Chapter 15

The war was now abandoned and a great hunt undertaken. Gernot and Giselher, though they did not see fit to warn Siegfried, refused to take part in the plot and go to the hunt. Many a lion, elk, and boar fell by Siegfried's hand that day before the hunters were called together to the royal breakfast; when they at last sat down in the flowery meadow the wine was wanting, and the warriors were compelled to quench their thirst at a brooklet near by.

"A race!" cried the hero; and he, Hagan, and Günther ran for the brook, Siegfried gaining it first. After the king had quenched his thirst, Siegfried threw down his arms and stooped to drink. Then Hagan, picking up his ashen spear, threw it at the embroidered cross, and Siegfried fell in the agonies of death, reproaching his traitorous friends whom he had served so faithfully.

To add cruelty to cruelty, the vindictive Hagan placed the body of Siegfried outside Kriemhild's chamber door, where she would stumble over it as she went out to early mass next morning. Down she fell fainting when she recognized her husband, and reviving, shrieked in her anguish, "Brunhild planned it; Hagan struck the blow!"

Her grief was terrible to see. One moment the unhappy queen was accusing herself for revealing her husband's secret; again she was vowing revenge against Hagan, and at another time she reviled the traitorous Günther.

When her father-in-law Siegmund returned home, she would not go with him, but remained near the body of her husband, under the protection of her brothers Gernot and Giselher and in the company of her mother.

Kriemhild, living in joyless state in her lonely palace, was at last induced to speak to Günther and pardon him. The pardon granted, Günther and Hagan at once plotted to have the Nibelungen hoard, Siegfried's morning-gift to Kriemhild, brought to Worms. Never before was such a treasure seen. Twelve huge wagons, journeying thrice a day, required four nights and days to carry it from the mountain to the bay. It consisted of nothing but precious stones and gold, and with it was the magic wishing-rod. It filled Kriemhild's towers and chambers to overflowing, and won many friends for the queen, who distributed it liberally.

When the envious Hagan could not induce Günther to take the treasure from Kriemhild, he selected a time when the king and his brothers were away from home, and seizing the treasure, cast it into the Rhine, hoping to get it again. In this he failed, so the great treasure was forever lost.

Thus ends the first part of the Lay of the Nibelungen. The second part is sometimes called the Need or Fall of the Nibelungen.

While Kriemhild was bewailing her loss and revolving plans for revenge, Etzel, King of the Huns, who had heard of the charms of Siegfried's widow, sent the noble Margrave Rüdeger into Burgundy with proposals for her hand.

Günther and his brothers begged Kriemhild to accept the offer; their counsellors advised it; only the sage Hagan protested. He knew too well how Kriemhild longed for revenge. "When once she gets among the Huns, she will make us rue the day," said he.

But the others laughed at Hagan's scruples. The land of the Huns was far away, and they need never set foot in it. Moreover, it was their duty to make Kriemhild happy.

Moved by the eloquence of Rüdeger, Kriemhild consented to wed Etzel, and set out in great state to meet the king.

She was splendidly entertained along the way, tarried a short time at the home of the Margrave Rüdeger, and at Tulna met the great monarch Etzel, riding to meet her, among his hosts of Russians, Polacks, Greeks, and Wallachians.

The splendid wedding-feast was held at Vienna. Kriemhild was received with the greatest honor, and so lavish was she of the gold and jewels she had brought with her, and so gracious to the attendant Huns, that every one loved her, and willingly worked her will.

For seven long years she and Attila lived happy together, and to them was given a son whom they christened Ortlieb. Then Kriemhild, still remembering her loss and the cruelties of her Burgundian relatives and friends, bethought herself of her revenge.

Feigning a great desire to see her brothers, she entreated Etzel to invite them to visit her; and the king, not suspecting her fell purpose, and glad of an opportunity to welcome her friends, at once despatched messengers with the invitation.

This time other counsellors besides Hagan mistrusted the queen, and advised King Günther and his brothers to decline the invitation. But the princes grew angry at their advice; and Hagan, who could not endure to be laughed at, set forth with them, accompanied with a great train of warriors.

