The Fall of the Nibelungs
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Title: The Fall of the Nibelungs
Translator: Margaret Armour
Release date: January 1, 2003 [eBook #3636]
Most recently updated: January 12, 2021
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3636
Credits: John Bursey. HTML version by Al Haines.
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FALL OF THE NIBELUNGS ***
The Fall of the Nibelungs
Translated by Margaret Armour
Contents
Book I
First Adventure Concerning the Nibelungs
Second Adventure Concerning Siegfried
Third Adventure How Siegfried Came to Worms
Fourth Adventure How Siegfried Fought with the Saxons
Fifth Adventure How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild
Sixth Adventure How Gunther Went to Issland to Woo Brunhild
Seventh Adventure How Gunther Won Brunhild
Eighth Adventure How Siegfried Journeyed to the Nibelungs
Ninth Adventure How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms
Tenth Adventure How Brunhild Was Received at Worms
Eleventh Adventure How Siegfried Brought his Wife Home
Twelfth Adventure How Gunther Invited Siegfried to the Hightide
Thirteenth Adventure How They Rode to the Hightide
Fourteenth Adventure How the Queens Quarrelled
Fifteenth Adventure How Siegfried Was Betrayed
Sixteenth Adventure How Siegfried Was Slain
Seventeenth Adventure How Siegfried Was Mourned and Buried
Eighteenth Adventure How Siegmund Returned Home
Nineteenth Adventure How the Nibelung Hoard Came to Worms
Book II
Twentieth Adventure How King Etzel Sent to Burgundy for Kriemhild
Twenty-First Adventure How Kriemhild Journeyed to the Huns
Twenty-Second Adventure How She Was Received Among the Huns
Twenty-Third Adventure How Kriemhild Thought of Revenging Her Wrong
Twenty-Fourth Adventure How Werbel and Schwemmel Brought the Message
Twenty-Fifth Adventure How the Kings Journeyed to the Huns
Twenty-Sixth Adventure How Dankwart Slew Gelfrat
Twenty-Seventh Adventure How They Came to Bechlaren
Twenty-Eighth Adventure How Kriemhild Received Hagen
Twenty-Ninth Adventure How Hagen and Folker Sat Before Kriemhild’s Hall
Thirtieth Adventure How Hagen and Folker Kept Watch
Thirty-First Adventure How the Burgundians Went to Church
Thirty-Second Adventure How Blœdel Fought With Dankwart in the Hall
Thirty-Third Adventure How Dankwart Brought the News to His Masters
Thirty-Fourth Adventure How They Threw Down the Dead
Thirty-Fifth Adventure How Iring Was Slain
Thirty-Sixth Adventure How the Queen Bad Them Burn Down the Hall
Thirty-Seventh Adventure How Rudeger Was Slain
Thirty-Eighth Adventure How Dietrich’s Knights Were All Slain
Thirty-Ninth Adventure How Gunther, Hagen, and Kriemhild Were Slain
Book I
First Adventure
Concerning the Nibelungs
In old tales they tell us many wonders of heroes and of high courage,
of glad feasting, of wine and of mourning; and herein ye shall read of
the marvellous deeds and of the strife of brave men.
There grew up in Burgundy a noble maiden, in no land was a fairer.
Kriemhild was her name. Well favoured was the damsel, and by reason of
her died many warriors. Doughty knights in plenty wooed her, as was
meet, for of her body she was exceeding comely, and her virtues were an
adornment to all women.
Three kings noble and rich guarded her, Gunther and Gernot, warriors of
fame, and Giselher the youth, a chosen knight. The damsel was their
sister, and the care of her fell on them. These lords were courteous
and of high lineage, bold and very strong, each of them the pick of
knights. The name of their country was Burgundy, and they did great
deeds, after, in Etzel’s land. At Worms, by the Rhine, they dwelled in
might with many a proud lord for vassal.
Their mother was a rich queen and hight Uta, and the name of their
father was Dankrat, who, when his life was ended, left them his lands.
A strong man was he in his time, and one that in his youth won great
worship.
These three princes, as I have said, were valiant men, overlords of the
best knights that folk have praised, strong and bold and undismayed in
strife. There were Hagen of Trony, and also his brother Dankwart the
swift; and Ortwin of Metz; the two Margraves, Gary and Eckewart; Volker
of Alzeia, strong of body; Rumolt, the steward, a chosen knight;
Sindolt and Hunolt. These last three served at court and pursued
honour. And other knights were there, more than I can name. Dankwart
was the marshal; the nephew of Ortwin of Metz carved at the board;
Sindolt was the butler, a worthy warrior: each did his part as a good
knight.
The splendour of this court and its might, the high valour and chivalry
of its lords, were a tale without end.
Now it so fell that Kriemhild, the pure maid, dreamed a dream that she
fondled a wild falcon, and eagles wrested it from her; the which to see
grieved her more than any ill that had happened to her heretofore.
This dream she told to Uta, her mother, who interpreted it on this
wise. “The falcon that thou sawest is a noble man; yet if God keep him
not, he is a lost man to thee.”
“What speakest thou to me of a man, mother mine? Without their love
would I still abide, that I may remain fair till my death, nor suffer
dole from any man’s love.”
Said her mother then, “Be not so sure; for wouldst thou ever on this
earth have heart’s gladness, it cometh from the love of a man. And a
fair wife wilt thou be, if God but lead hither to thee a true and trust
knight.”
“Say not so, mother mine,” answered the maiden, “for on many a woman,
and oft hath it been proven, that the meed of love is sorrow. From both
I will keep me, that evil betide not.”
Long in such wise abode the high, pure maiden, nor thought to love any.
Nevertheless, at the last, she wedded a brave man; that was the falcon
she dreamed of erstwhile, as her mother foretold it. Yea, bitter was
her vengeance on her kinsmen that slew him, and by reason of his death
died many a mother’s son.
Second Adventure
Concerning Siegfried
There grew up in the Netherland a rich king’s child, whose father hight
Siegmund and his mother Sieglind, in a castle high and famous called
Xanten, down by the Rhine’s side. Goodly was this knight, by my troth,
his body without blemish, a strong and valiant man of great worship;
abroad, through the whole earth, went his fame. The hero hight
Siegfried, and he rode boldly into many lands. Ha! in Burgundy, I trow,
he found warriors to his liking. Or he was a man grown he had done
marvels with his hand, as is said and sung, albeit now there is no time
for more word thereof.
Of his best days there were many wonders to tell, how he waxed in
goodliness and honour; his, too, was the love of women.
As was seemly for such an one, his breeding was well seen to, and of
his nature, likewise, he was virtuous. His father’s land was famed for
his worth, for in all things he was right noble.
When he was of an age to ride to the court, the people saw him gladly,
and wedded wives and maids were alike fain that he should tarry there.
By order of Siegmund and Sieglind he was richly clad, and without
guards he was suffered not to ride abroad. They that had him in charge
were wise men versed in honour, to the end that he might win thereby
liegemen and lands.
Now was he grown a stark youth, of stature and strength to bear
weapons; he lacked nothing needful thereto, and inclined him already to
the wooing of women. Nor did these find the fair youth amiss.
So Siegmund his father cried a hightide, and word thereof came to the
kingdoms that were round about. To strangers and to friends alike he
gave horses and apparel, and wheresoever they found one of knightly
birth, that youth they bade to the hightide, to be dubbed a knight with
Siegfried.
Many wonders might one tell of that hightide, and rightly Siegmund and
Sieglind won glory from the gifts of their hand, by reason whereof a
multitude rode into the land. To four hundred sworded knights and to
Siegfried was given rich apparel. Full many a fair damsel ceased not
from working with her needle for his sake. Precious stones without
stint they set in gold, and embroidered them with silk on the vest of
the proud youth. He was little loth thereto. And the king bade them set
places for many a hero the mid-summer that Siegfried became a knight.
The rich squires and great knights drew to the minster. Meet is it that
the old help the young, even as they in their day were holpen.
The time sped in merriment and sports. First, God to honour, they sang
mass. Then the people pressed in hard to behold the youths dubbed
knights with such pomp and high observance as we see not the like of
nowadays.
Then they ran where they found saddled horses. And the noise of tourney
was so great at Siegmund’s court that palace and hall echoed therewith,
for there was a mighty din of heroes. From old and young came the noise
of hurtling and of broken shafts whizzing in the air; and from warring
hands flew splintered lances as far as the castle; men and women looked
on at the sport. Then the king bade stay the tilting. And they led off
the horses. Many shields lay broken, and, strewed on the grass, were
jewels from shining bucklers, fallen in the fray.
The guests went in and sat down as they were bidden, and over the
choice meats and good wine, drunk to the full, they parted from their
weariness. Friends and strangers were entreated with equal honour.
Albeit they ceased not from tilting all the day, the mummers and the
minstrels took no rest, but sang for gold and got it; wherefore they
praised the land of Siegmund. The king enfeoffed Siegfried with lands
and castles, as in his youth his father had enfeoffed him, and to his
sword-fellows he gave with full hand, that it rejoiced them to be come
into that country.
The hightide endured seven days. Sieglind, the wealthy queen, did
according to old custom. She divided red gold among her guests for love
of her son, that she might win their hearts to him.
Among the minstrels none were needy. Horses and raiment were as free as
if they that gave had but a day to live. Never company gave readier.
So the hightide ended with glory, and the rich lords were well minded
to have Siegfried to their prince. While Siegmund and Sieglind lived,
their son, that loved them, desired not to wear the crown, but only, as
a brave man, to excel in strength and might. Greatly was he feared in
the land; nor durst any chide him, for from the day he bare arms he
rested not from strife. Yea, in far countries and for all time, his
strong hand won him glory.
Third Adventure
How Siegfried Came to Worms
Little recked Siegfried of heart’s dole till that the news reached him
of a fair maid of Burgundy, than whom none could wish a fairer; by
reason of her, joy befell him, and sorrow.
Her beauty was rumoured far and wide, and the fame of her virtues,
joined thereto, brought many strangers into Gunther’s land. Yet, though
many wooed her, Kriemhild was firm-minded to wed none. The man that was
to win her was yet a stranger.
Thereupon Siegmund’s son yearned to her with true love. Weighed with
him all other suitors were as wind, for he was meet to be chosen of
fair women; and, or long, Kriemhild the high maiden was bold Sir
Siegfried’s bride.
His kinsmen and his liegemen counselled him to woo a fitting mate, if
he meant to love in earnest, whereto Siegfried answered, “It shall be
Kriemhild. So measureless fair is the maiden of Burgundy, that the
greatest emperor, were he minded to wed, were none too good for her.”
The tidings came to Siegmund’s ear. His knights told him Siegfried’s
intent, and it irked him that his son should woo the royal maiden. To
Sieglind, the king’s wife, they told it also, and she feared for his
life, for she knew Gunther and his men.
They would have turned him from his quest.
Spake bold Siegfried then, “Dearest father mine, either I will think no
more on women at all, or I will woo where my heart’s desire is.” And
for all they could say, he changed not his purpose.
Then said the king, “If thou wilt not yield in this, i’faith, I approve
thy choice, and will further thee therein as I best can. Nevertheless,
Gunther hath many mighty men, were it none other than Hagen, an
arrogant and overweening knight. I fear both thou and I must rue that
thou goest after this king’s daughter.”
“What harm can come thereof?” answered Siegfried. “What I win not for
the friendly asking, I will take by the prowess of my hand. I doubt not
but I shall strip him of both liegemen and lands.”
But Siegmund said, “I am grieved at thy word. If it were heard at the
Rhine, thou durst not ride at all into Gunther’s country. Both Gunther
and Gernot are known to me from aforetime, and by force shall none win
the maiden. That have I often heard. But if thou wilt ride thither with
warriors, I will summon my friends. They will follow thee nothing
loth.”
