Part 22

Then spoke the valiant gleeman, "We now have seen too clear, As we were told by Dietrich, that foes beset us here. Best to court hence hurry, and with the kings unite; Then none against our masters will dare provoke the fight."

XLIV

How oft does the faint waverer let slip the lucky hour, While friend by friend firm standing confronts the deadliest store. Be they but bold and ready! no charm 'gainst sword and dart Like that which smith ne'er temper'd, wise head and fearless heart.

XLV

"Lead on then," answer'd Hagan, "I'll follow close behind." They went, where yet the warriors they were in time to find In the court still waiting, girt by a glittering crowd. Thereat the dauntless Folker cried to his lords aloud,

XLVI

"Noble Burgundian princes! how long here will you stay In all this crowd and pressure? better to court away, And learn the mind of Etzel from his own proper tongue." Then each chose his companion the well-prov'd knights among.

XLVII

The Prince of Bern, Sir Dietrich, took friendly by the hand Gunther the puissant ruler of Burgundy's fair land, Irnfried went pair'd with Gernot the knight devoid of fear, And to court strode Rudeger with youthful Giselher.

XLVIII

Howe'er the rest were coupled, as mov'd to court the train, Folker and Hagan they parted ne'er again, Save in one mortal struggle, e'en to their dying hour. That strife high dames lamented each in her widow'd bower.

XLIX

So on to court mov'd slowly the kings in royal state, Their train a thousand nobles proud on such lords to wait; With them were sixty champions, the flower of all contest, Whom in his land Sir Hagan had chosen for the best.

L

Hawart and Iring, of knighthood each the pride, With the royal brethren mov'd softly side by side; Dankwart and Wolfhart, a valiant hardy knight, Display'd their courteous bearing in each beholder's sight.

LI

Soon as the Lord of Rhineland had come within the door, The mighty monarch Etzel could keep his seat no more. At the first glimpse of Gunther up you might see him spring, And welcome him as warmly as king did ever king.

LII

"Sir Gunther, welcome hither! welcome Sir Gernot too, And your fair brother Giselher; my faithful service true I sent you, as befitted, to Worms beyond the Rhine. Your friends, too, all are welcome alike to me and mine.

LIII

"And you, bold pair, trice welcome, whom I together view, Danger-defying Folker, and peerless Hagan too, To me and to my lady; she'll see you nothing loath. She many a friendly message to Rhine has sent for both."

LIV

Then said the Knight of Trony, "Such oft have reach'd my ear And, had I not come hither to serve my lieges dear, I fain, to do you honor, had ridd'n into this land." His guests then noble Etzel took friendly by the hand.

LV

Straight to the seat he led them where he had just been sitting; Then to the guests were handed with grave and zeal befitting Mead, morat, wine, successive, in golden goblets bright, And each the noble strangers welcom'd as best he might.

LVI

Then thus resum'd King Etzel, "I will confess to all, That in this world could nothing so to my wish befall As your arrival hither; besides, this happy day Has to my queen giv'n comfort, and charm'd her griefs away.

LVII

"Before, I own, I wonder'd what wrong I could have wrought, That, while in crowds my table guests of high lineage sought, You ne'er had ridden hither, as though from some annoy, But now that here I see you my wonder's lost in joy."

LVIII

The lofty-minded Rudeger thereto this answer gave, "Well may you joy to see them; they're good and true as brave. The kinsmen of my lady all honor's lore are taught; They many a stately warrior have to your dwelling brought."

LIX

'Twas an eve of fair midsummer when the lords of Rhineland came To the court of mighty Etzel, and seldom chiefs of fame Met so warm a welcome as was on these bestow'd. 'Twas now the hour of revel: the king with them to table strode.

LX

Host with guest together ne'er merrier took his seat. They gave them in abundance alike of drink and meat. Whate'er they wish'd or fancied was brought in plenteous store. Great wonders of the warriors had oft been told before.

LXI

Etzel, the mighty monarch, had on th' Hungarian soil Uprais'd a spacious fabric with mickle cost and toil, Palaces and turrets within a fortress wide, And chambers without number, and a splendid hall beside.