The Rhine was too swollen to ford, and Hagan was sent up the stream to find a ferryman. As he looked for the boatman, he spied some mermaids bathing, and seizing their garments, would not restore them until they told him what would befall the Burgundians in Hungary.

"Safe will you ride to Etzel's court, and safe return," said one, as he returned the garments. But as he turned to go, another called: "My aunt has lied to thee that she might get back her raiment. Turn now, or you will never live to see Burgundy. None save the chaplain will return in safety."

Hagan went on gloomily and found the ferryman, who, proud and sullen, refused to take the party across. Hagan slew him, and, returning with the boat, threw the unfortunate chaplain into the river, thinking by drowning him to prove the mermaid's prophecy untrue. But the chaplain escaped to the other side, and walked back to Burgundy. Then Hagan told the party of the prophecy and they resolved to go on together, though they realized that they were going to their doom.

Because of the slaughter of the ferryman, they were attacked by Gelfrat, the ruler of the land; but he was overcome and slain by Dankwart.

The Margrave Rüdeger received the travellers hospitably, and betrothed his fair daughter to Giselher. He then accompanied the Burgundians to Etzel's court.

The Burgundians suspected Kriemhild from the first. Giselher was the only one of her brothers whom she kissed, and she and Hagan quarrelled over the treasure at their first meeting.

They were warned by Eckewart, who had accompanied Kriemhild from Burgundy, and by Dietrich of Bern, an exile at the court of Etzel, who told them that every morning since her stay in Hunland she had moaned and wailed for Siegfried. By Hagan's advice they all kept on their armor, telling Etzel that it was the custom in their country to wear it for the first three days.

Kriemhild's design was to destroy Hagan and spare her brothers. But Hagan, on his guard, drove her warriors away from his room at night, and saved himself at church from the jostling Hunnish lords, never, in the mean time, sparing his insults to Kriemhild.

The Huns, who were devoted to their queen, were not slow in showing their anger at Hagan's treatment of her, and the ill feeling between the warriors increased as the days passed by.

As the Burgundians sat at the banquet with Etzel and his wife, in burst Dankwart, exclaiming that he had been attacked by Bloedel, who had slain all his followers.

"Be stirring, brother Hagan!" he cried. "Help me to avenge my wrongs!"

At this moment the little prince Ortlieb had been brought into the hall and passed around among the guests.

"Let us drink to friendship with moody Kriemhild in king's wine!" cried Hagan, and with one blow of the sword sent the child's head in his mother's lap. Then arose a fearful clamor. Spear rang against shield, and the cries of the fierce Huns mingled with the defiant shouts of the Burgundians.

Dietrich of Bern, leaping upon a bench, asked King Günther, that, as a friend to both parties, he might be permitted to withdraw from the hall with his friends. When the Burgundians assented, he led forth the king and queen. The same privilege was accorded to Rüdeger.

Then, while the terrible Folker guarded the door with his fiddle bow, one side of which was a trenchant sword, the battle began. The Burgundians taunted the Huns with their weakness and cowardice until they ventured into the hall and were cut down by Hagan and his desperate men. When evening fell the thousand and four who had entered the hall all lay dead by the hands of the Burgundians.

When Kriemhild's offer to give her brothers their lives if they would surrender Hagan was refused, she ordered fire to be set to the four corners of the hall, thinking thus to drive them forth. But the burning rafters fell into the rivers of blood and were quenched, and the Burgundians derived new courage and strength from huge draughts of blood from their fallen foes.

Then Kriemhild and Etzel, seeing how their Hunnish men had fallen, and perceiving that the Burgundians were in no wise injured by the fire, reproached the Margrave Rüdeger that he did not enter the fight. In vain he told them of his friendship with the princes; of the betrothal of his daughter and Giselher. Kriemhild persisted in reminding him of the promise he had made to serve her to her dying day. At last he reluctantly summoned his men, and bidding farewell to his cruel king and queen, he entered the hall. Gladly was he welcomed by the Burgundians, who could not believe that he came to do battle with them. He explained how he was forced to fight them, and amid the tears of both sides, he exchanged shields with Hagan, whose buckler was broken. Then was the grim Hagan moved to tears, and he vowed not to touch Rüdeger in the fight. Fearful was the clatter of shield and blade as Rüdeger fought with Gernot, and fell at last by the blade he had himself given the prince.

