s: None but my sister only / unto the king shall enter in."


s: Then led they Kriemhild thither / where the king was found,


s: With him were knights full noble / from many a land around.


s: Within that Hall so spacious / she waited the king's behest,


s: What time the Lady Brunhild / betook her likewise to the feast.


s: Then spake the royal Gunther: / "Sister mine full fair,


s: Redeem the word I've given, / an hold'st thou virtue dear.


s: Thee to a knight I plighted: / An tak'st thou him to man,


s: Thereby my wish full truly / unto the warrior hast thou done."


s: Then spake the noble maiden: / "Brother full dear to me,


s: Not long shalt thou entreat me. / In truth I'll ever be


s: Obedient to thy bidding; / that shall now be done,


s: Before those fair eyes' glances / grew Siegfried's color red.


s: The knight to Lady Kriemhild / his service offered.


s: Within a ring together / then were led the twain,


s: And they asked the maiden, / if she to take the knight were fain.


s: Upon her face not little / was the modest glow;


s: Nathless to joy of Siegfried / did fortune will it so,


s: That the maiden would not / refuse the knight her hand.


s: Eke swore his wife to make her / the noble king of Netherland.


s: When he to her had plighted, / and eke to him the maid,


s: Siegfried to embrace her / nothing more delayed,


s: But clasped in arms full fondly / and oft the lady fair,


s: And by him fairest Kriemhild; / and many a knight at hand


s: Was seen of the Nibelungen / at Siegfried's service ready stand.


s: There too was Gunther seated / and with him Queen Brunhild.


s: At sight of Kriemhild sitting / by Siegfried was she filled


s: With anger such as never / before her heart did swell:


s: Then spake who ruled the country: / "What aileth, lady mine,


s: That so thou let'st be dimmed / thine eyes that brightly shine?


s: Be straight of joyous spirit, / for now at thy command


s: "Good cause to me for weeping," / spake the lady fair.


s: "For sake of this thy sister / sorrow now I bear,


s: Whom here behold I seated / by one that serveth thee.


s: That must forever grieve me, / shall she thus dishonored be."


s: Then answered her King Gunther: / "But for the nonce be still.


s: At other time more fitting / the thing to thee I'll tell,


s: Wherefore thus my sister / to Siegfried I did give.


s: And truly with the hero / may she ever joyous live."


s: She spake: "Her name and beauty / thus lost it grieveth me.


s: An knew I only whither, / from hence I'd surely flee,


s: This night nor e'er hereafter / to share thy royal bed,


s: Then spake the noble monarch: / "Then unto thee be known


s: That he as stately castles, / lands wide as I, doth own.


s: And know thou that full surely / a mighty monarch he;


s: Wherefore the fairest maiden / I grant him thus his wife to be."


s: Whate'er the king did tell her, / sad was she yet of mood.


s: Then hastened from the tables / full many a warrior good,


s: And jousted that the castle / walls gave back the din.


s: Amid his guests the monarch / waiting longingly was seen.


s: He deemed 'twere better lying / beside his fair lady.


s: Of thinking on that plaisance / his mind he could not free,


s: And what her love would bring him / before the night be past;


s: He many a glance full tender / upon the Lady Brunhild cast.


s: The guests they bade give over / in joust who combated,


s: For that with spouse new-wedded / the monarch would to bed.


s: Leaving then the banquet, / there together met


s: Kriemhild and Brunhild: / their bitter hate was silent yet.


s: At hand were their attendants; / they longer tarried not,


s: And chamberlains full lordly / lights for them had brought.


s: Then parted eke the followers / of the monarchs twain,


s: And bearing Siegfried company / went full many a worthy thane.


s: The lords were both come thither / where that they should lie.


s: As each one bethought him / of loving victory


s: To win o'er winsome lady, / merry he grew of mood.


s: The noble Siegfried's pastime / it was beyond all measure good.


s: As there Sir Siegfried / by fair Kriemhild lay


s: And to the maid devoted / himself in such fond way


s: As noble knight beseemeth, / they twain to him were one,


s: And not a thousand others / had he then ta'en for her alone.


s: I'll tell you now no further / how he the lady plied,


s: But list ye first the story / what Gunther did betide


s: By Lady Brunhild lying. / In sooth the noble thane


s: By side of other ladies / a deal more happily had lain.


s: Withdrawn were now attendants, / man and also maid;


s: Not long to lock the chamber / within the king delayed.


s: He weened to have good pleasure / of that fair lady,


s: In gown of whitest linen / unto the bed she passed.


s: Then thought the knight full noble: / "Now have I here at last


s: All that I e'er desired / as long as I can tell."


s: That they should shine more dimly / he placed the lights aside,


s: Then where did lie the lady / the thane full eager hied.


s: He placed himself a-nigh her, / his joy right great it was,


s: As in his arms the monarch / the winsome maid did there embrace.


s: A loving plaisance had he / with vigor there begun


s: If that the noble lady / had let the same be done.


s: She then did rage so sorely / that grieved was he thereat;


s: Spake she: "Good knight and noble, / from this thing give o'er.


s: That which thou here hast hope of, / it may be nevermore.


s: A maid I still will keep me / --well mayest thou know that--


s: Until I learn that story." / Gunther wrathy grew thereat.


s: Her gown he wrought to ruin / to win her maidenhead.


s: Whereat did seize a girdle / the full stately maid,


s: A strong and silken girdle / that round her sides she wore,


s: His feet and his hands also, / together bound she all,


s: Unto a nail she bore him / and hung him on the wall.


s: Him who disturbed her sleeping / in his love she sorely let,


s: And from her mighty prowess, / he full nigh his death had met.


s: Then gan he to entreat her, / who master late had been.


s: "From these my bonds now loose me, / my full noble queen.


s: Nor trow I e'er, fair lady, / victor o'er thee to be,


s: And henceforth will I seldom / seek to lie thus nigh to thee."


s: She recked not how 'twere with him, / as she full softly lay.


s: There hung he, will he nill he, / the night through unto day,


s: Until the light of morning / through the windows shone.


s: "Now tell me, lordly Gunther, / wert thou thereat so sad,


s: If that in bonds should find thee" / --spake the fairest maid--


s: "Thy royal men-in-waiting, / bound by lady's hand?"


s: "Eke had I little honor / therefrom," continued he.


s: "For all thy royal honor / let me then go to thee.


s: Since that my fond embracements / do anger thee so sore,


s: Then she loosed him straightway / and he once more stood free.


s: To the bed he went as erstwhile / where rested his lady.


s: But far from her he laid him / and well he now forebore


s: To stir the lady's anger / by touching e'en the gown she wore.


s: At length came their attendants / who garments fresh did bring,


s: Whereof was ready for them / good store on that morning.


s: Yet merry as his folk were, / a visage sad did own


s: As was the country's custom, / a thing folk do of right,


s: Gunther and Brunhild / presently were dight


s: To go unto the minster / where the mass was sung.


s: As fitted royal honor / for them was thither brought


s: The crown that each should carry / and garments richly wrought.


s: There were they consecrated; / and when the same was done,


s: Saw ye the four together / happy stand and wearing crown.


s: There was knighted many a squire, / --six hundred or beyond--


s: In honor of the crowning, / that shall ye understand.


s: Arose full great rejoicing / in the land of Burgundy


s: As hand of youthful warrior / did shatter shaft right valiantly.


s: Then sat in castle casement / maidens fair to see,


s: And many a shield beneath them / gleamed full brilliantly.


s: Yet himself had sundered / from all his men the king;


s: Though joyous every other, / sad-visaged stood he sorrowing.


s: He and the doughty Siegfried, / how all unlike their mood!


s: Well wist the thing did grieve him / that noble knight and good.


s: He went unto the monarch / and straight addressed him so:


s: When as I thought to have her / she bound me like a thrall;


s: Unto a nail she bore me / and hung me high upon the wall.


s: "There hung I sore in anguish / the night through until day


s: Ere that she would unbind me, / the while she softly lay!


s: And hast thou friendly pity / know then the grief I bear."


s: "The which I'll show thee truly, / wilt thou me not deny.


s: I'll bring it that to-night she / so near to thee shall lie


s: That she to meet thy wishes / shall tarry nevermore."


s: Thereat rejoice did Gunther / to think perchance his trials o'er.


s: To me thy sister Kriemhild / dearer is than life;


s: Eke shall the Lady Brunhild / be yet this coming night thy wife."


s: "I'll come unto thy chamber / this night all secretly,"


s: Spake he, "and wrapped in mantle / invisible I'll be,


s: That of this my cunning / naught shall any know;


s: And thy attendants shalt thou / bid to their apartments go.


s: "The lights I'll all extinguish / held by each page in hand,


s: By the which same token / shalt thou understand


s: I present am to serve thee. / I'll tame thy shrewish wife


s: "An thou wilt truly leave me" / --answered him the king--


s: 'My lady yet a maiden, / I joy o'er this same thing.


s: So do thou as thou willest; / and takest thou her life,


s: E'en that I'll let pass o'er me, / --to lose so terrible a wife."


s: "Thereto," spake then Siegfried, / "plight I word of mine,


s: To leave her yet a maiden. / A sister fair of thine


s: Is to me before all women / I ever yet have seen."


s: Meanwhile the merry pastime / with joy and zest went on.


s: But all the din and bustle / bade they soon be done,


s: When band of fairest ladies / would pass unto the hall


s: The chargers soon and riders / from castle court were sped.


s: Each of the noble ladies / by bishop high was led,


s: When that before the monarchs / they passed to banquet board,


s: And in their train did follow / to table many a stately lord.


s: There sat the king all hopeful / and full of merriment;


s: What him did promise Siegfried, / thereon his mind was bent.


s: To him as long as thirty / did seem that single day;


s: To plaisance with his lady, / thither turned his thought alway.


s: And scarce the time he bided / while that the feast did last.


s: Now unto her chamber / the stately Brunhild passed,


s: And for her couch did Kriemhild / likewise the table leave.


s: Before those royal ladies / what host ye saw of warriors brave!


s: Full soon thereafter Siegfried / sat right lovingly


s: With his fair wife beside him, / and naught but joy had he.


s: His hand she clasped full fondly / within her hand so white,


s: Until--and how she knew not-- / he did vanish from her sight.


s: When she the knight did fondle, / and straightway saw him not,


s: Unto her maids attendant / spake the queen distraught:


s: "Meseemeth a mickle wonder / where now the king hath gone.


s: Yet further not she questioned. / Soon had he hither gone


s: Where with lights were standing / attendants many a one.


s: The same he did extinguish / in every page's hand;


s: That Siegfried then was present / Gunther thereby did understand.


s: Well wist he what he would there; / so bade he thence be gone


s: Ladies and maids-in-waiting. / And when that was done,


s: Himself the mighty monarch / fast did lock the door:


s: The lights behind the curtains / hid he presently.


s: Soon a play was started / (for thus it had to be),


s: Betwixt the doughty Siegfried / and the stately maid:


s: Thereat was royal Gunther / joyous alike and sad.


s: Siegfried there laid him / by the maid full near.


s: Spake she: "Let be, now, Gunther, / an hast thou cause to fear


s: Those troubles now repeated / which befell thee yesternight."


s: His voice did he keep under / and ne'er a word spake he.


s: Intently listened Gunther, / and though he naught could see,


s: Yet knew he that in secret / nothing 'twixt them passed.


