Part 10

Adown Sir Siegfried laid him close by the damsel bright. Said she, "Beware, Sir Gunther, remember yesternight; Be pleas'd not to disturb me; wake not my wrath anew, Or at my hands your folly you bitterly shall rue."

XCI

He breath'd no breath in answer, but still was as could be. Well by the ear knew Gunther, although he could not see, That nothing pass'd between them the jealous to displease. Never in couch or chamber dwelt there so little ease.

XCII

Like Gunther he demean'd him, false mimic of the true; Around th' unloving damsel his loveless arms he threw. Him from the bed with fury against a bench she flung. His head fell on a footstool so hard, that loud it rung.

XCIII

With all his might upstarted again th' undaunted man; He'd try his fortune better; a struggle stern began, When he essay'd to quell her; long was his toil and sore; Such strife, I ween, will never be waged by woman more.

XCIV

As still he would not quit her, up sprung the frenzied fair; "Sir knight, it ill becomes you a lady's dress to tear. These are Burgundian manners! but dear it shall be paid; I'll bring you soon to smart for it," exclaim'd the stormy maid.

XCV

Her arms around the warrior she scrupled not to fling, And forthwith thought to bind him as though it were the king, That of the bed sole mistress in quiet she might sleep. For her injur'd night-dress took she vengeance deep.

XCVI

What booted then his manhood well prov'd in many a fight, When that heroic maiden put forth her mastering might? Him by main force she lifted in spite of all he tried, And 'gainst a press she jamm'd him that stood the bed beside.

XCVII

"Ah!" thought the panting champion, "should I now lose my life By this outrageous damsel, hereafter every wife Will claim at home the mastery, and, scorning meek accord And womanly submission, will lord it o'er her lord."

XCVIII

The king with fear and trembling heard all that there befell. Shame gave fresh strength to Siegfried; furious he wax'd and fell. He with redoubled puissance once more the maid oppos'd. Fearful was the struggle as he with Brunhild clos'd.

XCIX

Down still she strove to keep him, but wrath and natural might Combin'd so wrought within him, that soon in her despite His feet the knight recovered; sore was his toil, I trow; In the darken'd chamber they hurtled to and fro.

C

Ill too at ease was Gunther between the struggling pair. Full oft to shift he needed as strove they here and there. A wonder 'twas (so fiercely wrestled the mighty foes) That either 'scap'd uninjured from that tempestuous close.

CI

Sore rued his fate the monarch beset with twofold care; Still fear'd he most lest Siegfried should chance to perish there, For now the puissant damsel had all but ta'en his life. Had he but dar'd, he'd gladly have help'd him in the strife.

CII

Long time endur'd the contest, nor ever seem'd to slack, Till 'gainst the bed with fury he dash'd the maiden back. How fierce soe'er she struggled, faint and more faint she grew; Then many a shrewd suspicion shot Gunther's bosom through.

CIII

Still ever as he listen'd, he thought 'twas wondrous long. Just then the hands of Siegfried she squeez'd so fierce and strong, That blood from the nails started; the warrior tingled sore; But soon he brought the damsel to give her frenzy o'er,

CIV

And change her furious passions for love and duty meek. Whatever pass'd heard Gunther, though daring not to speak Against the bed he drove her, that loud she shriek'd for pain. Cruel was her torture from Siegfried's mastering main.

CV

Then grasp'd she at her girdle, and strove to bind her foe, When down the warrior hurl'd her with such a forceful throw, That crack'd each bone and sinew; that clos'd at once the strife; The fainting maid submitted to live King Gunther's wife.

CVI

Said she, "Right noble ruler, vouchsafe my life to spare; Whatever I've offended, my duty shall repair. I'll meet thy noble passion; my love with thine shall vie. That thou canst tame a woman, none better knows than I."

CVII

Then up arose Sir Siegfried from where Dame Brunhild lay; Upon the floor he left her, and noiseless went his way; But first from her fine finger a golden ring he drew So gently, that the maiden nothing felt or knew.

CVIII

He took, besides her girdle, with which her lord she tied; I know not if he did so from triumph and from pride; To his wife he gave it, a gift that mischief wrought. Meanwhile the maid and monarch love both together brought.