Siegfried answered, “I will not ride with an army of warriors to the
Rhine; it would shame me so to win the maiden by force. I would win her
with mine own hand. One of twelve I will forth to Gunther’s land, and
to this shalt thou help me, my father Siegmund.”
They gave to his knights cloaks of fur, some grey and some striped.
Sieglind his mother heard it, and sorrowed for her dear son, for fear
she might lose him by the hand of Gunther’s men. The noble queen wept
sore.
Siegfried went where she sat, and spake comfortably to her. “Weep not,
mother, for my sake, for I shall be without scathe among foemen. Help
me rather to the journey that I make into Burgundy, that I and my
fellows may have raiment beseeming proud knights. For this shalt thou
have much thanks.”
“Since thou wilt not be turned,” spake Sieglind, “I will give to thee,
my only child, the best apparel that ever knight did on, and to thy
companions, for thy journey. Thou shalt receive without stint.”
The youth bowed before the queen and said, “Twelve strong we ride
forth, no more. I would have raiment for so many; for I would see with
mine eyes how it standeth with Kriemhild.”
The women sat night and day, nor rested till Siegfried’s mantle was
ready; for none could dissuade him from his quest. His father let forge
for him a coat of mail that might do honour to his land. Bright were
the breastplates and the helmet, and the bucklers fair and massy.
Now the time was come to ride forth, and all the folk, men and women,
made dole, lest they should return never more. The hero bade load the
sumpters with the arms and apparel. The horses were goodly, and their
equipment of ruddy gold. None had more cause for pride than Siegfried
and his knights. He asked leave to set out for Burgundy, and the king
and the queen gave it sorrowing. But he spake comfortably to both of
them, and said, “Weep not for my sake; nor fear aught for my life.”
The knights were downcast, and the maidens wept. Their hearts told
them, I ween, that by reason of this day’s doings, many a dear one
would lie dead. Needs made they dole, for they were sorrowful.
On the seventh morning after this, the fearless band drew towards Worms
on the Rhine. Their garments were woven of ruddy gold, and their
riding-gear was to match. Smooth paced the horses, deftly managed by
Siegfried’s bold warriors. Their shields were new, bright and massy,
and their helmets goodly, as Siegfried the hero and his following rode
into Gunther’s country to the court. Never knights were in seemlier
trim. Their sword-points clanged on their spurs, and in their hands
they bare sharp spears; the one that Siegfried carried was broad two
spans or more, of the sort that maketh grim wounds. Gold-hued were
their bridles, their poitrels of silk; so they rode through the land.
Everywhere the folk marvelled, gazing at them, and Gunther’s men ran to
meet them; proud warriors, knights and squires, went toward the
strangers, as was meet, and welcomed the guests to the court of their
king, taking horse and shield from their hands. They would have put the
horses in the stalls, but Siegfried spake in haste, “Let our horses
stand, for I am minded to depart again speedily. Where I may find
Gunther, the great king of Burgundy, let whoso knoweth tell me.”
One answered him that knew, “Thou mayest see the king if thou wilt. I
saw him amidst of his men in yonder wide hall. Go in to him. Thou shalt
find there many brave warriors.”
They told the king that a valiant knight, fair equipped and apparelled,
that knew none in Burgundy, was come thither. And the king marvelled
where those proud knights in shining harness, with their shields new
and massy, might hie from. It irked him that none knew it.
Ortwin of Metz, a goodly man of high courage, spake to the king then,
“Since we know naught thereof, bid to thee Hagen mine uncle, and show
them to him. For he hath knowledge of the mighty men of all lands; and
what he knoweth he will tell us.”
The king summoned Hagen with his vassals, and he drew nigh with proud
step, and asked the king his will.
“Strange knights are come to my court that none knoweth. If thou hast
ever seen them afore, tell me thereof truly.”
“That will I,” spake Hagen, and went to the window, and looked down on
the strangers below. The show of them and their equipment pleased him,
but he had not seen them afore in Burgundy. And he said, “From
wheresoever they be come, they must be princes, or princes’ envoys.
Their horses are good, and wonderly rich their vesture. From whatso
quarter they hie, they be seemly men. But for this I vouch, that,
though I never saw Siegfried, yonder knight that goeth so proud is, of
a surety, none but he. New adventures he bringeth hither. By this
hero’s hand fell the brave Nibelungs, Shilbung and Nibelung, the high
princes. Wonders hath he wrought by his prowess. I have heard tell that
on a day when he rode alone, he came to a mountain, and chanced on a
company of brave men that guarded the Nibelung’s hoard, whereof he knew
naught. The Nibelung men had, at that moment, made an end of bringing
it forth from a hole in the hill, and oddly enow, they were about to
share it. Siegfried saw them and marvelled thereat. He drew so close
that they were ware of him, and he of them. Whereupon one said, ‘Here
cometh Siegfried, the hero of the Netherland!’ Strange adventure met he
amidst of them. Shilbung and Nibelung welcomed him, and with one accord
the princely youths asked him to divide the treasure atween them, and
begged this so eagerly that he could not say them nay. The tale goeth
that he saw there more precious stones than an hundred double waggons
had sufficed to carry, and of the red Nibelung gold yet more. This must
bold Siegfried divide. In guerdon therefor they gave him the sword of
the Nibelungs, and were ill paid by Siegfried for the service. He
strove vainly to end the task, whereat they were wroth. And when he
could not bear it through, the kings, with their men, fell upon him.
But with their father’s sword, that hight Balmung, he wrested from them
both hoard and land. The princes had twelve champions—stark giants, yet
little it bested them. Siegfried slew them wrathfully with his hand,
and, with Balmung, vanquished seven hundred knights; and many youths
there, afraid of the man and his sword, did homage for castles and
land. He smote the two kings dead. Then he, himself, came in scathe by
Albric, that would have avenged the death of his masters then and
there, till that he felt Siegfried’s exceeding might. When the dwarf
could not overcome him, they ran like lions to the mountain, where
Siegfried won from Albric the cloud-cloak that hight _Tarnkappe_. Then
was Siegfried, the terrible man, master of the hoard. They that had
dared the combat lay slain; and he bade carry the treasure back whence
the Nibelungs had brought it forth; and he made Albric the keeper
thereof, after that he had sworn an oath to serve him as his man, and
to do all that he commanded him.”
“These are his deeds,” said Hagen; “bolder knight there never was. Yet
more I might tell of him. With his hand he slew a dragon, and bathed
him in its blood, that his skin is as horn, and no weapon can cut him,
as hath been proven on him ofttimes.”
“Let us welcome the young lord, that we come not in his hate. So fair
is he of his body that one may not look unfriendly thereon; with his
strength he hath done great deeds.”
Then spake the great king, “Belike thou sayest sooth. Knightly he
standeth there as for the onset—he and his warriors with him. We will
go down to him and greet him.”
“Thou mayest do that with honour,” answered Hagen; “for he is of high
birth, even a great king’s son. By Christ, there is somewhat in his
bearing that showeth he hath ridden hither on no slight matter.”
The king of the land said, “He is right welcome, for I perceive that he
is brave and noble, the which shall profit him in Burgundy.”
Gunther went out to Siegfried. The king and his men gave the strangers
courteous welcome, and the valiant man bowed before them because they
greeted him so fair.
“I would know,” said the king, “whence noble Siegfried cometh, and what
he seeketh at Worms by the Rhine.”
The guest answered him, “I will tell thee that readily. Word hath
reached me in the land of my father, that, hereby thee, dwell the
prowest ever sworn to king. I have heard much of these, and would know
them; for this I am come hither. Thy knightliness also I hear praised,
and am told that nowhere is a better king. So say the folk throughout
the land; and, till I have proven it, I will not depart hence. I also
am a king that shall wear a crown, and I would have men say of me that
the country and the people are rightly mine. Thereto I pledge both
honour and life. If thou art valiant, as they say, I care not whom it
liketh or irketh, I will take from thee all thou hast, land and
castles, and they shall be mine.”
The king and his men marvelled when they heard this strange saying,
that he would take their land; when the warriors understood it they
were wroth.
“Wherein have I wronged thee,” said Gunther the knight, “that I should
yield to the might of any man what my father ruled so long with honour?
We will show thee to thy hurt that we also are brave knights.”
“I will abide by my purpose,” said the doughty man. “If thou canst not
hold they land in peace, I will rule it. Also what I have in fee, if
thou overcome, shall be thine. With thy country be it even as with
mine. To the one of us twain that overcometh shall the whole belong,
people and land.”
But Hagen and Gernot answered him back straightway. “We desire not,”
said Gernot, “to win new kingdoms at the cost of dead heroes. Our land
is rich, and we are the rightful lords. The folk desire none better.”
Grim and angered stood Gunther’s kinsmen. Amidst of them was Ortwin of
Metz, who said, “This bargain pleaseth me little. Bold Siegfried hath
challenged thee wrongfully. Were thou and thy brothers naked, and he
with a whole king’s army at his back, I would undertake to show the
overweening man he did well to abate his pride.”
Whereat the knight of the Netherland was wroth and said, “Not such as
thou art shall raise a hand against me, for I am a great king; thou art
but a king’s man. Twelve of thy sort could not withstand me.”
Then Ortwin of Metz, the sister’s son of Hagen of Trony, cried aloud
for his sword. It grieved the king that he had kept silence so long,
but Gernot, a warrior bold and keen, came betwixt them.
He said to Ortwin, “Calm thyself. Siegfried hath done naught to us,
that we should not end this matter peaceably. I counsel that we take
him to friend. That were more to our honour.”
Then said Hagen the stark man, “It may well irk thy knights that he
rideth hither as a foeman. Better had he refrained. My masters had
never done the like by him.”
Brave Siegfried answered, “If thou like not my words, I will show thee
here, in Burgundy, the deeds of my hand.”
“That I will hinder,” said Gernot, and he forbade to his knights their
overweening words, for they irked him. Siegfried also thought on the
noble maiden.
“Wherefore should we fight with thee?” said Gernot. “Though every
knight lay dead thereby, small were our glory and little thine
adventure.”
Whereto Siegfried, King Siegmund’s son, answered, “Why do Hagen and
Ortwin hang back, and their friends, whereof they have enow in
Burgundy?”
But these must needs hold their peace, as Gernot commanded them.
“Thou art welcome,” said Uta’s son; “thou and thy comrades that are
with thee. We will serve thee gladly, I and my kinsmen.”
They let pour for them Gunther’s wine, and the host of that land, even
Gunther the king, said, “All that is ours, and whatsoever thou mayest
with honour desire, is thine to share with us, body and goods.”
Then Siegfried was milder of his mood.
What he and his men had with them was seen to; they gave Siegfried’s
knights good quarters and fair lodging; and they rejoiced to see the
stranger in Burgundy.
They did him honour many days: more than I can tell. This he won, I
trow, by his valour. Few looked on him sourly.
The king and his men busied them with sports, and in each undertaking
Siegfried still approved him the best. Whether they threw the stone or
shot with the shaft, none came near him by reason of his great
strength. Held the doughty warriors tourney before the women, then
looked these all with favour on the knight of the Netherland. But, as
for him, he thought only on his high love. The fair women of the court
demanded who the proud stranger was. “He is so goodly,” they said, “and
so rich his apparel.”
And there answered them folk enow, “It is the king of the Netherland.”
Whatsoever sport they followed, he was ready. In his heart he bare the
beautiful maiden that as yet he had not seen: the which spake in secret
kind words also of him. When the youths tilted in the courtyard,
Kriemhild, the high princess, looked down at them from her window; nor,
at that time, desired she better pastime. Neither had he asked better,
had he known that his heart’s dear one gazed upon him: the fairest
thing on earth had he deemed it to behold her eyes. When he stood there
amidst of the heroes in the tilt-yard, as the custom is, to rest at the
tourney, so graceful the son of Sieglind bare him, that the hearts of
many maidens yearned toward him. And ofttimes would he think, “How
shall I attain to behold the noble lady that I have loved long and
dearly? She is still a stranger. For this reason I am downcast.”
