Part 23

Soon as by Sir Folker the wealthy Hun was slain, You might hear his kinsmen cry out and loudly plain. All in a breath were asking, "Who has this outrage done?" "Folker the bold minstrel," gave answer many a one.

XLVI

Straight for swords and bucklers were calling all the band Akin to the young margrave of the Hunnish land; The fearless minstrel Folker they thought at once to slay. The host down from a window took in haste his way.

XLVII

From the Huns on all sides a cry arose amain. Before the hall alighted the kings and all their train. Every bold Burgundian sent his steed away; Up in haste came Etzel and parted straight the fray.

XLVIII

He found one of the kinsmen with his sword drawn in his hand; From him in an instant he snatch'd the naked brand, And beat the brawlers backward, chafing and raging sore. "In sooth with these good warriors my favor all were o'er,"

XLIX

Said Etzel, "If among us this minstrel here ye slew; 'Twas by mere misadventure he ran your kinsman through. I had my eye upon him just as he struck the blow. It was his steed that stumbled; 'twas heaven would have it so.

L

"Then leave my friends in quiet, and from the tilt-yard speed." Himself then gave them escort; meanwhile each battle-steed Was led thence to their quarters, for those Burgurdian guests Had many a zealous varlet to tend their high behests.

LI

Then with his friends King Etzel into his palace went; He bade all cease from anger, and calm'd their fierce intent. Ready were set the tables; for all was water brought. The lives of the Burgundians many a stout foeman sought.

LII

However irk'd it Etzel, still many an armed knight Press'd close behind the princes, e'en in the king's despite, Lowering with hateful glances as they to table went, Each to revenge his kinsman on those proud strangers bent.

LIII

"'Tis an ill use," said Etzel, "and one I scarce can bear, At the feastful table the weeds of war to wear. But whosoe'er his vengeance on these my guests shall wreak, His head shall pay the forfeit; this to you Huns I speak."

LIV

'Twas long before was seated every lordly guest. Fell care and deep disquiet wrung Kriemhild's laboring breast. "Prince of Bern," she murmur'd, "thy counsel, aid and grace I seek in sore affliction; pity my mournful case."

LV

Then answer'd her Sir Hildebrand, a warrior frank and free, "Who'd slay the Nibelungers shall have no help from me, No, not for countless treasure; th' attempt he well may rue; The good knights ne'er were conquer'd, with whom he'll have to do."

LVI

Said she, "Yet surely Hagan has done me cruel wrong; He murder'd my beloved, the strongest of the strong. Who'd lure him from the others, should have my gold for meed. 'Twould inly discontent me should one but Hagan bleed."

LVII

Then answer'd Master Hildebrand, "How can that ever be? Slay him among his fellows? Why surely you must see, That, if we strike at Hagan, to battle straight will all, And rich and poor together must in one slaughter fall."

LVIII

Then in his courteous fashion thereto Sir Dietrich spake, "Great queen, this talk give over, and better counsel take. Me never wrong'd your kinsmen, nor is there cause that I Should warriors, whom I value, to mortal strife defy.

LIX

"It does you little honor, the simple truth to say, Against your trusting kinsmen such deadly plots to lay. 'Twas under a safe-conduct they enter'd Etzel's land. Revenge for Siegfried never expect from Dietrich's hand."

LX

When she no spark of treason found in the Berner brave, Of a wide march to Blœdel the promise straight she gave. It once belong'd to Nudung; a gift 'twas for a queen; Yet a stroke of Dankwart's made him forget it quite and clean.

LXI

"To give me help, Sir Blœdel," said she, "the task be thine; Harbor'd within this palace are mortal foes of mine, The same, who my dear husband Sir Siegfried did to die; Who helps me to revenge it, to him for ever bound am I."

LXII

Thus answer'd her Sir Blœdel, "Lady, to truth give ear; I dare not wreak your vengeance, for Etzel's wrath I fear. He's glad to see your kinsmen and all their vassals throng, And never would forgive me if I should do them wrong."

LXIII

"Nay, say not so, Sir Blœdel, I'll stand thy friend at need; Silver and gold in plenty I'll give thee for thy meed, Besides a beauteous damsel, whom Nudung had to wife. Lapp'd in her soft caresses thou'lt lead a loving life.

