s: Many a lady was there / that helped her as she wept.


s: Then spake the queen full noble: / "Ye men that service owe


s: To Siegfried, as ye love me, / now to me a mercy show.


s: "Upon this sorrow grant ye / the little grace to me


s: That I his shining visage / yet once more may see."


s: So filled she was with anguish / and so long time she sought,


s: Perforce they must break open / the casket all so fairly wrought.


s: Where she did see him lying / they then the lady led.


s: With hand full white and spotless / raised she his fair head;


s: Then kissed she there all lifeless / the good and noble knight,--


s: Mournful was the parting / that then did rend the twain.


s: Thence away they bore her, / nor might she walk again,


s: But in a swoon did senseless / the stately lady lie.


s: In sooth her winsome body / for sorrow sore was like to die.


s: When they the knight full noble / now in the grave had laid,


s: Beheld ye every warrior / beyond all measure sad


s: That with him was come hither / from Nibelung country.


s: Full seldom joyous-hearted / might ye royal Siegmund see.


s: And many were among them / that for sorrow great


s: Till three days were over / did nor drink nor eat.


s: Yet might they not their bodies / long leave uncared-for so:


s: Then went royal Siegmund / where he Kriemhild found.


s: Unto the queen spake he: / "Home must we now be bound.


s: We ween that guests unwelcome / here are we by the Rhine.


s: Kriemhild, beloved lady, / come now to country that is mine.


s: "Though from us hath been taken / by foul traitor's hand


s: Thy good spouse and noble / here in stranger land,


s: Thine be it not to suffer: / good friend thou hast in me


s: For sake of son beloved: / thereof shalt thou undoubting be.


s: "Eke shalt thou have, good lady, / all the power to hold,


s: Then did they tell the servants / that they thence would ride,


s: And straight to fetch the horses / these obedient hied.


s: 'Mid such as so did hate them / it grieved them more to stay:


s: Ladies high and maidens / were bidden dress them for the way.


s: When that for royal Siegmund / stood ready horse and man,


s: Her kinsmen Lady Kriemhild / to beseech began


s: That she from her mother / would still forbear to go.


s: Then spake the lofty lady: / "That might hardly yet be so.


s: "How might I for ever / look with eyes upon


s: Him that to me, poor woman, / such evil thing hath done?"


s: Then spake the youthful Giselher: / "Sister to me full dear,


s: By thy goodness shalt thou / tarry with thy mother here."


s: "Who in this wise have harmed thee / and so grieved thy heart,


s: Thyself may'st spurn their service: / of what is mine take part."


s: For die I must for sorrow / when that Hagen I should see."


s: "From need thereof I'll save thee, / sister full dear to me,


s: For with thy brother Giselher / shalt thou ever be.


s: I'll help to still thy sorrow / that thy husband lieth dead."


s: When that the youthful Giselher / such kindly offer made,


s: Then her mother Ute / and Gernot likewise prayed,


s: And all her faithful kinsmen, / that she would tarry there:


s: "To thee they all are strangers," / did Gernot further say.


s: Nor lived yet man so mighty / but dead at last he lay.


s: Bethink thee that, dear sister, / in comfort of thy mood.


s: Stay thou amid thy kinsmen, / I counsel truly for thy good."


s: To Giselher she promised / that she would tarry there.


s: For the men of Siegmund / the horses ready were,


s: When they thence would journey / to the Nibelungen land:


s: On carrying-horses laden / the knights' attire did ready stand.


s: Went the royal Siegmund / unto Kriemhild then;


s: He spake unto the lady: / "Now do Siegfried's men


s: Await thee by the horses. / Straight shall we hence away,


s: For 'mid the men of Burgundy / unwilling would I longer stay."


s: Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: / "My friends have counselled me,


s: That by the love I bear them, / here my home shall be,


s: For that no kinsmen have I / in the Nibelungen land."


s: Then spake the royal Siegmund: / "To such give not thine ear,


s: A queen 'mid all my kinsmen, / thou a crown shalt wear


s: And wield as lordly power / as e'er till now thou hast.


s: Nor thou a whit shalt forfeit, / that we the hero thus have lost.


s: "And journey with us thither, / for child's sake eke of thine:


s: Him shalt thou never, lady, / an orphan leave to pine.


s: She spake: "O royal Siegmund, / I may not thither ride,


s: For I here must tarry, / whate'er shall me betide,


s: 'Mid them that are my kinsmen, / who'll help my grief to share."


s: The knights had sore disquiet / that such tidings they must hear.


s: "So might we say full truly," / spake they every one,


s: "That unto us still greater / evil now were done,


s: Would'st thou longer tarry / here amid our foes:


s: "Now may ye free from trouble / in God's protection fare:


s: I'll bid that trusty escort / shall you have in care


s: Unto Siegmund's country. / My child full dear to me,


s: Unto your knights' good mercy / let it well commended be."


s: When that they well perceived / how she would not depart,


s: Wept all the men of Siegmund / and sad they were at heart.


s: In what right heavy sorrow / Siegmund then took leave


s: Of the Lady Kriemhild! / Full sore thereover must he grieve.


s: "Woe worth this journey hither," / the lofty monarch spake.


s: "Henceforth from merry meeting / shall nevermore o'ertake


s: King or his faithful kinsmen / what here our meed hath been.


s: Here 'mid the men of Burgundy / may we never be more seen."


s: Then spake the men of Siegfried / in open words and plain:


s: "An might we right discover / who our lord hath slain,


s: Warriors bent on vengeance / shall yet lay waste this ground.


s: Among his kin in plenty / may doughty foemen be found."


s: Anon he kissed Kriemhild / and spake sorrowfully,


s: When she there would tarry, / and he the same did see:


s: "Now ride we joy-forsaken / home unto our land.


s: First now what 'tis to sorrow / do I rightly understand."


s: From Worms away sans escort / unto the Rhine they rode:


s: I ween that they full surely / did go in such grim mood,


s: That had against them any / aught of evil dared,


s: Nor parting hand they offered / to any that were there.


s: Then might ye see how Gernot / and likewise Giselher


s: Did give him loving greeting. / That as their very own


s: Then spake in words full kindly / the royal knight Gernot:


s: "God in heaven knoweth / that of guilt I've naught


s: In the death of Siegfried, / that e'er I e'en did hear


s: Who here to him were hostile. / Well may I of thy sorrow share."


s: An escort safe did furnish / the young knight Giselher:


s: Forth from out that country / he led them full of care,


s: The monarch with his warriors, / to Netherland their home.


s: How joyless is the greeting / as thither to their kin they come!


s: How fared that folk thereafter, / that can I nowise say.


s: Here heard ye Kriemhild plaining / as day did follow day,


s: That none there was to comfort / her heart and sorry mood,


s: Did Giselher not do it; / he faithful was to her and good.


s: The while the fair Queen Brunhild / in mood full haughty sat,


s: And weep howe'er did Kriemhild, / but little recked she that,


s: Nor whit to her of pity / displayed she evermore.


s: Anon was Lady Kriemhild / eke cause to her of sorrow sore.


s: When that the noble Kriemhild / thus did widowed stand,


s: Remained there with his warriors / by her in that land


s: Eckewart the margrave, / and served her ever true.


s: And he did help his mistress / oft to mourn his master too.


s: At Worms a house they built her / the minster high beside,


s: That was both rich and spacious, / full long and eke full wide,


s: Wherein with her attendants / joyless did she dwell.


s: Seldom undone she left it, / but thither went alway


s: In sorry mood where buried / her loved husband lay.


s: God begged she in his mercy / his soul in charge to keep,


s: Ute and her attendants / all times a comfort bore,


s: But yet her heart was stricken / and wounded all so sore


s: That no whit might avail it / what solace e'er they brought.


s: For lover taken from her / with such grief her heart was fraught,


s: As ne'er for spouse beloved / a wife did ever show.


s: Thereby how high in virtue / she stood ye well might know.


s: She mourned until her ending / and while did last her life.


s: Anon a mighty vengeance / wreaked the valiant Siegfried's wife.


s: And so such load of sorrow / for her dead spouse she bore,


s: The story sayeth truly, / for years full three or more,


s: Nor ever unto Gunther / any word spake she,


s: And meantime eke her enemy / Hagen never might she see.


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Now seek'st thou such an end,


s: That unto thee thy sister / be well-disposed friend?


s: Then Nibelungen treasure / let come to this country:


s: He spake: "Be that our effort. / My brothers' love hath she:


s: Them shall we beg to win her / that she our friend may be,


s: And that she gladly see it / that we do share her store."


s: "I trow it well," spake Hagen, / "may such thing be nevermore."


s: Then did he Ortwein / unto the court command


s: And the margrave Gere. / When both were found at hand,


s: Thither brought they Gernot / and eke young Giselher.


s: In friendly manner sought they / to win the Lady Kriemhild there.


s: Then spake of Burgundy / Gernot the warrior strong:


s: "Lady, the death of Siegfried / thou mournest all too long.


s: Well will the monarch prove thee / that him he ne'er hath slain.


s: How might e'er thought come to me / that hate his heart did bear?


s: "And kept me from betraying / to evil hands his life,


s: Nor cause of this my weeping / had I his poor lorn wife.


s: My heart shall hate forever / who this foul deed have done."


s: And further to entreat her / young Giselher had soon begun.


s: When that to greet the monarch / a willing mind spake she,


s: Him soon with noble kinsmen / before her might ye see.


s: Yet dare might never Hagen / unto her to go:


s: When she no hatred meted / unto Gunther as before,


s: By Hagen to be greeted / were fitting all the more.


s: Had but by his counsel / no ill to her been done,


s: So might he all undaunted / unto Kriemhild have gone.


s: Nor e'er was peace new offered / kindred friends among


s: Sealed with tears so many. / She brooded o'er her wrong.


s: To all she gave her friendship / save to one man alone.


s: Small time it was thereafter / ere they did bring to pass


s: That with the Lady Kriemhild / the mighty treasure was,


s: That from Nibelungen country / she brought the Rhine unto.


s: It was her bridal portion / and 'twas fairly now her due.


s: For it did journey thither / Gernot and Giselher.


s: Warriors eighty hundred / Kriemhild commanded there


s: That they should go and fetch it / where hidden it did lie,


s: When saw they coming warriors / from Rhine the hoard to take,


s: Alberich the full valiant / to his friends in this wise spake:


s: "We dare not of the treasure / aught from them withhold:


s: It is her bridal portion, / --thus the noble queen hath told.


s: "Yet had we never granted," / spake Alberich, "this to do,


s: But that in evil manner / the sightless mantle too


s: With the doughty Siegfried / we alike did lose,


s: "Now alas hath Siegfried / had but evil gain


s: That from us the sightless mantle / the hero thus hath ta'en,


s: And so hath forced to serve him / all these lands around."


s: Then went forth the porter / where full soon the keys he found.


s: There stood before the mountain / ready Kriemhild's men,


s: And her kinsmen with them. / The treasure bore they then


s: Down unto the water / where the ships they sought:


s: Now of the treasure further / may ye a wonder hear:


s: Heavy wains a dozen / scarce the same might bear


s: In four days and nights together / from the mountain all away,


s: E'en did each one of them / thrice the journey make each day.


s: And if to every mortal / on earth were dealt a share,


s: Ne'er 'twould make the treasure / by one mark the less.


s: Not without good reason / forsooth would Hagen it possess.


s: The wish-rod lay among them, / of gold a little wand.


s: Whosoe'er its powers / full might understand,


s: The same might make him master / o'er all the race of men.


