Part 3

THIRTY-THIRD ADVENTURE: How the Burgundians Fought with the Huns 314

THIRTY-FOURTH ADVENTURE: How They Threw Down the Dead 323

THIRTY-FIFTH ADVENTURE: How Iring was Slain 327

THIRTY-SIXTH ADVENTURE: How the Queen Gave Orders to Burn Down the Hall 335

THIRTY-SEVENTH ADVENTURE: How Margrave Rudeger was Slain 344

THIRTY-EIGHTH ADVENTURE: How Sir Dietrich's Men were all Slain 360

THIRTY-NINTH ADVENTURE: How Gunther and Hagan and Kriemhild were Slain 374

NOTES 383

THE NIBELUNGENLIED

FIRST ADVENTURE

KRIEMHILD'S DREAM

I

In stories of our fathers high marvels we are told Of champions well approved in perils manifold. Of feasts and merry meetings, of weeping and of wail, And deeds of gallant daring I'll tell you in my tale.

II

In Burgundy there flourish'd a maid so fair to see, That in all the world together a fairer could not be. This maiden's name was Kriemhild; through her in dismal strife Full many a prowest warrior thereafter lost his life.

III

Many a fearless champion, as such well became, Woo'd the lovely lady; she from none had blame. Matchless was her person, matchless was her mind. This one maiden's virtue grac'd all womankind.

IV

Three puissant Kings her guarded with all the care they might, Gunther and eke Gernot, each a redoubted knight, And Giselher the youthful, a chosen champion he; This lady was their sister, well lov'd of all the three.

V

They were high of lineage, thereto mild of mood, But in field and foray champions fierce and rude. They rul'd a mighty kingdom, Burgundy by name; They wrought in Etzel's country deeds of deathless fame.

VI

At Worms was their proud dwelling, the fair Rhine flowing by, There had they suit and service from haughtiest chivalry, For broad lands and lordships, and glorious was their state, Till wretchedly they perish'd by two noble ladies' hate.

VII

Dame Uta was their mother, a queen both rich and sage; Their father hight Dancrat, who the fair heritage Left to his noble children when he his course had run; He too by deeds of knighthood in youth had worship won.

VIII

Each of these three princes, as you have heard me say, Were men of mighty puissance. They had beneath their sway The noblest knights for liegemen that ever dwelt on ground; For hardihood and prowess were none so high renown'd.

IX

There was Hagan of Trony of a noble line, His brother nimble Dankwart, and the knight of Metz, Ortwine, Eckewart and Gary, the margraves stout in fight, Folker of Alzeia, full of manly might.

X

Rumolt the steward (a chosen knight was he), Sindolt, and Hunolt; these serv'd the brethren three, At their court discharging their several duties well; Besides, knights had they many whom now I cannot tell.

XI

Dankwart was marshal to the king his lord, Ortwine of Metz, his nephew, was carver at the board, Sindolt, he was butler, a champion choice and true, The chamberlain was Hunolt; they well their duties knew.

XII

The gorgeous pomp and splendor, wherein these brethren reign'd, How well they tended knighthood, what worship they attain'd, How they thro' life were merry, and mock'd at woe and bale-- Who'd seek all this to tell you, would never end his tale.

XIII

A dream was dreamt by Kriemhild the virtuous and the gay, How a wild young falcon she train'd for many a day, Till two fierce eagles tore it; to her there could not be In all the world such sorrow at this perforce to see.

XIV

To her mother Uta at once the dream she told, But she the threatening future could only thus unfold; "The falcon that thou trainedst is sure a noble mate; God shield him in his mercy, or thou must lose him straight."

XV

"A mate for me? what say'st thou, dearest mother mine? Ne'er to love, assure thee, my heart will I resign. I'll live and die a maiden, and end as I began, Nor (let what else befall me) will suffer woe for man."

XVI

"Nay," said her anxious mother, "renounce not marriage so; Would'st thou true heartfelt pleasure taste ever here below, Man's love alone can give it. Thou 'rt fair as eye can see, A fitting mate God send thee, and naught will wanting be."

