s: With you I'll gladly journey / unto Etzel's land."


s: Many a shield and helmet / there hewed anon his mighty hand.


s: The ships stood ready waiting, / whereunto ample store


s: Of clothing for the journey / men full many bore,


s: Nor had they time for resting / till shades of even fell.


s: Anon in mood full joyous / bade they friends at home farewell.


s: Tents full large and many / arose upon the green,


s: Yonder side Rhine river. / But yet the winsome queen


s: Caressed the doughty monarch / that night, and still did pray


s: That far from Etzel's country / among his kinsmen might he stay.


s: When sound of flute and trumpet / arose at break of day,


s: A signal for their parting, / full soon they took their way.


s: Each lover to his bosom / did friend more fondly press:


s: King Etzel's wife full many / did part anon in dire distress.


s: The sons of stately Ute, / a good knight had they,


s: A brave man and a faithful. / When they would thence away,


s: Apart unto the monarch / did he his mind reveal,


s: Hight the same was Rumold, / a man of doughty hand.


s: He spake: "To whom now leave ye / people here and land?


s: O that never any / might alter your intent!


s: "The land to thee entrusted / and eke my child shall be,


s: And tender care of ladies, / --so hast command from me.


s: Whene'er thou seest weeping, / do there thy comfort give.


s: For knight and royal master / the chargers ready were,


s: As with fond embracing / parted many there,


s: Who long in joy together / a merry life had led.


s: By winsome dame full many / therefor must bitter tear be shed.


s: As did those doughty warriors / into the saddle spring,


s: Might full many a lady / be seen there sorrowing;


s: For told them well their spirit / that thus so long to part


s: Did bode a dire peril, / the which must ever cloud the heart.


s: As mounted stood the valiant / thanes of Burgundy,


s: Might ye a mickle stirring / in that country see,


s: Both men and women weeping / on either riverside.


s: The Nibelungen warriors / in hauberks bright arrayed


s: Went with them, a thousand, / while at home behind them stayed


s: Full many a winsome lady, / whom saw they nevermore.


s: Their journey they directed / onward to the Main,


s: Up through East Frankish country, / the men of Gunther's train


s: Thither led by Hagen, / who well that country knew;


s: Marshal to them was Dankwart, / a knight of Burgundy full true.


s: On from East Frankish country / to Schwanefeld they went,


s: A train of valiant warriors / of high accomplishment,


s: The monarchs and their kinsmen, / all knights full worthy fame.


s: Upon the twelfth morning / the king unto the Danube came.


s: The knight of Tronje, Hagen, / the very van did lead,


s: Ever to the Nibelungen / a surest help in need.


s: First the thane full valiant / down leapt upon the ground,


s: And straightway then his charger / fast unto a tree he bound.


s: Flooded were the waters / and ne'er a boat was near,


s: Whereat began the Nibelungen / all in dread to fear


s: They ne'er might cross the river, / so mighty was the flood.


s: Dismounted on the shore, / full many a stately knight then stood.


s: "Ill may it," spake then Hagen, / "fare here with thee,


s: Lord of Rhine river. / Now thyself mayst see


s: How flooded are the waters, / and swift the current flows.


s: I ween, before the morrow / here many a goodly knight we lose."


s: "How wilt reproach me, Hagen?" / the lofty monarch spake.


s: I pray thee yet all comfort / not from our hearts to take.


s: The ford shalt thou discover / whereby we may pass o'er,


s: Horse and equipment bringing / safely unto yonder shore."


s: "In sooth, not I," quoth Hagen, / "am yet so weary grown


s: Of life, that in these waters / wide I long to drown.


s: Ere that, shall warriors sicken / in Etzel's far country


s: Beneath my own arm stricken: / --'tis my intent full certainly.


s: "Here tarry by the water, / ye gallant knights and good,


s: The while I seek the boatmen / myself along the flood,


s: Who will bring us over / into Gelfrat's land."


s: With that the doughty Hagen / took his trusty shield in hand.


s: He cap-a-pie was armed, / as thus he strode away,


s: Upon his head a helmet / that gleamed with brilliant ray,


s: And o'er his warlike harness / a sword full broad there hung,


s: That on both its edges / did fiercely cut, in battle swung.


s: He sought to find the boatmen / if any might be near,


s: When sound of falling waters / full soon upon his ear.


s: Beside a rippling fountain, / where ran the waters cool,


s: Ware of them soon was Hagen / and stole in secret near,


s: But fast away they hurried / when they the sound did hear.


s: That they at all escaped him, / filled they were with glee.


s: Then spake the one mermaiden, / Hadburg that hight:


s: "Hagen, knight full noble, / tell will we thee aright,


s: An wilt thou, valiant warrior, / our garments but give o'er,


s: They hovered there before him / like birds above the flood,


s: As to his eager question / in ready manner answered they.


s: Spake one: "Well may ye journey / to Etzel's country.


s: Thereto my troth I give thee / in full security


s: That ne'er in any kingdom / might high guests receive


s: Such honors as there wait you, / --this may ye in sooth believe."


s: To hear such speech was Hagen / in sooth right glad of heart;


s: He gave to them their garments, / and straightway would depart.


s: But when in strange attire / they once more were dight,


s: Told they of the journey / into Etzel's land aright.


s: Spake then the other mermaid, / Siegelind that hight:


s: "I warn thee, son of Aldrian, / Hagen valiant knight,


s: 'Twas but to gain her clothing / my cousin falsely said,


s: For, comest thou to Hunland, / sorely shalt thou be betrayed.


s: "Yea, that thou turnest backward / is fitter far, I ween;


s: For but your death to compass / have all ye warriors keen


s: Received now the bidding / unto Etzel's land.


s: Whose doth thither journey, / death leadeth surely by the hand."


s: Thereto gave answer Hagen: / "False speech hath here no gain.


s: How might it ever happen / that we all were slain


s: Afar in Etzel's country / through hate of any man?"


s: To tell the tale more fully / unto him she then began.


s: Spake again the other: / "The thing must surely be,


s: That of you never any / his home again shall see,


s: Save only the king's chaplain; / well do we understand


s: That he unscathed returneth / unto royal Gunther's land."


s: Then spake the valiant Hagen / again in angry way:


s: "Unto my royal masters / 'twere little joy to say


s: That we our lives must forfeit / all in Hunland.


s: Now show us, wisest woman, / how pass we safe to yonder strand."


s: She spake: "Since from thy purposed / journey thou wilt not turn,


s: Within doth dwell a boatman, / nor other find thou mayst."


s: As went he angry-minded / one from afar did say:


s: "Now tarry still, Sir Hagen; / why so dost haste away?


s: "Hight is his brother Gelfrat, / and is a thane full rare,


s: Lord o'er Bavarian country. / Full ill with you 'twill fare,


s: Will ye pass his border. / Watchful must ye be,


s: And eke with the ferryman / 'twere well to walk right modestly.


s: "He is so angry-minded / that sure thy bane 'twill be,


s: Wilt thou not show the warrior / all civility.


s: Wilt thou that he transport thee, / give all the boatman's due.


s: He guardeth well the border / and unto Gelfrat is full true.


s: "If he be slow to answer, / then call across the flood


s: That thy name is Amelrich. / That was a knight full good,


s: Who for a feud did sometime / go forth from out this land.


s: The ferryman will answer, / when he the name doth understand.


s: Hagen high of spirit / before those women bent,


s: Nor aught did say, but silent / upon his way he went.


s: Along the shore he wandered / till higher by the tide


s: On yonder side the river / a cabin standing he espied.


s: He straight began a calling / across the flood amain.


s: "Now fetch me over, boatman," / cried the doughty thane.


s: "A golden armband ruddy / I'll give to thee for meed.


s: Know that to make this crossing / I in sooth have very need."


s: Not fitting 'twas high ferryman / his service thus should give,


s: And recompense from any / seldom might he receive;


s: Eke were they that served him / full haughty men of mood.


s: Still alone stood Hagen / on the hither side the flood.


s: Then cried he with such power / the wave gave back the sound,


s: For in strength far-reaching / did the knight abound:


s: "Fetch me now, for Amelrich, / Else's man, am I,


s: That for feud outbroken / erstwhile from this land did fly."


s: Full high upon his sword-point / an armband did he hold,


s: Fair and shining was it / made of ruddy gold,


s: The which he offered to him / for fare to Gelfrat's land.


s: The ferryman high-hearted / himself did take the oar in hand.


s: To do with that same boatman / was ne'er a pleasant thing;


s: The yearning after lucre / yet evil end doth bring.


s: Here where thought he Hagen's / gold so red to gain,


s: Must he by the doughty / warrior's fierce sword be slain.


s: With might across the river / his oar the boatman plied,


s: But he who there was named / might nowhere be espied.


s: His rage was all unbounded / when he did Hagen find,


s: And loud his voice resounded / as thus he spake his angry mind:


s: "Thou mayst forsooth be called / Amelrich by name:


s: Whom I here did look for, / no whit art thou the same.


s: By father and by mother / brother he was to me.


s: "Nay, by highest Heaven," / Hagen did declare.


s: "Here am I a stranger / that have good knights in care.


s: Now take in friendly manner / here my offered pay,


s: And guide me o'er the ferry; / my favor hast thou thus alway."


s: Whereat replied the boatman: / "The thing may never be.


s: There are that to my masters / do bear hostility;


s: Wherefore I never stranger / do lead into this land.


s: "Deny me not," quoth Hagen, / "for sad in sooth my mood.


s: Take now for remembrance / this my gold so good,


s: And carry men a thousand / and horses to yonder shore."


s: Quoth in rage the boatman: / "Such thing will happen nevermore."


s: Aloft he raised an oar / that mickle was and strong,


s: And dealt such blow on Hagen, / (but rued he that ere long,)


s: That in the boat did stumble / that warrior to his knee.


s: In sooth so savage boatman / ne'er did the knight of Tronje see.


s: With thought the stranger's anger / the more to rouse anew,


s: He swung a mighty boat-pole / that it in pieces flew


s: Upon the crown of Hagen;-- / he was a man of might.


s: Thereby did Else's boatman / come anon to sorry plight.


s: Full sore enraged was Hagen, / as quick his hand he laid


s: Upon his sword where hanging / he found the trusty blade.


s: His head he struck from off him / and flung into the tide.


s: Known was soon the story / to the knights of Burgundy beside.


s: While the time was passing / that he the boatman slew,


s: The waters bore him downward, / whereat he anxious grew.


s: Ere he the boat had righted / began his strength to wane,


s: So mightily was pulling / royal Gunther's doughty thane.


s: Soon he yet had turned it, / so rapid was his stroke,


s: Until the mighty oar / beneath his vigor broke.


s: As strove he his companions / upon the bank to gain,


s: No second oar he found him. / Yet soon the same made fast again.


s: With quickly snatched shield-strap, / a fine and narrow band.


s: Downward where stood a forest / he sought again the land,


s: And there his master found he / standing upon the shore.


s: In haste came forth to meet him / many a stately warrior more.


s: The gallant knight they greeted / with right hearty mood.


s: When in the boat perceived they / reeking still the blood


s: That from the wound had issued / where Hagen's sword did swing,


s: Scarce could his companions / bring to an end their questioning.


s: When that royal Gunther / the streaming blood did see


s: Within the boat there running, / straightway then spake he:


s: "Where is now the ferryman, / tell me, Hagen, pray?


s: By thy mighty prowess / his life, I ween, is ta'en away."


s: Thereto replied he falsely: / "When the boat I found


s: Where slopeth a wild meadow, / I the same unbound.