s: In sooth nor knight nor lady / upon the bed had mickle rest.


s: He did there as if Gunther / the mighty king he were,


s: And in his arms he pressed her, / the maiden debonair.


s: Forth from the bed she hurled him / where a bench there stood,


s: And head of valiant warrior / against a stool went ringing loud.


s: Up sprang again undaunted / the full doughty man,


s: To try for fortune better. / When he anew began


s: Perforce to curb her fury, / fell he in trouble sore.


s: I ween that ne'er a lady / did so defend herself before.


s: When he would not give over, / up the maid arose:


s: "My gown so white thou never / thus shalt discompose.


s: And this thy villain's manner / shall sore by thee be paid,


s: The same I'll teach thee truly," / further spake the buxom maid.


s: Within her arms she clasped him, / the full stately thane,


s: And thought likewise to bind him, / as the king yestreen,


s: That she the night in quiet / upon her couch might lie.


s: That her dress he thus did rumple, / avenged the lady grievously.


s: What booted now his prowess / and eke his mickle might?


s: Her sovereignty of body / she proved upon the knight;


s: By force of arm she bore him, / --'twixt wall and mighty chest


s: (For so it e'en must happen) / him she all ungently pressed.


s: "Ah me!"--so thought the hero-- / "shall I now my life


s: Lose at hand of woman, / then will every wife


s: Evermore hereafter / a shrewish temper show


s: All heard the monarch meanwhile / and trembled for the man.


s: Sore ashamed was Siegfried, / and a-raging he began.


s: With might and main he struggled / again to make him free,


s: Long space to him it seemed / ere Siegfried tamed her mood.


s: She grasped his hand so tightly / that 'neath the nails the blood


s: Yet the stately maiden / subdued he to obedience since.


s: Her unrestrained temper / that she so late displayed,


s: All overheard the monarch, / though ne'er a word he said.


s: 'Gainst the bed did press her Siegfried / that aloud she cried,


s: Ungentle was the treatment / that he meted to the bride.


s: Then grasped she for a girdle / that round her sides she wore,


s: And thought therewith to bind him; / but her limbs and body o'er


s: Strained beneath the vigor / that his strong arm displayed.


s: So was the struggle ended / --Gunther's wife was vanquished.


s: She spake: "O noble monarch, / take not my life away.


s: The harm that I have done thee / full well will I repay.


s: No more thy royal embraces / by me shall be withstood,


s: From the couch rose Siegfried, / lying he left the maid,


s: As if that he would from him / lay his clothes aside.


s: He drew from off her finger / a ring of golden sheen


s: Without that e'er perceived / his practice the full noble queen.


s: Thereto he took her girdle / that was all richly wrought:


s: If from wanton spirit / he did it, know I not.


s: The same he gave to Kriemhild: / the which did sorrow bear.


s: Then lay by one another / Gunther and the maiden fair.


s: Hearty were his embraces / as such king became:


s: Perforce must she relinquish / her anger and her shame.


s: In sooth not little pallid / within his arms she grew,


s: And in that love-surrender / how waned her mighty prowess too!


s: Then was e'en she not stronger / than e'er another bride;


s: He lay with fond embraces / the beauteous dame beside.


s: And had she struggled further, / avail how could it aught?


s: And with right inward pleasure / she too beside him lay


s: In warmest love embracings / until the dawn of day!


s: Meantime now had Siegfried / departure ta'en from there,


s: And was full well received / by a lady debonair.


s: Her questioning he avoided / and all whereon she thought,


s: And long time kept he secret / what he for her had brought,


s: Until in his own country / she wore a royal crown;


s: Yet what for her he destined, / how sure at last it was her own.


s: Upon the morn was Gunther / by far of better mood


s: Than he had been before it; / joy thus did spread abroad


s: 'Mid host of knights full noble / that from his lands around


s: The merry time there lasted / until two weeks were spent,


s: Nor all the while did flag there / the din of merriment


s: And every kind of joyance / that knight could e'er devise;


s: With lavish hand expended / the king thereto in fitting wise.


s: The noble monarch's kinsmen / upon his high command


s: By gifts of gold and raiment / told forth his generous hand,


s: By steed and thereto silver / on minstrel oft bestowed.


s: Who there did gift desire / departed thence in merry mood.


s: All the store of raiment / afar from Netherland,


s: The which had Siegfried's thousand / warriors brought to hand


s: Unto the Rhine there with them, / complete 'twas dealt away,


s: Ere all the gifts so bounteous / were dealt the guests among,


s: They who would straightway homeward / did deem the waiting long.


s: Ne'er had guests of monarch / such goodly gifts before;


s: And so as Gunther willed it / the merry feast at last was o'er.


s: When that now the strangers / all from thence were gone,


s: Spake unto his followers / noble Siegmund's son:


s: "We shall eke make ready / home to my land to fare."


s: She spake unto her husband: / "When shall we hence depart?


s: Not hastily on the journey / I pray thee yet to start.


s: With me first my brothers / their wide lands shall share."


s: Siegfried yet it pleased not / such words from Kriemhild to hear.


s: The princes went unto him / and spake they there all three:


s: "Now know thou well, Sir Siegfried, / for thee shall ever be


s: In faithfulness our service / ready while yet we live."


s: "With thee further share we," / spake young Giselher,


s: "The lands and eke the castles / by us that owned are.


s: In wide lands whatsoever / we rule o'er warriors brave,


s: Of the same with Kriemhild / a goodly portion shalt thou have.


s: Then spake unto the princes / the son of Siegmund


s: When he their lofty purpose / did rightly understand:


s: "God grant your goodly heritage / at peace may ever be,


s: "May well forego the portion / that ye to her would give.


s: For she a crown shall carry, / if to such day I live,


s: And queen more rich than any / that lives she then must be.


s: What else to her ye offer, / therein I'll meet you faithfully."


s: Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "If wealth thou wilt not choose,


s: They're such as monarch gladly / would lead to his own land.


s: Of these shall make division / with me my loving brothers' hand."


s: Thereto spake noble Gernot: / "Now take to please thy mind.


s: Who gladly will go with thee / full many here thou'lt find.


s: Of thirty hundred warriors / we give thee thousand men


s: To be thy royal escort." / Kriemhild did summon then


s: Hagen of Tronje to her / and Ortwein instantly:


s: And would they and their kinsmen / make her good company?


s: To hear the same did Hagen / begin to rage full sore.


s: Quoth he: "E'en royal Gunther / may thus bestow us nevermore.


s: "Other men that serve thee, / let them follow thee;


s: Thou know'st the men of Tronje / and what their pledges be:


s: Here must we by the monarchs / in service true abide;


s: And so the thing was ended: / to part they ready make.


s: A high and noble escort / did Kriemhild to her take,


s: Maidens two and thirty / and five hundred men also.


s: In Lady Kriemhild's company / the Margrave Eckewart did go.


s: Leave took they all together, / squire and also knight,


s: Maidens and fair ladies, / as was their wont aright.


s: There parted they with kisses / and eke with clasp of hand:


s: Right merrily they journeyed / forth from royal Gunther's land.


s: Their friends did give them escort / upon the way full far.


s: Night-quarters at every station / they bade for them prepare,


s: Where they might wish to tarry / as on their way they went.


s: Then straightway was a messenger / unto royal Siegmund sent,


s: To him and Siegelind bearing / thereof the joyful sign


s: That his son was coming / from Worms upon the Rhine


s: And with him Ute's daughter, / Kriemhild the fair lady.


s: As this could other message / nevermore so welcome be.


s: "Well is me!" quoth Siegmund, / "that I the day have known,


s: When the fair Lady Kriemhild / here shall wear a crown.


s: Thus higher shall my kingdom / stand in majesty.


s: My son the noble Siegfried / here himself the king shall be."


s: Then dealt the Lady Siegelind / velvet red in store,


s: Silver and gold full heavy / to them the news that bore:


s: She joyed to hear the story / that there her ear did greet.


s: Then decked themselves her ladies / all in rich attire meet.


s: 'Twas told, with Siegfried coming / whom they did expect.


s: Then bade they sitting-places / straightway to erect,


s: Where he before his kinsmen / a crown in state should wear.


s: Then men of royal Siegmund / forward rode to meet him there.


s: Was e'er more royal greeting, / news have I not to hand,


s: As came the knights full noble / into Siegmund's land.


s: There the royal Siegelind / to Kriemhild forth did ride


s: With ladies fair a many, / and followed gallant knights beside


s: Out a full day's journey / to welcome each high guest.


s: And little with the strangers / did they ever rest


s: Until into a castle / wide they came once more,


s: The same was called Xanten, / where anon a crown they wore.


s: With smiling lips Dame Siegelind / --and Siegmund eke did this--


s: To show the love they bore her / full oft did Kriemhild kiss,


s: And eke the royal Siegfried: / far was their sorrow gone.


s: And all the merry company, / good welcome had they every one.


s: The train of strangers bade they / 'fore Siegmund's Hall to lead,


s: Helped they there dismounting. / Full many a man was there


s: To do them willing service / as was meet for ladies fair.


s: How great soe'er the splendor / erstwhile beside the Rhine,


s: Here none the less was given / raiment yet more fine,


s: Nor were they e'er attired / in all their days so well.


s: Full many a wonder might I / of their rich apparel tell.


s: How there in state resplendent / they sat and had full store,


s: And how each high attendant / gold-broidered raiment wore,


s: With stones full rare and precious / set with skill therein!


s: The while with care did serve them / Siegelind the noble queen.


s: Then spake the royal Siegmund / before his people so:


s: "To every friend of Siegfried / give I now to know


s: That he before these warriors / my royal crown shall wear."


s: And did rejoice that message / the thanes of Netherland to hear.


s: His crown to him he tendered / and rule o'er wide domain


s: Whereof he all was master. / Where'er did reach his reign


s: Or men were subject to him / bestowed his hand such care


s: That evil-doers trembled / before the spouse of Kriemhild fair.


s: In such high honor truly / he lived, as ye shall hear,


s: And judged as lofty monarch / unto the tenth year,


s: What time his fairest lady / to him a son did bear.


s: Thereat the monarch's kinsmen / filled with mickle joyance were.


s: They soon the same did christen / and gave to him a name,


s: Gunther, as hight his uncle, / nor cause was that for shame:


s: Grew he but like his kinsmen / then happy might he be.


s: As well he did deserve it, / him fostered they right carefully.


s: In the selfsame season / did Lady Siegelind die,


s: When was full power wielded / by Ute's daughter high,


s: As meet so lofty lady / should homage wide receive.


s: That death her thus had taken / did many a worthy kinsman grieve.


s: Now by the Rhine yonder, / as we likewise hear,


s: Unto mighty Gunther / eke a son did bear


s: Brunhild his fair lady / in the land of Burgundy.


s: In honor to the hero / Siegfried named eke was he.


s: The child they also fostered / with what tender care!


s: Gunther the noble monarch / anon did masters rare


s: Find who should instruct him / a worthy man to grow.


s: Alas! by sad misfortune / to friends was dealt how fell a blow!


s: At all times the story / far abroad was told,


s: How that in right worthy / way the warriors bold


s: Lived there in Siegmund's country / as noble knights should do.


s: Likewise did royal Gunther / eke amid his kinsmen true.


