Part 18

[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 friends I soon will show you; on gladsome sights your eyes shall feed to-morrow.

[1332] “Herwic, my betrothéd, did I this morning kiss, And Ortwin, too, my brother; you now may think on this. She shall soon be richer, and care from her be taken, Who shall well be mindful, when night is over, me in the morn to waken.

[1333] “You well shall be rewarded. To us glad days are nigh: And freely will I give you castles strong and high, And with them many acres; for these shall I be gaining, If I the day shall witness when, as a queen, I o’er my lands am reigning.”

[1334] They now lay down to slumber, with hearts all free from care. They knew to them were speeding knights full brave to dare, Who erelong would help them, and their woes would lighten. To see them they were hoping, soon as to-morrow’s sun the day should brighten.

Tale the Twenty-Sixth. HOW THE HEGELINGS LANDED NEAR LUDWIG’S CASTLE.

[1335] We ask you now to listen to a tale as yet untold: Ortwin still and Herwic their way did onward hold Until they found their followers on the seashore standing. Then ran these Hegeling liegemen to meet them on the sands where they were landing.

[1336] Them they gladly welcomed, and bade that they make known The news that they were bringing, and freely all to own. First they asked of Ortwin, if he could them be telling, If still Gu-drun were living, and if in Ludwig’s land she now was dwelling?

[1337] The knightly Ortwin answered: “Of this I may not speak To each and all that ask it; the truth I will not break Till all are met together; then shall you be hearing All that our eyes there greeted, when we to come near Hartmut’s walls were daring.”

[1338] The word was told to others, and soon a mighty band Of warriors brave and knightly around the two did stand. Then to them said Ortwin: “Sad is the news I give you, And, were my wishes granted, gladly I’d spare the tale, for much ’twill grieve you.

[1339] “List to what has happened, for wonders now begin; Gu-drun, my long-lost sister, I, in truth, have seen, And with her also Hildeburg, erst in Ireland living.” When he the tidings gave them, they thought the tale he told not worth believing.

[1340] All then said together: “It is not well to jest; For her we long have waited, and now our time you waste. We hoped from Ludwig’s kingdom you would bring her sooner; To Ortwin and his followers belong the shame and blame for wrongs still done her.”

[1341] “Ask you, then, King Herwic: he, too, has seen the maid; And he can also tell you what wrongs on us are laid. Could you, my friends, bethink you of any shame that’s greater? We found Gu-drun and Hildeburg upon the seashore standing, washing in the water.”

[1342] Soon were his kindred weeping, all who there were seen. At this the aged Wâ-te right scornful was, I ween: “Truly for women only is such behavior fitting; Why you weep you know not. This, in a knight, one never should be meeting.

[1343] “But if you are in earnest, to help Gu-drun in her need, The clothes that she has whitened must you in war make red. Erst white hands did wash them for men who must be bleeding; So you now may help her, and soon the maid forlorn be homeward leading.”

[1344] Then said the Danish Fru-te: “How can this be done? How can we reach their kingdom before our plan is known, Before the men of Ludwig, and Hartmut’s knights, are learning That Hilda’s friends are gathered, and toward the Norman land at length are turning?”

[1345] Then said the aged Wâ-te: “Hear what ’tis best to do; I trust before his castle fitly to meet the foe, If I may live to see him there before me standing. Brave knights, your rest now leaving, soon on the Norman shore must you be landing.

[1346] “The air is fresh and gladsome, the sky is broad and bright, And, well for us it happens, the moon will shine to-night. From the sandy shore now hasten, my warriors bold and daring: Before it dawns to-morrow, we King Ludwig’s stronghold must be nearing.”

[1347] Then they all were busy, when thus old Wâ-te spoke; Soon their clothes and horses on board the ships they took. All the night still sailing, towards the land they hasted; And ere the morrow’s daylight, before the castle, on the sands they rested.

[1348] Hushed were all by Wâ-te, throughout the warlike band, As soon as they to rest them lay down upon the sand. To his water-weary followers leave for this was granted; Their shields about them spreading, on them they laid their heads, for sleep they wanted.

[1349] “Whoe’er to-morrow morning hopes to gain the fight Must not,” said the aged Wâ-te, “oversleep to-night. For the struggle now before us we hardly can be waiting; As soon as morning lightens, then, good knights, the foe must we be meeting.”

[1350] “Further I give you warning: whoe’er my horn shall hear Along the seashore sounded, soon as it meets his ear, Let him at once make ready the foeman to be meeting. When I shall blow at daybreak, no longer then may any there be waiting.

[1351] “When I again shall blow it, let each to this give heed; Quickly let his saddle be laid upon his steed. Let him then be waiting, till I see ’tis daylight fully, And the time has come for the onset; let none hang back, but meet the struggle truly.”