s: Hereabout no ferryman / I to-day have seen,


s: Nor ever cause of sorrow / unto any have I been."


s: The good knight then of Burgundy, / the gallant Gernot, spake:


s: "Dear friends full many, fear I, / the flood this day will take,


s: Since we of the boatmen / none ready here may find


s: To guide us o'er the current. / 'Tis mickle sorrow to my mind."


s: Full loudly cried then Hagen: / "Lay down upon the grass,


s: Ye squires, the horse equipments. / I ween a time there was,


s: Myself was best of boatmen / that dwelt the Rhine beside.


s: To Gelfrat's country trow I / to bring you safely o'er the tide."


s: That they might come the sooner / across the running flood,


s: Drove they in the horses. / Their swimming, it was good,


s: For of them never any / beneath the waves did sink,


s: Their treasure and apparel / unto the boat they bore,


s: Since by no means the journey / thought they to give o'er.


s: Hagen was director, / and safely reached the strand


s: With many a stalwart warrior / bound unto the unknown land.


s: Gallant knights a thousand / first he ferried o'er,


s: Whereafter came his own men. / Of others still were more,


s: For squires full nine thousand / he led unto that land.


s: That day no whit was idle / that valiant knight of Tronje's hand.


s: When he them all in safety / o'er the flood had brought,


s: Of that strange story / the valiant warrior thought,


s: Which erstwhile had told him / those women of the sea.


s: Lost thereby the chaplain's / life well-nigh was doomed to be.


s: Beside his priestly baggage / he saw the chaplain stand,


s: Upon the holy vestments / resting with his hand.


s: No whit was that his safety; / when Hagen him did see,


s: Must the priest full wretched / suffer sorest injury.


s: From out the boat he flung him / ere might the thing be told,


s: Whereat they cried together: / "Hold, O Master, hold!"


s: Soon had the youthful Giselher / to rage thereat begun,


s: And mickle was his sorrow / that Hagen yet the thing had done.


s: Then outspake Sir Gernot, / knight of Burgundy:


s: "What boots it thee, Sir Hagen, / that thus the chaplain die?


s: Dared any else to do it, / thy wrath 'twould sorely stir.


s: Wherein the priest's offending, / thus thy malice to incur?"


s: To swim the chaplain struggled. / He thought him yet to free,


s: If any but would help him. / Yet such might never be,


s: For that the doughty Hagen / full wrathful was of mood,


s: He sunk him to the bottom, / whereat aghast each warrior stood.


s: When that no help forthcoming / the wretched priest might see,


s: He sought the hither shore, / and fared full grievously.


s: Safe yonder stood the chaplain / and shook his dripping dress.


s: Thereby perceived Hagen / how true was none the less


s: The story that did tell him / the strange women of the sea.


s: When that the boat was emptied, / and complete their store


s: All the monarch's followers / had borne upon the shore,


s: Hagen smote it to pieces / and cast it on the flood,


s: Whereat in mickle wonder / the valiant knights around him stood.


s: "Wherefore dost this, brother," / then Sir Dankwart spake;


s: "How shall we cross the river / when again we make


s: Our journey back from Hunland, / riding to the Rhine?"


s: Behold how Hagen bade him / all such purpose to resign.


s: Quoth the knight of Tronje: / "This thing is done by me,


s: That if e'er coward rideth / in all our company,


s: Who for lack of courage / from us away would fly,


s: He beneath these billows / yet a shameful death must die."


s: One there journeyed with them / from the land of Burgundy,


s: That was a knight of valor, / Volker by name was he.


s: He spake in cunning manner / whate'er might fill his mind,


s: And aught was done by Hagen / did the Fiddler fitting find.


s: Ready stood their chargers, / the carriers laden well;


s: At passage of the river / was there naught to tell


s: Of scathe to any happened, / save but the king's chaplain.


s: Afoot must he now journey / back unto the Rhine again.


s: When now they all were gathered / upon the farther strand,


s: To wonder gan the monarch: / "Who shall through this land


s: On routes aright direct us, / that not astray we fare?"


s: "Now hark ye all," quoth Hagen, / "knight and squire too,


s: And list to friendly counsel, / as fitting is to do.


s: Full strange and dark the tidings / now ye shall hear from me:


s: Home nevermore return we / unto the land of Burgundy.


s: "Thus mermaids twain did tell me, / who spake to me this morn,


s: That back we come not hither. / You would I therefore warn


s: That armed well ye journey / and of all ills beware.


s: To meet with doughty foemen / well behooveth us prepare.


s: "I weened to turn to falsehood / what those wise mermaids spake,


s: Who said that safe this journey / none again should make


s: Home unto our country / save the chaplain alone:


s: Him therefore was I minded / to-day beneath the flood to drown."


s: From company to company / quickly flew the tale,


s: Whereon grew many a doughty / warrior's visage pale,


s: As gan he think in sorrow / how death should snatch away


s: All ere the journey ended; / and very need for grief had they.


s: By Moeringen was it / they had the river crossed,


s: Where also Else's boatman / thus his life had lost.


s: There again spake Hagen: / "Since in such wise by me


s: Wrath hath been incurred, / assailed full surely shall we be.


s: "Myself that same ferryman / did this morning slay.


s: Far bruited are the tidings. / Now arm ye for the fray,


s: That if Gelfrat and Else / be minded to beset


s: Our train to-day, they surely / with sore discomfiture be met.


s: "So keen they are, well know I / the thing they'll not forego.


s: Your horses therefore shall ye / make to pace more slow,


s: That never man imagine / we flee away in fear."


s: "That counsel will I follow," / spake the young knight Giselher.


s: "Who will guide our vanguard / through this hostile land?"


s: "Volker shall do it," spake they, / "well doth he understand


s: Where leadeth path and highway, / a minstrel brave and keen."


s: Ere full the wish was spoken, / in armor well equipped was seen


s: Standing the doughty Fiddler. / His helmet fast he bound,


s: And from his stately armor / shot dazzling light around.


s: Eke to a staff he fastened / a banner, red of hue.


s: Anon with royal masters / came he to sorest sorrow too.


s: Unto Gelfrat meanwhile / had sure tidings flown,


s: How that was dead his boatman; / the story eke was known


s: Unto the doughty Else, / and both did mourn his fate.


s: But little space it lasted / --that would I have you know--


s: Ere that to them hasted / who oft a mickle woe


s: Had wrought in stress of battle / and injury full sore;


s: To Gelfrat now came riding / seven hundred knights or more.


s: When they their foes to follow / so bitterly began,


s: Led them both their masters. / Yet all too fast they ran


s: After the valiant strangers / vengeance straight to wreak.


s: Hagen then of Tronje / the thing had ordered there,


s: --How of his friends might ever / knight have better care?--


s: That he did keep the rearguard / with warriors many a one,


s: And Dankwart eke, his brother; / full wisely the thing was done.


s: When now the day was over / and light they had no more,


s: Injury to his followers / gan he to dread full sore.


s: They shield in hand rode onward / through Bavarian land,


s: And ere they long had waited / beset they were by hostile band.


s: On either side the highway / and close upon their rear


s: Of hoofs was heard the clatter; / too keen the chasers were.


s: Then spake the valiant Dankwart: / "The foe is close at hand.


s: Now bind we on the helmet, / --wisdom doth the same command."


s: Upon the way they halted, / nor else they safe had been.


s: Through the gloom perceived they / of gleaming shields the sheen.


s: Of Bavaria the margrave / thereupon replied:


s: "Our enemies now seek we, / and swift upon them ride.


s: Fain would I discover / who hath my boatman slain.


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "And was the boatman thine


s: That would not take us over? / The guilt herein is mine.


s: Myself did slay the warrior, / and had, in sooth, good need,


s: For that beneath his valor / I myself full nigh lay dead.


s: "For pay I rich attire / did bid, and gold a store,


s: Good knight, that to thy country / he should us ferry o'er.


s: Thereat he raged full sorely / and on me swung a blow


s: With a mighty boat-pole, / whereat I eke did angry grow.


s: "For my sword then reached I / and made his rage to close


s: With a wound all gaping: / so thou thy knight didst lose.


s: I'll give thee satisfaction / as to thee seemeth good."


s: "Well know I," spake Gelfrat, / "when Gunther with his train


s: Rode through this my country / that we should suffer bane


s: From Hagen, knight of Tronje. / No more shall he go free,


s: But for my boatman's slaying / here a hostage must he be."


s: Against their shields then lowered / for the charge the spear


s: Gelfrat and Hagen; / eager to close they were.


s: Else and Dankwart / spurred eke in stately way,


s: Scanning each the other; / then both did valorous arm display.


s: How might ever heroes / show doughty arm so well?


s: Backward from off his charger / from mighty tilt there fell


s: Hagen the valiant, / by Gelfrat's hand borne down.


s: Was borne by mighty lance-thrust, / prone upon the grass.


s: I ween that unto Gelfrat / nowise of gentle mood he was.


s: Who held their horses' bridles / can I not recount,


s: But soon from out their saddles / did they all dismount.


s: Hagen and Gelfrat / straightway did fierce engage,


s: And all their men around them / did eke a furious combat wage.


s: Though with fierce onslaught Hagen / upon Gelfrat sprung,


s: On his shield the noble margrave / a sword so deftly swung


s: That a piece from off the border / 'mid flying sparks it clave.


s: Unto Dankwart loudly / thereat he gan to cry:


s: "Help! ho! my good brother! / Encountered here have I


s: A knight of arm full doughty, / from whom I come not free."


s: Nearer sprang the hero / and smote him such a blow


s: With a keen-edged weapon / that he in death lay low.


s: For his slain brother Else / vengeance thought to take,


s: Slain was now his brother, / wound himself did bear,


s: And of his followers eighty / eke had fallen there,


s: By grim death snatched sudden. / Then must the doughty knight,


s: From Gunther's men to save him, / turn away in hasty flight.


s: When that they of Bavaria / did from the carnage flee,


s: The blows that followed after / resounded frightfully;


s: For close the knights of Tronje / upon their enemies chased,


s: Who to escape the fury / did quit the field in mickle haste.


s: Then spake upon their fleeing / Dankwart the doughty thane:


s: "Upon our way now let us / backward turn again,


s: And leave them hence to hasten / all wet with oozing blood.


s: Unto our friends return we, / this verily meseemeth good."


s: When back they were returned / where did the scathe befall,


s: Outspake of Tronje Hagen: / "Now look ye, warriors all,


s: Who of our tale is lacking, / or who from us hath been


s: Here in battle riven / through the doughty Gelfrat's spleen."


s: Lament they must for warriors / four from them were ta'en.


s: But paid for were they dearly, / for roundabout lay slain


s: Of their Bavarian foemen / a hundred or more.


s: From out the clouds of heaven / a space the bright moon shone.


s: Then again spake Hagen: / "Bear report let none


s: To my beloved masters / how we here did fare.


s: Let them until the morrow / still be free from aught of care."


s: When they were back returned / who bore the battle's stress,


s: Sore troubled was their company / from very weariness.


s: "How long shall we keep saddle?" / was many a warrior's quest.


s: "But on ye all must journey / till day come back again."


s: Volker, knight of prowess, / who led the foremost train,


s: Bade to ask the marshal: / "This night where shall we be,


s: Thereto spake valiant Dankwart: / "The same I ne'er can say,


s: Yet may we never rest us / before the break of day.


s: Where then we find it fitting / we'll lay us on the grass."