LXIV

"The lands and eke the castles to thee I'll freely give; So may'st thou, noble warrior, with joy for ever live, If thou but win the lordships where Nudung once held sway. I'll truly keep the promise I've given you here to-day."

LXV

No sooner heard Sir Blœdel of such a guerdon tell, Beside that for her beauty the lady pleas'd him well, Than he resolv'd by battle to win the lovely bride. He miss'd, alas! the damsel, and lost his life besides.

LXVI

He thus bespake Queen Kriemhild, "To th' hall back haste away; Ere one can take precaution, I'll stir a bloody fray. Hagan, who sow'd in murder, shall reap a harvest meet. I'll bring the man of Gunther in fetters to your feet.

LXVII

"Now arm ye straight," said Blœdel, "my merry men one and all! Hence to the strangers' quarters upon our foes to fall. So wills our royal lady, King Etzel's noble wife. Ye heroes! at her bidding each boldly risk his life."

LXVIII

When Kriemhild thus found Blœdel to work her will intent, And eager to do battle, to table straight she went With the redoubted Etzel and eke with all his train, Against the guests from Rhineland fell counsel had she ta'en.

LXIX

How they went all to table, I now at full must say. First went the king attended, crown'd and in rich array; Many a proud prince behind them, many a good knight was seen, And all display'd their courtship before the noble queen.

LXX

The good host at the tables found place for every guest; He seated close beside him the highest and the best. The Christian knights and heathen there feasted nothing loath. Their food indeed was different, but there was store for both.

LXXI

The yeomen in their quarters the time in feasting spent. Servers were by good King Etzel to do their bidding sent, Who gave them all they ask'd for, and serv'd both high and low. Their merriment and revel were soon outweigh'd by woe.

LXXII

Still her old grudge lay rankling in Kriemhild's poison'd heart; When else 'twere hard a quarrel to stir on either part, To table 'mid the feasters she sent for Etzel's son. When for revenge by woman was deed so fearful done?

LXXIII

With that four men of Etzel's went out at her command; They brought the young King Ortlieb and led him by the hand Up to the princes' table, where sat fierce Hagan by, Doom'd all too soon, poor infant! by his fell hate to die.

LXXIV

Soon as the proud King Etzel his little son espied, Graciously his wife's kinsmen bespake he at his side, "See, friends, my boy and Kriemhild's, our only son and heir. To you may henceforth profit come from this child so fair.

LXXV

"If he grow up like his kinsmen, he'll prove a man of might, Of noble mind and lineage, a strong and fearless knight. Should I live some time longer, I'll give him twelve broad lands, So look for useful service at this fair infant's hands.

LXXVI

"Now therefore I beseech you, ye dearest friends of mine, When hence you make your journey back to your native Rhine, To take with you this infant, your loving sister's son, And treat him well and kindly as should by kin be done;

LXXVII

"And bring him up in honor, till to a man he grow, And, should your land be harried by force of any foe, He'll help you to avenge it, when he his arms can wield." All this was heard by Kriemhild; her lips stern silence seal'd.

LXXVIII

"He well may help these warriors," Sir Hagan straight began, "If ever by good fortune he come to be a man; Yet seems the young king's aspect no long life to foreshow. Methinks I shall have seldom to Ortlieb's court to go."

LXXIX

Sore irk'd the speech King Etzel; the knight he sternly eyed Though not a word in answer the haughty prince replied, Down it weigh'd his spirits, and overcast his heart. Unfit was Hagan's nature in joy to bear a part.

LXXX

Woe was the low'ring monarch, and all his chiefs as well, When such dark words from Hagan on that fair infant fell. That they should bear it longer, deep murmur'd all the crew. Little thought the warriors what he was yet to do.

LXXXI

Many, who there had heard him, and bore him mortal hate, Had gladly set upon him; the king had done it straight But for his word of honor; then ill had Hagan sped; Soon worse did he to Ortlieb; in Etzel's sight he struck him dead.

THIRTY-SECOND ADVENTURE

HOW BLŒDEL WAS SLAIN

I

All the knights of Blœdel were ready in array; With a thousand hauberks to the hall they took their way, Where Dankwart at the table sat with the yeomen tall. Straight among the warriors uprose a deadly brawl.

II

At once up to the tables Sir Blœdel fiercely strode, When Dankwart this fair greeting on the stern knight bestow'd. "Welcome, my lord, Sir Blœdel, you here are gladly seen. We look'd not for your presence; what may this meeting mean?"

