Part 11

"They beg moreover, Kriemhild the journey too may share. Now, my good friends, advise me; what's best to do, declare. Should they for them request me to harry thirty lands, Well they such warlike service might claim at Siegfried's hands."

XXXVII

Thereto his knights thus answer'd, "As you desire to speed, If you this feast will visit, hearken to our rede. Take of your best warriors a thousand by your side. So 'midst the bold Burgundians in honor you'll abide."

XXXVIII

Then spake the lord of Netherland, Siegmund the frank and free, "If you're for this high festal, why say not so to me? I, if it not displease you, will with you to the Rhine, And bring, to swell your squadron, a hundred knights of mine."

XXXIX

"Will you too journey with us, my father ever dear?" Exclaim'd the bold Sir Siegfried; "it glads me this to hear. Within twelve days at furthest we'll wend upon our way." To all, who ask'd, then gave he good steeds and garments gay.

XL

When now to take the journey fix'd was the king's design, He bade the knights of Gunther ride back unto the Rhine, And sent by them a message to Kriemhild's kinsmen there, That to the feast, they purpos'd, full fain would he repair.

XLI

Siegfried and Kriemhild (so says the tale) bestow'd More gifts upon the envoys, than o'er such length of road Their horses home could carry; a wealthy man was he. They drove their strong-back'd sumpters merrily o'er the lea.

XLII

Siegfried and eke Siegmund their people cloth'd anew; Eckewart the Margrave all Siegfried's country through Bade seek out women's raiment, whate'er was stored in chest Or could be bought for money, the choicest and the best.

XLIII

Rich saddles were made ready, and shields of glittering pride. To the knights and ladies, that should with Siegfried ride, Whate'er they wish'd was granted; none wanted there for ought. To his friends in Rhineland many a lordly guest he brought.

XLIV

Meanwhile homeward speeding prick'd the envoys fast. Back came the noble Gary to Burgundy at last. He met with hearty welcome; straight they dismounted all From war-horse and from palfrey before King Gunther's hall.

XLV

Old and young (as the use is) ran up from every side, And ask'd what news they brought them? the noble knights replied, "When I the king have told it, 'twill spread to all around." Then went he with his comrades to where the king he found.

XLVI

From sheer pleasure Gunther started from his seat At the happy tidings; that they had come so fleet, Much thanks had they from Brunhild. Gunther straight begun, "How fares it with Siegfried, who so much for me has done?"

XLVII

"To hear of you," said Gary, "he redden'd with delight, Both he, and eke your sister; never living wight Sent his friends a message so tender and so true, As by me Sir Siegfried and his father have to you."

XLVIII

Then to the valiant margrave the noble queen 'gan say, "Tell me, is Kriemhild coming? does still her form display The beauty and soft graces, she well to foster knew?" The good knight, Gary, answer'd, "She's surely coming too."

XLIX

Then before Dame Uta the messengers were brought; Well without her asking could Gary guess her thought, So, ere she put the question, "How did Kriemhild fare?" He said, how he had found her, and that she'd soon be there.

L

Of all the gorgeous presents nothing was left untold, Given them by good Sir Siegfried; the raiment and the gold, That the three brethren's lieges might view them forth were laid. With thanks the gracious giver was by them all repaid.

LI

"Ay! of his own," said Hagan, "full lightly he may give; 'Tis past his power to spend it, should he forever live. The Nibelungers' treasure holds he by strength of hand. Ah! would it were brought hither to our Burgundian land!"

LII

The court, both knights and ladies, were all with joy elate To hear that they were coming. Early forthwith and late The friends of the three brethren were busied every man; Seats with sumptuous trappings to raise they straight began.

LIII

Hunolt and eke Sindolt, the hardy knights and true, Had not a moment's leisure; full work had they to do The while, as sewer and butler, and many a bench to raise. Ortwine for th' aid he gave them had Gunther's thanks and praise.

LIV

Sore toil'd the chief cook, Rumolt; ah! how his orders ran Among his understrappers! how many a pot and pan, How many a mighty cauldron rattled and rang again! They dress'd a world of dishes for all th' expected train.

