Part 17

Kriemhild the while, the high-born, in sorrow-stricken mood For Rüdiger sat waiting, that noble knight and good, Not decked as a queen, but in raiment that served her day by day; But clad were her bower-maidens in royal-rich array. At his coming she rose, and to meet him to the bower-door she went, And with gracious greeting welcomed the herald of Etzel sent. With none save comrades eleven he came before the Queen, And with worshipful honour was welcomed: never princelier envoys were seen. They bade them unto the high-seats, even him and his knightly train. The while in the presence of Kriemhild stood the margraves twain, The noble knights and valiant, Eckwart and Gere withal. But by reason of Kriemhild's sorrow heavy of cheer were they all. Sat in their Lady's presence many a comely maid; But never the flood of the weeping and mourning of Kriemhild was stayed. Her raiment over her bosom was wet with the hot tears' flow. And the noble Lord of the Marches beheld, and grieved in her woe.

Then spake that courteous herald: "O Daughter of Kings, I pray For myself and my fellow-farers which have come from far away, That thou of thy grace wilt suffer that now in thy presence we stand And utter to thee the message that we bring from our fatherland." "This grace do I freely accord thee," the sad Queen made reply; "Speak whatsoe'er thou desirest, for purposed now am I Gladly to hear that message: good herald and true thou art." Yet all through the courteous bidding discerned the reluctant heart. {P. 168} Then the Knight of Bechlaren, the Margrave Rüdiger, spake the word: "Unto thee, O Lady, Etzel the mighty King my Lord In love and in faith doth commend him; his greeting I bear to thy land; And good knights many he sendeth, his suitors for thine hand. He maketh thee faithful proffer of love that shall banish pain; All constancy of affection from his true heart shalt thou gain, Even such as had Helka, who nearest lay to his heart of old-- The heart that remembers her goodness in lone grief manifold."

Then spake unto him Queen Kriemhild: "Lord Margrave Rüdiger, If of mine heart's affliction any man were ware, He would counsel me never to hearken if another man should woo, Who have lost the best and the dearest that ever woman knew." "Wherein is there comfort for sorrow," answered the valiant thane, "More than in love of a true heart? Whoso this treasure may gain, And hath won whom his heart hath chosen, and filled the void thereof, He proveth that for sorrow there is no salve like unto love. And if thou to my noble master wilt yield thy love, and wed, Twelve crowns of mighty kingdoms will he set upon thine head, Yea, and of thirty princes my Lord shall give thee the lands; Subject are they, overmastered by his all-conquering hands. Thou shalt be withal liege-lady of many a warrior bold Which were vassals to my mistress Helka in days of old, And of many a high-born lady from princely lineage sprung That to her once rendered service"--spake on that winning tongue-- "This also the King shall give thee, he bade me say unto thee, So thou yield to wear beside him the crown of royalty, Power, even the highest that ever in the hands of Helka lay; All the warrior-vassals of Etzel thee also shall obey."

"Ah me! how could I ever," Queen Kriemhild mournfully cried, "Incline mine heart hereafter to be any hero's bride, Even I, whom death hath stricken through one with such bitter grief That unto my life's end never from pain shall I find relief?" {P. 169} "O mighty Queen," the Hunfolk unto Kriemhild made reply, "Their life who dwell with Etzel so royally fleeteth by, That a dream of delight shall thy days be, if thou hearken our counselling. O, many a gallant baron doeth homage to Etzel the King. And the bower-maidens of Helka and they that be here with thee Shall wait upon thy pleasure in one bright company; And many a knight beholding these shall be glad of heart. For thy good shall it fall, O Lady, if thou choose the better part." Then she spake like a courteous lady: "Awhile from speech refrain Till the morning-tide of to-morrow; then come ye to me again. So touching this your petition will I tell you mine intent." And the valiant barons of Hunland thereto must needs consent.