III

"Greet me not," said Blœdel, "'tis a waste of breath; Know, my coming hither to thee must needs be death. Thank thy brother Hagan who noble Siegfried slew. Thou now shalt pay the Huns for it, thou and many another too."

IV

"Nay, say not so, Lord Blœdel," Sir Dankwart answer made, "So should we rue this visit in faith and honor paid. I was a little infant when Siegfrid lost his life; How could I have offended King Etzel's moody wife?"

V

"I know not, and I care not, if this be false or true. 'Twas done by your base kinsmen, Gunther and Hagan too. So ward ye well, ye strangers! 'tis all in vain to fly; Your lives are pledg'd to Kriemhild, and take them now will I."

VI

"So you are fix'd," said Dankwart, "for murder all prepar'd! Would I had ne'er besought you! that had been better spar'd." Upstarted from the table the warrior swift and strong; Out he drew a broadsword heavy and sharp and long.

VII

Straight at luckless Blœdel he struck a blow so fleet, That his head in an instant lay before his feet. "Take that, thou thriving wooer!" victorious Dankwart cried, "For a marriage-morning's present to Nudung's mincing bride.

VIII

"Another mate to-morrow may wed the widow'd dame; I'll pay him with like measure, should he the dowry claim." (A faithful Hun that morning had told him underhand, That deadly fraud against them the vengeful queen had plann'd.)

IX

When Blœdel's men their master saw dead upon the floor, Such loss from the fierce strangers they could endure no more. On squires at once and yeomen with high rais'd swords they flew In deadly wrath; full many that hour had cause to rue.

X

To his train shouted Dankwart, loud o'er the crash and din, "Ye see, bold squires and yeomen, what danger hems us in. Fight for your lives, ye friendless! in sooth we're foully shent, For all the loving greetings that fraudful Kriemhild sent."

XI

They, who had not their broadswords, benches asunder tore, Or many a chair and footstool snatch'd up from the floor. The bold Burgundians stay'd not, but all for weapons used; Heads with heavy settles were pummel'd sore and bruis'd.

XII

How fiercely the lorn strangers themselves defended there! Out they drove their foemen all weapon'd as they were; Yet, within, five hundred were lifeless left or more. Dankwart's men pursued them dripping red with gore.

XIII

Straight the sorry tidings to every Hunnish chief Were borne by hasty rumor (it gave them mortal grief) That slaughter'd with his warriors was Blœdel good at need, That Dankwart and the yeomen had done the bloody deed.

XIV

Before King Etzel knew it, inflam'd with deadly hate Two thousand Huns or better donn'd their armor straight. They march'd against the yeomen to deal them mortal dole, And living of the party let not escape a soul.

XV

Before the house they muster'd, an army deep and dense; Though succorless, the strangers stood well on their defence; Yet what avail'd their valor? Dead perforce they lay. Thence arose soon after a yet more horrid fray.

XVI

Now you must hear a wonder as never yet was told, Within the hall lay lifeless nine thousands yeomen bold, Thereto of Dankwart's followers twelve hardy knights and good, And now among his foemen alone the warrior stood.

XVII

Hush'd was the din of battle, laid was the wild uproar; He sternly o'er his shoulder survey'd the horrid floor, And spake, "Alas, brave comrades! what? not a dying groan? Then stand, must Dankwart aidless among his foes alone."

XVIII

Upon his single person fell thund'ring sword-strokes rife, Yet cause gave he for weeping to many a hero's wife. He rais'd his buckler higher and lower brought the thong. Blood stream'd beneath his buffets through many a hauberk strong.

XIX

"Woe's me! I'm faint and stifled," the son of Aldrian cried; "Now, ye knights of Hungary! stand a little wide; Let the air refresh me--I'm wearied with the fight." Then manfully among them stepp'd forth the stately knight.

XX

As faint and exhausted from the house he sprang, What redoubled sword-strokes on his morion rang! Those, who had not yet witness'd what wonders wrought his hand, Forward leapt upon him, the knight from Gunther's land.

XXI

"Now would to God," said Dankwart, "a messenger would go To let my brother Hagan my fearful peril know, Among this band of traitors how sore beset am I! He'd come and hence would help me, or by my side would die."