Great was the wailing of the Huns when they saw the lifeless body of Rüdeger, and deeply did Etzel regret the loss of the valiant and true margrave.

Dietrich of Bern, who sat afar off, sent some of his best warriors under his man Hildebrand, to inquire of the truth of the report of Rüdeger's death. These fiery men disobeyed the orders of their master, and fought with the Burgundians until none remained save Günther and Hagan on one side, and Hildebrand on the other.

When Dietrich heard of the slaughter of his followers, he was overcome with sorrow, and himself sought the hall. He promised Günther and Hagan that if they would surrender, he would himself lead them back in safety to Burgundy; but to this they would not consent. By this time they were so worn out, however, from the long battle, that Dietrich easily overpowered them and led them captive before Kriemhild, who promised to show them fair treatment.

But Kriemhild's mind had become so warped by her desire for revenge, that she could not think of mercy. She cast her prisoners into separate dungeons, and visiting Hagan first, demanded her treasure. "But give it to me again, and thou shalt return living into Burgundy."

"Pray not to me, haughty queen," replied Hagan. "I swore that while my lords were living I would ne'er tell where it lies. Thy prayer is thrown away."

Straightway the savage Kriemhild ordered the head of Günther to be struck off, and bearing it by the hair, she displayed it to Hagan, asking him now to tell her the secret.

"Now that all my lords are dead," said he, "no one shall know, thou least of all, she-fiend!"

Kriemhild, beside herself with grief and rage, snatched from him the sword Balmung that he had taken from Siegfried, and ever since carried, and raising it high with both hands, struck off the head of her hated enemy.

At this the grief of Etzel broke forth, and the aged Hildebrand, enraged to see a woman do such deeds, sprang upon Kriemhild and smote her to death with his sword.

Bitterly wept King Etzel and Dietrich as they gazed on the corpses scattered round, and the disfigured body of the fair queen. Nothing remained for the Hunnish people but grief and woe.

Here on earth pain ever follows in the steps of pleasure.

SELECTIONS FROM THE NIBELUNGEN LIED.

HOW BRUNHILD WAS RECEIVED AT WORMS.

Brunhild, queen of Issland, was won by Günther of Worms with the aid of Siegfried, whom Günther sent forward to Worms to announce the coming of the royal pair. Queen Uta and Princess Kriemhild, with many followers from the Burgundian court, went forward to the Rhine to meet and welcome the royal bridal party.

Beyond the Rhine King Günther, with many a well-arm'd rank And all his guests about him, rode towards the river's bank; You might see by the bridle led forward many a maid. Those, who were to receive them, were ready all array'd.

Soon as the men of Issland came to the shallops down, And eke the Nibelungers, lieges of Siegfried's crown, To th' other shore they hasten'd (busy was every hand) Where them the friends of Günther awaited on the strand.

Now hear, by wealthy Uta what a device was wrought. Down with her from the castle a virgin train she brought, That rode where she was riding in that procession bright; So many a maid acquainted became with many a knight.

Kriemhild by the bridle the Margrave Gary led, But only from the castle; then forward Siegfried sped, And did that gentle service; fair was the blushing maid; Full well for that thereafter the warrior she repaid.

Ortwine, the fearless champion, rode by Dame Uta's rein; Knights and maids together follow'd, a social train. At such a stately meeting, all must confess, I ween, So many lovely ladies were ne'er together seen.

Full many a famous champion careering you might spy (Ill there was sloth and idlesse) beneath fair Kriemhild's eye E'en to the place of landing; by knights of fair renown There many a high-born lady from steed was lifted down.

The king was now come over, and many a worthy guest. Ah, before the ladies what spears were laid in rest! How many went in shivers at every hurtling close! Buckler clashed with buckler; ah, what a din arose!

Now might you see the ladies fast by the haven stand. With his guests King Günther debark'd upon the strand, In his hand soft leading the martial maiden fair. Then each on each flash'd radiance, rich robes and jewels rare.

