Part 21

Of all the gifts that morning bestow'd on every guest, Not one by those Burgundians had ever been possess'd, But by the margrave's bounty, which so by proof they knew. Soon they became such foemen, that they the giver slew.

LVI

And now the valiant Folker with high-bred courtly grace Stepp'd forth before Dame Gotelind, and, standing there in place, His sweetest tones attemper'd and sang his choicest lay, Ere he from Bechlaren took leave and went his way.

LVII

With that the gentle hostess bade bring a casket near (Of friendly gifts and bounty and kindness you must hear); From this she took twelve bracelets, and drew them o'er his hand; "These you must take, and with you bear hence to Etzel's land,

LVIII

"And for the sake of Gotelind the same at court must wear, That I may learn, when hither again you all repair, What service you have done me in yon assembly bright." The lady's wish thereafter full well perform'd the knight.

LIX

Then the noble margrave his parting guests bespake, "That you may ride the safer, myself the charge will take To guide you, lest from robbers you suffer by the road." With that upon his sumpters in haste was laid their load.

LX

The host he soon was ready with full five hundred men Well horsed and well apparell'd; them led he merrily then To the proud feast of Etzel, and they him follow'd fain; Not one of them came living to Bechlaren back again.

LXI

The host from home departed with many a loving kiss: The like did also Giselher; his honor counsell'd this. Each to his beating bosom his trembling lady press'd. That parting planted sorrow in many a virgin breast.

LXII

All windows in Bechlaren now flew open wide. Straight would to horse the margrave, and with his warriors ride I ween, their hearts that moment their coming doom forbode. Many a dame and many a damsel loud sobb'd as forth they rode.

LXIII

E'en for their best beloved in heart they sorrow'd sore, For those, whom at Bechlaren they were to see no more. Yet merrily the champions prick'd along the strand Downward beside the Danube to reach the Hunnish land.

LXIV

Then thus to the Burgundians out spake the stately knight. "Rudeger the noble, methinks, it were but right We should announce we're coming e'en now to Hunnish ground; More pleasantly no tidings in Etzel's ear will sound."

LXV

Straight adown through Austria he bade a courier ride; At once among the people 'twas publish'd far and wide, That coming were the heroes from Worms beyond the Rhine. Right glad were Etzel's vassals, and those of Etzel's line.

LXVI

With the news the couriers forth gallop'd hastily, That the Nibelungers were now in Hungary. "Well should'st thou receive them, Kriemhild, lady mine! They come to do thee honor, these brethren dear of thine."

LXVII

Dame Kriemhild at a window was standing there to view; She look'd out for her kinsmen as friend for friends will do. From her native country saw she many a man. The king too heard the tidings and for joy to laugh began.

LXVIII

"Now I at last am happy," exclaim'd th' exulting queen; "Hither are come my kinsmen with many a mailcoat sheen, And many a new-made buckler; who would for gold endeavor, Let him my wrongs remember, and I'll befriend him ever.

LXIX

"Yes! I will so contrive it, to take revenge for all At this same feast of Etzel's (whatever thereafter fall) On his abhorred body, who so the traitor play'd, And all my joy so blasted.--I shall be now repaid."

TWENTY-EIGHTH ADVENTURE

HOW KRIEMHILD RECEIVED HAGAN

I

When now the bold Burgundians had come into the land, He of Bern soon heard it, the aged Hildebrand; He told his lord the tidings; sore griev'd it the good knight; He begged him the stout strangers receive as best they might.

II

Straight to bring up the horses quick Wolfhart order gave; Then forward prick'd with Dietrich full many a champion brave. Thence to the field to greet them; as friends to friends they went. There had they pitch'd all ready full many a gorgeous tent.

III

Them riding thus at distance soon as Sir Hagan spied, Thus he his courteous counsel unto his lords applied. "Now every one, ye warriors, down instant from his seat, And these, who'd bid you welcome, go forth yourselves to meet.

IV

"Well know I yon bright meiny, whom here we have at hand; They are the choicest warriors; of th' Amelungers' land. The Lord of Bern rides foremost; high-mettled chiefs are they, So scorn not what fair service they proffer you to-day."

V

Then down from horse alighted, as fitting was and right, With the redoubted Dietrich many a good squire and knight. All to the noble strangers went forward hastily, And courteously saluted the lords of Burgundy.