s: Land of the Nibelungen / Siegfried as well did own,


s: --Amid his lofty kindred / a mightier ne'er was known--


s: Hoard of all the greatest / that hero ever won,


s: Save who erstwhile did wield it, / now the knight did own,


s: The which before a mountain / he seized against despite,


s: And for whose sake he further / slew full many a gallant knight.


s: One was he of the worthiest / that e'er bestrode a steed.


s: Now all time bethought her / royal Gunther's wife:


s: "How now doth Lady Kriemhild / lead so haughty life?


s: In sooth her husband Siegfried / doth homage to us owe,


s: But now full long unto us / little service he doth show."


s: That in her heart in secret / eke she pondered o'er.


s: That they were strangers to her / did grieve her heart full sore,


s: How it thus was fallen, / that she fain would understand.


s: She probed then the monarch, / if the thing might be,


s: That she the Lady Kriemhild / once again might see.


s: She spake it all in secret / whereon her heart did dwell;


s: "How might we bring them hither" / --spake the mighty king--


s: "Unto this my country? / 'Twere ne'er to do, such thing.


s: They dwell too distant from us, / the quest I fear to make."


s: "How high soe'er and mighty / king's man were ever one,


s: Whate'er should bid his master, / may he not leave undone."


s: Thereat did smile King Gunther, / as such words spake she:


s: Ne'er bade he aught of service, / oft as Siegfried he did see.


s: She spake: "Full loving master, / as thou hold'st me dear,


s: Help me now that Siegfried / and thy sister fair


s: Come to this our country, / that them we here may see;


s: In sooth no thing could ever / unto me more welcome be.


s: "Thy sister's lofty bearing / and all her courtesy,


s: Whene'er I think upon it, / full well it pleaseth me,


s: How we did sit together / when erst I was thy spouse!


s: She pleaded with the monarch / so long till answered he:


s: "Know now that guests none other / so welcome were to me.


s: To gain thy wish 'tis easy: / straight messengers of mine


s: Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Now further shalt thou say,


s: When thou them wilt summon, / or when shall be the day


s: That our dear friends come hither / unto our country.


s: "That will I," spake the monarch. / "Thirty of my men


s: Shall thither ride unto them." / The same he summoned then,


s: And bade them with the message / to Siegfried's land to fare.


s: They joyed as gave them Brunhild / stately raiment rich to wear.


s: Then further spake the monarch: / "Ye knights from me shall bring


s: Unto the doughty Siegfried / and eke my sister fair:


s: In the world could never any / to them a better purpose bear.


s: "And pray them both that hither / they come unto the Rhine.


s: With me will e'er my lady / such grace to pay combine,


s: Ere turn of sun in summer / he and his men shall know


s: That liveth here full many / to them would willing honor show.


s: "Unto royal Siegmund / bear greeting fair from me,


s: That I and my friends ever / to him well-minded be.


s: And tell ye eke my sister / she shall no wise omit


s: Brunhild and Ute / and ladies all at hand,


s: They sent a fairest greeting / unto Siegfried's land


s: To winsome ladies many / and many a warrior brave.


s: They fared with full equipment: / their steeds did ready stand


s: And rich were they attired: / so rode they from that land


s: They hastened on the journey / whither they would fare;


s: Escort safe the monarch / had bidden eke for them prepare.


s: Their journey had they ended / e'er three weeks were spent.


s: At the Nibelungen castle, / whither they were sent,


s: In the mark of Norway / found they the knight they sought,


s: And weary were the horses / the messengers so far had brought.


s: Then was told to Siegfried / and to Kriemhild fair


s: How knights were there arrived / who did raiment wear


s: Like as in land of Burgundy / of wont the warriors dressed.


s: Then bade eke to a window / one of her maids to go.


s: She saw the valiant Gere / stand in the court below,


s: And with him his companions, / who did thither fare.


s: She spake unto the monarch: / "Look now thitherward


s: Where with the doughty Gere / stand in the castle yard


s: Whom to us brother Gunther / adown the Rhine doth send!"


s: Thereto spake doughty Siegfried: / "With greeting fair we'll them


s: Then hastened their retainers / all the guests to meet,


s: And each of them in special / manner then did greet


s: The messengers full kindly / and warmest welcome bade.


s: Siegmund did likewise / o'er their coming wax full glad.


s: In fitting way was harbored / Gere and his men,


s: And steeds in charge were taken. / The messengers went then


s: Where beside Sir Siegfried / the Lady Kriemhild sat.


s: The host with his fair lady, / straightway up stood he,


s: And greeted fairly Gere / of the land of Burgundy


s: And with him his companions / King Gunther's men also.


s: Gere, knight full mighty, / bade they to a settle go.


s: "Allow that first the message / we give ere sit we down;


s: The while we'll stand, though weary / upon our journey grown.


s: Tidings bring we to you / what greetings high have sent


s: Gunther and Brunhild / who live in royal fair content.


s: "Eke what from Lady Ute / thy mother now we've brought.


s: The youthful Giselher / and also Sir Gernot


s: And best among thy kinsmen / have sent us here to thee:


s: A fairest greeting send they / from the land of Burgundy."


s: Likewise doth eke their sister. / Now further shall ye tell


s: If that our friends beloved / at home in high estate do dwell.


s: "Since that we from them parted / hath any dared to do


s: Scathe to my lady's kinsmen? / That shall ye let me know.


s: I'll help them ever truly / all their need to bear


s: Till that their enemies / have good cause my help to fear."


s: Then spake the Margrave / Gere, a knight full good:


s: "In all that maketh knighthood / right proud they stand of mood.


s: Unto the Rhine they bid you / to high festivity:


s: "And bid they eke my Lady / Kriemhild that she too,


s: When ended is the winter, / thither come with you.


s: Ere turn of sun in summer / trust they you to see."


s: Thereto did answer Gere / of the land of Burgundy:


s: "Your high mother Ute / hath message sent by me,


s: Likewise Gernot and Giselher, / that they plead not in vain.


s: That you they see so seldom / daily hear I them complain.


s: "Brunhild my mistress / and all her company


s: Of fair maids rejoice them; / if the thing might be


s: That they again should see you, / of merry mood they were."


s: Then joy to hear the tidings / filled the Lady Kriemhild fair.


s: Gere to her was kinsman. / The host did bid him rest,


s: Nor long were they in pouring / wine for every guest.


s: Thither came eke Siegmund / where the strangers he did see,


s: And in right friendly manner / spake to the men of Burgundy:


s: "Welcome be, ye warriors, / ye Gunther's men, each one.


s: Since that fair Kriemhild / Siegfried my son


s: For spouse did take unto him, / we should you ofter see


s: Here in this our country, / an ye good friends to us would be."


s: They spake, whene'er he wished it, / full glad to come were they.


s: The messengers were seated / and food to them they bore,


s: Whereof did Siegfried offer / unto his guests a goodly store.


s: Until nine days were over / must they there abide,


s: When did at last the valiant / knights begin to chide


s: That they did not ride thither / again unto their land.


s: Then did the royal Siegfried / summon his good knights to hand.


s: He asked what they did counsel: / should they unto the Rhine?


s: "Me unto him hath bidden / Gunther, friend of mine,


s: He and his good kinsmen, / to high festivity.


s: Thither went I full gladly, / but that his land so far doth lie.


s: "Kriemhild bid they likewise / that she with me shall fare.


s: Good friends, now give ye counsel / how we therefor prepare.


s: And were it armies thirty / to lead in distant land,


s: Yet must serve them gladly / evermore Siegfried's hand."


s: Then answer gave his warriors. / "An't pleaseth thee to go


s: Thither to the festival, / we'll counsel what thou do.


s: Thou shalt with thousand warriors / unto Rhine river ride.


s: So may'st thou well with honor / in the land of Burgundy abide."


s: Then spake of Netherland / Siegmund the king:


s: "Will ye to the festival, / why hide from me the thing!


s: I'll journey with you thither, / if it not displeasing be,


s: "And wilt thou with us journey, / father full dear to me,"


s: Spake the valiant Siegfried, / "full glad thereat I'll be.


s: Before twelve days are over / from these my lands I fare."


s: When now the lofty monarch / was minded thus to ride


s: Bade he the noble messengers / longer not to bide,


s: And to his lady's kinsmen / to the Rhine a message sent,


s: How that he would full gladly / join to make them merriment.


s: Siegfried and Kriemhild, / this same tale we hear,


s: To the messengers gave so richly / that the burden could not bear


s: The horses heavy-laden / drove they thence with hearts full glad.


s: Siegfried and Siegmund / their people richly clad.


s: Eckewart the Margrave, / straightway he bade


s: For ladies choose rich clothing, / the best that might be found,


s: Or e'er could be procured / in all Siegfried's lands around.


s: The shields and the saddles / gan they eke prepare,


s: To knights and fair ladies / who with them should fare


s: The messengers swift hasted / homeward on their way,


s: And soon again came Gere / to the land of Burgundy.


s: Full well was he received, / and there dismounted all


s: Old knights and youthful squires / crowded, as is their way,


s: To ask of them the tidings. / Thus did the brave knight say:


s: "When to the king I tell them / then shall ye likewise hear."


s: He went with his companions / and soon 'fore Gunther did appear.


s: Full of joy the monarch / did from the settle spring;


s: And did thank them also / for their hastening


s: Brunhild the fair lady. / Spake Gunther eagerly:


s: "How now liveth Siegfried, / whose arm hath oft befriended me?"


s: Then spake the valiant Gere: / "Joy o'er the visage went


s: Of him and eke thy sister. / To friends was never sent


s: A more faithful greeting / by good knight ever one,


s: Than now the mighty Siegfried / and his royal sire have done."


s: Then spake unto the Margrave / the noble monarch's wife:


s: "Now tell me, cometh Kriemhild? / And marketh yet her life


s: Aught of the noble bearing / did her erstwhile adorn?"


s: "She cometh to thee surely," / Gere answer did return.


s: Ute straightway the messengers / to her did command.


s: Then might ye by her asking / full well understand


s: To her was joyous tidings / how Kriemhild did betide.


s: Eke of all the presents / did they naught withhold,


s: That had given them Siegfried: / apparel rich and gold


s: Displayed they to the people / of the monarchs three.


s: "Well may he," quoth Hagen, / "of his treasure give,


s: Nor could he deal it fully, / should he forever live:


s: Hoard of the Nibelungen / beneath his hand doth lie.


s: Heigh-ho, if came it ever / into the land of Burgundy!"


s: All the king's retainers / glad they were thereat,


s: That the guests were coming. / Early then and late


s: Full little were they idle, / the men of monarchs three.


s: Seats builded they full many / toward the high festivity.


s: The valiant knight Hunold / and Sindold doughty thane


s: Little had of leisure. / Meantime must the twain,


s: Stands erect full many, / as their high office bade.


s: Rumold the High Steward / busily he wrought


s: Among them that did serve him. / Full many a mighty pot,


s: And spacious pans and kettles, / how many might ye see!


s: Leave we now the ardor / wherewith they did prepare,


s: And tell how Lady Kriemhild / and eke her maidens fair


s: From land of Nibelungen / did journey to the Rhine.


s: Ne'er did horses carry / such store of raiment rich and fine.


s: Carrying-chests full many / for the way they made ready.


s: Then rode the thane Siegfried / with his friends in company


s: And eke the queen thither / where joy they looked to find.


s: Where now was high rejoicing / they soon in sorest grief repined.


s: At home behind them left they / Lady Kriemhild's son


s: That she did bear to Siegfried / --'twas meet that that be done.