LV

Nor less was then the labor to the fair ladies known, As they prepar'd their garments; many a precious stone They set in gold far-beaming, and glitter'd both so bright, And with such grace they wore them, as ravish'd every sight.

THIRTEENTH ADVENTURE

HOW THEY WENT TO THE FESTIVAL

I

Now we awhile must leave them on household toils intent, And tell how Lady Kriemhild and her maidens went From the Nibelungers' country to the Rhine's fair shore. Such plenty of rich vesture never sumpters bore.

II

Dispatch'd were travelling cases well fraught with precious load; Then with his queen and comrades Sir Siegfried forward rode. Her heart with pleasure's promise was ready to o'erflow; All was chang'd thereafter to wail and mortal woe.

III

At home, since so it needed, they left their infant heir, The son that valiant Siegfried begot on Kriemhild fair. To the poor boy misfortune that fatal journey bore; His father and his mother saw he never more.

IV

And with them good Sir Siegmund prick'd forth in merry mood. Had he but once foreboded the woes that thence ensued, At that disastrous festal he ne'er had sat a guest, Ne'er had he seen the ruin of those he loved the best.

V

Dispatch'd before were couriers to say they were at hand Straight rode out to meet them a royal vested band, Many a friend of Uta's, of Gunther's many a knight. The host himself was stirring to welcome them aright.

VI

Forthwith he sought out Brunhild, where sat the stately dame. "How did my sister greet you when first you hither came? So greet the wife of Siegfried, take care to fail in nought." "So will I," said she, "gladly; I love her as I ought."

VII

"To-morrow they'll be with us," said he, "by early day, So, if you mean to greet them, be stirring while you may. We must not, sure, be lurking within the castle here. Never had I the fortune to welcome guests so dear."

VIII

She bade her dames and damsels look out their choicest vests, The same they wore at festals before high-honor'd guests, Such were to be expected with to-morrow's sun, I need not say her bidding right willingly was done.

IX

Then too, to do their service the men of Gunther sped. With him all his warriors the host in squadron led. Next the queen came pacing full royally array'd. To guests belov'd so dearly was goodliest welcome made.

X

With what joy and gladness welcom'd were they there! It seem'd, when came Dame Brunhild to Burgundy whilere, Her welcome by Dame Kriemhild less tender was and true; The heart of each beholder beat higher at the view.

XI

Now too was come Sir Siegfried with all his men around. You might see the warriors careering o'er the ground, Now hither and now thither, with fire-sparkling hoof. From the dust and tumult none could keep aloof.

XII

When Siegfried and eke Siegmund met King Gunther's eyes, The host both son and father bespoke in loving wise. "To me you are right welcome, to all my friends as dear. It is our pride and pleasure as guests to have you here."

XIII

"Now God you quit!" said Siegmund, the grave and reverend man; "Ever since my Siegfried you for his comrade wan, My wish had it been always to see you and to know." "Right glad I am," said Gunther, "it now has happen'd so."

XIV

Receiv'd was bold Sir Siegfried, as fitted well his state, With the highest honors; no man bore him hate. Young Giselher and Gernot proffer'd all courtly care; Never met friend or kinsman reception half so fair.

XV

Now either king's fair consort nigh to the other came; Emptied were store of saddles; many a smiling dame To the grass by stalwart champions down was lifted light. In the ladies' service how busy was many a knight!

XVI

And now the lovely ladies each to the other went. Thereat was many a chieftain full well at heart content, When both a welcome offer'd so friendly and so fair. Meanwhile the warriors ceas'd not to tend the ladies there.

XVII

Chieftain now to chieftain held out the cordial hand; Low bows were made in plenty by either courtly band. Amongst the high-born ladies pass'd many a loving kiss. Both Gunther's men and Siegfried's were fain to look on this.

XVIII

They linger'd there no longer, but toward the city rode. To his guests King Gunther by every action show'd How welcome was their presence to all in Burgundy. Young knights before young maidens ran tilting joyously.

XIX

The power of mighty Hagan and eke of bold Ortwine Well there might each beholder from what he saw divine. Whate'er they pleas'd to order, from all obedience won; To the lov'd guests by either was courtly service done.

XX

The shields they clang'd and clatter'd before the castle gate With fencing and with foining; long time had there to wait His guests and good King Gunther ere they could enter in. They pass'd the time right joyous amidst the press and din.