XXII

"Nay, do thyself thy message," the fierce Hungarians said, "When we unto thy brother bring thee cold and dead Then shall the man of Gunther the smart of sorrow know. Thou here hast wrought King Etzel such grievous loss and woe."

XXIII

Said he, "Your threats give over, stand from me farther yet, Or I will make your hauberks with blood all dripping wet. Myself the heavy tidings will bring to yonder court, And to my lords with wailing our deadly wrongs report."

XXIV

So much the knights of Etzel his matchless strength dismay'd, That not a man amongst them durst meet him blade to blade, But darts into his buckler they shot so thick around, That, by the weight o'ermaster'd he dropp'd it on the ground.

XXV

Seeing him thus unshielded, they fiercer forward drove; How then with deadly gashes the shields and helms he clove! Down perforce before him stoop'd many a lofty knight. What praise was then Sir Dankwart's, alone to sway the fight!

XXVI

They rush'd at him from both sides; none then would keep aloof; But, match'd with him, found many most speed was least behoof. Right through his foes the champion made his red passage good As through the dogs the wild-boar amidst the echoing wood.

XXVII

Ever the ground beneath him with smoking gore was wet. When better fought a champion with countless foes beset? So to court before them, along his bloody road, Unconquer'd still and stately fierce Hagan's brother strode.

XXVIII

Cupbearers and servers heard sword-strokes clashing nigh. Dainty drinks and dishes they threw in hurry by, The which they in were bringing upon the board to set. A crowd of sturdy foemen e'en on the stairs he met.

XXIX

"How now, ye servers?" said Dankwart with bloody toil oppress'd, "'Tis your's to feed the hungry, and cheer the thirsty guest, And store of savory viands to feasting knights to bear; Give place, for I would something to my good lords declare."

XXX

All, who dar'd confront him as up the stairs he flew, Met with such fearful slashes, that soon at distance due From that weighty broadsword stood trembling every one. Such surpassing wonders by Dankwart's strength were done.

THIRTY-THIRD ADVENTURE

HOW THE BURGUNDIANS FOUGHT WITH THE HUNS

I

Soon as the fearless warrior beneath the lintel hied, He bade the men of Etzel keep distance yet more wide. The blood from that fierce combat down all his armor pour'd, And in his hand uplifted he held his naked sword.

II

Just at the very moment that in burst Dankwart so, It chanc'd the young Prince Ortlieb was carried to and fro From table unto table; the news of that fell strife, So sudden brought among them, cost the fair child his life.

III

To a good knight then Dankwart shouted loud and strong, "Be stirring, brother Hagan, you're sitting all too long. To you and God in heaven our deadly strait I plain; Yeomen and knights together lie in their quarters slain."

IV

"Tell me who has done it?" Hagan fiercely cried. "Sir Blœdel and his meiny," Dankwart straight replied, "And paid too has he dearly; he's dead among the dead; This hand from off his shoulders smote at a stroke his head."

V

"Small is the loss," said Hagan, "whenever one can tell That a vanquish'd hero by hands heroic fell. Thus it still befitteth a knight to yield his breath; So much the less fair ladies should sorrow for his death.

VI

"Now tell me, brother Dankwart, why are you so red? Your wounds, methinks, oppress you; they must have sorely bled. If he's yet in this country who has harm'd you thus in strife, But the foul fiend aid him, it shall cost his life."

VII

"You see me whole and hearty; my weed with blood is wet, But 'tis from wounds of others whom sword to sword I met, Of whom I slew so many, though furious all and fell, That, if I had to swear it, th' amount I ne'er could tell."

VIII

Said th' other, "Brother Dankwart, keep guard upon the door; Let not one Hungarian step the threshold o'er. Straight, as need impels us, converse with them will I. Our friends by their devices were guiltless done to die."

IX

"Since I'm to be door-keeper," replied the champion true "(And well to such great monarchs such service I can do), As fits me, 'gainst all comers the staircase I'll maintain." Naught could be more distasteful to Kriemhild's knightly train.

X

"In sooth," resum'd Sir Hagan, "I can't but wonder here, What now these Huns are whisp'ring each in his fellow's ear. I ween, they well could spare him, who keeps the door so bold, Him, who to us Burgundians his courtly tale has told.