s: Still were they unbetrayed / by reeking blood and red,


s: Until the sun in heaven / its shining beams down shed


s: At morn across the hill-tops, / that then the king might see


s: How they had been in battle. / Spake he then full angrily:


s: "How may this be, friend Hagen? / Scorned ye have, I ween,


s: That I should be beside you, / where coats of mail have been


s: Thus wet with blood upon you. / Who this thing hath done?"


s: Quoth he: "The same did Else, / who hath this night us set upon.


s: "To avenge his boatman / did they attack our train.


s: By hand of my brother / hath Gelfrat been slain.


s: Then fled Else before us, / and mickle was his need.


s: Now can we not inform you / where resting-place they found.


s: But cause to know their passing / had the country-folk around,


s: When there the sons of Ute / to court did fare in state.


s: At Passau fit reception / did presently the knights await.


s: The noble monarchs' uncle, / Bishop Pilgrim that was,


s: Full joyous-hearted was he / that through the land did pass


s: With train of lusty warriors / his royal nephews three.


s: That willing was his service, / waited they not long to see.


s: To greet them on their journey / did friends lack no device,


s: Yet not to lodge them fully / might Passau's bounds suffice.


s: They must across the water / where spreading sward they found,


s: Nor from that spot they onward / might journey all that day,


s: And eke till night was over, / for pleasant was their stay.


s: Next to the land of Ruediger / must they in sooth ride on,


s: To whom full soon the story / of their coming eke was known.


s: When fitting rest had taken / the knights with travel worn,


s: And of Etzel's country / they had reached the bourn,


s: Hight in sooth was Eckewart / that same valiant knight.


s: For what was there befallen / was he in sorry plight,


s: That by those heroes' passing / he had lost his sword.


s: At Ruediger's marches / found they meagre was the guard.


s: "O, woe is me dishonored," / Eckewart then cried;


s: "Yea, rueth me fully sorely, / this Burgundian ride.


s: What time was taken Siegfried, / did joy depart from me.


s: Alack, O Master Ruediger, / how ill my service unto thee!"


s: Hagen, full well perceiving / the noble warrior's plight,


s: Gave him again his weapon / and armbands six full bright.


s: "May God thy gifts repay thee," / Eckewart replied,


s: "Yet rueth me full sorely / that to the Huns ye ride.


s: Erstwhile slew ye Siegfried / and vengeance have to fear;


s: My rede to you is truly: / "Beware ye well of danger here."


s: "Now must God preserve us," / answered Hagen there.


s: "In sooth for nothing further / have these thanes a care


s: Than for place of shelter, / the kings and all their band,


s: And where this night a refuge / we may find within this land.


s: "Done to death our horses / with the long journey are,


s: And food as well exhausted," / Hagen did declare.


s: "Nor find we aught for purchase; / a host we need instead,


s: Who would in kindness give us, / ere this evening, of his bread."


s: Thereto gave answer Eckewart: / "I'll show you such a one,


s: That so warm a welcome / find ye never none


s: In country whatsoever / as here your lot may be,


s: An if ye, thanes full gallant, / the noble Ruediger will see.


s: He dwelleth by the highway / and is most bounteous host


s: That house e'er had for master. / His heart may graces boast,


s: As in the lovely May-time / the flowrets deck the mead.


s: To do good thanes a service / is for his heart most joyous deed."


s: Then spake the royal Gunther: / "Wilt thou my messenger be,


s: If will my dear friend Ruediger, / as favor done to me,


s: His hospitable shelter / with all my warriors share,


s: Therefor full to requite thee / shall e'er hereafter be my care."


s: "Thy messenger am I gladly," / Eckewart replied,


s: And in right willing manner / straight away did ride,


s: The message thus received / to Ruediger to bear.


s: Nor did so joyous tidings / for many a season greet his ear.


s: Hasting to Bechelaren / was seen a noble thane.


s: The same perceived Ruediger, / and spake: "O'er yonder plain


s: Hither hastens Eckewart, / who Kriemhild's might doth own."


s: He weened that by some foemen / to him had injury been done.


s: Then passed he forth the gateway / where the messenger did stand.


s: The message that he carried / might he not long withhold


s: He spake unto the margrave: / "I come at high command


s: Of the lordly Gunther / of Burgundian land,


s: And Giselher and Gernot, / his royal brothers twain.


s: In service true commends him / unto thee each lofty thane.


s: "The like hath Hagen bidden / and Volker as well


s: With homage oft-times proffered. / And more have I to tell,


s: The which King Gunther's marshal / to thee doth send by me:


s: How that the valiant warriors / do crave thy hospitality."


s: With smiling visage Ruediger / made thereto reply:


s: "Now joyeth me the story / that the monarchs high


s: Do deign to seek my service, / that ne'er refused shall be.


s: Come they unto my castle, / 'tis joy and gladness unto me."


s: "Dankwart the marshal / hath bidden let thee know


s: Who seek with them thy shelter / as through thy land they go:


s: Three score of valiant leaders / and thousand knights right good,


s: "To me 'tis mickle honor," / Ruediger then spake,


s: "That through my castle's portals / such guests will entry make,


s: For ne'er hath been occasion / my service yet to lend.


s: Then to horse did hasten / knight and willing squire,


s: For glad they were at all times / to do their lord's desire,


s: And keen that thus their service / should not be rendered late.


s: Unwitting Lady Gotelinde / still within her chamber sate.


s: Then went forth the margrave / where two ladies sate,


s: His wife beside his daughter, / nor longer did he wait


s: To tell the joyful tidings / that unto him were brought,


s: How Kriemhild's royal brothers / his hospitality had sought.


s: "Dearly loved lady," / spake then Ruediger,


s: "Full kind be thy reception / to lordly monarchs here,


s: That now with train of warriors / to court do pass this way.


s: Fair be eke thy greeting / to Hagen, Gunther's man, this day.


s: "One likewise with them cometh, / Dankwart by name,


s: Volker hight the other, / a knight of gallant fame.


s: Thyself and eke thy daughter / with kiss these six shall greet;


s: Gave straight their word the ladies, / and willing were thereto.


s: From out great chests they gorgeous / attire in plenty drew,


s: Which they to meet the lofty / strangers thought to wear,


s: Mickle was the hurry / there of many a lady fair.


s: On ne'er a cheek might any / but nature's hue be seen.


s: Upon their head they carried / band of golden sheen,


s: That was a beauteous chaplet, / that so their glossy hair


s: By wind might not be ruffled: / that is truth as I declare.


s: At such employment busy / leave we those ladies now.


s: Here with mickle hurry / across the plain did see


s: Friends of noble Ruediger / the royal guests to meet,


s: When coming forth the margrave / saw their forms appear,


s: How spake with heart full joyous / the valiant Ruediger!


s: "Welcome be ye, Sires, / and all your gallant band.


s: Right glad am I to see you / hither come unto my land."


s: Then bent the knights before him / each full courteously.


s: That he good-will did bear them / might they full quickly see.


s: Hagen had special greeting, / who long to him was known;


s: To Volker eke of Burgundy / was like highest honor shown.


s: Thus Dankwart eke he greeted, / when spake the doughty thane:


s: "While we thus well are harbored, / who then for all the train


s: Of those that follow with us / shall meet provision make?"


s: "And all that follow with you, / with equipment whatsoe'er


s: Ye bring into my country / of steed or warlike gear,


s: So sure shall it be guarded / that of all the sum,


s: E'en to one spur's value, / to you shall never damage come.


s: "Now stretch aloft, my squires, / the tents upon the plain.


s: What here ye have of losses / will I make good again.


s: Unbridle now the horses / and let them wander free."


s: Upon their way they seldom / did meet like hospitality.


s: Thereat rejoiced the strangers. / When thus it ordered was,


s: Rode the high knights forward. / All round upon the grass


s: Lay the squires attendant / and found a gentle rest.


s: I ween, upon their journey / was here provision costliest.


s: Out before the castle / the noble margravine


s: Had passed with her fair daughter. / In her train were seen


s: A band of lovely women / and many a winsome maid,


s: From out their richest vestments, / and buxom all were they.


s: Now came the strangers thither / and sprang upon the ground.


s: How high in noble courtesy / the men of Burgundy were found!


s: Six and thirty maidens / and many a fair lady,


s: --Nor might ye ever any / more winsome wish to see--


s: Went then forth to meet them / with many a knight full keen.


s: At hands of noble ladies / fairest greeting then was seen.


s: The margrave's youthful daughter / did kiss the kings all three


s: As eke had done her mother. / Hagen stood thereby.


s: Her father bade her kiss him; / she looked the thane upon,


s: When she at last must do it, / as did command her sire,


s: Mingled was her color, / both pale and hue of fire.


s: Likewise kissed she Dankwart / and the Fiddler eke anon:


s: That he was knight of valor / to him was such high favor shown.


s: The margrave's youthful daughter / took then by the hand


s: The royal knight Giselher / of Burgundian land.


s: E'en so led forth her mother / the gallant Gunther high.


s: With those guests so lofty / walked they there full joyfully.


s: The host escorted Gernot / to a spacious hall and wide,


s: Where knights and stately ladies / sate them side by side.


s: Then bade they for the strangers / pour good wine plenteously:


s: In sooth might never heroes / find fuller hospitality.


s: Glances fond and many / saw ye directed there


s: Upon Ruediger's daughter, / for she was passing fair.


s: Yea, in his thoughts caressed her / full many a gallant knight;


s: A lady high in spirit, / well might she every heart delight.


s: Yet whatsoe'er their wishes, / might none fulfilled be.


s: Hither oft and thither / glanced they furtively


s: On maidens and fair ladies, / whereof were many there.


s: Right kind the noble Fiddler / disposed was to Ruediger.


s: They parted each from other / as ancient custom was,


s: And knights and lofty ladies / did separating pass


s: When tables were made ready / within the spacious hall.


s: There in stately manner / they waited on the strangers all.


s: To do the guests high honor / likewise the table sought


s: With them the lofty margravine. / Her daughter led she not,


s: But left among the maidens, / where fitting was she sat.


s: The drinking and the feasting, / when 'twas ended all,


s: Escorted was the maiden / again into the hall.


s: Then of merry jesting / they nothing lacked, I ween,


s: Wherein was busy Volker, / a thane full gallant and keen.


s: Then spake the noble Fiddler / to all in lofty tone:


s: "Great mercy, lordly margrave, / God to thee hath shown,


s: For that he hath granted / unto thee a wife


s: Of so surpassing beauty, / and thereto a joyous life.


s: "If that I were of royal / birth," the Fiddler spake,


s: "And kingly crown should carry, / to wife I'd wish to take


s: This thy lovely daughter, / --my heart thus prompteth me.


s: A noble maid and gentle / and fair to look upon is she."


s: Then outspake the margrave: / "How might such thing be,


s: That king should e'er desire / daughter born to me?


s: Exiled from my country / here with my spouse I dwell:


s: What avails the maiden, / be she favored ne'er so well?"


s: Thereto gave answer Gernot, / a knight of manner kind:


s: "If to my desire / I ever spouse would find,


s: Then would I of such lady / right gladly make my choice."


s: In full kindly manner / added Hagen eke his voice:


s: "Now shall my master Giselher / take to himself a spouse.


s: The noble margrave's daughter / is of so lofty house,


s: That I and all his warriors / would glad her service own,


s: If that she in Burgundy / should ever wear a royal crown."


s: Glad thereat full truly / was Sir Ruediger,


s: And eke Gotelinde: / they joyed such words to hear.


s: Anon arranged the heroes / that her as bride did greet


s: The noble knight Giselher, / as was for any monarch meet.


s: What thing is doomed to happen, / who may the same prevent?