When the rich kings rode abroad, it behoved the knights to go with
them, wherefore Siegfried also rode forth, the which irked the damsel
sore; and likewise, for love of her, he was heavy enow of his cheer.
So in a year (I say sooth) he abode by these princes, nor in all that
time had once seen his dear one, that afterward brought him so much
gladness and dole.
Fourth Adventure
How Siegfried Fought with the Saxons
Now there were brought into Gunther’s land strange tidings by envoys
sent from afar by foreign princes that hated him; and when they heard
the message they were troubled. The kings were as I will tell you:
Ludger of the Saxons, a high and might prince; and Ludgast of Denmark,
and many bold warriors with them.
These envoys, sent by his foemen, came into Gunther’s land, and the
strangers were asked their business, and brought before the king.
The king greeted them fair, and said, “I know not who hath sent you
hither, and would hear it.” So spake the good king, and they greatly
feared his wrath.
“If thou wilt have our message, O king, we will tell it plain, and name
thee the princes that have sent us. They are Ludgast and Ludger, and
will come against thee into they land. Thou are fallen in their
displeasure, and we know that they bear thee bitter hate. They come
hither with an armed force to Worms by the Rhine—they and their
warriors. Wherefore be warned. Inside of twelve days they will ride. If
thou hast truly friends, let it appear now; let them help thee to keep
thy castles and they country, for, or long, there will be smiting of
helmets and shields here. Or wouldst thou treat with them, then declare
it straightway, that thy foemen come not nigh thee to thy hurt, and
that goodly knights perish not thereby.”
“Tarry a while—ye shall have answer betimes—that I may bethink me,”
said the good king. “If I have true liegemen, I will not hide it from
them, but will take counsel with them on this hard matter.”
Heavy enow of his cheer was Gunther. He pondered the message secretly
in his heart, and summoned Hagen, and others of his men, and sent to
the court in haste for Gernot. His best knights drew round him, and he
said, “Without cause, and with a mighty army, foemen come hither
against us into our land.”
Thereto answered Gernot, a hardy and bold warrior, “We shall hinder
that with our swords. They only perish that fate dooms. Let them die.
They shall not turn from honour. Our foemen are welcome.”
Spake Hagen of Trony then, “Methinketh that were unwise. Ludgast and
Ludger are proud men withal, and we can hardly in so few days muster
our men.” Therefore the bold knight said, “Tell Siegfried.”
They bade lodge the envoys in town. Albeit they were his foemen,
Gunther, the great king, commanded the folk to entreat them
well—rightly he did so—till that he knew the friends that would stand
by him.
The king was heavy of his cheer, and Siegfried, the good knight, saw
that he was downcast, but wist not the reason, and asked King Gunther
what ailed him. “I marvel much,” said Siegfried, “that thou takest no
part in our sports as heretofore.” And Gunther, the doughty knight,
answered him, “Not to every man may I declare the secret heaviness of
my heart; only unto true friends shall the heart tell its dole.”
Siegfried changed colour, and grew red and white, and he said to the
king, “I have denied thee naught, and now I would help thee. If thou
seekest friends, I will be one of them, and stand to it truly to my
life’s end.”
“Now God requite thee, Sir Siegfried, for I like thy word; and albeit
thy might availed me nothing, I would rejoice none the less that thou
art well-minded toward me; as much and more will I do to thee if I
live. I will tell thee the cause of my trouble. Envoys from my foemen
have brought a message that with an army they will come against me;
such inroad of warriors hath not been aforetime in this country.”
“Be not sorrowful for that,” answered Siegfried; “be of good cheer, and
do now as I say. I will win for thee honour and profit or ever thy
foemen reach this land. Had they stark adversaries thirty thousand
warriors at their back, and I but one thousand, I would withstand
them—trust me for that.”
King Gunther answered, “Thou shalt be well paid for this.”
“Give me a thousand of thy knights, since of mine own I have but twelve
here with me, and I will keep thy land for thee. The hand of Siegfried
will serve thee truly. Hagen shall help us in this, and also Ortwin,
Dankwart, and Sindolt, thy loving knights, and eke Folker, the bold
man, who shall bear the standard: better knight thou wilt not find. Bid
the envoys return to their country; tell them they shall see us there
soon enow. So shall our castles go scatheless.”
The king let summon his kinsmen and his liegemen, and Ludger’s
messengers went to the court. They were glad to be gone. Gunther, the
good king, gave them gifts and an escort, whereat they were well
content.
Spake Gunther, “Thou shalt say on this wise to my haughty foemen: They
did wisely to turn from their journey, for if my friends fail me not,
and they seek me here in my land, they will find work enow.”
They brought out rich gifts for the envoys, whereof Gunther had to
spare, and these said not “nay.” Then they took their leave, and
departed rejoicing.
When the messengers were come again to Denmark, and told Ludgast how
that the Rhine-men would ride thither, he was wroth at their boldness.
They made report to him of the many brave men Gunther had, and how that
they had seen a knight there amidst of them that hight Siegfried, a
hero from the Netherland, the which was heavy news for Ludgast.
When they of Denmark heard it, they hastened the more to summon their
friends, till that Ludgast had ready for the onset twenty thousand
warriors withal.
On like manner Ludger of Saxony summoned his men to the number of forty
thousand, ready to march into Burgundy.
The same also did King Gunther to his liegemen, and to his brothers
with their vassals, and to Hagen and his knights. These were sorry enow
at the news; and by reason thereof many a knight looked on death.
They hasted and made ready for the journey. Brave Folker bare the
standard. They purposed to cross the Rhine from Worms. Hagen of Trony
led the force. Sindolt and bold Hunolt were there, that they might
deserve King Gunther’s gold; also Hagen’s brother, Dankwart, and
Ortwin, fit men and worthy for the undertaking.
“Sit thou at home, O King,” spake Siegfried. “Since thy knights are
willing to follow me, stay here by the women and be of good cheer; for,
by my troth, I will guard for thee both goods and honour. I will see to
it, that they that seek thee here at Worms by the Rhine bide where they
are; we will pierce deep into their country, till their vaunting is
turned to sorrow.”
They passed from the Rhine through Hesse against Saxony, where the
battle was fought afterward. With plunder and with fire they laid waste
to the land, the which both the princes found to their cost.
When they were come to the marches, the warriors hasted forward, and
Siegfried began to ask them, “Which of us shall guard the rest from
surprise?” More to their hurt the Saxons never took the field.
They answered, “Let bold Dankwart guard the younger knights. He is a
good warrior. So shall we come in less scathe by Ludger’s men. He and
Ortwin shall guard the rear.”
“I will myself ride forward,” said Siegfried, “and spy out the foe,
that I may know rightly who the warriors be.”
Fair Sieglind’s son did on his armour in haste. He gave his knights in
charge to Hagen and bold Gernot when he set out. He rode into Saxony
all alone, and won honour by his quest. He perceived a great host
encamped on a field, that loomed mightily against him, beyond the
strength of one man: forty thousand or more. And the high heart of
Siegfried rejoiced.
One of the enemy’s knights kept watch warily, and perceived Siegfried,
and Siegfried him, and they glared fiercely on each other. I will tell
you who he was that kept watch. On his arm he bare a glittering shield
of gold. It was King Ludgast that kept ward over his host.
The noble stranger pricked toward him fiercely. Ludgast dressed him
also. They put spurs to their horses and smote with all their strength
on the shields with their spears, that it was like to go hard with the
king. On their horses, pricked forward with the spur, the princes bare
down on each other like the wind. Then they wheeled round deftly—these
two fierce men—and fell to hacking with their swords. Sir Siegfried
smote, that the field rang therewith; the hero with his mighty blade
struck sparks from Ludgast’s helmet. Fiercely fought the prince of the
Netherland, and Ludgast, likewise, dealt many a grim blow. Each drave
with all his might at the other’s shield. The combat was spied by
thirty of Ludgast’s men, but Siegfried, by means of three deep wounds
and grisly that he dealt Ludgast through his white harness, overcame
the king or these knights came up. His sword drew blood with each
stroke, that King Ludgast came in evil plight, and begged for his life,
offering his land as the price thereof, and said that his name was
Ludgast.
His knights hastened to his rescue, for they had seen the encounter at
the ward-post. Siegfried would have led him thence, but thirty of
Ludgast’s men rode at him. With mighty blows the stark warrior kept his
rich captive; and soon his hands did even deadlier deeds. He smote the
thirty men dead in his defence, save one that fled and told what
happened, the truth whereof was proven by his bloody helmet.
They of Denmark were aghast when they heard their king was taken
captive; they told it to his brother, who fell in a great fury by
reason of the disaster.
So the mighty Ludgast was taken by Siegfried’s prowess, and given in
charge to Hagen. When that good knight heard that it was Ludgast he was
not sorry.
They bade raise the standard of Burgundy. “Forward!” cried Siegfried,
“More shall be done or the day end, if I lose not my life. The Saxon
women shall rue it. Hearken now, ye men of the Rhine. I can lead you to
Ludger’s army. There ye will see helmets hewn by the good hands of
heroes. They shall be in evil case or we turn again.”
Then Gernot and his men sprang to horse. The banner was unfurled by
Folker, the minstrel knight. He rode before the host, and they all made
them ready for battle. They numbered not more than a thousand men, and
thereto the twelve strangers. The dust rose from their path, and they
rode through the land, their shields flashing.
The Saxons, also, were come up, bearing well-sharpened swords. So hath
the story been told me. The swords in the heroes’ hands dealt grim
blows in defence of their castles and their lands.
The marshal led the army, and Siegfried was come forward with the
twelve men that he had with him from the Netherland. Many a hand was
bloody that day in the battle. Sindolt and Hunolt and eke Gernot smote
many heroes dead in the fight, that were bold enow till they felt their
prowess. For their sake sorrowed women not a few. Folker and Hagen and
Ortwin, the fierce warriors, quenched the flash of many helmets with
blood. Dankwart, also, did wonders. The Danes proved their mettle, and
loud were heard the hurtling of shields and the clash of sharp swords
swung mightily. The Saxons, bold in strife, made havoc enow. Wide were
the wounds hewn by the men of Burgundy when they rushed to the
encounter. Blood ran down the saddles. So was the honour wooed of these
knights bold and swift. Loud rang the keen swords in the hands of the
heroes of the Netherland, when they rode with their lord into the fray.
They rode with Siegfried like good knights. None from the Rhine kept
pace with him. By reason of Siegfried’s hand streams of blood ran from
bright helmets, till that he lit on Ludgast amidst of his men. Thrice
he pierced through the army of the Saxons, and thrice returned. Hagen,
by this time, was come up with him, that helped him in his quest. They
slew many a brave knight.
When bold Ludger found Siegfried with Balmung, the good sword, swung
aloft, wherewith he made a mighty slaughter, he was wroth, and of his
mood full grim. With a fierce rush and clash of swords the warriors
came together. So exceeding furious was their onset that the host gave
way. Terrible was their hate. The Saxon king knew well that his brother
was taken captive, and he was wroth thereat; but he knew it not for
Siegfried’s work till now. They had blamed Gernot. Now he found out the
truth. Ludger smote so hard that Siegfried’s horse reeled under him.
But when he was come to, Siegfried was more terrible than afore. Hagen
and Gernot, Dankwart and Folker, stood by him. The dead lay in heaps.
Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin the knight slew many in the strife. The
princes held together in the fray. Bright spears in the hands of heroes
flashed above the helmets, that clave the shining bucklers in twain.