XXI

So to the spacious palace on rode they merrily. You might see rich foot-cloths, well cut and artfully, Down hang from o'er the saddle of many a high-born dame. Forward to receive them King Gunther's servants came.

XXII

Then to their several chambers the guests were led aside. From time to time Queen Brunhild with searching glances eyed The love-enkindling Kriemhild; lovely she was indeed; Her hue the gold outsparkled that glitter'd in her weed.

XXIII

At Worms through all the city rang the mirthsome shout Of the rejoicing followers; Gunther the noisy rout Commended to his marshal, and bade him treat them fair; Dankwart sought out good quarters and fitly lodg'd them there.

XXIV

Without, within, was feasting; unbounded was the store. Sure stranger guests were never treated so well before. It only needed asking, and all was straight supplied; So rich a king was Gunther that nothing was denied.

XXV

With friendly zeal they serv'd them, with hearts devoid of hate; Amidst his guests at table the host exulting sate. To sit was bidden Siegfried where he of yore had done. With him strode to the banquet proud warriors many a one.

XXVI

Twelve hundred stalwart champions in circle there were seen With him at table sitting; Brunhild, the watchful queen, Thought to herself, no vassal could ever wealthier be. Still him she so far favor'd, that from harm she left him free.

XXVII

All that feastful evening, as sat the king to dine, Store of the richest vesture was wetted by the wine, That in hasty hurry the butlers ever pour'd. Sore toil'd they in their service at that o'ercrowded board.

XXVIII

Then, as is still the custom at each well-order'd feast, To rest the dames and damsels were in good time releas'd. All guests with gifts and honors, from whenceso'er they came, The noble host entreated as well beseem'd his fame.

XXIX

When now the night was over, and reappear'd the dawn, By the fair hands of ladies was many a jewel drawn, Sparkling in goodly raiment, from many a travelling chest, And out was sought and hurried many a lordly vest.

XXX

Ere 'twas full day, came flocking the palace hall around Knights and squires in plenty; then arose the sound Of matins sung to Gunther, and, when this was done, So well rode youthful warriors, that the king's thanks they won.

XXXI

Shrill fifes and loud-voic'd clarions and blaring trumpet-clang Mix'd with the shouts of thousands, that all the city rang, And through the startled welkin th' alarum spread around. Proud knights on strong-hoof'd chargers rode thund'ring o'er the ground.

XXXII

At once without the city a tourney they began. There his career exulting many a young warrior ran, Whom his fresh boiling courage impell'd to honor's field. Many a knight of prowess was there seen under shield.

XXXIII

Many a stately matron and many a smiling maid Sat at the castle windows in costly robes array'd, And look'd on while the warriors display'd their skill and force; The good host with his comrades himself would run a course.

XXXIV

The time seem'd not to linger, so merrily it pass'd. Pealing from the minster they heard the bells at last. Then up were led the palfreys; forth rode each lady bright; The noble queens were follow'd by many a valiant knight.

XXXV

Down before the minster they lighted on the green. Still to her guests was gracious King Gunther's haughty queen. Both crown'd, into the minster they stepp'd with royal state. Too soon their love was sunder'd and all through jealous hate!

XXXVI

Soon as the mass was over, with regal pomp and pride Thence came they to the palace, and straight exulting hied To the joyous banquet, and neither stop nor stay Was put to the high festal until th' eleventh day.

XXXVII

Then thought Queen Brunhild, "Silent no longer I'll remain. Howe'er to pass I bring it, Kriemhild shall explain, Wherefore so long her husband, who holds of us in fee, Has left undone his service; this sure shall answer'd be."

XXXVIII

So still she brooded mischief, and conn'd her devil's lore, Till she broke off in sorrow the feast so blithe before. Ever at her heart lay closely what came perforce to light. Many a land she startled with horror and affright.

FOURTEENTH ADVENTURE

HOW THE TWO QUEENS REVILED ONE ANOTHER

I

One day at th' hour of vespers a loud alarum rose From certain lusty champions that for their pastime chose To prove themselves at tilting in the castle court; Then many a knight and lady ran thither to see the sport.

