Part 8

"Our minds indeed you troubled, our hopes o'er-clouded dark; Meanwhile the good Knight Siegfried was busy at the bark, While the Lord of Rhineland the game against you won; Thus," said King Gunther's liegeman, "he knows not what was done."

LXXXVIII

"Well pleas'd am I," said Siegfried, "that one so proud and bold At length has found a master in one of mortal mold, And has been taught submission by this good lord of mine. Now must you, noble maiden, hence follow us to the Rhine."

LXXXIX

Thereto replied the damsel, "It cannot yet be so; First must my men and kinsmen th' intended journey know; To bring my friends together, besides, 't were surely fit. T' were wrong, methinks, so lightly my lands and all to quit."

XC

So messengers in hurry through all the country went; To liegemen, and to kinsmen, and all her friends she sent. To Isenstein she begg'd them to come without delay. And bade give all in plenty rich gifts and garments gay.

XCI

Daily to Brunhild's castle early they rode and late, In troops from all sides flocking, and all in martial state. "Ay! ay!" said frowning Hagan, "ill have we done, I fear; Surely 't will be our ruin to wait this gathering here.

XCII

"Let her strength be only here together brought (And of the queen's intentions we little know or naught), If so her passion wills it, we're lost at once, I trow. In sooth this dainty damsel was born to work us woe."

XCIII

Then spoke the valiant Siegfried, "I'll undertake for all; Trust me, what now you look for, that shall ne'er befall. Safe and sound to keep you, I'll hither bring a crew Of fierce, selected champions, of whom ye never knew.

XCIV

"Inquire not of my journey; I hence must instant fare; The little while I'm absent God have you in his care. Again here will I quickly with a thousand men be found, The bravest and the boldest that ever moved on ground,"

XCV

"Be sure then not to linger," the anxious Gunther said, "For we meanwhile shall ever be longing for your aid." "In a few days you'll see me at hand for your defence, And tell," said he, "fair Brunhild, that you have sent me hence."

EIGHTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED CAME TO THE NIBELUNGERS.

I

Thence in his cloud-cloak Siegfried descended to the strand; There he found a shallop, that close lay to the land; Unseen the bark he boarded, that from the harbor pass'd Moved by the son of Siegmund, as though before the blast.

II

The steersman could see no man; yet the vessel flew Beneath the strokes of Siegfried the yielding water through. 'T was a tempest thought they, that drove it furious on. No! 't was the strength of Siegfried, fair Sieglind's peerless son.

III

All that day they were running, and all the night the same, Then to a famous country of mighty power they came, Days' journey full a hundred stretching far away, The Nibelungers' country, where his hard-won treasure lay.

IV

Alone the champion landed in a meadow wide; Straight to the shore securely the little bark he tied, And then went to a castle seated upon a hill, To ask for food and shelter as weary travellers will.

V

All found he barr'd and bolted as near the walls he drew; Men both life and honor kept then as now they do. The stranger all impatient began a thundering din At the well fasten'd portal. There found he close within

VI

A huge earth-shaking giant, the castle set to guard, Who with his weapons by him kept ever watch and ward. "Who beats the gate so stoutly?" the yawning monster ask'd; His voice, as he gave answer, the crafty hero mask'd,

VII

And said, "I am a warrior; open me the gate; I'm wroth with lazy losels who make their betters wait, While they on down are snoring as if they'd never wake." It irk'd the burly porter that thus the stranger spake.

VIII

Now had the fearless giant all his weapons donn'd, Bound on his head his helmet, and in his monstrous hond A shield unmeasur'd taken; open the gate he threw, And his teeth grimly gnashing at Siegfried fiercely flew.

IX

"How could he dare to call up men of mettle so?" With that he let fly at him many a wind-swift blow, That the noble stranger put back with wary fence. At last upheav'd the giant an iron bar immense,

X

And his firm shield-band shatter'd; scarce could the warrior stand, He fear'd, though for a moment, grim death was close at hand, With his enormous weapon the porter smote so sore, Yet for his dauntless bearing he lov'd him all the more.

