Well pleas'd her speech Sir Hagan, his heart wax'd light and gay;He gave them back their vesture, and would no longer stay;But when again the mermaids had donn'd their wondrous weed,They told in truth, how Gunther in Hungary should speed.
XXXIV
And then the other mermaid, that Sieglind hight, began,"I will warn thee, Hagan, thou son of Aldrian;My aunt has lied unto thee her raiment back to get;If once thou coms't to Hungary, thou'rt taken in the net.
XXXV
"Turn, while there's time for safety, turn, warriors most and least;For this, and for this only, you're bidden to the feast,That you perforce may perish in Etzel's bloody land.Whoever rideth thither, Death has he close at hand."
XXXVI
Thereto gave answer Hagan, "In vain you cheat and lie,How can it ever happen that there we all shall die,However fierce the hatred that one to us may bear?"They then began the future more fully to declare.
XXXVII
Then thus the first bespake him, "Yet so it needs must be;Not one of you his country again shall ever see,Not one but the king's chaplain; this well to us is known;To Gunther's land in safety return shall he alone."
XXXVIII
Then angrily Sir Hagan bespake her, frowning stern,"'Twere ill to tell my masters what they'd disdain and spurn,That we should all in Hungary death and destruction find.Now show us o'er the water, wisest of womankind."
XXXIX
Said she, "Since from this journey, it seems, thou wilt not turn,Up yonder by the river an inn thou may'st discern.A ferryman there dwelleth; no others here abide."The knight believ'd her answer, and took her words for guide.
XL
Him then the first call'd after as gloomily he went,"Stay yet awhile, Sir Hagan, why so on haste intent?Hear better our instructions to reach the farther strand.A margrave, that hight Elsy, is lord of all this land.
XLI
"He has a valiant brother (Sir Gelfrat men him call),A great lord in Bavaria; ill might it you befall,If through his march you travel; your course with caution plan,And smoothly deal and gently with yonder ferryman.
XLII
"He scarce will leave you scathless (so fierce is he and rude),Unless with sound discretion you temper his rough mood.Would you he'd put you over, pay down at once the fare.He is a friend of Gelfrat's and of this land has care.
XLIII
"And, should the ferryman tarry, across the river shout,And say your name is Amelrich, whom late a feud drove outPerforce from this, his country, a knight of birth and fame.Good speed will make the ferryman when once he hears the name."
XLIV
For all reply Sir Hagan to the wise ladies bow'd;Then in his gloomy silence strode off the warrior proud.Still higher up the river along the shore he hied,Until a lonely hostel on th' other bank he spied.
XLV
He straight across the water 'gan call with all his might,"Come, carry me over, ferryman," shouted the lusty knight."Of ruddy gold an armlet I'll give thee for thy meed.Come, carry me, well thou knowest how pressing is my need."
XLVI
The ferryman was wealthy, to serve he scarce could bear,And hence it seldom happened he deign'd to take a fare.His men were like their master, as moody and misproud.Still on this side Sir Hagan stood ever shouting loud.
XLVII
So loud and strong he shouted, that all the water rung,While the deep-chested warrior thus thunder'd from his tongue,"Come, put me o'er, I'm Amelrich, who Elsy serv'd and sued,The same who from this country fled for a mortal feud."
XLVIII
High on his sword an armlet held out the champion bold(Bright was it and glittering and ruddy all with gold)That he might be put over thence into Gelfrat's land.Then took the burly boatman himself an oar in hand.
XLIX
He was in sooth, that boatman, an ill-condition'd elf.Nothing leads men to ruin like hankering after pelf.He thought by ferrying Hagan his ruddy gold to get;A sword-stroke for an armlet, and death for gain he met.
L
With sinewy might the boatman row'd o'er to yonder strand,But not the man he heard of sprung to the boat from land.The ferryman wax'd furious when Hagan there he found;Thus he bespake the hero, and speaking darkly frown'd.
LI
"Your name it may be Amelrich for ought I know," said he,"But you're like him I look'd for as little as can be.In sooth he was my brother, by father and mother's sideYou've put a trick upon me, so on this bank shall bide."
LII
"Nay, think again, for heaven's sake," Sir Hagan made reply,"In pain for sundry comrades a foreign knight am I;So take my fare contented, and kindly put me o'er;You'll bind me to your service, your friend for evermore."
LIII
"No, no," replied the ferryman, "it must not, faith, be so;My good lords all around them have many a deadly foe;For this, I ne'er put over strangers into this land,So, as your life you value, out with you to the strand."
LIV
"Nay, speak not so," said Hagan, "you see my drooping cheer;Take of me, and welcome, the gold I hand you here,And ferry a thousand horses and as many knights of pride.""That will I do never," the ferryman grim replied.
LV
With the word up caught he an oar both broad and long,And lent the knight a buffet so sturdy and so strong,That in the boat he brought him at once upon his knee.Such a boisterous boatman never before met he.
