Part 5

Thrice smote he the bright breast-plate, and pierc'd it through and through; Thrice the blood in torrents from the king he drew, Those three strokes have ended that encounter keen. Down sunk woful Ludegast grovelling on the green.

LI

He straight for life sued humbly, and yielded up his claim To all his lands, and told him that Ludegast was his name. On this up came his warriors, who from afar had seen The fight, that at the ward-post so fiercely fought had been.

LII

Thence Siegfried thought to bring him, when sudden all the band Of thirty set upon him; well then the hero's hand Maintain'd his royal captive with many a mighty blow. The peerless champion wrought them yet heavier loss and woe.

LIII

He fought with all the thirty till all but one were slain; To him his life he granted; he trembling rode amain, And told the truth disastrous to all the gaping crew; On his bloody helmet they might see it written, too.

LIV

Woe were the men of Denmark to hear the deadly tale; Their king too was a captive; this added bale to bale. They told it to his brother; he straight to storm began. Wroth was he to have suffered such loss by arm of man.

LV

So by the might of Siegfried was Ludegast led away To where the men of Gunther in watchful leaguer lay, And given in charge to Hagan; when they came to hear The prisoner was King Ludegast, they scarcely shed a tear.

LVI

Now rear they bade the banner the bold Burgundian crew. "Up!" cried the son of Siegelind, "more will be yet to do, If there be life in Siegfried, and that ere day be done. Woe to the Saxon mothers! they'll weep for many a son.

LVII

"Ye hardy knights of Rhineland, take of me good heed. Right through the ranks of Ludeger your valor will I lead. You'll see by hands of heroes helmets cleft amain. Shame shall they learn and sorrow ere we ride home again."

LVIII

At once to horse good Gernot and all his meiny sprung, At once the glittering banner to the breeze was flung By the bold minstrel Folker riding in the van; So moved they on to battle, war-breathing every man.

LIX

No more than e'en a thousand went on the hard emprise; With them twelve stranger champions. Now 'gan the dust arise Along the paths they trampled; they rode by copse and field And startled all the country with the flash of many a shield.

LX

Against them with their myriads came on the Saxons bold. Their swords they well were sharpen'd, as I have since been told. Keen cut the temper'd weapons in their well-practised hands, To guard from those fierce strangers their castles and their lands.

LXI

The war-directing marshal led on the troop amain, And thither too fierce Siegfried brought up the scanty train, That had his fortunes follow'd from distant Netherland. Busied that day in battle was many a bloody hand.

LXII

Sindolt and Hunolt and noble Gernot too In the fierce encounter many a champion slew, Who, ere they felt their puissance, little thought to quail; Many a noble lady then had cause to wail.

LXIII

Folker and Hagan, and eke the fierce Ortwine, Death-defying champions, dimm'd many a helmet's shine With bloody streaming torrents that down began to run; There too were by Dankwart mighty marvels done.

LXIV

Every man of Denmark frankly tried his hand; You might have heard a clatter ring throughout the land Of shiver'd shields and sword-blades; 'sooth the work was rough, And the hurtling Saxons damage did enough.

LXV

Where the stern Burgundians plung'd into the strife, Many a wound was given, and let out many a life. The blood from that red slaughter above the saddles stood; Woo'd as a bride was honor by heroes bold and good.

LXVI

But louder still and louder in every hero's hand Clash'd the keen-ground weapons, when those of Netherland Behind their charging master rush'd into the fight. On they came with Siegfried; each bore him as a knight.

LXVII

Not a lord of Rhineland could follow where he flew. You might see red spouting the riven helmets through Sudden streams of slaughter where Siegfried smote around, Till he at last King Ludeger before his comrades found.

LXVIII

Thrice pierc'd he through the Saxons, and thrice return'd again, From van to utmost rear-guard still trampling down the slain; Nor was it long, ere Hagan came up his part to bear. Down then must proudest champions before th' unconquer'd pair.

LXIX

When the stalwart Ludeger saw noble Siegfried nigh, Who in his hand wide-wasting ever heav'd on high The storm-descending Balmung, and slew him many a slain, Grimly frown'd the monarch, and burn'd with wrath amain.