XI

With the mighty conflict the castle rung around; To th' hall of the Nibelungers reach'd the stunning sound. At length the vanquish'd porter he bound with conquering hand. Far and wide flew the tidings through the Nibelungers' land.

XII

While in the dubious combat they both were struggling still, Albric the wild dwarf heard it far through the hollow hill. Straight he donn'd his armor, and thither running found The noble guest victorious, and the panting giant bound.

XIII

A stout dwarf was Albric, and bold as well as stout; With helm and mail securely he was arm'd throughout; A golden scourge full heavy in his hand he swung. Straight ran he to the rescue, and fierce on Siegfried sprung.

XIV

Seven ponderous knobs from th' handle hung, each one by its thong; With these the dwarf kept pounding so sturdy and so strong, That he split the shield of Siegfried to the centre from the rim, And put the dauntless champion in care for life or limb.

XV

Away he threw his buckler broken all and smash'd; His long well-temper'd weapon into its sheath he dash'd, To spare his own dependents his virtue mov'd him still, And to his heart sore went it his chamberlain to kill.

XVI

With mighty hands undaunted in on the dwarf he ran; By the beard he caught him, that age-hoary man, He dragg'd him, and he shook him, his rage on him he wreak'd, And handled him so roughly, that loud for pain he shriek'd.

XVII

Loud cries the dwarf o'ermaster'd, "Spare me and leave me free, And could I ever servant save to one hero be, To whom I've sworn allegiance as long as I have breath," Said the crafty Albric, "you would I serve to death."

XVIII

Then bound was writhing Albric as the giant just before; The nervous grasp of Siegfried pinch'd him and pain'd him sore. Then thus the dwarf address'd him; "Be pleas'd your name to tell." Said he, "My name is Siegfried; I thought you knew me well."

XIX

"Well's me for these good tidings," Albric the dwarf replied. "Now know I all your merit, which I by proof have tried. High rule o'er all this country well you deserve to bear; I'll do whate'er you bid me; the vanquish'd only spare."

XX

Then said the noble Siegfried: "You must hence with speed, And bring me, of the warriors that best we have at need, A thousand Nibelungers; them I here must view; No evil shall befall you, if this you truly do."

XXI

The dwarf and eke the giant the champion straight unbound; Then ran at once swift Albric where he the warriors found. The slumbering Nibelungers he wak'd with eager care, Saying, "Up, up, ye heroes! ye must to Siegfried fare."

XXII

Up from their beds they started, and instant ready made, Nimble knights a thousand richly all array'd. So flock'd they quick, where waiting they saw Sir Siegfried stand; Then was there goodly greeting with word of mouth and clasp of hand.

XXIII

Straight lit was many a taper; then the spiced draught he drank; His friends, who came so quickly, he did not spare to thank. He said, "You hence must instant far o'er the wave with me." He found them for th' adventure as ready as could be.

XXIV

Full thirty hundred warriors were come at his request; From these he chose a thousand the bravest and the best. Helmets and other armor were brought for all the band, For he resolv'd to lead them e'en to Queen Brunhild's land.

XXV

He said, "Good knights adventurous, to my words give heed. At the proud court of Brunhild our richest robes will need. There many a lovely lady will look on every guest, So we must all array us in our choicest and our best."

XXVI

"How?" said a beardless novice, "that sure can never be. How can be lodg'd together so many knights as we? Where could they find them victual? where could they find them vests? Never could thirty kingdoms keep such a crowd of guests."

XXVII

You've heard of Siegfried's riches; well could he all afford With a kingdom to supply him, and Niblung's endless hoard. Rich gifts were in profusion to all his knights assign'd. Much as he drain'd the treasure, as much remain'd behind.

XXVIII

Early upon a morning in haste they parted thence. What prowest warriors Siegfried brought to his friend's defence! Their armor darted radiance, their horses toss'd the foam. Well equipp'd and knightly came they to Brunhild's home.

XXIX

At the windows standing look'd out the maidens gay. Then cried their royal mistress, "Can any of you say, What strangers there far-floating over the billows go? Their canvas they are spreading whiter far than snow."

XXX

Then spake the king of Rhineland, "They're men of mine, fair dame, Whom I left not distant, when late I hither came; Since, I have bid them join me, and now you see them here." The noble guests receiv'd them with good and friendly cheer.

