Part 3

[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 heaven helped him; but truly against such strength ’twere hopeless striving.

[95] When he that feat of wonder had done, with heart so brave, He called the friendly maidens from out their rocky cave. He said: “Let air and sunshine your sorry hearts be filling; Since now the God in heaven to grant to us some bliss at last is willing.”

[96] His call they kindly welcomed, and many times, forsooth, The boy by the lovely maidens was kissed upon the mouth. Their keeper now lay lifeless; and none there was to hinder Their roaming o’er the hillsides, and, far or near, at their good-will to wander.

[97] By help of the boy, from sorrow they now were wholly free; The little childish wanderer, so skilled with the bow was he, That birds his well-shot arrows could never shun by flying. He shot them now for pastime; but to get them soon for food must he be trying.

[98] He in heart was daring, he was mild, but also brave; Hey! from the wild beasts learning, what nimble leaps he gave! As doth the strong young panther, over the rocks he scrambled; Himself was his only teacher, and, far away from kin, alone he rambled.

[99] While on the shore, by the waters, his time he often spent, He saw, among the sea-waves, live fishes, as he went; To catch them it were easy, but yet he did not get them, For with fire his kitchen smoked not. Daily his sorrow grew that he could not eat them.

[100] Oft from his rocky shelter to the forest he would roam; Many wild beasts saw he, strong and grim in their home. One there was among them greedy to devour him; But with his sword he slew him, and let him quickly feel the hate he bore him.

[101] Unto a wild chameleon this dreadful thing was like; Its skin the boy drew from it, (for that was he not too weak;) Now for its blood he thirsted, and, when of this he had taken, He felt great strength come o’er him; and many thoughts began in him to waken.

[102] Then with the skin of the monster he wrapped himself around; When soon to him it happened hard by a lion he found. To shun him it were hopeless, for he quickly rushed upon him; But the boy was yet unwounded; his foe from the daring child warm welcome won him.

[103] When he the lion had smitten to death, with many blows, He to the cave would take it, as homeward thence he goes. At all times had the maidens been by his care upholden, But now this food unwonted did raise their waning strength, and their hearts embolden.

[104] Of fire they yet knew nothing, but wood they need not seek; From out a stone he quickly many sparks did strike. The food they long had wanted he soon was on them bestowing, And, since there was none to do it, themselves the flesh must cook on the coals now glowing.

[105] When they of food had eaten, at once they grew more strong; Their boldness, too, grew greater, (to God their thanks belong.) And now their bodies also as healthy were, and comely, As if they still were living, each in her father-land, on fare more homely.

[106] The wild young Hagen also the strength of twelve did own; And for this, thro’ all his lifetime, praise by him was won. But both to him and the maidens ’twas pain and sorrow only, To think that they forever must pass their lives in a waste so sad and lonely.

[107] They begged of him to lead them down to the watery flood. Shame they felt in going, for the clothes were none too good The maidens now were wearing; they themselves had sewed them, Ere yet the youthful Hagen them in their banishment found, and his kindness showed them.

[108] For days full four and twenty they fared thro’ the piny wood; At last, on a morning early, down they came to the flood, And saw a laden galley, that came from Garadé. Then did the lonely maidens sorrow and pain at the sailors’ plight betray.

[109] Hagen shouted loudly; he was hindered none the more, Altho’ the winds were boisterous, and wild the waves did roar. Now the ship was groaning; and the sailors, landward steering, Felt dread of water-nixes, on seeing the maids, as they the shore were nearing.

[110] The ship it had a master, a lord from out Salmé; Hagen, as well as his kindred, had he known on a former day. They before were neighbors, but Ireland’s child, here roaming, The youthful son of Sigeband, was to the pilgrims unknown, who now were coming.

[111] The earl forbade his steersman nearer to sail to the shore; But now the childish outcast but begged of them the more, For love of God, to take them away from that shore forsaken. The sailors felt emboldened, when by the boy the name of Christ was taken.

[112] The earl, with eleven others, into a boat now sprung; Ere he the truth was learning, the time to him seemed long. Whether the maidens as goblins or mermaids must be treated He knew not; such beings never, in all his life before, his eyes had greeted.

[113] He first began to ask them, before he reached the strand: “Boy, have you been baptized? What do you in this land?” Dight with fresh green mosses he saw those lovely daughters, Who earnestly begged the sailors that they would deign to take them o’er the waters.

Tale the Third. HOW HAGEN SAILED TO HIS HOME.