XVII

"No more," the maiden answer'd, "no more, dear mother, say; From many a woman's fortune this truth is clear as day, That falsely smiling Pleasure with Pain requites us ever. I from both will keep me, and thus will sorrow never."

XVIII

So in her lofty virtues, fancy-free and gay, Liv'd the noble maiden many a happy day, Nor one more than another found favor in her sight; Still at the last she wedded a far-renowned knight.

XIX

He was the self-same falcon she in her dream had seen, Foretold by her wise mother. What vengeance took the queen On her nearest kinsmen who him to death had done! That single death atoning died many a mother's son.

SECOND ADVENTURE OF SIEGFRIED

I

In Netherland then flourished a prince of lofty kind, (Whose father was called Siegmund, his mother Siegelind) In a sumptuous castle down by the Rhine's fair side; Men did call it Xanten; 't was famous far and wide.

II

I tell you of this warrior, how fair he was to see; From shame and from dishonor liv'd he ever free. Forthwith fierce and famous wax'd the mighty man. Ah! what height of worship in this world he wan!

III

Siegfried men did call him, that same champion good; Many a kingdom sought he in his manly mood, And through strength of body in many a land rode he. Ah! what men of valor he found in Burgundy!

IV

Before this noble champion grew up to man's estate, His hand had mighty wonders achieved in war's debate, Whereof the voice of rumor will ever sing and say, Though much must pass in silence in this our later day.

V

In his freshest season, in his youthful days, One might full many a marvel tell in Siegfried's praise, What lofty honors grac'd him, and how fair his fame, How he charm'd to love him many a noble dame.

VI

As did well befit him, he was bred with care, And his own lofty nature gave him virtues rare, From him his father's country grace and honor drew, To see him prov'd in all things so noble and so true.

VII

He now, grown up to youthhood, at court his duty paid; The people saw him gladly; many a wife and many a maid Wish'd he would often thither, and bide forever there; They view'd him all with favor, whereof he well was ware.

VIII

The child by his fond parents was deck'd with weeds of pride, And but with guards about him they seldom let him ride. Uptrain'd was he by sages, who what was honor knew, So might he win full lightly broad lands and liegemen too.

IX

Now had he strength and stature that weapons well he bore; Whatever thereto needed, he had of it full store. He began fair ladies to his love to woo, And they inclin'd to Siegfried with faith and honor true.

X

Then bade his father Siegmund all his liegemen tell, With his dear friends to revel it would please him well. Where other kings were dwelling the tidings took their course. To friends and eke to strangers he gave both weed and horse.

XI

Whosoe'er was worthy to become a knight For his lofty lineage, did they each invite, High-born youths and valiant to the feastful board; With the young king Siegfried took they then the sword.

XII

Of that proud feast royal wonders one might say; King Siegmund and Queen Siegelind well might that day Win honor for the bounty they shower'd with lavish hand, For which full many a stranger came flocking through their land.

XIII

Sworded squires four hundred rich raiment had to wear With the noble Siegfried. Full many a maiden fair Ceaseless plied the needle to please the warrior bold; Precious stones unnumber'd the women set in gold,

XIV

(For gold was there in plenty), and as each could best For the love of Siegfried they work'd the jewel'd vest. The Host rais'd seats unnumber'd for many a martial wight On the fair midsummer when his heir was dubb'd a knight.

XV

Forthwith to the high minster flock'd many a squire along, And many a knight of worship. To fitly train the young The old should lend that service which once to them was lent. They pass'd the hours in pastime and gentle merriment.

XVI

But first to God's due honor a holy mass they sung, And then a press and struggle arose the crowd among, And then with pomp befitting each youth was dubb'd a knight. In sooth, before was never seen so fair a sight.

XVII

All ran at once, where saddled many a war-horse stood. In the court of Siegmund the tourney was so rude, That both hall and palace echoed far around, As those high-mettled champions shock'd with thundering sound.

XVIII

Old and young together fiercely hurtling flew, That the shiver'd lances swept the welkin through; Splinters e'en to the palace went whizzing many a one From hands of mighty champions; all there was deftly done.

XIX

The Host bade cease the tourney; the steeds were led away; Then might you see, all shatter'd how many a shield there lay, And store of stones full precious from bucklers beaming sheen In those fierce shocks were scatter'd upon the trampled green.