XXXI

Then might they see bold Siegfried, array'd in robes of pride, Aboard a bark high standing, and many a chief beside. Then said the queen to Gunther, "Sir king, what now shall I? Greet the guests advancing, or that grace deny?"

XXXII

Said he, "To meet them, lady, forth from your palace go, That, if you're glad to see them, the same they well may know." Then did the queen, as Gunther had said him seem'd the best, And Siegfried in her greeting distinguish'd from the rest.

XXXIII

They found them fitting quarters, and took their arms in charge; The guests were now so many, that they were ill at large, Such troops of friends and strangers flock'd in on every side. So the bold Burgundians now would homeward ride.

XXXIV

Then said the fair Queen Brunhild, "Him for my friend I'd hold, Who'd help me to distribute my silver and my gold Among my guests and Gunther's; no little store have I." Bold Giselher's bold liegeman Dankwart straight made reply:

XXXV

"Right noble queen and gracious, trust but your keys with me; Your wealth I'll so distribute, all shall contented be, And as to blame or damage, let that be mine alone." That he was free and liberal, that made he clearly shown.

XXXVI

Soon as Hagan's brother had the keys in hand, Gold began and silver to run away like sand. If one a mark requested, gifts had he shower'd so rife, That home might go the poorest merry and rich for life.

XXXVII

By th' hundred pounds together he gave uncounted out. Crowds in gorgeous vesture were stalking all about, Who ne'er had worn such splendor, and scarce so much as seen. They told the tale to Brunhild; it fretted sore the queen.

XXXVIII

Straight she spoke to Gunther, "Sir king, I've cause to grieve. Your treasurer, I fear me, scarce a rag will leave Of all my choice apparel, my last gold piece he'll spend. Would somebody would stop it! I'd ever be his friend.

XXXIX

"He wastes so, he must fancy in his wayward will I've sent for death to fetch me, but wealth I can use still, And what my father left me can waste myself, I ween." Treasurer so free-handed never yet had queen.

XL

Then spake the knight of Trony, "Lady, you must be told, The king of Rhine has plenty of raiment and of gold, And can of both so lavish, that we may well dispense With all fair Brunhild's vesture, nor need bring any hence."

XLI

"Nay, for my love," said Brunhild, "with gold and silken vests Let me from all my treasure fill twenty travelling chests, That when we come together in Burgundy to live, This hand may still have something royally to give."

XLII

Forthwith her chests were loaded with many a precious stone. She o'er the work appointed a treasurer of her own. She would not trust to Dankwart, Giselher's thriftless man. Gunther thereat and Hagan both to laugh began.

XLIII

Then spake the martial maiden, "Whom shall I leave my lands? This first must here be settled by our united hands." The noble monarch answer'd, "Who most is in your grace, Him will we leave behind us to govern in our place."

XLIV

One of her near relations was standing by the maid; He was her mother's brother; to him she turn'd and said, "Take to your charge my castles, and with them all my land, Till I or else King Gunther give otherwise command."

XLV

She chose a thousand heroes from all her chivalry To the Rhine's distand borders to bear her company, With the thousand champions from the Nibelungers' land. They bown'd them for their journey, and hastened to the strand.

XLVI

Six-and-eighty women, a hundred maidens too She took with her from Issland; fair were they all to view. They now no longer tarried; they ready were to go. From those they left behind them what tears began to flow!

XLVII

In manner as became her she left her native ground; She kiss'd her nearest kindred who weeping stood around. So with fair dismissal they came down to the shore. To her father's country the maid return'd no more.

XLVIII

With sound of all sweet music they floated on their way; From morn to eve was nothing but change of sport and play; The soft sea-breeze they wish'd for was fluttering in their sail; Yet for that voyage how many were yet to weep and wail!

XLIX

But still her lord deferring with maidenly delay Brunhild reserv'd one pleasure to the fair wedding-day, When home to Worms together the king and queenly dame, Full flown with mirth and rapture, with all their heroes came.

NINTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED WAS SENT TO WORMS

I

Nine days had now the travellers been faring on their way, When spake the knight of Trony, "Give ear to what I say. We're slow to send the tidings of our adventure home; Your messengers already should to Burgundy have come."

II

To him replied King Gunther, "What you have said, is true, And none should be so ready this very task to do, As e'en yourself, friend Hagan; so ride unto my land; None, I am sure, can better proclaim that we're at hand."

III

Thereto gave answer Hagan, "Such duty suits not me; Let me tend the chambers, and linger still at sea; Or I'll stay with the women, and their wardrobe keep, Till to the Rhine we bring them safe from the blustering deep.

IV

"From Siegfried ask a journey of such a weary length, For he can well perform it with his surpassing strength, And, should he e'en refuse it, him to consent you'll move, If you but beseech him for your sister's love."

V

Straight sent he for the warrior; he came as soon as found; Said Gunther, "Now we're coming home to my native ground, Fain would I give quick notice by some sure friend of mine To my sister and my mother that we approach the Rhine.

VI

"This I entreat you, Siegfried; now do what I desire, And I'll in full requite you, whatever you require." But ne'er consented Siegfried, the never-conquer'd man, Till in another fashion the king to ask began.

VII

Said he, "Nay, gentle Siegfried, do but this journey take, Not for my sake only, but for my sister's sake. You'll oblige fair Kriemhild in this as well as me." When so implor'd was Siegfried, ready at once was he.

VIII

"Whate'er you will, command me; let naught be left unsaid; I will gladly do it for the lovely maid. How can I refuse her who my heart has won? For her, whate'er your pleasure, tell it, and it is done."

IX

"Tell then my mother Uta, the rich and mighty queen, We in our dangerous journey right fortunate have been. Inform my loving brothers, we have succeeded well; And to my court and kindred the same glad tidings tell.

X

"From my gentle sister nothing conceal'd must be; Bear her the kindest greeting from Brunhild and from me. Proclaim to every liegeman and every anxious friend, That my heart's lingering longing I've brought to happy end.

XI

"And tell my loving nephew, the knight of Metz, Ortwine, That seats he bid in order be rais'd along the Rhine. And do my other kinsmen to wit, both most and least, That I will hold with Brunhild a gorgeous marriage-feast.

XII

"Fail not to tell my sister, that soon as she shall hear That I, returning homeward, with all my guests are near, She well receive so kindly the lady of my heart, And love and service ever shall be her's on Gunther's part."

XIII

Leave then took Sir Siegfried of Gunther's haughty dame, And of her fair attendants, as him well became, And for the Rhine departed; never could there be In all this world a better messenger than he.

XIV

With four-and-twenty warriors to Worms he hotly sped; King Gunther came not with him, when this abroad was spread, The hearts of all his servants were wrung with mortal pain; They fear'd, the might of Brunhild their noble king had slain.

XV

Down sprang all from their horses; their thoughts were proud and high; Straight the good young King Giselher ran to them hastily, And Gernot his bold brother, soon spoke he, having eyed The troop, and miss'd King Gunther from noble Siegfried's side,

XVI

"Welcome to Worms, Sir Siegfried; tell us what news you bring, What have you done with Gunther, our brother and our king? I fear me, we have lost him, fierce Brunhild was too strong; So has his lofty passion brought us but loss and wrong."

XVII

"Away with fear and sorrow! to you and all his kin My comrade sends his greeting; a conqu'ror he has been, And safe and sound I left him; from him despatch'd I come To bring the gladsome tidings to all his friends at home.

XVIII

"You also must contrive it, for your's the task should be, How I may straight your mother and your fair sister see, To carry them the message that I receiv'd so late From Gunther and from Brunhild; both are in best estate."

XIX

Young Giselher then answer'd; "Go straight to them and tell The tale you're charg'd to carry; 'twill please my sister well. Fear for the fate of Gunther is heavy on her breast. I'll vouch, that with the maiden you'll prove a welcome guest."

XX

Then spake the noble Siegfried, "Whatever I can do To serve her, she shall find me a willing friend and true. Who now will tell the ladies, that I an audience crave?" Giselher took the message, the high-born youth and brave.