[1352] To do as Wâ-te bade them their word they gladly gave. How many a lovely woman did he of bliss bereave! For soon their dearest kindred unto death were wounded, Who now were only waiting until the horn in the early morning sounded.

[1353] “When you, my friends and kinsmen, thrice my horn shall hear, Then, seated on your horses, must you your weapons wear; Thus must you, brave warriors, wait, your steeds bestriding, Till me you see, well-weaponed, under the fair Queen Hilda’s banner riding.”

[1354] Now on the seashore weary lay they, one and all; Very near were they resting to old King Ludwig’s hall. Altho’ the night had fallen, its towers they saw while waking; The brave and fearless warriors in stillness lay, no sound or outcry making.

[1355] The early star of morning now had risen high; Then came a lovely maiden unto the window nigh. She there was gazing skyward, to see when day was breaking, That she might bring the tidings, and rich reward from fair Gu-drun be seeking.

[1356] Ere she long had waited, there dawned on the maiden’s sight, With its wonted gleam on the waters, the early morning light; Then the sheen of helmets and many shields there flittered: Foes had besieged the castle, and all the sands below with weapons glittered.

[1357] Back then went the maiden to where Gu-drun she found: “Arouse, my queenly lady, wake from your slumber sound! The land is held by foemen, who will these walls be storming; We have not been forgotten by those at home; our friends come hither swarming.”

[1358] Gu-drun, the high-born lady, quickly sprang from her bed, And, hasting to the window, to the maid her thanks she said. “For this good news you give me, wealth shall you be earning.” After her heavy sorrow, now for her friends Gu-drun was sorely yearning.

[1359] Rich sails were seen to flutter near by upon the sea; Then said the high-born maiden: “Ah, wellaway! Woe’s me! Would that I ne’er were living!” the wretched one was sighing: “Many a doughty warrior this day for me shall here in death be lying.”

[1360] While thus she was bewailing, nearly all still slept; But soon was one heard shouting, who guard for Ludwig kept: “Be up, you careless warriors! your arms, your arms be taking! And you, my king of Normandy! I fear that all too late you will be waking.”

[1361] This the wicked Gerlind heard, as the warder cried; Then, while fast he slumbered, she left the old king’s side. Up to the roof of the castle then at once she hastened; She thence saw many foemen, and on her devilish heart great sorrow fastened.

[1362] Back again she speeded to where she found the king: “Awake, my lord, make ready for guests who followers bring! Now hem they in your castle, and well may they be dreaded: That smile of young Gu-drun will cost your knights a strife as yet unheeded.”

[1363] “Hush!” then answered Ludwig, “I will go myself to see; We must all be bravely waiting for whatsoe’er may be.” Then looked he from his castle, to see the foemen thronging; His eyes by guests were greeted, on whom to look he never might be longing.

[1364] Before his palace waving, he saw their banners spread; Then said the old King Ludwig: “Let some one go with speed And bear this news to Hartmut. I for pilgrims take them, To sell their wares come hither; before my hall a market would they make them.”

[1365] Then they wakened Hartmut, that he the tale might hear. Outspoke that daring warrior: “Let none be sad or fear. I see full twenty princes their blazoned banners bearing; I ween these foes are coming to wreak the hate they long ’gainst us are wearing.”

Tale the Twenty-Seventh. HOW LUDWIG AND HARTMUT MET THE HEGELINGS.

[1366] Asleep still left he lying all his faithful men. He and his father Ludwig, the twain, to go were seen, And, gazing from the window, they saw the throngs below them. Quickly then said Hartmut: “Too near our castle-walls methinks they show them.

[1367] “I ween they are not pilgrims, in truth, my father dear; More like it is that Wâ-te and all his men draw near. He from Sturmland cometh, the lord of Ortland bringing; The men I see are like them, as I know from the flag that they to the breeze are flinging.

[1368] “I see a brown silk pennon, that comes from Karadé; Before that flag is lowered, many will rue the day. On it a head is blazoned,— as red as gold it glitters: Guests so bold and warlike we well can spare; their sight the day embitters.

[1369] “The Moorland king is bringing full twenty thousand men, Knights as strong and daring as any I have seen; To win from us great honor methinks they now are craving. There comes another banner, that o’er yet other knights its folds is waving.

[1370] “It is the flag of Horant, the knight from the Danish land; I see with him Lord Fru-te, I know both him and his band. And hither, too, from Waleis, many foemen leading, Morunc now comes riding; he, for the morning’s fight, o’er the sands is speeding.

[1371] “I see another banner, on it a chevron red, With sharpened spears within it; for this shall many bleed. Ortwin it is who bears it, from Ortland hither faring: Erewhile we slew his father; no kindly thought to us he now is bearing.

