Part 8

When Hagen saw this, his wrath was terrible to behold, and he swore Rüdiger’s men should pay dearly therefor, while loud were the lamentations of the princes for the death of their brother. Mad with fury now, they rushed upon the foe, nor was it long ere the last man lay dead.

Now once more there was silence, and those who were left of the Burgundians laid aside their arms to rest them after the fierce struggle. Meanwhile Etzel and Kriemhild waited without, expecting each moment to see Rüdiger come forth with word that the Burgundians were slain. But when all grew still again she began to doubt that hero, and cried aloud that he had deceived her and made peace with her foes. Whereat Volker shouted wrathfully: “If I dared to give the lie to lady such as thou, O Queen, I would right willingly! So loyally hath Rüdiger kept faith with thee that here he lieth dead with all his knights. An thou art loath to trust my word, then may thine own eyes banish doubt.”

Therewith the body was borne out by four knights and laid upon the stairs. When Etzel beheld this, he cried aloud with grief, while from all the Huns arose such wails and plaints of woe that they spread far beyond the court, and tower and hall reëchoed with the cries.

_Chapter XXXII_

_Hildebrand and Dietrich_

One of Dietrich’s knights heard the doleful sound and hastened to his master, crying: “I pray thee, lord, give ear! Etzelburg gives forth such cries of woe and lamentation as never yet have I heard. I fear the Burgundians have slain the King or Kriemhild!”

The knights all sprang to their feet, with swords aloft, but Dietrich said: “Draw not your swords, my faithful liegemen, nor judge too rashly those of Burgundy, for I have peace with them. Stern necessity has compelled them to do much that they have done.”

Then stepped forth Wolfhart, the boldest and fiercest of the knights. In former days he had met Hagen in battle and sorely wounded him, and now he sought leave to go and learn what had befallen. This would not Dietrich grant, however, for he feared lest the fiery Wolfhart should affront the Burgundians with too hasty words. He despatched Helferich instead, who soon returned with the grievous news of Rüdiger’s death. Horror-stricken, Dietrich cried: “God forbid that such report should be true! Sir Rüdiger always held yon heroes dear in his regard, as well I know. How then could he have earned such reward of them?”

Wolfhart shouted furiously: “Now, by my faith, an they have slain that chief who hath done us many a service, they shall die,--aye, every man!”

Thereupon Dietrich bade the ancient Hildebrand go to the Burgundians and learn more nearly of the matter, while overcome with grief he sat by the window to wait his return. As Hildebrand was about to depart, Wolfhart cried: “Nay, go not thus unarmed, good master, or perchance yon haughty chiefs will send thee back with insult. But an they see thou canst defend thyself, then they will spare thee such attack.”

So the old hero donned mail and helm, and taking his sword and shield, rode forth. But the knights all followed, likewise fully armed; and when he asked the cause thereof, they said they would not that he came to harm. Meanwhile the Burgundians had borne the body of Rüdiger back within the hall; and as Volker spied Hildebrand and the knights, he warned his comrades of their approach. Whereupon Günther and Giselher strode to the window, Hagen following.

The warriors drew rein in the courtyard, while Hildebrand lowered his shield and asked in Dietrich’s name if it was indeed true that they had slain Sir Rüdiger. For such foul wrong, he added, might not go unavenged.

Hagen replied: “Heartily do I wish, Sir Hildebrand, that thou hadst been deceived. Yet it is true, alas! Noble Rüdiger lies dead in this hall, nor can his loss be bewailed too deeply!”

Then arose a great cry of woe from Dietrich’s band, and many a bearded warrior’s cheeks were wet with tears.

For sobbing, noble Hildebrand No question more could ask: Said he: “Now, knights, perform the will Of him who set the task! Give us, from out the hall forthwith Sir Rüdiger again, Whose death is cause of so much grief To all these warlike men. That we repay by obsequies His martial feats of yore And noble friendship shown to us, Now lost forevermore.”

And Günther consented to this; but Wolfhart, who could no longer contain his wrath, demanded with threatening gestures how long they were to beg and wait for what they sought. Volker replied that none should bring it to them now; if they would have Rüdiger’s body they must come with their swords and fetch it themselves from out the hall. He added: “Such service, methinks, were but Sir Rüdiger’s due.”

Furious at this, Wolfhart would have rushed at Volker, but Hildebrand withheld him by force. “Nay--curb thy headlong wrath! or thou wilt surely bring disgrace upon us all!”

“Let loose, good master Hildebrand, That lion of rash mood, That he may come within my reach!” So said the minstrel good, “And though he may have slain a host Of valiant knights before, I’ll smite him such a stinging blow That he’ll reply no more.”