LVI
Yet more the haughty stranger to wrath would he provoke,So on the head of Hagan a boat-pole next he broke,The ferryman of Elsy was sure a lusty wight,Yet naught but loss and ruin got he by all his might.
LVII
The grim knight up starting ended soon the fray;To the sheath quick gripp'd he wherein his weapon lay.Off he his head has smitten, and to the bottom thrown.Soon were the glad tidings to the bold Burgundians known.
LVIII
The boat meanwhile, ere Hagan its master yet had slain,Had dropp'd into the current; this wrought him mickle pain,For ere he round could bring it, faint he to wax began,Yet strongly row'd and stoutly King Gunther's large-limb'd man.
LIX
The brawny stranger turn'd it with many a sturdy stroke,Till in his grasp o'ermaster'd the oar asunder broke.He long'd to reach his comrades at a near landing-place,But oar had ne'er another, so this he join'd apace.
LX
With a shield-thong together (poor cord, but workman good!)And then adown the river made for a neighboring wood.There his good lords the warrior found waiting on the strand;Many a bold knight ran toward him as he drew nigh the land.
LXI
Him well his comrades greeted beside the foamy flood,But when they saw the shallop reeking all with bloodFrom that grim wound, that sudden the ferryman did to death,They put a thousand questions to Hagan in a breath.
LXII
When beheld King Gunther the hot blood, how it ranAbout the heaving ferry, thus he straight began."Here's a boat, Sir Hagan, but where's the boatman left?Your sturdy strength, I fear me, the wretch's life hath reft."
LXIII
With lying tongue he answer'd, "The shallop I espiedFast by a desert meadow, myself the same untied.I have seen no boatman; this I can truly say;And harm to none has happen'd by fault of mine to-day."
LXIV
Thereto the bold Burgundian Sir Gernot made reply,"To-day deep care besets me; many a dear friend must die.With not a boatman ready to put our people o'er,'Twere hard to cross the river; this I must needs deplore."
LXV
Loud then shouted Hagan, "Lay down upon the grassOur riding-gear, ye yeomen! I recollect I wasOn Rhine the best of ferrymen that e'er took oar in hand.Trust me, I'll put you over safe into Gelfrat's land."
XLVI
To make their passage quicker, the horses in a throngThey drove into the river; these swam so well and strong,That by the forceful current the warriors lost not one;A few down lower landed with weary toil foredone.
LXVII
Long and broad and massy was that huge ferry-boat.Five hundred men and better it all at once could floatWith their food and weapons from sounding shore to shore.That day many a good warrior perforce strain'd at the oar.
LXVIII
Aboard then plac'd the heroes their gold and eke their weed.The goal of dark destruction they sought with fatal speed.Hagan was master-boatman; his luckless skill aloneFull many a gallant champion brought to that land unknown.
LXIX
Noble knights a thousand first he ferried o'er,Thereto his own stout followers; behind still tarried more.Nine thousand lusty varlets he after brought away.The hand of him of Trony had little rest that day.
LXX
As the good knight thus deftly was putting o'er his freight,He thought on the strange warning he had receiv'd so lateFrom those wise river-ladies with their prophetic breath;It brought King Gunther's chaplain within a hair of death.
LXXI
By his holy things close seated he found the priest at rest,With one hand gently leaning above a relique-chest;But in the grasp of Hagan that help'd him not the least.Sore wrong perforce he suffer'd, that heaven-forsaken priest.
LXXII
He caught and cast him over sooner than can be told.Many a voice loud shouted, "Hold, hold, Sir Hagan, hold!"Wroth at the deed was Giselher, Dame Uta's youngest son,But hold would not Sir Hagan till the mischief he had done.
LXXIII
Then the bold Burgundian the good Sir Gernot spake,"What can it boot you, Hagan, the chaplain's life to take?Had any other done it, he should have rued it straight.What can thus have mov'd you the holy man to hate?"
LXXIV
Stoutly swam the chaplain; to 'scape ne'er doubted he,Would any but assist him, but that was not to be;Stern Hagan, fierce and furious, as close he swam along,Dash'd him to the bottom, wrong heaping still on wrong.
LXXV
None there but thought it outrage, yet none came to his aid,Which when he saw, back turning for th' other bank he made;Though fail'd his strength o'erwearied, yet God's almighty handBack bore him through the billows, and brought him safe to land.
LXXVI
There stood the poor clerk shivering, and shook his dripping weed.By this well knew Sir Hagan that their dark doom decreed,As those wild mermaids warn'd him, 'twas all in vain to shun.Thought he, "These hopeful champions must perish every one."
LXXVII
Soon as the bark was emptied, and all the goods it boreBy the three brethren's vassals were safely brought to shore,Stern Hagan broke it piecemeal and down the current cast;The good knights star'd upon him, with wonder all aghast.
LXXVIII
"What are you doing, brother?" Dankwart sudden cried,"How shall we cross the river, when back we have to rideTo the Rhine from Hungary our homes again to see?"Thereafter Hagan told him, that that was ne'er to be.