So when in hall and hostel lodged and feasted they were, That noble Lady commanded to send to her Giselher, And withal her mother Uta; and to these twain did she say: "No life save weeping and mourning remaineth to me for aye!" Spake Giselher her brother: "Sister, mine heart foresees-- And I count it herein true prophet--that thy pangs and thy miseries In King Etzel's love shall vanish: if thou share his life and his throne, Let who will speak against it, meseems it shall well be done. For all thou hast lost," said her brother, "can he make amends unto thee. From the River Rhone to the Rhine-stream, from the Elbe to the uttermost sea, There is no king so mighty that men have known or seen. Well might thine heart be gladdened that he chooseth thee for his Queen." She answered: "O brother belovèd, counsel not this, I implore! Meeter for me are weeping and wailing evermore. What have I to do with a palace, in the presence of knights to shine? Long since my beauty hath faded, if beauty ever was mine." Now speaketh the Lady Uta to the daughter she loveth, and saith: "Nay, do thou, daughter belovèd, as thy brother counselleth. Hearken the voice of thy kinsfolk, and good days so shalt thou know. Too long have I seen thee sitting in lamentation and woe."

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Unto God then earnestly prayed she the path of her feet to show; For, albeit hers should be raiment and silver and gold to bestow, As of yore when she dwelt with her husband, when his life within him was whole, The glorious hours of the old time could no more gladden her soul. Aye in her heart was she musing: "And can I link my life With a husband that is a heathen--and I, a Christian wife? Reproach must then be my portion through all the earth, and shame. Though he gave the whole world's riches, not so could I stain my name!" So even there did she leave it. The livelong night till the day With deep heart-searchings haunted on her bed that lady lay; And her eyes, the starry-shining, from tears were never dry, Till she rose, and passed to the mass-tide when the morning sun was high. Now also unto the mass-tide were come those princes three; And they took the hand of their sister, and spake to her lovingly, Still counselling her unto marriage with the Lord of the Hunland folk: But never the light of smiling o'er the face of sadness broke.

Then sent they for Etzel's heralds once more to her presence to come-- For now from the land of Gunther would they fain be faring home Bearing consent or denial, as Kriemhild's mind might be. Then Rüdiger came to the palace. Now his fellows instantly Urged him to seek decision of the mind of the noble King, And betimes to end their doubting: such was the counselling Of all; for a weary journey to their land before them lay. So into the presence of Kriemhild Rüdiger brought they. With words exceeding courteous that gallant knight drew nigh To the lady sorrow-stricken, and prayed her to make reply For the message wherewith she would charge him, to bear to the land of the Hun. But the herald with all his pleading nought but denial won:-- "Never man will I love hereafter, nor another husband wed!" "Nay, Lady," answered the Margrave, "is the word so wisely said? Wherefore to sorrow's blasting this glory of beauty ban, When thou mayest become with honour the bride of a good true man?" {P. 171} Yet nothing availed their pleading, till Rüdiger drew near, And murmured a word in secret in the Lady Kriemhild's ear That for all the wrongs she had suffered should requital be made unto her. Now sinketh the storm of her sorrow as the new thoughts inly stir. Yet again to the Queen he whispered: "Let be thy mourning and moan; For, though thou hadst mid the Hunfolk none save me alone, Even me and my loyal kinsmen, and my vassals stout and true, Whosoever had wronged thee, Lady, we would make him bitterly rue." Then the face of the lady lightened, her eyes like steel flashed keen-- "Swear unto me," she answered, "whatsoever my wrong hath been, That, Rüdiger, thou wilt be foremost to avenge me with heart and hand." Made answer to her the Margrave: "Unto this, Queen, will I stand." For himself and for all his vassals Rüdiger sware to her then To the death evermore to serve her, and that he and his mighty men Would deny or delay her nothing afar in Etzel's land, Whatsoever her honour demanded; and to this he gave his hand.