Many a massy shield was red with blood. In the fierce encounter many
men fell from their horses. Bold Siegfried and King Ludger strove
together, and lances whizzed, and sharp spears. Ludger’s shield-plate
flew off through the strength of Siegfried’s hand. Then the hero of the
Netherland thought to have gotten the victory over the Saxons that were
hard pressed. Ha! what polished bucklers doughty Dankwart brake!
Of a sudden Ludger espied a crown that was painted on Siegfried’s
shield, and he knew the mighty man, and cried aloud to his friends,
“Forbear, my men all. I have seen the son of Siegmund, even bold
Siegfried. The Devil hath sent him hither into Saxony.” He bade lower
the standard, and sued for peace. They granted this, yet he was
compelled by Siegfried to go captive into Gunther’s land.
With one accord they ceased from the strife. They threw down their
shivered helmets and shields. Blood-red were they all by the hands of
the Burgundians. They took captive whom they listed, for they had the
power.
Gernot and Hagen gave order to convey the wounded on litters. They led
five hundred noble knights as prisoners to the Rhine.
The vanquished warriors rode back to Denmark. Nor had the Saxons fought
so as to win them honour, and they were downcast. The dead were mourned
by their friends.
They sent the weapons to the Rhine on sumpters. So wondrously had
Siegfried done, that all Gunther’s men praised him.
Sir Gernot sent word to Worms, and throughout the whole land, to their
friends, how it had sped with them; for as bold knights and honourable
they had fought. The pages hasted and told it, and the glad news
rejoiced the loving ones that had sorrowed. The noble women ceased not
from questioning how it had fared with the great king’s men.
Kriemhild bade a messenger to her in secret; publicly she durst not,
for to one of them she bare dear heart’s love.
When the messenger was come to her chamber, Kriemhild, the beautiful
maiden, spake him fair. “Now tell me glad tidings; thou shalt have gold
therefor; and, sayest thou sooth, I will ever be beholden to thee. How
sped my brother Gernot in the battle, and the rest of my friends? Are
there many dead? Who did most valiantly? Now tell me.”
Whereto the messenger answered truthfully, “We had no coward among us.
Yet since thou wilt hear it, noble princess, none rode in the thick of
the fight like the knight of the Netherland. Marvellous was the work of
Siegfried’s hand. All that the knights did in battle—Dankwart and Hagen
and the rest—though with honour fought they all, was but as a wind
matched with the prowess of Siegfried, the son of Siegmund. Many heroes
have they slain, yet of the deeds of Siegfried, done in battle, none
shall tell to the end. By reason of him many maidens mourn for their
kin. Low lieth the dear one of many a bride. Loud smote he on the
helmets, that they ran blood. In all things he is a knight bold and
good.”
“Ortwin of Metz, also, won worship. Whoso came within range of his
sword lieth wounded or dead. Thy brother, too, made fierce havoc in the
battle. To his prowess must all testify. The proud Burgundians have so
fought that none my question their honour. For many a saddle was
emptied by them when the field rang loud with gleaming swords. On such
wise fought the knights of the Rhine that their foemen had done better
to flee. The brave men of Trony rode fiercely in the strife. Hagen with
his hand slew many, whereof Burgundy shall hear. So valiantly fought
Sindolt and Hunolt, Gernot’s men, and eke Rumolt, that Ludger may well
rue that he ever met thy kinsmen by the Rhine. But the mightiest deeds,
first and last, were done by Siegfried. He bringeth rich captives into
Gunther’s land, that his strength hath conquered, by reason whereof
King Ludgast and his brother, Ludger of Saxony, suffer dole. For list
to the marvel, noble queen: both these princes hath Siegfried’s hand
taken. Never have so many captives been led into this land, as come
hither now through his prowess.”
The maiden was glad at the tale.
“Of unwounded men they bring five hundred or more, and eighty red biers
(I say sooth) of the wounded, fallen, the most part, by Siegfried’s
might. They that arrogantly withstood the knights of the Rhine are now
Gunther’s captives. Our men lead them hither rejoicing.”
When she had heard the news aright, her fair cheek reddened, and her
lovely face was the colour of the rose, because it had gone well with
young and noble Siegfried, and he was come with glory out of peril. She
joyed for her kinsmen also, as in duty bound. And she said, “Thou hast
spoken well; for guerdon thereof thou shalt have costly raiment, and
ten golden marks, that I will bid them bear to thee.” It is good to
tell glad tidings to rich women.
He got his envoy’s fee of gold and vesture, and the fair maids hasted
to the window and looked down the road, where the high-hearted warriors
rode home. They drew nigh, whole and wounded, and heard the greeting of
friends unashamed. Light of heart Gunther rode to meet them, for now
his grim care was turned to joy. He received his own men well and also
the strangers. Not to have thanked them that were come to his court,
for that they had done valiantly in battle, would have been unseemly in
so great a king. And he asked tidings of his friends, and who was
slain. None were lost to him save sixty only, and these were mourned as
many a hero hath been mourned since.
They that were unhurt brought many battered shields and shivered
helmets back to Gunther’s land. The warriors sprang down from their
horses before the place, and there was a joyful noise of welcome.
Order was given to lodge the knights in the town, and the king
commanded that his guests should be courteously entreated, and that the
wounded should be seen to and given good chambers. So he approved
himself generous to his foes. He said to Ludger, “Thou are welcome!
Much scathe have I suffered through thee; yet, if I prosper henceforth,
I will consider myself well paid. God reward my warriors, for well have
they served me!”
“Thou has cause to thank them,” answered Ludger, “for nobler captives
were never won for a king; and gold without stint shall be thine, if
thou do well by me and my friends.”
Said Gunther, “Ye shall both go free. Yet I must have a pledge that my
foemen quit not my land till peace be sealed betwixt us.” And they
promised it, and gave their hand thereon. They led them to their
quarters to rest, and saw the wounded men laid softly in their beds.
They set before them that were whole meat and good wine, and never were
men merrier. They bare the battered shields away into safe keeping; and
the bloody saddles, of which there were enow, they hid, that the women
might not grieve thereat. Many a weary knight was there.
The king entreated his guests right royally, and the land was full of
friends and of strangers. He bade see to the sore wounded ones whose
pride was brought low. To them that were skilled in leech craft they
offered a rich fee of unweighed sliver and yellow gold, that they might
heal the heroes of their wounds gotten in battle; the king sent also
precious gifts to his guests. They that thought to ride home were
bidden stay as friends. And the king took counsel how he might reward
his liegemen that had done valiantly for his sake.
Sir Gernot said, “Let them go hence for the present, and summon them
after six weeks to a hightide. Many will then be whole that now lie
sick of their wounds.”
Siegfried of the Netherland would have taken leave also, but when King
Gunther knew his intent, he besought him lovingly to tarry, the which
Siegfried had not done but for Gunther’s sister’s sake. He was too rich
to take money, albeit he well deserved it; the king loved him, and also
the king’s kinsmen that had seen the deeds wrought by his hand in
battle. So, for love of the maiden, he agreed to tarry, that haply he
might win to see her, the which, or long, came to pass; for he knew her
to his heart’s desire, and rode home joyfully afterward to his father’s
land.
The young knights obeyed the king’s command willingly, and practised
daily at the tourney. Seats were raised on the stand before Worms for
the guests that were coming into Burgundy.
When it was time for them to arrive, fair Kriemhild heard the news,
that they were about to hold a hightide with their friends. Then the
beautiful women busied them with their kirtles and their headgear that
they were to wear.
Uta, the great queen, heard of the proud knights that were coming, and
gorgeous robes were taken from their wrapping-cloths. For love of her
children she bade them bring forth the garments. Many women and maidens
were adorned therewith, and, of the young knights of Burgundy, not a
few. To many of the strangers, also, she gave goodly apparel.
Fifth Adventure
How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild
A vast multitude of them that would attend the hightide drew daily to
the Rhine; and unto those that came for love of the king horses were
given and goodly raiment, and to each his place, even unto two and
thirty princes of the highest and the best. So they tell us.
And the women vied with one another in their attire. Giselher, the
youth, and Gernot, and their two squires, rested not from welcoming
both friends and strangers. They gave courtly greeting unto the
warriors.
The guests brought with them to the Rhine, to the tourney, saddles
worked in ruddy gold, and finely-wrought shields, and knightly apparel.
And the sick rejoiced, and they that lay on their beds sore wounded
forgot that death is an hard thing. When the rumour of the festival was
noised abroad, no man took heed more of them that groaned, for each
thought only how he might sojourn there as a guest. Joy without measure
had all they that were found there, and gladness and rejoicing were in
Gunther’s land.
On Whitsun morning there drew toward the hightide a goodly company of
brave men, fairly clad: five thousand or more, and they made merry far
and wide, and strove with one another in friendly combat.
Now Gunther knew well how, truly and from his heart, the hero of the
Netherland loved his sister whom he had not yet seen, and whose beauty
the people praised before that of all other maidens.
And he said, “Now counsel me, my kinsmen and my lieges, how we may
order this hightide, that none may blame us in aught; for only unto
such deeds as are good, pertaineth lasting fame.”
Then answered Ortwin, the knight, to the king, “If thou wilt win for
thyself glory from the hightide, let now the maidens that dwell with
honour in our midst appear before us. For what shall pleasure or glad a
man more than to behold beautiful damsels and fair women? Bid thy
sister come forth and show herself to thy guests.”
And this word pleased the knights.
“That will I gladly do,” said the king; and they that heard him
rejoiced. He sent a messenger to Queen Uta, and besought her that she
would come to the court with her daughter and her women-folk.
And these took from the presses rich apparel, and what lay therein in
wrapping-cloths; they took also brooches, and their silken girdles
worked with gold, and attired themselves in haste. Many a noble maiden
adorned herself with care, and the youths longed exceedingly to find
favour in their eyes, and had not taken a rich king’s land in lieu
thereof. And they that knew not one another before looked each upon
each right gladly.
The rich king commanded an hundred men of his household, his kinsmen
and hers, to escort his sister, their swords in their hand. Uta, with
an hundred and more of her women, gorgeously attired, came forth from
the female apartments, and many noble damsels followed after her
daughter. The knights pressed in upon them, thinking thereby to behold
the beautiful maidens.
And lo! the fair one appeared, like the dawn from out the dark clouds.
And he that had borne her so long in his heart was no more aweary, for
the beloved one, his sweet lady, stood before him in her beauty. Bright
jewels sparkled on her garments, and bright was the rose-red of her
hue, and all they that saw her proclaimed her peerless among maidens.
As the moon excelleth in light the stars shining clear from the clouds,
so stood she, fair before the other women, and the hearts of the
warriors were uplifted. The chamberlains made way for her through them
that pressed in to behold her. And Siegfried joyed, and sorrowed
likewise, for he said in his heart, “How should I woo such as thee?
Surely it was a vain dream; yet I were liefer dead than a stranger to
thee.”
Thinking thus he waxed oft white and red; yea, graceful and proud stood
the son of Sieglind, goodliest of heroes to behold, as he were drawn on
parchment by the skill of a cunning master. And the knights fell back
as the escort commanded, and made way for the high-hearted women, and
gazed on them with glad eyes. Many a dame of high degree was there.
Said bold Sir Gernot, the Burgundian, then, “Gunther, dear brother,
unto the gentle knight, that hath done thee service, show honour now
before thy lieges. Of this counsel I shall never shame me. Bid
Siegfried go before my sister, that the maiden greet him. Let her, that
never greeted knight, go toward him. For this shall advantage us, and
we shall win the good warrior for ours.”
Then Gunther’s kinsmen went to the knight of the Netherland, and said
to him, “The king bids thee to the court that his sister may greet
thee, for he would do thee honour.”