s: From this their festive journey / rose mickle sorrow sore:


s: His father and his mother / their child beheld they never more.


s: Then eke with them thither / Siegmund the king did ride.


s: Had he e'er had knowledge / what should there betide


s: Anon from that high journey, / such had he never seen:


s: Messengers sent they forward / that the tidings told should be.


s: Then forth did ride to meet them / with gladsome company


s: Ute's friends full many / and many a Gunther's man.


s: With zeal to make him ready / unto his guests the king began.


s: Where he found Brunhild sitting, / thither straight went he.


s: "How received thee my sister, / as thou cam'st to this country?


s: Like preparations shalt thou / for Siegfried's wife now make."


s: Then quoth the mighty monarch: / "The morn shall see them here.


s: Wilt thou go forth to meet them, / apace do thou prepare,


s: That not within the castle / their coming we await.


s: Guests more welcome never / greeted I of high estate."


s: Her maidens and her ladies / straight did she command


s: To choose them rich apparel, / the best within the land,


s: In which the stately company / before the guests should go.


s: The same they did right gladly, / that may ye full surely know.


s: Then eke to offer service / the men of Gunther hied,


s: And all his doughty warriors / saw ye by the monarch's side.


s: Then rode the queen full stately / the strangers forth to meet,


s: And hearty was the welcome / as she her loving guests did greet.


s: With what glad rejoicings / the guests they did receive!


s: They deemed that Lady Kriemhild / did unto Brunhild give


s: Ne'er so warm a welcome / to the land of Burgundy.


s: Now come was also Siegfried / with his valiant men.


s: The warriors saw ye riding / thither and back again,


s: Where'er the plain extended, / with huge company.


s: From the dust and crowding / could none in all the rout be free.


s: When the monarch of the country / Siegfried did see


s: And with him also Siegmund, / spake he full lovingly:


s: "Be ye to me full welcome / and to all these friends of mine.


s: "God give thee meed," spake Siegmund, / a knight in honor grown.


s: "Since that my son Siegfried / thee for a friend hath known,


s: My heart hath e'er advised me / that thee I soon should see."


s: Siegfried was there received, / as fitted his high state,


s: With full lofty honors, / nor one did bear him hate.


s: There joined in way right courteous / Gernot and Giselher:


s: I ween so warm a welcome / did they make for strangers ne'er.


s: The spouse of each high monarch / greeted the other there.


s: Emptied was many a saddle, / and many a lady fair


s: By hero's hand was lifted / adown upon the sward.


s: By waiting on fair lady / how many a knight sought high reward!


s: So went unto each other / the ladies richly dight;


s: Thereat in high rejoicing / was seen full many a knight,


s: That by both the greeting / in such fair way was done.


s: By fair maidens standing / saw ye warriors many a one.


s: Each took the hand of other / in all their company;


s: In courteous manner bending / full many might ye see


s: And loving kisses given / by ladies debonair.


s: Rejoiced the men of Gunther / and Siegfried to behold them there.


s: They bided there no longer / but rode into the town.


s: The host bade to the strangers / in fitting way be shown,


s: That they were seen full gladly / in the land of Burgundy.


s: High knights full many tilting / before fair ladies might ye see.


s: In high feats of valor / all other knights outshine.


s: Whate'er the twain commanded / dared none to leave undone;


s: By them was many a service / to their high guests in honor shown.


s: Shields heard ye many clashing / before the castle gate


s: With din of lances breaking. / Long in saddle sate


s: The host and guests there with him, / ere that within they went.


s: With full merry pastime / joyfully the hours they spent.


s: Unto the Hall so spacious / rode the merry company.


s: Many a silken cover / wrought full cunningly


s: Saw ye beyond the saddles / of the ladies debonair


s: Led by the same the strangers / to their apartments passed.


s: Meanwhile oft her glances / Brunhild was seen to cast


s: Upon the Lady Kriemhild, / for she was passing fair.


s: In lustre vied her color / with the gold that she did wear.


s: Within the town a clamor / at Worms on every hand


s: Arose amid their followers. / King Gunther gave command


s: To Dankwart his Marshal / to tend them all with care.


s: Then bade he fitting quarters / for the retinue prepare.


s: Without and in the castle / the board for all was set:


s: In sooth were never strangers / better tended yet.


s: Whatever any wished for / did they straightway provide:


s: So mighty was the monarch / that naught to any was denied.


s: To them was kind attention / and all good friendship shown.


s: The host then at the table / with his guests sat him down.


s: Siegfried they bade be seated / where he did sit before.


s: Then went with him to table / full many a stately warrior more.


s: Gallant knights twelve hundred / in the circle there, I ween,


s: With him sat at table. / Brunhild the lofty queen


s: Did deem that never vassal / could more mighty be.


s: So well she yet was minded, / she saw it not unwillingly.


s: There upon an evening, / as the king with guests did dine,


s: Full many a rich attire / was wet with ruddy wine,


s: As passed among the tables / the butlers to and fro.


s: And great was their endeavor / full honor to the guests to show.


s: As long hath been the custom / at high festivity


s: Fit lodging there was given / to maid and high lady.


s: When now the night was ended / and came forth the dawn,


s: From chests they carried with them, / full many a precious stone


s: Sparkled on costly raiment / by hand of lady sought.


s: Stately robes full many / forth to deck them then they brought.


s: Ere dawn was full appeared, / before the Hall again


s: Came knights and squires many, / whereat arose the din


s: E'en before the matins / that for the king were sung.


s: Full lustily and loudly / many a horn did blare,


s: Of flutes and eke of trumpets / such din did rend the air


s: That loud came back the echo / from Worms the city wide.


s: The warriors high-hearted / to saddle sprung on every side.


s: Arose there in that country / high a jousting keen


s: Of many a doughty warrior / whereof were many seen,


s: Whom there their hearts more youthful / did make of merry mood;


s: There sat within the casements / many a high lady


s: And maidens many with them, / the which were fair to see.


s: Down looked they where did tourney / many a valiant man.


s: The host with his good kinsmen / himself a-riding soon began.


s: Thus they found them pastime, / and fled the time full well;


s: Then heard they from the minster / the sound of many a bell.


s: Forth upon their horses / the ladies thence did ride;


s: Many a knight full valiant / the lofty queens accompanied.


s: They then before the minster / alighted on the grass.


s: Unto her guests Queen Brunhild / yet well-minded was.


s: Into the spacious minster / they passed, and each wore crown.


s: Their friendship yet was broken / by direst jealousy anon.


s: When the mass was ended / went they thence again


s: In full stately manner. / Thereafter were they seen


s: Joyous at board together. / The pleasure full did last,


s: Until days eleven / amid the merry-making passed.


s: Before the time of vespers / arose a mickle stir


s: On part of warriors many / upon the courtyard there.


s: In knightly fashion made they / the time go pleasantly;


s: Thither knights and ladies / went their merry play to see.


s: There did sit together / the queens, a stately pair,


s: And of two knights bethought them, / that noble warriors were.


s: Then spake the fair Kriemhild: / "Such spouse in sooth have I,


s: Then spake the Lady Brunhild: / "How might such thing be?


s: If that there lived none other / but himself and thee,


s: So might perchance his power / rule these kingdoms o'er;


s: The while that liveth Gunther, / may such thing be nevermore."


s: Then again spake Kriemhild: / "Behold how he doth stand


s: In right stately fashion / before the knightly band,


s: Like as the bright moon beameth / before the stars of heaven.


s: In sooth to think upon it / a joyous mood to me is given."


s: Then spake the Lady Brunhild: / "How stately thy spouse be,


s: Howe'er so fair and worthy, / yet must thou grant to me


s: Gunther, thy noble brother, / doth far beyond him go:


s: Then again spake Kriemhild: / "So worthy is my spouse,


s: That I not have praised him / here without a cause.


s: In ways to tell full many / high honor doth he bear:


s: "Now guard thee, Lady Kriemhild, / my word amiss to take,


s: For not without good reason here / such thing I spake.


s: Both heard I say together, / when them I first did see,


s: And when in knightly fashion / my love for him he won,


s: Then himself said Siegfried / he were the monarch's man.


s: For liegeman thus I hold him, / since he the same did say."


s: "And these my noble brothers, / how could they such thing see,


s: That I of their own liegeman / e'er the wife should be?


s: Thus will I beg thee, Brunhild, / as friend to friend doth owe,


s: "No whit will I give over," / spake the monarch's spouse.


s: "Wherefore should I so many / a knight full valiant lose,


s: Who to us in service / is bounden with thy man?"


s: Kriemhild the fair lady / thereat sore to rage began.


s: "In sooth must thou forego it / that he should e'er to thee


s: Aught of service offer. / More worthy e'en is he


s: Than is my brother Gunther, / who is a royal lord.


s: "And to me is ever wonder, / since he thy liegeman is,


s: And thou dost wield such power / over us twain as this,


s: That he so long his tribute / to thee hath failed to pay.


s: "Too lofty now thou soarest," / the queen did make reply.


s: "Now will I see full gladly / if in such honor high


s: This folk doth hold thy person / as mine own it doth."


s: Of mood full sorely wrathful / were the royal ladies both.


s: Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "That straightway shall be seen.


s: To-day shall all the followers / of both the monarchs know,


s: If I 'fore wife of monarch / dare unto the minster go.


s: "That I free-born and noble / shalt thou this day behold,


s: And that my royal husband, / as now to thee I've told,


s: 'Fore thine doth stand in honor, / by me shall well be shown.


s: To court shall lead good warriors / in the land of Burgundy.


s: And ne'er a queen so lofty / as I myself shall be


s: Was seen by e'er a mortal, / or yet a crown did wear."


s: Then mickle was the anger / that rose betwixt the ladies there.


s: Then again spake Brunhild: / "Wilt thou not service own,


s: So must thou with thy women / hold thyself alone


s: Apart from all my following, / as we to minster go."


s: "Now dress ye fair, my maidens," / Kriemhild gave command.


s: "Nor shall shame befall me / here within this land.


s: An have ye fair apparel, / let now be seen by you.


s: But little need to urge them: / soon were they richly clad


s: In garments wrought full deftly, / lady and many a maid.


s: Then went with her attendants / the spouse of the monarch high;


s: With three and forty maidens, / whom to the Rhine led she,


s: All clad in shining garments / wrought in Araby.


s: So came unto the minster / the maidens fair and tall.


s: Before the hall did tarry / for them the men of Siegfried all.


s: The people there did wonder / how the thing might be,


s: That no more together / the queens they thus did see,


s: And that beside each other / they went not as before.


s: Thereby came thanes a many / anon to harm and trouble sore.


s: Here before the minster / the wife of Gunther stood.


s: And good knights full many / were there of merry mood


s: With the fair ladies / that their eyes did see.


s: Then came the Lady Kriemhild / with a full stately company.


s: Whate'er of costly raiment / decked lofty maids before,


s: 'Twas like a windy nothing / 'gainst what her ladies wore.


s: The wives of thirty monarchs / --such riches were her own--


s: Should any wish to do so / he could not say, I ween,


s: That so rich apparel / e'er before was seen


s: As there by her maidens / debonair was worn:


s: But that it grieved Brunhild / had Kriemhild that to do forborne.


s: There they met together / before the minster high.