s: To come to the assembly / they for the maidens sent,


s: And to the knight they plighted / the winsome maid for wife,


s: They to the maid allotted / castles and spreading land,


s: Whereof did give assurance / the noble monarch's hand


s: And eke the royal Gernot, / 'twould surely so be done.


s: Then spake to them the margrave: / "Lordly castles have I none,


s: "Yet true shall be my friendship / the while that I may live.


s: Unto my daughter shall I / of gold and silver give


s: What hundred sumpter-horses / full laden bear away,


s: That her husband's lofty kinsmen / find honor in the fair array."


s: They bade the knight and maiden / within a ring to stand,


s: As was of old the custom. / Of youths a goodly band,


s: That all were merry-hearted, / did her there confront,


s: And thought they on her beauty / as mind of youth is ever wont.


s: When they began to question / then the winsome maid,


s: Would she the knight for husband, / somewhat she was dismayed,


s: And yet forego she would not / to have him for her own.


s: Her father Ruediger prompted / that Yes her answer be,


s: And that she take him gladly. / Unto her instantly


s: Sprang the young Sir Giselher, / and in his arm so white


s: Then spake again the margrave: / "Ye royal knights and high,


s: When that home ye journey / again to Burgundy


s: I'll give to you my daughter, / as fitting is to do,


s: What jubilation made they / yet at last must end.


s: The maiden then was bidden / unto her chamber wend,


s: And guests to seek their couches / and rest until the day.


s: For them the host provided / a feast in hospitable way.


s: When they had feasted fully / and to the Huns' country


s: Thence would onward journey, / "Such thing shall never be,"


s: Spake the host full noble, / "but here ye still shall rest.


s: Seldom hath my good fortune / welcomed yet so many a guest."


s: Thereto gave answer Dankwart: / "In sooth it may not be.


s: Bread and wine whence hast thou / and food sufficiently,


s: Over night to harbor / of guests so great a train?"


s: When the host had heard it, / spake he: "All thy words are vain.


s: "Refuse not my petition, / ye noble lords and high.


s: A fortnight's full provision / might I in sooth supply,


s: For you and every warrior / that journeys in your train.


s: Till now hath royal Etzel / small portion of my substance ta'en."


s: Though fain they had declined it, / yet they there must stay


s: E'en to the fourth morning. / Then did the host display


s: So generous hand and lavish / that it was told afar.


s: He gave unto the strangers / horses and apparel rare.


s: The time at last was over / and they must journey thence.


s: Then did the valiant Ruediger / with lavish hand dispense


s: Unto all his bounty, / refused he unto none


s: Whate'er he might desire. / Well-pleased they parted every one.


s: His courteous retainers / to castle gateway brought


s: Saddled many horses, / and soon the place was sought


s: Eke by the gallant strangers / each bearing shield in hand,


s: For that they thence would journey / onward into Etzel's land.


s: The host had freely offered / rich presents unto all,


s: Ere that the noble strangers / passed out before the hall.


s: High in honor lived he, / a knight of bounty rare.


s: His fair daughter had he / given unto Giselher.


s: Eke gave he unto Gunther, / a knight of high renown,


s: What well might wear with honor / the monarch as his own,


s: --Though seldom gift received he-- / a coat of harness rare.


s: Thereat inclined King Gunther / before the noble Ruediger.


s: Then gave he unto Gernot / a good and trusty blade,


s: Wherewith anon in combat / was direst havoc made.


s: That thus the gift was taken / rejoiced the margrave's wife:


s: Thereby the noble Ruediger / was doomed anon to lose his life.


s: Gotelinde proffered Hagen, / as 'twas a fitting thing,


s: Her gifts in kindly manner. / Since scorned them not the king,


s: Eke he without her bounty / to the high festivity


s: "Of all doth meet my vision," / Hagen then spake,


s: "Would I wish for nothing / with me hence to take


s: But alone the shield that hanging / on yonder wall I see.


s: The same I'd gladly carry / into Etzel's land with me."


s: When the stately margravine / Hagen's words did hear,


s: Brought they to mind her sorrow, / nor might she stop a tear.


s: She thought again full sadly / how her son Nudung fell,


s: She spake unto the hero: / "The shield to thee I'll give.


s: O would to God in heaven / that he still did live,


s: Whose hand erstwhile did wield it! / In battle fell he low,


s: And I, a wretched mother, / must weep with never-ending woe.


s: Thereat the noble lady / up from the settle rose,


s: And soon her arms all snow-white / did the shield enclose.


s: She bore it unto Hagen, / who made obeisance low;


s: The gift she might with honor / upon so valiant thane bestow.


s: O'er it, to keep its color, / a shining cover lay


s: With precious stones all studded, / nor ever shone the day


s: Upon a shield more costly; / if e'er a longing eye


s: The shield in charge gave Hagen / thence away to bear.


s: Before his host then Dankwart / himself presented there,


s: On whom the margrave's daughter / did costly dress bestow.


s: Wherein anon in Hunland / arrayed full stately he did go.


s: Whate'er of gifts by any / was accepted there,


s: Them had his hand ne'er taken, / but that intent all were


s: To do their host an honor / who gave with hand so free.


s: By his guests in combat / soon doomed was he slain to be.


s: And stood in courteous manner / with fiddle 'fore the dame.


s: Sweet melodies he played her / and sang his songs thereby,


s: For thought he from Bechelaren / to take departure presently.


s: The margravine bade to her / a casket forth to bear.


s: And now of presents given / full freely may ye hear.


s: Therefrom she took twelve armbands / and drew them o'er his hand.


s: How thou hast done me honor / at the high festival."


s: What did wish the lady, / faithfully performed he all.


s: Thus to his guests the host spake: / "That ye more safely fare,


s: Myself will give you escort / and bid them well beware


s: That upon the highway / no ill on you be wrought."


s: Thereat his sumpter horses / straightway laden forth were brought


s: The host was well prepared / with five hundred men


s: With horse and rich attire. / These led he with him then


s: In right joyous humor / to the high festival.


s: Alive to Bechelaren / again came never one of all.


s: Thence took his leave Sir Ruediger / with kiss full lovingly;


s: As fitting was for Giselher, / likewise the same did he.


s: With loving arms enfolding / caressed they ladies fair.


s: To many a maid the parting / did bring anon full bitter tear.


s: On all sides then the windows / were open wide flung,


s: As with his train of warriors / the host to saddle sprung.


s: I ween their hearts did tell them / how they should sorrow deep.


s: For there did many a lady / and many a winsome maiden weep.


s: Yet rode they off rejoicing / down across the sand


s: Hard by the Danube river / on their way to Etzel's land.


s: Then spake to the Burgundians / the gallant knight and bold,


s: Ruediger the noble: / "Now let us not withhold


s: The story of our coming / unto the Hun's country.


s: Unto the royal Etzel / might tidings ne'er more welcome be."


s: Down in haste through Austria / the messenger did ride,


s: Who told unto the people / soon on every side,


s: From Worms beyond Rhine river / were high guests journeying.


s: Nor unto Etzel's people / gladder tidings might ye bring.


s: Onward spurred the messengers / who did the message bear,


s: How now in Hunnish country / the Nibelungen were.


s: "Kriemhild, lofty lady, / warm thy welcome be;


s: In stately manner hither / come thy loving brothers three."


s: Within a lofty casement / the Lady Kriemhild stood,


s: Looking for her kinsmen, / as friend for friend full good.


s: From her father's country / saw she many a knight;


s: "Now well my heart rejoiceth," / spake Lady Kriemhild.


s: "Hither come my kinsmen / with many a new-wrought shield


s: And brightly shining hauberk: / who gold would have from me,


s: Be mindful of my sorrow; / to him I'll ever gracious be."


s: How the Burgundians came to Etzel's Castle


s: When that the men of Burgundy / were come into the land,


s: He of Bern did hear it, / the aged Hildebrand.


s: He told it to his master, / who sore thereat did grieve;


s: The knight so keen and gallant / bade he in fitting way receive.


s: Wolfhart the valiant / bade lead the heroes forth.


s: In company with Dietrich / rode many a thane of worth,


s: As out to receive them / across the plain he went,


s: Where might ye see erected / already many a stately tent.


s: When that of Tronje Hagen / them far away espied,


s: Unto his royal masters / full courteously he said:


s: "Now shall ye, doughty riders, / down from the saddle spring,


s: And forward go to meet them / that here to you a welcome bring.


s: "A train there cometh yonder, / well knew I e'en when young.


s: Thanes they are full doughty / of the land of Amelung.


s: He of Bern doth lead them, / and high of heart they are;


s: Dismounted then with Dietrich, / (as was meet and right,)


s: Attended by his squire / many a gallant knight.


s: They went unto the strangers / and greeted courteously


s: The knights that far had ridden / from the land of Burgundy.


s: When then Sir Dietrich / saw them coming near,


s: What words the thane delivered, / now may ye willing hear,


s: Unto Ute's children. / Their journey grieved him sore.


s: And the valiant Dankwart. / Do ye not understand?


s: Kriemhild yet sore bemoaneth / the hero of Nibelungen land."


s: "Long time may she be weeping," / Hagen spake again;


s: "In sooth for years a many / dead he lies and slain.


s: To the monarch now of Hunland / should she devoted be:


s: Siegfried returneth never, / buried now long time is he."


s: "How Siegfried's death was compassed, / let now the story be:


s: While liveth Lady Kriemhild, / look ye for injury."


s: Thus did of Bern Sir Dietrich / unto them declare:


s: "Hope of the Nibelungen, / of her vengeance well beware."


s: "Whereof shall I be fearful?" / the lofty monarch spake:


s: "Etzel hath sent us message, / (why further question make?)


s: That we should journey hither / into his country.


s: "I give thee honest counsel," / Hagen then did say,


s: "Now shalt thou here Sir Dietrich / and his warriors pray


s: To tell thee full the story, / if aught may be designed,


s: Then went to speak asunder / the lordly monarchs three,


s: Gunther and Gernot, / and Dietrich went he.


s: "Now tell us true, thou noble / knight of Bern and kind,


s: The lord of Bern gave answer: / "What need to tell you more?


s: I hear each day at morning / weeping and wailing sore


s: The wife of royal Etzel, / who piteous doth complain


s: "Then must we e'en abide it," / was the fearless word


s: Of Volker the Fiddler, / "what we here have heard.


s: To court we yet shall journey / and make full clear to all,


s: If that to valiant warriors / may aught amid the Huns befall."


s: The gallant thanes of Burgundy / unto court then rode,


s: And went in stately manner / as was their country's mode.


s: Full many a man in Hunland / looked eagerly to see


s: Of what manner Hagen, / Tronje's doughty thane, might be.


s: For that was told the story / (and great the wonder grew)


s: How that of Netherland / Siegfried he slew,


s: That was the spouse of Kriemhild, / in strength without a peer,


s: Hence a mickle questioning / after Hagen might ye hear.


s: Great was the knight of stature, / may ye know full true,


s: Built with breast expansive; / mingled was the hue


s: Of his hair with silver; / long he was of limb;


s: As he strode stately forward / might ye mark his visage grim.


s: Then were the thanes of Burgundy / unto quarters shown,


s: But the serving-man of Gunther / by themselves alone.


s: Thus the queen did counsel, / so filled she was with hate.


s: Dankwart, Hagen's brother, / marshal was he.


s: To him the king his followers / commended urgently,


s: That he provide them plenty / and have of them good care.


s: By her train attended, / Queen Kriemhild went


s: To greet the Nibelungen, / yet false was her intent.


s: She kissed her brother Giselher / and took him by the hand:


s: Thereat of Tronje Hagen / did tighter draw his helmet's band.


