Part 9

Then of the Lady Brunhild and of all her following Fair leave was taken of Siegfried, the child of Siegmund the King, Even as was meet and seemly: then on to the Rhine rode he. No better herald than Siegfried in all the world might be! {P. 74} With good knights four-and-twenty to the city of Worms he came. "Without Gunther he cometh!"--the rumour through the city ran like flame. Then all the thanes were troubled, and a wailing moaned all round. They foreboded that in that far land his death the King had found. But the knights with hearts uplifted sprang each from his gallant steed. Then Giselher to meet them, the young Prince, hied him with speed: Came Gernot beside him, his brother, and in eager haste he cried, When he marked how no King Gunther was there by Siegfried's side: "Now welcome to thee, Lord Siegfried! I beseech thee, tell this thing, Where left ye in your departing my brother, Gunther the King? The mighty strength of Brunhild, I fear me, hath reft him from us; So for us should his princely wooing have issue dolorous."

"Cast to the winds your foreboding: to you and to all true friends My noble comrade in emprise his loving service sends. Whole and unharmed I left him: unto you was I sent of your Lord That I should come with the tidings his messenger hitherward. Now lend me your aid, to the end that this grace unto me may fall That I may see Queen Uta, and the Lady your sister withal, That now I may bear them the story that I was bidden to tell Of Gunther and Lady Brunhild, that with these twain all is well." Then the young Prince Giselher answered: "Speak thou unto them thereof, So shalt thou unto my sister render a service of love. For the sake of my brother Gunther in exceeding sorrow she is. Full gladly the maiden will see thee: lo, I will be surety for this." Spake Siegfried: "What service soever unto her may be rendered of me, Faithfully will I perform it ever and willingly. Now who beareth word of my coming to the noble Ladies twain?" So Giselher was herald, that young and comely thane. Blithely Giselher hasted, and the lad to his mother cried And his sister, where in their bower these twain sat side by side: "Siegfried the Netherland hero hither to us is come! Gunther my brother hath sent him to us in our Rhineland home! {P. 75} Tidings to us he bringeth of the King your brother's plight. Now send him word of your pleasure that he come into your sight. The story of all that in Iceland was done unto us he brings." --But he left to another to comfort those sorrowing Daughters of Kings.

They ran to their tiring-bower, they donned their richest array, And they sent word praying Siegfried to come unto them straightway. Full fain did he come at their summons, and he met them with joyful eyes. Then spake Kriemhild the queenly to the hero in gracious wise: "Now welcome, Lord Knight Siegfried, peer unto whom is none! Where bideth my brother Gunther, that noble kingly one? Through the might of Brunhild, I fear me, are we left of his love forlorn! Woe for me, hapless maiden, that ever I was born!" But the bold knight smiled in answer--"My good-news' guerdon pay! Ye be weeping, O lovely Ladies, without a cause this day. Whole and unharmed I left him: this know ye in very deed. Unto you twain by their bidding with tidings hither I speed. With all heart's love and kindness, O Lady of queenly pride, In service to you he commends him, he and his new-won bride. Now let your weeping have ending; soon will themselves be here." Long, long had it been ere she hearkened a tale to her heart so dear!

Then dried she the tears of her weeping with her vesture's snow-white fold From her lovely eyes, and she poured forth the thanks of the happy-souled To the bearer of these glad tidings that made music in her ears. Past was all her affliction, and banished were all her tears. She prayed her herald to seat him; that did he willingly; Then spake that winsome lady: "Exceeding glad were I If I dared but give unto Siegfried my gold for his herald's fee; But for this art thou too exalted--I have left but love for thee." But he said, "Though thirty kingdoms were each and all named mine, Gifts would I take glad-hearted from this fair hand of thine." Answered the high-born Lady, "My desire shall become my deed." And her chamberlain she commanded to bring her the herald's meed. {P. 76} Four-and-twenty armlets that flashed with many a gem Gave she to him for guerdon: for himself he kept not them; Of his knightly and courteous spirit he dealt them in that same hour To her comely maidens which waited on their Lady in her bower.