CIX

They met with mutual passion as man and wife became; Her stormy rage was soften'd; she was no more the same; Weak she grew and feeble as in his arms she lay; All her former puissance flitted straight away.

CX

And now was she no stronger than any dame beside. Fearless, unfear'd, her husband caress'd his duteous bride. Why act again the rebel? what boot could thus be won? So much with alter'd Brunhild King Gunther's love had done.

CXI

How lovingly and fondly he by his lady lay Till the rosy morning led on the laughing day! Sir Siegfried thence departed, and back in silence came, Where tenderly receiv'd him a fair and gentle dame.

CXII

Her questions he evaded, though much to know she sought; Long time too kept he from her the gifts that he had brought, Till, crown'd, in his own country she reign'd, his royal bride; Of all, he else could grant her, how little he denied!

CXIII

Far merrier in the morning than he before had been Appear'd the good King Gunther; the change with joy was seen By every faithful vassal, and every foreign guest, Whom he had home invited and feasted with the best.

CXIV

The sumptuous festal lasted e'en to the fourteenth day, The while was heard unceasing the sound of mirth and play, That in the crowd of pleasures the wilder'd guests were lost. Unmatch'd was Gunther's splendor and boundless was his cost.

CXV

By the good king's order, to many a warrior bold His kinsmen in his honor gave robes and ruddy gold, And steeds and store of silver, and so their wants supplied, That not a stranger was there but parted satisfied.

CXVI

As well good King Siegfried, the knight of Netherland, And his thousand champions their robes, with liberal hand, And all they had brought thither alike were pleas'd to give, Fair steeds and costly trappings; like nobles they knew how to live.

CXVII To those, whose thoughts were homeward, the hours seem'd all too long, Ere the rich gifts were lavish'd among the gladsome throng. Never before was party dismiss'd in merrier plight. So the high feast concluded; thence off rode many a knight.

ELEVENTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED BROUGHT HIS WIFE HOME

I

The festal hall was silent, and parted every guest, When thus the son of Siegmund his loving friends address'd. "We too must make us ready, and forthwith home return." Glad was his noble consort her lord's resolve to learn.

II

She thus bespake the warrior, "Since we are home to fare, Of over-haste in parting, I beg thee, well beware. First should of right my brethren with me the lands divide." Sir Siegfried heard with sorrow these words from his fair bride.

III

Then came to him the princes, and thus spake all the three, "Know that for you, King Siegfried, shall ever ready be Our true and loving service, that e'en of death is vow'd." To them for their fair promise the stately warrior bow'd.

IV

"With you too we are anxious," said Giselher the young, "To part the lands and castles that to us all belong. Of all the broad possessions, o'er which the rule we bear, We'll yield to you and Kriemhild a good and ample share."

V

Soon as the son of Siegmund their loving offer heard, To the noble princes this answer he preferr'd. "God grant you long enjoyment of your possessions fair; For me and my dear consort, our part we well can spare.

VI

"The right that you allow her my wife may well lay down; Henceforth in my country she'll wear the queenly crown, And, should I live, be richer than any living wight. In all things else, your bidding I'll do with all my might."

VII

"In th' heritage," said Kriemhild, "though you renounce our rights, Not of so little value are our Burgundian knights; Them might a king be happy to bring into his land, And I my portion in them claim at each brother's hand."

VIII

"Take whom thou wilt, fair sister," Sir Gernot straight replied, "No doubt you'll find abundance, who long with you to ride. From thirty hundred vassals, each one a chosen man, Take for thy train a thousand." Kriemhild to send began

IX

First for Ortwine and Hagan, the noble knights and true, If they and their bold kinsmen would Kriemhild serve and sue. Thereat wax'd Hagan wrathful, and frowning thus 'gan say, "Nor right nor power has Gunther to give us thus away.

X

"For followers and companions seek elsewhere if you will. As for our Trony customs, sure you must know them still. At court we guard our princes, nor from this duty swerve. Thus here we serv'd them ever, thus will we ever serve."