s: "After such like greeting," / the doughty Hagen spake,


s: "Let all watchful warriors / full precaution take:


s: Differs wide the greeting / on masters and men bestowed.


s: Unhappy was the hour / when to this festival we rode."


s: She spake: "Now be ye welcome / to whom ye welcome be.


s: For sake of friendship never / ye greeting have from me.


s: Tell me now what bring ye / from Worms across the Rhine,


s: That ye so greatly welcome / should ever be to land of mine?"


s: "An I had only known it," / Hagen spake again,


s: "That thou didst look for present / from hand of every thane,


s: I were, methinks, so wealthy / --had I me bethought--


s: That I unto this country / likewise to thee my gift had brought."


s: "Now shall ye eke the story / to me more fully say:


s: The Nibelungen treasure, / where put ye that away?


s: My own possession was it, / as well ye understand.


s: That same ye should have brought me / hither unto Etzel's land."


s: "In sooth, my Lady Kriemhild, / full many a day hath flown


s: Since of the Nibelungen / hoard I aught have known.


s: Into the Rhine to sink it / my lords commanded me:


s: Verily there must it / until the day of judgment be."


s: Thereto the queen gave answer: / "Such was e'en my thought.


s: Thereof right little have ye / unto me hither brought,


s: Although myself did own it / and once o'er it held sway.


s: 'Tis cause that I for ever / have full many a mournful day."


s: "The devil have I brought thee," / Hagen did declare.


s: "My shield it is so heavy / that I have to bear,


s: And my plaited armor; / my shining helmet see,


s: Then spake the royal lady / unto the warriors all:


s: "Weapon shall not any / bear into the hall.


s: To me now for safe keeping, / ye thanes shall give them o'er."


s: "Such honor ne'er I covet, / royal lady mild,


s: That to its place of keeping / thou shouldst bear my shield


s: With all my other armor, / --for thou art a queen.


s: Such taught me ne'er my sire: / myself will be my chamberlain."


s: "Alack of these my sorrows!" / the Lady Kriemhild cried;


s: "Wherefore will now my brother / and Hagen not confide


s: To me their shields for keeping? / Some one did warning give.


s: Thereto the mighty Dietrich / in wrath his answer gave:


s: "'Tis I who now these noble / lords forewarned have,


s: And Hagen, knight full valiant / of the land of Burgundy.


s: Now on! thou devil's mistress, / let not the deed my profit be."


s: Great shame thereat did Kriemhild's / bosom quickly fill;


s: She feared lest Dietrich's anger / should work her grievous ill.


s: Naught she spake unto them / as thence she swiftly passed,


s: But fierce the lightning glances / that on her enemies she cast.


s: By hand then grasped each, other / doughty warriors twain:


s: Hight the one was Dietrich, / with Hagen, noble thane.


s: Then spake in courteous manner / that knight of high degree:


s: "That ye are come to Hunland, / 'tis very sorrow unto me;


s: "For what hath here been spoken / by the lofty queen."


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Small cause to grieve, I ween."


s: Held converse thus together / those brave warriors twain,


s: King Etzel which perceiving / thus a questioning began:


s: "I would learn full gladly," / --in such wise spake he--


s: "Who were yonder warrior, / to whom so cordially


s: Doth greeting give Sir Dietrich. / Meseemeth high his mood.


s: Whosoe'er his sire, / a thane he is of mettle good."


s: Unto the king gave answer / of Kriemhild's train a knight:


s: "Born he was of Tronje, / Aldrian his sire hight.


s: How merry here his bearing, / a thane full grim is he.


s: That I have spoken truly, / shalt thou anon have cause to see."


s: "How may I then perceive it / that fierce his wrath doth glow?"


s: Naught of basest treachery / yet the king did know,


s: That anon Queen Kriemhild / 'gainst her kinsmen did contrive,


s: Whereby returned from Hunland / not one of all their train alive.


s: "Well knew I Aldrian, / he once to me was thane:


s: Praise and mickle honor / he here by me did gain.


s: Myself a knight did make him, / and gave him of my gold.


s: Helke, noble lady, / did him in highest favor hold.


s: "Thereby know I fully / what Hagen since befell.


s: Two stately youths as hostage / at my court did dwell,


s: He and Spanish Walter, / from youth to manhood led.


s: Hagen sent I homeward; / Walter with Hildegunde fled."


s: He thought on ancient story / that long ago befell.


s: His doughty friend of Tronje / knew he then right well,


s: Whose youthful valor erstwhile / did such assistance lend.


s: Through him in age he must be / bereft of many a dearest friend.


s: Then parted from each other / the noble warriors twain,


s: Hagen of Tronje / and Dietrich, lofty thane.


s: Then did King Gunther's warrior / cast a glance around,


s: Seeking a companion / the same he eke full quickly found.


s: As standing there by Giselher / he did Volker see,


s: He prayed the nimble Fiddler / to bear him company,


s: For that full well he knew it / how grim he was of mood,


s: And that in all things was he / a knight of mettle keen and good.


s: While yet their lords were standing / there in castle yard


s: Saw ye the two knights only / walking thitherward


s: Across the court far distant / before the palace wide.


s: They sate them down on settle / over against a hall,


s: Wherein dwelt Lady Kriemhild, / beside the palace wall.


s: Full stately their attire / on stalwart bodies shone.


s: Like unto beasts full savage / were they gaped upon,


s: The two haughty heroes, / by full many a Hun.


s: Eke from a casement Etzel's / wife did them perceive:


s: Once more to behold them / must fair Lady Kriemhild grieve.


s: It called to mind her sorrow, / and she to weep began,


s: Whereat did mickle wonder / many an Etzel's man,


s: What grief had thus so sudden / made her sad of mood.


s: They to their mistress answered: / "Such thing, how hath it been?


s: Ne'er lived he so daring / that, having wrought thee ill,


s: "I live but to requite him / that shall avenge my wrong;


s: Whate'er be his desire / shall unto him belong.


s: Prostrate I beseech you," / --so spake the monarch's wife--


s: "Avenge me upon Hagen, / and forfeit surely be his life."


s: Three score of valiant warriors / made ready then straightway


s: To work the will of Kriemhild / and her best obey


s: By slaying of Sir Hagen, / the full valiant thane,


s: When the queen beheld there / so small their company,


s: In full angry humor / to the warriors spake she:


s: "What there ye think to compass, / forego such purpose yet:


s: So small in numbers never / dare ye Hagen to beset.


s: "How doughty e'er be Hagen, / and known his valor wide,


s: A man by far more doughty / that sitteth him beside,


s: Volker the Fiddler: / a warrior grim is he.


s: In sooth may not so lightly / the heroes twain confronted be."


s: When that she thus had spoken, / ready soon were seen


s: Four hundred stalwart warriors; / for was the lofty queen


s: Full intent upon it / to work them evil sore.


s: Therefrom for all the strangers / was mickle sorrow yet in store.


s: When that complete attired / were here retainers seen,


s: Unto the knights impatient / in such wise spake the queen:


s: "Now bide ye yet a moment / and stand ye ready so,


s: While I with crown upon me / unto my enemies shall go.


s: "And list while I accuse him / how he hath wrought me bane,


s: Hagen of Tronje, / Gunther's doughty thane.


s: I know his mood so haughty, / naught he'll deny of all.


s: Nor reck I what of evil / therefrom may unto him befall."


s: Then saw the doughty Fiddler / --he was a minstrel keen--


s: Adown the steps descending / the high and stately queen


s: Who issued from the castle. / When he the queen espied,


s: Spake the valiant Volker / to him was seated by his side:


s: "Look yonder now, friend Hagen, / how that she hither hies


s: Who to this land hath called us / in such treacherous wise.


s: No monarch's wife I ever / saw followed by such band


s: Of warriors armed for battle, / that carry each a sword in hand.


s: And guard both life and honor. / That methinks were good,


s: For if I much mistake not, / full wrathful is the warriors' mood.


s: "Of many eke among them / so broad the breasts do swell,


s: That who would guard him 'gainst them / betimes would do it well.


s: Then spake all wrathful-minded / Hagen the warrior keen:


s: "On me to vent their fury / is their sole thought, I ween,


s: That thus with brandished weapons / their onward press we see.


s: Despite them all yet trow I / to come safe home to Burgundy.


s: "Now tell me, friend Volker, / wilt thou beside me stand,


s: If seek to work me evil / here Kriemhild's band?


s: That let me hear right truly, / as I am dear to thee.


s: By thy side forever / shall my service faithful be."


s: "Full surely will I help thee," / the minstrel straight replied;


s: "And saw I e'en a monarch / with all his men beside


s: Hither come against us, / the while a sword I wield


s: Not fear shall ever prompt me / from thy side one pace to yield."


s: "Now God in heaven, O Volker, / give thy high heart its meed.


s: Will they forsooth assail me, / whereof else have I need?


s: Wilt thou thus stand beside me / as here is thy intent,


s: Let come all armed these warriors, / on whatsoever purpose bent."


s: "Now rise we from this settle," / the minstrel spake once more,


s: "While that the royal lady / passeth here before.


s: To her be done this honor / as unto lady high.


s: Ourselves in equal manner / shall we honor eke thereby."


s: "Nay, nay! as me thou lovest," / Hagen spake again,


s: "For so would sure imagine / here each hostile thane


s: That 'twere from fear I did it, / should I bear me so.


s: For sake of never any / will I from this settle go.


s: "Undone we both might leave it / in sooth more fittingly.


s: Wherefore should I honor / who bears ill-will to me?


s: Such thing will I do never, / the while I yet have life.


s: Nor reck I aught how hateth / me the royal Etzel's wife."


s: Thereat defiant Hagen / across his knee did lay


s: A sword that shone full brightly, / from whose knob did play


s: The light of glancing jasper / greener than blade of grass.


s: Well perceived Kriemhild / that it erstwhile Siegfried's was.


s: When she the sword espied, / to weep was sore her need.


s: The hilt was shining golden, / the sheath a band of red.


s: As it recalled her sorrow, / her tears had soon begun;


s: Eke the valiant Volker / a fiddle-bow full strong


s: Unto himself drew nearer; / mickle it was and long,


s: Like unto a broad-sword / full sharp that was and wide.


s: So sat they all undaunted / the stately warriors side by side.


s: There sat the thanes together / in such defiant wise


s: That would never either / from the settle rise


s: Through fear of whomsoever. / Then strode before their feet


s: Quoth she: "Now tell me, Hagen, / upon whose command


s: Barest thou thus to journey / hither to this land,


s: And knowest well what sorrow / through thee my heart must bear.


s: "By none have I been summoned," / Hagen gave reply.


s: "Three lofty thanes invited / were to this country:


s: The same I own as masters / and service with them find.


s: Whene'er they make court journey / 'twere strange should I remain


s: Quoth she: "Now tell me further, / wherefore didst thou that


s: Whereby thou hast deserved / my everlasting hate?


s: 'Twas thou that slewest Siegfried, / spouse so dear to me,


s: Spake he: "Why parley further, / since further word were vain?


s: E'en I am that same Hagen / by whom was Siegfried slain,


s: That deft knight of valor. / How sore by him 'twas paid


s: That the Lady Kriemhild / dared the fair Brunhild upbraid!


s: "Beyond all cavil is it, / high and royal dame,


s: Of all the grievous havoc / I do bear the blame.


s: Avenge it now who wisheth, / woman or man tho't be.


s: An I unto thee lie not, / I've wrought thee sorest injury."