LXXIX
Then said the Knight of Trony, "I do it to this end,That, should a coward among us upon this journey wend,Who would perchance desert us through heart-appalling fear,A shameful death may meet him in the wild waters here."
LXXX
Then when the priest saw Hagan the bark in pieces break,Far o'er the boiling billows to the stern knight he spake."What did I to you ever, base murderer," he began,"That you this day attempted to drown a guiltless man?"
LXXXI
Then answer gave Sir Hagan, "Now of this no more;I tell you on my honor, Sir Priest, it irks me soreThat thus you have escap'd me; I neither jest nor feign.""For this God prais'd be ever!" said the poor chaplain.
LXXXII
"I fear you not, assure you, though brought to death so nigh.Now on with you to Hungary; over the Rhine will I.God grant you never thither come back, you knight untrue!So hence with my worst wishes, for what you could not do!"
LXXXIII
With those undaunted squadrons from Burgundy there cameA bold quick-handed champion; Folker was his name.Whate'er he thought, out-spake he with ready wit and light.All that was done by Hagan, the minstrel held for right.
LXXXIV
Their steeds were ready saddled; their sumpters loaded too;Not yet, throughout the journey, had one had cause to rue,Save only the king's chaplain, the nearly drown'd divine;He plod must weary homeward, and foot it to the Rhine.
I
When now were all the warriors debark'd upon the strand,The king began to question, "Who now can through the landDirect us, lest we wander through wildering ways unknown?"Then answer'd valiant Folker, "That task be mine alone."
II
"Now guard you well," said Hagan, "yeoman as well as knight,And follow friendly counsel, for thus it seems me right;News know I, sad to utter, and sad alike to learn;Not one of us shall ever to Burgundy return.
III
"'Twas told me by two mermaids this morn without disguise,That back should we come never; now hear what I advise.Take to your arms, ye heroes, and wend your wary way(Since here we have stout foemen) in battailous array.
IV
"I thought to prove the mermaids, and catch them in a lie,Who said that we in Hungary were surely doom'd to die,And that alone the chaplain should come to Rhenish ground,So him in yonder river I gladly would have drown'd."
V
The woe-denouncing tidings flew quick from rank to rank;With ashen cheeks the warriors astonied sat and blank,As on their death they ponder'd by dismal doom decreed,From that disastrous journey; each shudder'd on his steed.
VI
'Twas near the town of Mœring that they the stream had cross'd;'Twas there that Elsy's boatman his luckless life had lost.Then thus bespake them Hagan, "This morning by the floodI made me certain enemies, so look for wounds and blood.
VII
"I slew that self-same boatman at early dawn to-day;By this, all know the story; so buckle to the fray;If Gelfrat here and Elsy our onward journey cross,Let it be, Burgundians, to their disgrace and loss.
VIII
"I know them for so valiant that they will ne'er abstain,So let us pace our horses the slower o'er the plain,That nobody may fancy we rather flee than ride.""That counsel will I follow," young Giselher replied.
IX
"But who shall guide our party? This country's strange and lone."All shouted, "That shall Folker (for well to him are knownThe highways and the byways), the hardy minstrel good."They scarce had breath'd their wishes, when in his armor stood
X
The ever-ready gleeman; his helmet on he bound;He donn'd in haste his hauberk that brightly flash'd around,And to his spear-shaft fasten'd a pennon bloody red.Soon with the kings his masters to a dismal doom he sped.
XI
By this, to valiant Gelfrat his boatman's death was known;Swift-wing'd are evil tidings; the news as soon had flownTo the redoubted Elsy; sore griev'd thereat were both.Straight summon'd they their vassals; all gather'd nothing loth;
XII
And I can well assure you, that scarce few hours were past,Ere, to find the wrong-doers, were pricking fiery fastA sturdy troop of warriors long prov'd in war before;In aid of noble Gelfrat seven hundred came or more.
XIII
All for revenge were thirsting, all eager for th' attack,Their warlike lords were foremost; too hotly in the trackThey follow'd of those strangers, and learnt it to their cost.Many a good friend soon after their valiant leaders lost.
XIV
Hagan the cautious Tronian their hasty counsels marr'd;How could a warrior better his friends and kinsmen guard?He took in charge the rearward, and there his men array'dWith his brave brother Dankwart; all with one soul obey'd.
XV
The day had sunk and vanish'd; 'twas gloom and darkness all.He fear'd lest harm or danger his comrades should befall.Well marshall'd through Bavaria beneath their shields went they;Yet in short time their foemen assail'd them by the way.
XVI
On either side the highway, though nothing met their view,Hoofs heard they frequent trample, and close behind them too.Then out spoke fearless Dankwart, "Upon us is the foe;Bind fast your helmets, warriors; prudence would have it so."
XVII
Upon their march they halted, for now they were so nigh,That bucklers faintly glimmering they through the dark could spy,Nor longer wish'd Sir Hagan in silence to abide."Who hunts us on the highway?" the deep-voiced warrior cried.
