Part 6

Within himself thus thought he: "How could I thus misdeem That I should dare to woo thee? sure 'twas an idle dream! Yet, rather than forsake thee, far better were I dead." Thus thinking, thus impassion'd, wax'd he ever white and red.

XXIII

So stood the son of Siegelind in matchless grace array'd, As though upon a parchment in glowing hues portray'd By some good master's cunning; all own'd, and could no less, Eye had not seen a pattern of such fair manliness.

XXIV

Those, who the dames attended, bade all around make way; Straight did the gentle warriors, as such became, obey. There many a knight, enraptur'd, saw many a dame in place Shine forth in bright perfection of courtliness and grace.

XXV

Then the bold Burgundian, Sir Gernot, spoke his thought, "Him, who in hour of peril his aid so frankly brought, Requite, dear brother Gunther, as fits both him and you, Before this fair assembly; th' advice I give, I ne'er shall rue.

XXVI

"Bid Siegfried come to Kriemhild; let each the other meet; 'Twill sure be to our profit, if she the warrior greet. 'Twill make him ours forever, this man of matchless might, If she but give him greeting, who never greeted knight."

XXVII

Then went King Gunther's kinsmen, a high-born haughty band, And found, and fair saluted the knight of Netherland. "The king to court invites you; such favor have you won; His sister there will greet you; this to honor you is done."

XXVIII

Glad man was then Sir Siegfried at this unlook'd-for gain; His heart was full of pleasure without alloy of pain, To see and meet so friendly fair Uta's fairer child. Then greeted she the warrior maidenly and mild.

XXIX

There stood he, the high-minded, beneath her star-bright eye, His cheek as fire all glowing; then said she modestly, "Sir Siegfried, you are welcome, noble knight and good!" Yet loftier at that greeting rose his lofty mood.

XXX

He bow'd with soft emotion, and thank'd the blushing fair; Love's strong constraint together impelled th' enamour'd pair; Their longing eyes encountered, their glances, every one, Bound knight and maid for ever, yet all by stealth was done.

XXXI

That in the warmth of passion he press'd her lily hand, I do not know for certain, but well can understand. 'Twere surely past believing they ventur'd not on this; Two loving hearts, so meeting, else had done amiss.

XXXII

No more in pride of summer nor in bloom of May Knew he such heart-felt pleasure as on this happy day, When she, than May more blooming, more bright than summer's pride, His own, a dream no longer, was standing by his side.

XXXIII

Then thought full many a champion, "Would this had happ'd to me To be with lovely Kriemhild as Siegfried now I see, Or closer e'en than Siegfried; well were I then, I ween." Never yet was champion who so deserv'd a queen.

XXXIV

Whate'er the king or country of the guests assembled there, All could look on nothing save on that gentle pair. Now 'twas allow'd that Kriemhild the peerless knight should kiss. Ne'er in the world had drain'd he so full a draught of bliss.

XXXV

Then spake the King of Denmark the gather'd crowd before, "Because of this high greeting lie many wounded sore, As I know to my sorrow, by Siegfried's might and main. God grant, he ne'er to Denmark may find his way again."

XXXVI

Then 'twas proclaim'd on all sides to make for Kriemhild way; Straight went to church the maiden in royal rich array With a bold train of warriors, a fair and courtly sight. There soon from her was parted the lofty-minded knight.

XXXVII

She now the minster enter'd; her follow'd many a dame; There so her stately beauty her rich attire became, That droop'd each high aspiring, born but at once to die. Sure was that maid created to ravish every eye.

XXXVIII

Scarce could wait Sir Siegfried till the mass was sung. Well might he thank his fortune, that, all those knights among, To him inclined the maiden whom still in heart he bore, While he to her, as fitted, return'd as much or more.

XXXIX

When now before the minster after the mass she stood, Again to come beside her was call'd the champion good. Then first by that sweet maiden thanks to the knight were given, That he before his comrades so warrior-like had striven.

XL

"God you reward, Sir Siegfried!" said the noble child, "For all your high deservings in honor's beadroll fil'd, The which I know from all men have won you fame and grace." Sir Siegfried, love-bewilder'd, look'd Kriemhild in the face.