Then her most loving service graciously tendered the Queen. "Lo, this of my message remaineth," spake on that warrior keen, "Touching that which the King desireth when he meets you by Rhine-flood's side: If herein ye will do his pleasure, in his love shall ye ever abide. His noble guests receive ye--for this his petition is-- With loving and courteous welcome; and he earnestly asketh this, That ye ride forth all to meet him from Worms by the Rhine-stream shore. This is the kindness that Gunther by your love and your faith doth implore." "Even that will I do right gladly," the Fair One made reply: "Of all wherein I can serve him nothing will I deny. In loyallest love and kindness shall his every wish be fulfilled." And the blood in her fair cheeks mantled from the heart with rapture thrilled. Never had herald of princes more gracious welcome than he: An she dared but have kissed him, kissed him with all her heart had she. And so with sweet leave-taking from those ladies forth he went.

Now Burgundy's thanes were fulfilling the commands by Siegfried sent. There Sindold and Hunold bestirred them, and Rumold the noble thane; With all their hearts they laboured, and in love they toiled amain Making ready the festal high-seats in Worms beside the river: Early and late those craftsmen of the King were toiling ever. Ortwein withal and Gere were nowise slack of hand, For they sent forth word unto kinsmen through the length and the breadth of the land To bid those guests to the feast-tide that soon should be holden there; And ready was made her adorning by many a maiden fair. Splendour-arrayed was the palace, and with tapestries each wall Was hung in the great guests' honour: King Gunther's royal hall {P. 77} Was adorned in princely fashion to greet the strangers' eyes: And thus did the stately feast-tide begin in gladsome wise.

Now did the three Kings' kinsmen down many a highway ride Through all the land to the city, which were summoned from every side To the end that these with honour might welcome the bidden guests. Then drawn from their cedar coffers were many costly vests. Now heard are the tidings that watchers have spied the far-off gleam Of the knights of the train of Brunhild. Lo, how the great throngs stream As all the multitudes gather and flock through Burgundia-land! What gallant knights went riding in either princely band!

Then spake she, Kriemhild the Lovely: "O my bower-maidens, ye Which forth unto this guest-welcome this day will ride with me, Out of the coffers take ye attire most glorious, And so shall praise and honour by the guests be rendered to us." Then also hasted the good knights, and bade their squires bring out Goodly saddles with red gold all richly set about. Mounting-blocks gold-gleaming upon foot-cloths spread on the earth They set for the feet of the ladies on that day of gladness and mirth. There in the court stood waiting the palfreys richly dight, Prepared, as the old song telleth, for many a lady bright. On the breast of each horse gleaming was the dainty martingale Of the richest silk threads woven ever sung in minstrel's tale.

Fourscore-and-six fair ladies came pacing forth in state With their bright hair wimple-hooded: gather now to the palace-gate Kriemhild's own bower-maidens in lovely vesture arrayed; Decked with their jewels came they, many a winsome maid. Fifty-and-four were her fair ones, the maids of Burgundia-land; There were none of such high-born lineage as they of her queenly band: The silken snoods fair-jewelled mid their golden tresses shone. Sooth, all that the King had prayed for, with right good will was it done. {P. 78} All of the costliest loom-work and the best that earth bestowed Was the vesture of their arrayal as to meet those guests they rode; With the lily and rose of their faces it blended in harmony. Whosoe'er had been ill-contented, a witless wight were he! Mantles of ermine and sable over the housings flowed; On lovely arm and white wrist many a bracelet glowed. Clasps gathered the silk in many a softly-floating fold:-- But of all their splendour-devising the end can ne'er be told.

Full many a rich-wrought girdle with tassels swinging low Over their shining raiment did hands of ladies throw, Coiled round the silken loom-work far-fetched from Araby. --O, the hearts of the noble maidens with joy and hope beat high! There too did many a fair one over her bosom lace The bodice clasped with jewels:--yet she whose lovely face Outshone not all the splendour of her raiment might well be sad! So fair a train of ladies never queen in the whole world had. So when all those winsome ladies were arrayed in their bravery, Then did the knights of their escort in eager haste draw nigh; Yea, thither the thanes high-hearted came in a mighty throng All bearing their shining bucklers and their ashen lances long.