LXX

Dire was the storm and struggle, and loud the sword-blades clash'd, When both the thick battalions each on the other dash'd, Each angry leader panting to meet in stern debate. The crowd began to scatter; then fiercer rose their hate.

LXXI

Well the Saxon ruler that day perform'd his part; To know his brother taken cut him to the heart. He heard it first reported, Gernot the deed had done, But now he knew for certain, 'twas Siegelind's conqu'ring son.

LXXII

So burly were the buffets which Ludeger dealt in field, That Siegfried's panting charger under the saddle reel'd. Soon as the steed recover'd, a fiercer passion stirr'd His angry lord, and hotter through the red press he spurr'd.

LXXIII

Then up to help him Hagan, and up good Gernot sped, Dankwart and Folker; round lay in heaps the dead; And Sindolt came, and Hunolt, and the good knight Ortwine. Down sunk the Saxons trampled by the warriors of the Rhine.

LXXIV

Close fought the chiefs, unsever'd 'spite of the hurtling bands Then might you see the lances from mightiest heroes' hands Fly o'er the nodding helmets, and pierce the bucklers through; Many a glittering armor was dyed a bloody hue.

LXXV

In the fierce encounter many a mighty man Tumbled from the saddle; each on th' other ran Ludeger and Siegfried, each the other's peer; Many a shaft was flying, whizzing many a spear.

LXXVI

Off flew Ludeger's shield-plate by dint of Siegfried's hand. Then look'd at last for conquest the knight of Netherland Over the struggling Saxons, such force was in that stroke. Then too how many a breast-plate the strong-arm'd Dankwart broke!

LXXVII

Just then it chanc'd King Ludeger had a crown espied Painted upon the buckler that guarded Siegfried's side. Straight knew the astonish'd Saxon, 'twas he, the mighty man, And to his friends the hero to call aloud began.

LXXVIII

"Stop! stop! enough of fighting, my merry men each one! Here in this bloody battle I've met with Siegmund's son. The chief-destroying Siegfried for certain seen have I. The devil has sent him hither to harry Saxony."

LXXIX

He bade them lower the banners; forthwith they lower'd them all; And peace he then demanded; 'twas granted at his call; But go he must a pris'ner to good King Gunther's land; This was from him extorted by Siegfried's conqu'ring hand.

LXXX

With one accord agreeing the bloody strife they left; The shining shields all shiver'd, the helmets hack'd and cleft They laid aside o'er-wearied; whatever down they threw Bore from Burgundian falchions a stain of bloody hue.

LXXXI

They took whome'er it pleas'd them, none could their will gainsay. Gernot and valiant Hagan at once bade bear away The faint and feeble wounded, and with them carried then Off to the Rhine as captives five hundred chosen men.

LXXXII

With wailing back to Denmark the bootless warriors came; The late o'erweening Saxons bore off but loss and shame From that disastrous struggle; each hung his pensive head. They last their friends remember'd, and sorrow'd for the dead.

LXXXIII

Anon they bade the sumpters be loaded for the Rhine; And thus victorious Siegfried his perilous design Had brought to full performance; well had he done in fight; This every man of Gunther allow'd him as of right.

LXXXIV

To Worms straight did a message from good Sir Gernot come, To tell throughout the country to all his friends at home Whate'er in that encounter to him and his befell, And how they all their duty had knightly done and well.

LXXXV

The youths they ran their swiftest, and nois'd abroad the whole. Then laugh'd who late lamented; delight succeeded dole. All bosoms straight were beating to learn the news they bore, And every noble lady would ask them o'er and o'er,

LXXXVI

How the knights of Gunther in Saxony had sped. Then too the lovelorn Kriemhild had one in secret led (For publicly she durst not) to a distant bower apart, For she would learn how far'd it with the chosen of her heart.

LXXXVII

Soon as to the chamber the melancholy maid Saw the youth approaching, sweetly thus she said, "Now tell me happy tidings, and I'll give thee gold in store, And if 'tis truth thou tell'st me, I'll befriend thee evermore.

LXXXVIII

"Tell me how in battle my brother Gernot sped, And all our friends around him; is any of them dead? Who prov'd the best and bravest? this thou must tell me true." "No coward," the youth made answer, "had we in all the crew;

LXXXIX

"But sure to fight or foray (the simple truth to tell) Fair and noble princess! rode never knight so well As the noble stranger from distant Netherland. Wonders that mock believing were wrought by Siegfried's hand.