It rejoiced Siegfried that he was to look upon Uta’s fair child, and he
forgot his sorrow.
She greeted him mild and maidenly, and her colour was kindled when she
saw before her the high-minded man, and she said, “Welcome, Sir
Siegfried, noble knight and good.” His courage rose at her words, and
graceful, as beseemed a knight, he bowed himself before her and thanked
her. And love that is mighty constrained them, and they yearned with
their eyes in secret. I know not whether, from his great love, the
youth pressed her white hand, but two love-desirous hearts, I trow, had
else done amiss.
Nevermore, in summer or in May, bore Siegfried in his heart such high
joy, as when he went by the side of her whom he coveted for his dear
one. And many a knight thought, “Had it been my hap to walk with her,
as I have seen him do, or to lie by her side, certes, I had suffered it
gladly! Yet never, truly, hath warrior served better to win a queen.”
From what land soever the guests came, they were ware only of these
two. And she was bidden kiss the hero. He had never had like joy before
in this world.
Said the King of Denmark then, “By reason of this high greeting many
good men lie low, slain by the hand of Siegfried, the which hath been
proven to my cost. God grant he return not to Denmark!”
Then they ordered to make way for fair Kriemhild. Valiant knights in
stately array escorted her to the minster, where she was parted from
Siegfried. She went thither followed by her maidens; and so rich was
her apparel that the other women, for all their striving, were as
naught beside her, for to glad the eyes of heroes she was born.
Scarce could Siegfried tarry till they had sung mass, he yearned so to
thank her for his gladness, and that she whom he bore in his heart had
inclined her desire toward him, even as his was to her, which was meet.
Now when Kriemhild was come forth to the front of the minster, they
bade the warrior go to her again, and the damsel began to thank him,
that before all others he had done valiantly. And she said, “Now, God
requite thee, Sir Siegfried, for they tell me thou hast won praise and
honour from all knights.”
He looked on the maid right sweetly, and he said, “I will not cease to
serve them. Never, while I live, will I lay head on pillow, till I have
brought their desire to pass. For love of thee, dear lady, I will do
this.”
And every day of twelve, in the sight of all the people, the youth
walked by the side of the maiden as she went to the court. So they
showed their love to the knight.
And there was merriment and gladness and delight in the hall of
Gunther, without and within, among the valiant men. Ortwin and Hagen
did many wonderful deeds, and if any devised a sport, warriors, joyous
in strife, welcomed it straightway. So were the knights proven before
the guests, and they of Gunther’s land won glory. The wounded also came
forth to take part with their comrades, to skirmish with the buckler,
and to shoot the shaft, and waxed strong thereby, and increased their
might.
Gunther gave order that, for the term of the hightide, they should set
before them meats of the daintiest, that he might fail in naught as a
king, nor the people blame him.
And he came to his guests, and said, “Receive my gifts ere you go
hence, and refuse not the treasure that I would share with you.”
The Danes made answer, “Ere we turn again to our land, make thou a
lasting peace with us. We have need of such, that have many dear
friends dead, slain by thy warriors.”
Ludgast and eke the Saxon were healed of their wounds gotten in battle,
but many tarried behind, dead.
Then Gunther sought Siegfried and said, “Now counsel me in this. On the
morrow our guests ride forth, and they desire of me and mine a lasting
covenant. What they offer I will tell thee: as much gold as five
hundred horses may carry, they will give me to go free.”
And Siegfried answered, “That were ill done. Send them forth without
ransom, that they ride no more hither as foemen. And they shall give
thee the hand thereon for surety.”
And they told it to his enemies; also that none desired their gold.
They said it to the war-tired men, by reason of whom the dear ones of
their own land sorrowed.
And the king took shields full of treasure, and divided it among them
without weighing it, five hundred marks and more. Gernot, the brave
knight, counselled him thereto. And they took their leave, for they
were aweary for home. And they passed before Kriemhild and Queen Uta;
never were knights dismissed more courteously.
The chambers were void when they left, nevertheless the king abode
there still with his lieges and his vassals and knights. And these
ceased not to go before Kriemhild.
Then Siegfried, the hero, had also taken leave, for he thought not to
attain his desire. But the king heard of it, and Giselher the youth
turned him back. “Whither ridest thou, Sir Siegfried? Prithee yield to
me in this. Go not from among our knights, and Gunther, and his men.
Here are fair maidens enow that thou mayest behold at will.”
Said bold Sir Siegfried, “Let stand the horses, bear hence the shields.
I would have ridden forth and turned again to my land, but Giselher
hath changed my intent.”
So he abode among them through love, nor in any land had it been
sweeter for him. And Kriemhild, the fair maiden, he saw daily, by
reason of whose beauty he tarried.
They passed the time in sports and feats of chivalry. But his heart was
weary with love; yea, for love he sorrowed then, and, after, died
miserably.
Sixth Adventure
How Gunther Went to Issland to Woo Brunhild
A fresh rumour spread beyond the Rhine. It was reported that many
maidens dwelt there; and Gunther was minded to woo one of them, whereat
his knights and his liegemen were well pleased.
There was a queen high throned across the sea, that had not her like,
beyond measure fair and of mickle strength, and her love was for that
knight only that could pass her at the spear. She hurled the stone and
leapt after it to the mark. Any that desired the noble damsel’s love
must first win boldly in these three games. If he failed but in one, he
lost his head.
And oft had this happened already, when the rumour thereof reached the
noble warrior by the Rhine, who fixed his desire upon the maiden, the
which, or all was done, cost the life of many heroes.
On a day that the king sat with his men, and they cast to and fro whom
their prince might best take to wife for his own comfort and the good
of his land, the lord of Rhineland said, “I will hence across the sea
to Brunhild, let what will betide. For her sake I will peril my body,
for I lose it if I win her not to wife.”
“Do so not,” said Siegfried. “Cruel is the queen, and he that would woo
her playeth too high a stake. Make not this journey.”
But King Gunther answered, “Never yet was woman born so stark and bold,
that, with this single hand, I could not vanquish her in strife.”
But Siegfried said, “Peace! Thou knowest her not. Wert thou four men,
thou wert no match for her grim wrath. In good faith I counsel thee to
let the matter be. If thou lovest thy life, come not in such straits
for her sake.”
“Nay, now, I care not how stark she be; I will journey, even as I have
said, to Brunhild, and take my chance. For her great beauty I must
adventure this. What if God prosper me, and she follow me to the
Rhine?”
“Then I counsel thee,” said Hagen, “to ask Siegfried to share with thee
this hard emprise. It were well, since he knoweth so much of Brunhild.”
So the king spake, “Wilt thou help me, most noble Siegfried, to woo the
damsel? Grant me this, and if I win the royal maiden for my dear one, I
will adventure honour and life for thy sake.”
Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made answer, “Give me thy sister
Kriemhild, the high princess, and I will do it. Other meed I ask not.”
Said Gunther, “I swear it, Siegfried, on thy hand. If Brunhild come
hither, I will give thee my sister to wife; and mayest thou live
joyfully with her to thy life’s end.”
The noble warriors sware an oath; and travail enow they endured, or
they led back the fair one to the Rhine; yea, ofttimes they were
straightened sore.
I have heard tell of wild dwarfs: how that they dwell in hollow
mountains, and wear wonderful cloaks called _Tarnkappes_. And whoso
hath this on his body cometh not in scathe by blows or spear-thrusts;
nor is he seen of any man so long as he weareth it, but may spy and
hearken at his will. His strength also waxeth thereby; so runneth the
tale.
Siegfried took the _Tarnkappe_ with him that he had wrested from Albric
the dwarf. And these high and noble knights made ready for the journey.
When stark Siegfried did on the _Tarnkappe_, he was strong with the
strength of twelve men, and with these cunning devices he won the royal
maiden; for the cloak of cloud was fashioned on such wise, that who
wore it did what him listed, none seeing; and he won Brunhild thereby,
that after brought him dole.
“Now tell me, Siegfried, or we depart, how we may cross the sea with
honour? Shall we take warriors with us to Brunhild’s land? It were easy
to summon thirty thousand knights.”
But Siegfried answered, “Howsoever great a host we led thither, the
cruelty of the queen is such, that every mother’s son of them must
perish. A better plan is mine, most noble king. Let us down to the
Rhine as simple knights, even these friends that I name. Thou and I,
and, further, only two. So shall we woo the damsel, let the issue be as
it may. I shall be one, and thou shalt be another. Let the third be
Hagen, and the fourth Dankwart, the doughty man. A thousand shall not
prevail against us.”
“Fain would I know,” said the king then, “what manner of raiment we
should wear before Brunhild. Prithee, counsel me in this matter,
Siegfried.”
“In the land of Brunhild they wear naught but the best, wherefore let
us appear before the women in goodly apparel, that none may cry shame
on us hereafter.”
Then said the knight, “I will go, myself, to my dear mother, and
beseech her that she let her damsels make ready for us such garments as
may bring us honour before the royal maiden.”
But Hagen said courteously, “Wherefore beg this service of thy mother?
Tell thy sister of thy intent. She is skilled, and will provide thee
with goodly raiment.”
And Gunther prayed his sister to receive him and Siegfried. The which
she did after she had robed her in her best apparel. She was little
grieved at the coming of the knights. Her attendants were fitly
adorned, and the knights went in. When she saw them, she rose from her
seat, and hasted, and received the noble guest and her brother
courteously. She said, “Thou are welcome, my brother: thou and they
friend. I would know what hath brought you to the court. Tell me, I
pray you, noble knights, how it standeth with you.”
The king answered, “Lady, I will tell thee. An hard adventure is before
us, the which we must bear boldly through. We ride a-wooing into a far
and a strange land, and have need of rich apparel.”
“Now sit, dear brother,” said the king’s child, “and tell me plainly
who the women are that ye would woo in other kings’ lands.” The maiden
took both the chosen knights by the hand, and led them to the rich
cushion whereon she had sat, and on the which were wrought (for this I
know) fair pictures raised with gold. They wearied not, certes, among
the women. Of kind glances and soft looks there was no stint. Siegfried
bore her in his heart, and loved her as his life, and won her for his
wife by noble service.
The great king said, “Dearest sister mine, we need thy help. We go to
sojourn in the land of Brunhild, and must have rich apparel to wear
before the women.”
The princess answered, “If I can aid thee in any wise, believe me, I
will do it; sad were Kriemhild if aught were denied thee. Ask of me,
nothing doubting, noble knight, and, as a master, command me; all that
thou desirest I will readily perform.”
“We would have goodly raiment, dear sister, and therein thy white hand
shall help us. Let thy maids bestir them, that we be fair equipped,
since none shall turn us from this journey.”
Said the damsel, “Now mark what I say. We have silk of our own; bid
them bring us hither, on the shields, precious stones to work the robes
withal, that unashamed ye may wear them before the royal maiden.” The
princess asked, “Who are they that shall follow thee in rich array to
the court?”
And he answered, “We be four. My two liegemen, Dankwart and Hagen, ride
with us. And what I tell thee, mark well. For each of four days thou
shalt provide us with three changes of good raiment, that we be not
scorned in Brunhild’s land!”
She promised this to the knights, and they took their leave.
Then Princess Kriemhild summoned from their chambers thirty of her
maidens that had great skill in such work.
Silk from Araby, white as snow, and from Zazamanc, green like clover,
they embroidered with precious stones. The royal maiden cut them
herself. In sooth, they were goodly robes. Linings finely fashioned
from fishes’ skins, rarely seen then, they covered, as many as they
had, with silk, and wrought them with gold. Many a marvel could one
tell of these garments. For they had, in plenty, the finest silks from
Morocco and Libya that the children of kings ever wore. It was not hard
to see that Kriemhild loved the warriors. And because they desired rich
apparel, the black-spotted ermine was not spared, the which good
knights covet still for hightides.