X. Of the strange Bridal of Gunther and Brunhild

Then gazed they across the Rhine-stream, and beheld on the farther shore The King with his guests around him, which had drawn nigh theretofore; And they saw the good knights standing by the bridle of many a maid, Even them that they looked to welcome, who now for their coming stayed. So passed they down to the galleys, that host from the Northern Land, They and the Niblung thousand, even Siegfried's own war-band, {P. 79} And adown the bank they hasted: their toil the rowers plied, Till all these friends of Gunther had won to the farther side.

Now list ye withal, how the story of the Queen of Burgundy Telleth, how Uta the stately with her maiden-company Went forth of the castle riding with that bright cavalcade: Then were made known to each other many a knight and maid. The Lord of the Marches, Gere, led Kriemhild's steed by the rein To the fortress-gate, no farther: Siegfried the noble thane Should render her service thereafter--how queenly and lovely she shone! Well was his service requited by the maiden's love anon. Ortwein the noble, the dauntless, led onward Uta the Queen, And, each by a lady riding, was many a knight there seen. Unto festal welcoming rode they, plain for all folk to see. Never was seen of ladies so goodly a company! In front of Kriemhild the lovely, through all the merry way Those far-famed heroes jousted in gentle and joyous play: 'Twas the ancient and honoured custom. So when to the ships they came, Then lifted they from their palfreys full many a noble dame. Now the King had by this crossed over with many a stranger knight; But in jousting still they shivered strong spears in ladies' sight. Ever the shields were ringing with echoing clash and clang; In the press of the warriors charging rich bosses mightily rang.

So there these winsome ladies stood by the river-side; And forth of the ships came Gunther with his guests, the folk of his bride; And himself forth out of the galley by the hand led Brunhild the Queen. As they met, bright raiment to raiment and stone unto stone flashed sheen. Then stepped the Lady Kriemhild forward with queenly grace, And she greeted the Lady Brunhild and her train with loving face. Men saw white hands from their foreheads the coronals softly move, As each fair queen kissed other in token of knitting of love. Then sweet spake Kriemhild the maiden, the child of a royal line: "Into this our land Burgundian welcome be thou and thine {P. 80} Unto me and to my mother, and to all this loyal crowd Of liegemen and kinsfolk," With stately grace Queen Brunhild bowed. Ofttimes with arms enfolding those lovely ladies clung;-- Of such loving welcome aforetime hath never minstrel sung As now to the bride was rendered of those noble ladies twain Uta and Kriemhild: her sweet lips kissed they once and again. Now as the ladies of Brunhild beside the river stand, The goodly knights step forward, and they take them by the hand In token of loving greeting to those fair ones lovely-eyed-- Ah, comely were they, the maidens at the Lady Brunhild's side!

Ere all that greeting was ended, long time had fleeted by: On rosebud lips full many fell kisses lovingly. Long face to face communing those Daughters of Kings abode; And the peerless knights looked on them with hearts that for gladness glowed. With their own eyes then beheld they, who oft had heard it told That so glorious beauty might no man in all the world behold As the beauty of these two fair ones; and the rumour's truth they learned; For in all their lovely bodies might no blemish be discerned. Of such as could weigh the fairness of form and winsome face, Some to the bride of Gunther gave beauty's chiefest praise; But they that were more discerning, that wiselier looked thereon, Said, "Nay, ye must own that Brunhild by Kriemhild is outshone."

Now mingled they, home-abiders and strangers, matron and maid: There many a comely woman was seen all costly-arrayed. Rich tents and silken pavilions all round lay far and wide, Wherewith were the green meads covered from Worms to the river-side. Then nigher pressed to behold them King Gunther's friends and kin. Then prayed they the Lady Brunhild and Kriemhild to pass within, And all their handmaids with them, 'neath the wavering silken shade. Thither the knights Burgundian their noble guests conveyed. Now by this upon their horses those knightly guests had sprung, And with sport of the breaking of lances the shining bucklers rung. {P. 81} Over the field upsoaring was the dust, as though all the land Were flame-devoured, as the heroes made proof of their might of hand. To the eyes of the watching maidens those knights their prowess showed: Right well with the host of his warriors Siegfried the valiant rode; In tourney before the pavilion aye to and fro he wheeled: With the hero a thousand Niblungs went sweeping across the field.