VI

Soon as discern'd Sir Dietrich how they to meet him came, Now you would hear full gladly what words that chief of fame Spoke to the sons of Uta; their journey griev'd him sore; The truth, he thought, Sir Rudeger had known and told before.

VII

"Welcome, ye lords, right welcome, Gunther and Gernot true, And Giselher and Hagan, the like to Folker too, And ever-ready Dankwart. Do you not understand That Kriemhild still mourns deeply the Chief of Niblungland?"

VIII

"Why, she will weep forever," Sir Hagan made reply, "'Tis many a year, Sir Dietrich, since he was done to die. She now has got King Etzel; of love she cannot lack; Siegfried is dead and buried, and never can come back."

IX

"Just now let us, I prithee, leave Siegfried's wounds alone," The Lord of Bern, Sir Dietrich, replied in earnest tone, "As long as lives Dame Kriemhild there's fear of mortal ill. Trust of the Nibelungers! watch and be wary still."

X

"Why watch, and why be wary?" the lofty king replied. "Etzel sent us envoys (what should I ask beside?) To say, that with our visit he would be well content; And by them many a message my sister Kriemhild sent."

XI

"To my advice," said Hagan, "I pray you, now give ear. Entreat our friend Sir Dietrich and his good warriors here, Of their suspicious tidings the utmost scope to show, That we may come more fully Dame Kriemhild's mind to know."

XII

Then the three kings, retiring, to separate converse drew, Gunther and Gernot and good Sir Dietrich, too. "Now tell us, we beseech thee, right noble Knight of Bern, How thou hast been able Queen Kriemhild's mind to learn."

XIII

The Lord of Bern thus answer'd, "What have I now to say? I hear the wife of Etzel every break of day To the great God of heaven sob out her dreary tale, And for the loss of Siegfried yet ever weep and wail."

XIV

"What's done can ne'er be undone," spoke out the minstrel bold, The death-defying Folker, "for all we've just been told. So to court let's onward, and manfully abide Whate'er may us stout champions among the Huns betide."

XV

So the bold Burgundians to court thence took their way After their country's fashion in pomp and proud array. Many a stout knight of Hungary among the gazers came To look on Tronian Hagan, and mark his warrior frame.

XVI

Of him among the courtiers were rumors not a few, That he it was who Siegfried, the Netherlander, slew, The strongest of all champions, Dame Kriemhild's husband bold. Hence much was there among them of Hagan ask'd and told.

XVII

Well grown and well compacted was that redoubted guest; Long were his legs and sinewy, and deep and broad his chest. His hair, that once was sable, with gray was dash'd of late, And terrible his visage, and lordly was his gait.

XVIII

And now the bold Burgundians with shelter were supplied. The knights were lodg'd together, the rest were sunder'd wide. Through Kriemhild's hate to Gunther was plann'd this subtle train, That easier in their quarters the yeomen might be slain.

XIX

Dankwart was the marshal, Hagan's brother brave; The charge of the stout yeomen to him King Gunther gave, That all might well be tended, and each might have his fill. The Chief of the Burgundians bore all his train good will.

XX

Kriemhild the lovely with all her meiny went, Where she the Nibelungers receiv'd with false intent. She took her brother Giselher and took him by the hand. That seeing drew Sir Hagan more tight his helmet's band.

XXI

"Sure after such a welcome," thus Hagan sternly spake, "Methinks for men of action 'twere fitting, thought to take. Greeting kings and subjects in such a different guise!-- I fear our journey hither will hardly pass for wise."

XXII

"To those who fain would see you," said Kriemhild, "welcome be; Look not for friendly greeting for your own sake from me. But tell me what you've brought me from Worms beyond the Rhine, That you so warm a welcome should find from me or mine."

XXIII

"Why these words, my lady?" said Hagan, "what's their drift? That all these knights from Rhineland should bring you each a gift? I knew you were so wealthy, and liv'd so royally, I need not bring you presents as far as Hungary.

XXIV

"Then with this one plain question your memory I must goad. The Nibelungers' treasure--where have you that bestow'd? That was my own possession as well you understand. 'Twas that you should have brought me hither to Etzel's land."

