Part 8

[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 Irold, too, and Morunc,— knights as good as foemen’s lands e’er wasted.

[507] Now came the brave old Fru-te and Wâ-te with his throng: Knights there were a thousand,— the press of them was strong. Hettel’s Hegeling kinsmen, well their weapons plying, Wounded many foemen; on every side stretched low, the men were lying.

[508] After bravest fighting, now had reached the land The followers of Hagen; then crowded to the sand, After his friends so faithful, a host from Ireland’s borders. Soon were helmets shattered: grimly they fought to win the maids from their warders.

[509] Hagen saw then near him Hettel, the youthful knight: Many strong and stalwart were shorn of strength outright, Both by those from Daneland and the Hegeling lieges: Now to meet wild Hagen every one old Wâ-te loud beseeches.

[510] Then, by his strength, King Hagen broke thro’ the crowd a path, And with his sword hewed boldly; well he wreaked his wrath, Because his much-loved daughter from him by craft was taken; Coats of mail lay fallen: the wrongs of Hagen hate in him did waken.

[511] He might not quench his anger with the sword alone; By the thrust of his heavy long-spear soon were overthrown Many a knight most daring: never the tale was given By these unto their kinsmen, of how in the stormy fight their luck had thriven.

[512] Now came Wâ-te quickly, the knight well born and good; Soon of his well-loved kinsmen he saw the flowing blood, Under the slash of broadswords, out of their armor dripping: Of those who would have helped him, five hundred wounded men in death were sleeping.

[513] Everywhere were gathered friends as well as foes, All in uproar minged; a mighty din arose. Wâ-te and wild Hagen rushed on each other madly, Whoe’er could shun their pathway of all the risk he had fled was thinking gladly.

[514] Hagen laid on Wâ-te many a heavy blow,— Well his strength he wielded. Their helmets were aglow With fiery sparks outflashing,— like to brands they glittered; Each cleft the other’s helmet, and ever still, each other’s blows they bettered.

[515] The ground beneath was trembling with aged Wâ-te’s stroke: Scarcely could the maidens of his onslaught shun the shock. Now the wounds of Hettel his faithful friends were binding; He then began to ask them where his cousin Wâ-te he could be finding.

[516] With Hagen, “of kings the Devil,” he found old Wâ-te soon: The skill of him of Sturmland to guard himself was shown: Brave were both these warriors, and oft the tale was spoken How Wâ-te the bold and Hagen in hardest strife had each his anger wroken.

[517] Hagen’s spear was broken erelong on Wâ-te’s shield: Well in the fight he bore it, and strength enough did wield. Ne’er on the field of warfare did blows of men fall thicker, Even of bravest warriors; Wâ-te scorned to flinch, or seem the worker.

[518] Hagen cleft the head-piece of Hettel’s brave old man, The trusty, daring Wâ-te, till blood from his helmet ran, From out his wounds fast flowing. Now the wind blew colder, For eventide was nearing; the struggling throng in fight but grew the bolder.

[519] Wâ-te gave back in anger each grim and deadly blow, Making the blood, like tear-drops, on Hagen’s breast to flow; Strokes he gave his foeman, until the sword-blade glittered On the bosses of his helmet; daylight before his darkened eyesight flittered.

[520] Wounded, too, was Irold, Ortland’s champion brave. Though many there lay dying from the wounds that Hagen gave, Yet the blows of Wâ-te still did Hagen batter. Sorely wept the maidens when of so many swords they heard the clatter.

[521] Now, in fear and sorrow, Hilda, the maiden fair, Cried unto King Hettel, and begged of him to spare Her father from old Wâ-te, the fight so grimly waging. He called for his standard-bearer, and bade him lead his men where the strife was raging.

[522] Then the kingly Hettel right well and bravely fought; Soon he found old Wâ-te, to whom no joy it brought: Then Hettel called to Hagen: “Let hatred hence be driven; So shall it raise your honor, if now our friends no more to death be given.”

[523] Hagen shouted loudly,— fell indeed was his mood,— “Who bids that we be parted?” Then cried the warrior good: “I bid it, I, King Hettel, the Hegelings’ lord and master, Who for the Lady Hilda sent my friends so far, from you to wrest her.”

[524] Then spake the lordly Hagen: “Since first to me ’twas told How you to win my daughter showed yourself so bold, This to your name with warriors shame has ne’er been doing; Clever was the cunning to which your winning of my child is owing.”

[525] Hettel then sprang nearer, as oft by one is done, Who thinks to stop the fighting. Grim was the mood yet shown By the bold and aged Wâ-te; but he and Hagen yielded: Then with all his followers Hagen stepped back, nor longer his weapon wielded.

