Part 20

"I knew full well," said Gelfrat, "if Gunther pass'd along This country with his meiny, that we should suffer wrong At the hands of Hagan; 'scape shall he not to-day; He did to death the ferryman, and for the deed shall pay."

XXIII

To smite above the bucklers they couch'd their lances straight. Gelfrat and Hagan both clos'd with eager hate. Elsy too and Dankwart each bore him like a knight; Each prov'd the other's manhood; stern and stubborn was the fight.

XXIV

Who better could defend them? who better could assail? Borne was the stalwart Hagan clean o'er his horse's tail, And on the grass lay floundering by Gelfrat's sturdy stroke. In the shock asunder his charger's pöitral broke.

XXV

Then knew he what was fighting; all round the lances crash'd; From the green Sir Hagan upstarted, unabash'd, Or rather kindling courage from overthrow so rude. He turn'd, I ween, on Gelfrat, not in the mildest mood.

XXVI

Who held them both their horses, is more than I can tell. To the ground the champions were both brought down from selle. They rush'd upon each other; they mingled sword and shield. Their comrades to the rescue flock'd round from all the field.

XXVII

However fiercely Hagan on noble Gelfrat sprung, A huge piece from his buckler (loud with the stroke it rung) Was hewn by the stout margrave; fire forth in sparkles flew; The ferryman like to follow was Gunther's liegeman true.

XXVIII

To the valiant Dankwart he shouted loud and high, "Help, help me, dearest brother, I've just been like to die By a stout-handed champion; he'll let me ne'er go free." Thereto replied bold Dankwart, "Then I'll your umpire be."

XXIX

Close to them leapt the hero; nothing more he said; Once his sword he lifted, down dropp'd Gelfrat dead. Elsy had fain reveng'd him, but forc'd was he to yield. He and his fear-struck comrades fled that disastrous field.

XXX

Slain was his valiant brother, himself was wounded sore, Of his war-practis'd champions eighty the best, or more, Lay with grim Death companion'd; what then beside could he But from the men of Gunther with loss and anguish flee?

XXXI

Soon as they of Bavaria gave way through ghastly fear, Behind them deadly sword-strokes loud ringing you might hear. So the bold men of Trony held their foes in chase, Who sought to 'scape the forfeit and ever fled apace.

XXXII

Then Dankwart thus behind them loud shouted o'er the plain, "Forthwith must we be wending back on our steps again; So let them fly unfollow'd, each bleeding as he flies, While we rejoin our comrades; this I in truth advise."

XXXIII

When back had come the warriors to where the fight had been, Thus spoke the Knight of Trony, "Chiefs, now 'twere fit, I ween, To reckon up the missing, and learn whom we to-night Have lost through Gelfrat's anger in this sharp sudden fight."

XXXIV

Four of their friends had perish'd, slight cause had they to plain, For they had well aveng'd them; on th' other hand were slain Of the repuls'd Bavarians a hundred men or more, The shields of the stout Tronians were dimm'd and soak'd with gore.

XXXV

From the clouds a moment broke out the gleaming moon; "We shall overtake," said Hagan, "our friends and comrades soon; But none to my good masters speak of this hasty fray; Let them without suspicion remain till dawn of day."

XXXVI

When those who fought the battle had now rejoin'd the rest, They found them with long travail exhausted and oppress'd. "How long have we to journey?" asked many a champion brave. "Here's neither host nor hostel," was th' answer Dankwart gave,

XXXVII

"You all must until morning ride on as best you can." Next sent the nimble Folker, the leader of the van, To ask the noble marshal, "Where shall we lodge the crew To-night? Where rest the horses and our good masters too?"

XXXVIII

Then answer gave bold Dankwart, "That's more than I can say; Rest must we ne'er a moment before the dawn of day, And, wheresoe'er we meet it, lie down upon the green." To most of those who heard him 'twas heavy news, I ween.

XXXIX

Long time remain'd unnotic'd the stains of bloody red, Till the fair sun, up rising, his glittering radiance spread At morn above the mountains; at once the king espied That they had just been fighting, and full of anger cried,

XL

"How now, friend Hagan? so you, it seems, disdain'd To have me for your comrade, when thus with blood was stain'd And dabbled all your hauberks; who put you in that plight?" Said he, "'Twas done by Elsy; he fell on us last night.