s: Soon the royal matron, / through mickle jealousy,


s: Kriemhild to pass no further, / did bid in rage full sore:


s: Then spake the Lady Kriemhild / --angry was her mood:


s: "An could'st thou but be silent / that for thee were good.


s: Thyself hast brought dishonor / upon thy fair body:


s: How might, forsooth, a harlot / ever wife of monarch be?"


s: "Whom mak'st thou now a harlot?" / the king's wife answered her.


s: "That do I thee," spake Kriemhild, / "for that thy body fair


s: First was clasped by Siegfried, / knight full dear to me.


s: "How did thy senses leave thee? / Cunning rare was this.


s: How let his love deceive thee, / since he thy liegeman is?


s: "What reck I of such evil? / Thy pride hath thee betrayed,


s: That thou deem'st my homage / should e'er to thee be paid.


s: Know thou in truth full certain / the thing may never be:


s: Nor shall I e'er be ready / to look for faithful friend in thee."


s: Thereat did weep Queen Brunhild: / Kriemhild waited no more,


s: But passed into the minster / the monarch's wife before,


s: With train of fair attendants. / Arose there mickle hate,


s: Whereby eyes brightly shining / anon did grow all dim and wet.


s: However God they worshipped / or there the mass was sung,


s: Did deem the Lady Brunhild / the waiting all too long,


s: For that her heart was saddened / and angry eke her mood.


s: Therefore anon must suffer / many a hero keen and good.


s: Brunhild with her ladies / 'fore the minster did appear.


s: Thought she: "Now must Kriemhild / further give me to hear


s: Of what so loud upbraideth / me this free-tongued wife.


s: Now came the noble Kriemhild / followed by warrior band.


s: Then spake the Lady Brunhild: / "Still thou here shalt stand.


s: Thou giv'st me out for harlot: / let now the same be seen.


s: Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "So may'st thou let me go.


s: With the ring upon my finger / I the same can show:


s: That brought to me my lover / when first by thee he lay."


s: Ne'er did Lady Brunhild / know grief as on this evil day.


s: Full sure will I discover / who this same thief hath been."


s: Then were the royal ladies / both in mood full angry seen.


s: Then gave answer Kriemhild: / "I deem the thief not I.


s: Well hadst thou been silent, / hold'st thou thine honor high.


s: I'll show it with this girdle / that I around me wear,


s: Wrought of silk of Nineveh / a girdle there she wore,


s: That of stones full precious / showed a goodly store.


s: When saw it Lady Brunhild / straight to weep gan she:


s: Soon must Gunther know it / and all the men of Burgundy.


s: Then spake the royal matron: / "Bid hither come to me


s: Of Rhine the lofty monarch. / Hear straightway shall he


s: How that his sister / doth my honor stain.


s: The king came with his warriors, / where he did weeping find


s: His royal spouse Brunhild, / then spake in manner kind:


s: "Now tell me, my dear lady, / who hath done aught to thee?"


s: She spake unto the monarch: / "Thy wife unhappy must thou see.


s: "Me, thy royal consort, / would thy sister fain


s: Rob of all mine honor. / To thee must I complain:


s: She boasts her husband Siegfried / hath known thy royal bed."


s: "I did lose a girdle: / here by her 'tis worn,


s: And my ring all golden. / That I e'er was born,


s: Do I rue full sorely / if thou wardest not from me


s: This full great dishonor: / that will I full repay to thee."


s: Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "Now shall he come near,


s: And hath he such thing boasted, / so shall he let us hear:


s: Eke must full deny it / the knight of Netherland."


s: When that angry-minded / Siegfried them did see,


s: Nor knew thereof the reason, / straightway then spake he:


s: "Why do weep these ladies? / I'd gladly know that thing,


s: Or wherefore to this presence / I am bidden by the king."


s: Then spake the royal Gunther: / "Sore grieveth me this thing:


s: To me my Lady Brunhild / doth the story bring,


s: How that thereof thou boastest / that her fair body lay


s: First in thy embraces: / this doth thy Lady Kriemhild say."


s: Thereto gave answer Siegfried: / "An if she thus hath said,


s: Full well shall she repent it / ere doth rest my head:


s: Before all thy good warriors / of that I'll make me free,


s: Then spake of Rhine the monarch: / "That shalt thou let us see.


s: The oath that thou dost offer, / if such performed be,


s: Of all false accusation / shalt thou delivered stand."


s: The full valiant Siegfried / in oath the hand did give.


s: Then spake the lordly monarch: / "Well now do I perceive


s: How thou art all blameless, / of all I speak thee free;


s: Thereto gave answer Siegfried: / "If gain should e'er accrue


s: Unto my spouse, that Brunhild / from her had cause to rue,


s: Know that to me full sorely / 'twould endless sorrow be."


s: "So should we govern women," / spake the thane Siegfried,


s: "That to leave wanton babble / they should take good heed.


s: Forbid it to thy wife now, / to mine I'll do the same.


s: No more said many a lady / fair, but thus did part.


s: Then did the Lady Brunhild / grieve so sore at heart,


s: That it must move to pity / all King Gunther's men.


s: To go unto his mistress / Hagen of Tronje saw ye then.


s: He asked to know her worry, / as he her weeping saw.


s: Then told she him the story. / To her straight made he vow,


s: That Lady Kriemhild's husband / must for the thing atone,


s: Else henceforth should never / a joyous day by him be known.


s: Then came Ortwein and Gernot / where they together spake,


s: And there the knights did counsel / Siegfried's life to take.


s: Thither came eke Giselher, / son of Ute high.


s: "Ye good knights and noble, / wherefore do ye that?


s: Ne'er deserved hath Siegfried / in such way your hate,


s: That he therefor should forfeit / at your hands his life.


s: "Therefrom but little honor / had many a noble thane.


s: The thing that he hath boasted / upon my mistress high,


s: Then spake himself the monarch: / "To us he ne'er did give


s: Aught but good and honor: / let him therefore live.


s: What boots it if my anger / I vent the knight upon?


s: Then outspake of Metz / Ortwein the thane:


s: "In sooth his arm full doughty / may bring him little gain.


s: My vengeance full he'll suffer, / if but my lord allow."


s: None yet his words did follow, / but to the monarch's ear


s: Ne'er a day failed Hagen / the thought to whisper there:


s: If that lived not Siegfried, / to him would subject be


s: Royal lands full many. / The king did sorrow bitterly.


s: Then did they nothing further: / soon began the play.


s: As from the lofty minster / passed they on their way,


s: What doughty shafts they shattered / Siegfried's spouse before!


s: Gunther's men full many / saw ye there in rage full sore.


s: Spake the king: "Now leave ye / such mortal enmity:


s: The knight is born our honor / and fortune good to be.


s: Keen is he unto wonder, / hath eke so doughty arm


s: "Naught shall he know," quoth Hagen. / "At peace ye well may be:


s: I trow the thing to manage / so full secretly


s: That Queen Brunhild's weeping / he shall rue full sore.


s: Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "How might such thing e'er be?"


s: We'll bid that hither heralds / unto our land shall fare,


s: Here unknown to any, / who shall hostile tidings bear.


s: "Then say thou 'fore the strangers / that thou with all thy men


s: Wilt forth to meet the enemy. / He'll offer service then


s: If that thus thou sayest, / and lose thereby his life,


s: Can I but learn the story / from the valiant warrior's wife."


s: The king in evil manner / did follow Hagen's rede,


s: And the two knights, ere any / man thereof had heed,


s: Had treachery together / to devise begun.


s: From quarrel of two women / died heroes soon full many a one.


s: Upon the fourth morning / two and thirty men


s: Saw ye to court a-riding. / Unto King Gunther then


s: Were tidings borne that ready / he should make for foe--


s: This lie did bring to women / many, anon full grievous woe.


s: Leave had they 'fore the monarch's / presence to appear,


s: There to give themselves out / for men of Luedeger,


s: Him erstwhile was conquered / by Siegfried's doughty hand


s: And brought a royal hostage / bound unto King Gunther's land.


s: The messengers he greeted / and to seat them gave command.


s: Then spake one amongst them: / "Allow that yet we stand


s: Until we tell the tidings / that to thee are sent.


s: "Defiance bids thee Luedegast / and eke Luedeger


s: Who at thy hands full sorely / erstwhile aggrieved were:


s: In this thy land with hostile / host they'll soon appear."


s: To rage begin the monarch / when such tidings he did hear.


s: Those who did act thus falsely / they bade to lodge the while.


s: How himself might Siegfried / guard against such guile


s: As there they planned against him, / he or ever one?


s: Unto themselves 'twas sorrow / great anon that e'er 'twas done.


s: With his friends the monarch / secret counsel sought.


s: Of the king's men yet were many / who fain would peace restore:


s: But nowise would Hagen / his dark purpose e'er give o'er.


s: Upon a day came Siegfried / when they did counsel take,


s: And there the knight of Netherland / thus unto them spake:


s: "How goeth now so sorrowful / amid his men the king?


s: I'll help you to avenge it, / hath he been wronged in anything."


s: Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "Of right do I lament,


s: Luedegast and Luedeger / have hostile message sent:


s: They will in open manner / now invade my land."


s: "As doth befit thy honor, / know well to turn aside.


s: As erstwhile to thy enemies, / shall now from me betide:


s: Their lands and eke their castles / laid waste by me shall be


s: Ere that I give over: / thereof my head be surety.


s: "Thou and thy good warriors / shall here at home abide,


s: And let me with my company / alone against them ride.


s: That I do serve thee gladly, / that will I let them see;


s: By me shall thy enemies, / --that know thou-- full requited be."


s: "Good tidings, that thou sayest," / then the monarch said,


s: As if he in earnest / did joy to have such aid.


s: Deep did bow before him / the king in treachery.


s: Then spake Sir Siegfried: / "Bring that but little care to thee."


s: Then serving-men full many / bade they ready be:


s: 'Twas done alone that Siegfried / and his men the same might see.


s: "My royal father Siegmund, / here shalt thou remain,"


s: Spake then Sir Siegfried. / "We come full soon again


s: If God but give good fortune, / hither the Rhine beside;


s: Then bound they on the banners / as they thence would fare.


s: Men of royal Gunther / were full many there,


s: Who naught knew of the matter, / or how that thing might be:


s: There with Siegfried saw ye / of knights a mickle company.


s: Their helms and eke their mail-coats / bound on horse did stand:


s: And doughty knights made ready / to fare from out that land.


s: Then went of Tronje Hagen / where he Kriemhild found


s: "Now well is me, such husband / I have," Kriemhild said,


s: "That to my loving kindred / can bring so potent aid,


s: As my lord Siegfried / doth now to friends of me.


s: Thereby," spake the high lady, / "may I full joyous-minded be.


s: "Now full dear friend Hagen, / call thou this to mind,


s: Good-will I e'er have borne thee, / nor hate in any kind.


s: Let now therefrom have profit / the husband dear to me.


s: If Brunhild aught I've injured / may't not to him requited be.


s: "For that I since have suffered," / spake the high lady.


s: "Sore punishment hath offered / therefor the knight to me.


s: That I have aught e'er spoken / to make her sad of mood,


s: Vengeance well hath taken / on me the valiant knight and good."


s: "In the days hereafter shall ye / be reconciled full well.


s: Kriemhild, beloved lady, / to me shalt thou tell


s: How that in Siegfried's person / I may service do to thee.


s: That do I gladly, lady, / and unto none more willingly."


s: "No longer were I fearful," / spake his noble wife,


s: "That e'er in battle any / should take from him his life,


s: Would he but cease to follow / his high undaunted mood:


s: Secure were then forever / the thane full valiant and good."


s: "Lady," spake then Hagen, / "an hast thou e'er a fear


s: On horse and foot to guard him / shall ever be my fair intent."


s: She spake: "Of my kin art thou, / as I eke of thine.


s: In truth to thee commended / be then dear spouse of mine,


s: That him well thou guardest / whom full dear I hold."


s: She told to him a story / 'twere better had she left untold.


s: She spake: "A valorous husband / is mine, and doughty too.


s: When he the worm-like dragon / by the mountain slew,


s: In its blood the stately / knight himself then bathed,


s: Since when from cutting weapons / in battle is he all unscathed.


s: "Nathless my heart is troubled / when he in fight doth stand,


s: And full many a spear-shaft / is hurled by hero's hand,


s: Lest that I a husband / full dear should see no more.


s: Alack! How oft for Siegfried / must I sit in sorrow sore!


s: "On thy good-will I rest me, / dear friend, to tell to thee,


s: And that thy faith thou fully / provest now to me,


s: Where that my spouse may smitten / be by hand of foe.


s: This I now shall tell thee, / and on thy honor this I do.


s: "When from the wounded dragon / reeking flowed the blood,


s: And therein did bathe him / the valiant knight and good,


s: Fell down between his shoulders / full broad a linden leaf.


s: There may he be smitten; / 'tis cause to me of mickle grief.'