s: Of Alberich's kin full many / with Gernot returned again.


s: When they did store the treasure / in King Gunther's land,


s: And to royal Kriemhild / 'twas given 'neath her hand,


s: Storing-rooms and towers / could scarce the measure hold.


s: Nevermore such wonder / might of wealth again be told.


s: And had it e'en been greater, / yea a thousandfold,


s: If but again might Kriemhild / safe her Siegfried hold,


s: Fain were she empty-handed / of all the boundless store.


s: Spouse than she more faithful / won a hero nevermore.


s: When now she had the treasure, / she brought into that land


s: Knights many from far distance. / Yea, dealt the lady's hand


s: So freely that such bounty / ne'er before was seen.


s: High in honor held they / for her goodly heart the queen.


s: Unto both rich and needy / began she so to give


s: That fearful soon grew Hagen, / if that she would live


s: Long time in such high power, / lest she of warriors true


s: Spake Gunther then: / "The treasure is hers and freedom too.


s: Wherefore shall I prevent her, / whate'er therewith she do?


s: Yea, nigh she did her friendship / from me evermore withhold.


s: Now reck we not who shareth / or her silver or her gold."


s: Unto the king spake Hagen: / "No man that boasteth wit


s: Should to any woman / such hoard to hold permit.


s: By gifts she yet will bring it / that will come the day


s: When valiant men of Burgundy / rue it with good reason may."


s: Then spake the monarch Gunther: / "To her an oath I swore,


s: That I would cause of evil / to her be nevermore,


s: Whereof henceforth I'll mind me: / sister she is to me."


s: Then spake further Hagen: / "Let me bear the guilt for thee."


s: Many they were that kept not / there their plighted word:


s: From the widow took they / all that mighty hoard:


s: Every key had Hagen / known to get in hand.


s: Then spake the knight Giselher: / "Hagen here hath wrought


s: Sore evil to my sister: / permit this thing I'll not.


s: And were he not my kinsman, / he'd pay it with his life."


s: Anew did fall aweeping / then the doughty Siegfried's wife.


s: Then spake the knight Gernot: / "Ere that forever we


s: Be troubled with this treasure, / let first commanded be


s: Deep in the Rhine to sink it, / that no man have it more."


s: In sad manner plaining / Kriemhild stood Giselher before.


s: She spake: "Beloved brother, / be mindful thou of me:


s: What life and treasure toucheth / shalt thou my protector be."


s: Then spake he to the lady: / "That shall sure betide,


s: When we again come hither: / now called we are away to ride."


s: The monarch and his kinsmen / rode from out the land,


s: And in his train the bravest / ye saw on any hand:


s: Went all save Hagen only, / and there he stayed for hate,


s: That he did bear to Kriemhild, / and full gladly did he that.


s: Ere that the mighty monarch / was thither come again,


s: In that while had Hagen / all that treasure ta'en.


s: Where Loch is by the river / all in the Rhine sank he.


s: He weened thereof to profit, / yet such thing might never be.


s: The royal knights came thither / again with many a man.


s: Kriemhild with her maidens / and ladies then began


s: To mourn the wrong they suffered, / that pity was to hear.


s: Fain had the faithful Giselher / been unto her a comforter.


s: Then spake they all together: / "Done hath he grievous wrong."


s: But he the princes' anger / avoided yet so long


s: At last to win their favor. / They let him live sans scathe.


s: Ere that of Tronje Hagen / had hidden thus the hoard,


s: Had they unto each other / given firm plighted word,


s: That it should lie concealed / while one of them might live.


s: Thereof anon nor could they / to themselves nor unto other give.


s: With renewed sorrows / heavy she was of heart


s: That so her dear-loved husband / perforce from life must part,


s: And that of wealth they reft her. / Therefor she mourned alway,


s: Nor ever ceased her plaining / until was come her latest day.


s: After the death of Siegfried / dwelt she in sorrow then,


s: --Saith the tale all truly-- / full three years and ten,


s: Nor in that time did ever / for the knight mourn aught the less.


s: How King Etzel sent to Burgundy for Kriemhild


s: In that same time when ended / was Lady Helke's life,


s: And that the monarch Etzel / did seek another wife,


s: To take a highborn widow / of the land of Burgundy


s: Hun his friends did counsel: / Lady Kriemhild hight was she.


s: Since that was ended / the fair Helke's life,


s: Spake they: "Wilt thou ever / win for thee noble wife,


s: The highest and the fairest / that ever king did win,


s: Then spake the mighty monarch: / "How might that come to pass


s: Since that I am a heathen, / nor named with sign of cross?


s: The lady is a Christian, / thereto she'll ne'er agree.


s: Wrought must be a wonder, / if the thing may ever be."


s: Then spake again his warriors: / "She yet may do the same.


s: For sake of thy great power / and thy full lofty name


s: Shalt thou yet endeavor / such noble wife to gain.


s: To woo the stately lady / might each monarch high be fain."


s: Then spake the noble monarch: / "Who is 'mong men of mine,


s: That knoweth land and people / dwelling far by Rhine?"


s: Spake then of Bechelaren / the trusty Ruediger:


s: "And Gunther and Gernot, / the noble knights and good,


s: And hight the third is Giselher: / whatever any should


s: That standeth high in honor / and virtue, doth each one:


s: Eke from eld their fathers / have in like noble manner done."


s: Then spake again Etzel: / "Friend, now shalt thou tell,


s: If she within my country / crown might wear full well--


s: For be she fair of body / as hath been told to me,


s: My friends for this their counsel / shall ever full requited be."


s: "She likeneth in beauty / well my high lady,


s: Helke that was so stately. / Nor forsooth might be


s: In all this world a fairer / spouse of king soe'er.


s: Whom taketh she for wooer, / glad of heart and mind he were."


s: He spake: "Make trial, Ruediger, / as thou hold'st me dear.


s: And if by Lady Kriemhild / e'er I lie full near,


s: Therefor will I requite thee / as in best mode I may:


s: So hast thou then fulfilled / all my wish in fullest way.


s: "Stores from out my treasure / I'll bid to thee to give,


s: That thou with thy companions / merry long shalt live,


s: Of steeds and rich apparel / what thou wilt have to share.


s: Thereof unto thy journey / I'll bid in measure full prepare."


s: Thereto did give him answer / the margrave Ruediger:


s: "Did I thy treasure covet / unworthy thing it were.


s: Gladly will I thy messenger / be unto the Rhine,


s: Then spake the mighty monarch: / "When now wilt thou fare


s: To seek the lovely lady? / God of thee have care


s: To keep thee on thy journey / and eke a wife to me.


s: Then again spake Ruediger: / "Ere that this land we quit,


s: Must we first prepare us / arms and apparel fit,


s: That we may thus in honor / in royal presence stand.


s: To the Rhine I'll lead five hundred / warriors, a doughty band.


s: "Wherever they in Burgundy / me and my men may see,


s: Shall they all and single / then confess of thee


s: That ne'er from any monarch / so many warriors went


s: As now to bear thy message / thou far unto the Rhine hast sent.


s: "May it not, O mighty monarch, / thee from thy purpose move:


s: Erstwhile unto Siegfried / she gave her noble love,


s: Who scion is of Siegmund: / him thou here hast seen.


s: Worthy highest honor / verily the knight had been."


s: Then answered him King Etzel: / "Was she the warrior's wife,


s: So worthy was of honor / the noble prince in life,


s: That I the royal lady / therefor no whit despise.


s: 'Tis her surpassing beauty / that shall be joy unto mine eyes."


s: Then further spake the margrave: / "Hear then what I do say:


s: After days four-and-twenty / shall we from hence away.


s: Tidings to Gotelinde / I'll send, my spouse full dear,


s: That I to Lady Kriemhild / myself will be thy messenger."


s: Away to Bechelaren / sent then Ruediger.


s: Both sad his spouse and joyous / was the news to hear.


s: He told how for the monarch / a wife he was to woo:


s: With love she well remembered / the fair Lady Helke too.


s: When that the margravine / did the message hear,


s: In part 'twas sorrow to her, / and weep she must in fear


s: At having other mistress / than hers had been before.


s: To think on Lady Helke / did grieve her inmost heart full sore.


s: Ruediger from Hunland / in seven days did part,


s: Whereat the monarch Etzel / merry was of heart.


s: When at Vienna city / all was ready for the way,


s: To begin the journey / might he longer not delay.


s: And eke the young margravine, / daughter of Ruediger,


s: Was glad at thought her father / and all his men to see.


s: And many a lovely maiden / looked to the coming joyfully.


s: Ere that to Bechelaren / rode noble Ruediger


s: From out Vienna city, / was rich equipment there


s: For them in fullest measure / on carrying-horses brought,


s: When they at Bechelaren / within the town did stand,


s: His fellows on the journey / did the host command


s: To lead to fitting quarters / and tend carefully.


s: The stately Gotelinde, / glad she was her spouse to see.


s: Eke his lovely daughter / the youthful margravine,--


s: To her had nothing dearer / than his coming been.


s: The warriors too from Hunland, / what joy for her they make!


s: With a laughing spirit / to all the noble maiden spake:


s: "Be now to us right welcome, / my father and all his men."


s: Fairest thanks on all sides / saw ye offered then


s: Unto the youthful margravine / by many a valiant knight.


s: How Ruediger was minded / knew Gotelinde aright.


s: When then that night she / by Ruediger lay,


s: Questioned him the margravine / in full loving way,


s: Wherefore had sent him thither / the king of Hunland.


s: "My master now hath sent me / to woo him other wife,


s: Since that by death was ended / the fair Helke's life.


s: Now will I to Kriemhild / ride unto the Rhine:


s: She shall here in Hunland / be spouse to him and stately queen."


s: "God will it," spake Gotelinde, / "and well the same might be,


s: Since that so high in honor / ever standeth she.


s: The death of my good mistress / we then may better bear;


s: Eke might we grant her gladly / among the Huns a crown to wear."


s: Then spake to her the margrave: / "Thou shalt, dear lady mine,


s: To them that shall ride with me / thither unto the Rhine,


s: In right bounteous manner / deal out a goodly share.


s: Good knights go lighter-hearted / when they well provided fare."


s: She spake: "None is among them, / an he would take from me,


s: But I will give whatever / to him may pleasing be,


s: Ere that ye part thither, / thou and thy good men."


s: Thereto spake the margrave: / "So dost thou all my wishes then."


s: Silken stuffs in plenty / they from her chamber bore,


s: And to the knights full noble / dealt out in goodly store,


s: Mantles lined all richly / from collar down to spur.


s: Upon the seventh morning / from Bechelaren went


s: The knight with train of warriors. / Attire and armament


s: Bore they in fullest measure / through the Bavarian land,


s: And ne'er upon the journey / dared assail them robber band.


s: Unto the Rhine then came they / ere twelve days were flown,


s: And there were soon the tidings / of their coming known.


s: 'Twas told unto the monarch / and with him many a man,


s: How strangers came unto him. / To question then the king began,


s: If any was did know them, / for he would gladly hear.


s: They saw their carrying-horses / right heavy burdens bear:


s: That they were knights of power / knew they well thereby.


s: Lodgings they made them ready / in the wide city speedily.


s: When that the strangers / had passed within the gate


s: Every eye did gaze on / the knights that came in state,


s: And mickle was the wonder / whence to the Rhine they came.


s: Then spake he of Tronje: / "These knights I ne'er have seen,


s: Yet when we now behold them / I'll tell thee well, I ween,


s: From whence they now ride hither / unto this country.


