Part 4

"The treasure undivided he needs must let remain, When the two kings indignant set on him with their train, But Siegfried gripp'd sharp Balmung (so hight their father's sword), And took from them their country and the beaming precious hoard.

LII

"For friends had they twelve champions, each, as avers my tale, A strong and sturdy giant, but what could all avail? All twelve to death successive smote Siegfried's mastering hand, And vanquish'd chiefs seven hundred of the Nibelungers' land.

LIII

"With that good weapon Balmung; by sudden fear dismay'd Both of the forceful swordsman and of the sword he sway'd, Unnumber'd youthful heroes to Siegfried bent that hour, Themselves, their lands, their castles, submitting to his power.

LIV

"Those two fierce kings together he there depriv'd of life, Then wag'd with puissant Albric a stern and dubious strife, Who thought to take full vengeance for both his masters slain, But found his might and manhood with Siegfried's match'd in vain.

LV

"The mighty dwarf successless strove with the mightier man; Like to wild mountain lions to th' hollow hill they ran; He ravish'd there the cloud-cloak from struggling Albric's hold, And then became the master of th' hoarded gems and gold.

LVI

"Whoever dar'd resist him, all by his sword lay slain, Then bade he bring the treasure back to the cave again, Whence the men of Nibelung the same before had stirr'd; On Albric last the office of keeper he conferr'd.

LVII

"He took an oath to serve him, as his liegeman true, In all that to a master from his man is due. Such deeds," said he of Trony, "has conqu'ring Siegfried done; Be sure, such mighty puissance, knight has never won.

LVIII

"Yet more I know of Siegfried, that well your ear may hold; A poison-spitting dragon he slew with courage bold, And in the blood then bath'd him; this turn'd to horn his skin. And now no weapons harm him, as often proved has been.

LIX

"Receive then this young hero with all becoming state; 'Twere ill advis'd to merit so fierce a champion's hate. So lovely is his presence, at once all hearts are won, And then his strength and courage such wondrous deeds have done."

LX

Then spake the mighty monarch, "Thou counsellest aright. See how stands full knightly, prepar'd for fiercest fight, He and his hardy comrades, the death-defying man! Straight we'll descend to meet him as courteous as we can."

LXI

"That be assur'd," said Hagan, "with honor may be done; Of lofty kin is Siegfried, a mighty monarch's son. Me seemeth, if to purpose his bearing I have eyed, By heaven, 'tis no light matter hath bidd'n him thither ride."

LXII

Then spake the country's ruler, "He shall be welcome here, Bold is the knight and noble, that I discover clear, And much shall it avail him on our Burgundian ground." Then thither went King Gunther where he Siegfried found.

LXIII

The host and his companions so well receiv'd the guest, That nothing there was wanting that courtesy express'd; And low inclin'd the warrior to all in presence there, Since they had giv'n him greeting so friendly and so fair.

LXIV

"I wonder much," said Gunther, "and fain would understand, Whence comes the noble Siegfried to this Burgundian land, And what he here is seeking at Worms upon the Rhine." The guest to the king made answer, "Concealment is no art of mine.

LXV

"Afar I heard the tidings, e'en in my father's land, That here with you were dwelling (fain would I know the band) The best and prowest champions so voic'd by all and some, That ever king surrounded; I'm therefore hither come.

LXVI

"Your own renown I've heard, too, through all this country ring, That never eye of mortal has seen so bold a king. Your prowess and your knighthood are vouch'd by high and low, Now ne'er will I turn homeward till this by proof I know.

LXVII

"I too am a warrior, and shall a sceptre sway, And I would fain bring all men perforce of me to say, That I both land and liegemen have nobly merited. This to maintain I'll freely pledge, my honor and my head.

LXVIII

"Now since you are so famous for manhood and for skill, Naught reck I, if my purpose be taken well or ill, But all that's own'd by Gunther I'll win by strength of hand, And force to my obedience his castles and his land."

LXIX

The king was lost in wonder, and with him all the rest, At such a strange pretension from that o'erweening guest, Who claim'd his whole possessions that stretch'd so wide around. His vassals heard the challenge, and for anger sternly frown'd.