LXII

Long, high and wide had Etzel uprear'd this gorgeous frame, For that to him such numbers of trooping champions came; Beside his other courtiers, twelve kings that sceptres bore; And crowds of worthy warriors had he at all times more

LXIII

Than king had e'er assembled, as I for truth have found. He lived in mirth and honor with his kin and men around. The shouting and the pressing of knights from far and wide Had the good prince ever about him; he thus the world defied.

THIRTIETH ADVENTURE

HOW THE KNIGHTS KEPT WATCH

I

The day it now was ended, the night was near at hand; Deep care was now besetting the travel-tainted band, When they should take their slumber; for rest they sorely yearn'd. That question put Sir Hagan, and answer soon return'd.

II

To th' host thus spake King Gunther, "God grant, you long may live! Fain would we now repose us; such leave, I pray you, give. If so you wish, to-morrow we'll come at break of day." The host dismiss'd them gladly, and all went each his way.

III

Sore throng'd were then the strangers, such crowds to see them ran; Thereat the valiant Folker thus to the Huns began. "How dare you crowd and press us, ill-train'd, unnurtur'd crew? Give place, or you'll discover 'twill be the worse for you.

IV

"My fiddlestick's no feather; on whom I let it fall, If he has friends that love him, 'twill set them weeping all. Make way then for us warriors, for so it seems me right. We're equals all in knighthood, not so in mood and might."

V

While thus in wrath the minstrel reprov'd the jostling crowd, Hagan, who had gone forward, look'd back and cried aloud, "List to the valiant gleeman; he gives you good advice; To your quarters, knights of Kriemhild! Let us not warn you twice.

VI

"Your malice lacks performance; e'en now, methinks, you doubt; So, if you would aught with us, by daylight seek us out, And, for this night, to slumber leave us wayfarers free. Never, I ween, did warriors so long for it as we."

VII

Then led were the bold strangers thence to a spacious hall. For rest as for convenience they found it furnish'd all With beds, long, broad and sumptuous, arrang'd throughout the room, Dame Kriemhild still was plotting their bale and deadly doom.

VIII

Many a fine quilt from Arras you might see glittering there Of stuff most rich and precious, and many a tester fair Of silk from far Arabia the best that could be found, And thereupon were borders that bright shone wide around.

IX

And coverlets in order were laid of ermine white, And others of dark sable, whereunder every knight Should pass the hours in slumber e'en to the dawning day. A king with his attendants ne'er in such splendor lay.

X

"Alas for these night quarters!" the youthful Giselher cried! "Alas for our good comrades who 'midst the Huns abide! However kind the message that from my sister sped, I fear, through her devices we all shall soon lie dead."

XI

"Now think not of such danger," the dauntless Hagan spake, "Myself this night about you the sentry's charge will take. I'll keep you safe, believe me, e'en to the dawn of day. For so long fear for nothing; then turn his doom who may."

XII

They bow'd to the good champion, and thank'd him, as was due, Then to the beds betook them, nor many moments flew Ere stretch'd upon his pallet was every mighty man. Hagan the wakeful sentry to don his arms began.

XIII

Thereat the good Knight Folker, the valiant minstrel, spake, "If you'll not scorn it, Hagan, I'd fain your watch partake This night, till early morning bring us both relief." Right cordially Sir Hagan thus thank'd the friendly chief:

XIV

"Now God in heaven reward you, Folker, dear friend and true. For ne'er another comrade I long, but only you, What strait soe'er beset me; I'm yours to my last breath, And well will I requite you, if hinder'd not by death."

XV

With that his glittering hauberk each girt his waist about, Each grasp'd in hand his buckler, and straight, with courage stout From the house forth issuing, took post outside the door, And there with faith and manhood still watch'd their comrades o'er.

XVI

The swift-footed minstrel scarce had he left the hall, Ere he his good buckler set down against the wall, And back hurried thither; his viol he took in hand, And with it as became him charm'd the way-wearied band.

XVII

Upon the stone he sat him beneath the palace door; Minstrel more undaunted viol ne'er struck before; He struck the strings so sweetly ever as he play'd, That the meed of thanks to Folker each haughty stranger paid.