[526] Now the lordly Hettel his helmet laid aside; A truce was loudly called for by all, both far and wide; ’Twas said by Hilda’s father there was an end of fighting: For many a day, the maidens had heard no tale their ears so much delighting.

[527] The men took off the armor which they in fight had worn, And now at last they rested. Many then must mourn For wounds, in warfare given, whence the blood was welling; But many lay there also who never more on thoughts of war were dwelling.

[528] Then stepped forth King Hettel and near to Hagen stood, And thus he spake to the warrior: “Since I well have wooed Your lovely daughter Hilda, ’tis fit that you allow her To wear the crown beside me: my many well-bred knights will fealty show her.”

[529] Then Hettel sent for Wâ-te, of whom he was in need; For many years now ended, of him it had been said That he from some wild woman had learned a leech’s cunning: Wâ-te, forsooth, was skilful to heal deep wounds and stanch the life-blood running.

[530] Wâ-te laid by his weapons; his wounds he first had bound. Herbs that were good for healing by him were quickly found; He had a box full costly, that in it held a plaster. Now the fair Queen Hilda besought his help, and at his feet she cast her.

[531] She said, “My dear friend Wâ-te, my father heal, I pray; For this, whate’er you ask me, I ne’er will say you nay; And help his warriors also, who in the dust lie bleeding, And show your skill to his liegemen who stood by him, when he their help was needing.

[532] “Nor must you be forgetful of those of the Hegeling land, Who were friends to Hettel; wet with their blood is the sand On which they now are lying, as if a rain were falling: Sorrowful tales of their fighting for me there ne’er can be an end of telling.”

[533] Then spake the aged Wâ-te: “Their wounds I cannot heal,— In that I will not meddle, until as friends they feel Each unto the other,— Hagen brave and knightly, And Hettel, my lord and master; till then shall I withhold my skill most rightly.”

[534] The high-born maiden answered: “This I may not dare To ask of the king, my father; his tears I did not spare, And now have not the boldness to bring to him my greeting; Both he and all his kinsmen I fear would now my love with scorn be meeting.”

[535] Then ’twas asked of Hagen: “My lord, may this now be, That it would not stir your anger your daughter here to see, The youthful, queenly Hilda? If you for this are willing, She will come most gladly, and soon your many wounds will help in healing.”

[536] “Gladly will I see her, whatever she has done; To me will she be welcome: why should I her disown, Here in a land of foemen, nor take her greeting kindly? To me and to my daughter, King Hettel must atone for deeds unfriendly.”

[537] Horant, the knight from Daneland, led her by the hand, And with him went brave Fru-te, to where the king did stand; One maiden only with them looked on Hagen wounded. For friends did Hilda sorrow, though Hettel’s love for her was all unbounded.

[538] On Hildeburg and Hilda when Hagen now did look, Then, from his seat upspringing, thus he quickly spoke: “Welcome be thou, my daughter, Hilda, most noble lady! I cannot leave unspoken the greeting warm which I to give am ready.”

[539] His daughter he allowed not the care of his wounds to take; While Wâ-te these was binding he bade the maids step back,— The youthful high-born ladies. Wâ-te’s wish was the stronger To heal her father quickly, that so his daughter there might weep no longer.

[540] Healed with plants and herbage and many a far-sought weed, From all his pain did Hagen feel himself now freed; They eased his hurts with plaster, and when again the maiden Turned to see her father, she found him well, with aches no longer laden.

[541] Wâ-te, the healing-master, made haste,—no time he lost; He hoped to gain such riches among this wounded host, That scarce could they by camels be carried to his dwelling. A skill so great and wondrous never, that I have heard, have men been telling.

[542] First he healed King Hettel, the lord of the Hegeling land; Then all he saw there wounded he helped by his skilful hand. Those in the care of others still with pain did sicken; But they, when nursed by Wâ-te, were turned to life, tho’ they by death were stricken.

[543] There would they no longer let the maidens stay. Hagen said to Hilda: “Elsewhere must we to-day Find us rest and shelter; while others must not idly Leave the dead thus lying, who burial scarce can wait, here scattered widely.”

[544] Hettel begged King Hagen with him to his home to go; Though loath, to this he yielded, as soon as he came to know That he, the king of the Hegelings, of many lands was owner: Hagen then with his daughter went with him to his home, and there had honor.

[545] The youthful knights were singing, as they left the field. Happy then were the living; but, never to be healed, They behind were leaving three hundred dead and dying, The rich and poor together, slashed with the sword, and pitifully lying.

[546] Then the war-worn fighters through the land went home; All who there were dwelling were blithe to see them come: But the kinsmen of the warriors who in death lay sleeping Were slow their hearts to gladden; they for kindred slain long time were weeping.

[547] Hettel and Hilda with him took their homeward way. Many, bereft of fathers, sorely wept that day, Whose after life was happy. The mighty Hettel later Crowned the fair young Hilda; by this the Hegeling name became the greater.