These words filled Dietrich’s men with rage, while Wolfhart with a fierce shout tore himself free and like a raging lion leapt upon his foe, followed by all the knights. But old Hildebrand was there before him, “for since to fighting it must come--himself would be the first.” Straight on Hagen he rushed, and therewith arose a mighty clashing of sword on shield, while the sparks flew in showers. Yet soon were they parted by the tide of battle that surged about them. So terrible was the din, it was as that of a thousand forges. Bravely did they fight on either side, but Günther and Giselher, Hagen and his brother Dankwart, and Volker, outdid all the rest. Now Hildebrand saw Volker slay Sir Dietrich’s kinsman Siegestab, and thirsting for vengeance, the old warrior sprang upon him. Not long could he withstand such furious onslaught, and soon thereby did the brave minstrel meet his end. At the same moment also was Dankwart slain by Helferich. When Hagen saw both Volker and his brother dead, he swore most fearfully to avenge their fall, and therewith he rushed into the thickest of the fray, slaying right and left, and smiting so fiercely that all his former efforts seemed but as play.

But stout heroes were not lacking among Dietrich’s warriors, and surely was there never seen so mighty and so dire a combat. Thrice had the fiery Wolfhart encircled the hall, hewing down all before him, when he encountered Giselher. Fiercely the young prince sprang at him, and so truly and so mightily he smote that his sword clove Wolfhart’s shield and hauberk. Yet summoning all his strength, the dying hero dealt Giselher too his death stroke so that he fell lifeless at his feet. When Hildebrand saw his nephew Wolfhart fatally smitten he sprang quickly to his side and sought to bear him from the hall.

Then said the wounded-unto-death: “Kind uncle, all is o’er! No help canst thou or any one Render to Wolfhart more. One parting word I leave with thee-- Beware of Hagen’s brand; He has in heart and arm a power That nothing may withstand.

“If that my friends, when I am dead, Do weep and mourn for me, Then to my best and nearest kin Say, with much clemency, That they desist from heart-lament, Nor of my fall complain, For that I found a glorious death And was by king’s hand slain.”

And therewith he died.

At last, in all the great hall there were but three heroes left alive,--Günther, Hagen, and Hildebrand.

Then Hagen smote Sir Hildebrand, For that he Volker slew; The ancient chief did ward his blows With skill and courage too.

Yet could he not prevail against the might of the Burgundian hero, but soon received a grievous wound from Balmung’s flashing blade; whereupon, using his shield for cover, he turned and fled to the courtyard without.

Now lived of all those stalwart knights No more than these bold two: Günther, the King of Burgundy, And Hagen keen and true.

Sorrowfully sat Dietrich in his chamber meanwhile, hoping for better news from Hildebrand. Little was he aware that his knights had followed the old warrior, and still less that all by the Burgundians’ swords were slain. Wherefore, when Hildebrand appeared before him, his armor stained with blood, the hero shrank aghast and sternly asked if he had been at strife with the Burgundians against his strict commands. Hildebrand replied that Hagen had wounded him, and barely had he escaped with his life from that arch-fiend.

Then said Sir Dietrich, haughtily: “Thou hast been rightly served; For thou didst know that from these guests My friendship never swerved; Also thou hast infringed the peace I proffered with my breath: Were’t not that ’twould be lasting shame, Thou shouldst atone by death.”

Then Hildebrand sought to excuse himself, saying they had but asked for the body of Rüdiger, and this the Burgundians had refused them. When Dietrich thus learned that Rüdiger indeed was dead he abandoned himself to grief, but after a space asked by whose hand he fell. Hildebrand replied that Gernot had slain him, and by his hand, in turn, had been slain. Thereupon Dietrich resolved to go himself and have speech with the Burgundians; and calling for his armor, he bade Hildebrand summon his knights forthwith.

“Alas! my lord,” cried Hildebrand, “thou seest before thee all thy warriors!” And while Dietrich gazed at him horror-stricken, he told him all that had passed.

Now was Dietrich indeed plunged in sorrow. Loudly did he lament the loss of Wolfhart and all his brave knights, and cried: “This is the last day of my joy on earth!”

_Chapter XXXIII_

_Kriemhild’s Revenge and Death_

When Dietrich of Bern had regained his wonted composure he asked how many of the Burgundians yet were left alive, and Hildebrand told him none save Günther and Hagen,--all the rest were slain. Whereupon, filled with grief and wrath, he seized his arms and went forth with Hildebrand to seek them.

Leaning against the arched doorway stood the two Burgundian heroes, their shields before them on the ground; and when they saw the knights approaching, Hagen, still undaunted, declared himself ready to do battle with Sir Dietrich; nor did he fear to meet him, mighty as he deemed himself, for then would it be proved who was the better knight.

Dietrich heard this bold speech, but vouchsafed no reply. Laying down his shield and looking sorrowfully at them, he asked: “Wherein, O knights of Burgundy, have I injured you, that you should slay the noble Rüdiger, and with him all my friends and warriors?”

“Not all the blame lies with us, Sir Knight,” said Hagen, “for to this hall thy men came in arms. Thou hast been misinformed.”

“Alas!” replied Dietrich, “I know only too well what passed; for Hildebrand but now brought me word that he desired of you the corpse of Rüdiger, and you treated his suit with scorn.”

“Now, by my faith,” cried Günther, “’twas in despite of Etzel that we refused; but forthwith Wolfhart grew insolent, and thus it came to strife.”