XXI

To the lovely maiden and the stately dame Spoke the youthful warrior, when to their sight he came, "Siegfried is come with tidings for our hearing meant; Him my brother Gunther hither to the Rhine has sent.

XXII

"By him he's charged to tell us, how stands it with the king; Permit him then his message hither to court to bring; Whate'er befell in Issland from him you'll truly know." E'en thus the noble ladies still harbor'd fear and woe.

XXIII

Up for their robes they started, and each herself array'd, Then bade Sir Siegfried enter; he willingly obey'd, For much he long'd to see them; then, ere the warrior spoke, Silence the blushing Kriemhild with friendly accents broke.

XXIV

"Welcome, Sir Siegfried, hither, boldest of the bold! Where is my brother Gunther? straight be your tidings told. I fear me, we have lost him, and here are left forlorn. Woe's me unhappy maiden, that ever I was born!"

XXV

Then spake the warrior, "Give me the guerdon of good news; You weep for sake of weeping; so you fair ladies use. I left him safe and hearty; of this assure you well. He to you both has sent me the joyful tale to tell.

XXVI

"To you, as best beseems him, with gracious kind intent He and his bride their service, right noble queen, have sent. And soon will both come hither, so dry your idle tears." For many a day such gladness had never bless'd her ears.

XXVII

Straight with her snow-white apron she wip'd her tears away, And dried her eyes from weeping; then, once more fresh and gay Began to thank the envoy for his happy tale, That ended her deep sorrow and heart-consuming wail.

XXVIII

She bade the knight be seated; nothing loth was he; Then spake the lovely maiden; "'Twere no small joy for me, Could I with gold reward you for what you just have said; But you're for that too wealthy; take my good will instead."

XXIX

"Were I," replied the champion, "the lord of thirty lands Still would I take with pleasure a gift from your fair hands." Straight said the modest damsel, "Then you shall be content." So for the costly guerdon her treasurer she sent.

XXX

Four and twenty bracelets she gave him for his fee, Each set with stones full precious; yet so proud was he, That he would not keep them, but gave the jewels rare To her lovely maidens, whom he found in waiting there.

XXXI

And then her mother greeted the noble warrior well. "To both of you," replied he, "I yet have more to tell, Whereof the king entreats you, and, if you but attend To what he asks so dearly, he'll ever be your friend.

XXXII

"His noble guests, he begs you, and his beauteous bride Receive with kindly welcome, and forth to meet them ride On the strand before the city. To you has sent the king This true and gracious message, which I as truly bring."

XXXIII

"I'm ready at his bidding," the lovely maid replied, "Whatever I can to serve him shall never be denied, So heartily and truly his pleasure will I do." Then her love-kindled blushes glow'd a deeper hue.

XXXIV

Never prince's envoy a heartier welcome won; Had she dar'd to kiss him, fain would she so have done. In loving wise he parted from th' unwilling maid. Forthwith the bold Burgundians did as the warrior bade.

XXXV

Sindolt and Hunoldt and Rumolt the good knight Early and late were stirring as briskly as they might; They rais'd the seats in order, such duty well they knew; From side to side unwearied the royal servant flew.

XXXVI

Ortwine of Metz and Gary, King Gunther's liegemen bold, The marriage feast, that forthwith their master was to hold, Proclaim'd to friends and neighbors; against the festal day Every noble maiden prepar'd her best array.

XXXVII

Adorn'd was all the palace, and richly every wall Bedeck'd to grace the strangers; King Gunther's spacious hall By the skill was furbish'd of many a foreign man; With merriment and pastime the royal feast began.

XXXVIII

By every road advancing with ceaseless press and din Flock'd all to Worms together the royal brethren's kin, Summon'd by hasty message to meet th' expected guests. Then from the folded wrappers were ta'en the well-stor'd vests.

XXXIX

Sudden spread the tidings, that now one might espy Brunhild's friends advancing; straight rose a press and cry 'Mong the Burgundian thousands, that waiting stood around. Ah! what men of valor on either side were found!

XL

Then spake the lovely Kriemhild, "My maidens fair and free, Who at this reception must bear your part with me, Let each her choice apparel search out from secret chest; The matrons too I'd counsel to prank them in their best."

XLI