XLI

"Ever," said he, "your brethren I'll serve as best I may, Nor once, while I have being, will head on pillow lay, Till I have done to please them whate'er they bid me do, And this, my lady Kriemhild, is all for love of you."

XLII

For twelve days the maiden each successive day With the knight beside her took to court her way, While, as they pass'd together, their friends were looking on. Out of love to Siegfried was this fair service done.

XLIII

From morn was there to evening and day by day withal Shouting and merry-making about King Gunther's hall, Within, without, from joyance of many a mighty man. Ortwine and valiant Hagan high wonders there began.

XLIV

Whatever sports they wish'd for were ready at their will; Of each, as each had liking, each might take his fill. Thus proved were Gunther's warriors by stranger chivalry, Whence fame accrued and honor to all broad Burgundy.

XLV

They too, who lay sore wounded, crept forth to the free air; They long'd with loving comrades the gentle sports to share, To skirmish with the buckler, and hurl the spear amain; And most through such fair pastime came to full strength again.

XLVI

The host of that high festal all and some had cheer With meats and drinks the choicest; he kept him ever clear From blame or ought unkingly in action or intent; And now with friendly purpose to his guests he went.

XLVII

Said he, "Good knights and noble, ere you hence retire, Receive the gifts I offer, as proofs of my desire In all I can to serve you, this I'm resolv'd to do; Disdain not now the riches I'd gladly share with you."

XLVIII

Straight the men of Denmark to the king replied, "Ere hence we part and homeward to our own country ride, A lasting peace assure us; such peace must captives need, Who have seen their dearest comrades beneath your champions bleed."

XLIX

Now whole again was Ludegast and all his gashes heal'd, The Saxon too recover'd after that luckless field. Some dead they left behind them entomb'd in Rhenish ground Then thither went King Gunther where he Sir Siegfried found.

L

To the good knight thus said he, "Now tell me what to do; Early to-morrow morning ride home the Danish crew; With me and mine from henceforth they seek to be at one; Therefore advise me, Siegfried, what best is to be done.

LI

"What these two monarchs offer, I'll to you declare; As much as steeds five hundred of shining gold can bear, That will they gladly give me to set them free at will." Then answer'd noble Siegfried, "You then would do but ill.

LII

"Better hence unfetter'd let both together go, And that neither warrior henceforth as a foe Venture to make entry on Burgundian land, For this in full assurance let either give his hand."

LIII

"Your counsel I will follow, thus let them home return." His captive foes his message were not slow to learn, No one their gold demanded which they had offer'd late. Meanwhile their friends in Denmark mourn'd for their lost estate.

LIV

Many a shield heap'd with treasure was brought at Gunther's call; Among the friends around him unweigh'd he shar'd it all; Five hundred marks or better each warrior home might bring; This frank and liberal counsel bold Gernot gave the king.

LV

Leave soon the guests were taking; their minds were homeward bent; Then might you see how each one before fair Kriemhild went, And eke where Lady Uta sat like a queen in place. Never yet were warriors dismiss'd with so much grace.

LVI

Empty was left each chamber as thence the strangers rode, Yet still in royal splendor the king at home abode With many a noble warrior and vassal of his court, Whom you might see to Kriemhild day by day resort.

LVII

And now the noble Siegfried leave to take was fain. What he so deeply yearn'd for he little hop'd to gain. It was told King Gunther that he would hence away. 'Twas Giselher the youthful that won the chief to stay.

LVIII

"Why would you leave us, Siegfried, noble friend and true? Tarry here among us (what I entreat you, do) With Gunther and his liegemen, warriors frank and free. Here are store of lovely ladies, whom you may gladly see."

LIX

Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Lead in the steeds again; Forthwith to ride I purpos'd, but now will here remain; And back, too, bear the bucklers; indeed I homeward yearn'd, But Giselher with honor my fix'd intent has turn'd."

LX

So stay'd the bold Sir Siegfried for love and friendship's sake; Nor surely could he elsewhere so gladly tarriance make As at the court of Gunther, for there throughout his stay The love-devoted warrior saw Kriemhild every day.

LXI

Through her unmeasur'd beauty Sir Siegfried linger'd there; His friends with many a pastime charm'd from him every care, Save longing love for Kriemhild; this mov'd him oft to sigh, This too thereafter brought him most miserably to die.