[114] Ere they went on shipboard, the pilgrims them besought Kindly to take the clothing they with them had brought. However shy were the maidens, to wear them they were ready; They donned the clothes with blushes, and now their sorrow had an ending speedy.

[115] Soon as the lovely maidens embarked upon the wave, They heartily were greeted by knights both good and brave, Who to the high-born daughters welcome to give were heedful; Tho’ they at first mistook them, and thought them wicked elves, or mermaids dreadful.

[116] That night the maidens rested with friends upon the sea; So wondrous was their dwelling, from fear they were not free: Wiser it were in the children to think this home a blessing. Soon as the earl had bidden, their food upon the maids they all were pressing.

[117] After they had eaten, and while with them he sat, The lord of the land of Garadie the maidens did entreat To say by whom such fair ones were brought unto that shore. The children, at his asking, only felt their sorrow grow the more.

[118] First answered him the eldest of those who with him sat: “I come from a far-off kingdom, (my lord, now hear my fate;) I was born in the land of India, a land wherein my father Was king while he was living, but I, alas! the crown must leave to another.”

[119] Then spake the maid next younger: “I too have come from far; Erewhile a strong old griffin did me from Portugal bear. A king in the land was my father; none than he was prouder, Nor for a mighty ruler, far or near, were ever praises louder.”

[120] Then the youngest maiden, who by the earl sat near, To him spoke low and modestly, and said: “I pray you hear; From Iserland I was carried, my father there held power; But from those who hoped to rear me, alas! afar was I borne in an evil hour.”

[121] The high-born knight then answered: “By God ’tis ordered well, Since you among your kinsfolk not long were left to dwell; Now, at last, by his kindness you are freed from dangers, For I within these borders have found you living here, such lovely strangers.”

[122] However much he asked them, they yet to tell were loath, How unto them it happened grim death had spared them both, When erewhiles the griffin unto his nest had brought them. Many had been their sorrows; no more to speak of these the maids bethought them.

[123] Then said the worthy leader, turning to the youth; “My dearest friend and fellow, now let me hear the truth; Since unto me these maidens their sorry tale have given, From you would I hear gladly, and learn the land and kin whence you were riven.”

[124] To him wild Hagen answered: “That will I tell to you; One of those dreadful griffins bore me hither too. Sigeband was my father; in Ireland once was I living; But long with these lovely maidens I since have dwelt, with many sorrows striving.”

[125] Then they all besought him to say how it befell That, living with the griffins he had come off so well. To them young Hagen answered: “To God it all was owing; But now I have cooled my anger; no more for them my heart with hate is glowing.”

[126] Then spake the lord of Garadie: “I fain would learn from you How you were freed from danger?” He said: “I quickly slew Both the old and the young ones; not one of those is living By whom my life was threatened, and who to me such fear were daily giving.”

[127] Then said all the sailors: “Your strength indeed was great; For every man and woman to praise you it were meet. A thousand of us truly ’gainst them in, vain had striven, Nor ever could have slain them; truly to you have blessings great been given.”

[128] The earl and all his followers were of the boy afraid; His strength was past all measure, and sorrow for them made. They would by craft his weapons have taken from him gladly, But these he sternly guarded, and soon, thro’ him, it ended for them sadly.

[129] Then spake the earl yet further: “It now has happened well, After our toilsome wanderings, and all that us befell. But since you are a kinsman of my foeman, Sigeband, And here have come from Ireland, I as a hostage hold you in my hand.

[130] “You come to me most fitly, as you shall know ere long, For many of your kindred have done to me great wrong. In Garadie’s fair kingdom, which lies too near their border, In a heavy fight, my warriors were seized upon and murdered by their shameful order.”

[131] Then answered him young Hagen: “Of all the wrongs they did I am wholly guiltless; if me to them you lead I their hearts will soften, and so will the strife be ended. Let hope to me be granted that I on my kinsmen’s shore may soon be landed.”

[132] Then said the earl to Hagen: “For a pledge must you abide, And I shall keep these maidens to live at court by my side; They will swell my greatness, and I shall be their owner.” Then thought the youthful Hagen, such words to be to him a wrong and a dishonor.

[133] He quickly said in anger: “No bondsman will I be; That may no man ask for, who would unscathed go free. And now, my worthy sailors, you needs to my land must bear me; I will reward you gladly, and to give you clothes and gold will never spare me.

[134] “The earl has thought my maidens his own shall ever be; But they shall yet be happy, and shall of him be free. Whoe’er is blest with wisdom, let him my bidding follow; Look to your sails, and turn them, and guide the ship to Ireland, o’er the billow.”