With that the smiling Kriemhild forth stepp'd a little space, And Brunhild and her meiny greeted with gentle grace, Each with snowy fingers back her headband drew, And either kiss'd the other lovingly and true.

Then spoke in courteous manner Kriemhild the fair and free, "In this our land, dear Brunhild, ever welcome be To me and to my mother and all by us allow'd For faithful friends and liegemen." Then each to th' other bow'd.

Next to greet Dame Brunhild approach'd Dame Uta too; Oft she and oft her daughter their arms about her threw, And on her sweet mouth lavish'd many a loving kiss. Never was known a welcome so kind and frank as this.

Soon as Brunhild's women were all come to the strand, Many a courtly warrior took by her lily hand A lady fair, and gently her mincing steps upstay'd, Now before Dame Brunhild stood many a noble maid.

'T was long before the greeting had gone through all the list. On either part in plenty rosy mouths were kiss'd. Still the two fair princesses were standing side by side, A pair with love and rapture by longing warriors ey'd.

What erst had been but rumour, was now made clear to sight, That nought had yet been witness'd so beautiful and bright As those two lovely damsels; 't was plain to every eye; None the slightest blemish in either form could spy.

Whoever look'd on women with but the sight for guide, Such for her faultless beauty praised Günther's, stately bride; But those whose thoughts went deeper, and div'd into the mind, Maintain'd that gentle Kriemhild left Brunhild far behind.

Now met the dames and damsels in friendly converse free; Fair robes and fairer beauties were there in store to see; Many a silk pavilion and many a gorgeous tent The plain before the city fill'd in its whole extent.

King Günther's kinsmen ceas'd not to press to that fair show. And now was begg'd each princess from the sun to go Close by, with their attendants, where shade was overhead. By bold Burgundian warriors thither were they led.

Then clomb to horse the heroes, and scour'd the sounding field; Many a joust was practis'd with order'd spear and shield; Right well were prov'd the champions, and o'er the trampled plain, As though the land were burning, the dust curl'd up amain.

So all before the ladies display'd their skill and force, Nor doubt I that Sir Siegfried rode many a knightly course Before the rich pavilions, and ever as he sped, His thousand Nibelungers, a stately squadron, led.

Then came the knight of Trony by the good king's command; In friendly wise he parted the jousters on the strand, For fear the dust, now thick'ning, the ladies might molest. Him with ready reverence obey'd each gentle guest.

Then spake the noble Gernot, "Let each now rest his steed Till the air be cooler, 't will then be ours to lead These lovely ladies homeward e'en to the palace wide. So keep yourselves all ready till it please the king to ride."

Thus ended was the tourney, and now the warriors went To join the dames and damsels beneath each lofty tent, And there in gentle converse their grace and favor sought; So flew the hours in pastime till of riding home they thought.

Now as drew on the twilight, when cooler grew the air And the sun was setting, they would not linger there, But up rose lords and ladies to seek the castle high; Many a fair dame was cherish'd by many a love-lit eye.

So on the fair they waited as from good knights is due. Then hardy squires, hot spurring before the nobles' view, After the country's custom rode for the prize of weed As far as to the palace, where sprung the king from steed.

There too the proud queens parted, each taking thence her way. Dame Uta and her daughter with their handmaids gay Into a spacious chamber both together went. There might you see on all sides the sound of merriment.

In hall the seats were order'd; the king would instant hie With all his guests to table; beside him you might spy His lovely bride, Queen Brunhild; her royal crown she wore There in King Günther's country; so rich was none before.

Seats were there plac'd unnumber'd with tables broad and good, As is to us reported, full heap'd with costly food. How little there was wanted that passes for the best! There with the king was seated full many a noble guest.

The chamberlains of Günther in ewers of ruddy gold Brought to the guests the water; should you be ever told That at a prince's table service was better done, 'T were labor lost to say so, 't would be believ'd by none.

Then, ere the lord of Rhineland touch'd the water bright, Up to him, as befitted, went Siegfried the good knight, And brought to his remembrance the promise made him there, Ere yet afar in Issland he look'd on Brunhild fair.

Said he, "You must remember what swore to me your hand, That soon as Lady Brunhild were come into this land, To me you 'd give your sister, your oaths now where are they? On me throughout your journey much toil and travail lay."