[1372] “There floats another banner, whiter than any swan; Blazons bright and golden you well may see thereon. It is our mother Hilda who sends it o’er the water; The hatred of the Hegelings will soon be known by me who stole her daughter.

[1373] “There I see uplifted a flag outspreading wide; Of sky-blue silk ’tis woven. The truth I will not hide; Herwic bears this banner, he in the Sealands dwelling. Sea-leaves are shown upon it; he soon on us his wrath will here be telling.

[1374] “There Irold, too, is coming,— this that I say is true,— From Friesland leading many, as well indeed I know, With fighting men from Holstein, warriors brave and daring. A stormy fight is nearing; now in our castle all must arms be wearing.”

[1375] Then cried Hartmut loudly: “Up, my faithful men! If to these guests so warlike, who ’neath our walls are seen, It may not now be granted to ride so boldly near us, Then, before the gateway, with sword-blows we must greet them, and bravely bear us.”

[1376] Then from their beds upsprang they all who yet did lie; At once, to bring their war-gear, loudly did they cry. The call to guard their master gladly they were hearing; Forty hundred warriors showed themselves, their shining armor wearing.

[1377] Ludwig and Hartmut with him armed themselves for fight: To the sad and homeless maidens this was a sorry sight; These within the castle uneasy hearts were keeping; They said to one another: “Let him who smiled before this day be weeping!”

[1378] Quickly came Queen Gerlind, old King Ludwig’s wife; She said: “What will you, Hartmut? Would you lose your life, With that of all your kinsmen who here our lot are sharing? The foe will surely slay you, if to leave the castle-walls you now be daring.”

[1379] The well-born knight then answered: “Mother, stay within; You may not give your teaching to me or to my men. Spare your words for women; they mayhap will listen, While they sit at sewing, making their silks with gold and gems to glisten.

[1380] “Now, mother, let us see you send Gu-drun to wash, As you did before, with her maidens, where the billows dash. You weened they all were friendless, and had no kindred living; You yet may see, ere nightfall, what thanks to us our guests will yet be giving.”

[1381] Then spake his devilish mother: “I did it for your sake, Thinking her will to bridle. My bidding kindly take; Strongly built is the castle, let now the gates be fastened; They then will gain but little who on their toilsome way have hither hastened.

[1382] “Full well you know it, Hartmut, you bear the maiden’s hate, For you have slain her kinsmen: your watch you must not bate. It is not friends or kinsfolk who at our gates are knocking; The proud and warlike Hegelings, twenty to one of us, come hither flocking.

[1383] “Of this bethink you further, my well-belovéd son: Bread we have in the castle and wine for every one; Food will not be lacking if here for a year we are staying; But if on the field you are taken, our foes will you from bondage ne’er be freeing.”

[1384] Then to him spake further old King Ludwig’s wife: “Ever guard your honor, but do not lose your life. Bid men to shoot with longbows at the loop-holes standing; So shall wounds be given, for which their friends at home will tears be spending.

[1385] “Let slings with ropes be fitted; we then will meet the foe By hurling rocks upon them: knights we have enow. Before with these new-comers you your swords are crossing, Stones will I and my maidens bring in aprons white, on them to be tossing.”

[1386] Angrily spake Hartmut: “Lady, get you gone! Why do you seek to lead me? Is not my mind my own? Before my foes shall find me within my castle hiding, Outside I would die far sooner, in fight with Hilda’s men, against me riding.”

[1387] Then to him said, weeping, old King Ludwig’s wife: “I gave to you this warning that you might spare your life, And guard yourself the better. Whoe’er is seen this morning Beneath your banner fighting, rich gifts from us shall he be fairly earning.

[1388] “Now arm ourselves,” cried Gerlind, “stand by my son in fight; Strike from your foemen’s helmets a glowing, fiery light. Be always near your master, to help him ever striving; Fitly these guests to welcome, deep be the wounds that you to them are giving.”

[1389] Then to his men said Hartmut: “My mother’s words are true; If you to me are faithful, and strive your best to do, And this day, in the struggle, to give your help are ready, When fathers shall have fallen, a friend I’ll be to sons bereft and needy.”

[1390] A thousand and a hundred within King Ludwig’s halls Now were all well-weaponed. Before from out the walls Went any thro’ the gateways, they left the stronghold guarded; Still within it posted, five hundred warriors brave the castle warded.

[1391] On four gates of the castle the bolts were backward thrown: Ne’er had they been opened to a single spur alone. Then with the youthful Hartmut, outgoing at his bidding, All with helmets fastened, went thirty hundred followers boldly riding.

[1392] The hour of strife drew nearer. He of the Sturmisch land, Wâ-te, his horn was blowing; and loud across the sand, For thirty miles or over, men the blast were hearing; The fighters of the Hegelings, to flock to Hilda’s flag, their arms were wearing.