LXX

"How," cried the valiant Gunther, "have I deserv'd this wrong, That what my noble father with honor rul'd so long, I now should yield to any, o'ermaster'd by his might? Ill should I show, that I too can bear me like a knight!"

LXXI

"I'll ne'er renounce my purpose," the fiery youth replied; "If through thy might thy country cannot in peace abide, I'll take on me to rule it, and what I hold in fee, If thou by strength canst take it, shall alike submit to thee.

LXXII

"Let thy broad lands and mine too be laid in equal scale, And whichsoe'er in battle o'er th' other shall prevail, To him let all be subject, the liegemen and the land." But Hagan sought, and Gernot, such purpose to withstand.

LXXIII

"To us 'tis little pleasing," Gernot made reply, "That we should lands be seizing, whose lords should slaughter'd lie That we may win unjustly; our lands are fair and wide; We are their rightful masters, and none they need beside."

LXXIV

Grim glar'd King Gunther's warriors (of gathering wrath the sign!) Among them lower'd the darkest the knight of Metz, Ortwine. "It irks me much," exclaim'd he, "to hear these words of pride. Sir King! by haughty Siegfried thou'rt wrongfully defied.

LXXV

"Were thou and thy brave brethren stript of those arms you boast, While he to back his quarrel should bring a royal host, E'en then I'd trust to teach him a humbler pitch to fly, And cower as low before us, as now he mounteth high."

LXXVI

Wroth was at this defiance the chief of Netherland. He cried, "Thou durst not venture 'gainst me to lift thy hand. I am a mighty monarch, a monarch's man art thou; Should twelve like thee resist me, twelve such to one should bow."

LXXVII

Then 'gan for swords call loudly the knight of Metz, Ortwine, The sister's son of Hagan, pride of his lofty line. It irk'd him that his uncle so long had silent stood. Bold Gernot interposing thus cool'd his fiery mood.

LXXVIII

"Ortwine!" said he, "be calmer; why thus to weapons run? To us the valiant stranger no such offence has done. We yet may part in kindness; I rede thee, wrath give o'er, And make a friend of Siegfried; this still were to our credit more."

LXXIX

"It well may irk," said Hagan, "all us good knights of thine, That this imperious wanderer e'er rode unto the Rhine. Such strife-producing journey were better ne'er begun. Ne'er had the kings my masters by him so evil done."

LXXX

Thereto straight answer'd Siegfried, fiercely frowning still, "If these my words, Sir Hagan, have chanc'd to please you ill, Be sure, high deeds of valor, you at these hands shall see, Deeds, that e'en less may please you here in Burgundy."

LXXXI

"This I alone," said Gernot, "can turn from evil end;" So all his warriors bade he the stranger not offend With words that breath'd defiance, and thus the turmoil stay'd; And Siegfried too was thinking upon the stately maid.

LXXXII

"How suits this strife with either?" the prudent warrior said, "How many chiefs soever should in this broil lie dead, By us would little honor, by you small gain be won." Thereto gave answer Siegfried, King Siegmund's haughty son:

LXXXIII

"But wherefore lingereth Hagan, and wherefore proud Ortwine, That, with their friends thus swarming upon the banks of Rhine, Nor one, nor other ventures a stranger's arm to brave?" Both kept unwilling silence, such counsel Gernot gave.

LXXXIV

"You shall to us be welcome," resum'd Queen Uta's son, "You and your faithful comrades, all and every one. We shall be proud to serve you, I and all kin of mine," Then for the guests 'twas order'd to pour King Gunther's wine.

LXXXV Then spoke the sov'reign ruler, "Whatever ours we call, Should you in honor claim it, is at your service all-- Our persons--our possessions--if so it seems you good." Thereat became Sir Siegfried of somewhat milder mood.

LXXXVI

Forthwith their whole equipment down from their beasts was brought; For Siegfried and his fellows with fitting zeal were sought Of all convenient chambers the choicest and the best. At length the bold Burgundians look'd friendly on their guest.

LXXXVII

Thenceforth were fitting honors paid him many a day, A thousand-fold, be certain more than I can say. This earn'd his strength and valor; so gracious was his state, 'Twas rare that any mortal could look on him with hate.