Then thought the Faithful-hearted: "Since I thus lightly have won Friends so many and steadfast, I will e'en let folk say on What things they list of 'the Heathen'! O sorrow-laden wife!-- What and if I at last win vengeance for my lost belovèd's life?" She thought: "Since this King Etzel is served of many a knight Over whom shall I be mistress, I may do as seemeth me right. He hath such stintless treasures, I may yet give bounteously:-- All that was mine hath Hagen the ruthless torn from me!" Again unto Rüdiger spake she: "Except I had heard folk say That the King is a heathen, gladly my feet should tread the way Whither the great King biddeth, and him for my lord would I take." "Fret not thyself, O Lady," he answered, "for such words' sake. (C) Not wholly is he a heathen; this know thou for very sooth. For my belovèd master was indeed baptized in his youth, Though haply he since have turned him unto ancient altar and fane. But, Lady, if thou wilt wed him, his heart may be turned yet again. {P. 172} So many good knights serve him which be thanes of Christ the Lord, That no ill may betide thee with the King, or in deed or word. And what if thine holy converse thy lord to the font should bring? Then proud wert thou and happy to be wife of Etzel the King!"

Then spake unto her her brethren: "Belovèd sister, consent, And all thy tribulation shall be swallowed up in content." So long and so instantly prayed they, that the Queen of the Sorrowful Life Pledged her at last to the heroes to be King Etzel's wife. She spake: "I needs must yield me, a crown of sorrow who wear, With you to go to the Hunfolk when ye bid me thither to fare, If I find friends trusty and loyal to lead me hence to your land." And thereto in the heroes' presence fair Kriemhild gave her hand.

Answered the Lord of the Marches: "Though thou have but liegemen twain, Thereto can I add full many. With all these in thy train Of a surety in safety and honour shalt thou be brought over Rhine. Lady, tarry no longer in the land that is no more thine! Knights have I here five hundred, and kinsmen, a warrior-band. Lo, these be all thy servants, both here and in Etzel's land, Sworn to do all thy bidding. I stand by my plighted troth. I will shame mine honour never when thou biddest remember mine oath. Prepare then journeying-raiment and the trappings of the steed. As touching Rüdiger's counsel, thou never shalt rue his rede. And bid thy maidens who journey with thee that they swiftly prepare. Many a chosen hero shall meet us as onward we fare."

Still had they the trappings and housings wherewith they wont to ride In Siegfried's days, so that maidens many in pomp and pride Might fare in the train of Kriemhild, what time she would be gone. How goodly the jewelled saddles for those fair ladies shone! What lovely raiment soever they had e'er worn theretofore, Thereof for this wondrous journey they brought forth all their store. {P. 173} From casket and bolted coffer they drew forth vesture and gem-- Such marvels of the splendour of Etzel were told unto them. Busy they were and eager till the eve of the fifth bright day. Out of the presses sought they all things therein that lay.

And Kriemhild now bestirred her to unlock her treasury Of purpose to load with riches all Rüdiger's company. Still had she somewhat remaining of the gold of the Niblung Land; And this to the Hunnish heroes would she deal with lavish hand. Scarce could a hundred horses bear thence that precious load. But some talebearer to Hagen the purpose of Kriemhild showed. "Never," he said, "will Kriemhild forgive me that ancient wrong: Therefore the gold of Siegfried must needs here bide full long. Should I leave so mighty a treasure to my bitterest foes, and rue? Right well do I know what Kriemhild with all this wealth would do! If forth of the land she convey it, I know this certainly That with champions she will but share it, to stir up foes against me:-- And she hath not so much as horses of number to bear it away! Hagen for her will keep it: to Kriemhild thus let them say."

When the thing was told unto Kriemhild, she was stung with indignant pain. Of the tyrannous wrong of Hagen to the three Kings did she complain. His will were they fain to have thwarted, but his purpose none could shake. Then Rüdiger the noble lightly to Kriemhild spake: "O high-born Daughter of Princes, wherefore lament for the gold? Unto thee is my Lord King Etzel so loving and bounteous-souled, That, soon as his eyes have beheld thee, he will give thee such rich store That never thine hands may spend it: I pledge my faith therefor." Unto him the Queen made answer: "O noble Rüdiger, Never had Daughter of Princes such treasure bequeathed unto her As that whereof Hagen hath stripped me with neither ruth nor shame!" Then to the treasury royal her brother Gernot came: In the door did he set the great key with authority as of a king, And all the treasure of Kriemhild forth of the place did they bring, {P. 174} Marks full thirty thousand--yea, more, it may haply be-- That the guests might take it; and Gunther rejoiced that deed to see. But out spake he of Bechlaren, the fair Gotlinda's lord: "Nay, though 'neath the hand of Kriemhild lay all the treasure-hoard That ever was brought aforetime out of the Niblungs' land, Nor I nor the Queen my Lady would touch the same with a hand. Back let them take, let them keep it; for I thereof will naught. Of mine own wealth out of my country such plenty have I brought, That of this no whit for our journey shall we need, through the land as we fare. Even we for our own wayfaring have gotten enough and to spare."