XXV "I' faith, my lady Kriemhild, 'tis now full many a day Since in my power the treasure of the Nibelungers lay. In the Rhine my lords bade sink it; I did their bidding fain, And in the Rhine, I warrant, till doomsday 'twill remain."

XXVI

Then thus the queen made answer, "That was just what I thought. Little of it, ay, little have you hither brought, Though 'twas my own, unquestion'd to keep or give away. I've had for it much sorrow and many a dreary day."

XXVII

"The devil a hoard I bring you," said Hagan, the stern knight; "I've quite enough to carry in my mailcoat bright And in my trusty buckler; my hand must wield the sword, My head support the helmet;--how could I bring your hoard?"

XXVIII

"Think not I stir this matter because for gold I care; To give have I such plenty, your gifts I well can spare. One murder and two robberies! I have been beggar'd thrice For these to the last farthing poor I demand the price."

XXIX

Then the Queen of Hungary bespake the warriors all; "No weapons may be carried, ye knights, into the hall. I'll have them kept in safety, so give them up to me." "In truth," replied Sir Hagan, "that shall never be.

XXX

"I long not for the honor that a queen so great and fair My shield and other armor should to my quarters bear. Not so my father taught me; ever of old said he, Let none but thou, son Hagan, thy armor-bearer be."

XXXI

"Oh! woe is me unhappy," burst Dame Kriemhild out, "My brethren here and Hagan, why should they shrink and doubt? Not trust me with their bucklers?--they have been warn'd, I see; If I but knew who did it, death should be his fee."

XXXII

Thereto, inflam'd with anger, return'd Sir Dietrich brave, "'Twas I that the warning to the noble princes gave, And to their liegeman Hagan, to whom such hate thou bear'st. Now up, she-fiend! be doing, and harm me if thou dar'st!"

XXXIII

Deep blush'd the wife of Etzel for anger and for shame; Much she fear'd Sir Dietrich, that vengeance-breathing dame; Nor word she spake, but, turning, with many a sharp, quick glance Ever as thence she parted glared on her foes askance.

XXXIV

Then two clasp'd hands as frankly as brother does with brother; The one was good Sir Dietrich, Sir Hagan was the other. Then spoke the lofty Berner with courteous words and true; "In sooth your coming hither right bitterly I rue,

XXXV

"Through that which with such malice the vengeful queen let fall." Straight answered he of Trony, "'Faith, there's a cure for all." Such words unto his fellow spoke either mighty man. King Etzel had observ'd them, and thus to ask began.

XXXVI

"Fain would I learn," said Etzel, "if any here can tell, Who is that champion yonder, whom Dietrich greets so well. He is a man of mettle as I can guess by sight; Whoever is his father, sure he's a peerless knight."

XXXVII

Then spake a man of Kriemhild's, "I'll tell you all I can. That knight was born at Trony, his sire was Aldrian. Though now he plays the courtier, he is a champion stern. That I've not lied unto you, Sir King, you soon may learn."

XXXVIII

"That he's so stern a champion, how can I ever see?" Of all the craft and cunning nothing yet knew he, Wherewith about her kinsmen the queen her toils had wound, That not a soul among them came back from Hunnish ground.

XXXIX

"Well knew I once good Aldrian; my man was he of yore. With me much praise and honor obtain'd he heretofore; 'Twas I, a knight who dubb'd him, and gave him of my gold. I could not but befriend him for true was he and bold.

XL

"So all that touches Hagan, I've known for many a year. Of old two noble children my hostages were here, He and the Spaniard Walter; here each grew up to man. At last I sent home Hagan; Walter off with Hildgund ran."

XLI

So thought the king with pleasure on what had happ'd of yore. His former friend of Trony he gladly saw once more, Who with high deeds of knighthood in youth had serv'd his ends, But in age spread wide destruction among his dearest friends.

TWENTY-NINTH ADVENTURE

HOW HAGAN REFUSED TO RISE TO KRIEMHILD

I

Then parted the bold couple, both hardy knights and stern, Hagan the chief of Trony, and Dietrich lord of Bern. Then, looking o'er his shoulder, King Gunther's liegeman eyed The crowd to find a comrade, whom in a trice he spied.

II

Folker, the skilful minstrel, he saw by Giselher stand, And pray'd him to come with him apart from all the band, For well he knew his fierceness and danger-daring mood. He was a knight in all things of dauntless hardihood.