XI

Thereto was made no answer; all on their journey thought. Her noble train together the lady Kriemhild brought, Two and thirty maidens and five hundred men. Eckewart the Margrave follow'd Kriemhild then.

XII

Leave last by all was taken, both by squire and knight And by dame and damsel, as fitting was and right. With many a kiss they parted, and many a grasp of hand, And so not ill contented they left King Gunther's land.

XIII

Far rode their loving kinsmen to bring them on their way; Each night they found them quarters where'er it pleas'd them stay, While they upon their journey through Gunther's country went Then messengers were forthwith to old King Siegmund sent,

XIV

To him and to Dame Sieglind the hasty news to bear, That his son was coming, and with him Kriemhild fair, The daughter of Dame Uta, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Ne'er to such welcome tidings did they their ears incline.

XV

"Ah! well is me," cried Siegmund, "that I this day have seen, That here the lovely Kriemhild should move a crowned queen My heritage high worship shall hence and honor gain; Here too my son Siegfried himself a king shall reign."

XVI

Then gave the Lady Sieglind good store of velvet red; Full weight of gold and silver shower'd she for newsman's bread. Much at the gladsome tidings rejoic'd the royal dame. Her train themselves apparel'd as nobles well became.

XVII

'Twas told her, who was coming with him into the land. Then rais'd in haste were sittings, as Sieglind gave command, Whither crown'd should march Sir Siegfried in front of all his train. Then forth to meet the strangers rode Siegmund's knights amain.

XVIII

If e'er was heartier welcome than was receiv'd that day In good King Siegmund's country, is more than I can say. To meet the lovely Kriemhild the royal Sieglind came With many a lovely lady and many a knight of fame.

XIX

A whole day's journey's distance, till came the guests in view. Then no small toil and trouble both friends and strangers knew To reach a spacious fortress (Xanten the name it bore), Where royal crowns thereafter the bride and bridegroom wore.

XX

Sieglind and Siegmund wecom'd fair Kriemhild lovingly; With laughing mouth full often they kiss'd her tenderly, And did as much to Siegfried; far flown was all their care. All the train of followers were warmly greeted there.

XXI

Straight were brought the strangers to Siegmund's royal hall. Down there the lovely maidens from horse were lifted all By knights and squires officious, and many a high-born man To wait on beauteous ladies with courtly zeal began.

XXII

How great soe'er the splendor of Gunther's marriage day, Yet here were fairer garments profusely given away Than ever yet at festals had deck'd the warriors bold; Of their surpassing richness marvels might be told.

XXIII

As sat they in high honor with all delights in store, What bright gold-color'd raiment their joyful followers wore, Laces and stones full precious fair work'd in vesture sheen! Well were the guests entreated by the rich and noble queen.

XXIV

Then spake the good Sir Siegmund before his friends in hall, "This my resolve declare I to Siegfried's kinsmen all, That he before these warriors my royal crown shall wear." The news gave full contentment to the Netherlanders there.

XXV

His crown and power he gave him and seisin of his land; Their master then became he; zealous was every hand To execute his judgments; his mouth pronounc'd the law. To th' husband of fair Kriemhild all look'd with fear and awe.

XXVI

So liv'd he in high honor, a rightful monarch crown'd, And giving righteous judgment till the tenth year came round, When the fair queen his consort bore him at last an heir. Glad were thereat his kinsmen, glad too the royal pair.

XXVII

Forthwith the babe was christen'd, and given him was a name After his uncle Gunther; it could not bring him shame. If he his kin resembled, in worth he would excel; His parents, as became them, train'd up the infant well.

XXVIII

About the self-same season the Lady Sieglind died; The child of noble Uta her vacant place supplied, And to the power succeeded that Sieglind held before. The people deeply sorrow'd that Sieglind was no more.

XXIX

Next messengers came posting the joyful news to bring, How by the Rhine to Gunther, the stout Burgundian king, A son was borne by Brunhild the once relentless dame; He for the love of Siegfried receiv'd the hero's name.

XXX

With every care they train'd him; Gunther his father dear Bade tutors the young infant in every virtue rear, That, nurtur'd so to manhood, all worship he might win. Ah! by mishap thereafter how lost he all his kin!