XVIII The house it all re-echoed, he struck so loud and shrill; The minstrel's strength was matchless, nor less the minstrel's skill. Sweeter anon and softer when he to play began, On the beds he steep'd in slumber many a care-harrow'd man.

XIX

When they in sleep were buried, and this by proof he knew, Once more in hand his buckler grasp'd the champion true, And, from the room forth stalking, before the tower he stepp'd, And so the slumbering strangers from the men of Kriemhild kept.

XX

'Twas of the night the middle, or something earlier yet, When the bright gleam of helmets the glance of Folker met At distance through the darkness; 'twas Kriemhild's street-clad train, To do the guests a mischief all hastening on amain.

XXI

Ere thither had Queen Kriemhild these warriors darkling sent, She said, "For heaven's sake listen to this my fix'd intent. Harm none of yonder sleepers, but one whom I detest, The faithless murderer Hagan; slay him and spare the rest."

XXII

Then spake the fearless gleeman, "Friend Hagan, we must bear (As fits us) like true comrades the wakeful warder's care. Before the house discern I a band of men in mail, Who, as I think, will instant our wary watch assail."

XXIII

"Hush, hush," quick answer'd Hagan, "let them yet nearer steal; Before they can espy us, they shall our weapons feel. Our hands thus many a headpiece shall sudden split in twain, And send them hence with sorrow to Kriemhild back again."

XXIV

One of the Hunnish champions in a trice espied That the door was guarded; how at once he cried, "This plan of ours, my comrades, we must straight give o'er; I see the minstrel standing on guard the hall before.

XXV

"Look how his helmet glitters! 'tis not more bright than stout, To dint of steel impassive, and temper'd well throughout; His mail like fire is glowing; by him stands Hagan too; The guests may sleep in safety with guards so stout and true."

XXVI

Back at once they hasted; when Folker this espied, To his valiant partner in sudden wrath he cried, "Now let me hence, friend Hagan, after yonder crew. Fain would I to the skulkers a question put or two."

XXVII

"No! for my sake," said Hagan, "'twould to our loss redound; If but this post you quitted, they all would flock you round, And bring you to such peril if once they hemm'd you in, That I should fly to help you; then ill would fare my kin;

XXVIII

"For while we two were fighting, and both in dubious case, Three or four of yonder cowards might in a moment's space Rush into the chamber, and on the sleepers set, And do them all such mischief as we could ne'er forget."

XXIX

"Yet this at least allow me," the minstrel-knight replied, "Let's show the men of Kriemhild, we have their steps espied, That this to-morrow morning may be denied by none, That they a shameful treason would willingly have done."

XXX

With that behind them Folker sent forth a lusty shout, "How now, ye men of Kriemhild? Why walk ye, arm'd, about? For murder or for robbery is it that ye ride? My friend and I would help you, come take us on your side."

XXXI

Not a tongue gave answer; wroth was the good knight; "Fie! Ye bloody dastards!" he cried with all his might. "So you would us have murder'd, sleeping, every one! On such good knights has rarely so foul a deed been done."

XXXII

Full soon unto Queen Kriemhild the sorry tidings came, That her men had compass'd nothing; it set her heart on flame. Another course she ventur'd, festering with fell despite, That brought death and destruction on many a hapless knight.

THIRTY-FIRST ADVENTURE

HOW THE KNIGHTS WENT TO CHURCH

I

"So cold I feel my hauberk," the minstrel said at last, "The night, I ween, friend Hagan, must needs be waning fast. The nipping air assures me that close at hand is day." Then wak'd they of their comrades who yet in slumber lay.

II

Then broke the gleam of morning on those within the hall. Straight began Sir Hagan to rouse the warriors all, If they would to the minster the early mass to hear. Meanwhile in Christian fashion the bells were ringing clear.

III

The chants were so discordant, thereby you well might see, That Christian men and heathen together ill agree. The valiant men of Gunther would thence to church away. From their beds they started; little linger'd they.

IV

With that at once they laced them all in such gorgeous vests, That into no king's country had ever knightly guests Brought weed more fair and costly; ill did it Hagan please; "Here," said he, "are fitting for other clothes than these.

V

"My friends, what toils beset us, you all well understand; So for the rose, ye warriors, take the good sword in hand, And for the cap of jewels the morion beaming bright. Remember what fell Kriemhild devis'd but yesternight.

