproud Brunhild in haughtiness uncheck'd;Of Kriemhild's tears and sorrows her it nothing reck'd.She pitied not the mourner; she stoop'd not to the low.Soon Kriemhild took full vengeance, and woe repaid with woe.
I
While thus the mourning Kriemhild remain'd in widow'd state,Count Eckewart upon her did ever constant waitWith all his men about him; he serv'd her without fail,And help'd his weeping lady his murdered lord to wail.
II
At Worms fast by the minster was fram'd for her to dwellA building high and spacious, and thereto furnish'd well,Where sat she joyless ever among her joyless train.To church she oft betook her, and there would linger fain.
III
How oft, weigh'd with sorrow (she seldom miss'd a day),Thither would she go faintly where her beloved lay,And God for grace and mercy upon his soul implore,And with true love unfailing beweep him evermore!
IV
Queen Uta and her ladies to sooth the mourner sought,But still take could she never the comfort that they brought;The sting of deadly sorrow had pierc'd her heart too deep;Nor love had she, nor longing, but for her lord to weep.
V
Such grief as Kriemhild's never wife for her husband knew;Thence might be seen how faithful her heart was, and how true.E'en to her day of dying her life in woe she pass'd.She took for her slain Siegfried a dread revenge at last.
VI
So after her bereavement she sat, for three long yearsAnd half another, ever in sorrow and in tears,Nor once spoke word to Gunther, albeit in blood so nigh,Nor on her foeman Hagan ever once set eye.
VII
Then said the Knight of Trony, "Your best attention bend,How you may hereafter your sister make your friend.So might the wondrous treasure come to this land, I ween.'Twould much be to your profit, could we appease the queen."
VIII
"We'll try," replied King Gunther, "my brothers with her bidePerhaps by their persuasion she may be pacified,And e'en in our possession the hoard contented see.""I can't believe," said Hagan, "that that can ever be."
IX
Then to the Margrave Gary in haste King Gunther sent;Ortwine to court was summon'd to further their intent,And Gernot and young Giselher were both together brought.The boon from Lady Kriemhild with friendly prayer they sought.
X
Then first the good Burgundian the valiant Gernot spake."Lady, too long you're wailing for your lost husband's sake.Sure proof the king will give you, he ne'er the warrior slew;Why then with such deep passion his death forever rue?"
XI
Said she, "Who charges Gunther? 'twas Hagan struck the blow.He gain'd from me the secret, where steel could lay him low.Could I suspect, that treason lurk'd such fair words among?Else, be sure, had silence sat ever on my tongue.
XII
"Ah! had I ne'er betrayed him, but still his secret kept,I had not now, poor widow! thus lamentably wept.But ne'er will I forgive them, who this foul deed have done."Then the stout knight, young Giselher, to intercede begun.
XIII
"Ay," said she, "I must greet him, you press and urge me so;The more your fault and folly; such bitterness of woeHath the king brought upon me with no guilt on my part;My mouth it may forgive him, but never will my heart."
XIV
"Matters may mend hereafter," her kin said with one voice,"What if his future kindness should make her yet rejoice?""Needs must he," said good Gernot, "make up for former ill.""See!" said the sorrow-laden, "I'll do what'er you will.
XV
"Yes! I will greet King Gunther." She scarce had given consentWhen with his best friends Gunther unto his sister went.Yet durst not stern Hagan before the mourner go.He knew himself blood-guilty, he had wrought her mortal woe.
XVI
When she had pardon'd Gunther all that had pass'd amiss,He thought it fitting kindness the gentle dame to kiss.Had he the deed not counselled which all that ill had wrought,With freedom oft and boldness her presence he had sought.
XVII
Sure ne'er was reconcilement 'twixt friends too long apartBy such full tears cemented; her loss she took to heart,Yet all concern'd she pardon'd, all, save only one.Never had been the murder, if not by Hagan done.
XVIII
'Twas no long time thereafter when this device they wrought,That from the land of Nibelung should to the Rhine be broughtBy the command of Kriemhild the wondrous treasure bright;'Twas her morning-gift at marriage and so was hers by right.