SIXTH ADVENTURE

HOW GUNTHER WENT TO WOO BRUNHILD

I

Beyond the Rhine high tidings again were nois'd around. There many a maid was dwelling for beauty wide renown'd, And one of these King Gunther, 'twas said, design'd to woo: Well pleas'd the monarch's purpose his knights and liegemen true.

II

There was a queen high seated afar beyond the sea; Never wielded sceptre a mightier than she; For beauty she was matchless, for strength without a peer; Her love to him she offer'd who could pass her at the spear.

III

She threw the stone, and bounded behind it to the mark; At three games each suitor with sinews stiff and stark Must conquer the fierce maiden whom he sought to wed, Or, if in one successless, straight must lose his head.

IV

E'en thus for the stern virgin had many a suitor died. This heard a noble warrior who dwelt the Rhine beside, And forthwith resolv'd he to win her for his wife. Thereby full many a hero thereafter lost his life.

V

Once on a day together sat with his men the king, Talking each with the other, and deeply pondering, What maiden 'twas most fitting for their lord to woo, One who him might comfort, and grace the country too.

VI

Then spake the lord of Rhineland: "Straight will I hence to sea, And seek the fiery Brunhild howe'er it go with me. For love of the stern maiden I'll frankly risk my life; Ready am I to lose it, if I win her not to wife."

VII

"That would I fain dissuade you," Sir Siegfried made reply, "Whoe'er would woo fair Brunhild, plays a stake too high; So cruel is her custom, and she so fierce a foe. Take good advice, King Gunther, nor on such a journey go."

VIII

Then answer'd thus King Gunther: "Ne'er yet was woman born So bold and eke so stalwart, but I should think it scorn Were not this hand sufficient to force a female foe." "Be still," replied Sir Siegfried, "her strength you little know.

IX

"E'en were you four together, nought could all four devise 'Gainst her remorseless fury; hear then what I advise From true and steadfast friendship, and, as you value life, Tempt not for love of Brunhild a vain, a hopeless strife."

X

"How strong she be soever, the journey will I take, Whatever chance befall me, for lovely Brunhild's sake; For her unmeasur'd beauty I'll hazard all that's mine. Who knows, but God may bring her to follow me to the Rhine?"

XI

"Since you're resolv'd," said Hagan, "this would I chief advise; Request of noble Siegfried in this dread enterprise To take his part among us; thus 'twould be best, I ween, For none so well as Siegfried knows this redoubted queen."

XII

Said Gunther, "Wilt thou help me, Siegfried tried and true? To win the lovely maiden? What I entreat thee, do, And if I only gain her to my wedded wife, For thee I'll gladly venture honor, limb and life."

XIII

Thereto answer'd Siegfried, Siegmund's matchless son, "Give me but thy sister, and the thing is done. The stately queen fair Kriemhild let me only gain, I ask no other guerdon for whatever toil and pain."

XIV

"I promise it," said Gunther, "and take in pledge thy hand, And soon as lovely Brunhild shall come into this land, To thee to wife my sister surely will I give, And may you both together long time and happy live."

XV

Then each they swore to th' other, the high-born champions bold, Which wrought them toil and trouble thereafter manifold, Ere to full completion they brought their high design, And led at last the lady to the banks of Rhine.

XVI

I have heard strange stories of wild dwarfs, how they fare; They dwell in hollow mountains, and for protection wear A vesture that high cloud-cloak, marvellous to tell; Whoever has it on him may keep him safe and well.

XVII

From cuts and stabs of foemen; him none can hear or see As soon as he is in it, but see and hear can he Whatever he will around him, and thus must needs prevail; He grows besides far stronger; so goes the wond'rous tale.

XVIII

And now with him the cloud-cloak took fair Sieglind's son; The same th' unconquer'd warrior with labor hard had won From the stout dwarf Albric in successful fray. The bold and wealthy champions made ready for the way.

XIX

So, as I said, bold Siegfried the cloud-cloak bore along. When he but put it on him, he felt him wond'rous strong. Twelve men's strength then had he in his single body laid. By trains and close devices he woo'd the haughty maid.