XC

"However well the others have borne them in the fight, Dankwart and Hagan, and all our men of might, Howe'er deserv'd the honor, that other swords have won, 'Tis a puff of wind to Siegfried, King Siegmund's glorious son.

XCI

"Well plied the rest the falchion, and wielded well the spear, But ne'er from tongue of mortal expect at full to hear What feats were done by Siegfried, when he broke the squadrons through; Those feats the weeping sisters of slaughter'd brethren rue.

XCII

"There lay the heart's-beloved of many a mourning bride; Beneath his sounding sword-strokes cleft morions, gaping wide, Let out the ruddy life-blood gushing fearfully. Sir Siegfried is in all things the flower of chivalry.

XCIII

"There too won no small worship the knight of Metz, Ortwine; Whomever reach'd the warrior with keen-edg'd falchion fine, Down went they from the war-horse, some wounded, others dead. There too your valiant brother as wide the slaughter spread,

XCIV

"As e'er was done, believe me, since armies met in fight; So much must all men witness of that redoubted knight. There too the proud Burgundians so nobly strove for fame, That well they have assur'd them from every taint of blame.

XCV

"Before their level'd lances was many a saddle void; Around the field re-echoed when they the sword employ'd. The noble knights of Rhineland fought so well that day, Their foes had sure done wiser at once to flee away.

XCVI

"The gallant men of Trony did deeds they well may boast When with united squadrons to battle rode the host. What numbers fell by Hagan and Hagan's chivalry! Long shall their glory flourish here in broad Burgundy.

XCVII

"Sindolt and Hunolt, each Gernot's liegemen true, And never-daunted Rumolt so rush'd the foemen through, That ever will King Ludeger repent his vain design To meet your royal brethren on the banks of Rhine.

XCVIII

"But of all feats, the fairest, that in that field befell, From first to last most glorious, as all who saw can tell, Were those achiev'd full knightly by Siegfried's deadly hand. Now many a wealthy captive brings he to Gunther's land.

XCIX

"Beneath his arm, submission the brother kings have learn'd; Proud Dane and haughty Saxon alike defeat have earn'd; Dead lie their loving vassals wide o'er the bloody green. Now to my tale yet listen, high and noble queen!

C

"Now both are hither wending, the thralls of Siegfried's hand; Chief ne'er such countless captives brought to Burgundian land, As now to Rhine are coming, o'ermastered by his might." Ne'er heard the royal maiden a tale of such delight.

CI

"More than five hundred prisoners, for truth, high lady! know, Unhurt, are hither coming; full eighty biers, I trow, Trail on the deadly wounded: you soon will see them here; The most bear bloody witness of Siegfried's sword and spear.

CII

"Those kings, who late so haughty would dare us on the Rhine, Must now to Gunther's pleasure their lives, their all resign. Our shouts salute their coming, our joy is on the gale." She brighten'd into blushes to hear the happy tale.

CIII

Her cheek, late pale as lily, now glow'd with rosy red, To hear how youthful Siegfried so gloriously had sped, Rais'd from the depth of peril to loftiest height of fame. She joy'd too for her kinsmen as maiden well became.

CIV

Then spake she midst her blushes, "Well hast thou earn'd thy meed, Well hast thou told thy story, so take thee costliest weed, Now straight I'll bid be brought thee ten marks of ruddy gold." No wonder, to rich ladies glad news are gladly told.

CV

Straightforth was brought the vesture, and down the gold was paid; Then hurried to the windows full many a lovely maid, And look'd out on the highway, nor long delay'd to spy The high-descended victors return'd to Burgundy.

CVI

The safe and sound came forward; the wounded did the same; Merry was the meeting; none fear'd reproach or blame. Forth rode the host to meet them; his mirth had no alloy; The woe, that long had worn him, was now shut up in joy.

CVII

His own full well receiv'd he, and well the strangers too; Sure nothing so befitting could wealthy monarch do, Than kindly greet such victors as now his court had sought With gain of such clear honor from field so sternly fought.