XI

"Long have I heard and often of moody Kriemhild tell, That still her heart's deep sorrow she harbors fierce and fell; Now then let's drink to friendship! king's wine shall quench our thirst, And the young Prince of Hungary himself shall pledge us first."

XII

With that the good Knight Hagan smote Ortlieb the young child; The gushing blood, down flowing, both sword and hand defil'd; Into the lap of Kriemhild bounded the ghastly head. At once among the warriors a fearful butchery spread.

XIII

Then with both hands uplifted he dealt a stroke at large 'Gainst the grave-visag'd tutor, who had the child in charge; His sever'd head down falling, before the table lay. For all his learned lessons t' faith 'twas sorry pay.

XIV

Just then at Etzel's table a minstrel met his view; Upon him in an instant in wrath Sir Hagan flew. His right hand on his viol off lopp'd he suddenly; "Take that for the kind message thou brought'st to Burgundy."

XV

"Alas! my hands!" cried Werbel frantic with pain and woe, "What have I done, Sir Hagan, that you should serve me so? I came in faith and honor into your master's land. How can I now make music since I have lost my hand?"

XVI

Little reck'd Sir Hagan if ne'er he fiddled more; Then round his death-strokes dealing he stretch'd upon the floor Many a good knight of Etzel's, and wide the slaughter spread, Turning to bale the banquet, and heap'd the hall with dead.

XVII

Up the ready Folker leapt from table quick; In his hand loud clatter'd his deadly fiddlestick. Harsh crashing notes discordant King Gunther's minstrel play'd. Ah! what a host of foemen among the Huns he made!

XVIII

Up, too, leapt from table the royal brethren three; They thought to part the battle ere mischief more should be. But lost was all their labor, vain was all help of man; When Folker and stern Hagan once so to rage began.

XIX

When saw the Lord of Rhineland no power could stint the strife, He too dealt dole about him with wounds that let out life, Through the shining hauberks cutting deadly way. A prowest knight was Gunther, as clear he show'd that day.

XX

At once into the battle the sturdy Gernot flew; Thick as they flock'd around him the clustering Huns he slew With his sword, the gift of Rudeger, the which he wielded so, That many a knight of Etzel's he laid for ever low.

XXI

The third too of the brethren rush'd into the fray; Through th' helms of Etzel's warriors his swords made bloody way; Death follow'd every buffet; right wondrous deeds were done That hour by youthful Giselher, Dame Uta's youngest son.

XXII

Well fought that day the brethren, well too their men of might, But ever valiant Folker stood foremost in the fight, Against his foes so knightly himself the warrior bore. Many brought he among them to wallow in their gore.

XXIII

On their defence, too, stoutly stood Etzel's champions all. Then might you see the strangers through the kingly hall With their glittering broadswords slashing and hewing go. Loud thrill'd throughout the palace wild screams of wail and woe.

XXIV

Then those without in hurried to aid their friends within, But found upon the staircase more was to lose than win; Out fain would rush the others, and through the doorway fare. To none gave Dankwart passage, nor up nor down the stair.

XXV

To force the guarded portal throng'd the Huns amain. With the clattering sword-strokes the morions rang again. Then stood the valiant Dankwart in deadly peril there; Of that his loving brother took heed with timely care.

XXVI

Straight to dauntless Folker, Hagan shouted loud, "See you there my brother beset by yonder crowd, Batter'd by blades unnumber'd, by countless bucklers cross'd? Up, and save him, comrade! or the good knight is lost."

XXVII

"Fear not," replied the minstrel, "I'll do your bidding soon." Straight strode he through the palace playing his harshest tune. Oft clash'd the keen-edg'd broadsword that in his hand he bore. The noble chiefs of Rhineland thank'd him o'er and o'er.

XXVIII

Then to the fearless Dankwart the minstrel-knight 'gan say, "You must have surely suffered sore press and toil to-day. Sent hither by your brother to aid you I have been. If you'll without be warder, I'll keep the door within."

XXIX

Firm the nimble Dankwart stood outside the door; All who the stairs were mounting down drove he evermore; In the grasp of the warriors their swords clash'd fearfully. The like within did stoutly Folker of Burgundy.

XXX

Loud the valiant minstrel shouted o'er the throng, "The hall is shut, friend Hagan! the locks are firm and strong. The hands of two stout warriors King Etzel's door secure; A thousand bolts, believe me, would not be half so sure."

XXXI