"Well did you to remind me," the noble king replied, "By what my hand has promis'd, I ever will abide, And in this thing to serve you will do my best, my all." Then sent he to beg Kriemhild to come into the hall.

Straight to the hall came Kriemhild begirt with many a maid, When from the lofty staircase young Giselher thus said, "Send back your maidens, Kriemhild, this bus'ness is your own; On this the king, our brother, would speak with you alone."

Then forward led was Kriemhild, as Günther gave command, Where stood the king, and round him from many a prince's land Were noble knights unnumber'd; at once all silence kept; At that same instant Brunhild had just to table stepp'd.

Thence came it she knew nothing of what was to be done. Then to his gather'd kinsmen spoke Dancrat's royal son, "Help me to move my sister Siegfried for lord to take." "Such match," they all made answer, "with honour she may make."

Then spoke the king to Kriemhild, "Sister, I ask of thee From an oath to set me by thy kindness free. Thee to a knight I promis'd; if thou become his bride, Thou 'lt do the will of Günther, and show thy love beside."

Then spake the noble maiden, "Dearest brother mine, It needed not to ask me; whate'er command be thine, I'll willingly perform it; so now, for thy sake, Whom thou for husband giv'st me, fain I, my lord, will take."

With love and eke with pleasure redden'd Siegfried's hue; At once to Lady Kriemhild he pledg'd his service true. They bade them stand together in the courtly circle bright, And ask'd her if for husband she took that lofty knight.

In modest maiden fashion she blush'd a little space, But such was Siegfried's fortune and his earnest grace. That not altogether could she deny her hand. Then her for wife acknowledg'd the noble king of Netherland.

He thus to her affianc'd, and to him the maid, Straight round the long-sought damsel in blushing grace array'd His arms with soft emotion th' enamour'd warrior threw, And kiss'd the high-born princess before that glitt'ring crew. _Lettsom's Translation, Tenth Adventure._

HOW MARGRAVE RÜDEGER WAS SLAIN.

The Margrave Rüdeger did not take part in the battle fought in Etzel's hall between the Burgundians visiting the Hunnish court and the Huns, because of his friendship for the Burgundians, and the betrothal of his daughter to Prince Giselher. Because of this, he was taunted by a Hun, who said to the queen that although Rüdeger had accepted many favors from Etzel he did not fight for him. When the Hun fell dead under Rüdeger's blow, Etzel reproached him for slaying one of his followers when he had need of so many.

Then came the fair Queen Kriemhild; she too had seen full well What from the hero's anger the luckless Hun befell; And she too mourn'd it deeply; with tears her eyes were wet. Thus spake she to Rüdeger, "How have we ever yet

"Deserv'd that you, good Rüdeger, should make our anguish more? Now sure to me and Etzel you've promised o'er and o'er, That you both life and honour would risk to do us right. That you 're the flower of knighthood is own'd by every knight.

"Now think upon the homage that once to me you swore, When to the Rhine, good warrior, King Etzel's suit you bore, That you would serve me ever to either's dying day. Ne'er can I need so deeply, that you that vow should pay."

"'T is true, right noble lady; in this we 're not at strife; I pledg'd, to do you service, my honour and my life, But my soul to hazard never did I vow. I brought the princes hither, and must not harm them now."

* * * * *

With that, to beg and pray him the king began as well; King and queen together both at his feet they fell. Then might you the good margrave have seen full ill bestead, And thus in bitterest anguish the faithful hero said:--

"Woe's me the heaven-abandon'd, that I have liv'd to this! Farewell to all my honours! woe for my first amiss! My truth--my God-giv'n innocence--must they be both forgot? Woe's me, O God in heaven! that death relieves me not!"

Then thus bespake him Kriemhild, "Right noble Rüdeger, Take pity on our anguish; thou see'st us kneeling here, The king and me before thee; both clasp thy honour'd knees. Sure never host yet feasted such fatal guests as these."

With that the noble margrave thus to the queen 'gan say, "Sure must the life of Rüdeger for all the kindness pay, That you to me, my lady, and my lord the king have done. For this I'm doomed to perish, and that ere set of sun.