CVIII

Then ask'd the noble Gunther of the conquering train, How many of his warriors had in the strife been slain. There had been lost but sixty in the fight they won. They were mourn'd and forgotten, as with many has since been done.

CIX

Th' unwounded bore exulting, grim trophies of the field, Full many a batter'd morion, full many a shiver'd shield. Before the hall of Gunther from horse the champions sprung; Around from joyful thousands one shout of welcome rung.

CX

The warriors in the city were lodg'd as might be best; The king with courteous service bade wait on every guest. He found the hurt fit chambers for tendance and repose, And prov'd his noble nature in the treatment of his foes.

CXI

Thus he said to Ludegast, "King Ludegast, welcome here. Much at your hands I've suffer'd, and more had cause to fear But all's at full repaid me, if smooth my fortune run. God requite my warriors! they well for me have done."

CXII

"Ay, you may gladly thank them," said Ludeger, "'tis their due; King ne'er had such high captives as they have won for you. Meanwhile, for courteous treatment, good store of gold we'll bring, And look for such reception as king may claim from king."

CXIII

"Take what you ask," said Gunther, "both set I gladly free. Still must I have assurance that here awhile with me My foes consent to tarry, and do not leave my land Till peace be made between us." To that King Ludeger gave his hand.

CXIV

So now the kings to rest them were to their chambers led. With tender care the wounded were softly laid a-bed, While for the whole and hearty were pour'd the mead and wine. Never were men so merry as these beside the Rhine.

CXV

Attendants to safe keeping the batter'd bucklers bore, The blood-bespatter'd saddles, whereof was plenteous store, They hid, lest sight so sorry should make the women weep. Many a good knight o'erwearied home was glad to creep.

CXVI

The guests from good King Gunther all noble treatment found. With friends as well as strangers his country swarm'd around. He bade for the sore wounded all needful aid be sought. Where was their haughty courage? how low it now was brought!

CXVII

Whoe'er had skill in leechcraft was offer'd coin untold, Silver without measure as well as glittering gold, To cure the fainting champions by wounds of war oppress'd. The bounteous monarch sent, too, rich gifts to every guest.

CXVIII

Those who, of feasting weary, homeward sought to wend, Were press'd to tarry longer, as friend will deal with friend. King Gunther call'd a council; he would his men requite, Who for his sake so nobly had won that gallant fight.

CXIX

Then spake the good Sir Gernot, "At present bid them go. When full six weeks are over, we'll let the warriors know, We here shall need their presence at feasting rich and high; Then will restor'd be many, who yet sore wounded lie."

CXX

And now would noble Siegfried to Gunther bid adieu; Soon as the friendly monarch the warrior's purpose knew He lovingly besought him a longer stay to make. He ne'er had so consented but for his sister's sake.

CXXI

Besides, he was too wealthy to stoop to soldier's pay, Albeit he well deserv'd it; him lov'd the more each day, The king and all his kinsmen, who on the battle plain, Had seen him deal destruction on Saxon and on Dane,

CXXII

For the sake of that fair lady he yet would linger there, If he perchance might see her; and soon was eas'd his care. He came to know the maiden to his utmost heart's desire, Then home he rode rejoicing to the kingdom of his sire.

CXXIII

The king bade practise knighthood and joust from day to day, Well did his youthful warriors and willingly obey. Seats too before the city he rais'd along the strand For those who were to visit the fam'd Burgundian land.

CXXIV

So bade the royal Gunther, and now the time was near, Ere came the joyful tidings to his fair sister's ear, That he with his dear comrades high festival would hold. Then were fair women stirring; their toil was manifold.

CXXV

With kirtles, and with head-gear, and all that each should wear, Uta, the rich and noble, amidst her maidens fair Heard of coming warriors, a bold and haughty train; Straight was from out the wrappers store of rich vesture ta'en.

CXXVI

For the sake of her dear children the garments forth were laid, Wherewith array'd were richly many a wife and many a maid, And many a youthful champion of warlike Burgundy; She bade, too, many a stranger be rob'd as gorgeously.

FIFTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED FIRST SAW KRIEMHILD

I

Now might you ever daily see riding toward the Rhine Troops of good knights ambitious at that proud feast to shine. Whoe'er for love of Gunther to Gunther's court would speed, Was at his hands provided with vesture and with steed.