[548] Hettel now had thriven,— his suit he well did gain. Old and young together with swords at court were seen, As were the guests of Hagen who from the ships came kindly. The wedding of his daughter was highly praised by Hagen, now grown friendly.

[549] Then with what great honor to the bridal seat was led That high-born, lovely lady! Moreover, it is said That full five hundred liegemen then at court were knighted. Fru-te the wise from Denmark to guard King Hettel’s wealth was thought well fitted.

[550] The riches of King Hettel by Hagen now were seen; The tale had erst been told him by many of Hettel’s kin, That over seven princedoms well his sway had thriven. All the poor there with them were home in gladness sent, and lodgings given.

[551] Hettel gave rich clothing to Ireland’s warriors brave; Bright-red gold and silver, and horses, too, he gave. The whole they scarce could carry, as they homeward wended: Thus good friends he won him, and this for Hilda in highest praises ended.

[552] Upon the twelfth day’s morning they left King Hettel’s land. The horses bred in Denmark led they out on the sand; Each his mane, thick hanging, down to his hoofs was shaking. The guests from afar were happy that they King Hettel’s friendship had been making.

[553] Grooms and also stewards with Hagen then did ride, With cup-bearers and carvers. Ne’er, in his greatest pride, In his home and kingdom, had he been served so truly. The crown was worn by Hilda, and Hagen’s heart with bliss was brimming fully.

[554] Food as well as lodgings they found upon their road; On Hagen and his followers all men their care bestowed: So to their homes most gladly they the tale did carry Of how the friends of Hettel in showing them all kindness ne’er were weary.

[555] Hagen greeted Hildeburg, and clasped her in his arms; He said, “Watch over Hilda for the love your bosom warms. So great a throng of followers at times a woman dazes; Care for her so kindly that of your worth all men shall speak with praises.”

[556] “My lord, that will I gladly: to you has much been told Of the woes that with her mother I bore in days of old; And I for years my friendship for her did never loosen; Her for miles I followed ere for a lover you by her were chosen.”

[557] Hagen bade the others their way to court to take; Never then could the maidens an end of weeping make: Now by the hand he took them, and to Hettel they were given; He asked for them his kindness, since from their homes they sadly had been riven.

[558] Then said he to his daughter: “So well the crown now wear, That neither I nor your mother the tale shall ever hear That men ill-will do bear you. High your lot has raised you, And you of blame were worthy, if when men spoke your name they never praised you.”

[559] Low bowed to the king wild Hagen, and kissed his child again. Neither by him nor his followers ever more was seen The kingdom of the Hegeling: too far away was their dwelling. Back to his home in Ballian, in his trusty ships, King Hagen soon was sailing.

[560] When he had reached his castle, and sat with the queen alone, The mother of fair Hilda, Hagen was free to own That none to win his daughter more fitly could have pleaded; And if he had yet others, he fain to the Hegeling land would send them to be wedded.

[561] Hilda for this gave praises to her master, Christ the Lord: “That I of my dear daughter such happy news have heard Fills my heart with gladness, and with bliss o’erflowing. How fares it with her followers, and Hildeburg, who long her love was showing?”

[562] Then spake the kingly Hagen: “Now in their land and home All of them are happy; great hath our child become; Ne’er, with us, were her maidens clothed in such fine dresses. There we now must leave them: for her were many breastplates hacked to pieces.”

Tale the Ninth. HOW GUDRUN WAS SOUGHT BY SIEGFRIED.

[563] We speak no more of Hagen. A word may now be told About King Hettel’s kinsmen: they who land did hold Ever owed him fealty for these and for their castles; To court they all came often when Hettel and Hilda sent to call their vassals.

[564] Wâ-te went to Sturmland, Morunc to Nifland rode; Horant, prince of Denmark, led his warriors good To Givers, by the seashore, where as lord they held him; There their homes they guarded, and many, far and wide, their master called him.

[565] With mighty sway in Ortland Irold had his seat; Its lands he held of Hettel; so, as a vassal meet, Near and far to serve him, his duty was the greater: The king was brave and worthy; and ne’er for a lord of lands was known a better.

[566] If ever in any kingdom Hettel heard them speak Of a fair and well-born maiden, her he sought to take Into his home and castle, as handmaid to his lady: Whatever Hilda wished for, to help wild Hagen’s child they all were ready.

[567] The king, with his wife beside him, was happy on the throne; Their life was ever blissful. To all in the land ’twas known That better far and dearer than all on earth he thought her. Never by all his kinsmen a lovelier could be found, where’er they sought her.

[568] Within seven years thereafter Hettel, in stormy fight, Thrice to his foes gave battle. They who, day and night, To wrong his name and honor did their utmost gladly, Now by the knightly Hettel found themselves brought low and chastened sadly.