XXXI

Thenceforward at all seasons full many a tale was told, How nobly and how knightly the wariors fierce and bold Liv'd in the land of Siegmund; fame voiced their praises loud. Like them lived good King Gunther and his noble kinsmen proud.

XXXII

Their land the Nibelungers of Siegfried held in fee; None e'er of all his kindred so wealthy was as he. His were the knights of Schilbung and both the brethren's store. Through this the bold Sir Siegfried himself the loftier bore.

XXXIII

The richest of all treasures, that e'er was gain'd by knight, Save by its former masters, he held by conqueror's right. The same before a mountain by dint of sword he won. To win it, many a champion his hand to death had done.

XXXIV

Huge was his wealth and worship; yet, had he naught possess'd Whoever look'd upon him could not but have confess'd, He was the prowest champion that e'er in saddle sat. All trembled at his manhood; good cause had they for that.

TWELFTH ADVENTURE

HOW GUNTHER INVITED SIEGFRIED TO THE FESTIVAL

I

Still Gunther's consort ever thought with deep-musing care, Why should the Lady Kriemhild herself so proudly bear? And yet her husband Siegfried--what but our man is he? And late but little service has yielded for his fee.

II

In her heart his thought she foster'd deep in its inmost core; That still they kept such distance, a secret grudge she bore. How came it that their vassal to court declin'd to go, Nor for his land did homage, she inly yearn'd to know.

III

She made request of Gunther, and begg'd it so might be, That she the absent Kriemhild yet once again might see, And told him too, in secret, whereon her thoughts were bent. With the words she utter'd her lord was scarce content.

IV

"How could we bring them hither," the king in turn began, "Such a length of journey? 'twere past the power of man. I could not ask it of them, they dwell from us so wide." Thereto in haughty fashion the frowning queen replied,

V

"How rich soe'er a vassal, how broad soe'er his lands, Obedience is his duty, whate'er his lord commands." Sure could but smile Sir Gunther when thus he heard her fret. 'Twas not for suit and service that he and Siegfried met.

VI

Said she, "Dear lord, for my sake thy efforts join with mine, That Siegfried and thy sister once more may seek the Rhine, That we again may see them, and all in love unite. Nothing, I well assure thee, could give me more delight.

VII

"What soft emotion soothes me, whene'er I call to mind Thy sister's noble graces, her accent soft and kind, And how, when both were married, we both sat side by side! No doubt may she with honor be Siegfried's loving bride."

VIII

She press'd so long, that Gunther replied with alter'd cheer, "Now know that guests so welcome never saw I here. Much pressing little needed; so messengers of mine I'll send to bid them hasten hither to the Rhine."

IX

Thereto the queen made answer, "Tell me now, I pray, When you will send to ask them, and about what day We may expect the travellers to both of us so dear; And who will bear your message, I willingly would hear."

X

"So will I do," replied he; "thirty of my men Shall be commission'd thither." Forthwith he summon'd them Those by whom his message to Siegfried's land he sent, Brunhild sumptuous vesture gave them to their full content.

XI

Then spake the king, "Ye warriors, from me this message bear (That you keep back nothing I bid you well beware), Which I to valiant Siegfried and to my sister send, That in this world can no man to both be more a friend;

XII

"And beg them hasten hither us on the Rhine to see; It shall be well requited both by my wife and me. By the next midsummer he and his men shall find From every one among us high honor, welcome kind.

XIII

"Unto the good King Siegmund my service, too, commend; Say, I and mine shall ever hold him as our friend. Bid too my sister hasten to meet her kinsmen dear. Ne'er graced she royal festal like that which waits her here."

XIV

Brunhild and Uta and every lady there Into the land of Siegfried their greeting bade them bear To many a noble warrior and many a lady gay. So with the king's commission the couriers went their way.

XV

To start they now were ready; to each of all the band Was brought both steed and vesture; so rode they from the land. With happy haste they journey'd, and ever prick'd they hard; The king had sent an escort his messengers to guard.