XVIII
The stern Bavarian Margrave Gelfrat gave answer back,"We're seeking out our foemen, and close are on their track.I know not who among you this morn my boatman slew;He was a knight of prowess; his loss I surely rue."
XIX
Then answer'd he of Trony, "Was that same ferryman thine?He would not put us over; the guilt, if guilt, is mine.I slew him, I confess it, but what besides could I?Myself first by his fury was all but done to die.
XX
"I offer'd gold and raiment for meed (what could I more?)Into thy land, Sir Gelfrat, if he'd but put us o'er.He flew into a fury, and caught me o'er the crownWith a heavy boat-pole, and knock'd me roughly down.
XXI
"I snatch'd my sword in anger; from his wrath I kept my life;A mortal wound I gave him; this clos'd at once the strife.Yet such amends I offer as you think just and right."They hearken'd but to vengeance, burning with scorn and spite.
XXII
"I knew full well," said Gelfrat, "if Gunther pass'd alongThis country with his meiny, that we should suffer wrongAt the hands of Hagan; 'scape shall he not to-day;He did to death the ferryman, and for the deed shall pay."
XXIII
To smite above the bucklers they couch'd their lances straight.Gelfrat and Hagan both clos'd with eager hate.Elsy too and Dankwart each bore him like a knight;Each prov'd the other's manhood; stern and stubborn was the fight.
XXIV
Who better could defend them? who better could assail?Borne was the stalwart Hagan clean o'er his horse's tail,And on the grass lay floundering by Gelfrat's sturdy stroke.In the shock asunder his charger's pöitral broke.
XXV
Then knew he what was fighting; all round the lances crash'd;From the green Sir Hagan upstarted, unabash'd,Or rather kindling courage from overthrow so rude.He turn'd, I ween, on Gelfrat, not in the mildest mood.
XXVI
Who held them both their horses, is more than I can tell.To the ground the champions were both brought down from selle.They rush'd upon each other; they mingled sword and shield.Their comrades to the rescue flock'd round from all the field.
XXVII
However fiercely Hagan on noble Gelfrat sprung,A huge piece from his buckler (loud with the stroke it rung)Was hewn by the stout margrave; fire forth in sparkles flew;The ferryman like to follow was Gunther's liegeman true.
XXVIII
To the valiant Dankwart he shouted loud and high,"Help, help me, dearest brother, I've just been like to dieBy a stout-handed champion; he'll let me ne'er go free."Thereto replied bold Dankwart, "Then I'll your umpire be."
XXIX
Close to them leapt the hero; nothing more he said;Once his sword he lifted, down dropp'd Gelfrat dead.Elsy had fain reveng'd him, but forc'd was he to yield.He and his fear-struck comrades fled that disastrous field.
XXX
Slain was his valiant brother, himself was wounded sore,Of his war-practis'd champions eighty the best, or more,Lay with grim Death companion'd; what then beside could heBut from the men of Gunther with loss and anguish flee?
XXXI
Soon as they of Bavaria gave way through ghastly fear,Behind them deadly sword-strokes loud ringing you might hear.So the bold men of Trony held their foes in chase,Who sought to 'scape the forfeit and ever fled apace.
XXXII
Then Dankwart thus behind them loud shouted o'er the plain,"Forthwith must we be wending back on our steps again;So let them fly unfollow'd, each bleeding as he flies,While we rejoin our comrades; this I in truth advise."
XXXIII
When back had come the warriors to where the fight had been,Thus spoke the Knight of Trony, "Chiefs, now 'twere fit, I ween,To reckon up the missing, and learn whom we to-nightHave lost through Gelfrat's anger in this sharp sudden fight."
XXXIV
Four of their friends had perish'd, slight cause had they to plain,For they had well aveng'd them; on th' other hand were slainOf the repuls'd Bavarians a hundred men or more,The shields of the stout Tronians were dimm'd and soak'd with gore.
XXXV
From the clouds a moment broke out the gleaming moon;"We shall overtake," said Hagan, "our friends and comrades soon;But none to my good masters speak of this hasty fray;Let them without suspicion remain till dawn of day."
XXXVI
When those who fought the battle had now rejoin'd the rest,They found them with long travail exhausted and oppress'd."How long have we to journey?" asked many a champion brave."Here's neither host nor hostel," was th' answer Dankwart gave,
XXXVII
"You all must until morning ride on as best you can."Next sent the nimble Folker, the leader of the van,To ask the noble marshal, "Where shall we lodge the crewTo-night? Where rest the horses and our good masters too?"
XXXVIII
Then answer gave bold Dankwart, "That's more than I can say;Rest must we ne'er a moment before the dawn of day,And, wheresoe'er we meet it, lie down upon the green."To most of those who heard him 'twas heavy news, I ween.
XXXIX
Long time remain'd unnotic'd the stains of bloody red,Till the fair sun, up rising, his glittering radiance spreadAt morn above the mountains; at once the king espiedThat they had just been fighting, and full of anger cried,
XL
"How now, friend Hagan? so you, it seems, disdain'dTo have me for your comrade, when thus with blood was stain'dAnd dabbled all your hauberks; who put you in that plight?"Said he, "'Twas done by Elsy; he fell on us last night.