s: For the guests fit lodgings / now provided were.


s: Clad in rich apparel / came the messenger,


s: And to the court his fellows / did bear him company.


s: Sumptuous attire / wore they, wrought full cunningly.


s: Then spake the doughty Hagen: / "As far as goes my ken,


s: For that long time the noble / knight I not have seen,


s: Come they in such manner / as were it Ruediger,


s: Then straightway spake the monarch: / "How shall I understand


s: That he of Bechelaren / should come unto this land?"


s: Scarce had King Gunther / his mind full spoken there,


s: When saw full surely Hagen / that 'twas the noble Ruediger.


s: He and his friends then hastened / with warmest welcoming.


s: Then saw ye knights five hundred / adown from saddle spring,


s: And were those knights of Hunland / received in fitting way.


s: Messengers ne'er beheld ye / attired in so fine array.


s: Hagen of Tronje, / with voice full loud spake he:


s: "Unto these thanes full noble / a hearty welcome be,


s: To the lord of Bechelaren / and his men every one."


s: Thereat was fitting honor / done to every valiant Hun.


s: The monarch's nearest kinsmen / went forth the guests to meet.


s: Of Metz the knight Sir Ortwein / Ruediger thus did greet:


s: "The while our life hath lasted, / never yet hath guest


s: Here been seen so gladly: / be that in very truth confessed."


s: For that greeting thanked they / the brave knights one and all.


s: With train of high attendants / they passed unto the hall,


s: Where valiant men a many / stood round the monarch's seat.


s: Right courteously he greeted / then the messenger.


s: Gunther and Gernot, / full busy both they were


s: For stranger and companions / a welcome fit to make.


s: The noble knight Sir Ruediger / by the hand the king did take.


s: He led him to the settle / where himself he sat:


s: He bade pour for the strangers / (a welcome work was that)


s: Mead the very choicest / and the best of wine,


s: That e'er ye might discover / in all the lands about the Rhine.


s: Giselher and Gere / joined the company too,


s: Eke Dankwart and Volker, / when that they knew


s: The coming of the strangers: / glad they were of mood,


s: And greeted 'fore the monarch / fair the noble knights and good.


s: Then spake unto his master / of Tronje the knight:


s: "Let our thanes seek ever / fully to requite


s: What erstwhile the margrave / in love to us hath done:


s: Fair Gotelinde's husband / our gratitude full well hath won."


s: Thereto spake King Gunther: / "Withhold it not I may.


s: How they both do bear them, / tell me now, I pray,


s: Then rose he from the settle / and his men every one.


s: He spake unto the monarch: / "An may the thing be done,


s: And is't thy royal pleasure, / so will I naught withhold,


s: He spake: "What tale soever, / doth this thy message make,


s: I grant thee leave to tell it, / nor further counsel take.


s: Now shalt thou let us hear it, / me and my warriors too,


s: For fullest leave I grant thee / thy high purpose to pursue."


s: Then spake the upright messenger: / "Hither to thee at Rhine


s: Doth faithful service tender / master high of mine;


s: To all thy kinsmen likewise, / as many as may be:


s: Eke is this my message / borne in all good will to thee.


s: "To thee the noble monarch / bids tell his tale of need.


s: His folk 's forlorn and joyless; / my mistress high is dead,


s: Helke the full stately / my good master's wife,


s: Whereby now is orphaned / full many a fair maiden's life,


s: "Children of royal parents / for whom hath cared her hand:


s: Thereby doth the country / in plight full sorry stand.


s: Alack, nor is there other / that them with love may tend.


s: "God give him meed," spake Gunther, / "that he so willingly


s: Doth offer thus good service / to my kinsmen and to me--


s: I joy that I his greeting / here have heard this day--


s: The which with glad endeavor / my kinsmen and my men shall pay."


s: Thereto the knight of Burgundy, / the valiant Gernot, said:


s: "The world may ever rue it / that Helke fair lies dead,


s: So manifold the virtues / that did her life adorn."


s: A willing testimony / by Hagen to the words was borne.


s: Thereto again spake Ruediger / the noble messenger:


s: "Since thou, O king, dost grant it, / shalt thou now further hear


s: For that since death of Helke / his days he hath in sorrow spent.


s: "'Tis told my lord that Kriemhild / doth widowed live alone,


s: And dead is doughty Siegfried. / May now such thing be done,


s: And wilt thou grant that favor, / a crown she then shall wear


s: Before the knights of Etzel: / this message from my lord I bear."


s: Then spake the mighty monarch / --a king he was of grace--


s: "My will in this same matter / she'll hear, an so she please.


s: Thereof will I instruct thee / ere three days are passed by--


s: Ere I her mind have sounded, / wherefore to Etzel this deny?"


s: Meanwhile for the strangers / bade they make cheer the best


s: In sooth so were they tended / that Ruediger confessed


s: He had 'mong men of Gunther / of friends a goodly store.


s: Hagen full glad did serve him, / as he had Hagen served of yore.


s: Thus there did tarry Ruediger / until the third day.


s: The king did counsel summon / --he moved in wisest way--


s: If that unto his kinsmen / seemed it fitting thing,


s: That Kriemhild take unto her / for spouse Etzel the king.


s: Together all save Hagen / did the thing advise,


s: And unto King Gunther / spake he in this wise:


s: "An hast thou still thy senses, / of that same thing beware,


s: "Wherefore," spake then Gunther, / "should I allow it not?


s: Whene'er doth fortune favor / Kriemhild in aught,


s: That shall I gladly grant her, / for sister dear is she.


s: Yea, ought ourselves to seek it, / might it but her honor be."


s: Thereto gave answer Hagen: / "Now such words give o'er.


s: Were Etzel known unto thee / as unto me of yore,


s: And did'st thou grant her to him, / as 'tis thy will I hear,


s: "Wherefore?" spake then Gunther. / "Well may I care for that,


s: E'er to thwart his temper / that so I aught of hate


s: At his hands should merit, / an if his wife she be."


s: Then did they bid for Gernot / and Giselher to go,


s: For wished they of the royal / twain their mind to know,


s: If that the mighty monarch / Kriemhild for spouse should take.


s: Yet Hagen and none other / thereto did opposition make.


s: Then spake of Burgundy / Giselher the thane:


s: "Well may'st thou now, friend Hagen, / show upright mind again:


s: For sorrows wrought upon her / may'st thou her well requite.


s: "Yea, hast thou to my sister / so many sorrows done,"


s: So spake further Giselher, / the full noble thane,


s: "That fullest reason hath she / to mete thee naught but hate.


s: In sooth was never lady / than she bereft of joy more great."


s: "What I do know full certain, / that known to all I make:


s: If e'er shall come the hour / that she do Etzel take,


s: She'll work us yet sore evil, / howe'er the same she plan.


s: Then in sooth will serve her / full many a keen and doughty man."


s: In answer then to Hagen / the brave Gernot said:


s: "With us doth lie to leave it / until they both be dead,


s: Ere that we ride ever / unto Etzel's land.


s: That we be faithful to her / doth honor meantime sure command."


s: Thereto again spake Hagen: / "Gainsay me here may none.


s: And shall the noble Kriemhild / e'er sit 'neath Helke's crown,


s: Howe'er she that accomplish, / she'll do us grievous hurt.


s: Good knights, therefrom to keep you / doth better with your weal


s: In anger spake then Giselher / the son of Ute the fair:


s: "None shall yet among us / himself like traitor bear.


s: What honor e'er befall her, / rejoice thereat should we.


s: Whate'er thou sayest, Hagen, / true helper shall she find in me."


s: When that heard it Hagen / straightway waxed he wroth.


s: Gernot and Giselher / the knights high-minded both,


s: And Gunther, mighty monarch, / did counsel finally,


s: If that did wish it Kriemhild, / by them 'twould unopposed be.


s: Then spake the margrave Gere: / "That lady will I tell


s: How that of royal Etzel / she may think full well.


s: In fear are subject to him / brave warriors many a one:


s: Then went the knight full valiant / where he did Kriemhild find,


s: And straightway spake unto her / upon her greeting kind:


s: "Me may'st thou gladly welcome / with messengers high meed.


s: Fortune hath come to part thee / now from all thy bitter need.


s: "For sake of love he bears thee, / lady, doth seek thy hand


s: One of all the highest / that e'er o'er monarch's land


s: Did rule in fullest honor, / or ever crown might wear:


s: Then spake she rich in sorrow: / "Now God forbid to thee


s: And all I have of kinsmen / that aught of mockery


s: They do on me, poor woman. / What were I unto one,


s: Who e'er at heart the joyance / of a noble wife hath known?"


s: Much did she speak against it. / Anon as well came there


s: Gernot her brother / and the young Giselher.


s: In loving wise they begged her / her mourning heart to cheer:


s: An would she take the monarch, / verily her weal it were.


s: Yet might not then by any / the lady's mind be bent,


s: That any man soever / to love she would consent.


s: Thereon the thanes besought her: / "Now grant the thing to be,


s: "That will I not deny you," / spake the high lady,


s: "That the noble Ruediger / I full gladly see,


s: Such knightly grace adorns him. / Were he not messenger,


s: And came there other hither / by him I all unspoken were."


s: She spake: "Upon the morrow / bid him hither fare


s: Unto this my chamber. / Then shall he fully hear


s: How that do stand my wishes, / the which I'll tell him true."


s: Of her full grievous sorrow / was she minded thus anew.


s: Eke not else desired / the noble Ruediger


s: Than that by the lady / leave thus granted were:


s: He knew himself so skilful, / might he such favor earn,


s: So should he her full certain / from her spoken purpose turn.


s: Upon the morrow early / when that the mass was sung


s: Came the noble messengers, / whereof a mickle throng.


s: They that should Sir Ruediger / to court bear company,


s: Many a man full stately / in rich apparel might ye see.


s: Kriemhild, dame high-stated, / --full sad she was of mood--


s: There Ruediger awaited, / the noble knight and good.


s: He found her in such raiment / as daily she did wear:


s: Unto the threshold went she / the noble guest to meet,


s: And the man of Etzel / did she full kindly greet.


s: Twelve knights there did enter, / himself and eleven more,


s: The messenger to seat him / and his men they gave command.


s: The twain valiant margraves / saw ye before her stand,


s: Eckewart and Gere, / the noble knights and keen,


s: Such was the lady's sorrow, / none saw ye there of cheerful mien.


s: They saw before her sitting / full many a lady fair,


s: And yet the Lady Kriemhild / did naught but sorrow there.


s: The dress upon her bosom / was wet with tears that fell,


s: Then spake the lofty messenger: / "Daughter of king full high,


s: To me and these my fellows / that bear me company


s: Deign now the grace to grant us / that we before thee stand


s: And tell to thee the tidings / wherefore we rode unto thy land."


s: "That grace to thee is granted," / spake the lofty queen;


s: "Whate'er may be thy message, / I'll let it now be seen


s: That I do hear it gladly: / thou'rt welcome messenger."


s: That fruitless was their errand / deemed the others well to hear.


s: Then spake of Bechelaren / the noble Ruediger:


s: "Pledge of true love unto thee / from lofty king I bear,


s: Etzel who bids thee, lady, / here royal compliment:


s: He hath to woo thy favor / knights full worthy hither sent.


s: "His love to thee he offers / full heartily and free:


s: Fidelity that lasteth / he plighteth unto thee,


s: As erst to Lady Helke / who o'er his heart held sway.


s: Yea, thinking on her virtues / hath he full oft had joyless day."