XX

Thence went the guests in order, and sat around the board; Many dainty dishes their wearied strength restor'd, And wine, of all the richest, their burning thirst allay'd: To friends alike and strangers was fitting honor pay'd.

XXI

Albeit in ceaseless pastime they sent the livelong day, The mummers and the minstrels never ceas'd their play. They flock'd to golden largess, a roving frolic band, And pour'd a flood of praises on Siegmund's fertile land.

XXII

The king, too, as his father to him before had done, Enfeoff'd with lands and castles Siegfried his youthful son; Gifts to his sword-companions he gave with liberal hand, So glad was he, it pleased them to come into his land.

XXIII

The gorgeous feast it lasted till the seventh day was o'er; Siegelind the wealthy did as they did of yore; She won for valiant Siegfried the hearts of young and old, When for his sake among them she shower'd the ruddy gold.

XXIV

You scarce could find one needy in all the minstrel band; Horses and robes were scatter'd with ever open hand. They gave as though they had not another day to live, None were to take so ready, as they inclin'd to give.

XXV

So was dissolv'd with honor the mighty festival: The high-descended Barons assembled there in hall, That youth were well contented as lord to serve and sue, But that desir'd not Siegfried, the champion stout and true.

XXVI

While Siegelind and Siegmund yet liv'd and flourished there, Full little reck'd their offspring the royal crown to wear. He only would be master and exercise command, 'Gainst those whose pride o'erweening disturb'd the peaceful land.

XXVII

None ventur'd to defy him; since weapons first he took, The bed of sloth but seldom the noble knight could brook. He only sought for battles; his prowess-gifted hand Won him renown eternal in every foreign strand.

THIRD ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED WENT TO WORMS

I

'Twas seldom teen or sorrow the warrior's heart assay'd; At length he heard the rumor, how a lovely maid In Burgundy was dwelling, the fairest of the fair. From her he won much pleasure, but dash'd with toil and care.

II

By fame her peerless beauty was bruited far and wide, Nor less her lofty virtue, and her pure virgin pride Was day by day reported among the martial band. This drew guests every flocking to good King Gunther's land.

III

For all the host of suitors that sought to bend her will, True to her own coy promise remain'd fair Kriemhild still, That she, for all their wooing, would love vouchsafe to none. He was a distant stranger, who at last her favor won.

IV

Then sought the son of Siegelind to gain the haughty fair; The vows of other suitors to his were light as air. Such knight deserv'd to vanquish the coyest maiden's pride; Ere long the noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride.

V

His kinsmen and his liegemen then gave him counsel true, That now, if he in honor were inclin'd to woo, He should be bound in wedlock to no unequal make: Then said the noble Siegfried, "Sure will I fair Kriemhild take,

VI

"The bright Burgundian maiden, best gem of Gunther's throne, Whose far-renowned beauty stands unapproach'd, alone; On earth nor king nor kaiser lives there so proud, I ween, But he might deem him happy to win so fair a queen."

VII

Forthwith were the tidings to Siegmund's ear preferr'd; His anxious liegemen told him; from them his father heard The high design of Siegfried; it much to heart he laid, That he aspir'd so boldly to win so fair a maid.

VIII

The news came eke to Siegelind, the noble monarch's wife; Full sore the mother trembled for her darling's life, For well she knew fierce Gunther and his vassals stern; So strove they both the champion from his high emprise to turn.

IX

Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Dearest father mine, The love of high-born women forever I'll resign, Rather than play the wooer but where my heart is set." Howe'er they sought to move him, but small success they met.

X

"Since naught can then dissuade thee," outspake his royal sire, "Glad am I, blood of Siegmund should to such height aspire, And so thy hopes to forward I'll do the best I can; Yet in his court has Gunther many a proud o'erweening man.

XI

"E'en were there none but Hagan, that redoubted knight In pride can match the proudest, the mightiest in might; So that, my son, I fear me, this hour we both may rue, If our minds are settled the stately maid to woo."