Then strode forth Hagen of Troneg at Gunther the King's behest, And courteously the hero bade the knights from their jousting rest, That they should not o'erpall with the dust-cloud the maidens fair and sweet; And the knightly guests blithe-hearted rendered obedience meet. Then out spake Gernot the noble: "Awhile let the horses abide Till the day on-draweth to coolness, and so shall our escort ride Beside the lovely ladies to the wide-roofed palace-hall. When the word of the King shall be given, 'To horse!' be ye ready all." Through the length and the breadth of the lealand stayed was the tournament; Then the knights sought unto the ladies in many a stately tent To while the hours in converse, and to make them merry of heart: So fleeted fast the moments, till time was thence to depart.

Before the falling of even, when sank the light of the sun, And came thereafter the coolness, no more would they linger on. Then cityward knight and lady rode the summer ways, And on many a form most winsome fell warrior's loving gaze. As they rode, were there tourney-courses; oft mantles with sudden hand[8] Were twitched from the gallant riders, after the wont of the land, Till afront of the gate of the palace the King his war-horse stayed: So by the knights to the ladies was honour-service paid.

Then from the throng departed those Queens in their royal pride; And the Lady Uta and Kriemhild straightway turned aside {P. 82} With all the train of their handmaids into a fair wide hall: There did bright tides of laughter and of voices rise and fall. Now set they in order the high-seats, and on King Gunther passed Leading his guests to the banquet. Then saw they beside him at last A Queen!--it was Brunhild the lovely. A crown on her brow she bare As a queen in her king's dominions--ah, stately she was and fair!

For the banquet were seats rich-carven, broad tables goodly to see Laden with plenty, as singeth the ancient minstrelsy. Of all the due of the feasters there lacked not anything. Sat many a noble baron in the presence of the King. Then entered the chamberlains bringing in basons golden-red For the hands of the guests bright water--all vainly his labour were sped Who would say that courtlier service was rendered ever on earth At a prince's feast--I would reckon his word as nothing-worth.

But or ever the Lord of the Rhineland set hand to the water clear, Siegfried--unshamed might he do it--unto Gunther the King drew near: "Bethink thee of that faith royal and the pledge thou gavest me," He said, "ere thou sawest Brunhild in Iceland far oversea." Yea, he added and said, "Remember how thou swarest by thy right hand, In the day we should bring Queen Brunhild home unto this your land, Thou wouldst give me to wife thy sister--doth the oath unbroken remain? Thou knowest, for that thy journey I begrudged nor travail nor pain." The host to the guest made answer: "Well dost thou to call it to mind. I will break not the oath that with hand-clasp close to my soul did I bind. Lo, I help thee to its fulfilment--may blessing thereof befall!" Then sent he his word unto Kriemhild to come to the King in the hall[9].

With the train of her lovely maidens on to the hall she swept; Then from the dais of honour Giselher lightly stept:-- {P. 83} "Now give ye command to the handmaids that backward they turn to their bower: It befits that alone my sister commune with the King in this hour." Thither bring they the Lady Kriemhild where waiting doth Gunther stand, And noble knights stood round him, and princes of many a land. And now proclaimed they silence through the Hall of the Presence vast. --In the midst of the hush Queen Brunhild to the feast-hall proudly passed. (C) So entered the maid, nothing wotting of work whose fulfilment was nigh. But first spake the son of Dankart to his knights that stood thereby: "Help me at need, that my sister may take for her lord Siegfried." With one accord they answered: "In sooth 'twere a goodly deed!"