II

There were the proud queens sitting together, as befell, Each on a good knight thinking that either lov'd full well. Then thus began fair Kriemhild, "My husband's of such might, That surely o'er these kingdoms he ought to rule by right."

III

Then answer'd Lady Brunhild, "Nay, how can that be shown? Were there none other living but thou and he alone, Then might, no doubt, the kingdoms be rul'd by him and thee, But, long as Gunther's living, that sure can never be."

IV

Thereto rejoin'd fair Kriemhild, "See'st thou how proud he stands, How proud he stalks, conspicuous among those warrior bands, As doth the moon far-beaming the glimmering stars outshine? Sure have I cause to pride me when such a knight is mine."

V

Thereto replied Queen Brunhild, "How brave soe'er he be, How stout soe'er or stately, one greater is than he. Gunther, thy noble brother, a higher place may claim, Of knights and kings the foremost in merit and in fame."

VI

Thereto rejoin'd fair Kriemhild, "So worthy is my mate, All praise that I can give him can ne'er be term'd too great. In all he does how matchless? in honor too how clear! Believ'st thou this, Queen Brunhild? at least he's Gunther's peer."

VII

"Thou should'st not so perversely, Kriemhild, my meaning take. What I said, assure thee, with ample cause I spake. I heard them both allow it, then when both first I saw, And the stout king in battle compell'd me to his law.

VIII

"E'en then, when my affection he so knightly won, 'Twas fairly own'd by Siegfried that he was Gunther's man. Myself I heard him own it, and such I hold him still." "Forsooth," replied fair Kriemhild, "they must have used me ill.

IX

"How could my noble brethren their power have so applied, As to make me, their sister, a lowly vassal's bride? For manners' sake then, Brunhild, this idle talk give o'er, And, by our common friendship, let me hear no more."

X

"Give o'er will I never," the queen replied again; "Shall I renounce the service of all the knightly train That hold of him, our vassal, and are our vassals too?" Into sudden anger at this fair Kriemhild flew.

XI

"Ay! but thou must renounce it, for never will he grace Thee with his vassal service: he fills a higher place Than e'en my brother Gunther, noble though be his strain. Henceforth thou should'st be wiser, nor hold such talk again.

XII

"I wonder, too, since Siegfried thy vassal is by right, Since both of us thou rulest with so much power and might, Why to thee his service so long he has denied. Nay! I can brook no longer thy insolence and pride."

XIII

"Thyself too high thou bearest," Brunhild answer made; "Fain would I see this instant whether to thee be paid Public respect and honor such as waits on me." Then both the dames with anger lowering you might see.

XIV

"So shall it be," said Kriemhild, "to meet thee I'm prepar'd Since thou my noble husband a vassal hast declar'd, By the men of both our consorts to-day it shall be seen, That I the church dare enter before King Gunther's queen.

XV

"To-day by proof thou'lt witness, what lofty birth is mine, And that my noble husband worthier is than thine; Nor for this with presumption shall I be tax'd I trow; To-day thou'lt see moreover thy lowly vassal go

XVI

"To court before the warriors here in Burgundy. Assure thee, thou'lt behold me honor'd more royally Than the proudest princess that ever here wore crown." The dames their spite attested with many a scowl and frown.

XVII

"Since thou wilt be no vassal," Brunhild rejoin'd again, "Then thou with thy women must apart remain From my dames and damsels, as to the church we go." Thereto Kriemhild answer'd, "Trust me it shall be so.

XVIII

"Array ye now, my maidens," said Siegfried's haughty dame, "You must not let your mistress here be put to shame. That you have gorgeous raiment make plain to every eye. What she has just asserted, she soon shall fain deny."

XIX

They needed not much bidding; all sought out their best; Matrons alike and maidens each donn'd a glittering vest. Queen Brunhild with her meiny was now upon her way. By this was deck'd fair Kriemhild in royal rich array,

XX

With three and forty maidens, whom she to Rhine had brought; Bright stuffs were their apparel in far Arabia wrought. So towards the minster march'd the maidens fair; All the men of Siegfried were waiting for them there.

XXI

Strange thought it each beholder, what there by all was seen, How with their trains far-sunder'd pass'd either noble queen, Not walking both together as was their wont before, Full many a prowest warrior thereafter rued it sore.