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Upon his tunic sew


s: Thou a little token. / Thereby shall I know


s: Where I may protect him / when in the fight we strain."


s: She spake: "All fine and silken / upon his coat I'll sew


s: A little cross full secret. / There, doughty thane, shalt thou


s: From my knight ward danger / when battle rageth sore,


s: And when amid the turmoil / he stands his enemies before."


s: "That will I do," quoth Hagen, / "lady full dear to me."


s: Then weened eke the lady / it should his vantage be,


s: But there alone did Kriemhild / her own good knight betray.


s: Leave of her took Hagen, / and joyously he went away.


s: The followers of the monarch / were all of merry mood.


s: I ween that knight thereafter / never any could


s: Of treachery be guilty / such as then was he


s: When that Queen Kriemhild / did rest on his fidelity.


s: With his men a thousand / upon the following day


s: Rode thence Sir Siegfried / full joyously away.


s: When he had viewed the token / sent Hagen thence away


s: Two of his men in secret / who did other tidings say:


s: How that King Gunther's country / had nothing now to fear


s: And that unto the monarch / had sent them royal Luedeger.


s: 'Twas little joy to Siegfried / that he must turn again


s: Ere for the hostile menace / vengeance he had ta'en.


s: In sooth the men of Gunther / could scarce his purpose bend.


s: Then rode he to the monarch, / who thus began his thanks to lend:


s: "Now God reward thee for it, / my good friend Siegfried,


s: That thou with mind so willing / hast holpen me in need.


s: That shall I e'er repay thee, / as I may do of right.


s: To thee before all other / friends do I my service plight.


s: "Now that from battle-journey / free we are once more,


s: So will I ride a-hunting / the wild bear and the boar


s: Away to the Vosges forest, / as I full oft have done."


s: The same had counselled Hagen, / the full dark and faithless man.


s: "To all my guests here with me / shall now be told


s: That we ride forth at daybreak: / themselves shall ready hold,


s: Who will join the hunting; / will any here remain


s: Then outspake Sir Siegfried / as in manner due:


s: "If that thou rid'st a-hunting, / go I gladly too.


s: A huntsman shalt thou grant me / and good hound beside


s: Straightway spake the monarch: / "Wilt thou but one alone?


s: And wilt thou, four I'll grant thee, / to whom full well is known


s: Unto his spouse then rode he, / the gallant knight and bold.


s: Full soon thereafter Hagen / unto the king had told


s: How he within his power / would have the noble thane:


s: May deed so dark and faithless / ne'er by knight be done again!


s: Gunther and Hagen, / the knights full keen,


s: Proposed with evil forethought / a hunting in the green:


s: The boar within the forest / they'd chase with pointed spear,


s: With them rode also Siegfried / happy and light of heart:


s: Their load of rich refreshments / was made in goodly part.


s: Where a spring ran cooling / they took from him his life,


s: Whereto in chief had urged them / Brunhild, royal Gunther's wife.


s: Then went the valiant Siegfried / where he Kriemhild found;


s: Rich hunting-dress was laden / and now stood ready bound


s: For him and his companions / across the Rhine to go.


s: Than this a sadder hour / nevermore could Kriemhild know.


s: The spouse he loved so dearly / upon the mouth he kissed.


s: "God grant that well I find thee / again, if so He list,


s: And thine own eyes to see me. / 'Mid kin that hold thee dear


s: May now the time go gently, / the while I am no longer near."


s: Then thought she of the story / --but silence must she keep--


s: Whereof once Hagen asked her: / then began to weep


s: The princess high and noble / that ever she was born,


s: She spake unto her husband: / "Let now this hunting be.


s: I dreamt this night of evil, / how wild boars hunted thee,


s: Two wild boars o'er the meadow, / wherefrom the flowers grew red.


s: "Yea, do I fear, Sir Siegfried, / something treacherous,


s: If perchance have any / of those been wronged by us


s: Who might yet be able / to vent their enmity.


s: Quoth he: "I come, dear lady, / when some short days are flown.


s: Of foes who bear us hatred / here know I never one.


s: All of thine own kindred / are gracious unto me,


s: Nor know I aught of reason / why they should other-minded be."


s: "But nay, beloved Siegfried, / thy death I fear 'twill prove.


s: This night I dreamt misfortune, / how o'er thee from above


s: Down there fell two mountains: / I never saw thee more.


s: The lady rich in virtue / within his arms he pressed,


s: And with loving kisses / her fair form caressed.


s: From her thence he parted / ere long time was o'er:


s: Alas for her, she saw him / alive thereafter nevermore.


s: Then rode from thence the hunters / deep within a wold


s: In search of pleasant pastime. / Full many a rider bold


s: Followed after Gunther / in his stately train.


s: Gernot and Giselher, / --at home the knights did both remain.


s: Went many a horse well laden / before them o'er the Rhine,


s: That for the huntsmen carried / store of bread and wine,


s: Meat along with fishes / and other victualling,


s: The which upon his table / were fitting for so high a king.


s: Then bade they make encampment / before the forest green


s: Where game was like to issue, / those hunters proud and keen,


s: Who there would join in hunting, / on a meadow wide that spread.


s: By the merry huntsmen / soon were watched complete


s: At every point the runways. / The company then did greet


s: Siegfried the keen and doughty: / "Who now within the green


s: Unto the game shall guide us, / ye warriors so bold and keen?"


s: "Now part we from each other," / answered Hagen then,


s: "Ere that the hunting / we do here begin!


s: Thereby may be apparent / to my masters and to me


s: Who on this forest journey / of the hunters best may be.


s: "Let then hounds and huntsmen / be ta'en in equal share,


s: That wheresoever any / would go, there let him fare.


s: Who then is first in hunting / shall have our thanks this day."


s: Not longer there together / did the merry hunters stay.


s: Thereto quoth Sir Siegfried: / "Of dogs have I no need,


s: More than one hound only / of trusty hunting breed


s: For scenting well the runway / of wild beast through the brake.


s: Then took a practised hunter / a good tracking-hound,


s: That did bring them where they / game in plenty found,


s: Nor kept them long awaiting. / Whate'er did spring from lair


s: Pursued the merry huntsmen, / as still good hunters everywhere.


s: As many as the hound started / slew with mighty hand


s: Siegfried the full doughty / hero of Netherland.


s: So swiftly went his charger / that none could him outrun;


s: And praise before all others / soon he in the hunting won.


s: He was in every feature / a valiant knight and true.


s: The first within the forest / that with his hand he slew


s: Was a half-grown wild-boar / that he smote to ground;


s: Thereafter he full quickly / a wild and mighty lion found.


s: When it the hound had started, / with bow he shot it dead,


s: Wherewith a pointed arrow / he had so swiftly sped


s: That the lion after / could forward spring but thrice.


s: Soon fell a prey unto him / an elk and bison more,


s: A giant stag he slew him / and huge ure-oxen four.


s: His steed bore him so swiftly / that none could him outrun;


s: Of stag or hind encountered / scarce could there escape him one.


s: A boar full huge and bristling / soon was likewise found,


s: And when the same bethought him / to flee before the hound,


s: Came quick again the master / and stood athwart his path.


s: Then the spouse of Kriemhild, / with sword the boar he slew,


s: A thing that scarce another / hunter had dared to do.


s: When he thus had felled him / they lashed again the hound,


s: And soon his hunting prowess / was known to all the people round.


s: Then spake to him his huntsmen: / "If that the thing may be,


s: So let some part, Sir Siegfried, / of the forest game go free;


s: To-day thou makest empty / hillside and forest wild."


s: Thereat in merry humor / the thane so keen and valiant smiled.


s: Then they heard on all sides / the din, from many a hound


s: And huntsmen eke the clamor / so great was heard around


s: That back did come the answer / from hill and forest tree--


s: Of hounds had four-and-twenty / packs been set by hunter free.


s: Full many a forest denizen / from life was doomed to part.


s: Each of all the hunters / thereon had set his heart,


s: To win the prize in hunting. / But such could never be,


s: When they the doughty Siegfried / at the camping-place did see.


s: Now the chase was ended, / --and yet complete 'twas not.


s: All they to camp who wended / with them thither brought


s: Skin of full many an animal / and of game good store.


s: Heigho! unto the table / how much the king's attendants bore!


s: Then bade the king the noble / hunters all to warn


s: That he would take refreshment, / and loud a hunting-horn


s: In one long blast was winded: / to all was known thereby


s: That the noble monarch / at camp did wait their company.


s: Spake one of Siegfried's huntsmen: / "Master, I do know


s: By blast of horn resounding / that we now shall go


s: Unto the place of meeting; / thereto I'll make reply."


s: Then for the merry hunters / blew the horn right lustily.


s: Then spake Sir Siegfried: / "Now leave we eke the green."


s: His charger bore him smoothly, / and followed huntsmen keen.


s: With their rout they started / a beast of savage kind,


s: That was a bear untamed. / Then spake the knight to those behind


s: "For our merry party / some sport will I devise.


s: Let slip the hound then straightway, / a bear now meets my eyes,


s: And with us shall he thither / unto the camp-fire fare.


s: Full rapid must his flight be / shall he our company forbear."


s: He sought a pathless thicket, / but yet it could not be,


s: As bruin fondly hoped it, / that from the hunter he was free.


s: Then from his horse alighted / the knight of spirit high,


s: And gan a running after. / Bruin all unguardedly


s: Nor claws nor teeth availed him / for aught of injury,


s: But bound he was to saddle. / Then mounted speedily


s: The knight, and to the camp-fire / in right merry way


s: For pastime led he bruin, / the hero valiant and gay.


s: In what manner stately / unto the camp he rode!


s: He bore a spear full mickle, / great of strength and broad.


s: A sword all ornamented / hung down unto his spur,


s: Of richer hunting-garments / heard I ne'er tell before.


s: Black was the silken tunic / that the rider wore,


s: And cap of costly sable / did crown the gallant knight.