s: Then spake the royal lady: / "O Margrave Ruediger,


s: If that known to any / my sharp sorrows were,


s: Besought then were I never / again to take me spouse.


s: Such ne'er was won by lady / as the husband I did lose."


s: "What is that sootheth sorrow," / the valiant knight replied,


s: "An be't not loving friendship / whene'er that may betide,


s: And that each mortal choose him / who his delight shall be?


s: Naught is that so availeth / to keep the heart from sorrow free.


s: "Wilt thou minded be to love him, / this noble master mine,


s: O'er mighty crowns a dozen / the power shall be thine.


s: Thereto of princes thirty / my lord shall give thee land,


s: The which hath all subdued / the prowess of his doughty hand.


s: "O'er many a knight full worthy / eke mistress shalt thou be


s: That my Lady Helke / did serve right faithfully,


s: And over many a lady / that served amid her train,


s: Of high and royal lineage," / spake the keen and valiant thane.


s: "Thereto my lord will give thee / --he bids to thee make known--


s: If that beside the monarch / thou deign'st to wear a crown,


s: Power in fullest measure / that Helke e'er might boast:


s: The same in lordly manner / shalt thou wield o'er Etzel's host."


s: Then spake the royal lady: / "How might again my life


s: Have thereof desire / to be a hero's wife?


s: Hath death in one already / wrought me such sorrows sore,


s: That joyless must my days be / from this time for evermore."


s: Then spake the men of Hunland: / "O royal high lady,


s: Thy life shall there by Etzel / so full of honor be


s: Thy heart 'twill ever gladden / if but may be such thing:


s: Full many a thane right stately / doth homage to the mighty king.


s: "Might but Helke's maidens / and they that wait on thee


s: E'er be joined together / in one royal company,


s: Well might brave knights to see them / wax merry in their mood.


s: Be, lady, now persuaded / --'tis verily thy surest good."


s: She spake in courteous manner: / "Let further parley be


s: Until doth come the morrow. / Then hither come to me.


s: So will I give my answer / to bear upon your way."


s: When all from thence were parted / and had their lodgings sought,


s: And eke with him her mother. / To both she then did tell


s: Then spake her brother Giselher: / "Sister, to me 'tis told--


s: And well may I believe it-- / that thy grief manifold


s: Etzel complete will scatter, / an tak'st thou him for man.


s: Further eke spake Giselher: / "Console thee well may he.


s: From Rhone unto Rhine river, / from Elbe unto the sea,


s: King there is none other / that holds so lordly sway.


s: An he for spouse do take thee, / gladden thee full well he may."


s: "Brother loved full dearly, / wherefore dost counsel it?


s: To mourn and weep forever / doth better me befit.


s: How may I 'mid warriors / appear in royal state?


s: Was ever fair my body, / of beauty now 'tis desolate."


s: Then spake the Lady Ute / her daughter dear unto:


s: "The thing thy brother counsels, / my loving child, that do.


s: By thy friends be guided, / then with thee well 'twill be.


s: Then prayed she God with fervor / that he might her provide


s: With store of gold and silver / and raiment rich beside,


s: As erstwhile when her husband / did live a stately thane:


s: Since then so happy hour / never had she known again.


s: In her own bosom thought she: / "An shall I not deny


s: My body to a heathen / --a Christian lady I--


s: So must I while life lasteth / have shame to be my own.


s: And there withal she left it. / The night through until day,


s: Upon her couch the lady / with mind full troubled lay.


s: Nor yet her eyes full shining / of tears at all were free,


s: Until upon the morrow / forth to matins issued she.


s: When for mass was sounded, / came there the kings likewise.


s: Again did they their sister / by faithful word advise


s: To take for spouse unto her / of Hunland the king.


s: All joyless was the visage / they saw the lady thither bring.


s: They bade the men of Etzel / thither lead again,


s: Who unto their country / fain their leave had ta'en,


s: Their message won or fruitless, / how that soe'er might be.


s: Unto the court came Ruediger. / Full eager were his company


s: By the knight to be informed / how the thing befell,


s: And if betimes they knew it / 'twould please them all full well,


s: For weary was the journey / and long unto their land.


s: In full earnest manner / then the knight gan pray


s: The high royal lady / that she to him might say


s: What were from her the message / to Etzel he should bear.


s: Naught but denial only / did he from the lady hear,


s: For that her love might never / by man again be won.


s: Thereto spake the margrave: / "Ill such thing were done.


s: Wherefore such fair body / wilt thou to ruin give?


s: Spouse of knight full worthy / may'st thou yet in honor live."


s: Naught booted how they besought her, / till that Ruediger


s: Spake in secret manner / in the high lady's ear,


s: How Etzel should requite her / for ills she e'er did know.


s: Then gan her mickle sorrow / milder at the thought to grow.


s: Unto the queen then spake he: / "Let now thy weeping be.


s: If 'mong the Huns hadst thou / other none than me


s: And my faithful kinsmen / and my good men alone,


s: Sorely must he repay it / who hath aught to thee of evil done."


s: Thereat apace all lighter / the lady's sorrow grew,


s: She spake: "So swear thou truly, / what any 'gainst me do,


s: That thou wilt be the foremost / my sorrows to requite."


s: Thereto spake the margrave: / "Lady, to thee my word I plight."


s: With all his men together / sware then Ruediger


s: Faithfully to serve her, / and in all things whatsoe'er


s: Naught would e'er deny her / the thanes from Etzel's land,


s: Whereof she might have honor: / thereto gave Ruediger his hand.


s: Then thought the faithful lady: / "Since I thus have won


s: Band of friends so faithful, / care now have I none


s: How shall speak the people / in my sore need of me.


s: The death of my loved husband / perchance shall yet avenged be."


s: Thought she: "Since hath Etzel / so many knights and true,


s: An shall I but command them, / whate'er I will I do.


s: Eke hath he such riches / that free may be my hand:


s: Bereft of all my treasure / by Hagen's faithless art I stand."


s: Then spake she unto Ruediger: / "Were it not, as I do know,


s: The king is yet a heathen, / so were I fain to go


s: Whithersoe'er he willed it, / and take him for my lord."


s: Thereto spake the margrave: / "Lady, no longer hold such word.


s: "Such host he hath of warriors / who Christians are as we,


s: That beside the monarch / may care ne'er come to thee.


s: Yea, may he be baptized / through thee to Christian life:


s: Then spake again her brother: / "Sister, thy favor lend,


s: That now all thy sorrow / thereby may have an end."


s: And so long they besought her / that full of sadness she


s: Her word at length had plighted / the monarch Etzel's wife to be.


s: She spake: "You will I follow, / I most lorn lady,


s: That I fare to Hunland, / as soon as it may be


s: That I friends have ready / to lead me to his land."


s: Then spake again the margrave: / "Two knights do serve thee true,


s: That thee with fitting honor / across the Rhine we guide.


s: Nor shalt thou, lady, longer / here in Burgundy abide.


s: "Good men have I five hundred, / and eke my kinsmen stand


s: Ready here to serve thee / and far in Etzel's land,


s: Lady, at thy bidding. / And I do pledge the same,


s: "Now bid with full equipment / thy horses to prepare:


s: Ruediger's true counsel / will bring thee sorrow ne'er;


s: And tell it to thy maidens / whom thou wilt take with thee.


s: Full many a chosen warrior / on the way shall join our company."


s: They had full rich equipment / that once their train arrayed


s: The while that yet lived Siegfried, / so might she many a maid


s: In honor high lead with her, / as she thence would fare.


s: What steeds all rich caparisoned / awaited the high ladies there!


s: If till that time they ever / in richest dress were clad,


s: Thereof now for their journey / full store was ready made,


s: For that they of the monarch / had such tidings caught.


s: Little were they idle / until the fifth day,


s: But sought rich dress that folded / secure in covers lay.


s: Kriemhild wide did open / all her treasure there,


s: And largess great would give she / unto the men of Ruediger.


s: Still had she of the treasure / of Nibelungenland,


s: (She weened the same in Hunland / to deal with bounteous hand)


s: So great that hundred horses / ne'er the whole might bear.


s: He spake: "Since Kriemhild never / may me in favor hold,


s: E'en so here must tarry / Siegfried's store of gold.


s: Wherefore unto mine enemies / such mickle treasure go?


s: "Might she but take it thither, / in sooth believe I that,


s: 'Twould be dealt out in largess / to stir against me hate.


s: Nor own they steeds sufficient / the same to bear away.


s: When she did hear the story, / with grief her heart was torn.


s: Eke unto the monarchs / all three the tale was borne.


s: Fain would they prevent it: / yet when that might not be,


s: Spake the noble Ruediger / in this wise full joyfully:


s: "Wherefore, queen full stately, / weep'st thou o'er this gold?


s: For thee will King Etzel / in such high favor hold


s: When but his eyes behold thee, / to thee such store he'll give


s: Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Full noble Ruediger,


s: Greater treasure never / king's daughter had for share


s: Than this that Hagen from me / now hath ta'en away."


s: With force he stuck the monarch's / key into the door,


s: And soon of Kriemhild's treasure / they from the chamber bore


s: Marks full thirty thousand / or e'en more plenteously.


s: Then Gotelinde's husband / of Bechelaren spake:


s: "An if my Lady Kriemhild / with her complete might take


s: What treasure e'er came hither / from Nibelungenland,


s: Ne'er a whit would touch it / mine or my royal lady's hand.


s: "Now bid them here to keep it, / for ne'er the same I'll touch.


s: Yea brought I from my country / of mine own wealth so much,


s: That we upon our journey / may be full well supplied,


s: And ne'er have lack in outlay / as in state we homeward ride."


s: Chests well filled a dozen / from the time of old


s: Had for their own her maidens, / of the best of gold


s: That e'er ye might discover: / now thence away 'twas borne,


s: Of the might she yet was fearful / of Hagen grim and bold.


s: Still had she of mass-money / a thousand marks in gold,


s: That gave she for the soul's rest / of her husband dear.


s: Such loving deed and faithful / did touch the heart of Ruediger.


s: Then spake the lady mournful: / "Who now that loveth me,


s: And for the love they bear me / may willing exiles be,


s: Who with me to Hunland / now away shall ride?


s: Take they of my treasure / and steeds and meet attire provide."


s: Then did the margrave Eckewart / answer thus the queen:


s: "Since I from the beginning / of thy train have been,


s: Have I e'er right faithful / served thee," spake the thane,


s: "And to the end I'll ever / thus faithful unto thee remain.


s: "Eke will I lead with me / five hundred of my men,


s: Whom I grant to serve thee / in faithful way again.


s: Nor e'er shall we be parted / till that we be dead."


s: Low bowing thanked him Kriemhild, / as verily might be his meed.


s: Forth were brought the horses, / for that they thence would fare.


s: Ute, queen full stately, / and many a lady more


s: A hundred stately maidens / with her she led away,


s: And as for them was fitting, / full rich was their array.


s: Many a bitter tear-drop / from shining eye fell down:


s: Yet joys knew they full many / eke in Etzel's land anon.


s: Thither came Sir Giselher / and Gernot as well,


s: And with them train of followers, / as duty did compel.


s: Safe escort would they furnish / for their dear sister then,


s: And with them led of warriors / a thousand brave and stately men.


s: Then came the valiant Gere, / and Ortwein eke came he:


s: Rumold the High Steward / might not absent be.


s: Unto the Danube did they / night-quarters meet provide.


s: Short way beyond the city / did the royal Gunther ride.