XXII

Now before the minster the wife of Gunther stood; Meanwhile by way of pastime many a warrior good Held light and pleasant converse with many a smiling dame; When up the lovely Kriemhild with her radiant meiny came.

XXIII

All that the noblest maiden had ever donn'd before Was as wind to the splendor her dazzling ladies wore. So rich her own apparel in gold and precious things, She alone might out-glitter the wives of thirty kings.

XXIV

Howe'er he might be willing, yet none could dare deny That such resplendent vesture never met mortal eye As on that fair retinue then sparkled to the sun. Except to anger Brunhild, Kriemhild had not so done.

XXV

Both met before the minster in all the people's sight; There at once the hostess let out her deadly spite. Bitterly and proudly she bade fair Kriemhild stand; "No vassalless precedeth the lady of the land."

XXVI

Out then spake fair Kriemhild (full of wrath was she), "Could'st thou still be silent, better 'twere for thee. Thou'st made thy beauteous body a dishonor'd thing. How can a vassal's leman be consort of a king?"

XXVII

"Whom here call'st thou leman?" said the queen again; "So call I thee," said Kriemhild; "thy maidenly disdain Yielded first to Siegfried, my husband, Siegmund's son; Ay! 'was not my brother that first thy favors won.

XXVIII

"Why, where were then thy senses? sure 'twas a crafty train, To take a lowly lover, to ease a vassal's pain! Complaints from thee," said Kriemhild, "methinks are much amiss." "Verily," said Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."

XXIX

"And why should that disturb me? thy pride hath thee betray'd. Why didst thou me, thy equal, with vassalship upbraid? Know this for sure and certain (to speak it gives me pain) Never can I meet thee in cordial love again."

XXX

Then bitterly wept Brunhild; Kriemhild no longer stay'd; Straight with all her followers before the queen she made Her way into the minster; then deadly hate 'gan rise; And starting tears o'erclouded the shine of brightest eyes.

XXXI

For all the solemn service, for all the chanted song, Still it seemed to Brunhild they linger'd all too long. Both on her mind and body a load like lead there lay. Many a high-born hero for her sorrow was to pay.

XXXII

Brunhild stopp'd with her ladies without the minster door. Thought she, "This wordy woman shall tell me something more Of her charge against me spread so loud and rife. If he has but so boasted, let him look to his life!"

XXXIII

Now came the noble Kriemhild begirt with many a knight; Then spake the noble Brunhild, "Stop and do me right. You've voic'd me for a wanton; prove it ere you go. You and your foul speeches have wrought me pain and woe."

XXXIV

Then spake the Lady Kriemhild, "'Twere wiser to forbear; E'en with the gold I'll prove it that on my hand I wear; 'Twas this that Siegfried brought me from where by you he lay." Never liv'd Queen Brunhild so sorrowful a day.

XXXV

Said she, "That ring was stolen from me who held it dear, And mischievously hidden has since been many a year. But now I've met with something by which the thief to guess." Both the dames were frenzied with passion masterless.

XXXVI

"Thief?" made answer Kriemhild, "I will not brook the name. Thou would'st have kept silence, hadst thou a sense of shame. By the girdle here about me prove full well I can That I am ne'er a liar; Siegfried was indeed thy man."

XXXVII

'Twas of silk of Nineveh the girdle that she brought, With precious stones well garnish'd; a better ne'er was wrought; When Brunhild but beheld it, her tears she could not hold. The tale must needs to Gunther and all his men be told.

XXXVIII

Then outspake Queen Brunhild; "Go some one straight and call Hither the Prince of Rhineland; sure will I tell him all, What infamy his sister has forc'd me to endure, And how his wife she voices for Siegfried's paramour."

XXXIX

The king with his chieftains up came hastily; There saw he his beloved weeping bitterly. "Dearest heart!" soft said he, "who has serv'd you so?" With many a sob she answer'd, "Deep cause have I for woe.

XL

"Of my good name and honor than life more dear would fain Thy cruel sister rob me; to thee I needs must plain. She says her husband Siegfried my virgin favors won." Thereto replied King Gunther, "Then she foul wrong has done."

XLI