XIX
For it the youthful Giselher and eke good Gernot went;Eighty hundred warriors with them their sister sent,To bring it from the mountain, where close conceal'd it lay,Watch'd by the stout dwarf Albric and his best friends alway.
XX
When now came the Burgundians the precious hoard to take,Albric, the faithful keeper, thus his friends bespake:"This far renowned treasure we can't withhold, I ween,The marriage-morning present claim'd by the noble queen.
XXI
"Yet should they have it never, nor should we thus be cross'd,Had we not the good cloud-cloak to our misfortune lostTogether with Sir Siegfried, who gain'd it here of yore;For Kriemhild's noble husband the same at all times wore.
XXII
"Now ill, alas! has happ'd it to Siegfried the good knight,That from us the cloud-cloak he took by conquering might,And all this land to serve him as lord and master bound."Then went the chamberlain sadly, where soon the keys he found.
XXIII
And now the men of Kriemhild before the mountain stood,And some, too, of her kinsmen; the hoard, as best they could,Down to the sea they carried; there in good barks 'twas laid,Thence o'er the waves, and lastly up the Rhine convey'd.
XXIV
The tale of that same treasure might well your wonder raise;'Twas much as twelve huge wagons in four whole nights and daysCould carry from the mountain down to the salt-sea bay,If to and fro each wagon thrice journey'd every day.
XXV
It was made up of nothing but precious stones and gold;Were all the world bought from it, and down the value told,Not a mark the less thereafter were left, than erst was scor'd.Good reason sure had Hagan to covet such a hoard.
XXVI
And there among was lying the wishing-rod of gold,Which whoso could discover, might in subjection holdAll this wide world as master, with all that dwell therein.There came to Worms with Gernot full many of Albric's kin.
XXVII
When Gernot and young Giselher had thus possession gain'dOf that power-giving treasure, the rule they straight obtain'dOf the country and the castles and many a warlike knight;All was constrained to serve them through terror of their might.
XXVIII
When they had brought the treasure thence to King Gunther's land,And had their charge delivered into fair Kriemhild's hand,Cramm'd were the towers and chambers wherein the same they stor'd.Ne'er told was tale of riches to match this boundless hoard.
XXIX
Yet had she found the treasure a thousand-fold as great,Could she have seen but Siegfried restored to life's estate,Bare as her hand had Kriemhild preferr'd with him to live,Renouncing all the puissance which all that hoard could give.
XXX
Now she had gain'd possession, so liberal was the dame,That foreign knights unnumber'd into the country came.All prais'd her generous virtues, and own'd they ne'er had seenLady so open-handed as this fair widow'd queen.
XXXI
To rich and poor together began she now to give;Thereat observed Sir Hagan, "If she should chance to liveSome little season longer, so many should we seeWon over to her service, that ill for us 'twould be."
XXXII
Thereto made answer Gunther, "The hoard is hers alone;How can I check her giving? She gives but from her own.Scarce could I gain forgiveness for my offence of old.I care not how she scatters her jewels and ruddy gold."
XXXIII
"A prudent man," said Hagan, "not for a single hourWould such a mass of treasure leave in a woman's power.She'll hatch with all this largess to her outlandish crewSomething that hereafter all Burgundy may rue."
XXXIV
Thereto replied King Gunther, "An oath to her I swore,That I would ne'er offend her nor harm her any more;And I'm resolv'd to keep it; my sister too is she."At once Sir Hagan answer'd, "Then lay the blame on me."
XXXV
Too many of the chieftains their plighted faith forsook;The powerful hoard the perjur'd from the poor widow took;Sir Hagan straight made seizure at once of every key.When her brother Gernot heard it, bitterly wroth was he.
XXXVI
Then spake the young Sir Giselher, "Hagan the fierce and rudeHath foully wrong'd my sister; this I should have withstood;But that he is my kinsman, it should cost his life."Then afresh all vainly wept noble Siegfried's wife.