s: Ere from the Rhine they started / had they forward sent


s: Messengers that full quickly / unto Hunland went,


s: And told unto the monarch / how that Ruediger


s: The messengers leave we riding. / Now shall ye understand


s: How did the Lady Kriemhild / journey through the land,


s: And where from her were parted / Gernot and Giselher.


s: Upon her had they waited / as faithful unto her they were.


s: As far as to the Danube / at Vergen did they ride,


s: Where must be the parting / from their royal sister's side,


s: For that again they homeward / would ride unto the Rhine.


s: No eye but wet from weeping / in all the company was seen.


s: Giselher the valiant / thus to his sister said:


s: "If that thou ever, lady, / need hast of my aid,


s: And fronts thee aught of trouble, / give me to understand,


s: Upon the mouth then kissed she / all her friends full dear.


s: The escort soon had taken / eke leave of Ruediger


s: And the margrave's warriors / in manner lovingly.


s: Four beyond a hundred / there were, all richly clad


s: In silk of cunning pattern. / Many a shield full broad


s: On the way did guard the ladies / in hand of valiant thane.


s: Thence away they hastened / down through Bavarian land.


s: Soon were told the tidings / how that was at hand


s: A mickle host of strangers, / where a cloister stands from yore


s: And where the Inn its torrent / doth into Danube river pour.


s: At Passau in the city / a lordly bishop bode.


s: Empty soon each lodging / and bishop's palace stood:


s: To Bavarian land they hastened / the high guests to meet,


s: And there the Bishop Pilgrim / the Lady Kriemhild fair did greet.


s: The warriors of that country / no whit grieved they were


s: Thus to see follow with her / so many a maiden fair.


s: Upon those high-born ladies / their eyes with joy did rest,


s: Full comfortable quarters / prepared they for each noble guest.


s: With his niece the bishop / unto Passau rode.


s: When among the burghers / the story went abroad,


s: That thither was come Kriemhild, / the bishop's niece full fair,


s: Soon did the towns-people / reception meet for her prepare.


s: There to have them tarry / was the bishop fain.


s: To him spake Sir Eckewart: / "Here may we not remain.


s: Unto Ruediger's country / must we journey down.


s: Thanes many there await us, / to whom our coming well is known."


s: The tidings now knew likewise / Lady Gotelinde fair.


s: Herself and noble daughter / did them quick prepare.


s: Message she had from Ruediger / that he well pleased would be,


s: Should she unto Lady / Kriemhild show such courtesy,


s: That she ride forth to meet her, / and bring his warriors true


s: Upward unto the Ense. / When they the tidings knew,


s: Saw ye how on all sides / they thronged the busy way.


s: Forth to meet the strangers / rode and eke on foot went they.


s: As far as Everdingen / meanwhile was come the queen:


s: In that Bavarian country / on the way were never seen


s: Robbers seeking plunder, / as e'er their custom was:


s: Of fear from such a quarter / had the travellers little cause.


s: 'Gainst that had well provided / the noble margrave:


s: A band he led that numbered / good thousand warriors brave.


s: There was eke come Gotelinde, / spouse of Ruediger,


s: When came they o'er the Traune / by Ense on the green,


s: There full many an awning / outstretched and tent was seen,


s: Wherein that night the strangers / should find them welcome rest.


s: Not long fair Gotelinde did in her quarters stay,


s: But left them soon behind her. / Then coursed upon the way


s: With merry jingling bridle / many a well-shaped steed.


s: Full fair was the reception: / whereat was Ruediger right glad.


s: On one side and the other / did swell the stately train


s: Knights that rode full gaily, / many a noble thane.


s: As they in joust disported, / full many a maid looked on,


s: Nor to the queen unwelcome / was the riders' service done.


s: As rode there 'fore the strangers / the men of Ruediger,


s: From shaft full many a splinter / saw ye fly in air


s: In hand of doughty warrior / that jousted lustily.


s: Them might ye 'fore the ladies / pricking in stately manner see.


s: Anon therefrom they rested. / Knights many then did greet


s: Full courteously each other. / Then forth Kriemhild to meet


s: Went the fair Gotelinde, / by gallant warriors led.


s: The lord of Bechelaren / unto his lady rode.


s: Soon the noble margravine / her high rejoicing showed,


s: That all safe and sound he / from the Rhine was come again.


s: When him she had received, / her on the green he bade


s: Dismount with all the ladies / that in her train she led.


s: There saw ye all unidle / many a knight of high estate,


s: Who with full ready service / upon the ladies then did wait.


s: Then saw the Lady Kriemhild / the margravine where she stood


s: Amid her fair attendants: / nearer not she rode.


s: Upon the steed that bore her / the rein she drew full tight,


s: And bade them straightway help her / adown from saddle to alight.


s: The bishop saw ye leading / his sister's daughter fair,


s: And with him eke went Eckewart / to Gotelinde there.


s: The willing folk on all sides / made way before their feet.


s: With kiss did Gotelinde / the dame from land far distant greet.


s: Then spake in manner kindly / the wife of Ruediger;


s: "Right glad am I, dear lady, / that I thy visage fair


s: Have in this our country / with mine own eyes seen.


s: In these times might never / greater joy to me have been."


s: May it henceforth be thy profit / that me thou here dost see."


s: Yet all unknown to either / was that which yet anon must be.


s: With curtsy to each other / went full many a maid,


s: The knights a willing service / unto the ladies paid.


s: After the greeting sat they / adown upon the green;


s: Knew many then each other / that hitherto had strangers been.


s: For the ladies they poured refreshment. / Now was come mid-day,


s: And did those high attendants / there no longer stay,


s: But went where found they ready / many a spreading tent.


s: Full willing was the service / unto the noble guests they lent.


s: The night through until morning / did they rest them there.


s: They of Bechelaren / meanwhile did prepare


s: That into fitting quarters / each high guest be brought.


s: Open ye saw the windows / the castle walls along,


s: And the burgh at Bechelaren / its gates wide open flung,


s: Ruediger's fair daughter / with her attendant train


s: Came forth in loving manner / to greet the lofty queen.


s: With her was eke her mother / the stately margravine;


s: There full friendly greeting / of many a maiden fair was seen.


s: By the hand they took each other / and thence did pass each pair


s: Into a Hall full spacious, / the which was builded fair,


s: And 'neath its walls the Danube / flowed down with rushing tide.


s: What they there did further, / tell it not I can.


s: That they so long did tarry, / heard ye the knights complain


s: That were of Kriemhild's company, / who unwilling there abode.


s: What host of valiant warriors / with them from Bechelaren rode!


s: Full kindly was the service / did render Ruediger,


s: Likewise gave Lady Kriemhild / twelve golden armbands rare


s: To Gotelinde's daughter, / and dress so richly wrought


s: That finer was none other / that into Etzel's land she brought.


s: Though Nibelungen treasure / from her erstwhile was ta'en,


s: Good-will of all that knew her / did she e'er retain


s: With such little portion / as yet she did command.


s: The Lady Gotelinde / such honors high again


s: Did pay in gracious manner / to the guests afar from Rhine


s: That of all the strangers / found ye never one


s: That wore not rich attire / from her, and many a precious stone.


s: When they their fast had broken / and would thence depart,


s: The lady of the castle / did pledge with faithful heart


s: Unto the wife of Etzel / service true to bear.


s: To the queen then spake the maiden: / "If e'er it pleaseth thee,


s: Well know I that my father / dear full willingly


s: Unto thee will send me / where thou livest in Hunland."


s: Now ready were the horses / the castle steps before,


s: And soon the queen full stately / did take her leave once more


s: Of the lovely daughter / and spouse of Ruediger.


s: Eke parted with fair greeting / thence full many a maiden fair.


s: Each other they full seldom / thereafter might behold.


s: From Medelick were carried / beakers rich of gold


s: In hand and eke full many, / wherein was sparkling wine:


s: Upon the way were greeted / thus the strangers from the Rhine.


s: High there a lord was seated, / Astold the name he bore,


s: Who that into Osterland / did lead the way before


s: As far as to Mautaren / adown the Danube's side.


s: There did they fitting service / for the lofty queen provide.


s: Of his niece the bishop / took leave in loving wise.


s: That she well should bear her, / did he oft advise,


s: And that she win her honor / as Helke erst had done.


s: Ah, how great the honor / anon that 'mid the Huns she won!


s: Unto the Traisem brought they / forth the strangers then.


s: Fair had they attendance / from Ruediger's men,


s: Till o'er the country riding / the Huns came them to meet.


s: With mickle honor did they / then the royal lady greet.


s: For had the king of Hunland, / Traisem's stream beside,


s: A full mighty castle, / known afar and wide,


s: The same hight Traisenmauer: / Dame Helke there before


s: An it were not Kriemhild / who could such bounty show,


s: That after days of sorrow / the pleasure she might know,


s: To be held in honor / by Etzel's men each one:


s: That praise in fullest measure / had she amid those thanes anon.


s: Afar the might of Etzel / so well was known around,


s: That at every season / within his court were found


s: Knights of all the bravest, / whereof ye e'er did hear


s: By him at every season, / as scarce might elsewhere be,


s: Knights both of Christian doctrine / and heathen use saw ye.


s: Yet in what mind soever / did each and every stand,


s: To all in fullest measure / dealt the king with bounteous hand.


s: How Etzel kept the Wedding-feast with Kriemhild


s: At Traisenmauer she tarried / until the fourth day.


s: Upon the road the dust-clouds / meanwhile never lay.


s: But rose like smoke of fire / around on every side:


s: Onward then through Austria / King Etzel's warriors did ride.


s: Then eke unto the monarch / such tidings now were told,


s: That at the thought did vanish / all his grief of old,


s: In what high manner Kriemhild / should in his land appear.


s: Then gan the monarch hasten / where he did find the lady fair.


s: Of many a tongue and varied / upon the way were seen


s: Before King Etzel riding / full many warriors keen,


s: Of Christians and of heathen / a spreading company.


s: To greet their coming mistress / forth they rode in fair array.


s: Of Reuss men and Greeks there / great was the tale,


s: And rapid saw ye riding / the Wallach and the Pole


s: On chargers full of mettle / that they did deftly guide.


s: Their own country's custom / did they in no wise lay aside.


s: From the land of Kief / rode there full many a thane,


s: And the wild Petschenegers. / Full many a bow was drawn,


s: As at the flying wild-fowl / through air the bolt was sped.


s: With might the bow was bended / as far as to the arrow's head.


s: A city by the Danube / in Osterland doth stand,


s: Hight the same is Tulna: / of many a distant land


s: Saw Kriemhild there the customs, / ne'er yet to her were known.


s: To many there did greet her / sorrow befell through her anon.


s: Before the monarch Etzel / rode a company


s: Of merry men and mighty, / courteous and fair to see,


s: Good four-and-twenty chieftains, / mighty men and bold.


s: Naught else was their desire / save but their mistress to behold.


s: Then the Duke Ramung / from far Wallachia


s: With seven hundred warriors / dashed forth athwart her way:


s: Their going might ye liken / unto birds in flight.


s: Then came the chieftain Gibeke, / with his host a stately sight.


s: Eke the valiant Hornbog / with full thousand men


s: From the king went forward / to greet his mistress then.


s: After their country's custom / in joy they shouted loud;


s: The doughty thanes of Hunland / likewise in merry tourney rode.


s: Then came a chief from Denmark, / Hawart bold and keen,


s: And the valiant Iring, / in whom no guile was seen,


s: And Irnfried of Thuringia, / a stately knight to see:


s: Kriemhild they greeted / that honor high therefrom had she,


s: With good knights twelve hundred / whom led they in their train.