III

They left the lords assembled where in the court they stood; Alone retir'd this couple of hardy knights and good, And cross'd the court far distant, and reach'd a palace fair. Of hostile spite or outrage naught reck'd the peerless pair.

IV

Before the house down sat they upon a bench hard by, Facing a hall of Kriemhild's; a fairer ne'er met eye. Bright from their stately persons their glittering armor shone. Each knight would fain have known them of all who there look'd on.

V

As on wild beasts, grim rangers of wood or dreary wold, The whispering Huns at distance gaz'd on the champions bold. Queen Kriemhild from a window espied them thus apart, And a frown o'ercast her beauty, and passion shook her heart.

VI

She thought on all her sorrows, and straight began to weep. There many a man of Etzel's stood lost in wonder deep. All ask'd, what so disturb'd her, and chang'd her cheer anew. "Hagan," she answer'd, "Hagan, ye warriors bold and true!"

VII

Thus they bespake their lady, "How can this have been? But now we saw you merry and blithe of mood, fair queen. How bold soe'er the warrior who has wrong'd King Etzel's wife, Give but the word of vengeance and cost shall it his life."

VIII

"Thanks, warriors, thanks for ever! on him who wreaks my woe, All that he can ask for straight will I bestow. At your feet I throw me," sobbing thus she spake, "Revenge me on this Hagan, and slay him for my sake."

IX

Straight ready made for mischief sixty men of might; Instant would they have hasten'd in fair Kriemhild's right To take the life of Hagan, that redoubted one, And of the fearless gleeman; with forethought all was done.

X

But when the queen survey'd them, and found the band so few, Thus she, amidst her fury, bespake her friends anew. "Be still awhile, ye warriors! your martial mood restrain; Ne'er can a troop so scanty stern Hagan's might sustain.

XI

"Strong is the Knight of Trony, and oft in battle tried, But stronger yet the warrior who sits him there beside, Folker, the valiant gleeman; he is a dangerous man. Attack them not so rashly; first muster all you can."

XII

They hearken'd to her warning; then many more came on, Till round her knights four hundred in burnish'd armor shone. The furious queen was longing her rage on both to sate; Thence came the chiefs soon after to stand in deadly strait.

XIII

When so she saw her meiny each in his harness stand, Thus she sternly smiling bespake th' impatient band. "Wait yet, my friends, a moment, ere with yon pair you close; My crown upon my temples will I confront my foes.

XIV

"First hear, and from the doer, whose hand my heart has torn, The wrongs, that I from Hagan, my brother's man, have borne, I know him for so haughty, that out he'll speak them all; And I too care as little what thence on him may fall."

XV

When that redoubted minstrel, who kept good watch, I ween, Descending swift a staircase beheld the noble queen, And thence beyond the threshold--when he this espied In a trice bespake he his comrade by his side.

XVI

"Look there! look there! friend Hagan! how hither there she hies, Who to this land has drawn us with friendly seeming lies! Queen yet saw I never begirt with such a band, Each marching as to battle with naked sword in hand.

XVII

"Know you that here, friend Hagan, you're hated bitterly? So keep you all the better from force or treachery; Look to your life and honor; this is what I advise; They're coming on in anger if rightly I surmise.

XVIII

"And many there are among them so broad across the chest-- If we are to defend us, 'tis time to do our best. Each about his body a shining mailcoat wears, But whom therewith they threaten, not a tongue declares."

XIX

Thereto in wrath Sir Hagan gave answer stern and proud, "Well know I wherefore musters yon armor-bearing crowd; 'Gainst me they gird the hauberk and wave the sword on high, Yet back again to Rhineland in spite of them will I.

XX

"Tell me now, friend Folker, will you stand me by, If these men of Kriemhild's would my mettle try? Show me, if you love me, faithful friend and true! And when you need my service I'll do as much for you."

XXI

"To death will I stand by you," the minstrel answer made, "Though came the king against us with all his knights to aid. As long as life is in me, to fight I will not slack, Nor from your side for terror one foot will I give back."

XXII

"Now God in heaven requite you, good friend in danger tried! Let them come on, and welcome; what can I need beside! If Folker is my second, as I rejoice to hear. Yon knights, methinks, will ponder before they venture near."

