Part 4

[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; Never shall I rest happy until, for her love to me, she this is sharing.”

[177] Then asked of him his followers who might the lady be, Who, riding proudly before them, they at court should see? He said: “Her name is Hilda, in India once living; To me and to my kindred she, as our queen, no shame will e’er be giving.”

[178] Well pleased was now his mother, when she the tidings had, That they thought to crown the lady; his father, too was glad. Of them was she so worthy, that high in heart they set her. With him the sword was taken by full six hundred; the number e’en was greater.

[179] As is the way of Christians, both of them were bid First for the crown to be hallowed; this at once they did. King Hagen with Queen Hilda in state were soon seen riding; Many games of knighthood were played at court by his men, at Hagen’s bidding.

[180] Sigeband, too, rode with them; high rose his heart as he went; He reckoned very little the wealth that must be spent. When in jousts they had ridden, in ways most true and knightly, Then were pages busy to make the halls for the guests all fair and sightly.

[181] Seats were brought together, strong, and broad, and long, With stools besides, and tables. After the mass was sung, U-te, his wife, came riding, with women round her thronging; These the youthful warriors to gaze on, as they rode, right earnestly were longing.

[182] While the great King Sigeband sat by U-te’s side, And Hagen next to Hilda, all looked on with pride; And said, in his child-belovéd happy was their master. Before them, while at table, the throng was great; the clash of spears grew faster.

[183] After the king of Ireland at the meal his fill had eat, By riders the grass was trodden; flowers to dust they beat With rude and heavy trampling, while in uproar riding. The men best known for bravery, before the fair, in knightly jousts were leading.

[184] Four and twenty warriors, bearing well the shield, Over the plain came riding; bold were they in the field, And now in many a struggle all their strength were spending. ’Twas done in sight of the ladies, and hard it was of their games to make an ending.

[185] The brave young son of Sigeband himself in the onset rode. Not loth was she to gaze on him who her with hope had wooed; That she to him was friendly in a far-off land forsaken, For this would he reward her. No truer knight the sword had ever taken.

[186] Amid the throngs here riding, one thro’ the dust might see Men whose birth was princely, in number twelve and three; The Christian and the heathen to him their fiefs were owing, And honor now, right heartily, to Sigeband and Hagen they were showing.

[187] Long those high times lasted; their mirth, how loud it rose! With crowding and with shouting great the bustle grows. The king now bade the champions to end the strife so heated; And leave to them was given that they beside the ladies should be seated.

[188] Before his friends and kinsmen then spake King Sigeband: “Unto my dear son Hagen give I now my land, With the dwellers and the strongholds, be they far or nearer. Let all my trusty liegemen have him now for their lord, and hold none dearer.”

[189] As soon as his father, Sigeband, his sway did thus forego, Hagen his lands and castles began in fief to bestow; This he did right freely, and to those to whom he gave them He seemed so true and worthy that they indeed from him would gladly have them.

[190] As by feudal law is rightful, many stretched the hand To the youthful king in fealty. To all, from every land, Or far or near, then gave he clothes and riches hoarded. A feast so freely given would now the poor not harm, and with thanks be rewarded.

[191] At court now dwelt the maidens who had before been brought With him within those borders; of these one now was sought, And sent to the king and Hilda; there she soon was dwelling. The maid it was from Iserland; of one more fair to see none e’er was telling.

[192] A princely youth soon wooed her, who saw the maiden fair Beside the king’s fair daughter. Soothly might he swear That she by right was worthy to be of a crown the wearer. She had erst been Hilda’s playmate; of widespread lands she now became the sharer.

[193] At last the guests were scattered, and all now left the king. That high-born lady also men did straightway bring Into the land of Norway, to her youthful lord’s kind keeping. After her heavy sorrows, blest with hope, she knew no more of weeping.

[194] Now, throughout all Ireland, did Hagen his sway begin. If ever among his lieges a deed of wrong was seen, At once for this the doer must pay with pain well dreaded; Of such, within a twelvemonth, eighty or more were for evil deeds beheaded.

[195] An inroad made he later into the lands of his foes. He spared the poor, and brought not flames, to add to their woes; But if with pride and rudeness he was by any treated, He quick laid waste their strongholds, and deadly wounds in bitter wrath he meted.

[196] When it came to fighting, he was a goodly knight. Of heroes high in breeding he soon brought low the might; To all he showed his bravery, whether far or near him. Of kings was he the Devil; in truth his many foes might greatly fear him.

[197] The life he led was happy, nor of gladness asked he more. His wife, from far-off India, to her lord and master bore A fair and lovely daughter; she also, like her mother, Bore the name of Hilda; well known is her tale to us, and to many another.