[1393] Once again he blew it: at this should all take heed, That every knight among them then should mount his steed, And each his men should gather to ride as they were bidden. A knight so old as Wâ-te, and yet so brave, to the fight had never ridden.

[1394] The third time that he blew it, he such a blast did make That all the land was shaken, and the sea a sound gave back; Almost from Ludwig’s castle the corner-stones were falling: To raise Queen Hilda’s banner Wâ-te to Horant then was loudly calling.

[1395] They feared old Wâ-te sorely, none dared to speak aloud; A horse was e’en heard neighing. Upon the roof now stood Herwic’s well-belovéd, and saw the warriors daring, Onward proudly riding, to wage the fight with Hartmut, nothing fearing.

[1396] Hartmut rode to meet them; he and all his men, Bearing well their weapons, to leave the gates were seen. Those from the windows gazing saw the helmets glisten Of friends as well as foemen. Hartmut not alone to the fight did hasten.

[1397] To all four sides of the castle the foes their banners bore; Bright in hue like silver was the armor that they wore; The bosses of their bucklers were seen to glitter brightly. Much was Wâ-te dreaded; no lion grim and wild were feared more rightly.

[1398] The fighters from the Moorland were seen apart to ride, And heavy shafts were hurling; splinters were scattered wide. When with the Norman foemen soon the fight did thicken, Sharply from their weapons and from their breastplates fiery sparks were stricken.

[1399] The warriors from Denmark near to the castle rode. There the mighty Irold six thousand fighters good Up to the walls was leading, an onslaught to be making: Brave and daring were they; sore ill from them erelong was Ludwig taking.

[1400] Elsewhere, riding boldly, Ortwin his followers led, No less than eighty hundred; sorrow and woe they made For many of the Normans, and all the land they harried. Gerlind and Ortrun weeping, watching the fight from the roof, together tarried.

[1401] Then came Herwic also, betrothed to fair Gu-drun; Through him full many a woman must come to sorrow soon, When, for his heart’s belovéd, he to the fight was springing. Beneath the heavy weapons were heard the clattering helmets loudly ringing.

[1402] Now came the aged Wâ-te, with warriors not a few; Grim was he and fearless, as soon they all well knew. His spear not yet he lowered as he to the walls came riding: Sad was the sight to Gerlind, but other were the thoughts Gu-drun was hiding.

[1403] Then came the Norman Hartmut, riding before his men. E’en had he been Kaiser, never would he be seen To bear himself more proudly. In the sun was seen to glisten All his shining armor. His boldness on the field not yet did lessen.

[1404] When he was seen by Ortwin, the lord of Ortland’s throne, He said: “Will any tell us, to whom this knight is known, Who is the daring fighter now against us turning? He shows as bold a bearing as if to win a kingdom he were yearning.”

[1405] Then said one among them: “’Tis Hartmut whom you see; There indeed is a warrior! a daring knight is he. The selfsame foeman is he who erstwhile slew your father. Where’er the strife is raging, a bolder man than he there’s not another.”

[1406] Angrily spake Ortwin: “Me for his wrongs he owes, And must atone full dearly before from here he goes. The ills that he has done us must he be soon undoing; Gerlind cannot help him that he from hence may e’er alive be going.”

[1407] Down upon young Ortwin Hartmut riding bore. Altho’ he did not know him, deep he plunged his spur; His horse sprang forward widely, against brave Ortwin driven. Both their spears were lowered; fire on their armor flashed from spear-strokes given.

[1408] No thrust against the other did either leave undone: The war-horse then of Ortwin was on his haunches thrown; Soon, too, the steed did stagger whereon was Hartmut seated; They could not bear the onset of kings who rushed together, to madness heated.

[1409] High upreared the horses; a mighty clang arose From clash of kingly sword-blades. Thanks were due to those Who the fight thus opened, as knights beseemeth ever. Brave were both and fearless; to shrink from one another thought they never.

[1410] On both sides came their followers, lowering their spears, And bringing death to many; each his foeman nears, And in the shock of the onset heavy wounds was giving. All of them were faithful, and well for a worthy name they now were striving.

[1411] A thousand ’gainst a thousand, now the strife began Of Hartmut’s men with Wâ-te’s, each man against his man. Soon by the lord of Sturmland were they so badly treated That whoso now came near him never a second time with him was mated.

[1412] Now were thickly mingled of foes ten thousand men, Among King Herwic’s warriors; they came in anger keen. Their mood it was so stubborn that rather than be flying Far from the field of fighting, they on the ground would first in death be lying.

[1413] A knight indeed was Herwic; what daring deeds he did! Earnest was he in fighting, that so the lovely maid Might be to him the kinder. But how could he be dreaming The boon could e’er befall him, that the eyes of fair Gu-drun on him were beaming?