Then said Dietrich: “Günther of Burgundy, for the evil thou hast wrought, methinks thou owest me some amends, and thou likewise, Sir Hagen. If you will yield yourselves captives to my sword, then I will guard you from the wrathful Huns,--at peril of my life, if need be.”

“God in heaven forbid,” cried Hagen, “that two such knights should give up their trusty swords while alive and well armed withal!”

But again Dietrich urged them to accept his terms, and Hildebrand added: “God knows, Sir Hagen, there is little need for shame in such atonement. And soon, it may be, the hour will come when you would gladly obtain such peace.”

“In faith,” replied Hagen, scornfully, “I would indeed accept such terms ere I, like thee, would fly full-armed, from a single knight.” Hildebrand would have returned this taunt, but Dietrich forbade them thus to bandy words like two old market-wives, and turning to Hagen he said, sternly: “Tell me, valiant hero, did I hear aright that you wished to measure swords with me?”

Well as he knew Sir Dietrich’s giant strength, he could not gainsay this; wherefore he replied that he would willingly abide the issue of a combat with him, so his good Nibelung sword did not fail him.

Thereupon Dietrich raised his shield as signal for attack, and Hagen sprang fiercely down to meet him, the sword of the Nibelungs ringing loudly on the stout shield of his foe. Sir Dietrich, too, was well aware of Hagen’s might, and sought at first with caution merely to ward his powerful blows, yet did he lose no chance for skilful sword-strokes here and there. At last he dealt stout Hagen such a deadly wound that powerless he sank upon the ground. Then casting his sword and shield aside, Dietrich quickly bound him fast and led him thus unto the Queen.

Now, indeed, did Kriemhild’s joy and triumph know no bounds. Vowing her lasting gratitude to Dietrich, she promised to reward him well that he had thus delivered up her deadly foe into her hands. But Dietrich urged her to spare Sir Hagen, saying: “Be merciful, O Queen! and it may chance that one day he shall make amends to thee for all thy wrongs.”

To this Kriemhild made no reply, but ordered Hagen to be put in chains and cast into a dungeon where none might see him.

Meanwhile Günther loudly called for Dietrich, that he might avenge Hagen’s downfall. Soon he returned and then followed another fierce encounter; but though Günther fought with the courage of despair, he was overpowered at last, as Hagen had been, and taken before the Queen.

Kriemhild bade him welcome; but Günther replied: “Small thanks will I bestow on thee for thy greetings, for well I know they bode us little good.”

Then said the gallant prince of Bern: “Most high and potent Queen! There ne’er appeared as captive bound So brave a knight, I ween, As he whom unto thee I gave With loyal courtesy, At thy fair hands let him partake Of favor due to me!”

Kriemhild declared she would perform his wish; whereupon Dietrich departed, his eyes wet with tears. But no thought had she for aught save vengeance. Causing Günther to be also chained and cast into a separate dungeon, she betook herself to Hagen. Again she demanded of him her treasure, promising him his life if he would confess where he had hidden it.

Hagen, although a captive, wounded and in chains, was still undaunted. With a scornful glance at Kriemhild he replied: “I gave a solemn oath to my lord Günther, that never while he drew breath would I divulge the spot where it lies.”

“Now will I quickly make an end of that, forsooth!” cried Kriemhild; and thereupon she ordered Günther’s head to be struck off. Then she took it to Hagen, saying: “Now doth thy lord no longer live and thereby art thou freed from thy sworn oath!”

But Hagen cried:

“Thou hast indeed thy will fulfilled, As I did fear thou wouldst! Now where the hoard lies hid is known To none but God and me, And shall from thee, accursed Queen! Forever hidden be!”

She said: “Thou’st foul atonement made In purpose, deed, and word; Therefore will I possess myself Of virtuous Siegfried’s sword, Which he did bear upon his thigh When last I saw that chief, Whose death has ever been to me A keen heart-rending grief.”

She drew it from the well-known sheath Nor could he this prevent; To take the warrior’s life forthwith Was her unmasked intent. She swung it with both hands, and smote His head from off its trunk. King Etzel saw the vengeful deed, And from its horror shrunk.

Just at this moment the King had appeared in the dungeon with Hildebrand.

“Alas!” the King of Huns did cry, “How doth the matter stand-- That he, the boldest of all knights, Should fall by woman’s hand? He who in onslaught was the first, The bravest that bore shield! Although he was mine enemy, I fain to sorrow yield.”

But Hildebrand shouted in wrath: “She shall rue this shameful deed! Though he hath well-nigh slain me, yet will I forthwith take vengeance for valiant Hagen’s death!”

And drawing his sword he rushed on Kriemhild, and despite her shrieks he smote the terrified Queen so that she fell dead upon the ground.

Thus were the mighty of the earth By hand of death laid low. The people all lamented loud And bitter grief did show. In suffering did the King’s feast end-- That joyous time was past, For love to sorrow aye must turn, So long as life shall last.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:

Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.

Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.

Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.

Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.

New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.