XII

"What can ill befall us?" Siegfried made reply; "If that misproud Burgundian my friendly suit deny, Be sure, as much and more, too, I'll seize by strength of hand; In this I trust to strip him of liegemen and of land."

XIII

"Little thy words content me," the hoary prince replied, "In the land of King Gunther thou sure durst never ride, If, on the Rhine, young Siegfried, this tale were only told. Gunther and eke Gernot I know them both of old.

XIV

"By force, fair son, assure thee, can none the maiden woo," Resum'd the princely Siegmund, "this I have heard for true; But if with knights to back thee, thou'lt ride to Gunther's land, We've friends enough, and forthwith I'll summon all the band."

XV

"'Tis not to me well pleasing," the fiery youth replied, "That I the Rhine should visit with warriors by my side, As in array of battle, and 'twould my honor stain, If I should need assistance the peerless maid to gain.

XVI

"I little care to win her save by my own good hand; With comrades but eleven I'll hence to Gunther's land. Thus far, father Siegmund, of you help I pray." Then his friends, to trim their garments, receiv'd striped furs and gray.

XVII

To his mother Siegelind the heavy news they bore; The queen straight for her Siegfried began to sorrow sore. She shudder'd lest the lov'd one should all untimely die By the fierce knights of Gunther, and wept full bitterly.

XVIII

Then in haste went Siegfried where she her moan did make, And thus his sobbing mother tenderly bespake, "Weep not for me, dear mother, in better hope repose, Count me forever scathless e'en 'midst a thousand foes.

XIX

"So give me all that's needful through Burgundy to ride, That I and mine may journey with such fair weeds supplied As best becomes companions of high degree to wear, And from my heart I'll thank thee for all thy love and care."

XX

"Since naught avails to stay thee," so spake his mother mild, "I'll equip thee for the journey, my dear, my only child, Thee and thy bold companions, and send thee richly dight With weeds the best and fairest that e'er were worn by knight."

XXI

Then to the queen young Siegfried in duty bent him low, And said, "Upon this journey I would not that we go More than twelve together, so these with robes provide. Full fain am I to witness how stands it with my bride."

XXII

Fair women at the needle were sitting night and day; Scarcely could a seamstress her head on pillow lay, Till robes were work'd for Siegfried and all his company. The youth was ever yearning to start for Burgundy.

XXIII

His sire prepar'd his armor, and nothing left undone, That he might leave his country as fitted Siegmund's son; Well temper'd were their breast-plates that flash'd against the light, Of proof were their morions, their bucklers broad and bright.

XXIV

Their way they now were ready to Burgundy to take; Then man and wife were heavy with sorrow for their sake, Lest evil should befall them, and bar their homeward road, With weapons and apparel the heroes bad the sumpters load.

XXV

High-mettled were their chargers, gold-bright their riding weed, None ever rode more proudly (little were there need) Than then did noble Siegfried, and that fair company That with him leave were taking, all bound for Burgundy.

XXVI

The king and queen, each weeping, gave him leave to part, And he to both gave comfort all with a loving heart. "Weep not," said he, "dear parents, of better courage be, I'm safe where'er I travel, so take no thought for me."

XXVII

Ah! woe were then the warriors, and wept, too, many a maid, Their hearts, I ween, the future in deepest gloom array'd, And told them from that journey many a dear friend would bleed. Full cause had they for sorrow, it brought them woe indeed.

XXVIII

On the seventh fair morning by Worms along the strand In knightly guise were pricking the death-defying band. The ruddy gold fair glitter'd on every riding vest; Their steeds they meetly govern'd, all pacing soft abreast.

XXIX

Their shields were new and massy and like flame they glow'd, As bright too shone their helmets, while bold Siegfried rode Straight to the court of Gunther to woo the stately maid; Eye never look'd on champions so gorgeously array'd.

XXX

Down to their spurs loud clanging reach'd the swords they wore; Sharp and well temper'd lances the chosen champions bore. One, two spans broad or better, did Siegfried sternly shake, With keen and cutting edges grim and ghastly wounds to make.

XXXI

Their golden-color'd bridles firm they held in hand; Silken were their pöitrels; so rode they through the land. On all sides the people to gaze on them began; Then many of Gunther's liegemen swift to meet them ran.