s: She spake: "Now hear, ye warriors, / how denies he not at all


s: The cause of all my sorrow. / Whate'er may him befall


s: Reck I not soever, / that know ye, Etzel's men."


s: The overweening warriors / blank gazed upon each other then.


s: Had any dared the onset, / seen it were full plain


s: The palm must be awarded / to the companions twain,


s: Who had in storm of battle / full oft their prowess shown.


s: Outspake one of their number: / "Wherefore look thus to me?


s: What now I thought to venture / left undone shall be,


s: Nor for reward of any / think I my life to lose;


s: To our destruction lures us / here the royal Etzel's spouse."


s: Then spake thereby another: / "Like mind therein have I.


s: Though ruddy gold were offered / like towers piled high,


s: Yet would I never venture / to stir this Fiddler's spleen.


s: "Likewise know I Hagen / from youthful days full well,


s: Nor more about his valor / to me need any tell.


s: In two and twenty battles / I the knight have seen,


s: Whereby sorest sorrow / to many a lady's heart hath been.


s: "When here they were with Etzel, / he and the knight of Spain


s: Bore storm of many a battle / in many a warlike train


s: For sake of royal honor, / so oft thereof was need.


s: Wherefore of right are honors / high the valiant Hagen's meed.


s: "Then was yet the hero / but a child in years;


s: Now how hoary-headed / who were his youthful feres,


s: To wisdom now attained, / a warrior grim and strong,


s: Therewith the matter ended, / and none the fight dared start,


s: Whereat the Lady Kriemhild / full heavy was of heart.


s: Her warriors thence did vanish, / for feared they death indeed


s: At hands of the Fiddler, / whereof right surely was there need.


s: Outspake then the Fiddler: / "Well we now have seen,


s: That enemies here do greet us, / as we forewarned have been.


s: Back unto the monarchs / let us straight repair,


s: That none against our masters / to raise a hostile hand may dare.


s: "How oft from impious purpose / doth fear hold back the hand,


s: Where friend by friend doth only / firm in friendship stand,


s: Until right sense give warning / to leave the thing undone.


s: Thus wisdom hath prevented / the harm of mortals many a one."


s: "Heed I will thy counsel," / Hagen gave reply.


s: Then passed they where / the monarchs found they presently


s: In high state received / within the palace court.


s: Loud the valiant Volker / straight began after this sort


s: Unto his royal masters: / "How long will ye stand so,


s: That foes may press upon you? / To the king ye now shall go,


s: And from his lips hear spoken / how is his mind to you."


s: The valiant lords and noble / consorted then by two and two.


s: Of Bern the lofty Dietrich / took by the hand


s: Gunther the lordly monarch / of Burgundian land;


s: Irnfried escorted Gernot, / a knight of valor keen,


s: And Ruediger with Giselher / going unto the court was seen.


s: Howe'er with fere consorted / there any thane might be,


s: Volker and Hagen / ne'er parted company,


s: Save in storm of battle / when they did reach life's bourne,


s: Unto the court then passing / with the kings were seen.


s: Of their lofty retinue / a thousand warriors keen,


s: Hawart and eke Iring, / chosen warriors twain,


s: Saw ye walk together / in the royal train.


s: By Dankwart and Wolfhart, / a thane of high renown,


s: Was high courtly bearing / there before the others shown.


s: When the lord of Rhineland / passed into the hall,


s: Etzel mighty monarch / waited not at all,


s: But sprang from off his settle / when he beheld him nigh.


s: By monarch ne'er was given / greeting so right heartily.


s: "Welcome be, Lord Gunther, / and eke Sir Gernot too,


s: And your brother Giselher. / My greetings unto you


s: I sent with honest purpose / to Worms across the Rhine;


s: And welcome all your followers / shall be unto this land of mine.


s: "Right welcome be ye likewise, / doughty warriors twain,


s: Volker the full valiant, / and Hagen dauntless thane,


s: To me and to my lady / here in my country.


s: Unto the Rhine to greet you / many a messenger sent she."


s: Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Thereof I'm well aware,


s: And did I with my masters / not thus to Hunland fare,


s: To do thee honor had I / ridden unto thy land."


s: Then took the lofty monarch / the honored strangers by the hand.


s: He led them to the settle / whereon himself he sat,


s: And bade right hearty welcome / unto the knights afar from Rhine.


s: Then spake the monarch Etzel: / "This will I freely say:


s: Naught in this world might happen / to bring my heart more joy,


s: Than that ye lofty heroes / thus are come to me.


s: The queen from mickle sadness / thereby make ye likewise free.


s: "To me 'twas mickle wonder / wherein had I transgressed,


s: That I for friends had won me / so many a noble guest,


s: Yet ye had never deigned / to come to my country.


s: Thereto gave answer Ruediger, / a knight of lofty mind:


s: "Well mayst thou joy to see them; / right honor shalt thou find


s: And naught but noble bearing / in my high mistress' kin.


s: At turn of sun in summer / were the knights arrived


s: At mighty Etzel's palace. / Ne'er hath monarch lived


s: That lordly guests did welcome / with higher compliment.


s: When come was time of eating, / the king with them to table went.


s: Amid his guests more stately / a host was seated ne'er.


s: They had in fullest measure / of drink and goodly fare;


s: Whate'er they might desire, / they ready found the same.


s: Tales of mickle wonder / had spread abroad the heroes' fame.


s: And now the day was ended / and nearing was the night.


s: Came then the thought with longing / unto each way-worn knight,


s: When that they might rest them / and to their beds be shown.


s: To Etzel spake then Gunther: / "Fair days may God thee give!


s: To bed we'll now betake us, / an be it by thy leave;


s: We'll come betimes at morning, / if so thy pleasure be."


s: From his guests the monarch / parted then full courteously.


s: Upon the guests on all sides / the Huns yet rudely pressed,


s: Whereat the valiant Volker / these words to them addressed:


s: "How dare ye 'fore these warriors / thus beset the way?


s: If that ye desist not, / rue such rashness soon ye may.


s: "Let fall will I on some one / such stroke of fiddle-bow,


s: That eyes shall fill with weeping / if he hath friend to show.


s: Why make not way before us, / as fitting were to do!


s: When outspake the Fiddler / thus so wrathfully


s: Backward glanced bold Hagen / to see what this might be.


s: Quoth he: "He redes you rightly, / this keen minstrel knight.


s: Ye followers of Kriemhild, / now pass to rest you for the night.


s: "The thing whereof ye're minded / will none dare do, I ween.


s: If aught ye purpose 'gainst us, / on the morrow be that seen,


s: And let us weary strangers / the night in quiet pass;


s: I ween, with knights of honor / such evermore the custom was."


s: Then were led the strangers / into a spacious hall


s: Where they found prepared / for the warriors one and all


s: Beds adorned full richly, / that were both wide and long.


s: Rich quilted mattress covers / of Arras saw ye there


s: Lustrous all and silken, / and spreading sheets there were


s: Wrought of silk of Araby, / the best might e'er be seen.


s: Coverlets of ermine / full many might ye see,


s: With sullen sable mingled, / whereunder peacefully


s: They should rest the night through / till came the shining day.


s: A king with all retinue / ne'er, I ween, so stately lay.


s: "Alack for these night-quarters!" / quoth young Giselher,


s: "Alack for my companions / who this our journey share!


s: How kind so e'er my sister's / hospitality,


s: Dead by her devising, / I fear me, are we doomed to be."


s: "Let now no fears disturb you," / Hagen gave reply;


s: "Through the hours of sleeping / keep the watch will I.


s: I trust full well to guard you / until return the day,


s: Thereof be never fearful; / let then preserve him well who may."


s: Inclined they all before him / thereat to give him grace.


s: But Hagen, valiant hero, / the while to don his armor gan.


s: Spake then to him the Fiddler, / Volker a doughty thane:


s: "I'll be thy fellow, Hagen, / an wilt thou not disdain,


s: While watch this night thou keepest, / until do come the morn."


s: Right heartily the hero / to Volker then did thanks return.


s: "God in heaven requite thee, / Volker, trusty fere.


s: In all my time of trouble / wished I none other near,


s: None other but thee only, / when dangers round me throng.


s: Arrayed in glittering armor / both soon did ready stand;


s: Each did take unto him / a mighty shield in hand,


s: And passed without the portal / there to keep the way.


s: Volker the valiant, / as he sat before the hall,


s: Leaned his trusty buckler / meanwhile against the wall,


s: Then took in hand his fiddle / as he was wont to do:


s: Beneath the hall's wide portal / he sat on bench of stone;


s: Than he a bolder fiddler / was there never none.


s: As from his chords sweet echoes / resounded through the hall,


s: Thanks for glad refreshment / had Volker from the warriors all.


s: Then from the strings an echo / the wide hall did fill,


s: For in his fiddle-playing / the knight had strength and skill.


s: Softer then and sweeter / to fiddle he began


s: And wiled to peaceful slumber / many an anxious brooding man.


s: When they were wrapped in slumber / and he did understand,


s: Then took again the warrior / his trusty shield in hand


s: And passed without the portal / to guard the entrance tower,


s: About the hour of midnight, / or earlier perchance,


s: The eye of valiant Volker / did catch a helmet's glance


s: Afar from out the darkness: / the men of Kriemhild sought


s: How that upon the strangers / might grievous scathe in stealth be


s: Quoth thereat the Fiddler: / "Friend Hagen, 'tis full clear


s: That we do well together / here this watch to share.


s: I see before us yonder / men armed for the fight;


s: I ween they will attack us, / if I their purpose judge aright."


s: "Be silent, then," spake Hagen, / "and let them come more nigh.


s: Ere that they perceive us / shall helmets sit awry,


s: By good swords disjointed / that in our hands do swing.


s: Tale of vigorous greeting / shall they back to Kriemhild bring."


s: Amid the Hunnish warriors / one full soon did see,


s: That well the door was guarded; / straightway then cried he:


s: "The thing we here did purpose / 'tis need we now give o'er,


s: For I behold the Fiddler / standing guard before the door.


s: "Upon his head a helmet / of glancing light is seen,


s: Welded strong and skilful, / dintless, of clearest sheen.


s: The mail-rings of his armor / do sparkle like the fire,


s: Straightway they back returned. / When Volker that did see,


s: Unto his companion / wrathfully spake he:


s: "Now let me to those caitiffs / across the court-yard go;


s: "No, as thou dost love me," / Hagen straight replied;


s: "If from this hall thou partest, / such ill may thee betide


s: At hands of these bold warriors / and from the swords they bear,


s: "Soon as we two together / have joined with them in fight,


s: A pair or two among them / will surely hasten straight


s: Hither to this hall here, / and work such havoc sore


s: Upon our sleeping brethren, / as must be mourned evermore."


s: Thereto gave answer Volker: / "So much natheless must be,


s: That they do learn full certain / how I the knaves did see,


s: That the men of Kriemhild / hereafter not deny


s: What they had wrought full gladly / here with foulest treachery."


s: Straightway then unto them / aloud did Volker call:


s: "How go ye thus in armor, / ye valiant warriors all?


s: Or forth, perchance, a-robbing, / Kriemhild's men, go ye?


s: Myself and my companion / shall ye then have for company."


s: Thereto no man gave answer. / Wrathful grew his mood:


s: "Fie, ye caitiff villains," / spake the hero good,


s: "Would ye us so foully / have murdered while we slept?


s: Then unto Queen Kriemhild / were the tidings borne,


s: "So cool doth grow my armor," / Volker made remark,


s: "I ween but little longer / will endure the dark.


s: By the air do I perceive it, / that soon will break the day."