LXXXVIII

Their hours they spent in pastime--the kings and all the rest-- Whate'er the sport that pleas'd them, 'twas Siegfried play'd it best. Such was his skill and puissance, that none could come him near To hurl the stone tempestuous or dart the whizzing spear.

LXXXIX

Whene'er before the ladies, all in courtly guise, Plied the contending champions their knightly exercise, Then all look'd on delighted as noble Siegfried strove; But he his thoughts kept ever fix'd on his lofty love.

XC

At court the lovely ladies were asking evermore, Who was the stately stranger that so rich vesture wore, At once so fair of presence and so strong of hand. Then many a one gave answer, "'Tis the King of Netherland."

XCI

He ever was the foremost, whate'er the game they play'd. Still in his inmost bosom he bore one lovely maid, Whom he beheld had never, and yet to all preferr'd; She too of him in secret spoke many a kindly word.

XCII

When in the court contending fierce squire and hardy knight, As fits the young and noble, wag'd the mimic fight, Oft Kriemhild through her window would look, herself unseen: Then no other pleasure needed the gentle queen.

XCIII

What then had been his rapture, could he have only guess'd, That on him she was looking, who reign'd within his breast! Could he but once have seen her, I ween, not all the bliss, That all the world can lavish, would he have ta'en for this.

XCIV

Whene'er, as is the custom at intervals of sport, He midst the crowd of heroes was standing in the court, So graceful was the bearing of Siegelind's matchless son, That the heart of every lady that look'd on him he won.

XCV

Oft too would he be thinking, "How now can it be, That I the noble maiden with mine eyes may see, Whom I in heart love dearly, and so long have done? And she's an utter stranger! Ah! Woe is me, unhappy one!"

XCVI

Whene'er the kings it needed through their land to ride, Then kept their faithful liegemen attendance by their side, And with them forth must Siegfried; this irk'd his lady sore; He through her love was pining the while as much or more.

XCVII

So with those kings, high honor'd Siegmund's noble son In Gunther's land was dwelling till full a year was run, Nor, all that weary season, a single glimpse could gain Of her, who after brought him such pleasure and such pain.

FOURTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED FOUGHT WITH THE SAXONS

I

Now strange and stirring tidings were brought to Gunther's throne By messengers commissioned from foreign chiefs unknown, Who bore the brethren malice, and whom they well might fear. When they receiv'd the message, right heavy was their cheer.

II

The same I now will tell you; King Ludeger the bold, From the land of the Saxons (a mightier ne'er was told) Was leagued with him of Denmark, King Ludegast the strong, And many a famous warrior both brought with them along.

III

Their messengers, hard riding, came to King Gunther's land, As his far-distant foemen had given them in command; Then ask'd the crowd, what tidings the unknown guests might bring. To court they straight were hurried, and set before the king.

IV

Them well the monarch greeted: "You're welcome; never fear; From whom you come, I know not, but willingly would hear, And it is yours to tell me." So spake the monarch good. Then 'gan they sore to tremble at Gunther's angry mood.

V

"Since you, O king! permit us to utter plain and true This our high commission, naught will we hide from you. Our masters we will tell you, who gave us this command. King Ludegast and King Ludeger will visit you in this land.

VI

"You have deserved their anger; for truth can I relate, That both our puissant masters bear you deadly hate. They'll lead a host unnumber'd to Worms unto the Rhine. Of this be warn'd for certain; fix'd is their proud design.

VII

"Within twelve weeks at farthest their camp will onward go; If you've good friends to aid you, 'twill soon be time to show. Their best will sure be needed to guard both fort and field, Soon shall we here be shiv'ring many a helm and many a shield.

VIII

"Or would you seek a treaty, let it at once be said, Ere their prevailing myriads, one wasteful ruin spread Through all your wide dominions with their consuming might, And Death unsated feast him on many a gallant knight."

IX

"Now wait awhile, ye strangers," thus spake the noble king, "I must think, ere I answer the message that you bring. I've friends and faithful liegemen, whose sage advice I use, And with them I must counsel take on this heavy news."

X

The nigh approaching danger irk'd King Gunther sore, And the proud defiance deep in heart he bore; He sent for valiant Hagan and many another knight, And Gernot, too, bade hasten with all the speed he might.