II

Assign'd were seats befitting to every high-born guest. Thither, as has been told us, the noblest and the best Came two and thirty princes to that high festal tide. In gawds and gems the women each with her neighbor vied.

III

Now here, now there was busy the youthful Giselher; He and his brother Gernot each with his meiny there Right hospitable welcome to friend and stranger made, And every fitting honor to every warrior paid.

IV

Full many a gold-red saddle, full many a sparkling shield, With store of sumptuous vesture for that high festal field, Were then convey'd to Rhineland; many an ailing wight Grew merry again and gladsome to see so fair a sight.

V

Each, who in bed lay wounded, though like to yield his breath, Could now no more remember the bitterness of death. By the sick the healthy could now no longer stay; Comrade laugh'd with comrade against the festal day

VI

On the good entertainment prepar'd for young and old; Measureless contentment, enjoyment manifold Enliven'd all the people, and spread from band to band. The note of pleasure echoed through all King Gunther's land

VII

'Twas on a Whitsun' morning the warriors you might see, Five thousand men or better, fair pricking o'er the lea, Yclad in courtly raiment, to that high festival, In jollity and pastime were vying one and all.

VIII

Right well had mark'd King Gunther, who love could understand, What heartfelt love impassion'd the knight of Netherland, E'en though he ne'er had seen her, his peerless sister bare, The maid proclaim'd by all men the fairest of the fair.

IX

Said he, "Now all advise me, kinsmen and men of mine, How best of this high tourney to perfect the design, So that our earnest efforts henceforth none may blame. 'Tis but on deeds deserving that rests enduring fame."

X

He scarce had thus address'd them, when answer'd bold Ortwine, "Would you, O King! full honor to this high feast assign, Bring forth our choicest treasures to this proud chivalry, The matrons and the maidens of our fair Burgundy.

XI

"What more the heart enraptures, or courage more inflames Than to look on lovely damsels, on high and stately dames? Bid too come forth your sister to feast each stranger's sight." Well was approv'd the counsel by each surrounding knight.

XII

"'Tis well advis'd," said Gunther, "I straight will do my part." Whoever heard his answer was inly glad at heart. Then bade he Lady Uta and her fair daughter call To grace the court and tourney, them and their maidens all.

XIII

In haste through all the presses for rich attire they sought, What lay in wrappers folded alike to light was brought, Bracelets and clasps and brooches all ready forth were laid. Soon deck'd in all her choicest was every noble maid.

XIV

Many a young knight that morning, within his flutt'ring breast, Long'd, that on him, contented, bright beauty's glance might rest; Such glance he would not barter for all a king can own. Each look'd on each full gladly, albeit before unknown.

XV

Then bade the wealthy monarch with royal pomp and state Of his men a hundred on his sister wait, His and the maiden's kinsmen; each carried sword in hand. These were the chosen courtiers of Burgundy's fair land.

XVI

With her the wealthy Uta there coming too was seen; She had with her in waiting of fair and stately mien, A hundred dames or better, all gorgeously array'd. Her daughter, too, was followed by many a noble maid.

XVII

On from bower advancing they came in fair array; Much press was there of heroes along the crowded way Through anxious glad expectance to see that beauty rare, The fairest and the noblest of the noble and the fair.

XVIII

Now went she forth, the loveliest, as forth the morning goes From misty clouds out-beaming; then all his weary woes Left him, in heart who bore her, and so, long time, had done. He saw there stately standing the fair, the peerless one.

XIX

Many a stone full precious flash'd from her vesture bright; Her rosy blushes darted a softer, milder light. Whate'er might be his wishes, each could not but confess, He ne'er on earth had witness'd such perfect loveliness.

XX

As the moon arising outglitters every star That through the clouds so purely glimmers from afar, E'en so love-breathing Kriemhild dimm'd every beauty nigh. Well might at such a vision many a bold heart beat high.

XXI

Rich chamberlains before them march'd on in order due; Around th' high-mettled champions close and closer drew, Each pressing each, and struggling to see the matchless maid. Then inly was Sir Siegfried both well and ill apaid.

XXII