XLI

"To revenge his ferryman this fierce assault he plann'd There slain was sturdy Gelfrat by my good brother's hand, And Elsy scarce escap'd us; 'faith he was ill bestead. We lost but four companions, and he a hundred dead."

XLII

We know not, where that morning the warriors laid them down, Straight learn'd all the people in country and in town, That noble Uta's children to court were on their road. On them a hearty welcome was at Passau soon bestow'd.

XLIII

Well pleas'd was Bishop Pilgrin, the uncle of the queen. That with so many champions, all cas'd in armor sheen, His proud Burgundian nephews had come into the land. Soon, what good will he bore them, he made them understand.

XLIV

Along the roads to lodge them their friends all did their best. At Passau room was wanting to harbor every guest; They cross'd perforce the water, where on an open ground Were hasty tents erected, and rich pavilions pitch'd around.

XLV

They there were forc'd to tarry the space of one whole day, And eke the night till morning; how well receiv'd were they! Thence to the land of Rudeger they were to ride anew. Swift to him the tidings of their coming flew.

XLVI

When the way-weary warriors had ta'en some needful rest, And now were close approaching the country of their quest, They found upon the border a man that sleeping lay; Sir Hagan sprung upon him, and took his sword away.

XLVII

He was call'd Sir Eckewart, that sleep-oppressed knight; Sore griev'd was he and downcast at his defenceless plight, Stripp'd of so strong a weapon, and at a stranger's will. They found the march of Rudeger watch'd and warded ill.

XLVIII

"Woe's me for this dishonor!" the grief-struck warrior cried, "Alas that the Burgundians e'er hither thought to ride! Sure, since I lost Sir Siegfried, all joy is flown from me. Oh, well away, Sir Rudeger, how have I injur'd thee!"

XLIX

Sir Hagan scarcely waited to hear his sorrows through; He gave him back his weapon, and six red armlets too. "Take these, Sir Knight, as tokens that thou my friend wilt be: Thou'rt a bold chief to slumber thus lonely on the lea."

L

"God quit you for your armlets!" Sir Eckewart replied; "Yet much, I own, it grieves me that to the Huns you ride. You took the life of Siegfried, all hate you deadly here; As your true friend I warn you; watch well, and wisely fear."

LI

"Now God watch well and ward us," Hagan gave answer back; "No care have these good warriors, save for what now they lack, Fit and convenient quarters; fain would we learn aright Where we, both kings and subjects, may hope to lodge to-night.

LII

"Our steeds by this long journey are ruin'd past a doubt," Said the bold warrior Hagan, "our stores are all run out; Naught's to be had for money; we need (or else we're sped), Some host, who of his goodness to-night would give us bread."

LIII

Straight Eckewart made answer, "I'll show you such a host, That scarcely could a better be found in any coast, Than he, who here, assure ye, your coming fain will greet, If you be pleas'd, bold strangers, Sir Rudeger to meet.

LIV

"He dwells fast by the highway, and never yet on earth Was there a host more liberal; his heart gives virtues birth, As meadows grass and flowerets in the sweet month of May, To do good knights good service he waxes blithe and gay."

LV

Straight answer'd then King Gunther, "Will you a message take, So ask my dear friend Rudeger, if he will for my sake Me and my kinsmen shelter and all this numerous clan? To serve him ever after I'll do the best I can."

LVI

"Fain will I do your bidding," Eckewart replied. With good will off he started; well his spurs he plied, And what he brought to Rudeger he told without delay. To him no such glad tidings had come for many a day.

LVII

A knight toward Bechlaren spurr'd fast as fast might be; Rudeger himself discerned him; "On yonder road," said he, "'Tis Kriemhild's liegeman Eckewart, that rides so hot a pace." He thought his foes had harm'd him, and held him still in chase.

LVIII

To the gate he hurried; the knight there saw he stand, Who straight his sword ungirded, and laid it from his hand. The news that he brought with him he car'd not to withhold From the host and those about him, but straight his story told.

LIX He thus bespake the margrave, "A message you I bring From my good master Gunther, the stout Burgundian king, And Giselher his brother and noble Gernot too; Every one of the warriors sends you his service true.