VI

"To-day must we do battle, so I bid you well beware; For the soft silken tunic the clashing hauberk wear, And for the sumptuous mantle the buckler stout and wide, That, when they rage against ye, the brunt you well may bide.

VII

"Give ear, my dearest masters, my kin and comrades too, Go to the church, and welcome, it fits you so to do, And wail to God in heaven your need, while you have breath, And know ye this for certain, that at our heels is death.

VIII

"Forget not then, moreover, if aught ye ill have done, And fervently for pardon pray, every mother's son; For this I warn you, warriors, nor hold these words for vain, Ne'er, but God show you mercy, mass will ye hear again."

IX

Then went they to the minster, the princes and their band. Just at the holy churchyard bold Hagan bade them stand, And keep all well together, and thus bespake the crew. "Who knows, to us Burgundians what yonder Huns may do?

X

"Take heed, my friends, your bucklers bring down before your feet, And, if a soul our party in hostile guise should greet, Requite him with a death-stroke; so seems to Hagan right, So doing, will each among us be found as fits a knight."

XI

Folker then and Hagan both together went And stood before the minster; 'twas done with this intent, That they might see if Kriemhild would stir the slumbering feud Passing contemptuous by them; right stern were both of mood.

XII

And now came on King Etzel and eke his lady fair, Both, as their state befitted, in garments rich and rare, With crowds of knights all ready to do their high commands. Uprose the dust to heaven from Kriemhild's trampling bands;

XIII

When the king, advancing, so arm'd to point espied The kings and their bold vassals, how quick to them he cried, "What's this? my friends in armor marching thus along? In sooth, 'twould sore afflict me if they have suffer'd wrong.

XIV

"Amends I'll make, and gladly, as shall to them seem right; If any have put on them affront or foul despite, I'll show them, that such outrage I also inly rue, And all that they demand me, I ready am to do."

XV

Then Hagan thus made answer, "Naught has to us been done; But my lords have a custom, till three whole days be run, When royal feasts they visit, their warlike arms to wear; All wrong that may be done us, to Etzel we'll declare."

XVI

Right well heard Lady Kriemhild what Trony's knight replied. How bitterly the warrior under her lids she eyed! Yet, though the truth well knowing as a Burgundian dame, She would not to her husband her country's use proclaim.

XVII

How deep soe'er and deadly the hate she bore her kin Still, had the truth by any disclos'd to Etzel been, He had at once prevented what afterward befell. Through proud contemptuous courage they scorn'd their wrongs to tell.

XVIII

Then on went haughty Kriemhild girt with a mighty crowd, Yet swerve would not before her that pair of champions proud So much as e'en two hands'-breadth; that gall'd th' Hungarians sore. Perforce they press'd and jostled with the warriors through the door.

XIX

The chamberlains of Etzel therewith were ill content; They had straight the haughty strangers defied as in they went; But that they fear'd to do so their monarch's eyes before; Pressing enough and jostling there was, but nothing more.

XX

When serv'd was God as fitted, and thence would every one, Straight into the saddle leapt many a warlike Hun; The while around fair Kriemhild many a bright maid was seen, And full seven thousand champions begirt the stately queen.

XXI

Queen Kriemhild and her ladies now at the windows sat With the wide-ruling Etzel; well pleas'd was he with that. They would survey the tourney where knights their prowess show'd Ah! what stranger warriors in the court before them rode!

XXII

Thither too the marshal was with the yeomen come; The redoubted Dankwart had muster'd, all and some, The followers of his master, the flower of Rhenish ground. For the bold Nibelungers well-saddled steeds were found.

XXIII

Thither the kings came riding and with them many a man, When the good minstrel Folker to counsel this began, That they should joust together each in his country's mode. Thereafter in the tourney the chiefs full knightly rode.

XXIV

What so the warrior counsell'd gave all who heard content. A mighty press and clatter uprose incontinent. Into the court's broad circuit prick'd many a mighty man. King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild now to look on began.

XXV

There came into the tourney six hundred warriors fleet, Retainers of Sir Dietrich, the stranger knights to meet. With the bold Burgundians they long'd a course to run. Had Dietrich but permitted fain would they so have done.