s: When brake the light of morning / athwart the spacious hall,


s: Hagen gan awaken / the stranger warriors all,


s: If that they to the minster / would go to holy mass.


s: After the Christian custom, / of bells a mickle ringing was.


s: There sang they all uneven, / that plainly might ye see


s: How Christian men and heathen / did not full well agree.


s: Each one of Gunther's warriors / would hear the service sung,


s: So were they all together / up from their night-couches sprung.


s: Then did the warriors lace them / in so goodly dress,


s: That never heroes any, / that king did e'er possess,


s: More richly stood attired; / that Hagen grieved to see.


s: Quoth he: "Ye knights, far other / here must your attire be.


s: "Yea, know among you many / how here the case doth stand.


s: Bear ye instead of roses / your good swords in hand,


s: Since we have well perceived / how is the angry Kriemhild's mood.


s: "To-day must we do battle, / that will I now declare.


s: Instead of silken tunic / shall ye good hauberks wear,


s: And for embroidered mantle / a trusty shield and wide,


s: That ye may well defend you, / if ye must others' anger bide.


s: "My masters well beloved, / knights and kinsmen true,


s: 'Tis meet that ye betake you / unto the minster too,


s: That God do not forsake you / in peril and in need,


s: For certain now I make you / that death is nigh to us indeed.


s: "Forget ye not whatever / wrong ye e'er have done,


s: But there 'fore God right meekly / all your errors own;


s: Thereto would I advise you, / ye knights of high degree,


s: For God alone in heaven / may will that other mass ye see."


s: Thus went they to the minster, / the princes and their men.


s: Within the holy churchyard / bade them Hagen then


s: Stand all still together / that they part not at all.


s: Quoth he: "Knows not any / what may at hands of Huns befall.


s: With deep-cut wound ye pay him; / that is Hagen's rede,


s: That from men may never / aught but praises be your meed."


s: Volker and Hagen, / the twain thence did pass


s: Before the broad minster. / Therein their purpose was


s: That the royal Kriemhild / must meet them where they stood


s: There athwart her pathway. / In sooth full grim she was of mood.


s: Then came the royal Etzel / and eke his spouse full fair.


s: Attired were the warriors / all in raiment rare


s: That following full stately / with her ye might see;


s: The dust arose all densely / round Kriemhild's mickle company.


s: When the lofty monarch / thus all armed did see


s: The kings and their followers, / straightway then cried he:


s: "How see I in this fashion / my friends with helm on head?


s: By my troth I sorrow / if ill to them have happened.


s: "I'll gladly make atonement / as doth to them belong.


s: Hath any them affronted / or done them aught of wrong,


s: To me 'tis mickle sorrow, / well may they understand.


s: To serve them am I ready, / in whatsoever they command."


s: Thereto gave answer Hagen: / "Here hath wronged us none.


s: 'Tis custom of my masters / to keep their armor on


s: Till full three days be over, / when high festival they hold.


s: Did any here molest us, / to Etzel would the thing be told."


s: Full well heard Kriemhild likewise / how Hagen gave reply.


s: Upon him what fierce glances / flashed furtively her eye!


s: Yet betray she would not / the custom of her country,


s: Though well she long had known it / in the land of Burgundy.


s: How grim soe'er and mighty / the hate to them she bore,


s: Had any told to Etzel / how stood the thing before,


s: Well had he prevented / what there anon befell.


s: With the queen came forward / there a mighty train,


s: But no two handbreadths yielded / yet those warriors twain


s: To make way before her. / The Huns did wrathful grow,


s: That their mistress passing / should by them be jostled so.


s: Etzel's highborn pages / were sore displeased thereat,


s: And had upon the strangers / straightway spent their hate,


s: But that they durst not do it / their high lord before.


s: There was a mickle pressing, / yet naught of anger happened more.


s: When they thence were parting / from holy service done,


s: On horse came quickly prancing / full many a nimble Hun.


s: With the Lady Kriemhild / went many a maiden fair,


s: And eke to make her escort / seven thousand knights rode there.


s: Kriemhild with her ladies / within the casement sat


s: By Etzel, mighty monarch, / --full pleased he was thereat.


s: They wished to view the tourney / of knights beyond compare.


s: The marshal with the squires / not in vain ye sought,


s: Dankwart the full valiant: / with him had he brought


s: His royal master's followers / of the land of Burgundy.


s: When their steeds they mounted, / the kings and all their men,


s: Volker thane full doughty, / gave his counsel then,


s: That after their country's fashion / they ride a mass mellay.


s: His rede the heroes followed / and tourneyed in full stately way.


s: The knight had counsel given / in sooth that pleased them well;


s: The clash of arms in mellay / soon full loud did swell.


s: Many a valiant warrior / did thereto resort,


s: As Etzel and Kriemhild / looked down upon the spacious court.


s: Came there unto the mellay / six hundred knights of those


s: That followed Dietrich's bidding, / the strangers to oppose.


s: Pastime would they make them / with the men of Burgundy,


s: And if he leave had granted. / had done the same right willingly.


s: In their company rode there / how many a warrior bold!


s: When unto Sir Dietrich / then the thing was told,


s: Forbade he that 'gainst Gunther's / men they join the play.


s: When of Bern the warriors / thence departed were,


s: Came they of Bechelaren, / the men of Ruediger,


s: Bearing shield five hundred, / and rode before the hall;


s: Rather had the margrave / that they came there not at all.


s: Prudently then rode he / amid their company


s: And told unto his warriors / how they might plainly see,


s: That the men of Gunther / were in evil mood:


s: Did they forego the mellay, / please him better far it would.


s: When they were thence departed, / the stately knights and bold,


s: Came they of Thuringia, / as hath to us been told,


s: And of them of Denmark / a thousand warriors keen.


s: Irnfried and Hawart / rode into the mellay,


s: Whom the gallant men of Rhineland / received in knightly play:


s: Full oft the men of Thuringia / they met in tournament,


s: Eke with three thousand warriors / came Sir Bloedel there.


s: Etzel and Kriemhild / were of his coming ware,


s: As this play of chivalry / before them they did see.


s: Now hoped the queen that evil / befall the men of Burgundy.


s: Schrutan and Gibecke / rode into the mellay,


s: Eke Ramung and Hornbog / after the Hunnish way;


s: Yet must they come to standstill / 'fore the thanes of Burgundy.


s: High against the palace / wall the splintered shafts did fly.


s: How keen soe'er the contest, / 'twas naught but knightly sport.


s: With shock of shields and lances / heard ye the palace court


s: Loud give back the echo / where Gunther's men rode on.


s: His followers in the jousting / on every side high honor won.


s: So long they held such pastime / and with so mickle heat


s: That through the broidered trappings / oozed clear drops of sweat


s: In full gallant manner / their skill against the Huns they tried.


s: Then outspake the Fiddler, / Volker deft of hand:


s: "These knights, I ween, too timid / are 'gainst us to stand.


s: Oft did I hear the story / what hate to us they bore;


s: Than this a fairer season / to vent it, find they nevermore."


s: "Lead back unto the stables," / once more spake Volker then,


s: "Now our weary chargers; / we'll ride perchance again


s: When comes the cool of evening, / if fitting time there be.


s: Mayhap the queen will honor / award to men of Burgundy."


s: Beheld they then prick hither / one dressed in state so rare


s: That of the Huns none other / might with him compare.


s: Belike from castle tower / did watch his fair lady;


s: So gay was his apparel / as it some knight's bride might be.


s: Then again quoth Volker: / "How may I stay my hand?


s: Yonder ladies' darling / a knock shall understand.


s: Let no man here deter me, / I'll give him sudden check.


s: How spouse of royal Etzel / thereat may rage, I little reck."


s: "Nay, as thou dost love me," / straight King Gunther spake;


s: "All men will but reproach us / if such affront we make.


s: The Huns be first offenders, / for such would more befit."


s: Still did the royal Etzel / in casement by Queen Kriemhild sit.


s: "I'll add unto the mellay," / Hagen did declare;


s: "Let now all these ladies / and knights be made aware


s: How we can ride a charger; / 'twere well we make it known,


s: Once more the nimble Volker / into the mellay spurred,


s: Whereat full many a lady / soon to weep was heard.


s: His lance right through the body / of that gay Hun he sent:


s: 'Twas cause that many a woman / and maiden fair must sore lament.


s: Straight dashed into the mellay / Hagen and his men.


s: With three score of his warriors / spurred he quickly then


s: Forward where the Fiddler / played so lustily.


s: Etzel and Kriemhild / full plainly might the passage see.


s: Then would the kings their minstrel / --that may ye fairly know--


s: With them a thousand heroes / rode forth full dexterously,


s: When in such rude fashion / the stately Hun was slain,


s: Might ye hear his kinsmen / weeping loud complain.


s: Then all around did clamor: / "Who hath the slayer been?"


s: "None but the Fiddler was it, / Volker the minstrel keen."


s: For swords and for shields then / called full speedily


s: That slain margrave's kinsmen / of the Hun's country.


s: To avenge him sought they / Volker in turn to slay.


s: In haste down from the casement / royal Etzel made his way.


s: Arose a mighty clamor / from the people all;


s: The kings and men of Burgundy / dismounted 'fore the hall,


s: And likewise their chargers / to the rear did send.


s: From one of that Hun's kinsmen / who near by him did stand


s: Snatched he a mighty weapon / quick from out his hand,


s: "If ye the valiant minstrel / here 'fore me should slay,"


s: Spake the royal Etzel, / "it were an evil day.


s: When he the Hun impaled / I did observe full well,


s: That not through evil purpose / but by mishap it so befell.


s: "These my guests now must ye / ne'er disturb in aught."


s: Himself became their escort. / Away their steeds were brought


s: Unto the stables / by many a waiting squire,


s: Who ready at their bidding / stood to meet their least desire.


s: The host with the strangers / into the palace went,


s: Nor would he suffer any / further his wrath to vent.


s: Soon were the tables ready / and water for them did wait.


s: Many then had gladly / on them of Rhineland spent their hate.


s: Not yet the lords were seated / till some time was o'er.


s: For Kriemhild o'er her sorrow / meantime did trouble sore.


s: She spake: "Of Bern, O Master, / thy counsel grant to me,


s: Thy help and eke thy mercy, / for here in sorry plight I be."


s: To her gave answer Hildebrand, / a thane right praiseworthy:


s: "Who harms the Nibelungen / shall ne'er have help of me,


s: How great soe'er the guerdon. / Such deed he well may rue,


s: For never yet did any / these gallant doughty knights subdue."


s: Eke in courteous manner / Sir Dietrich her addressed:


s: "Vain, O lofty mistress, / unto me thy quest.


s: In sooth thy lofty kinsmen / have wronged me not at all,


s: "Thy prayer doth thee small honor, / O high and royal dame,


s: That upon thy kinsmen / thou so dost counsel shame.


s: Thy grace to have they deemed / when came they to this land.


s: Nevermore shall Siegfried / avenged be by Dietrich's hand."


s: When she no guile discovered / in the knight of Bern,


s: Unto Bloedel straightway / did she hopeful turn


s: With promise of wide marches / that Nudung erst did own.


s: Slew him later Dankwart / that he forgot the gift full soon.


s: Spake she: "Do thou help me, / Sir Bloedel, I pray.


s: Yea, within the palace / are foes of mine this day,


s: Who erstwhile slew Siegfried, / spouse full dear to me.


s: Who helps me to avenge it, / to him I'll e'er beholden be."


s: Thereto gave answer Bloedel: / "Lady, be well aware,


s: Ne'er to do them evil / 'fore Etzel may I dare,


s: For to thy kinsmen, lady, / beareth he good will.