XI

At once they flock'd around him, a stern and stately band; Then spake the king, "Proud strangers, here, in our own good land, Have sent to bid us battle; weigh well such tidings told." Thereto straight answer'd Gernot, a hardy knight and bold.

XII

"Then with our swords we'll meet them; defiance we'll defy; None but the death-doom'd perish, so bravely let them die; I'll ne'er forget my honor for all they choose to send. So fierce a foe to Gernot is welcome as a friend."

XIII

"Rash hold I such hot counsel," said Hagan, Trony's knight, "Both Ludegast and Ludeger are men of mickle might: In so few days our vassals we scarce can muster well." He paused a space, then added, "The news to Siegfried tell."

XIV

Meanwhile they lodg'd the strangers within the city fair; Though all were foes around them, King Gunther bade them share All courteous entertainment; so fitly dealt the king, Till he had learn'd, what forces he might together bring.

XV

Right ill at ease was Gunther; his brow was clouded o'er; A gallant knight, who mark'd him what heavy cheer he bore, Who had not heard the tidings, nor thus the truth could guess, With friendly will thus mov'd him his sorrow to confess.

XVI

"I wonder much," said Siegfried, "why I of late have seen With care so overshadow'd that frank and merry mien, That gave a zest to pleasure, and heighten'd each delight." Whereto gave answer Gunther the far-renowned knight;

XVII

"To all the world I cannot my bitter bale impart; Bear it I must, and wrap it close in my inmost heart. Bosom woes can only to bosom friends be said." Thereat the hue of Siegfried wax'd both white and red.

XVIII

He thus bespake the monarch, "I ne'er denied you aught, And now will serve you truly, whate'er be in your thought. Need you friends, King Gunther? no firmer friend than I. Is it a deed of danger? I'll do it, or I'll die."

XIX

"Now God reward you, Siegfried; your words they please me well; E'en should your strength avail not this danger to repel, There's comfort in such friendship as you have shown to-day. Let me live a little longer, well will I all repay.

XX

"And now my source of sorrow, Sir Siegfried, you shall know; It comes of two proud princes, each my deadly foe, Who me with war would visit, and all my lands o'errun, A deed that here by warrior before was never done."

XXI

"Take little thought," said Siegfried, "of them and their emprise; Calm but your anxious spirit, and do as I advise. Let me for you advantage as well as honor win, And bid at once to aid you your warriors hasten in.

XXII

"If your o'erweening foemen can together call Thirty thousand champions, I'll stand against them all With but a single thousand; for that rely on me." "For this," replied King Gunther, "I'm ever bound to thee."

XXIII

"So from your army give me a thousand men at most, Since I, who well could muster at home a gallant host, Have here twelve comrades only; thus will I guard your land. Count on true service ever from Siegfried's faithful hand.

XXIV

"And Hagan too shall help us, and with him stout Ortwine, Dankwart and Sindolt those loving lords of thine, And fear-defying Folker shall our companion be; He shall bear our banner; better none than he."

XXV

And forthwith did the envoys back to their lords return: "Tell them they soon shall see us, and to their cost shall learn How we devise protection for castle and for town." Straight call'd the king his kinsmen and the suitors of his crown.

XXVI

The messengers of Ludeger before th' assembly went; They heard with joy and gladness that home they would be sent. With costly presents Gunther their parting steps pursued, And with them sent an escort; this rais'd full high their mood.

XXVII

"Ye messengers," said Gunther, "thus to your masters say, They'd best be pricking homeward as quickly as they may; Or, should they please to seek us among our liegemen true, Let but our friends be faithful, we'll find them work to do."

XXVIII

Then forth the costly presents to the messengers they bore; Enough, be sure, and more, too, King Gunther had in store. King Ludeger's men to take them in sooth were nothing coy; Then leave they took of Gunther, and parted thence with joy.

XXIX

Now when back to Denmark were come the envoys bold, And to the stout King Ludegast had the tidings told, How they of Rhine were coming, fierce war themselves to bring, To hear of their high courage troubled sore the king.

XXX

Said they, "Yon proud Burgundian has many a man of might, But for the first and foremost we mark'd a matchless knight, One that men call Siegfried, a chief of Netherland." Ill foreboded Ludegast from such a foe at hand.