XXXII

Many a haughty warrior, stout squire, and hardy knight, Went to receive the strangers as fitting was and right, And, as to guests high honor'd, did courteous service yield, Their steeds held as they lighted, and took from each his shield.

XXXIII

They were in act the chargers to lead away to stall, When the redoubted Siegfried quick to them did call, "Nay, leave us here the horses, we look not long to stay, Anon with my companions I shall wend upon my way.

XXXIV

"Affairs of high concernment this squadron hither bring, So, whoso knows, straight tell me where I may find your king, The wide-renowned Gunther, who reigns in Burgundy." Then one who near was standing thus answer'd courteously,

XXXV

"If you would find the monarch, you need not long to wait; In yonder hall at leisure myself I left him late Begirt with all his warriors; there you may feast your sight: In sooth you'll find about him full many a stately knight."

XXXVI

Now to great King Gunther were the tidings told, That there had journey'd thither hardy knights and bold, Yclad in flashing armor and glittering vesture gay, But who and whence the strangers, could no Burgundian say.

XXXVII

Much wonder'd the monarch, whence came the gallant band, That with so fair equipment had reach'd Burgundian land, And with so massy bucklers; that none could tidings bring Of those heroic strangers, but little pleas'd the king.

XXXVIII

To Gunther then made answer the knight of Metz, Ortwine, A warrior bold and mighty, and of the loftiest line, "Since none of us can tell you who these same knights may be, Send for my uncle Hagan; let him strangers see.

XXXIX

"He knows the proud and puissant of every foreign land; So we, what now we guess not, from him shall understand." Him and his warlike vassals the impatient king bade call, And soon redoubted Hagan strode tow'ring through the hall.

XL

"What would the king with Hagan?" the warrior made demand. "Here in my house are wand'rers from some far-distant land, Unknown to all around me; observe the strangers well, And if thou e'er hast seen them, the truth, good Hagan, tell."

XLI

"That will I straight," said Hagan; to a window then he went, And his eyes attentive on the strangers bent. Well pleas'd him their fair vesture, and well their armor sheen, Yet sure the like he never in Burgundy had seen.

XLII

"Whencever come these champions whom chance to Rhineland brings, Kings might they be," said Hagan, "or messengers of kings. How highly bred their chargers! how gorgeous their array! Wherever lies their country, high-mettled lords are they."

XLIII And thereto added Hagan, "This too I'll vouch for yet; Albeit on noble Siegfried I never eyes have set; Still to aver I'll venture, that (let whate'er befall) 'Tis he that's stalking yonder, so stately and so tall.

XLIV

"He brings some new adventure to our Burgundian land; The valiant Nibelungers he slew by strength of hand, Nibelung and Shilbung the princes stern in fight, And since has many a wonder achiev'd with all-surpassing might.

XLV

"As all alone and aidless he was riding once at will, As I have heard reported, he found beside a hill With Nibelung's hoarded treasure full many a man of might; Strange seem'd they to the champion, till he came to know them right.

XLVI

"They had brought the treasure, as just then befell, Forth from a yawning cavern; now hear a wonder tell, How those fierce Nibelungers the treasure would divide; The noble Siegfried eyed them, and wonder'd as he eyed.

XLVII

"He nearer came and nearer, close watching still the clan, Till they got sight of him too, when one of them began, 'Here comes the stalwart Siegfried, the chief of Netherland.' A strange adventure met he with that Nibelungers' band.

XLVIII

"Him well receiv'd the brethren Shilbung and Nibelung. With one accord they begg'd him, those noble princes young, To part the hoard betwixt them, and ever pressing bent The hero's wavering purpose till he yielded full consent.

XLIX

"He saw of gems such plenty, drawn from that dark abode, That not a hundred wagons could bear the costly load, Still more of gold so ruddy from the Nibelungers' land. All this was to be parted by noble Siegfried's hand.

L "So Nibelung's sword they gave him to recompense his pain, But ill was done the service, which they had sought so fain, And he so hard had granted; Siegfried, the hero good, Fail'd the long task to finish; this stirr'd their angry mood.

LI