[135] The men, as the earl had bidden, to seize the boy now dared, But boldly did he meet them, and for their lives they feared. He by the hair caught thirty, and into the water flung them; Soon the strength of his body was known to all, and dreaded much among them.

[136] Had not the kindly maidens sought to end the fight, Soon the earl of Garadie he would have killed outright. ’Gainst neither low nor mighty did his anger falter; These warriors and sailors now to Ireland’s shores their way must alter.

[137] They began at once to hasten, lest he their lives might take; For now the wrath of Hagen made them with fear to quake. For seventeen days the sailors from toiling never rested, And sorely were they frightened; whene’er he seemed unkind they ills forecasted.

[138] When he now drew nearer unto his father’s shore, He saw the roomy castles he well had known before; Soon a lofty palace he spied at the edge of the river; Three hundred towers fully he there beheld, as strong and good as ever.

[139] In it dwelt King Sigeband, with his proud and queenly wife. Again each pilgrim sailor thought to lose his life; For should the lord of Ireland aught of them be learning, They feared that he would slay them; but Hagen stood between, his anger turning.

[140] Then spake unto the pilgrims that brave and warlike man: “Your peace will I make gladly, altho’ I do not reign; I hold no sway in the kingdom, but thither will I be sending, And ’twixt yourself and my father of the hatred old I soon will make an ending.

[141] “Would any now be doing what wealth to him will bring, Let him my errand carry. Whoever to the king Shall say what I shall bid him, gold will I give him truly; And also, very gladly, my father and my mother will reward him duly.”

[142] Twelve of the stranded pilgrims he bade to ride away: “Now ask of the king, my father,” thus the youth did say, “Whether to see young Hagen, his son, he still is yearning,— Him who erst by the griffin was stolen far away, heart-sorrow learning.

[143] “I know that what you tell him the king will not believe; Then ask you of my mother if she her faith will give, And if for her child to own me she will at last be willing, If I upon my bosom will show a golden cross, the proof fulfilling.”

[144] When those he sent had ridden farther into the land, They found, in the palace seated, Queen U-te and Sigeband. Then knew the king that the riders from Garadie came thither, And that they to him were foemen; at this both he and his men were wroth together.

[145] He asked of them how dared they to come within his land? Then one among them answered: “We are sent here at the hand Of your son, the youthful Hagen. If any fain would meet him, He now is here, so near you, that you ere many hours, in truth, may greet him.”

[146] Then spake the kingly Sigeband: “To cheat there is no need; The loss of my dear little one, who hath so long been dead, Still my heart’s deep sorrow doth too oft awaken.” “Ask, then, the queen, your lady, if for a falsehood should our word be taken?

[147] “The little boy so often in her fond care has been, She knows if on his bosom a golden cross was seen. And if upon this wanderer be found the self-same token, You as your child can own him; you then will grant that truth by us is spoken.”

[148] Then to the Lady U-te the tale was quickly told; Glad was she of the tidings, yet mourned she as of old. She said: “Now let us hasten, that the truth no more be hidden.” Her lord then bade to saddle; and steeds for himself and his bravest knights were bidden.

[149] Straightway one of the pilgrims to the fair Queen U-te said: “I will tell you, if you listen, what now to do you need. You first must carry clothing for each young lovely maiden Whose coming does you honor; as followers of your son were they hither bidden.”

[150] Soon brought they richest clothing, and tiring-women, too; The queen was also followed by men both brave and true. They found the youthful Hagen, who on the shore was standing; And many men from Garadie, who with the wandering boy on the beach were landing.

Tale the Fourth. HOW HAGEN WAS MET BY HIS FATHER AND MOTHER.

[151] Soon both men and women riding there were seen; Then the brave young Hagen went forth to meet his kin. Who ’twas that came to greet him he now to know was seeking; The throng grew ever thicker of friends who came in haste, their kindness speaking.

[152] The king a friendly welcome into his land soon gave; He said: “To send men hither did you the boldness have, To say that our queen beloved is in truth your mother? If the words are true you’ve spoken, so glad as now I am there’s not another.”

[153] His queen, the lovely U-te, with lofty breeding, said: “Bid that for these new-comers lodgings now be made; I shall know right easily if he for the crown is fitted.” She found, in truth, the token, and, full of bliss, her youthful son she greeted.

[154] With eyes all wet with weeping, she kissed him on the mouth: “Though I before was ailing, I now am well in sooth. Welcome be thou, my Hagen, my only child, loved dearly! All in the land of Sigeband right glad shall be for him they lost so early.”