LX

"The same does also Hagan and Folker bold, as well, With firm entire devotion, and I beside must tell What from the king's marshal I have too in command, That need have the good yeomen of lodging at your hand."

LXI

Merrily laugh'd Sir Rudeger as thus he made reply, "I joy to hear these tidings, that kings so great and high Deign to request my service; my zeal they soon shall see; If they my dwelling enter, right happy shall I be."

LXII

"Dankwart the marshal also by me the number sends Of those, who seek your homestead with your Burgundian friends; Sixty nimble champions, good knights a thousand too, And yeomen full nine thousand." Right glad the margrave grew.

LXIII

"In truth I shall be happy," said noble Rudeger, "To see guests of such worship in my poor dwelling here, To whom I have but rarely yet render'd service due. Now ride ye forth to meet them, good friends and kinsmen true."

LXIV

With that in haste they mounted: forth flew squire and knight, Whate'er their lord commanded, that pass'd with all for right; The better thus their duties they did when need requir'd. Yet nothing knew Dame Gotelind, who sat in power retir'd.

TWENTY-SEVENTH ADVENTURE

RUDEGER'S HOSPITALITY

I

There lingered not the margrave, but straight the ladies sought, His wife and his fair daughter, and what good news he brought, By Eckewart deliver'd, told with exulting glee, How their good lady's brethren their guests were soon to be.

II

"My dearest love and lady," his tale he thus 'gan tell, "The noble kings approaching receive, as fits them, well, Since hither they are passing to court with all their clan; Accord, too, like fair greeting to Hagan, Gunther's man.

III

"With them besides on duty comes one that Dankwart hight; And yet a third call'd Folker, a well-train'd courtly knight. These six must you, Dame Gotelind, and you, fair daughter, kiss. Nor at your hands let any of fitting kindness miss."

IV

That promis'd straight the ladies, and ready all things made. Large store of goodly raiment forth from the chests they laid, That they such noble warriors might meet in fit array; Many a lovely lady bestirr'd herself that day.

V

How little spurious colors on their fresh cheeks were found! Far-glittering golden fillets about their heads they wound, And in such gorgeous bondage confin'd their radiant hair, Lest the light frolic breezes should work disorder there.

VI

So let us leave the ladies in no unpleasing toil. Meanwhile the friends of Rudeger swift scour'd the sounding soil, Till, where they found the princes, they made a sudden stand. The guests were warmly welcom'd to the good margrave's land.

VII

When to his home the margrave saw the Burgundians come, Exulting thus bespoke he the strangers all and some, "Welcome, ye lords! right welcome, you and your vassals too. Here in my land full gladly I see such friends as you."

VIII

The brethren to his greeting their stately heads inclin'd, To the loving love returning, and kindness to the kind. Apart he greeted Hagan, whom he had known of old; The same did he to Folker the minstrel blithe and bold.

IX

Last welcom'd he Sir Dankwart, who thus his host bespake, "Since you will give us shelter, pray who in charge will take The train we have brought hither, all in such weary plight?" Then answer'd him the margrave, "Well will you rest to-night.

X

"My people shall keep safely all you have hither brought, Silver and steeds and raiment; you need not think of aught. Be sure, I'll take such order, that loss shall none occur. You'll not miss all among you as much as half a spur.

XI

"So pitch your tents, ye yeomen, in the field apace; Whatever here is missing, I'll willingly replace; Off with bit and saddle--turn loose your weary steeds." Such a host had rarely supplied the wanderer's needs.

XII

Well pleased were the Burgundians; when all was brought to pass, The lords rode on together; the yeomen on the grass Laid them down in clusters; there to repose they fell; I ween, in all their journey they ne'er had far'd so well.

XIII

And now from forth the castle the noble margravine Had gone with her fair daughter; beside them there was seen Many a lovely lady, and many a smiling maid, All deck'd with store of bracelets, and in bright robes array'd.

XIV

Precious stones were sparkling ever and anon About their gorgeous raiment; themselves yet brighter shone. Thither rode up the strangers and lighted instantly. Ah! what high bearing had they, those chiefs of Burgundy!