Then spake unto her King Gunther: "My sister, noble maid, Let thy queenly blood and thine heart's love for mine oath's redemption aid. I have pledged thine hand to a warrior; if thou take him for thy lord, Then thou by thy loyal obedience hast redeemed my plighted word." Answered the noble maiden: "Heart's dearest, brother mine, Needs not that thou supplicate me: my will shall be even as thine. What thing thou commandest soever, of a surety shall that be done: Whom thou, Lord, appointest my bridegroom, I will wed that noble one." As a fire was the face of Siegfried, his eyes were rapture-ablaze As the knight unto Kriemhild tendered love-service through all his days. Then hand in hand they set them in the midst of the great hushed ring, And they asked, "Wilt thou take this hero for thy lord and for thine heart's king?" A little she hung in the balance in maiden shamefastness; But the Fortune of Siegfried whispered to her heart's love, "Answer 'Yes!'" That she could not, and ah, she would not, deny unto him her hand; And he plighted him her husband, the Hero of Netherland. And so soon as his troth was spoken, and her troth unto his had replied, Swiftly in arms enfolding he drew unto him his bride. There in the arms of Siegfried that tender maiden lay, And he kissed the noble princess in the midst of that knightly array.

{P. 84}

As parted the throngs asunder, and the banquet's order was seen, Lo, in the place of honour, facing the King and the Queen, Was Siegfried by Kriemhild seated, with service of many a knight; And there were the Niblung warriors beside him to left and to right. Beside the King at the banquet sat Brunhild the maiden Queen: Then Kriemhild she saw--no dagger to her heart had stabbed more keen-- By the side of Siegfried seated; and from weeping she could not refrain, So that adown her fair cheeks fast did the hot tears rain. Then spake the Lord of Rhineland: "What aileth thee, lady mine, That thou drawest a cloud of grieving o'er the brightness of thine eyne? Thou shouldst rather be heart-uplifted, for bowed in subjection to thee This day are my land and my castles and all her chivalry." "Nay, I do well to be weeping," unto him did the maid-queen say; "My heart for the sake of thy sister is in bitterness this day, That I see her beside one sitting who is nought but thy vassal, thy thrall! Well may I weep unceasing that she unto this should fall." Answered and spake King Gunther: "Thy peace as now do thou hold. Unto thee at a fitting season shall all the tale be told, For what cause unto this Siegfried I have given my sister to wife. A blessing on them! With the hero be hers a happy life!"

She answered: "I cease not to pity her fairness, her royal birth. Of a truth would I flee hence, knew I a place of refuge on earth! --Never, I tell thee, never will I couch me by thy side, Or ever I know cause wherefore is Kriemhild Siegfried's bride!" Answered and spake King Gunther to her: "Unto thee be it known, He hath in possession castles and lands as wide as mine own. Yea, I tell thee this of a surety, a mighty king is he, And I give him my comely sister with a glad heart and free."

Yet, how pleaded the King soever, she sat with lowering eyes. But by this from the banquet-table doth many a good knight rise, And they clash so hotly in tourney that the courts of the castle ring. --But amidst of his guests for the host-king time traileth a broken wing. {P. 85} "By the side of my love, my fair one," he thought, "how sweet to lie!" His heart to the dream was captive, he could not thrust it by, The dream of her lovingkindness, and all the joy thereof. And ever on Lady Brunhild he glanced with eyes of love. So they gave command to the good knights from tourney-sport to refrain, For that now for the peace of the night-tide the King and his bride were fain. And before the great hall-stairway face to face they met, Kriemhild and Brunhild--nothing had sundered their love as yet. Followed the train of the handmaids; they lingered there no more As on to the bridal-chamber the torches led before. Now came the Kings, and parted the knights of either's train. Then followed after Siegfried full many a noble thane.

Now over the bridal threshold are King and Hero gone, And the heart of either was leaping at the thought of a winsome one, And of Love the Overcomer--how glad were their souls for this! And for Siegfried the arms of the loving were a haven of infinite bliss. As Siegfried the hero gathered Kriemhild unto his breast, And poured out his love upon her in the glory of love's twin-rest, As a knight all-courteous, his darling became unto him as his life. Not for a thousand fair ones had he given his belovèd--his wife!