XXIII

"To rise would now become us," the gleeman straight replied, "She is a king's companion, and nobly born beside. As a queen and a lady, such honor is her due. By fitly doing honor we both shall gain it too."

XXIV

"Nay, as you love me, Folker," said Hagan, "do not so. Were we to rise an instant in face of yonder foe, They'd fancy we were flinching, and that through fear 'twere done. Here will I sit before them, and rise will I for none.

XXV

"Sure it becomes us better here as we are to wait. How can I ever honor who bears me deadly hate? That will I do never as long as I have life. I care not, I, a tittle for the wrath of Etzel's wife."

XXVI

Across his legs his broadsword o'erweening Hagan laid, A keen well-temper'd weapon; on the pummel fair display'd A beaming precious jasper, greener than grass, it bore. At a glance did Kriemhild know it for that which Siegfried wore.

XXVII

At the sight she started; nigh her senses fled; Golden was the handle, the scabbard trimm'd with red; It brought back all her sorrow; her tears began to flow. For that, I ween, had Hagan laid out the weapon so.

XXVIII

On the bench beside him Folker the swift and strong A fiddlestick grasp'd closer, massy and broad and long, As sharp as any razor, much like a battle-blade. There sat the lofty couple unmov'd and undismay'd.

XXIX

So proud they felt together that pair of champions bold, That rise would they never for one of mortal mould. Straight up to them went Kriemhild, scarce deigning to bestow The stern contemptuous greeting that foe accords to foe.

XXX

Said she, "Now say, Sir Hagan, who has sent for you, That you have dar'd hither to come with yonder crew? And yet you must remember all you have done to me. Had you been in your senses, you'd sure have let it be."

XXXI

"'Tis true," straight answer'd Hagan, "no one sent for me. To this land were invited royal brethren three; My lords are those three brethren, and their man am I, And courts they seldom visit but Hagan must be by."

XXXII

Said she, "Now tell me further, why did you that ill deed, That my undying hatred has won you, fitting meed? 'Twas you that did Sir Siegfried, my noble husband, slay, For whom must I for ever weep to my dying day."

XXXIII

Said he, "Why question further? That were a waste of breath. In a word, I am e'en Hagan, who Siegfried did to death. How dearly paid the warrior, the best good knights among, For all fair Brunhild suffer'd from Lady Kriemhild's tongue!

XXXIV

"What I have done, proud princess, I never will deny. The cause of all the mischief, the wrong, the loss, am I. So now, or man, or woman, revenge it who so will; I scorn to speak a falsehood, I've done you grievous ill."

XXXV

Said she, "You hear it, warriors, how he confesses all, All the wrong he did me; what thence may him befall, To me it nothing matters, ye knights, King Etzel's best!" The haughty Huns stood doubting, and each look'd on the rest.

XXXVI

Whate'er had then befallen, had once the strife begun, Sure had those two companions the palm of knighthood won; Well had they prov'd their valor in many a field before. The Huns their high adventure perforce through fear gave o'er.

XXXVII

Thus spake one of the warriors, "Why look ye so on me? From this foolish promise at once I'll set me free. No gifts shall ever move me to lose my precious life. The queen misleads us merely; trust not King Etzel's wife."

XXXVIII

"Ay, friend!" rejoin'd another, "I'm in the self-same case; Yonder large-lim'b minstrel never would I face, No, not if one would give me whole towers of good red gold. Mark his sharp, quick glances; he's wary as he's bold.

XXXIX

"Well know I, too, Sir Hagan, e'en from his youthful days, And so can well give credence when others speak his praise. In two and twenty battles I've seen him sway the strife; That arm of his, believe me, has widow'd many a wife.

XL

"He and the valiant Spaniard many an adventure sought While here they dwelt with Etzel, and many a battle fought To the king's boot and glory; full oft they prov'd their might; All tongues must so much honor yield Hagan as his right.

XLI

"Yet then the hardy warrior in years was but a child; Now are they grave and grizzled who then were raw and wild. Now is he proved in counsel, a champion stern and strong, And eke wears trusty Balmung, which erst he gain'd by wrong."

XLII

Thus 'twas at once decided, and struck was not a blow. Sore irk'd it angry Kriemhild; her heart was wrung with woe. Thence back the knights departed, each fearing to be sped By that redoubted couple; good cause had they for dread.

XLIII