s: A skin of gleaming panther / covered the quiver o'er,


s: Prized for its pleasant odor. / Eke a bow he bore,


s: The which to draw if ever / had wished another man,


s: A lever he had needed: / such power had Siegfried alone.


s: Of fur of costly otter / his mantle was complete,


s: With other skins embroidered / from head unto the feet.


s: And 'mid the fur all shining, / full many a golden seam


s: On both sides of the valiant / huntsman saw ye brightly gleam.


s: Balmung, a goodly weapon / broad, he also wore,


s: That was so sharp at edges / that it ne'er forbore


s: To cleave when swung on helmet: / blade it was full good.


s: Stately was the huntsman / as there with merry heart he rode.


s: If that complete the story / to you I shall unfold,


s: Full many a goodly arrow / did his rich quiver hold


s: Whereof were gold the sockets, / and heads a hand-breadth each.


s: Pricking like goodly huntsman / the noble knight did ride


s: When him the men of Gunther / coming thither spied.


s: They hasted out to meet him / and took from him his steed,


s: As bruin great and mighty / by the saddle he did lead.


s: When he from horse alighted / he loosed him every band


s: From foot and eke from muzzle. / Straight on every hand


s: Began the dogs a howling / when they beheld the bear.


s: Bruin would to the forest: / among the men was mickle stir.


s: Amid the clamor bruin / through the camp-fires sped:


s: Heigho, how the servants / away before him fled!


s: O'erturned was many a kettle / and flaming brands did fly:


s: Heigho, what goodly victuals / did scattered in the ashes lie!


s: Then sprang from out the saddle / knights and serving-men.


s: The bear was wild careering: / the king bade loosen then


s: All the dogs that fastened / within their leashes lay.


s: Not longer then they waited / but with bow and eke with spear


s: Hasted the nimble hunters / to pursue the bear,


s: Yet none might shoot upon him / for all the dogs around.


s: Such clamor was of voices / that all the mountain did resound.


s: When by the dogs pursued / the bear away did run,


s: None there that could o'ertake him / but Siegfried alone.


s: With his sword he came upon him / and killed him at a blow,


s: And back unto the camp-fire / bearing bruin they did go.


s: Then spake who there had seen it, / he was a man of might.


s: Soon to the table bade they / come each noble knight,


s: And on a smiling meadow / the noble company sat.


s: Ne'er appeared a butler / wine for them to pour.


s: Than they good knights were never / better served before,


s: And had there not in secret / been lurking treachery,


s: Then were the entertainers / from every cause of cavil free.


s: Then spake Sir Siegfried: / "A wonder 'tis to me,


s: Since that from the kitchen / so full supplied are we,


s: Why to us the butlers / of wine bring not like store:


s: If such the huntsman's service / a huntsman reckon me no more.


s: "Meseems I yet did merit / some share of courtesy."


s: The king who sat at table / spake then in treachery:


s: "Gladly shall be amended / wherein we're guilty so.


s: The fault it is of Hagen, / he'd willing see us thirsting go."


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Good master, hear me say,


s: I weened for this our hunting / we did go to-day


s: Unto the Spessart forest: / the wine I thither sent.


s: Go we to-day a-thirsting, / I'll later be more provident."


s: Thereto replied Sir Siegfried: / "Small merit here is thine.


s: Good seven horses laden / with mead and sparkling wine


s: Should hither have been conducted. / If aught the same denied,


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Ye noble knights and bold,


s: I know here nigh unto us / a spring that's flowing cold.


s: Be then your wrath appeased, / and let us thither go."


s: Sore was the noble Siegfried / with the pangs of thirst:


s: To bid them rise from table / was he thus the first.


s: He would along the hillside / unto the fountain go:


s: In sooth they showed them traitors, / those knights who there did


s: On wagons hence to carry / the game they gave command


s: Hagen his faith with Siegfried / soon did break in grievous way.


s: When now they would go thither / to where the linden spread,


s: Spake of Tronje Hagen: / "To me hath oft been said,


s: That none could follow after / Kriemhild's nimble knight


s: Then spake of Netherland / bold Siegfried speedily:


s: "That may ye well have proof of, / will ye but run with me


s: In contest to the fountain. / When that the same be done,


s: To him be given honor / who the race hath fairly won."


s: "Now surely make we trial," / quoth Hagen the thane.


s: Thereto the doughty Siegfried: / "I too will give you gain,


s: Afore your feet at starting / to lay me in the grass."


s: When that he had heard it, / thereat how joyous Gunther was!


s: And spake again the warrior: / "And ye shall further hear:


s: All my clothing likewise / will I upon me wear,


s: The spear and shield full heavy / and hunting-dress I'll don."


s: His sword as well as quiver / had he full quickly girded on.


s: Doffed they their apparel / and aside they laid it then:


s: Clothed in white shirts only / saw you there the twain.


s: Like unto two wild panthers / they coursed across the green:


s: Yet first beside the fountain / was the valiant Siegfried seen.


s: No man in feats of valor / who with him had vied.


s: The sword he soon ungirded / and quiver laid aside,


s: The mighty spear he leaned / against the linden-tree:


s: Beside the running fountain / stood the knight stately to see.


s: To Siegfried naught was lacking / that doth good knight adorn.


s: Down the shield then laid he / where did flow the burn,


s: Yet howsoe'er he thirsted / no whit the hero drank


s: There where ran clear the water / and cool from out the spring,


s: Down to it did bend him / Gunther the king.


s: And when his thirst was quenched / rose he from thence again:


s: Eke the valiant Siegfried, / how glad had he done likewise then.


s: For his courtesy he suffered. / Where bow and sword there lay,


s: Both did carry Hagen / from him thence away,


s: And again sprang quickly thither / where the spear did stand:


s: And for a cross the tunic / of the valiant knight he scanned.


s: As there the noble Siegfried / to drink o'er fountain bent,


s: Through the cross he pierced him, / that from the wound was sent


s: The blood nigh to bespatter / the tunic Hagen wore.


s: By hand of knight such evil / deed shall wrought be nevermore.


s: The spear he left projecting / where it had pierced the heart.


s: In terror as that moment / did Hagen never start


s: In flight from any warrior / he ever yet had found.


s: Soon as the noble Siegfried / within him felt the mighty wound,


s: Raging the knight full doughty / up from the fountain sprang,


s: Then in sooth had Hagen / found the traitor's meet reward.


s: When from the sorely wounded / knight his sword was gone,


s: Then had he naught to 'venge him / but his shield alone.


s: This snatched he from the fountain / and Hagen rushed upon,


s: And not at all escape him / could the royal Gunther's man.


s: Though he nigh to death was wounded / he yet such might did wield


s: Precious stones a many: / the shield he clave in twain.


s: Thus vengeance fain had taken / upon his foe the stately thane.


s: Beneath his hand must Hagen / stagger and fall to ground.


s: So swift the blow he dealt him, / the meadow did resound.


s: Had sword in hand been swinging, / Hagen had had his meed,


s: So sorely raged he stricken: / to rage in sooth was mickle need.


s: Faded from cheek was color, / no longer could he stand,


s: And all his might of body / soon complete had waned,


s: As did a deathly pallor / over his visage creep.


s: Full many a fairest lady / for the knight anon must weep.


s: So sank amid the flowers / Kriemhild's noble knight,


s: While from his wound flowed thickly / the blood before the sight.


s: Who had thus encompassed / his death by this same faithless deed.


s: Then spake the sorely wounded: / "O ye base cowards twain,


s: Doth then my service merit / that me ye thus have slain?


s: To you I e'er was faithful / and so am I repaid.


s: Alas, upon your kindred / now have ye shame eternal laid.


s: "By this deed dishonored / hereafter evermore


s: Are their generations. / Your anger all too sore


s: Have ye now thus vented / and vengeance ta'en on me.


s: All the hunters hastened / where he stricken lay,


s: It was in sooth for many / of them a joyless day.


s: Had any aught of honor, / he mourned that day, I ween,


s: And well the same did merit / the knight high-spirited and keen.


s: As there the king of Burgundy / mourned that he should die,


s: Spake the knight sore wounded: / "To weep o'er injury,


s: Who hath wrought the evil / hath smallest need, I trow.


s: Reviling doth he merit, / and weeping may he well forego."


s: Thereto quoth grim Hagen: / "Ye mourn, I know not why:


s: This same day hath ended / all our anxiety.


s: Few shall we find henceforward / for fear will give us need,


s: And well is me that from his / mastery we thus are freed."


s: "Light thing is now thy vaunting," / did Siegfried then reply.


s: "Had I e'er bethought me / of this thy infamy


s: Well had I preserved / 'gainst all thy hate my life.


s: Me rueth naught so sorely / as Lady Kriemhild my wife.


s: "Now may God have mercy / that to me a son was born,


s: That him alack!, the people / in times to come shall spurn,


s: That those he nameth kinsmen / have done the murderer's deed.


s: Then spake, in anguish praying, / the hero doomed to die:


s: "An wilt thou, king, to any / yet not good faith deny,


s: In all the world to any, / to thee commended be


s: And to thy loving mercy / the spouse erstwhile was wed to me.


s: "Let it be her good fortune / that she thy sister is:


s: By all the princely virtues, / I beg thee pledge me this.


s: For me long time my father / and men henceforth must wait:


s: Upon a spouse was never / wrought, as mine, a wrong so great."


s: All around the flowers / were wetted with the blood


s: As there with death he struggled. / Yet not for long he could,


s: Because the deadly weapon / had cut him all too sore:


s: And soon the keen and noble / knight was doomed to speak no more.


s: When the lords perceived / how that the knight was dead,


s: Upon a shield they laid him / that was of gold full red,


s: And counsel took together / how of the thing should naught


s: Be known, but held in secret / that Hagen the deed had wrought.


s: Then spake of them a many: / "This is an evil day.


s: Now shall ye all conceal it / and all alike shall say,


s: When as Kriemhild's husband / the dark forest through


s: Rode alone a-hunting, / him the hand of robber slew."