XXVI

Ah! what good knights among them rein'd the proud battle-steed! To their good lord Sir Dietrich the news was brought with speed With Gunther's knights forbade he his knights a lance to cross, Naught from such game forboding but grief and deadly loss.

XXVII

When now from out the tilt-yard the men of Bern were gone, Sir Rudeger's retainers before the hall came on, Five hundred from Bechlaren with shields and armor gay. Well had it pleas'd the margrave had they been far away.

XXVIII

Then he rode in his wisdom up to the muster'd band, And earnestly bespake them, and gave to understand, That Gunther's men were sullen and all on mischief bent; If they would quit the tourney, 'twould give him much content.

XXIX

When thence were now departed the margrave's warriors bold, Then came the men of Thüringen, as has to us been told, And from the realm of Denmark a thousand proud and high. Then from the crashing lances were seen the shivers fly.

XXX

Irnfried then and Hawart into the tourney rode. Proudly the bold Burgundians their sturdy brunt abode. The noble knights of Thüringen they met in many a joust, And many a glittering buckler pierc'd through with many a thrust.

XXXI

Sir Blœdel with three thousand rode forward frank and free; By Etzel and by Kriemhild full well observ'd was he; Before them both, his tilting perform'd each gallant knight; Through hate to the Burgundians it gave the queen delight.

XXXII

She ponder'd thus in secret (as nigh to pass it came), "Should they by chance hurt any, at once this gentle game Would turn to bloody earnest; then I on these my foes Should be reveng'd for ever, and quit of all my woes."

XXXIII

Schrutan and stout Gibek into the tourney rode, And Ramung and swift Hornbog after the Hunnish mode. Against the bold Burgundians they knightly bore them all; High flew the whizzing splinters o'er the king's mighty hall.

XXXIV

And yet all their performance was but an empty sound. Hall might you hear and palace with clashing shields resound, Where rode the men of Gunther: by them proud deeds were done. His train of that fair tourney the highest honors won.

XXXV

So great was then the pastime when front to front they met, That through the reeking foot-cloths forth burst the frothy sweat From the high-mettled coursers which the good knights bestrode, As 'gainst the lords of Hungary in haughty wise they rode.

XXXVI

Then spake the noble minstrel Folker with scornful glance, "These knights, methinks, will never confront us lance to lance. I hear it loudly rumor'd they bear us mortal spite; Surely can they never find better time to fight.

XXXVII

"So let us to our quarters," the fearless warrior cried, "Send hence our weary horses; back we can hither ride, If there be time, toward evening; 'twere fitter then than now; What if to us Burgundians the queen should praise allow?"

XXXVIII

Just then there rode so proudly into the lists a Hun, That so no knight among them the general gaze had won. Perchance e'en then in secret for some fair maid he sigh'd. He wore as rich apparel as any noble bride.

XXXIX

At once outspake Sir Folker, "I needs must spoil his cheer; Yonder ladies' darling must feel a push of spear. No one shall prevent it--let him guard his life. I reck not, though it kindle the wrath of Etzel's wife."

XL

"No! as you love me, Folker," straight the king 'gan say, "The people all will blame us if we commence the fray. Let the Huns begin it: 'twere better so, I ween." Still was King Etzel sitting beside his moody queen.

XLI

"I'll join you in the tourney," fierce Hagan sternly cried; "Let's show both knights and ladies how we Burgundians ride. 'Twere well, by proof they knew it; they'd rate us higher then. Now they deny all credit to good King Gunther's men."

XLII

Back into the tourney swift Folker hotly spurr'd; Thereby was many a lady to grievous sorrow stirr'd. Right through that proud Hun's body he drove the griding spear. That stroke both dames and damsels cost many a bitter tear.

XLIII

That saw at once Sir Hagan, nor dallying there abode; With sixty of his champions, all thundering as they rode, 'Gainst th' Huns he hotly hurtled fast by the gleeman's side. King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild the tourney closely eyed.

XLIV

Nor would the three kings basely in dastard sloth repose, And leave the minstrel aidless among unnumber'd foes, With them came to the rescue a thousand warriors good; Haughty and overweening they did whate'er they would.

XLV