[198] Wild Hagen bade his maidens so to rear the child, That the sun ne’er shone upon her; nor were rough winds wild Oft allowed to touch her. She was by ladies guarded, And cared for by her kinsmen; most wisely was the trust to them awarded.

[199] Before twelve years were ended the fair and well-born maid Was comely more than any, and her name was widely spread; Rich and high-born princes gladly would have sought her, And earnestly were thinking how they could win wild Hagen’s lovely daughter.

[200] One of these same princes in Denmark had his home, Within the land of Waleis. When the tale to him had come About this lovely maiden, his longing ne’er would leave him; But he was scorned by Hagen, who swore of life and name he would bereave him.

[201] Whene’er to seek the maiden men were by wooers sent, In his pride, wild Hagen upon their death was bent. He to none would give her who than himself was weaker; Of the tale of the mighty Hagen, far and near, was every man the speaker.

[202] He bade that more than twenty of those sent there be hung; None might wreak his anger, though sore his heart was wrung. When all had done their errand, for Hagen’s daughter suing, “Enough,” soon went the saying: “’Twere best that none should go for her a-wooing.”

[203] But still by high-born warriors the maid was not unsought. Let pride be ne’er so lofty, as we have long been taught, There always is another with just as high a bearing; While to win her kindness his yearning grows, and his toil he is never sparing.

Tale the Fifth. HOW WÂ-TE WAS SENT TO IRELAND AS A SUITOR.

[204] Hettel was lord in Daneland; to be its king he rose; ’Twas in the Sturmisch marches, as many a one well knows; There abode his kindred, who ways of honor taught him. Ortland also served him. His might and worth high fame with all soon brought him.

[205] One among his kinsfolk the name of Wâ-te bore; He for his lands and castles fealty to Hettel swore. As kinsman of his master, he careful teaching gave him In all things good and worthy, and in his watchful care did ever have him.

[206] A landed knight in Daneland was Wâ-te’s sister’s son, The brave and upright Horant. Later his faith was shown Unto his lord, King Hettel, who for his worth did crown him. This to him he grudged not, but ever for a prince was glad to own him.

[207] Hettel, rich and mighty, at Hegeling held his seat, Not far from the lord of Ortland; this is true, I weet. He there owned many castles, eighty at least or over; They who these strongholds guarded in truest faith and honor held them ever.

[208] Lord he was of Friesland, its waters and its land; Ditmarsh, as well as Waleis, were swayed by his kingly hand. Hettel was truly mighty; his kinsmen they were many; Bold was he and daring, and ’gainst his foes he plotted, well as any.

[209] Hettel was an orphan, and so he felt the need That he a wife should find him. To him, at last, were dead Father as well as mother, who their lands had left him. He friends in truth had many, yet found he much in life that of bliss bereft him.

[210] The best of these besought him some maiden’s love to seek, Who of his birth was worthy. The knight did answer make: “I here know none who fitly should be o’er the Hegelings seated, Nor is there any lady who, brought from far, should as my queen be greeted.”

[211] Then spake a knight of Nifland, Morunc, a youthful lord: “I know of a lovely maiden, of whom I oft have heard; She in truth is fairer than all on earth now living. Her will we gladly sue for, that she her troth to you may soon be giving.”

[212] Then quoth the king: “Who is she? her name I pray you tell.” Then said Morunc: “’Tis Hilda, in Ireland she doth dwell; Her father’s name is Hagen; King Ger was her forefather. If to this land she cometh, your life will then be blissful altogether.”

[213] Then spake the young King Hettel: “I oft have heard it said, Whoever woos this maiden her father’s wrath must dread. Many a worthy suitor his life for her has ended; But none among my vassals must meet his death for having me befriended.”

[214] Morunc quickly answered: “Then send to Horant’s land, And bid that he come hither; he well doth understand The ways and moods of Hagen, for often has he seen them. Unless his help he gives you, ’twill come to nought, howe’er your friends demean them.”

[215] He said: “Your will I follow, since she is so fair; But if my friends shall seek her, yourself the suit must share; And if unto your friendship the task I’ve trusted fitly, Wealth shall you have and honor, when as the Hegeling’s queen she’s greeted rightly.”

[216] He quickly sent out riders through the Danish land to haste; By them was the mighty Horant, his nephew, found at last, And to the court was bidden; to come must he be speedy, Within seven days, not later, if he to help his lord in truth were ready.

[217] When Horant met the heralds, and did their errand hear, Then for friendly service himself he would not spare. Right gladly did he listen to the bidding of his master; But this, on a day thereafter, to him brought sorrow great, and sore disaster.