[155] The king to the youth came nearer; his happiness was great. For the hearty love he bore him his manly cheek was wet; With tears that hot had risen his eyes were overflowing. For the child, from him erst stolen, rightly the father felt the love he was showing.

[156] The queenly U-te welcomed the homeless maids that day; Many clothes she gave them, both bright in hue and gray, Of silk, with downy linings, that much the maidens wanted. Their sorrows now were lightened by all the gifts the wife of Sigeband granted.

[157] Well they clothed the maidens, as their loveliness became; This they long had needed, and oft had blushed with shame; But, decked with gaudy trimmings, now they came less shyly. The king and all his followers soon to the maidens gave a welcome freely.

[158] Hagen asked that friendship to the men of Garadie Should by the king and his lieges be granted speedily; Beseeching his forgiveness for all their foul misdoing. Soon, at the wish of Hagen, kindness to the pilgrims he was showing.

[159] When the king had kissed them and soothed his angry mood, He to the shipwrecked pilgrims made their losses good. To them it was a blessing, and praise to Hagen carried; The lands of the men of Ireland never since have they as foemen harried.

[160] Then their food and clothing the guests took out, for use, And up on the sands they bore them, trusting in Hagen’s truce; To take their rest for a fortnight them did he embolden. The band of haughty pilgrims to give to him their thanks were now beholden.

[161] Then, in the midst of uproar, they rode away from the shore; Up the castle of Ballian came also many more, Led by a tale of wonder that the son of the king was living,— Of their king so rich and mighty; a thing so strange was to many past believing.

[162] The water-weary pilgrims, long-tossed upon the sea, When fourteen days were ended to leave the land were free. To them by the host were given gifts of gold, bright shining; By the help of his son’s great kindness he hoped a lasting friendship to be winning.

[163] Hagen his maidens never henceforth unthought-of leaves; Kindly doth he teach them ofttimes to bathe in the waves. He showed himself most loving, ever for them caring; Rich clothes to them were given, and wise beyond his years was all his bearing.

[164] Now was the youth beginning to be a man well-grown. He ever showed his kinsmen the skill to warriors known; Whate’er a knight befitteth with hand and weapon doing. In the land of his father, Sigeband, his mighty sway he soon to all was showing.

[165] Hagen was ever learning what doth a king beseem. He who of knights is leader must ever free from shame And every stain be living; this earns fair women’s praises. So gentle was he truly that every one with wonder on him gazes.

[166] Brave he was and daring, (such is the olden song,) And ever was he ready to right his neighbor’s wrong. He high upheld his honor in all things, never fearing; Throughout the land, his praises were spoken and were sung in all men’s hearing.

[167] In a waste he grew to manhood, that youthful son of a king, Wild beasts his only fellows; but none so quick could spring That they to flee were able, if he for them was striving. I ween both he and his maidens had wonders seen, while by the waters living.

[168] Rightly his name was Hagen; but later men did own He was “of kings the Devil;” so came he to be known In every land and kingdom, such was his strength in fighting. The bold and wild young Hagen well did earn his name, his foemen smiting.

[169] He oft was begged by his kinsmen that he a wife would take; One so fair was near him that none had need to seek A fairer or a lovelier, all earthly kingdoms over. He himself had taught her; with her in sorrow grown, and now her lover.

[170] She bore the name of Hilda; from India she had come, And love she oft had shown him under their wretched doom, Since, in their early childhood, he in the cave had found her. None better need he wish for, or seek in any land the heavens under.

[171] His father bade him hasten to be knighted with the sword, With a hundred of his vassals. He gave, with kindly word, To him and to his maidens, for clothes and horses needed, A thousand marks of silver. Hagen said that the will of his father should be heeded.

[172] The news of this was bruited through many a prince’s land; And the day when it should happen all did understand. Soon the king’s great kindness from all won praises golden In a year and three days after the festival of knighting them was holden.

[173] For this the knights made busy, glad to be bidden there. Soon they made them bucklers, bright and painted fair; In making showy saddles the workmen were not idle; With gold both red and shining the breastplate was bedecked, as was the bridle.

[174] Upon a broad green meadow the guests of the mighty king Were bidden then to gather. He left not anything That they from him could ask for; seats were spread in order, And many guests soon after were seen to ride to his land from every border.

[175] To those from far now ready the sword with him to bear Fighting-gear was given, that beseemed them well to wear. They who from other kingdoms into his land were faring A thousand men were reckoned; to give them clothes and steeds he was not sparing.