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Myself will bring him home.


s: In sooth I reck but little / if to her ears it come,


s: Who my Lady Brunhild / herself hath grieved so sore.


s: It maketh me small worry, / an if she weep for evermore."


s: How Kriemhild mourned for Siegfried, and How he was Buried


s: There till the night they tarried / and o'er the Rhine they went.


s: For the game that there they hunted / wept many a noble maid.


s: In sooth by many a valiant / warrior must it since be paid.


s: Of humor fierce and wanton / list now and ye shall hear,


s: And eke of direst vengeance. / Hagen bade to bear


s: Siegfried thus lifeless, / of the Nibelung country,


s: Unto a castle dwelling / where Lady Kriemhild found might be.


s: He bade in secret manner / to lay him there before


s: Where she should surely find him / when she from out the door


s: Should pass to matins early, / ere that had come the day.


s: In sooth did Lady Kriemhild / full seldom fail the hour to pray.


s: When, as was wont, in minster / the bell to worship bade,


s: Kriemhild, fair lady, wakened / from slumber many a maid:


s: A light she bade them bring her / and eke her dress to wear.


s: He saw him red and bloody, / all wet his clothing too.


s: That it was his master, / in sooth no whit he knew.


s: On unto the chamber / the light in hand he bore,


s: When she with train of ladies / would to the minster go,


s: Then spake the chamberlain: / "Pause, I pray thee now:


s: Here before thy dwelling / a noble knight lies slain."


s: Thereat gan Lady Kriemhild / in grief unmeasured sore to plain.


s: Ere yet that 'twas her husband / she did rightly find,


s: Had she Hagen's question / begun to call to mind,


s: How might he protect him: / then first did break her heart,


s: For all her joy in living / did with his death from her depart.


s: Unto the earth then sank she / ere she a word did say,


s: And reft of all her pleasure / there the fair lady lay.


s: Soon had Kriemhild's sorrow / all measure passed beyond:


s: Then spake her attendants: / "What if't a stranger were?"


s: The lady bade them lead her / where did lie the knight,


s: And his fair head she raised / with her hand full white.


s: Red though it was and bloody / she knew him yet straightway,


s: As all forlorn the hero / of Nibelungenland there lay.


s: With blow of sword now battered, / but murdered dost thou lie.


s: And knew I who hath done it, / by my counsel should he die."


s: All of her attendants / did weep and wail enow


s: With their beloved mistress, / for filled they were with woe


s: For their noble master / whom they should see no more.


s: Then spake Kriemhild sorrowing: / "Hence now the message take,


s: And all the men of Siegfried / shall ye straightway awake.


s: Unto Siegmund likewise / tell ye my sorrow deep,


s: If that he will help me / for the doughty Siegfried weep."


s: Then ran straightway a messenger / and soon he found at hand,


s: Siegfried's valiant warriors / of Nibelungenland.


s: Of joy he all bereft him / with tale that he did bear,


s: The messenger came eke quickly / where the king did lie,


s: Yet closed was not in sleeping / the monarch Siegmund's eye:


s: I ween his heart did tell him / the thing that there had been,


s: And that his dear son living / might nevermore by him be seen.


s: "Awake, awake, Lord Siegmund. / Hither hath sent for thee


s: Kriemhild my mistress. / A wrong now beareth she,


s: A grief that 'fore all others / unto her heart doth go:


s: Up raised himself then Siegmund. / He spake: "What may it be


s: Of wrong that grieveth Kriemhild, / as thou hast told to me?"


s: The messenger spake weeping: / "Now may I naught withhold:


s: Thereto gave answer Siegmund: / "Let now such mocking be


s: And tale of such ill tidings / --an thou regardest me--


s: As that thou say'st to any / now he lieth slain:


s: An were it so, I never / unto my end might cease to plain."


s: "Wilt thou now believe not / the tidings that I bear,


s: So may'st thyself the Lady / Kriemhild weeping hear,


s: And all of her attendants, / that Siegfried lieth dead."


s: He and his men a hundred / from their beds they sprang,


s: Then snatched in hand full quickly / swords both sharp and long,


s: And toward the sound of weeping / in sorrow sore did speed.


s: When they heard the women weeping / in such sore distress


s: For on their hearts a burden / of grief full deep and heavy lay.


s: Then came the monarch Siegmund / where he Kriemhild espied.


s: He spake: "Alack that ever / to this country I did ride!


s: Who in such wondrous manner, / and while good friends are near,


s: "Ah, might I him discover," / spake the lady high,


s: Such meed of vengeance should he / at my hands receive


s: Siegmund the monarch / in arms the knight did press,


s: And of his friends there gathered / so great was the distress,


s: That from the mighty wailing / palace and wide hall


s: And Worms the city likewise / with sound of woe re-echoed all.


s: None was who aught might comfort / the wife of Siegfried there.


s: They drew the knight's attire / from off his body fair,


s: Then outspake his warriors / of Nibelungenland:


s: "Until he be avenged / rest shall not our hand.


s: He is within this castle / who the deed hath done."


s: The knights of chosen valor / with shields did thither throng,


s: Eleven hundred warriors, / that did to train belong


s: Of Siegmund the monarch. / That his son lay dead,


s: Would he wreak dire vengeance, / whereof in very sooth was need.


s: Yet knew they not whom should they / beset in battle then,


s: If it were not Gunther / and with him his men


s: With whom their lord Siegfried / unto the hunting rode.


s: How great soe'er her sorrow / and stern the grief she bore,


s: Yet for the Nibelungen / feared she death full sore


s: From her brother's warriors, / and bade them hold their wrath.


s: She gave them kindly warning / as friend to friend beloved doth.


s: Then spake she rich in sorrow: / "What thing beginnest thou,


s: Good my lord Siegmund? / This case thou dost not know.


s: In sooth hath here King Gunther / so many a valiant knight,


s: With shields upraised they ready / for the fight did stand.


s: But the queen full noble / did straightway give command


s: Spake she thus: "Lord Siegmund, / thou shalt this thing let be


s: Until more fitting season. / Seek will I e'er with thee


s: Full to avenge my husband. / Who him from me hath ta'en,


s: An I shall know him guilty, / in me shall surely find his bane.


s: "Of warriors proud and mighty / are many here by Rhine,


s: Therefore will I advise not / the struggle to begin.


s: For one that we can muster / good thirty men have they;


s: As unto us their dealing, / God them requite in equal way.


s: "Here shall ye bide with me / and help my grief to bear;


s: Soon as dawns the morning, / ye noble knights and rare,


s: Help me my loved husband / prepare for burial."


s: To you could never any / full the wonder say,


s: Of knights and noble ladies, / so full of grief were they,


s: That the sound of wailing / through the town was heard afar,


s: Whereat the noble burghers / hastily did gather there.


s: Wherefore the knight so noble / thus his life should lose.


s: Then wept with the high ladies / many a worthy burgher's spouse.


s: Smiths they bade a casket / work full hastily


s: All of gold and silver / that great and strong should be.


s: They bade them fast to weld it / with bands of steel full good.


s: Then saw ye all the people / stand right sorrowful of mood.


s: Now the night was over, / for day, they said, drew near.


s: Then bade the noble lady / unto the minster bear


s: Siegfried her lord full loved / for whom she mourned so.


s: Whoe'er was friend unto him, / him saw ye weeping thither go.


s: As they brought him to the minster / bells full many rung.


s: On every hand then heard ye / how priests did chant their song.


s: Thither with his followers / came Gunther the king


s: And eke the grim knight Hagen / where was sound of sorrowing.


s: He spake: "Full loving sister, / alack for grief to thee,


s: And that from such great evil / spared we might not be!


s: Henceforth must we ever / mourn for Siegfried's sake."


s: "That do ye without reason," / full of woe the lady spake.


s: "If that ye grieved for it, / befallen were it not.


s: For say I may full truly, / me had ye all forgot


s: There where I thus was parted / from my husband dear.


s: Fast they yet denied it. / Kriemhild spake again:


s: "If any speak him guiltless, / let here be seen full plain.


s: Unto the bier now shall he / before the people go;


s: Thus the truth full quickly / may we in this manner know."


s: It is a passing wonder / that yet full oft is seen,


s: Where blood-bespotted slayer / beside slain corse hath been,


s: That from the wounds come blood-drops, / as here it eke befell.


s: Thereby the guilt of Hagen / might they now full plainly tell.


s: Now ran the wounds all bloody /like as they did before.


s: Who erstwhile wept full sorely / now wept they mickle more.


s: Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "To thee the truth be known:


s: Slain hath he been by robbers, / nor is this deed by Hagen done."


s: "Of these same robbers," spake she, / "full well I understand.


s: God give that yet may vengeance / wreak some friendly hand.


s: Gunther and Hagen, / yourselves have done this deed."


s: Then looked for bloody conflict / the valiant thanes that served


s: Then spake unto them Kriemhild: / "Now bear with me my need."


s: Knights twain came likewise hither / and did find him dead,--


s: Gernot her brother / and the young Giselher.


s: Man and child and woman / gathered from every side.


s: Gernot and Giselher spake: / "O Sister dear,


s: Now comfort thee in sorrow, / for death is ever near.


s: Amends we'll make unto thee / the while that we shall live."


s: In the world might never any / unto her a comfort give.


s: His coffin was made ready / about the middle day.


s: From off the bier they raised him / whereupon he lay.


s: But yet would not the lady / let him be laid in grave.


s: Therefor must all the people / first a mickle trouble have.


s: In a shroud all silken / they the dead man wound.


s: I ween that never any / that wept not might be found.


s: There mourned full of sorrow / Ute the queen full high


s: And all of her attendants / that such a noble knight did die.


s: When did hear the people / how they in minster sung,


s: And that he there lay coffined, / came then a mickle throng:


s: For his soul's reposing / what offerings they bore!


s: E'en amid his enemies / found he of good friends a store.


s: Kriemhild the poor lady / to her attendants spake:


s: "Let them shun no trouble / to suffer for my sake,


s: Who to him are friendly-minded / and me in honor hold;


s: For the soul of Siegfried / meted be to them his gold."


s: Child so small there was not, / did it but reason have,


s: But offering carried thither. / Ere he was laid in grave,


s: More than a hundred masses / upon the day they sung,


s: When were the masses over, / the folk departed soon.


s: Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "Leave ye me not alone


s: To pass the night in watching / by this chosen thane now dead,


s: With whose passing from me / all my joy of life hath fled.


s: "Three days and three nights further / shall he lie on bier,


s: Until my heart find quiet / that weeps for spouse so dear.


s: God perchance commandeth / that death eke me do take:


s: That were for me poor Kriemhild / fit end of all my woe to make."


s: Then of the town the people / went to their homes again.


s: Priests and monks yet bade she / longer there remain,


s: And all the hero's followers / who willing served alway.


s: Meat and drink forgetting / abode there many a one.


s: If any were would take it / 'twas unto all made known,


s: That have they might in plenty: / thus did provide Siegmund.


s: Then for the Nibelungen / did trouble and sore need abound.


s: The while the three days lasted / --such the tale we hear--


s: All who could join the chanting, / mickle must they bear


s: There of toil and trouble. / What gifts to them they bore!


s: Rich were seen full many / who did suffer need before.


s: As many poor as found they / who themselves had naught,


s: By them yet an offering / bade they there be brought,


s: Of gold of Siegfried's treasure. / Though he no more might live,


s: Yet for his soul's reposing / marks many thousand did they give.


s: Land of fruitful income / bestowed Kriemhild around,


s: Wheresoever cloisters / and worthy folk were found.


s: Silver and apparel / to the poor she gave in store,


s: And in good manner showed she / that truest love to him she bore.


s: Upon the third morning / at the mass' tide


s: Was there beside the minster / filled the church-yard wide


s: With country-folk a-weeping / that came from far and near:


s: And so it hath been told us, / ere these four days were o'er,


s: Marks full thirty thousand, / yea, in sooth, and more,


s: For his soul's reposing / to the poor were given there:


s: The while that lay all broken / his life and eke his body fair.


s: When ended was the service / and full the masses sung,


s: In unrestrained sorrow / there the flock did throng.


s: They bade that from the minster / he to the grave be borne.


s: Them that fain had kept him / there beheld ye weep and mourn.


s: Thence full loud lamenting / did the people with him pass.


s: Unmoved there never any / nor man nor woman was.


s: Ere that in grave they laid him / chanted they and read.


s: What host of priests full worthy / at his burial were gathered!


s: Ere that the wife of Siegfried / was come unto the grave,


s: With water from the fountain / full oft her face they lave,


s: So struggled with her sorrow / the faithful lady fair.


s: Great beyond all measure / was the grief that she did bear.


s: It was a mickle wonder / that e'er her life she kept.