s: Thither with three thousand / came Bloedel eke, the thane


s: That was King Etzel's brother / out of Hunland:


s: Unto his royal mistress / led he then his stately band.


s: Then did come King Etzel / and Dietrich by his side


s: With all his doughty fellows. / In state there saw ye ride


s: Many a knight full noble, / valiant and void of fear.


s: The heart of Lady Kriemhild / did such host of warriors cheer.


s: Then to his royal mistress / spake Sir Ruediger:


s: "Lady, now give I greeting / to the high monarch here.


s: Whom to kiss I bid thee, / grant him such favor then:


s: They lifted then from saddle / the dame of royal state.


s: Etzel the mighty monarch / might then no longer wait,


s: But sprang from off his charger / with many a warrior keen:


s: Unto Kriemhild hasting / full joyously he then was seen.


s: As is to us related, / did there high princes twain


s: By the lady walking / bear aloft her train,


s: As the royal Etzel / went forward her to meet,


s: And she the noble monarch / with kiss in kindly wise did greet.


s: Aside she moved her wimple, / whereat her visage fair


s: To kiss him then Margrave / Ruediger her did tell,


s: And eke the royal Gibeke / and Sir Dietrich as well.


s: Of highest knights a dozen / did Etzel's spouse embrace;


s: Other knights full many / she greeted with a lesser grace.


s: All the while that Etzel / stood by Kriemhild so,


s: Did the youthful riders / as still they're wont to do:


s: In varied tourney saw ye / each 'gainst the other pass,


s: Christian knights and heathen, / as for each the custom was.


s: From men that followed Dietrich / saw ye in kindly wise


s: Splinters from the lances / flying high arise


s: Aloft above their bucklers, / from hand of good knight sent!


s: By the German strangers / pierced was many a shield and rent.


s: From shaft of lances breaking / did far the din resound.


s: Together came the warriors / from all the land around,


s: Eke the guests of the monarch / and many a knight there was.


s: Thence did the mighty monarch / then with Lady Kriemhild pass.


s: Stretched a fair pavilion / beside them there was seen:


s: With tents as well was covered / all around the green,


s: Where they now might rest them / all that weary were.


s: By high-born knights was thither / led full many a lady fair.


s: With their royal mistress, / where in rich cushioned chair


s: Sat the queen full stately. / 'Twas by the margrave's care


s: That well had been provided, / with all that seemed good,


s: A worthy seat for Kriemhild: / thereat was Etzel glad of mood.


s: What was by Etzel spoken, / may I not understand.


s: In his right hand resting / lay her fair white hand.


s: They sat in loving fashion, / nor Ruediger would let


s: The king have secret converse / with Lady Kriemhild as yet.


s: 'Twas bidden that the jousting / on all sides they give o'er.


s: The din of stately tourney / heard ye then no more.


s: All the men of Etzel / unto their tents did go,


s: For every warrior present / did they full spacious lodging show.


s: And now the day was ended / and they did rest the night


s: Until beheld they shining / once more the morning light.


s: Soon on charger mounted / again was many a man:


s: Heigho, what merry pastime, / the king to honor, they began!


s: By the Huns the monarch / bade honors high be shown.


s: Soon rode they forth from Tulna / unto Vienna town,


s: Where found they many a lady / decked out in fair array:


s: The same the monarch Etzel's / wife received in stately way.


s: In very fullest measure / upon them there did wait


s: Whate'er they might desire. / Of knights the joy was great,


s: Looking toward the revel. / Lodging then sought each one.


s: The wedding of the monarch / was in merry wise begun.


s: Yet not for all might lodging / within the town be had.


s: All that were not strangers, / Ruediger them bade


s: That they find them lodgings / beyond the city's bound.


s: I ween that at all seasons / by Lady Kriemhild's side was found


s: The noble Sir Dietrich / and many another thane,


s: Who amid their labors / but little rest had ta'en,


s: That the guests they harbored / of merry mood should be.


s: For Ruediger and his companions / went the time full pleasantly.


s: The wedding time was fallen / upon a Whitsuntide,


s: When the monarch Etzel / lay Kriemhild beside


s: In the town at Vienna. / So many men I ween


s: Through her former husband / had not in her service been.


s: Many that ne'er had seen her / did her rich bounty take,


s: And many a one among them / unto the strangers spake:


s: "We deemed that Lady Kriemhild / of wealth no more had aught


s: Now hath she by her giving / here full many a wonder wrought."


s: The wedding-feast it lasted / for days full seventeen.


s: Ne'er of other monarch / hath any told, I ween,


s: That wedded with more splendor: / of such no tale we hear.


s: All that there were present, / new-made apparel did they wear.


s: I ween that far in Netherland / sat she ne'er before


s: Amid such host of warriors. / And this believe I more:


s: Was Siegfried rich in treasure, / that yet he ne'er did gain,


s: As here she saw 'fore Etzel, / so many a high and noble thane.


s: Nor e'er gave any other / at his own wedding-tide


s: So many a costly mantle / flowing long and wide,


s: Nor yet so rich apparel / --so may ye well believe--


s: As here from hand of Kriemhild / did they one and all receive.


s: Her friends and eke the strangers / were of a single mind,


s: That they would not be sparing / of treasure in any kind:


s: What any from them desired, / they gave with willing hand.


s: Many a thane from giving / himself of clothing reft did stand.


s: How by her noble husband / at the Rhine a queen she sat,


s: Of that she still was minded, / and her eye grew wet thereat.


s: Yet well she kept it hidden / that none the same might mark.


s: Now had she wealth of honor / after long years of sorrow dark.


s: What any did with bounty, / 'twas but an idle wind


s: By side of Dietrich's giving: / what Etzel's generous mind


s: Before to him had given, / complete did disappear.


s: Eke wrought there many a wonder / the hand of bounteous Ruediger.


s: Bloedelein the chieftain / that came from Hunland,


s: Full many a chest to empty / did he then command,


s: Of gold and eke of silver. / That did they freely give.


s: Right merrily the warriors / of the monarch saw ye live.


s: Likewise the monarch's minstrels / Werbel and Schwemmelein,


s: Won they at the wedding / each alone, I ween,


s: Marks a good thousand / or even more than that,


s: Whenas fair Lady Kriemhild / 'neath crown by royal Etzel sat.


s: Upon the eighteenth morning / from Vienna town they went.


s: Then in knightly pastime / many a shield was rent


s: By spear full well directed / by doughty rider's hand.


s: So came the royal Etzel / riding into Hunland.


s: At Heimburg's ancient castle / they tarried over night.


s: Tell the tale of people / no mortal ever might,


s: And the number of good warriors / did o'er the country come.


s: Ah, what fairest women / were gathered unto Etzel's home!


s: By Miesenburg's majestic / towers did they embark.


s: With horses eke and riders / the water all was dark,


s: As if 'twere earth they trod on, / as far as eye might see.


s: The way-worn ladies rested / now on board right pleasantly.


s: Now was lashed together / many a boat full good,


s: That no harm they suffered / from the waves and flood.


s: Many a stately awning / likewise above them spread,


s: Just as if beneath them / had they land and flowery mead.


s: When to Etzelburg the tidings / soon were borne along,


s: Therein of men and women / were seen a merry throng.


s: Who once the Lady Helke / as mistress did obey,


s: Anon by Lady Kriemhild / lived they many a gladsome day.


s: There did stand expectant / full many a maid high-born,


s: That since the death of Helke / had pined all forlorn.


s: Daughters of seven monarchs / Kriemhild there waiting found,


s: That were the high adornment / of all King Etzel's country round.


s: Herrat, a lofty princess, / did all the train obey,


s: Sister's child to Helke, / in whom high virtues lay,


s: Betrothed eke of Dietrich, / of royal lineage born,


s: Daughter of King Nentwein; / her did high honors eft adorn.


s: Against the strangers' coming / her heart with joy flowed o'er:


s: Eke was thereto devoted / of wealth a mickle store.


s: As with his spouse the monarch / up from the river came,


s: Unto the noble Kriemhild / of each they told the name


s: 'Mong them that she did find there: / she fairer each did greet.


s: Ah, how mighty mistress / she long did sit in Helke's seat!


s: Ready and true the service / to her was offered there.


s: The queen dealt out in plenty / gold and raiment rare,


s: With her unto Hunland, / soon thereof retained she naught.


s: Eke in faithful service / she to herself did win


s: All the king's warriors / and all his royal kin,


s: --So that ne'er did Lady Helke / so mighty power wield


s: Thus stood so high in honor / the court and country round,


s: That there at every season / was pleasant pastime found


s: By each, whithersoever / his heart's desire might stand:


s: How Kriemhild thought to avenge her Wrong


s: In full lordly honor, / --truth is that ye hear--


s: Dwelt they with each other / until the seventh year.


s: Meanwhile Lady Kriemhild / a son to Etzel bore,


s: Nor gladder might the monarch / be o'er aught for evermore.


s: Yet would she not give over, / nor with aught be reconciled,


s: But that should be baptized / the royal Etzel's child


s: After Christian custom: / Ortlieb they did him call.


s: Thereat was mickle joyance / over Etzel's borders all.


s: Whate'er of highest virtues / in Lady Helke lay,


s: Strove the Lady Kriemhild / to rival her each day.


s: Herrat the stranger maiden / many a grace she taught,


s: To stranger and to native / full well she soon was known,


s: Ne'er monarch's country, said they, / did royal mistress own


s: That gave with freer bounty, / that held they without fear.


s: Now had she well perceived / how all obeyed her will,


s: As service to royal mistress / king's knights do render still,


s: And how at every season / twelve kings 'fore her were seen.


s: Eke thought she of lordly power / in Nibelungenland


s: That she erstwhile had wielded, / and how that Hagen's hand


s: Of it all had reft her / with her lord Siegfried dead;


s: She thought for so great evil / how might he ever be repaid.


s: "'Twould be, might I but bring him / hither into this land."


s: She dreamed that fondly led her / full often by the hand


s: Giselher her brother, / full oft in gentle sleep


s: I ween the evil demon / was Kriemhild's counsellor


s: That she her peace with Gunther / should sacred keep no more,


s: Whom she kissed in friendly token / in the land of Burgundy.


s: Adown upon her bosom / the burning tears fell heavily.


s: On her heart both late and early / lay the heavy thought,


s: How that, herself all guiltless, / thereto she had been brought,


s: That she must share in exile / a heathen monarch's bed.


s: Through Hagen eke and Gunther / come she was to such sore need.


s: From her heart such longing / seldom might she dismiss.


s: Thought she: "A queen so mighty / I am o'er wealth like this,


s: That I upon mine enemies / may yet avenge me well.


s: Fain were I that on Hagen / of Tronje yet my vengeance fell.


s: Then were in sooth avenged / my lover reft of life;


s: Scarce may I bide that hour," / spake the royal Etzel's wife.


s: Kriemhild they loved and honored, / the monarch's men each one,


s: As they that came there with her: / well might the same be done.


s: The treasure wielded Eckewart, / and won good knights thereby.


s: The will of Lady Kriemhild might / none in all that land deny.


s: She mused at every season: / "The king himself I'll pray,"--


s: That he to her the favor / might grant in friendly way,


s: To bring her kinsmen hither / unto Hunland.


s: As she in stillest night-time / by the monarch lay


s: (In his arms enclosed he held her, / as he was wont alway


s: To caress the noble lady: / she was to him as life),


s: Again unto her enemies / turned her thoughts his stately wife.


