Gudrun: A Mediaeval Epic

[94] The boy was now the winner; one of his foes lay dead; But quickly came another, who sorrow for him made. All at last were slaughtered; nor old nor young were living; God in...

[176] Unto his friends then said he: “If now you deem it fit That men a king should call me, it therefore seemeth meet That she my heart holds dearest a crown with me be wearing...

[342] Both the well-clad heroes before their seats now stood; Well they knew fine breeding, and made their teaching good. In many a bitter struggle, in their manhood early, They...

[1248] Upon his hand then looking, a ring there met her sight, Set with a stone from Abalie, in gold that glittered bright; Never her eyes had rested on one more rich or fairer....

[259] “We then the tale will tell him, we wretched outlaws are; And thus at once the pity of Hagen we shall share. To us, poor homeless wanderers, shelter will be granted, And i...

[12] Of simple folk and merry there rode with her enough; While many loaded horses bore much costly stuff, Brought there from her birthland by followers of the maiden; They came...

[1001] Then spake unto his mother Hartmut, the knight so brave: “Pray treat the maiden kindly, howe’er she may behave: So, for the care you show her, my thanks will you be earni...

[1580] “To none will I give kisses who is to me unknown. Who are this maiden’s kinsmen? What name doth the lady own, That you should bid me kiss her, and be so friendly with her...

[590] “Who tells you,” said King Ludwig, “she is so very fair? Tho’ she all lands were owning, the home is not so near, Wherein the maid is dwelling, that we should go a-wooing;...

[918] Now may God in his keeping have those who there lie dead, And the holy men there dwelling. Those then homeward sped Who still upon the Wulpensand were left among the livin...

[506] But not so quickly ended was yet the stormy fight. Soon was Hettel wounded by brave King Hagen’s might: Wâ-te the old of Sturmland, with his kin, to Hettel hasted, With Ir...

[1166] ’Twas the time of spring-tide fasting, and at the noon of day. To them a swan came floating; thereat Gu-drun ’gan say: “O bird so fair and lovely, such pain for me thou a...

[1497] Horant, the lord of Denmark, Queen Hilda’s flag now bore; Him followed many warriors, he might not wish for more. Up to a palace tower that high its walls was rearing, Fa...

[424] “Might we in this be lucky, our toil we well shall spend; And, with a happy outcome, our sorrows have an end. If only to the seashore he will ride with his daughter, We we...

[1414] Ludwig, king of the Normans, and they of the Danish land, Now had met together. Ludwig bore in hand His strong and heavy weapon; lordly was his bearing, Yet he with all h...

[754] If she her love would give him, as he had asked before,— Ofttimes his heart was heavy for the love to her he bore,— That he would ever serve her so long as he was living,...

[1331] Awhile they all were seated, merrily drinking wine; Then said Gu-drun, the queenly: “Dearest maidens mine, You well may now be happy, after your heavy sorrow: Your friend...

[1084] They bore to the youthful Horant this errand from the queen: That he and all his kinsmen were to her lord of kin, And the sorrows of her daughter should by them be heeded...

[672] Then he said in sorrow to friends who came in haste That foes would burn his castles, and his lands lay waste: All he could give his liegemen, that he held but lightly. Th...

[836] To him the lord of Alzabie, the Moorish Siegfried said: “Knew we where to find them, they should our coming dread.” The aged Wâ-te answered: “I can show you nearly Their p...

The epic poem of Gu-drun is one of the most important early literary works of the German race. It is attributed to the latter part of the twelfth or the beginning of the thirtee...

[1663] Now the king of Karadie forthwith to come they bade; Then they asked the maiden: “Will you this man now wed? Kingdoms nine most mighty have for their master owned him.” W...