XV

Six and thirty maidens and thereto many a dame, Each fair as wish could sigh for, or busy fancy fame, Stepp'd forth to greet the strangers with warriors many a one; Their task by those high ladies with comely grace was done.

XVI

The margravine went forward, and kiss'd the kings all three; The like too did her daughter; Hagan, the next was he. Her father bade her kiss him; a glance on him she cast, And thought he look'd so dreadful, that him she fain had pass'd.

XVII

At length perforce she did it, since so her father said, Yet could not but change color, now waxing white, now red. She kiss'd, too, noble Dankwart, and Folker last in place. For his strength and valor the minstrel gain'd such grace.

XVIII

This done, with gentle gesture the damsel meek and mild By the hand, yet trembling, took Giselher the child, Her mother took King Gunther, the bold Burgundian lord. So with the knights the ladies mov'd thence in blithe accord.

XIX

The host went with Sir Gernot into a spacious hall; There both chiefs and ladies down sat together all. Straight to his guests the margrave bade hand good wine around. Better entertainment knights yet never found.

XX

There many a longing eye-glance from all sides might you see Bent on the margrave's daughter, so fresh and fair was she. Many a good knight was breathing for her the secret sigh; In truth she well deserv'd it; her thoughts were pure and high.

XXI

They mus'd just as it pleas'd them, yet naught could thence befall. Alike meanwhile were glances cast by the knights in hall On other dames and damsels, whereof there sat good store. Soon show'd the noble minstrel what love the host he bore.

XXII

And now at last they sever'd, as custom there requir'd; Ladies and knights, as fitted, to separate rooms retir'd. In the broad hall the tables in order straight were set; There soon the noble strangers all lordly service met.

XXIII

To grace her guests, at table the noble hostess kind Took place, but left her daughter, as fitted best, behind Among her blooming maidens, with whom retir'd she sat. The guests, who joy'd to see her, were little pleas'd with that.

XXIV

With meats and drinks abundant their fill had feasted all; Then back the lovely ladies were usher'd to the hall; Nor comely mirth there wanted, nor merriment, nor jest. The gentle knight Sir Folker there shone above the rest.

XXV

Then out spake to Sir Rudeger that minstrel bold and true, "High and puissant margrave, God sure has dealt with you As one whom most He favors, since he so fair a wife Has given you for a helpmate, and bless'd with joy your life.

XXVI

"If I were a monarch and if a crown I wore," Said the good knight, "no maiden should be my queen before Your fair and gentle daughter; my heart's desire I tell; Lovely is she to look on, high-born and nurtur'd well."

XXVII

Then spake the noble margrave, "What chance could ever bring To woo my child beloved a proud and puissant king? My wife and I are exiles, both worn with age and care, And can give her nothing; what boots then all her fair?"

XXVIII

Thereat the courteous Gernot took up the word and spake, "If I desir'd a helpmate after my heart to take None would I ask more gladly than this same modest maid." Thereupon Sir Hagan in courtly fashion said,

XXIX

"Now fits it my lord Giselher to take a bride, I ween, And sure so high-descended is the young margravine, That I and all his vassals would do her homage fain, If crown'd we were to see her in our Burgundian reign."

XXX

Well pleas'd was good Sir Rudeger Sir Hagan's words to hear, So, too, was Lady Gotelind; right joyous was her cheer. Soon so the chiefs contriv'd it, that Giselher, nothing loth, To wife took the fair maiden, as well beseem'd them both.

XXXI

When once a thing is settled, who further can gainsay? Forthwith they bade the damsel to court to take her way. Then for his wife to give him the lovely maid they swore, Then he too vow'd to cherish and love her evermore.

XXXII

Next dower'd was the fair maiden with castles and with land; With an oath assurance was giv'n by Gunther's hand, As well as by Lord Gernot's, that so it should be done. Then said the noble margrave, "Since castles I have none,

XXXIII

"With you will I forever a faithful friendship hold; A hundred sumpters' burden of silver and of gold (No unbefitting portion) I'll give the gentle bride, So that the bridegroom's warriors may well be satisfied."

XXXIV

Then had the bride and bridegroom within a ring to stand, For such was then the custom; a merry stripling band Encircled the fair couple, and gaz'd on them their fill, And thought the while as idly as think young people still.