XXXI

When to them of Denmark were these tidings told, The more their friends they summon'd to muster manifold, Nor press nor hasty message did stout Sir Ludegast slack, Till twenty thousand champions were marching at his back.

XXXII

Alike to brave Sir Ludeger did his Saxons throng, Till they in arms had gather'd full forty thousand strong, Ready at his bidding through Burgundy to ride, Nor less at home did Gunther his men at arms provide.

XXXIII

His kinsmen and his brethren he begg'd at once to speed, And to the war that dar'd them their muster'd vassals lead, And death-defying Hagan; they gather'd far and nigh. Full many a chief thereafter that journey brought to die.

XXXIV

They one and all were stirring; no loiterer was there; The danger-daring Folker the standard was to bear. To cross the Rhine they purpos'd and leave their native land. Hagan the knight of Trony was marshal of the band.

XXXV

With them, too, rode Sindolt, and with them Hunolt bold, Both resolv'd by service to earn King Gunther's gold, And Dankwart, Hagan's brother, and the brave Ortwine, Alike would seek for honor in the march beyond the Rhine.

XXXVI

"Sir King," said noble Siegfried, "here sit at home and play, While I and your vassals are fighting far away; Here frolic with the ladies and many a merry mate, And trust to me for guarding your honor and estate.

XXXVII

"Those foes of yours, that threaten'd as far as Worms to roam, I will be their surety, that they shall bide at home. So deep within their country we are resolv'd to ride, To wail shall turn their vaunting, to penitence their pride."

XXXVIII

From Rhine through Hesse advancing they rode upon their way, Toward the Saxon country, where after happ'd the fray. Far and wide they ravag'd, and fiery brands they toss'd, Till both the princes heard it and felt it to their cost.

XXXIX

They now were on the borders; then hasten'd every man, When the stalwart Siegfried thus to ask began: "Who shall be appointed to guard our company? Sure ne'er was raid that threaten'd such ill to Saxony."

XL

They answered, "Let to Dankwart the charge committed be To guard the young and heedless; more nimble none than he. We thus the less shall suffer from aught our foes design. To him commit the rearward, and with him too Ortwine."

XLI

"Myself alone," said Siegfried, "will ever forward ride, Till I have found our foemen and all their strength espied. Keep watch and ward unceasing till I this task have done." Then donn'd at once his armor fair Siegelind's martial son.

XLII

At parting he his people in charge to Hagan gave, And with him eke to Gernot the prudent and the brave; Then all alone went riding through the wide Saxon realm; And soon that day he shatter'd the band of many a helm.

XLIII

That mighty host next spied he, as wide encamp'd it lay. It might his single puissance a hundred-fold outweigh. Better than forty thousand were muster'd there for fight, Sir Siegfried mark'd their numbers, and gladden'd at the sight.

XLIV

Before the camp he noted a knight, that on his ground Strong watch and ward kept heedful, and peer'd on all around. At once of him was Siegfried, and he of Siegfried ware, And each began on the other angrily to glare.

XLV

Who was this watchful warder, now you shall be told. At hand by him lay ready a flashing shield of gold. Twas e'en the stout King Ludegast, that watch'd his gather'd might. Fiercely upon the monarch sprung the stranger knight.

XLVI

As fiercely too against him the fiery monarch sped; In the flank of the war-horse each dash'd the rowels red: The lance with all his puissance each level'd at the shield. Ill chance befell King Ludegast in that disastrous field.

XLVII

Beneath the spur blood-dripping the steeds together flew; Champion clos'd with champion as though a tempest blew. Then wheel'd they round full knightly; each well the bridle sway'd Again they met unsated, and with blade encounter'd blade.

XLVIII

Such strokes there struck Sir Siegfried, that all the field it rang; At each, as e'en from torches, the fire-red sparkles sprang From Ludegast's batter'd helmet. So strive they all they can And either stormy champion in th' other finds his man.

XLIX

At Siegfried too Sir Ludegast struck many a sturdy stroke; Each on his foeman's buckler his gather'd fury broke. Full thirty men of Ludegast's meanwhile had spied the fray, But, ere they up could hasten, Siegfried had won the day.

L