XX

Besides, in that strange cloud-cloak was such deep virtue found, That whosoever wore it, though thousands stood around, Might do whatever pleas'd him unseen of friend or foe. Thus Siegfried won fair Brunhild, which brought him bitterest woe.

XXI

"Before we start, bold Siegfried, tell me what best would be; Shall we lead an army across the sounding sea, And travel thus to Brunhild as fits a royal king? Straight could we together thirty thousand warriors bring."

XXII

"Whatever our band," said Siegfried, "the same would still ensue; So savage and so cruel is the queen you woo, All would together perish by her o'ermastering might; But I'll advise you better, high and noble knight.

XXIII

"As simple knights we'll travel a-down the Rhine's fair tide, Two to us two added, and followers none beside. We four will make the voyage, true comrades one and all, And thus shall win the lady, whatever thence befall.

XXIV

"I will be one companion, thou shalt the second be, The third shall be Sir Hagan, in sooth a goodly three! The fourth shall be Sir Dankwart that redoubted knight. Trust me, no thousand champions will dare us four to fight."

XXV

"Fain would I learn," said Gunther, "ere we hence depart On the hard adventure, that so inflames my heart, Before the royal Brunhild what vesture we should wear, That may best become us; this, Siegfried, thou declare."

XXVI

"Garments the best and richest that ever warriors wore Robe in the land of Brunhild her lieges evermore; And we should meet the lady array'd at least as well; So shame will ne'er await us, when men our tale shall tell."

XXVII

Then answer'd good King Gunther, "I'll to my mother dear, That she and her fair maidens ere we for Issland steer, May furnish us with raiment in full and copious store, Which we may wear with honor the stately queen before."

XXVIII

Hagan, the Knight of Trony, then spake in courtly wise, "Why would you ask your mother such service to devise? If only your fair sister our purpose understood, She's in all arts so skilful, the clothes would needs be good."

XXIX

Then sent he to his sister, that he'd to her repair, And with him only Siegfried; ere they could thither fare, Kriemhild in choicest vesture her beauty had array'd; Little did their coming displease the gentle maid.

XXX

And deck'd too were her women as them best became. Now were at hand the princess; straight the queenly dame, As she beheld them coming, rose stately from her seat, And went the noble stranger and her brother, too, to greet.

XXXI

"Welcome to my brother and to his comrade dear," Said the graceful maiden, "your news I fain would hear. Tell me what brings you hither, what deeds are now to do; Let me know how fares it, noble knights, with you."

XXXII

Then spake the royal Gunther, "Dame, I will tell my care. We must with lofty courage a proud adventure dare. We would hence a-wooing far over seas away; For such a journey need we apparel rich and gay."

XXXIII

"Now sit thee down, dear brother, and tell me frank and free," Said the royal maiden, "who these dames may be, Whom you would go a-courting in a distant land." Both the chosen warriors then took she by the hand.

XXXIV

Anon she both led thither where before she sat On rich embroider'd cushions (I can vouch for that), O'erwrought with goodly figures well rais'd in glitt'ring gold. There they with the fair lady might gentle converse hold.

XXXV

Many a glance of rapture, many a longing look, As there talk'd the lovers, either gave and took. He in his heart enshrin'd her; she was to him as life. Thereafter lovely Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's wife.

XXXVI

Then said to her King Gunther, "Right noble sister mine, What I wish can never be but with help of thine. We'll to the land of Brunhild to take our pastime there, And must before the lady princely apparel wear."

XXXVII

Then spake the queen in answer, "Right loving brother mine, If ought I can will profit whatever end of thine, Depend on me to do it; thou'lt find me ready still. If any aught denied thee, 'twould please thy Kriemhild ill.

XXXVIII

"Noble knight, thou should'st not, as doubting, ask and pray, But, as my lord and master, command, and I'll obey. Thou'lt find me, whatsoever thou hast in heart to do, Not more a loving sister than a servant true."

XXXIX

"Dearest sister Kriemhild, we must wear costly weed, And therewith to equip us thy snowy hand we need, And let thy maids their utmost upon the same bestow, For sure my purpos'd journey never will I forego."