s: She spake unto the monarch: / "My lord full dear to me,


s: Now would I pray a favor, / if with thy grace it be,


s: That thou wilt show unto me / if merit such be mine


s: That unto my good kinsmen / truly doth thy heart incline."


s: The mighty monarch answered / (from guile his heart was free):


s: "Of a truth I tell thee, / if aught of good may be


s: The fortune of thy kinsmen, / --of that I were full fain,


s: Thereat again spake Kriemhild: / "That mayst thou well believe,


s: Full high do stand my kinsmen; / the more it doth me grieve


s: That they deign so seldom / hither to take their way.


s: That here I live a stranger, / oft I hear the people say."


s: Then spake the royal Etzel: / "Beloved lady mine,


s: Seemed not too far the journey, / I'd bid from yond the Rhine


s: Whom thou wouldst gladly welcome / hither unto my land."


s: Thereat rejoiced the lady / when she his will did understand.


s: Spake she: "Wilt thou true favor / show me, master mine,


s: Then shall thou speed thy messengers / to Worms across the Rhine.


s: He spake: "Whene'er thou biddest, / straight the thing shall be.


s: Thyself mightst ne'er thy kinsmen / here so gladly see,


s: As I the sons of Ute, / high and stately queen.


s: "If this thing doth please thee, / beloved lady mine,


s: Then gladly send I thither / unto those friends of thine


s: As messengers my minstrels / to the land of Burgundy."


s: He bade the merry fiddlers / lead before him presently.


s: Then hastened they full quickly / to where they found the king


s: By side of Kriemhild sitting. / He told them straight the thing,


s: How they should be his messengers / to Burgundy to fare.


s: Full stately raiment bade he / for them straightway eke prepare.


s: Four and twenty warriors / did they apparel well.


s: Likewise did the monarch / to them the message tell,


s: How that they King Gunther / and his men should bid aright.


s: Them eke the Lady Kriemhild / to secret parley did invite.


s: Then spake the mighty monarch: / "Now well my words attend.


s: All good and friendly greeting / unto my friends I send,


s: That they may deign to journey / hither to my country.


s: Few be the guests beside them / that were so welcome unto me.


s: "And if they be so minded / to meet my will in aught,


s: Kriemhild's lofty kinsmen, / that they forego it not


s: To come upon the summer / here where I hold hightide,


s: For that my joy in living / doth greatly with my friends abide."


s: Then spake the fiddle-player, / Schwemmelein full bold:


s: "When thinkst thou in this country / such high feast to hold,


s: That unto thy friends yonder / tell the same we may?"


s: Thereto spake King Etzel: / "When next hath come midsummer day."


s: "We'll do as thou commandest," / spake then Werbelein.


s: Unto her own chamber / commanded then the queen


s: To bring in secret manner / the messengers alone.


s: Thereby did naught but sorrow / befall full many a thane anon.


s: She spake unto the messengers: / "Mickle wealth I give to you,


s: If my will in this matter / right faithfully ye do,


s: And bear what tidings send I / home unto our country.


s: I'll make you rich in treasure / and fair apparelled shall ye be.


s: "And friends of mine so many / as ever see ye may


s: At Worms by Rhine river, / to them ye ne'er shall say


s: That any mood of sorrow / in me ye yet have seen.


s: Say ye that I commend me / unto the knights full brave and keen."


s: "Pray them that to King Etzel's / message they give heed,


s: Thereby to relieve me / of all my care and need,


s: Else shall the Huns imagine / that I all friendless am.


s: If I but a knight were, / oft would they see me at their home.


s: "Eke say ye unto Gernot, / brother to me full dear,


s: To him might never any / disposed be more fair;


s: Pray him that he bring hither / unto this country


s: "Say further eke to Giselher / that he do have in mind,


s: That by his guilt I never / did cause for sorrow find;


s: Him therefore would I gladly / here with mine own eyes see,


s: And give him warmest welcome, / so faithful hath he been to me.


s: "How I am held in honor, / to my mother eke make plain.


s: And if of Tronje Hagen / hath mind there to remain,


s: By whom might they in coming / through unknown lands be shown?


s: No whit knew the messengers / wherefore she did advise


s: That they of Tronje Hagen / should not in any wise


s: Leave by the Rhine to tarry. / That was anon their bane:


s: Letters and kindly greeting / now to them they give;


s: They fared from thence rich laden, / and merrily might live.


s: Leave then they took of Etzel / and eke his lady fair,


s: And parted on their journey / dight in apparel rich and rare.


s: How Werbel and Schwemmel brought the Message


s: When to the Rhine King Etzel / his messengers had sent,


s: With hasty flight fresh tidings / from land to land there went:


s: With messengers full quickly / to his high festival


s: The messengers o'er the borders / of Hunland thence did fare


s: Unto the land of Burgundy; / thither sent they were


s: Unto three lordly monarchs / and eke their mighty men.


s: To Etzel's land to bid them / hastily they journeyed then.


s: Unto Bechelaren / rode they on their way,


s: Where found they willing service. / Nor did aught delay


s: Ruediger to commend him / and Gotelinde as well


s: They let them not unladen / with gifts from thence depart,


s: So did the men of Etzel / fare on with lighter heart.


s: To Ute and to her household / sent greeting Ruediger,


s: That never margrave any / to them more well disposed were.


s: Unto Brunhild also / did they themselves commend


s: With willing service offered / and steadfast to the end.


s: Bearing thus fair greeting / the messengers thence did fare,


s: Ere the messengers had fully / passed o'er Bavarian ground,


s: Had the nimble Werbel / the goodly bishop found.


s: What greetings to his kinsmen / unto the Rhine he sent,


s: That I cannot tell you; / the messengers yet from him went


s: Laden with gold all ruddy, / to keep his memory.


s: Thus spake the Bishop Pilgrim: / "'Twere highest joy to me


s: Might I my sister's children / here see in home of mine,


s: For that I may but seldom / go unto them to the Rhine."


s: Rob them of wealth or raiment, / for fear of Etzel's hand:


s: A lofty king and noble, / mighty in sooth was his command.


s: Before twelve days were over / came they unto the Rhine,


s: And rode into Worms city / Werbel and Schwemmelein.


s: Told were soon the tidings / to the kings and their good men,


s: And spake the monarch further: / "Who here may understand


s: Whence do come these strangers / riding unto our land?"


s: Yet was never any / might answer to him make,


s: Until of Tronje Hagen / thus unto King Gunther spake:


s: "To us hath come strange tidings / to hand this day, I ween,


s: For Etzel's fiddlers riding / hither have I seen.


s: The same have by thy sister / unto the Rhine been sent:


s: E'en then did ride the messengers / unto the castle door,


s: And never royal minstrels / more stately went before.


s: By the monarch's servants / well received they were:


s: Yet they at court no longer / would the same garments wear.


s: The messengers inquired / if any were might wish them there.


s: In sooth in such condition / many eke were found,


s: Who would receive them gladly; / to such they dealt around.


s: Then decked themselves the strangers / in garments richer far,


s: Such as royal messengers / beseemeth well at court to wear.


s: By royal leave came forward / to where the monarch sat


s: The men that came from Etzel, / and joy there was thereat.


s: Hagen then to meet them / in courteous manner went,


s: And heartily did greet them, / whereat they gave fair compliment.


s: To know what were the tidings, / to ask he then began


s: How did find him Etzel / and each valiant man.


s: Then answer gave the fiddler: / "Ne'er higher stood the land,


s: Nor the folk so joyous: / that shall ye surely understand."


s: They went unto the monarch. / Crowded was the hall.


s: There were received the strangers / as of right men shall


s: Kindly greeting offer / in other monarch's land.


s: Many a valiant warrior / saw Werbel by King Gunther stand.


s: Right courteously the monarch / began to greet them then:


s: "Now be ye both right welcome, / Hunland's merry men,


s: And knights that give you escort. / Hither sent are ye


s: By Etzel mighty monarch / unto the land of Burgundy?"


s: They bowed before the monarch; / then spake Werbelein:


s: "My dear lord and master, / and Kriemhild, sister thine,


s: Hither to thy country / give fairest compliment.


s: In faith of kindly welcome / us unto you they now have sent."


s: Then spake the lofty ruler: / "I joy o'er this ye bring.


s: How liveth royal Etzel," / further spake the king,


s: "And Kriemhild, my sister, / afar in Hunland?"


s: "That never any people / more lordly life might show


s: Than they both do joy in, / --that shalt thou surely know,--


s: Wherein do share their kinsmen / and all their doughty train.


s: When from them we parted, / of our journey were they fain."


s: "My thanks for these high greetings / ye bring at his command


s: And from my royal sister. / That high in joy they stand,


s: The monarch and his kinsmen, / rejoiceth me to hear.


s: For, sooth to say, the tidings / asked I now in mickle fear."


s: The twain of youthful princes / were eke come thitherward,


s: As soon as they the tidings / from afar had heard.


s: Right glad were seen the messengers / for his dear sister's sake


s: By the young Giselher, / who in such friendly manner spake:


s: "Right hearty were your welcome / from me and brother mine,


s: Would ye but more frequent / ride hither to the Rhine;


s: Here found ye friends full many / whom glad ye were to see,


s: "To us how high thy favor," / spake Schwemmel, "know we well;


s: Nor with my best endeavor / might I ever tell


s: How kindly is the greeting / we bear from Etzel's hand


s: And from your noble sister, / who doth in highest honor stand.


s: "Your sometime love and duty / recalleth Etzel's queen,


s: And how to her devoted / in heart we've ever been,


s: But first to royal Gunther / do we a message bear,


s: And pray it be your pleasure / unto Etzel's land to fare.


s: "To beg of you that favor / commanded o'er and o'er


s: Etzel mighty monarch / and bids you know the more,


s: An will ye not your sister / your faces give to see,


s: So would he know full gladly / wherein by him aggrieved ye be,


s: "That ye thus are strangers / to him and all his men.


s: If that his spouse so lofty / to you had ne'er been known,


s: Yet well he thought to merit / that him ye'd deign to see;


s: Then spake the royal Gunther: / "A sennight from this day


s: Shall ye have an answer, / whereon decide I may


s: With my friends in counsel. / The while shall ye repair


s: Unto your place of lodging, / and right goodly be your fare."


s: Then spake in answer Werbel: / "And might such favor be


s: That we the royal mistress / should first have leave to see,


s: Ute, the lofty lady, / ere that we seek our rest?"


s: "That grace shall none forbid you. / Will ye my mother greet,


s: Therein do ye most fully / her own desire meet.


s: For sake of my good sister / fain is she you to see,


s: For sake of Lady Kriemhild / ye shall to her full welcome be."


s: Giselher then led him / unto the lofty dame,


s: Who fain beheld the messengers / from Hunland that came.


s: She greeted them full kindly / as lofty manner taught,


s: "Pledge of loyal friendship / sendeth unto thee


s: Now my lofty mistress," / spake Schwemmel. "Might it be,


s: That she should see thee often, / then shalt thou know full well,


s: Replied the royal lady: / "Such thing may never be.


s: Gladly as would I oft-times / my dearest daughter see,


s: Too far, alas, is distant / the noble monarch's wife.


s: May ever yet full happy / with King Etzel be her life.


s: "See that ye well advise me, / ere that ye hence are gone,


s: What time shall be your parting; / for messengers I none


s: Have seen for many seasons / as glad as greet I you."


s: The twain gave faithful promise / such courtesy full sure to do.