Precious stones sparkled on gold of Araby. Certes, the women were not
idle. Inside of seven weeks the clothes were ready, and also weapons
for the knights.
Now when all was done, a stout ship lay waiting on the Rhine to bear
them down to the sea. Ill paid were the maidens, after, for their toil.
When they told the knights that the rich vesture they were to wear was
ready, and that all they had asked was accomplished, they were eager to
quit the Rhine. A messenger was sent to them, that they might try on
their new apparel, lest haply it might be too short or too long for
any. But the measure was exact, wherefore they thanked the maidens. All
that saw it owned that, in the whole world, none was better. They wore
it proudly at the court, and none were praised above them for their
attire.
The maidens had sweet thanks, and the doughty warriors took their leave
right courteously, and bright eyes were dim and wet with tears.
Kriemhild said, “Dear brother, thou didst better to stay here and woo
other women without risk to thy body. It were easy to find, nigh at
hand, a wife of as high lineage.”
I ween her heart told her the dole that was to come. And they wept all
together, and refused to be comforted, till the gold on their breasts
was wet with the tears that rolled down from their eyes.
She spake further, “Sir Siegfried, to thy care and good faith I commend
my dear brother, that no evil betide him in Brunhild’s land.” The
knight gave his hand thereon, and promised it. He said, “Fear not,
lady; if I live, I will bring him back safe to the Rhine. I swear it by
mine own body.”
And the fair maiden thanked him.
They carried down the shields of ruddy gold to the strand, and stowed
their armour in the vessel, and let fetch their horses, for they were
eager to be gone. The women made mickle dole. Fair damsels stood at the
windows. The fresh wind caught the sail, and lo! the good knights sat
on the Rhine.
Then said Gunther, “Who shall be steersman?”
“That will I be,” answered Siegfried. “Trust me, ye heroes, and I will
pilot you hence, for I know the currents.” So with stout hearts they
left Burgundy. Siegfried took hold of the pole and pushed from the
strand. Gunther himself took an oar, and they fell away from the shore.
They had rich meats with them, and Rhine wine of the best. Their horses
stood easy and quiet; their boat flew light, and misadventure they had
none. Their strong sails filled, and they made twenty miles or night
fell, for the wind favoured them. But their high emprise brought many
women dole. They say that by the twelfth morning the wind had blown
them afar to Isenstein in Brunhild’s land, the which none had seen
before that, save Siegfried. When King Gunther beheld so many towers
and broad marches, he cried out, “Now say, friend Siegfried; knowest
thou whose are these castles and these fair lands? By my troth, I have
never in my life seen castles so many and so goodly as stand there
before us. A mighty man he must be that hath builded them.”
Whereto Siegfried made answer, “Yea, I know well. They are all
Brunhild’s—towers and lands, and the castle of Isenstein. I say sooth;
and many fair women shall ye behold this day. Now I counsel you, O
knights, for so it seemeth good to me, that ye be all of one mind and
one word; we must stand warily before Brunhild the queen. And when we
see the fair one amidst of her folk, be sure that ye tell all the same
story: that Gunther is my lord, and I his liegeman. So shall he win to
his desire. Yet this I do less for love of thee than for the fair maid,
thy sister, that is to me as my soul and mine own body, and for whom I
gladly serve, that I may win her to wife.”
They promised with one accord, and none gainsayed him through pride,
the which stood them in good stead when the king came to stand before
Brunhild.
Seventh Adventure
How Gunther Won Brunhild
Meanwhile the ship was come nigh to the castle, and the king saw many
fair maidens that stood above at the windows. It irked him that he knew
them not, and he said to Siegfried, his friend, “Knowest thou aught of
these maidens that look down at us on the sea? Howso their lord hight,
they are, certes, right noble.”
Bold Siegfried answered, “Spy secretly among them, and say which thou
wouldst have chosen, if thou hadst had the choice.” And Gunther said,
“I will. I see one standing at yonder window in snow-white robe. Goodly
is she, and for her fair body’s sake, mine eyes choose her. If I had
the power, she should be my wife.”
“Thine eyes have led thee aright. That is the noble Brunhild, the
beautiful lady that thou desirest with thy heart and thy soul.” Gunther
found no fault in her.
The queen bade her damsels void the windows, nor stand in the gaze of
the strangers. They obeyed; but what they did after hath been told us.
They adorned them for the warriors, as is the manner of fair women;
then they stole to the loopholes and looked curiously at the heroes.
These came only four strong into the land. Bold Siegfried held a horse
on the strand, and, by reason thereof, the women that spied through the
windows deemed King Gunther of the more worship. He held the good
horse, by the bridle; stately it was and sleek, mickle and stark, and
King Gunther sat in the saddle, and Siegfried served him; but Gunther
forgot this afterward.
Then Siegfried took his own horse from the ship. Seldom before had he
held the stirrup for a warrior to mount. And all this the fair women
marked through the loopholes. The heroes were clad alike; both their
horses and their apparel were snow-white, and the shields were goodly
that shone in their hands. Their saddles were set with precious stones,
their poitrels small, and hung with bells of burnished gold. So they
rode proudly into Brunhild’s courtyard, and came into the land as
befitted their might, with new-sharpened spears, and finely-tempered
swords, keen and massy, that reached to their spurs. All this Brunhild,
the royal maiden, saw.
Dankwart rode with them, and Hagen. These knights, they say, wore
clothes of raven-black, and their shields were mickle, broad and
goodly. Stones from India shone on their apparel. They left the vessel
unguarded on the beach, and rode up to the castle. There they saw
eighty and six towers, three great palaces, and a stately hall of
costly marble, green like grass, wherein the queen sat with her
courtiers.
Brunhild’s men unlocked the castle gate and threw it wide, and ran
toward them, and welcomed the guests to their queen’s land. They bade
hold the horses, and take the shields from their hands. And the
chamberlain said, “Do off your swords now, and your bright armour.”
“Not so,” answered Hagen of Trony; “we will bear these ourselves.”
But Siegfried told them the custom of the court. “It is the law here
that no guest shall bear arms. Wherefore ye did well to give them up.”
Gunther’s men obeyed, much loth. They bade pour out the wine for the
guests, and see that they were well lodged. Willing knights in princely
attire ran to and fro to serve them, spying with many glances at the
strangers.
They brought word to Brunhild that unknown warriors in rich apparel
were come thither, sailing on the sea, and the beautiful maiden
questioned them. “Tell me,” said the queen, “who these strangers be
that stand yonder so proudly, and for whose sake they be come.” And one
of the courtiers made answer. “In sooth, Lady, albeit I never yet set
eyes on them, one among them much resembleth Siegfried, and him I
counsel thee to welcome. The second of the company hath so lofty a mien
that, if his power be equal thereto, he might well be a great king and
a ruler of wide lands, for he standeth right proudly before the others.
The third, O Queen, is grim, yet a goodly man withal. His glance is
swift and dark; he is fierce-tempered, I ween. The youngest pleaseth me
well. Maidenly and modest he standeth, yet it went hard, methinketh,
with any that angered him. For all that he seemeth gentle, and is
fashioned daintily, if his wrath were once kindled, many a woman might
weep, for he is a bold and virtuous knight, and right worshipful.”
The queen said, “Bring me my robe. If stark Siegfried be come into my
land to woo me, he shall pay for it with his life. I fear him not so
greatly that I should yield me to be his wife.”
Then Brunhild attired her in haste. An hundred or more of her damsels
went with her, richly adorned, whom the guests beheld gladly.
Brunhild’s knights of Issland gave them escort, to the number of five
hundred or thereabout, their swords in their hands, the which irked the
bold strangers. They stood up from their seats; and the queen spake
courteously to them when she saw Siegfried. “Thou art welcome,
Siegfried, to this land. To what end art thou come? I prithee tell me.”
“I thank thee, O Brunhild, fair daughter of a king, that thou greetest
me before this worshipful knight. Thou showest Siegfried too much
honour, for he is my lord, and the king of the Rhineland. What boots it
to say more? For thy sake we are come hither, for he would woo thee at
all hazards. Weigh the matter betimes, for of a surety he will win
thee. His name is Gunther; he is a great and mighty king, and he
desireth naught save thy love. To this end I have followed him, nor had
done it, but that he is my master.”
She answered, “If he be thy lord, and thou be his man, let him
withstand me at the games. If he have the mastery, then I am his wife,
but let him fail in one of them, and ye be all dead men.”
Then said Hagen of Trony, “Lady, show us the games that thou proposest.
It will go hard with Gunther or he yield thee the mastery, for he
troweth well to win so fair a maiden.”
“He must put the stone, and leap after it, and throw the spear with me.
Ye may easily forfeit honour and life; wherefore be not so confident,
but bethink you well.”
Then bold Siegfried went to the king, and bade him fear naught, but
speak freely to the queen. “For,” said he, “I will aid thee with
cunning devices.”
And King Gunther said, “Command me, great queen, and were it more yet,
I would risk it for thy sake. I will lose my head, or win thee to
wife.”
When the queen heard this word, she bade haste to the sports, as was
meet, and let them bring her harness, a golden buckler and a goodly
shield. She did on a surcoat of silk from Libya, that had never been
pierced in combat, cunningly fashioned and embroidered, and shining
with precious stones. Her pride greatly angered the knights, and
Dankwart and Hagen were downcast, for they feared for their lord, and
thought, “Ill-starred was this journey.”
Meanwhile, Siegfried, the cunning man, went, when none spied him, to
the ship, where he found the _Tarnkappe_, and he did it on swiftly,
that none knew. Then he hastened back to the crowd of knights, where
the queen gave order for the sports, and, by his magic, he stole in
among them, that no man was ware of him. The ring was marked out in the
presence of armed knights to the number of seven hundred. These were
the umpires, that should tell truly who won in the sports.
Then came Brunhild. She stood armed, as she had meant to do battle with
all the kings of all the world. The silk was covered with gold spangles
that showed her white skin. Her attendants brought her, for the strife,
a shield of ruddy gold with iron studs, mickle and broad. The maid’s
thong was an embroidered band, whereon lay stones green like grass,
that sparkled among the gold. The knight must, certes, be bold that won
such a lady. They say the shield the maiden bore was three spans thick
under the folds, rich with steel and gold, that four of her
chamberlains scarce could carry it.
When stark Hagen saw them drag the shield forward, the hero of Trony
was wroth, and cried, “How now, King Gunther? We be dead men, for thou
wooest the Devil’s wife!”
Yet more must ye hear of her vesture. Her coat of mail was covered with
silk from Azagouc, costly and rich, and the stones thereof sparkled on
the queen’s body. They brought her the spear, heavy and big and sharp,
that she was wont to throw. Stark and huge it was, mickle and broad,
and made grim wounds with its edges. And hear, now, the marvel of its
heaviness. Three weights and a half of iron were welded for it. Three
of Brunhild’s lords scarce could carry it. A woeful man was King
Gunther, and he thought, “Lo! now not the Devil in Hell could escape
her. Were I in Burgundy with my life, she might wait long enough for my
wooing.” He stood dismayed. Then they brought him his armour, and he
did it on.
Hagen came nigh to lose his wits for sorrow, and Dankwart, his brother,
said, “By my troth, I rue this adventure. Once we hight warriors, and
shall we perish in this country by the hand of a woman? Alack! that we
ever came hither! Had my brother Hagen but his sword, and I mine,
Brunhild’s men would abate their pride; I ween they would walk softer.
If I had sworn peace with a thousand oaths, that maid should die sooner
than that my lord should lose his life.”
“It were easy to quit this land,” said Hagen, his brother, “if we had
our harness for the strife, and our good swords. This dame would be
milder, I trow.”