XLI
"To revenge his ferryman this fierce assault he plann'dThere slain was sturdy Gelfrat by my good brother's hand,And Elsy scarce escap'd us; 'faith he was ill bestead.We lost but four companions, and he a hundred dead."
XLII
We know not, where that morning the warriors laid them down,Straight learn'd all the people in country and in town,That noble Uta's children to court were on their road.On them a hearty welcome was at Passau soon bestow'd.
XLIII
Well pleas'd was Bishop Pilgrin, the uncle of the queen.That with so many champions, all cas'd in armor sheen,His proud Burgundian nephews had come into the land.Soon, what good will he bore them, he made them understand.
XLIV
Along the roads to lodge them their friends all did their best.At Passau room was wanting to harbor every guest;They cross'd perforce the water, where on an open groundWere hasty tents erected, and rich pavilions pitch'd around.
XLV
They there were forc'd to tarry the space of one whole day,And eke the night till morning; how well receiv'd were they!Thence to the land of Rudeger they were to ride anew.Swift to him the tidings of their coming flew.
XLVI
When the way-weary warriors had ta'en some needful rest,And now were close approaching the country of their quest,They found upon the border a man that sleeping lay;Sir Hagan sprung upon him, and took his sword away.
XLVII
He was call'd Sir Eckewart, that sleep-oppressed knight;Sore griev'd was he and downcast at his defenceless plight,Stripp'd of so strong a weapon, and at a stranger's will.They found the march of Rudeger watch'd and warded ill.
XLVIII
"Woe's me for this dishonor!" the grief-struck warrior cried,"Alas that the Burgundians e'er hither thought to ride!Sure, since I lost Sir Siegfried, all joy is flown from me.Oh, well away, Sir Rudeger, how have I injur'd thee!"
XLIX
Sir Hagan scarcely waited to hear his sorrows through;He gave him back his weapon, and six red armlets too."Take these, Sir Knight, as tokens that thou my friend wilt be:Thou'rt a bold chief to slumber thus lonely on the lea."
L
"God quit you for your armlets!" Sir Eckewart replied;"Yet much, I own, it grieves me that to the Huns you ride.You took the life of Siegfried, all hate you deadly here;As your true friend I warn you; watch well, and wisely fear."
LI
"Now God watch well and ward us," Hagan gave answer back;"No care have these good warriors, save for what now they lack,Fit and convenient quarters; fain would we learn arightWhere we, both kings and subjects, may hope to lodge to-night.
LII
"Our steeds by this long journey are ruin'd past a doubt,"Said the bold warrior Hagan, "our stores are all run out;Naught's to be had for money; we need (or else we're sped),Some host, who of his goodness to-night would give us bread."
LIII
Straight Eckewart made answer, "I'll show you such a host,That scarcely could a better be found in any coast,Than he, who here, assure ye, your coming fain will greet,If you be pleas'd, bold strangers, Sir Rudeger to meet.
LIV
"He dwells fast by the highway, and never yet on earthWas there a host more liberal; his heart gives virtues birth,As meadows grass and flowerets in the sweet month of May,To do good knights good service he waxes blithe and gay."
LV
Straight answer'd then King Gunther, "Will you a message take,So ask my dear friend Rudeger, if he will for my sakeMe and my kinsmen shelter and all this numerous clan?To serve him ever after I'll do the best I can."
LVI
"Fain will I do your bidding," Eckewart replied.With good will off he started; well his spurs he plied,And what he brought to Rudeger he told without delay.To him no such glad tidings had come for many a day.
LVII
A knight toward Bechlaren spurr'd fast as fast might be;Rudeger himself discerned him; "On yonder road," said he,"'Tis Kriemhild's liegeman Eckewart, that rides so hot a pace."He thought his foes had harm'd him, and held him still in chase.
LVIII
To the gate he hurried; the knight there saw he stand,Who straight his sword ungirded, and laid it from his hand.The news that he brought with him he car'd not to withholdFrom the host and those about him, but straight his story told.
LIX
He thus bespake the margrave, "A message you I bringFrom my good master Gunther, the stout Burgundian king,And Giselher his brother and noble Gernot too;Every one of the warriors sends you his service true.
LX
"The same does also Hagan and Folker bold, as well,With firm entire devotion, and I beside must tellWhat from the king's marshal I have too in command,That need have the good yeomen of lodging at your hand."
LXI
Merrily laugh'd Sir Rudeger as thus he made reply,"I joy to hear these tidings, that kings so great and highDeign to request my service; my zeal they soon shall see;If they my dwelling enter, right happy shall I be."
LXII
"Dankwart the marshal also by me the number sendsOf those, who seek your homestead with your Burgundian friends;Sixty nimble champions, good knights a thousand too,And yeomen full nine thousand." Right glad the margrave grew.