Yet had her maidens already therefrom filled coffers twelve Of gold the finest and purest that miner ever may delve. And with these they bare from the city many a precious thing, Even jewels and gems, that the maidens would wear in their journeying; --Yet still by the dread overshadowed of Hagen's might were they;-- And a thousand marks for masses yet by Kriemhild lay: For the peace of the soul of Siegfried she gave them as love's last due. And Rüdiger thought: "This woman is faithful and loving and true."

Then spake that Lady of Sorrows: "Who love me yet so well That for me they be willing as strangers in a strange land to dwell? Who now will companion my journey, unto Etzel's land as I ride? Let them take of my gold, and purvey them horses, and raiment provide." Then Eckwart, Lord of the Marches, drew nigh, and thus spake he: "Since the day when I was appointed to wait, O Queen, upon thee, Faithfully and truly have I served thee," said that thane; "Now also to my life's ending in my fealty will I remain. Good knights withal five hundred of mine own will I take with me, And I tender to thee their service in faith and fealty. We will ever abide unsundered, except death make an end." Low bowed her Kriemhild, and thanked him, that loving and loyal friend.

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Then led they out the horses, since forth of the land they must fare. Then brake forth bitter weeping of dear friends gathered there. There was the great Queen Uta, with many a comely maid; And they showed what burden of sorrow upon their hearts was laid. With a hundred high-born maidens she rode from the land away, All as beseemed their station attired in costly array. Ah then with tears upwelling were many bright eyes drowned: Yet many a day of joyance in Etzel's land they found. Lord Giselher, and Gernot, with their vassal-company, Came on that parting-morning, as bidden of courtesy, To escort their belovèd sister to the uttermost part of the land, And they led a thousand warriors in that their gallant band. Came Gere the swift war-helper, came Ortwein therewithal, Nor tarried behind them Rumold, arrayer of feasts in hall[10]; And of these was prepared night-lodging for the ladies all through the way: And Volker was marshal, and hostels he found for the knights' array. (C) When they kissed at that last leave-taking, the hot tears fell like rain Ere they won through the gates of the castle to the highway through the plain. Unbidden did many escort them afar on Burgundia's ways: But beside them rode King Gunther from the town but a little space.

Ere from the Rhine they departed, they had sent on far before Swift messengers unto Hunland that joyful tidings bore, Even to tell King Etzel that Rüdiger would bring The noble Lady Kriemhild, won to be wife to the King. (C) Swiftly the heralds onward rode; ay, well was their need, Alike for the winning of honour and the good-news' bearer's meed; And when they came to the home-land, and that glad word was told, Never, I ween, had Etzel been so joyful-souled. (C) In guerdon for these fair tidings Etzel the King bade give Such costly gifts to the heralds, that they might thereafter live Through all their days in joyance, yea, to the hour of their death, For afar had his trouble and anguish been driven upon love's breath.

XXI. Of Kriemhild's journeying to the Land of the Huns

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Let us suffer those heralds onward to ride:--let the minstrel sing How rode that Daughter of Princes through the land far-journeying, And where at the last she parted from Gernot and Giselher. In loyalty and honour had these twain holpen her. When they came where looks over Danube Bergen's citadel, Then at the last those heroes must bid the Queen farewell, For that backward unto the Rhineland now must they turn the rein. When the near and dear so parted could none from tears refrain. Then Giselher to his sister spake one parting word: "Sister, if ever thou needest help of my counsel or sword, What peril soever threatens, send thou word unto me; Into the land of Etzel will I straightway ride unto thee." Then kissed she the lips of her kinsfolk, and they parted in love and grief; And with kindly word and with hand-clasp friend of friend took leave, The valiant men of Burgundia and Rüdiger's cavalcade. Then with the Queen rode onward many a high-born maid, Even four and a hundred fair ones: in bright hues rainbow-dyed Glistened their lovely vesture: broad shields upon either side Went flashing down the highways on the arms of the Hun-queen's train. Then turned, after fair leave-taking, Volker the valiant thane.