[218] To the court he soon went riding, with sixty of his men; Of friends at home young Horant to take his leave was seen. He then made haste the faster, when now the tale was told him How he must help his master, if for a faithful knight he now would hold him.

[219] Upon the seventh morning he came to Hettel’s land; Decked in finest clothing was he and all his band. The king to welcome Horant rode forth, most glad to greet him, And saw that with him Fru-te, another Danish knight, was there to meet him.

[220] Good news it was of their coming, of which all men now spoke; Glad was the king to see them; from him a share it took Of the deep and heavy sorrow which his heart was filling. “Welcome, Cousin Fru-te!” cried he, the while he looked upon him smiling.

[221] When Horant now with Fru-te before the king did stand, Then he asked for tidings of their home in the Danish land. Both of them now answered: “Not many days are ended Since we in stormy battle with many deadly blows our lives defended.”

[222] He asked whence they had ridden from off the stormy field. They said: “It was from Portugal, where the strife was held; There the mighty ruler from fighting would not spare us; Daily within our borders he did us wrong, and much ill-will did bear us.”

[223] The young King Hettel answered: “Now cast all care away; I know that the aged Wâ-te will never yield the sway He holds o’er the Sturmisch marches; he of the land is owner; Who wins from him a castle will earn high praise and long be held in honor.”

[224] Within the roomy palace the guests then took their seats. Both Horant and Sir Fru-te with thoughtless, merry wits, Of the loves of high-born ladies began to gossip gaily. To them the young king listened, and costly gifts he gave unto them freely.

[225] Hettel turned to Horant, and thus to ask began: “If aught hath reached your hearing, then tell me, if you can, How ’tis with Lady Hilda, King Hagen’s lovely daughter? To her would I send most gladly, and would that words of love from me were brought her.”

[226] The youthful knight then answered: “She is to me well known; A maid so fair and lovely my eyes ne’er looked upon As she, that maid of Ireland, Hilda, the rich and stately, The daughter of wild Hagen; to wear a crown with you would befit her greatly.”

[227] On this King Hettel asked him: “Now think you, can it be That ever her lordly father will give this maid to me? If I deemed he were so friendly, I would seek to win her, And would reward him ever who gave to me his ready help to gain her.”

[228] “That can never happen,” to him young Horant said: “No rider with this errand to Hagen need be sped. To hasten thither boldly I feel, myself, no longing; The man sent there to seek her is either slain with blows, or dies by hanging.”

[229] Then spake again King Hettel: “Not so for her I care; To hang my trusty vassal should Hagen ever dare, Then he, the king of Ireland, himself must death be facing. Be he ne’er so boastful, he’ll find his rashness is to him no blessing.”

[230] Then spake the knightly Fru-te: “If Wâ-te deigns to go Unto the king of Ireland, to woo this maid for you, Lucky will be our errand, and we shall bring the lady; Or wounds throughout our bodies, e’en to the heart, to take shall we be ready.”

[231] Then said to him King Hettel: “My men I now will send With word to the lord of Sturmland; I do not fear the end, For Wâ-te will hasten gladly wherever I shall bid him. Bring Irold, too, from Friesland, with all his men, for sorely do I need him.”

[232] His riders then went quickly into the Sturmisch land, Where the brave old Wâ-te they found among his band. Then the word they gave him, now to the king to betake him; But Wâ-te felt great wonder, to know for what the Hegeling king did seek him.

[233] He asked if it were needful to bring, when he should go, His breastplate and his helmet, and any followers, too? One of the heralds answered: “We did not hear it spoken That he had need of fighters; for you alone did his words a wish betoken.”

[234] Wâ-te would be going, but left behind a guard, To care for lands and castles. Then taking horse, at his word, Twelve of his followers only with him from home now started; Wâ-te, the brave old warrior, at once on his way to court in haste departed.

[235] He reached the land of the Hegelings. When he now was seen, As he came near Kampatille, but little sorrow, I ween, Was felt by the kingly Hettel; with speed he went to greet him, And thought of the kindly welcome he would give his friend, old Wâ-te, when he met him.

[236] Right glad was he to see him; with hearty speech he says: “Sir Wâ-te, thou art welcome; many are the days Since I have looked upon you, when on our horses sitting, Side by side together, we proudly met our foes with blows befitting.”

[237] Then answered him old Wâ-te: “Ever should good friends Be glad to be together; that fight the better ends Where, before the foeman, friends as one are fighting.” Then by the hand he held him, to him his love and friendship warmly plighting.