XL

Then spoke the noble virgin, "Mark now what I say; I've silk myself in plenty; on shields, as best you may, Precious stones bid bring us to work the clothes withal. Gunther and eke Siegfried bade bring them at her call.

XLI

"And who are the companions," ask'd the royal maid, "Who you to court will follow thus gorgeously array'd?" "We're four in all," he answer'd; "two of my men beside, Dankwart and Hagan, with us to court will ride.

XLII

"And, dame, mark well, I pray thee, what I have yet to say. Let each be well provided three changes every day, And for four days successive, and all be of the best; So back shall I wend homeward no scorn'd, dishonor'd guest."

XLIII

So with kind dismissal away the warriors strode. Then quick the fair queen summon'd from bowers where they abode Thirty maids, her brother's purpose to fulfil, Who in works of the needle were the chief for craft and skill.

XLIV

Silks from far Arabia, white as driven snow, And others from Zazamanc, green as grass doth grow, They deck'd with stones full precious; Kriemhild the garments plann'd, And cut them to just measure with her own lily hand.

XLV

Of the hides of foreign fishes were linings finely wrought; Such then were seen but rarely, and choice and precious thought; Fine silk was sewn above them to suit the wearers well. Now of the rich apparel hear me fresh marvels tell.

XLVI

From the land of Morocco and from the Libyan coast The best silk and the finest e'er worn and valued most By kin of mightiest princes, of such had they good store. Well Kriemhild show'd the favor that she the wearers bore.

XLVII

E'er since the chiefs were purpos'd the martial queen to win, In their sight was precious the goodly ermelin With coal-black spots besprinkled on whiter ground than snow, E'en now the pride of warriors at every festal show.

XLVIII

Many a stone full precious gleam'd from Arabian gold; That the women were not idle, scarcely need be told. Within seven weeks, now ready was the vesture bright, Ready too the weapons of each death-daring knight.

XLIX

Now when all was ready, by the Rhine you might mark Built with skill and labor a stout though little bark, Wherein a-down the river to sea they were to go. To the noble maidens their toil brought mickle woe.

L

When now 'twas told the champions, that the vesture gay, Which they should carry with them, was ready for the way, And that nought impeded their firmly-fixed design, No longer would they tarry by the banks of Rhine.

LI

So to their loving comrades a messenger was sent, That they the goodly vesture might see before they went, If it for the warriors too short were or too long. Much thanks they gave the women when found was nothing wrong.

LII

Whomever met the warriors, all could not but admire; In all the world not any had seen such fair attire; At Brunhild's court 'twould surely become the wearers well. Of better knightly garments not a tongue could tell.

LIII

Much thank'd was each fair seamstress for her successful toil. Meanwhile, on point of parting for a far and dangerous soil, The warriors would of Kriemhild take leave in knightly wise, Whereat moist clouds of sorrow bedimm'd her sunbright eyes.

LIV

Said she, "Why thus, dear brother, to foreign regions run? Stay here and woo another; that were far better done, Than on so dire a venture to set your fame and life. You'll find among our neighbors a fairer, nobler wife."

LV

Their hearts, I ween, foreboded what thence was to befall. How spake they ever boldly, sore wept they one and all. Their tears the gold o'ermoisten'd that on their breasts they wore; So thick they from their eyelids stream'd down upon the floor.

LVI

"To you," said she, "Sir Siegfried, at least may I resign, To your faith, to your honor, this brother dear of mine, That no mischance beset him in Brunhild's fatal land." Straight promis'd he the maiden, and clasp'd her clay-cold hand.

LVII

Then spake the loving champion, "Long as I have life, Dismiss the cares, fair lady, that in your breast are rife. I'll bring you back your brother safe and well a-pay'd; Take that for sure and certain." Low bow'd the thankful maid.

LVIII

Their golden-color'd bucklers were borne down to the strand, With all their costly vesture, and softly led in hand Were their high-mettled chargers; they now would straight depart. Then many an eye was weeping, and throbbing many a heart.

LIX

Fair maids stood at the windows as they hoisted sail; The bark rock'd, and the canvas flapp'd with the fresh'ning gale. So on the Rhine were seated the comrades frank and free; Then said good King Gunther, "Who shall our steersman be?"

LX