[569] His castles he did strengthen, and peace he gave to his land, As well a king befitteth: such were the deeds of his hand, That never in any kingdom, when his name was spoken, Was it said he was faint-hearted. The praise of all did well his worth betoken.

[570] While, with name so worthy, Hettel held the throne, Wâ-te, the man of wisdom, never left undone His duty to his master, to see him three times yearly; Truly he was faithful, far and near, to the lord he held so dearly.

[571] Horant, the lord from Denmark, to court not seldom rode; Costly gems and clothing on the maids he there bestowed, With gold and silken raiment, meet for women’s wearing: He from Daneland brought them, and to all who wished was he of gifts unsparing.

[572] The service true and steady that the liegemen of the king Gave to the lordly Hettel honor to him did bring. Praised was he for knighthood more than any other: This Hilda also furthered, a queen herself, and child of a queenly mother.

[573] Hilda, Hagen’s daughter, children two did bear Unto her lord, King Hettel: to bring them up with care His faithful friends were bidden. Soon among his vassals Were the tidings bruited that an heir no more was lacking for his lands and castles.

[574] One became a warrior, Ortwin was his name; To Wâ-te he was trusted. It was the teacher’s aim That he from early boyhood should his thoughts be turning To all things good and worthy; to be a trusty knight he thus was learning.

[575] The very comely daughter of Hilda and the king Was called Gu-drun the lovely: from the land of the Hegeling To Denmark she was carried, to be in her kinsmen’s wardship. Thus they helped King Hettel, and this they never felt to be a hardship.

[576] When the maid grew older, her shape became so fair That neither man nor woman to praise her could forbear: Far from the maiden’s birthplace, all her worth were telling. Gu-drun her kinsfolk called her, in the Danish land where now she had her dwelling.

[577] That age she now was reaching when, had she been a man, A sword she might have wielded. Many a prince was fain To wed the lovely maiden, and sought her love and favor; But many came a-wooing who soon their hopes must lose, and win her never.

[578] However fair was Hilda, Hettel’s lovely wife, Yet was Gu-drun more lovely, and fair beyond belief; More fair than the early Hilda, erst to Ireland carried. Above all other women Gu-drun was praised, ere yet the maid was married.

[579] Her father scorned to give her to the king of Alzabé; When he heard he could not win her to him ’twas a sorry day. He held himself most highly for all his kingly graces, And thought there could be no one whose deeds, like his, were worthy of men’s praises.

[580] Both brave he was and daring, and from the Moorland came: He was known afar and widely, Siegfried was his name; A king was he full mighty over vassals seven. He sued for Hilda’s daughter, such tales of her lofty worth to him were given.

[581] He, with his faithful liegemen from far Icaria’s strand, Won many costly prizes there in Hettel’s land: His strong and doughty warriors, in sight of ladies seated Before King Hettel’s castle, in games of knighthood often there were mated.

[582] When Hilda and her daughter passed the hall within, Before the house of Wigaleis there rose a mighty din From warriors of the Moorland, who, all boldly dashing, Rode in the sight of the women; oft of spears and shields was heard the clashing.

[583] Never could knight in tilting better in this behave. A friendly will she bore him, and oft kind words she gave, Though he was brown to look on, and in hue was dusky even. He for her love was yearning, yet for a wife she ne’er to him was given.

[584] This pained him beyond measure, and truly he was wroth That he from far had ridden, yet gave she not her troth. To burn the land of Hettel then did he threaten madly: His followers from Moorland, when now his hopes were lost, were mourning sadly.

[585] From him was the maid withholden by Hettel’s lofty pride; And now their loving friendship was ended on either side. Then swore the Moor that never he his hate would slacken, And that the grudge he bore him, whate’er befell, should never be forsaken.

[586] Then from the land of the Hegeling rode they all away. When many years were ended, there came at last a day When by a knight most worthy was bitter sorrow tasted; Then the foes of Herwic did him the worst they could, nor in it rested.

Tale the Tenth. HOW HARTMUT SENT TO WOO GUDRUN.

[587] Now in the land of Normandy the tale was widely told, That never fairer maiden did any man behold Than was King Hettel’s daughter, Gu-drun, the high-born lady. A king, whose name was Hartmut, to her then turned his love, to woo her ready.

[588] Gerlind, Hartmut’s mother, her wish to him made known, That he should woo the maiden; her word he followed soon. First they sent for his father, when they of this had spoken; He bore the name of Ludwig, and in Norman lands he wore the kingly token.

[589] Then the aged father rode to see his son. Of the end that he was seeking had Ludwig knowledge won; But when to him he hearkened, and learned his wishes wholly, Evil he foreboded, yet still the youth’s fond hopes upheld he fully.