[238] They took their seats together, nor place to other gave. Hettel, he was mighty, and Wâ-te, he was brave; He yet was also haughty, and proud in all his bearing. Hettel now was thinking how Wâ-te could be brought to Ireland to be faring.

[239] Then spake the knightly Hettel: “For this I bade thee come; Need have I of riders, to send to Hagen’s home. Truly I know of no one whom I would send the sooner Than thee, my good friend Wâ-te, or who in this could bring me greater honor.”

[240] Then said the aged Wâ-te: “Whatever I can do To show my love and fealty, I’ll gladly do for you. Herein I may be trusted, to be for you bold-hearted; And to bring about your wishes, unless in this by death I should be thwarted.”

[241] Then quoth the kingly Hettel: “Many friends have said That if the mighty Hagen will my wooing heed, And give to me his daughter, she, as my queen, would honor Me and my kingdom also; my heart is bent as a wife and queen to own her.”

[242] Angrily spoke Wâ-te: “Whoever this has said Would truly feel no sorrow if I this day were dead. ’Tis Fru-te, he of Denmark, I know it is no other, Who to this has stirred you, to send me to the maid, your suit to further.

[243] “This young and lovely maiden is guarded now with care; Horant and Fru-te also, who say she is so fair, And speak to you her praises, must go with me to seek her. Never shall I rest easy unless they strive with me your own to make her.”

[244] Both these faithful vassals King Hettel sent for soon; To others good and trusty they also made it known, That by their king and master they at court were wanted. No more their thoughts men whispered, but freely spoke of the coming raid, undaunted.

[245] When Wâ-te, the brave old warrior, did on Horant look, And on the Danish Fru-te, how sharply then he spoke! “Brave knights, may God reward you, to me you are so friendly, And of my fame so careful, and my trip to court this time you help so kindly.

[246] “You are, forsooth, most willing that I this errand do; But both of you are bounden with me thereon to go, To serve the king, our master, even as our duty calleth. He who my life endangers himself the risk must share, whate’er befalleth.”

[247] “For this I now am ready,” answered Horant the Dane; “If leave the king will grant us, I then will shun no pain, Nor aught of toil will grudge me. Only to see this lady, For me and for my kinsman, were happiness enough, and bliss already.”

[248] “Then we ought,” said Fru-te, “to take upon our way Seven hundred warriors. No man doth honor pay To Hagen without grudging. He is overweening, truly; If he thinks that he can crush us, he soon must lay aside his boasting wholly.

[249] “Sir king, you should bid your workmen a ship of cypress-wood To build upon the river; strong must it be and good, So your band of warriors shall shipwreck ne’er be ruing. From timber white as silver the lofty masts your men must soon be hewing.

[250] “Also food for your fighters you must now bespeak; And bid that men be busy helmets for us to make, And hauberks strong for many; when we these are wearing, Then wild Hagen’s daughter we shall the easier win by craft and daring.

[251] “Also my nephew Horant, who is shrewd and wise, Must go with us as a shopman; (I grudge him not his guise) There must he to the ladies be clasps and arm-bands selling, With gold and costly jewels; thus greater trust in us will they be feeling.

[252] “For sale we also must carry weapons and clothing, too; And since wild Hagen’s daughter it is such risk to woo, That only now by fighting one can hope to wed her, Let Wâ-te choose the warriors to go with him, and home to the king to lead her.”

[253] Then spake the aged Wâ-te: “A shop I cannot keep; Not often doth my money in coffers idly sleep; My lot I’ve shared with fighters, and that I still am doing; Therein I am not skilful, that I to ladies gew-gaws should be showing.

[254] “But since my nephew Horant on me this task has laid, He knows full well that Hagen will never yield the maid: He prides himself on owning the strength of six and twenty; If he shall learn of our wooing, our hope to leave his land will be but scanty.

[255] “Good king, now let us hasten, but bid that first our hull With a deck of deal be covered; let it, below, be full Of knights both strong and doughty, who shall help be giving, If ever the wild King Hagen forbids that we shall leave his kingdom, living.

[256] “Of these brave knights a hundred, with outfits good for war, Unto the land of Ireland we in our ships must bear; There shall my nephew Horant in his shop be seated, Keeping two hundred near him; thus shall the ladies’ coming be awaited.

[257] “Your men must also build us barges strong and wide, To carry food and horses, and to sail our ships beside: Enough for a year or longer we must take to feed us; And we will say to Hagen that to leave our land King Hettel did forbid us,

[258] “And that our lord and master great wrong to us hath wrought. Then with our gifts so costly we often shall be brought To Hagen and to Hilda, where they their court are keeping; Our gifts shall make us welcome, and kindness from the king shall we be reaping.