LXIII
"In truth I shall be happy," said noble Rudeger,"To see guests of such worship in my poor dwelling here,To whom I have but rarely yet render'd service due.Now ride ye forth to meet them, good friends and kinsmen true."
LXIV
With that in haste they mounted: forth flew squire and knight,Whate'er their lord commanded, that pass'd with all for right;The better thus their duties they did when need requir'd.Yet nothing knew Dame Gotelind, who sat in power retir'd.
I
There lingered not the margrave, but straight the ladies sought,His wife and his fair daughter, and what good news he brought,By Eckewart deliver'd, told with exulting glee,How their good lady's brethren their guests were soon to be.
II
"My dearest love and lady," his tale he thus 'gan tell,"The noble kings approaching receive, as fits them, well,Since hither they are passing to court with all their clan;Accord, too, like fair greeting to Hagan, Gunther's man.
III
"With them besides on duty comes one that Dankwart hight;And yet a third call'd Folker, a well-train'd courtly knight.These six must you, Dame Gotelind, and you, fair daughter, kiss.Nor at your hands let any of fitting kindness miss."
IV
That promis'd straight the ladies, and ready all things made.Large store of goodly raiment forth from the chests they laid,That they such noble warriors might meet in fit array;Many a lovely lady bestirr'd herself that day.
V
How little spurious colors on their fresh cheeks were found!Far-glittering golden fillets about their heads they wound,And in such gorgeous bondage confin'd their radiant hair,Lest the light frolic breezes should work disorder there.
VI
So let us leave the ladies in no unpleasing toil.Meanwhile the friends of Rudeger swift scour'd the sounding soil,Till, where they found the princes, they made a sudden stand.The guests were warmly welcom'd to the good margrave's land.
VII
When to his home the margrave saw the Burgundians come,Exulting thus bespoke he the strangers all and some,"Welcome, ye lords! right welcome, you and your vassals too.Here in my land full gladly I see such friends as you."
VIII
The brethren to his greeting their stately heads inclin'd,To the loving love returning, and kindness to the kind.Apart he greeted Hagan, whom he had known of old;The same did he to Folker the minstrel blithe and bold.
IX
Last welcom'd he Sir Dankwart, who thus his host bespake,"Since you will give us shelter, pray who in charge will takeThe train we have brought hither, all in such weary plight?"Then answer'd him the margrave, "Well will you rest to-night.
X
"My people shall keep safely all you have hither brought,Silver and steeds and raiment; you need not think of aught.Be sure, I'll take such order, that loss shall none occur.You'll not miss all among you as much as half a spur.
XI
"So pitch your tents, ye yeomen, in the field apace;Whatever here is missing, I'll willingly replace;Off with bit and saddle—turn loose your weary steeds."Such a host had rarely supplied the wanderer's needs.
XII
Well pleased were the Burgundians; when all was brought to pass,The lords rode on together; the yeomen on the grassLaid them down in clusters; there to repose they fell;I ween, in all their journey they ne'er had far'd so well.
XIII
And now from forth the castle the noble margravineHad gone with her fair daughter; beside them there was seenMany a lovely lady, and many a smiling maid,All deck'd with store of bracelets, and in bright robes array'd.
XIV
Precious stones were sparkling ever and anonAbout their gorgeous raiment; themselves yet brighter shone.Thither rode up the strangers and lighted instantly.Ah! what high bearing had they, those chiefs of Burgundy!
XV
Six and thirty maidens and thereto many a dame,Each fair as wish could sigh for, or busy fancy fame,Stepp'd forth to greet the strangers with warriors many a one;Their task by those high ladies with comely grace was done.
XVI
The margravine went forward, and kiss'd the kings all three;The like too did her daughter; Hagan, the next was he.Her father bade her kiss him; a glance on him she cast,And thought he look'd so dreadful, that him she fain had pass'd.
XVII
At length perforce she did it, since so her father said,Yet could not but change color, now waxing white, now red.She kiss'd, too, noble Dankwart, and Folker last in place.For his strength and valor the minstrel gain'd such grace.
XVIII
This done, with gentle gesture the damsel meek and mildBy the hand, yet trembling, took Giselher the child,Her mother took King Gunther, the bold Burgundian lord.So with the knights the ladies mov'd thence in blithe accord.
XIX
The host went with Sir Gernot into a spacious hall;There both chiefs and ladies down sat together all.Straight to his guests the margrave bade hand good wine around.Better entertainment knights yet never found.
XX
There many a longing eye-glance from all sides might you seeBent on the margrave's daughter, so fresh and fair was she.Many a good knight was breathing for her the secret sigh;In truth she well deserv'd it; her thoughts were pure and high.
XXI
They mus'd just as it pleas'd them, yet naught could thence befall.Alike meanwhile were glances cast by the knights in hallOn other dames and damsels, whereof there sat good store.Soon show'd the noble minstrel what love the host he bore.
XXII
And now at last they sever'd, as custom there requir'd;Ladies and knights, as fitted, to separate rooms retir'd.In the broad hall the tables in order straight were set;There soon the noble strangers all lordly service met.