s: "But nay, Sir Bloedel, my favor / shall thou have evermore.


s: Yea, give I thee for guerdon / silver and gold in store,


s: And eke a fairest lady, / that Nudung erst should wed:


s: By her fond embraces / may'st thou well be comforted.


s: "The land and eke the castles, / all to thee I'll give;


s: Yea, may'st thou, knight full noble, / in joyance ever live,


s: Call'st thou thine the marches, / wherein did Nudung dwell.


s: Whate'er this day I promise, / fulfil it all I will full well."


s: When understood Sir Bloedel / what gain should be his share,


s: And pleased him well the lady / for that she was so fair,


s: By force of arms then thought he / to win her for his wife.


s: Thereby the knight aspirant / was doomed anon to lose his life.


s: "Unto the hall betake thee," / quoth he unto the queen,


s: "Alarum I will make thee / ere any know, I ween.


s: Atone shall surely Hagen / where he hath done thee wrong:


s: "To arms, to arms!" quoth Bloedel, / "my good warriors all:


s: In their followers' quarters / upon the foe we'll fall.


s: Herefrom will not release me / royal Etzel's wife.


s: When at length Queen Kriemhild / found Bloedel well content


s: To fulfil her bidding, / she to table went


s: With the monarch Etzel / and eke a goodly band.


s: Dire was the treason / she against the guests had planned.


s: Since in none other manner / she knew the strife to start,


s: (Kriemhild's ancient sorrow / still rankled in her heart),


s: Bade she bring to table / Etzel's youthful son:


s: By woman bent on vengeance / how might more awful deed be done?


s: Went upon the instant / four of Etzel's men,


s: And soon came bearing Ortlieb, / the royal scion, then


s: Unto the princes' table, / where eke grim Hagen sate.


s: The child was doomed to perish / by reason of his deadly hate.


s: When the mighty monarch / then his child did see,


s: Unto his lady's kinsmen / in manner kind spake he:


s: "Now, my good friends, behold ye / here my only son,


s: "Grow he but like his kindred, / a valiant man he'll be,


s: A mighty king and noble, / doughty and fair to see.


s: Live I but yet a little, / twelve lands shall he command;


s: May ye have faithful service / from the youthful Ortlieb's hand.


s: "Therefore grant me favor, / ye good friends of mine;


s: When to your country ride ye / again unto the Rhine,


s: Shall ye then take with you / this your sister's son,


s: And at your hands may ever / by the child full fair be done.


s: "Bring him up in honor / until to manhood grown.


s: If then in any country / hath wrong to you been done,


s: He'll help you by his valor / vengeance swift to wreak."


s: Eke heard the Lady Kriemhild / royal Etzel thus to speak.


s: "Well might these my masters / on his faith rely,


s: Grew he e'er to manhood," / Hagen made reply:


s: "Yet is the prince, I fear me, / more early doomed of fate.


s: 'Twere strange did any see me / ever at court on Ortlieb wait."


s: The monarch glanced at Hagen, / sore grieved at what he heard;


s: Although the king full gallant / thereto spake ne'er a word,


s: Natheless his heart was saddened / and heavy was his mind.


s: Nowise the mood of Hagen / was to merriment inclined.


s: It grieved all the princes / and the royal host


s: That of his child did Hagen / make such idle boast.


s: That they must likewise leave it / unanswered, liked they not:


s: The knights by Bloedel summoned / soon armed and ready were,


s: A thousand wearing hauberks / straightway did repair


s: Where Dankwart sat at table / with many a goodly squire.


s: When there Sir Bloedel / strode unto the board,


s: Dankwart the marshal / thus spoke courteous word:


s: "Unto this hall right welcome / good Sir Bloedel be.


s: What business hast thou hither / is cause of wonder yet to me."


s: "No greeting here befits thee," / spake Bloedel presently,


s: "For that this my coming / now thy end must be,


s: "But nay, but nay, Sir Bloedel," / Dankwart spake thereto,


s: "For so should we have reason / our coming here to rue.


s: A child I was and little / when Siegfried lost his life,


s: Nor know I why reproacheth / me the royal Etzel's wife."


s: "In sooth I may the story / never fully tell.


s: Gunther and Hagen was it / by whom the deed befell.


s: Now guard you well, ye strangers, / for doomed in sooth are ye,


s: Unto Lady Kriemhild / must your lives now forfeit be."


s: "An so thou wilt desist not," / Dankwart declared,


s: "Regret I my entreaty, / my toil were better spared."


s: The nimble thane and valiant / up from the table sprung,


s: And drew a keen-edged weapon, / great in sooth that was and long.


s: Then smote he with it Bloedel / such a sudden blow


s: That his head full sudden / before his feet lay low.


s: "Be that thy wedding-dower," / the doughty Dankwart spake,


s: "To-morrow may she marry, / but some other one:


s: Will he have bridal portion, / e'en so to him be done."


s: A Hun that liked not treason / had given him to know


s: How that the queen upon him / thought to work so grievous woe.


s: When the men of Bloedel / saw thus their master slain,


s: To fall upon the strangers / would they longer not refrain.


s: With swords swung high above them / upon the squires they flew


s: In a grimmest humor. / Soon many must that rashness rue.


s: Full loudly cried then Dankwart / to all his company:


s: "Behold ye, noble squires, / the fate that ours must be.


s: Now quit yourselves with valor, / for evil is our pass,


s: Though fair to us the summons / hither from Lady Kriemhild was!"


s: They, too, reached down before them, / who no weapons bore,


s: And each a massive footstool / snatched from off the floor,


s: For the Burgundian squires / no whit were they dismayed;


s: And by the selfsame weapons / was many a dint in helmet made.


s: Or smote dead within it / hundreds five or more;


s: All the valiant fighters / saw ye drenched with ruddy gore.


s: Ere long the wondrous tidings / some messenger did tell


s: Unto Etzel's chieftain / --fierce did their anger swell--


s: How that slain was Bloedel / and knights full many a one;


s: The which had Hagen's brother / with his lusty squires done.


s: The Huns, by anger driven, / ere Etzel was aware,


s: Two thousand men or over, / did quick themselves prepare.


s: They fell upon those squires / --e'en so it had to be--


s: And never any living / they left of all that company.


s: A mickle host they faithless / unto those quarters brought,


s: But lustily the strangers / 'gainst their assailants fought.


s: What booted swiftest valor? / Soon must all lie dead.


s: A dire woe thereafter / on many a man was visited.


s: Now may ye hear a wondrous / tale of honor told:


s: Of squires full nine thousand / soon in death lay cold,


s: And eke good knights a dozen / there of Dankwart's band.


s: Forlorn ye saw him only / the last amid his foemen stand.


s: The din at last was ended / and lulled the battle-sound,


s: When the valiant Dankwart / did cast a glance around.


s: "Alack for my companions," / cried he, "now from me reft.


s: Alack that I now only / forlorn amid my foes am left."


s: The swords upon his body / fell full thick and fast,


s: Which rashness many a warrior's / widow mourned at last.


s: His shield he higher lifted / and drew the strap more low:


s: Down coats of ring-made armor / made he the ebbing blood to flow.


s: "O woe is me!" spake Dankwart, / the son of Aldrian.


s: "Now back, ye Hunnish fighters, / let me the open gain,


s: That the air give cooling / to me storm-weary wight."


s: In splendid valor moving / strode forward then anew the knight.


s: As thus he battle-weary / through the hall's portal sprang,


s: What swords of new-come fighters / upon his helmet rang!


s: They who not yet had witnessed / what wonders wrought his hand,


s: Rashly rushed they forward / to thwart him of Burgundian land.


s: "Now would to God," quoth Dankwart, / "I found a messenger


s: Who to my brother Hagen / might the tidings bear,


s: That 'fore host of foemen / in such sad case am I!


s: Then Hunnish knights gave answer: / "Thyself the messenger


s: Shalt be, when to thy brother / thee a corse we bear.


s: So shall that thane of Gunther / first true sorrow know.


s: Upon the royal Etzel / here hast thou wrought so grievous woe."


s: Quoth he: "Now leave such boasting / and yield me passage free,


s: Else shall mail-rings a many / with blood bespattered be.


s: Myself will tell the tidings / soon at Etzel's court,


s: And eke unto my masters / of this my travail make report."


s: Etzel's men around him / belabored he so sore


s: That they at sword-point / durst not withstand him more.


s: Spears shot into his shield he / so many there did stop


s: That he the weight unwieldy / must from out his hand let drop.


s: Then thought they to subdue him / thus of his shield bereft,


s: But lo! the mighty gashes / wherewith he helmets cleft!


s: Must there keen knights full many / before him stagger down,


s: High praise the valiant Dankwart / thereby for his valor won.


s: On right side and on left side / they still beset his way,


s: Yet many a one too rashly / did mingle in the fray.


s: Thus strode he 'mid the foemen / as doth in wood the boar


s: As there he went, his pathway / with reeking blood was wet.


s: Yea, never any hero / more bravely battled yet


s: When by foes surrounded, / than he did might display.


s: To court did Hagen's brother / with splendid valor make his way.


s: When stewards and cup-bearers / heard how sword-blades rung,


s: Many a brimming goblet / from their hands they flung


s: And eke the viands ready / that they to table bore;


s: "How now, ye stewards?" / cried the weary knight;


s: "'Twere better that ye tended / rather your guests aright,


s: Bearing to lords at table / choice food that fitteth well,


s: And suffered me these tidings / unto my masters dear to tell."


s: Whoe'er before him rashly / athwart the stairway sprung,


s: On him with blow so heavy / his mighty sword he swung,


s: That soon faint heart gave warning / before his path to yield.


s: Mickle wonder wrought he / where sword his doughty arm did wield.


s: How the Burgundians fought with the Huns


s: Soon as the valiant Dankwart / stood beneath the door,


s: Bade he Etzel's followers / all make way before.


s: With blood from armor streaming / did there the hero stand;


s: A sharp and mighty weapon / bore he naked in his hand.


s: Into the hall then Dankwart / cried with voice full strong:


s: "At table, brother Hagen, / thou sittest all too long.


s: To thee and God in heaven / must I sore complain:


s: Knights and squires also / lie within their lodging slain."


s: Straight he cried in answer: / "Who hath done such deed?"


s: "That hath done Sir Bloedel / and knights that he did lead.


s: Eke made he meet atonement, / that may'st thou understand:


s: His head from off his body / have I struck with mine own hand."


s: "'Tis little cause for sorrow," / Hagen spake again,


s: "When they tell the story / of a valiant thane,


s: That he to death was smitten / by knight of high degree.


s: The less a cause for weeping / to winsome women shall it be.


s: "Now tell me, brother Dankwart, / how thou so red may'st be;


s: From thy wounds thou sufferest, / I ween, full grievously.


s: Lives he within this country / who serves thee in such way,


s: "Behold me here all scatheless. / My gear is wet with blood,


s: From wounds of others, natheless, / now hath flowed that flood,


s: Of whom this day so many / beneath my broadsword fell:


s: He answered: "Brother Dankwart, / now take thy stand before,


s: And Huns let never any / make passage by the door.


s: I'll speak unto these warriors, / as needs must spoken be:


s: Dead lie all our followers, / slain by foulest treachery."


s: "Must I here be chamberlain," / replied the warrior keen,


s: "Well know I such high monarchs / aright to serve, I ween.


s: So will I guard the stairway / as sorts with honor well."


s: Ne'er to the thanes of Kriemhild / so sorry case before befell.


s: "To me 'tis mickle wonder," / Hagen spake again,