Into the land of Bavaria over the Danube they won, And fast and far went the tidings of the long lines riding on, And the many unknown faces. Where stand a cloister's walls, And where the broad Inn-river into the Danube falls, There in the city of Passau a great prince-bishop abode. From their homes, yea, forth from the palace the folk streamed out to the road {P. 177} Whereby those guests through Bavaria-land came riding in. There met was Kriemhild the lovely by the bishop Pilgerin. Glad were the knights Bavarian to look on that winsome sight, That Queen of Beauty followed by many a maiden bright; And with loving glances and longing those daughters of earls did they greet. Fair harbourage full swiftly was found for guests so sweet. (C) At Pledeling resting-places were prepared for the slumber-tide. All people came forth riding to meet them from every side; And they gave to them whatso they needed with willing hands and free There and elsewhere, and they took it with princely courtesy. Back rode the bishop to Passau with his niece the royal dame; And so soon as unto the burghers of the city the tidings came, That the child of their prince's sister, Kriemhild the Queen, drew nigh, The merchants greeted her entry with stately pageantry. Now the bishop had looked that a little there should his guests stay on; But Eckwart, Lord of the Marches, said: "Nay, it may nowise be done. We needs must still ride onward to the land of Rüdiger: Many knights unto whom our coming hath been heralded wait for us there."

Now by this known too unto Gotlind the fair one the tidings were; And with diligent haste did the lady and her high-born daughter prepare: For a message had Rüdiger sent her that he held it a seemly thing That to cheer the heart of Kriemhild she should ride to meet her, and bring With her for a guard of honour all her vassal-array So far as Ems the river. Then hasted she to obey; And straightway thronged were the highways with folk that onward pressed, Afoot, or riding, eager to meet that queenly guest.

Now was the Queen in her journey come unto Everding. They had passed through the land Bavarian unvexed of the plundering Of the robber barons which haunted the ways, as their wont was aye. Well might they have done a mischief unto so rich a prey; But Rüdiger the noble from peril warded them still: With a thousand knights, yea, haply yet more, had he fenced them from ill. {P. 178} And now was the Lady Gotlind, Rüdiger's wife, at hand, And with her a host of good knights, a great and gallant band.

Now when they had crossed Traun-river by Ems, in the river-mead green, There many a booth fair-builded and many a tent was seen Wherein those guests through the night-tide sweet rest and slumber should win, Ready-reared at the Margrave's charges to honour his guests therein. From the palace prepared for the lodging of those guests Gotlind the fair Rode forward to meet her Lady: along the highways were Long lines of goodly horses with jingling bridle-reins:-- Fair welcome! Fain was the Margrave of all their loving pains.

The knights that from eastward and westward along the highway rode Spurred gallantly forth to the meeting: brave horsemanship they showed, Those charging ranks of heroes of many a fair maid seen! In sooth was the good knights' service well-pleasing to the Queen. When clashed Lord Rüdiger's vassals with the guests in the mimic war, Many a splintered lance-shaft went upward soaring far From the hands of the gallant heroes as they tilted in knightly wise; And ladies' smiles were their guerdon, and the light in ladies' eyes. Now stayed is the tide of combat, and the laughing warriors greet Right courteously the strangers; and forward riding, to meet The Queen, the glorious Kriemhild, doth the Lady Gotlind go. Now knights that in ladies' service be perfect, have work enow.

To meet and to greet his lady rode on Bechlaren's Lord: Right glad was the noble Gotlind to hail the lost restored Whole and unharmed from the Rhineland and from peril of the way. Vanished her fear and her sorrow as a dream at the dawning of day. So when she had given him welcome, "I pray thee light," said he, "On the grass with thy bower-maidens, all these which have followed thee." Then in knightly courtesy busy was many a high-born thane Which waited with eager service on the ladies of her train.

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