XXXVII
Then said the good Sir Gernot, "Ere this pernicious mineConfound us any further, better beneath the RhineSink it altogether, and tell no mortal where."Then sadly went fair Kriemhild to her brother Giselher.
XXXVIII
She wept and said, "Dear brother, pray take some thought of me;Of my person and possessions thou should'st the guardian be."Then spake he to his sister, "I will, whate'er betide,Soon as we come back hither, for now we hence must ride."
XXXIX
King Gunther and his kinsmen they forthwith left the land.The very best among them he took to form his band.There stay'd behind but Hagan; fierce hate and malice stillHe bore the weeping Kriemhild, and sought to work her ill.
XL
Ere back the king came thither, impatient of delayHagan seiz'd the treasure, and bore it thence away.Into the Rhine at Lochheim the whole at once threw he!Henceforth he thought t' enjoy it, but that was ne'er to be.
XLI
He never more could get it for all his vain desire;So fortune of the traitor cheats of his treason's hire.Alone he hop'd to use it as long as he should live,But neither himself could profit, nor to another give.
XLII
Once more return'd the princess, and with them all their train.Forthwith began sad Kriemhild her heavy loss to plainWith ladies and with maidens; their grief indeed was strong.In all good faith was Giselher ready to venge her wrong.
XLIII
Then said they altogether, "Much evil hath he done."So for a time Sir Hagan retir'd their wrath to shun,Till he regain'd their favor; at last they look'd it o'er.Thereat to him fair Kriemhild yet deadlier hatred bore.
XLIV
Ere thus the Knight of Trony had hidd'n the wondrous hoard,They all an oath together had sworn with one accordTo keep it in concealment while one of them should live,So none himself could take it, nor to another give.
XLV
With this new weight of anguish surcharg'd was Kriemhild left,Of her bold husband widow'd, and of the hoard bereftBy such o'erweening outrage; in tears the mourner lay,Nor ever ceas'd to sorrow e'en till her dying day.
XLVI
From the death of Siegfried for thirteen years she dweltOn her wrongs ever brooding, nor joy one moment felt.The murder of her husband she could not once forget.To him she still was faithful; that praise is Kriemhild's yet.
XLVII
The wealthy Lady Uta, when death took Dankrat hence,A sumptuous monastery rais'd at her own expense,Endowed with rich revenues, which yet its coffers fill;The abbey of Lorsch they call it; 'tis high in honor still.
XLVIII
Thereto the mourning Kriemhild no little part suppliedBoth for the soul of Siegfried and for all souls beside.She gave both gold and jewels; a wife more chaste and true,And a more liberal giver man surely never knew.
XLIX
Since Kriemhild had King Gunther once to her grace restor'd,And yet by his connivance next lost the precious hoard,A thousand-fold more sorrow at her heart there lay.The proud and high-born lady would gladly thence away.
L
Meanwhile for Lady Uta was built with skill and careAt Lorsch, fast by her abbey, a sumptuous palace fair.The widow left her children, and there seclusion found.Still lies she in her coffin deep in that hollow'd ground.
LI
Then said the queen to Kriemhild, "List to me, daughter dear,Come to Lorsch, to my palace, thou canst not linger here;And dwell with me thy mother, and cease to weep and grieve.""To whom then," answer'd Kriemhild, "Shall I my husband leave?"
LII
The Lady Uta answer'd, "Here let him still abide.""Now God in heaven forbid it!" the faithful wife replied;"No! my beloved mother, I must not have it so;If Kriemhild hence must journey, with her must Siegfried go."
LIII
Then gave command the mourner up to take the dead;His noble bones were forthwith transferred to their last bedAt Lorsch beside the minster in many-honor'd guise.There yet in a long coffin the stately warrior lies.
LIV
Just then, when sorrowing Kriemhild was ready to depart,And hop'd with her fond mother to ease her aching heart,She yet was forc'd to tarry and that last hope resign.'Twas caus'd by sudden tidings, that cross'd from far the Rhine.