The noble maiden heard him plain, and, with smiling mouth, she looked
over her shoulder. “Since he deemeth him so bold, bring his harness,
and give to the heroes their sharp weapons. It is all one to me whether
they be armed or naked. I never feared the might of any man, and doubt
not but I shall overcome this king.”
When they had brought the weapons, as the maid commanded, bold Dankwart
grew red with joy. “Now let them drive what sport they like,” he said;
“Gunther is safe, since we have our swords.”
Brunhild’s great strength appeared. They brought her a stone into the
circle, heavy and huge, round also, and broad. Twelve strong knights
scarce sufficed thereto. And this she threw when she had hurled the
spear. Whereat the Burgundians were sore troubled, and Hagen cried,
“Who is this that Gunther wooeth? Would she were the Devil’s bride in
Hell!”
Then she turned back the sleeves from her white arms, and seized the
shield, and brandished the spear above her head, and the contest began.
Gunther was sore dismayed. If Siegfried had not helped him, certes he
had lost his life; but Siegfried went up to him secretly, and touched
his hand. Gunther fell in fear by reason of his magic, and he thought,
“Who touched me?” He looked round and saw no man. But Siegfried said,
“It is I, Siegfried, thy friend. Fear naught from the queen. Give me
the shield from thy hands, and let me carry it, and give heed to what I
say. Make thou the gestures, and I will do the work.” And Gunther was
glad when he knew him. “Guard well the secret of my magic, for all our
sakes, lest the queen slay thee. See how boldly she challengeth thee.”
Thereupon the royal maiden hurled her speak against the mickle and
broad shield of Sieglind’s child, that sparks flew from it, as before a
wind. The stark spear pierced through the shield, and struck fire from
the coat of mail below. And the mighty man fell, and had perished but
for the _Tarnkappe_. The blood gushed from Siegfried’s mouth. But he
sprang up swiftly, and took the spear that she had shot through his
buckler, and threw it back again with a great force. He thought, “I
will not slay so fair a maiden,” and he turned the spear, and hurled it
wit the haft loud against her harness. From her mail, also, the sparks
flew as on the wind, for Siegmund’s child threw mightily; and her
strength failed before the blow. King Gunther, I ween, had never done
it alone.
Brunhild sprang to her feet again, and cried, “I thank thee, Gunther,
for that blow.” For she thought he had done it with his own strength,
nor guessed that a far mightier man had felled her.
Then, greatly wroth, she hasted and lifted the stone on high; she flung
it far from her, and leaped after it with loud-ringing armour. The
stone landed twenty and four paces off; but the maid sprang further.
Then Siegfried went swiftly where the stone lay. Gunther lifted it, but
it was the man they saw not that threw it. Siegfried was mighty, bold
and big. He hurled the stone further, and he leaped further; moreover,
through his magic, he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him.
The spring was made, the stone lay on the ground, and none was seen
there but Gunther, the knight. Fair Brunhild was red with anger.
So Siegfried saved Gunther from death.
Then Brunhild said aloud to her folk, when she saw the hero at the far
end of the ring unhurt. “Come hither at once, my kinsmen and my lieges.
Ye are subject henceforth to King Gunther.”
The bold men laid the weapons from their hands at the feet of great
Gunther of Burgundy. For they deemed he had won the game by his own
strength.
He greeted them fair, for he was a courteous man, and he took the
beautiful maiden by the hand. She gave him power in her kingdom,
whereat bold Hagen rejoiced.
She bade the noble knight to the hall, where a multitude was assembled,
that showed much observance through fear of his prowess. So, by
Siegfried’s might, they were delivered from all peril.
But Siegfried was wise, and stowed away his _Tarnkappe_ with care; then
he went back where the women sat, and said feigningly to Gunther,
“Wherefore delayest thou to begin the sports that the queen proposed,
let us now behold the issue thereof”—as if the cunning man knew naught
of the matter.
The queen answered, “How cometh it to pass, Sir Siegfried, that thou
sawest not the game whereat Gunther hath won?”
Said Hagen of Burgundy, “While we were downcast by reason of thee, O
Queen, and afterward, when the king of Rhineland had beaten thee at the
sports, Siegfried was at the ship, and knoweth naught of what hath
passed.”
“Right glad am I,” said Siegfried, “that thy wooing hath prospered, and
that none is thy master. Now must thou follow us, noble Lady, to the
Rhine.”
But Brunhild answered, “Not yet; I must first summon my friends and my
liegemen. Not so lightly can I quit my land. Certes, I will send for my
kinsfolk afore I go.”
She dispatched envoys over all, and bade her friends and her lieges
haste to Isenstein. She gave to each princely apparel.
All day long, late and early, troops of knights rode into Brunhild’s
castle, till Hagen said, “Alack! What have we done? Some hurt will
befall us from Brunhild’s men. We know not her real intent. What if she
spurn us when her forces are gathered together? Then were we all dead
men, and this maiden were born to our woe!”
But stark Siegfried said, “I will see to that, and hinder what thou
fearest. I will bring to your help a body of chosen knights that thou
knowest not yet. Ask me no further, for I will hence, and God guard you
meanwhile. I will return shortly, and bring with me a thousand knights,
than whom the world holdeth none better.”
“Only tarry not too long,” said the king, “for we are right glad of thy
help.”
He answered, “I will come again in a few days. Tell the queen I left by
thy command.”
Eighth Adventure
How Siegfried Journeyed to the Nibelungs
Siegfried hasted thence in his _Tarnkappe_ to the haven on the shore,
where he found a ship, the which he boarded secretly, and rowed it
swiftly, as it had been blown by the wind. None saw the boatman. He
made it fly with his great strength. Any that marked it deemed it
driven by a tempest, but it was by Siegfried, fair Sieglind’s child.
A day and a night brought him to a great country that an hundred days’
journey could not compass; this hight the Nibelung land, where he had
his vast treasure.
The hero landed alone on a broad meadow, and moored the ship. Then he
went to a mountain, whereon a castle stood, and asked for lodging, as
he had been a way-weary man. He went up to the door, that stood locked
before him. For folk guarded their honour then, even as now. The
stranger began to knock at the bolted door, and encountered within a
huge giant that kept watch, and that had his weapons ever by him. And
this giant said, “Who knocketh so loud on that door?”
Siegfried answered with a feigned voice, “I am a knight. Open to me,
else I will rouse some within that had willingly lain soft abed.”
The porter was wroth at Siegfried’s word. He did on his armour, and put
his helmet on his head, and grasped his shield, and swung open the
door. Then he ran grimly at Siegfried, saying, “How durst thou waken so
many brave men?” And he smote him hard and swift. The noble stranger
made wary fence, but the porter lifted an iron bar and brake his
shield-band. Then the hero came in scathe, and began to fear grim death
when the porter smote so hard. Yet his master loved him the more for
his daring.
They strove so fiercely that the castle rang, and the din thereof was
heard in the hall of the Nibelungs. But Siegfried overcame the porter
at last, and bound him. And the news spread through the Nibelung land.
Albric, a bold and savage dwarf, heard their strife from far off
through the mountain. He did on his armour straightway, and ran where
he found the stranger, that had made an end of binding the giant. Now
Albric was bold and stout, and on his body he had a helmet and coat of
mail, and in his hand a heavy scourge of gold. He hasted and fell on
Siegfried. The scourge had seven heavy knobs hanging from it, wherewith
he smote so heavily to the left upon the shield that he well nigh brake
it. Then the noble guest came in peril. He threw away the broken shield
and stuck his long sword into the sheath, for he would not slay his
chamberlain, but ever spared his own folk; wherein he did honourably.
With his strong hands he ran at Albric, and grasped the age-hoary man
by the beard, and shook him sore, that he yelled aloud. Certes, the
young hero’s handling was dolorous enow to Albric, who cried out,
“Spare me. Had I not sworn fealty to a knight already, I would serve
thee till I died.” This he spake craftily. Siegfried bound Albric as he
had done to the giant, and the dwarf was in evil case through
Siegfried’s strength, and asked, “What is thy name?”
Siegfried answered, “Siegfried is my name. Methought thou hadst known
me.”
“Right glad am I to hear it,” said Albric the dwarf, “for now I know,
by thy prowess, that thou art worthy to be the lord of this land, and I
will do all thy behest, if thou spare my life.”
Said Siegfried then, “Haste and bring me a thousand Nibelung knights,
of the best we have. I would see them here before me. Thou hast naught
to fear at my hand.” He loosed the giant and Albric, and Albric ran to
the knights, and waked them eagerly, and said, “Rouse ye, O heroes, and
go to Siegfried.”
They sprang from their beds and were ready on the instant, a thousand
good knights and rich attired. They went where Siegfried stood, and he
greeted them fair. They lit many tapers, and poured for him the spiced
draught. And he thanked them that they had not lingered, and said, “Ye
shall follow me hence across the sea;” whereto he found the good
knights willing.
Full thirty thousand warriors were come at his bidding, and from these
he chose a thousand of the best. And some brought them their helmets,
and some their coats of mail, for they had to follow Siegfried into
Brunhild’s land. He said then, “Hearken, good knights; ye go to court,
and must have rich apparel, for ye shall be seen of fair women.
Wherefore array you in your best.”
Now a fool might say, “Thou liest. How could so many knights dwell
together? Where find the meat, and where the vesture? It were not
possible, if Siegfried had thirty lands.” But ye have heard that
Siegfried was rich, for the kingdom and the hoard of the Nibelungs were
his. Wherefore his knights had enow and to spare, for the hoard grew
never less for all that he took from it.
They rose up early in the morning (doughty followers had Siegfried
won!), and took good horses with them, and sumptuous apparel, and
departed proudly for Brunhild’s land.
Many beautiful maidens gazed from the windows there, and the queen
said, “Do any of you know who they be, that I behold yonder, afar off
on the waves? Their sails are rich and whiter than the snow.”
The King of Rhineland answered, “They are my men, that I left some
little way behind when I journeyed hither. I summoned them, and now,
Queen, they are here.”
They welcomed the noble guests courteously. Siegfried stood in the prow
of the vessel, richly clad, and many warriors beside him.
The queen said, “Tell me, O King, shall I greet the guests, or no?”
He answered, “Go out now before the castle. So shall they see that they
are welcome.” And the queen did as he counselled her, and greeted
Siegfried before any. And they lodged them, and took their arms in
charge.
Now so many guests were in the land that they were pressed for room,
and the Burgundians were eager to be home.
Then said the queen, “I would thank him that would distribute for me,
among mine and the king’s guests, the gold and silver that I have in
plenty.”
Dankwart, bold Giselher’s man, answered, “Noble Queen, give me the key,
and I will so divide it that, if there be any shame, it shall be mine
only.”
None could deny that he gave freely. When Hagen’s brother held the key,
he bestowed costly gifts without stint. Whoso desired a mark received
so much that the poorest was rich his life long. Pounds, by the
hundred, he gave uncounted, and many an one went forth from the hall
richly dight, that never afore had worn so fair vesture.
They told it to the queen, who was wroth, and said, “I would know,
King, wherefore thy chamberlain leaveth me naught of my apparel, and
spendeth all my gold. I would thank him that stayed his hand. He giveth
as he thought I had summoned Death hither. But I trust to live yet a
while, and can spend for myself, I trow, what my father left me.”
Never had queen so lavished a chamberlain.
But Hagen of Trony made answer, “Know, Lady, that the King of the Rhine
hath gold and raiment to give in plenty, nor needeth to bear aught of
Brunhild’s hence.”
“Nay, if thou lovest me,” said the queen, “let me fill twenty
travelling chests with gold and with silk, that my hand may have
somewhat to bestow when we get home to the land of Burgundy.”
They filled the chests with precious stones. Her own chamberlain saw to
it, for she would not trust Giselher’s man. And Gunther and Hagen began
to laugh.