XXIII
To grace her guests, at table the noble hostess kindTook place, but left her daughter, as fitted best, behindAmong her blooming maidens, with whom retir'd she sat.The guests, who joy'd to see her, were little pleas'd with that.
XXIV
With meats and drinks abundant their fill had feasted all;Then back the lovely ladies were usher'd to the hall;Nor comely mirth there wanted, nor merriment, nor jest.The gentle knight Sir Folker there shone above the rest.
XXV
Then out spake to Sir Rudeger that minstrel bold and true,"High and puissant margrave, God sure has dealt with youAs one whom most He favors, since he so fair a wifeHas given you for a helpmate, and bless'd with joy your life.
XXVI
"If I were a monarch and if a crown I wore,"Said the good knight, "no maiden should be my queen beforeYour fair and gentle daughter; my heart's desire I tell;Lovely is she to look on, high-born and nurtur'd well."
XXVII
Then spake the noble margrave, "What chance could ever bringTo woo my child beloved a proud and puissant king?My wife and I are exiles, both worn with age and care,And can give her nothing; what boots then all her fair?"
XXVIII
Thereat the courteous Gernot took up the word and spake,"If I desir'd a helpmate after my heart to takeNone would I ask more gladly than this same modest maid."Thereupon Sir Hagan in courtly fashion said,
XXIX
"Now fits it my lord Giselher to take a bride, I ween,And sure so high-descended is the young margravine,That I and all his vassals would do her homage fain,If crown'd we were to see her in our Burgundian reign."
XXX
Well pleas'd was good Sir Rudeger Sir Hagan's words to hear,So, too, was Lady Gotelind; right joyous was her cheer.Soon so the chiefs contriv'd it, that Giselher, nothing loth,To wife took the fair maiden, as well beseem'd them both.
XXXI
When once a thing is settled, who further can gainsay?Forthwith they bade the damsel to court to take her way.Then for his wife to give him the lovely maid they swore,Then he too vow'd to cherish and love her evermore.
XXXII
Next dower'd was the fair maiden with castles and with land;With an oath assurance was giv'n by Gunther's hand,As well as by Lord Gernot's, that so it should be done.Then said the noble margrave, "Since castles I have none,
XXXIII
"With you will I forever a faithful friendship hold;A hundred sumpters' burden of silver and of gold(No unbefitting portion) I'll give the gentle bride,So that the bridegroom's warriors may well be satisfied."
XXXIV
Then had the bride and bridegroom within a ring to stand,For such was then the custom; a merry stripling bandEncircled the fair couple, and gaz'd on them their fill,And thought the while as idly as think young people still.
XXXV
Now when was ask'd the damsel in homely phrase and plain,If she would have the warrior, she felt a moment's pain;Not that she was unwilling to take the stately one;She blush'd but at the question, as many a maid has done.
XXXVI
Her father Rudeger told her at once to answer, "Yes,"And that she fain would take him. In a trice with tendernessYoung Giselher around her, the shrinking and the coy,Lock'd his white hands together; alas! how fleeting was their joy!
XXXVII
Then spake again the margrave, "Ye rich and noble kings,When you, as is the custom, after your revellingsReturn by us to Rhineland, I'll give my child to you,To take her in your party." They promis'd so to do.
XXXVIII
The merry sound of revel was hush'd perforce at last.With mincing step the maidens forth to their chambers pass'd,And eke in rest the strangers slept on till break of day.Then the first meal was ready; none better far'd than they.
XXXIX
Their fast they scarce had broken, when they at once would startFor the realm of Hungary; "You must not thus depart,"Said the good host Sir Rudeger; "awhile here tarry yet,Such guests and so beloved but seldom have I met."
XL
"That must not be," said Dankwart, "your ruin you design,Where can you find provisions, bread as well as wine,If day by day an army is eating up your store?"Soon as the host had heard him, he said, "Talk thus no more.
XLI
"Nay, thus to refuse me, my dear lords, do not think;For fourteen days together I'll find you meat and drink,You and all those about you, your well-appointed train.Full little of my substance has yet King Etzel ta'en."
XLII
Whate'er excuse they offer'd, there perforce they stay'dFeasting till the fourth morning; then well their host display'dHis far-renowned bounty, and to his parting guestsGave without stint for presents proud steeds and gorgeous vests.
XLIII
This now could last no longer; thence must they forward fare.Little his custom'd bounty did then the margrave spare.All then was had for asking; that morn denied was none;All kindness and all honor to every guest was done.
XLIV
And now their noble meiny brought up before the gateStore of good chargers saddled; thither to swell their stateFlock'd troops of foreign champions, all bearing shield in hand,All with the Rhenish brethren bound to King Etzel's land.
XLV
The noble host in plenty proffer'd his gifts to allBefore the noble strangers came outside the hall.With open hand liv'd Rudeger, stout heart, and honor clear;He now his lovely daughter had given to Giselher.
XLVI
Then gave he valiant Gernot a sword full sharp and bright,Which soon the bold Burgundian bore manfully in fight.That so her husband gave it, well pleased the margrave's wife.Alas! the fatal present cost Rudeger his life.