s: Forthwith to seek their lodgings / the men of Hunland went,


s: The while the mighty monarch / for trusted warriors sent,


s: Of whom did noble Gunther / straightway question make,


s: How thought they of the message. / Whereupon full many spake


s: That he might well with honor / to Etzel's land be bound,


s: The which did eke advise him / the highest 'mongst them found,


s: All save Hagen only, / whom sorely grieved such rede.


s: Unto the king in secret / spake he: "Ill shall be thy meed.


s: "What deed we twain compounded / art thou full well aware,


s: Wherefor good cause we ever / shall have Kriemhild to fear,


s: For that her sometime husband / I slew by my own hand.


s: How dare we ever journey / then unto King Etzel's land?"


s: Replied the king: "My sister / no hate doth harbor more.


s: As we in friendship kissed her, / vengeance she forswore


s: For evil that we wrought her, / ere that from hence she rode,--


s: Unless this message, Hagen, / ill for thee alone forebode."


s: "Now be thou not deceived," / spake Hagen, "say what may


s: The messengers from Hunland. / If thither be thy way,


s: At Kriemhild's hands thou losest / honor eke and life,


s: For full long-avenging / is the royal Etzel's wife."


s: Added then his counsel / the princely Gernot there:


s: "Though be it thou hast reason / thine own death to fear


s: Afar in Hunnish kingdom, / should we for that forego


s: To visit our high sister, / that were in sooth but ill to do."


s: Unto that thane did likewise / Giselher then say:


s: And let who dares the journey / with us unto my sister fare."


s: Thereat did rage full sorely / Tronje's doughty thane:


s: "So shall ye ne'er find any / that were to go more fain,


s: Nor who may better guide you / than I upon your way.


s: And will ye not give over, / know then my humor soon ye may."


s: Then spake the Kitchen Master, / Rumold a lofty thane:


s: "Here might ye guests and kinsmen / in plenty long maintain


s: After your own pleasure, / for ye have goodly store.


s: I ween ye ne'er found Hagen / traitor to you heretofore.


s: "If heed ye will not Hagen, / still Rumold doth advise


s: --For ye have faithful service / from me in willing wise--


s: That here at home ye tarry / for the love of me,


s: And leave the royal Etzel / afar with Kriemhild to be.


s: "Where in the world might ever / ye more happy be


s: Than here where from danger / of every foeman free,


s: Where ye may go as likes you / in goodliest attire,


s: "And daily is your victual / the best that ever knew


s: A king of any country. / And were the thing not true,


s: At home ye yet should tarry / for sake of your fair wife


s: Ere that in childish fashion / ye thus at venture set your life.


s: "Thus rede I that ye go not. / Mighty are your lands,


s: And at home more easy may ye / be freed from hostile hands


s: Than if ye pine in Hunland. / How there it is, who knows?


s: O Master, go not thither, / --such is the rede that Rumold owes."


s: "We'll ne'er give o'er the journey," / Gernot then did say,


s: "When thus our sister bids us / in such friendly way


s: And Etzel, mighty monarch. / Wherefore should we refrain?


s: Who goes not gladly thither, / here at home may he remain."


s: Thereto gave answer Hagen: / "Take not amiss, I pray,


s: These my words outspoken, / let befall what may.


s: Yet do I counsel truly, / as ye your safety prize,


s: That to the Huns ye journey / armed full well in warlike guise.


s: "Will ye then not give over, / your men together call,


s: The best that ye may gather / from districts one and all.


s: From out them all I'll choose you / a thousand knights full good,


s: "I'll gladly heed thy counsel," / straight the king replied,


s: And bade the couriers traverse / his kingdom far and wide.


s: Soon they brought together / three thousand men or more,


s: Who little weened what mickle / sorrow was for them in store.


s: Joyful came they riding / to King Gunther's land.


s: Steeds and equipment for them / all he did command,


s: Who should make the journey / thence from Burgundy.


s: Warriors many were there / to serve the king right willingly.


s: Hagen then of Tronje / to Dankwart did assign


s: Of their warriors eighty / to lead unto the Rhine.


s: Equipped in knightly harness / were they soon at hand.


s: Riding in gallant fashion / unto royal Gunther's land.


s: Came eke the doughty Volker, / a noble minstrel he,


s: With thirty goodly warriors / to join the company,


s: Who wore so rich attire / 'twould fit a monarch well.


s: That he would fare to Hunland, / bade he unto Gunther tell.


s: Who was this same Volker / that will I let you know:


s: He was a knight full noble, / to him did service owe


s: Many a goodly warrior / in the land of Burgundy.


s: For that he well could fiddle, / named the Minstrel eke was he.


s: Thousand men chose Hagen, / who well to him were known.


s: What things in storm of battle / their doughty arm had done,


s: Or what they wrought at all times, / that knew he full well.


s: Nor of them might e'er mortal / aught but deeds of valor tell.


s: The messengers of Kriemhild, / full loath they were to wait,


s: For of their master's anger / stood they in terror great.


s: Each day for leave to journey / more great their yearning grew,


s: But daily to withhold it / crafty Hagen pretext knew.


s: He spake unto his master: / "Well shall we beware


s: Hence to let them journey / ere we ourselves prepare


s: In seven days thereafter / to ride to Etzel's land:


s: If any mean us evil, / so may we better understand.


s: "Nor may the Lady Kriemhild / ready make thereto,


s: That any by her counsel / scathe to us may do.


s: Yet if such wish she cherish, / evil shall be her meed,


s: For many a chosen warrior / with us shall we thither lead."


s: Shields well-wrought and saddles, / with all the mickle gear


s: That into Etzel's country / the warriors should wear,


s: The same was now made ready / for many a knight full keen.


s: The messengers of Kriemhild / before King Gunther soon were seen.


s: When were come the messengers, / Gernot them addressed:


s: "King Gunther now is minded / to answer Etzel's quest.


s: Full gladly go we thither / with him to make high-tide


s: And see our lofty sister, / --of that set ye all doubt aside."


s: Thereto spake King Gunther: / "Can ye surely say


s: When shall be the high-tide, / or upon what day


s: We shall there assemble?" / Spake Schwemmel instantly:


s: "At turn of sun in summer / shall in sooth the meeting be."


s: His high pleasure was it / they unto her should go.


s: Such thing prevented Volker, / and did his mistress' pleasure so.


s: "In sooth, my Lady Brunhild / hath scarce such health to-day


s: As that she might receive you," / the gallant knight did say.


s: "Bide ye till the morrow, / may ye the lady see."


s: To the messengers right gracious / was the mighty king,


s: And bade he from his treasure / on shields expansive bring


s: Shining gold in plenty / whereof he had great store.


s: Eke richest gifts received they / from his lofty kinsmen more.


s: That they were free in giving / soon full well was seen.


s: So costly gifts were offered / unto each messenger


s: Then unto King Gunther / Werbel spake again:


s: Sire, let now thy presents / in thine own land remain.


s: The same we may not carry, / my master hath decreed


s: That we accept no bounty. / Of that in sooth we've little need."


s: Thereat the lord of Rhineland / was seen in high displeasure,


s: That they should thus accept not / so mighty monarch's treasure?


s: In their despite yet took they / rich dress and gold in store,


s: The which moreover with them / home to Etzel's land they bore.


s: Ere that they thence departed / they Lady Ute sought,


s: Whereat the gallant Giselher / straight the minstrels brought


s: Unto his mother's presence. / Kind greetings sent the dame,


s: Then bade the lofty lady / embroidered silks and gold


s: For the sake of Kriemhild, / whom loved she as of old,


s: And eke for sake of Etzel, / unto the minstrels give.


s: Soon now had ta'en departure / the messengers from thence,


s: From knight and fairest lady, / and joyous fared they hence


s: Unto Suabian country; / Gernot had given behest


s: Nor ever came there any / that aught to take would dare,


s: As into Etzel's country / they in mickle haste did fare.


s: From Rhine upon their journey / unto the Huns' country.


s: The message brought they likewise / unto Bishop Pilgrim's see.


s: As down 'fore Bechelaren / they passed upon their way,


s: The tidings eke to Ruediger / failed they not to say,


s: And unto Gotelinde, / the margrave's wife the same.


s: Hasting with the tidings / each minstrel's courser ran,


s: Till found they royal Etzel / within his burgh at Gran.


s: Greeting upon greeting, / which they must all bestow,


s: They to the king delivered; / with joy his visage was aglow.


s: When that the lofty Kriemhild / did eke the tidings hear,


s: How that her royal brothers / unto the land would fare,


s: In sooth her heart was gladdened; / on the minstrels she bestowed


s: She spake: "Now shall ye, Werbel / and Schwemmel, tell to me


s: Who cometh of my kinsmen / to our festivity,


s: Who of all were bidden / this our land to seek?


s: Now tell me, when the message / heard he, what did Hagen speak?"


s: Answered: "He came to council / early upon a day,


s: But little was of pleasant / in what he there did say.


s: When learned he their intention, / in wrath did Hagen swear,


s: To death 'twere making journey, / to country of the Huns to fare.


s: "Hither all are coming, / thy royal brothers three,


s: And they right high in spirit. / Who more shall with them be,


s: The tale to tell entire / were more than I might do.


s: To journey with them plighted / Volker the valiant fiddler too."


s: "'Twere little lost, full truly," / answered then the queen,


s: "If by my eyes never / Volker here were seen.


s: 'Tis Hagen hath my favor, / a noble knight is he,


s: And mickle is my pleasure / that him full soon we here may see."


s: Her way the Lady Kriemhild / then to the king did take,


s: And in right joyous manner / unto her consort spake:


s: "How liketh thee the tidings, / lord full dear to me?


s: "Thy will my joy was ever," / the lofty monarch said.


s: "In sooth for my own kinsmen / I ne'er have been so glad,


s: To hear that they come hither / unto my country.


s: Straight did the royal provosts / give everywhere decree


s: That hall and stately palace / well prepared should be


s: With seats, that unprovided / no worthy guest be left.


s: Anon by them the monarch / should be of mickle joy bereft.


s: Tell we now no further / how they here did fare.


s: Knights more high in spirit / saw ye journey ne'er


s: In so stately fashion / to the land of e'er a king.


s: Of arms and rich attire / lacked they never anything.


s: At Rhine the lordly monarch / equipped his warriors well,


s: A thousand knights and sixty, / as I did hear tell,


s: And eke nine thousand squires / toward the festivity.


s: As at Worms across the courtyard / equipment full they bore


s: Spake there of Speyer / a bishop old and hoar


s: Unto Lady Ute: / "Our friends have mind to fare


s: Unto the festivity; / may God their honor have in care."


s: Then spake unto her children / Ute the noble dame:


s: "At home ye here should tarry, / ye knights full high in fame.


s: Me dreamt but yester even / a case of direst need,


s: How that in this country / all the feathered fowl were dead."


s: "Who recketh aught of dreamings," / Hagen then replied,


s: "Distraught is sure his counsel / when trouble doth betide,


s: Or he would of his honor / have a perfect care.


s: I counsel that my master / straight to take his leave prepare.


s: "Gladly shall we journey / into Etzel's land;


s: There at their master's service / may good knights ready stand,


s: For that we there shall witness / Kriemhild's festivity."


s: That Hagen gave such counsel, / rue anon full sore did he.


s: Yet in sooth far other / than this had been his word,


s: Had not with bitter mocking / Gernot his anger stirred.


s: He spake to him of Siegfried / whom Kriemhild loved so,


s: And said: "Therefore the journey / would Hagen willingly forego."


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Through fear I nothing do.


s: Whenever will ye, Masters, / set straight your hand thereto,