XVI

In the weary journey three toilsome weeks they spent. At last in Niblung's castle, whither they had been sent, E'en in the march of Norway, they found king Siegmund's son. Horses alike and riders were travel-tainted and fordone.

XVII

To Siegfried and to Kriemhild forthwith the tidings came, That knights had journey'd thither, whose venture was the same As what by men of worship was born in Burgundy. From her day-bed Kriemhild up sprung hastily.

XVIII

Sudden to a window she bade a damsel go, Who saw bold Gary standing in the court below, Him, and his valiant comrades on the same errand bound. For her long-brooded sorrow what rapture then she found!

XIX

Loud call'd she to her husband, "See you, where they stand Down in the court there waiting, stout Gary and his band, Whom my good brother Gunther has sent us down the Rhine?" "Welcome are they," said Siegfried, "welcome to me and mine."

XX

Where they saw them standing, all the household ran; They kindly then saluted, as man encounter'd man, And, as they best could please them, spoke many a friendly word, With no small joy King Siegmund of their arrival heard.

XXI

Straight were allotted quarters to Gary and his men, And charge ta'en of their courses; the messengers went then To where sat bold Sir Siegfried by gentle Kriemhild's side; They were to court invited, and so they thither hied.

XXII

Uprose, as in they enter'd, the host and his fair dame. Full well receiv'd was Gary, and all who with him came His followers, Gunther's liegemen from distant Burgundy. To a seat the warrior was motion'd courteously.

XXIII

"Nay, deign," said he, "our message to hear before we sit, And us, way-wearied wanderers, the while to stand permit. We have to tell you tidings to us committed late By Gunther and by Brunhild, who are both in best estate;

XXIV

"And from the Lady Uta we come, your mother dear, And from the good Sir Gernot and youthful Giselher, And from your choicest kinsmen, who all with kind intent By us to you their service from Burgundy have sent."

XXV

"Now God then quit!" said Siegfried, "that they're sincere and true, I trust with full assurance, as men with friends should do. The same too feels their sister. Now further to us tell, Whether our friends in Rhineland are hearty all and well.

XXVI

"Since we from them departed, has any neighboring foe Harried my consort's kindred? this let me surely know. To them by me shall ever such friendly aid be lent, That their wrong the doers shall bitterly repent."

XXVII

Thereto the Margrave Gary, the good knight, made reply, "Fraught with all manly virtues they bear them proud and high. They bid you to a festal, which they at home prepare. You need not doubt, your kinsmen would gladly see you there.

XXVIII

"They also beg my lady thither with you to wend, Soon as the blustering winter shall come at length to end, You both ere next midsummer they all expect to see." Then said the valiant Siegfried, "That can hardly be."

XXIX

But straight the bold Burgundian Gary gave this reply, "Surely your mother Uta you never can deny, Nor Giselher, nor Gernot, who all would meet you fain. That you dwell so far distant, I hear them daily plain.

XXX

"Brunhild, my noble lady, and all her maidens fair, Are glad to think that forthwith you thither will repair. That they once more may see you, fills every heart with glee." His words to lovely Kriemhild seem'd full good to be.

XXXI

Gary was her kinsman; him begg'd the host to sit, And straight bade fill the goblets to pledge them, as was fit; Then too, to meet the envoys, King Siegmund join'd the rest, And to the bold Burgundians these friendly words address'd:

XXXII

"Welcome, ye men of Gunther! since Siegfried, my good son, Your noble lady Kriemhild for his wife has won, You at our court more frequent we should have gladly seen. Your presence of our friendship the surest bond had been."

XXXIII

They said, whene'er he wish'd it, they willingly would come. Their toil and teen through gladness forgot they all and some. Siegfried bade all be seated, and viands of the best, And in full abundance, be brought to every guest.

XXXIV

Nine days in mirth and feasting the envoys needs must stay. At length the active warriors could brook no more delay. Again would they ride homeward; on that their minds were bent In th' interval King Siegfried for his friends had sent.

XXXV

He ask'd them what they counsel'd; he needs must to the Rhine; "I bidden am by Gunther that dear friend of mine. At a high feast my presence he and his kinsmen pray. Fain would I ride thither, were't not so far away.

XXXVI