XLVII
Then to the great King Gunther he gave from out his storeA mailcoat, that with honor the sturdy champion wore.But seldom could the monarch to take a present brook,Yet at the hand of Rudeger this with warm thanks he took.
XLVIII
Then Gotelind, as was fitting, offer'd with fair accordA parting gift to Hagan, that, like the king his lord,He, too, not empty-handed, to Etzel court might ride,But he declin'd the present, and to the dame replied,
XLIX
"I ne'er saw ought, fair lady, however rich and rare,That it would more content me hence as my own to bear,Than yonder well-form'd buckler that hangs on yonder wall.To take that shield to Hungary would please me most of all."
L
Soon as the Lady Gotelind heard Hagan's accents deep,They brought to mind her sorrow; she could not choose but weep.Then thought she on bold Nudung, by mightier Wittich slain,And to her wounded bosom the smart return'd again.
LI
Thus she bespake Sir Hagan, "That shield I freely give,And would to God the warrior among us still did live,Who bore it erst in battle; dead on the field he lay;Him must I weep for ever, mourning my life away."
LII
Then from her seat she totter'd; her limbs with anguish shook;The shield of her lamented in her white hands she took,And carried it to Hagan; he grasp'd the gift she gave,Giv'n and receiv'd in honor, and fitting well the brave.
LIII
A veil of glittering samite its varied hues conceal'd;Never had the daylight shone on a better shield.With precious stones far-beaming 'twas richly deck'd all o'er.It could not have been purchas'd for a thousand marks or more.
LIV
So by command of Hagan the shield away was ta'en.Then came to court Sir Dankwart among the parting train.To him gave Rudeger's daughter robes richly broider'd o'er,Which 'midst the Huns thereafter in joyous mood he wore.
LV
Of all the gifts that morning bestow'd on every guest,Not one by those Burgundians had ever been possess'd,But by the margrave's bounty, which so by proof they knew.Soon they became such foemen, that they the giver slew.
LVI
And now the valiant Folker with high-bred courtly graceStepp'd forth before Dame Gotelind, and, standing there in place,His sweetest tones attemper'd and sang his choicest lay,Ere he from Bechlaren took leave and went his way.
LVII
With that the gentle hostess bade bring a casket near(Of friendly gifts and bounty and kindness you must hear);From this she took twelve bracelets, and drew them o'er his hand;"These you must take, and with you bear hence to Etzel's land,
LVIII
"And for the sake of Gotelind the same at court must wear,That I may learn, when hither again you all repair,What service you have done me in yon assembly bright."The lady's wish thereafter full well perform'd the knight.
LIX
Then the noble margrave his parting guests bespake,"That you may ride the safer, myself the charge will takeTo guide you, lest from robbers you suffer by the road."With that upon his sumpters in haste was laid their load.
LX
The host he soon was ready with full five hundred menWell horsed and well apparell'd; them led he merrily thenTo the proud feast of Etzel, and they him follow'd fain;Not one of them came living to Bechlaren back again.
LXI
The host from home departed with many a loving kiss:The like did also Giselher; his honor counsell'd this.Each to his beating bosom his trembling lady press'd.That parting planted sorrow in many a virgin breast.
LXII
All windows in Bechlaren now flew open wide.Straight would to horse the margrave, and with his warriors rideI ween, their hearts that moment their coming doom forbode.Many a dame and many a damsel loud sobb'd as forth they rode.
LXIII
E'en for their best beloved in heart they sorrow'd sore,For those, whom at Bechlaren they were to see no more.Yet merrily the champions prick'd along the strandDownward beside the Danube to reach the Hunnish land.
LXIV
Then thus to the Burgundians out spake the stately knight."Rudeger the noble, methinks, it were but rightWe should announce we're coming e'en now to Hunnish ground;More pleasantly no tidings in Etzel's ear will sound."
LXV
Straight adown through Austria he bade a courier ride;At once among the people 'twas publish'd far and wide,That coming were the heroes from Worms beyond the Rhine.Right glad were Etzel's vassals, and those of Etzel's line.
LXVI
With the news the couriers forth gallop'd hastily,That the Nibelungers were now in Hungary."Well should'st thou receive them, Kriemhild, lady mine!They come to do thee honor, these brethren dear of thine."
LXVII
Dame Kriemhild at a window was standing there to view;She look'd out for her kinsmen as friend for friends will do.From her native country saw she many a man.The king too heard the tidings and for joy to laugh began.
LXVIII
"Now I at last am happy," exclaim'd th' exulting queen;"Hither are come my kinsmen with many a mailcoat sheen,And many a new-made buckler; who would for gold endeavor,Let him my wrongs remember, and I'll befriend him ever.
LXIX
"Yes! I will so contrive it, to take revenge for allAt this same feast of Etzel's (whatever thereafter fall)On his abhorred body, who so the traitor play'd,And all my joy so blasted.—I shall be now repaid."