XXXV

Now when was ask'd the damsel in homely phrase and plain, If she would have the warrior, she felt a moment's pain; Not that she was unwilling to take the stately one; She blush'd but at the question, as many a maid has done.

XXXVI

Her father Rudeger told her at once to answer, "Yes," And that she fain would take him. In a trice with tenderness Young Giselher around her, the shrinking and the coy, Lock'd his white hands together; alas! how fleeting was their joy!

XXXVII

Then spake again the margrave, "Ye rich and noble kings, When you, as is the custom, after your revellings Return by us to Rhineland, I'll give my child to you, To take her in your party." They promis'd so to do.

XXXVIII

The merry sound of revel was hush'd perforce at last. With mincing step the maidens forth to their chambers pass'd, And eke in rest the strangers slept on till break of day. Then the first meal was ready; none better far'd than they.

XXXIX

Their fast they scarce had broken, when they at once would start For the realm of Hungary; "You must not thus depart," Said the good host Sir Rudeger; "awhile here tarry yet, Such guests and so beloved but seldom have I met."

XL

"That must not be," said Dankwart, "your ruin you design, Where can you find provisions, bread as well as wine, If day by day an army is eating up your store?" Soon as the host had heard him, he said, "Talk thus no more.

XLI

"Nay, thus to refuse me, my dear lords, do not think; For fourteen days together I'll find you meat and drink, You and all those about you, your well-appointed train. Full little of my substance has yet King Etzel ta'en."

XLII

Whate'er excuse they offer'd, there perforce they stay'd Feasting till the fourth morning; then well their host display'd His far-renowned bounty, and to his parting guests Gave without stint for presents proud steeds and gorgeous vests.

XLIII

This now could last no longer; thence must they forward fare. Little his custom'd bounty did then the margrave spare. All then was had for asking; that morn denied was none; All kindness and all honor to every guest was done.

XLIV

And now their noble meiny brought up before the gate Store of good chargers saddled; thither to swell their state Flock'd troops of foreign champions, all bearing shield in hand, All with the Rhenish brethren bound to King Etzel's land.

XLV

The noble host in plenty proffer'd his gifts to all Before the noble strangers came outside the hall. With open hand liv'd Rudeger, stout heart, and honor clear; He now his lovely daughter had given to Giselher.

XLVI

Then gave he valiant Gernot a sword full sharp and bright, Which soon the bold Burgundian bore manfully in fight. That so her husband gave it, well pleased the margrave's wife. Alas! the fatal present cost Rudeger his life.

XLVII

Then to the great King Gunther he gave from out his store A mailcoat, that with honor the sturdy champion wore. But seldom could the monarch to take a present brook, Yet at the hand of Rudeger this with warm thanks he took.

XLVIII

Then Gotelind, as was fitting, offer'd with fair accord A parting gift to Hagan, that, like the king his lord, He, too, not empty-handed, to Etzel court might ride, But he declin'd the present, and to the dame replied,

XLIX

"I ne'er saw ought, fair lady, however rich and rare, That it would more content me hence as my own to bear, Than yonder well-form'd buckler that hangs on yonder wall. To take that shield to Hungary would please me most of all."

L

Soon as the Lady Gotelind heard Hagan's accents deep, They brought to mind her sorrow; she could not choose but weep. Then thought she on bold Nudung, by mightier Wittich slain, And to her wounded bosom the smart return'd again.

LI

Thus she bespake Sir Hagan, "That shield I freely give, And would to God the warrior among us still did live, Who bore it erst in battle; dead on the field he lay; Him must I weep for ever, mourning my life away."

LII

Then from her seat she totter'd; her limbs with anguish shook; The shield of her lamented in her white hands she took, And carried it to Hagan; he grasp'd the gift she gave, Giv'n and receiv'd in honor, and fitting well the brave.

LIII

A veil of glittering samite its varied hues conceal'd; Never had the daylight shone on a better shield. With precious stones far-beaming 'twas richly deck'd all o'er. It could not have been purchas'd for a thousand marks or more.

LIV

So by command of Hagan the shield away was ta'en. Then came to court Sir Dankwart among the parting train. To him gave Rudeger's daughter robes richly broider'd o'er, Which 'midst the Huns thereafter in joyous mood he wore.

LV