Then the queen said, “To whom shall I leave my kingdom? Thy hand and
mine must establish that or we depart.”
The king answered, “Call forth whom thou wilt, and he shall be regent.”
The lady saw her nearest of kin standing night her—her mother’s
brother—and to him she said, “Take my castles and land in charge, till
that King Gunther’s own hand holdeth rule here.”
She chose from among her knights two thousand men to follow her to the
Rhine, and the thousand Nibelung warriors. Then she made ready for the
journey, and rode down to the shore. She took with her six and eighty
women, and an hundred fair damsels, and they tarried not longer, but
set out. They that were left behind wept sore! Graciously and sweetly
the lady quitted her land. She kissed her nearest of kin that stood
round. With loving farewells they reached the sea. To the land of her
fathers the maiden returned nevermore.
Many hands made music during the voyage, and they had all manner of
pastime, and a favouring wind. And so they sailed away; and many a
mother’s son wept for it.
Brunhild wedded not the king on the voyage, but waited for a hightide
that was to be held in the castle of Worms; and thither they speeded
merrily with their knights.
Ninth Adventure
How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms
When they had journeyed full nine days, Hagen of Trony said, “Hearken
to my word. We have delayed too long to send the news to Worms on the
Rhine. The envoys should have been in Burgundy or now.”
King Gunther answered, “Thou sayest sooth. And none were better for
this business than thyself, friend Hagen. Ride now into my land, for
thou art the fittest to tell of our coming.”
“Nay, certes, dear master, I am but a bad envoy. Let me stay here at
sea and act the chamberlain. I will look to the women’s wardrobe, till
we bring them to Burgundy. Bid Siegfried rather carry the message; by
reason of his great strength he will bear it through well. If he deny
thee, urge him with friendly words, that he do it for thy sister’s
sake.”
So Gunther sent for the knight, who came when they had found him. And
the king said, “We are well nigh home in my land. It is time I sent a
messenger to tell my dear sister and my mother that we draw near.
Undertake thou the journey, and I will owe thee much thank.”
But Siegfried would not do it till that Gunther had begged him and
said, “Ride not for my sake only, but for fair Kriemhild’s, that the
royal maiden requite it, even as I.” And when Siegfried heard that, he
yielded.
“Command what thou wilt, I will not gainsay it. I will do it for the
sake of my beautiful lady. How should I deny aught to her that I bear
in my heart? Because of her, I will perform all that thou askest.”
“Tell Uta, then, the great queen, that we have prospered in our
adventure; and let my brothers hear how that it hath fared well with
us. Tell the same news to our friends. And hide nothing from my sister.
Greet her from Brunhild and me; greet also the courtiers and all my
men. Say to them that I have gotten the desire of my heart. And bid
Ortwin, my dear nephew, raise seats by the Rhine. Make it known also to
the other knights that I will hold a great hightide with Brunhild; and
bid my sister, when she heareth I am at hand with my guests, prepare a
fair welcome for my bride; for the which I shall ever be beholden to
her.”
So Siegfried took leave of Brunhild, as was meet, and rode to the
Rhine. In the whole world was no better envoy.
With twenty and four knights he rode to Worms. And when it was noised
abroad that he was come without the king, Gunther’s servants were heavy
of their cheer, for they feared that their lord had tarried behind,
dead.
The messengers sprang gaily from their horses, and Giselher, the young
king, ran to them, and Gernot, his brother, who cried quickly, when he
saw not King Gunther with Siegfried, “Thou art welcome, Sir Siegfried.
Tell me, now, what thou hast done with my brother the king. If the
strength of Brunhild hath reft him from us, a bitter wooing hath it
been.”
“Fear naught. Thee and his kinsmen my friend greeteth by me, for he
hath sent me hither to you with news. Contrive now that I come to the
queen and thy sister. For I am charged with the same message to them as
to thee, from Gunther and Brunhild: that it standeth well with the
twain.”
Giselher said, “Go in to them straightway, and it will please my
sister. She feareth for my brother; by my troth, she will see thee
gladly.”
Siegfried answered, “If I can serve her in aught, it shall be done.
Where are now the ladies, that I may go to them?”
Giselher, the brave youth, bare the message; he said to his mother and
his sister, “Siegfried is come to us, the hero of the Netherland. My
brother Gunther hath sent him hither to the Rhine. He bringeth us word
how it standeth with the king. Allow him to come to the court, for he
bringeth news from Issland.”
The noble women were heavy of their cheer. They ran for their robes,
and arrayed them, and bade Siegfried to the court; and he went gladly,
for he yearned to see them. Kriemhild, the noble maiden, greeted him
fair.
“Thou art welcome, Sir Siegfried, valiant knight. Where is my brother
Gunther, the noble king? I fear we have lost him by Brunhild’s
strength. Alack! that ever I was born!”
But the warrior answered, “Give me the guerdon of good news, for, fair
women, ye weep without cause. I left him safe and sound—I say sooth—and
he hath charged me with a message. He and his wife commend them
lovingly to thee, O Queen. Dry thine eyes, for they will be here
shortly.”
Kriemhild had not heard such good news for many a day. She wiped her
bright eyes with her snow-white apron, and began to thank the envoy for
his message.
So ended her sorrow and her tears.
She bade Siegfried sit, whereto he was nothing loth, and said sweetly,
“I would fain give thee the envoy’s guerdon, wert thou not too rich to
receive it. Take my good will in lieu thereof.”
“Though I had thirty lands,” answered Siegfried, “I were proud to take
a gift from thy hand.”
Kriemhild said, “Be it so.” And she bade the chamberlain fetch the
envoy’s meed. She gave him four and twenty bracelets with precious
stones for his fee. The hero would not keep them: he was too rich a
prince, but gave them to the maidens that were in the chamber.
Uta, also, greeted him fair, and he said, “I must tell thee further
what the king would have thee do when he cometh to the Rhine; for the
which, if thou grant it, he will ever be beholden to thee. He would
have thee receive his noble guests kindly, and ride out from Worms to
the shore to meet them. He begged this of thee with true heart.”
The beautiful maiden answered, “I will do it gladly. I will deny him no
service. Faithfully and truly will I do it.” And she grew red from
love.
Never was prince’s envoy better entreated. If she had durst kiss him,
she had done it readily. On loving wise he took leave of the maiden.
Then did the Burgundians as Siegfried told them. Sindolt, and Hunolt,
and Rumolt the knight, hasted and raised seats on the strand before
Worms. The king’s servants rested not. And Ortwin and Gary sent
messengers out straightway to Gunther’s liegemen over all, with news of
the hightide. The maidens looked to their apparel. The palace and all
the walls were decked out for the guests, and adorned cunningly for the
stranger knights.
All the roads were thronged with the kinsmen of the three kings, that
had been summoned to welcome Gunther and Brunhild, and many a rich vest
was taken from its wrapping-cloth. Then the news spread, that
Brunhild’s friends had been spied on the way. And great was the press
in Burgundy. Bold knights, enow, I ween, were there on both sides!
Fair Kriemhild said, “Go now, you of my maidens that will forth with me
to the welcome, and seek out your best clothes from the chests, that we
may have honour and praise from the guests.”
The knights also bade bring out rich saddles, all of red gold, for the
women to ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better riding gear there
could not be. Ha! how bright the gold shone on the horses, and the
precious stones on the bridles! They brought out gilded side-saddles
and goodly trappings for the women. And they were all merry of their
cheer.
The horses stood ready in the court for the noble maidens, as I have
told you, and the poitrals were of the finest silk that was ever spun.
Eighty and six dames in head-coifs, fair, and dight in rich apparel,
came to Kriemhild, and thereto, featly adorned, many a beautiful
damsel; fifty and four, the fairest in Burgundy, with glittering lace
over their yellow hair. All that the king had desired of them they did
with good will. Fair robes of goodly stuffs that matched their white
skins they wore before the stranger knights. None but a fool had found
any of them amiss. Some had mantles of sable and ermine, and their arms
and wrists had bracelets over the silk; none might tell all the goodly
show to the end. With girdles cunningly fashioned, rich and long, they
bound their gorgeous robes made of silk of Araby. The world held no
fairer damsels. In their tightened bodices they laced them deftly.
Certes, they had been grieved if their red cheeks had not outshone
their vesture. Never queen had lovelier maidens.
When now the women had done on their apparel, the proud warriors that
were to lead them out drew nigh, a mighty force, bearing shields and
ashen spears.
Tenth Adventure
How Brunhild Was Received at Worms
On the far bank of the Rhine appeared a mighty host—the king with his
guests—and they drew nigh to the strand, where damsels, led by the
bridle, stood ready with welcome. When they from Issland, and
Siegfried’s men of the Nibelung, saw that the ships were come, they
hasted to the beach and laid hold, for they spied the king’s friends
that waited on the other side.
It is told of Uta, the rich queen, that she brought her damsels from
the castle to ride with her, so that knights and maidens won knowledge
of one another. The Margrave Gary held Kriemhild’s bridle till they
were out from the fortress; then Siegfried hasted to serve her, for the
which he was after requited.
Ortwin the bold went by dame Uta’s side, and, paired meetly and in
sweet fellowship, knights and maidens rode together. Never, in sooth,
at such meeting were so many women gathered. The men held tourney in
the presence of Kriemhild and the rest, until the ships were landed,
and did valiant deeds, that had been ill left undone at such a season.
Then they lifted the rich-attired women from their horses. Ha! what
splintering of lances, what din of shields, what noise and clash of
wrought bucklers, when the king and his guests were come over to the
fair ones that stood by the haven!
Gunther, with his friends, went down from the ships; he led Brunhild by
the hand; garments and precious stones shone bright and sparkled. And
Kriemhild went eagerly toward them, and greeted Brunhild and her
following. They drew back their head-bands with white fingers, and
kissed one another through love. Then Kriemhild, the maid, spake
courteously, “Thou art right welcome in this land, to me and to my
mother, and to our friends.” And they courtsied and embraced. Never, I
ween, was any greeted fairer than the bride, by Uta and her daughter,
for they ceased not to kiss her sweet mouth.
When Brunhild’s women were all gotten to land, the knights led them
before the queen, where welcome was not stinted them, and, where many a
red mouth was kissed. The rich kings’ daughters stood long side by
side, and the warriors gazed on them. What these had heard tell they
saw with their eyes, that none surpassed those two women in beauty,
neither was any blemish found in them. They that esteem women for the
comeliness of the body and what the eye beholdeth, extolled King
Gunther’s wife, but the wise that look deeper said, “Praised shall
Kriemhild be before Brunhild.” And the bright-attired women drew
together where the silken canopies were spread, and the goodly tents,
in the field before Worms.
The king’s kinsmen pressed forward to see them. They prayed the two
queens to go with their women where the shade was, and the Burgundian
knights led them thither.
The guests also were now gotten to horse, and there was din of tilting
against shields. The dust swirled up from the plain, as the land had
been on fire, and the valour of many knights was proven, while the
maidens beheld their prowess. Siegfried, I ween, rode many a course
before the pavilions with his thousand Nibelungs.
Then came Hagen of Trony at the king’s command, and, on friendly wise,
stopped the jousting, lest the dust should irk the fair maidens, and
they demurred not, but obeyed gladly.
Gernot said, “Let stand the horses till it groweth cooler, and let us
lead the women home. But be ready to ride again when the king giveth
the order.”
So the tourney ended over all the plain. And the knights went to the
women under the high pavilions, and passed the time merrily till it was
time to ride home.
At the fall of night, when the sun went down and the air had begun to
cool, they tarried not longer, but arose, men and women together, and
the knights wooed the fair maidens with their eyes. Then, as was the
custom of the land, the good squires spurred forward to the castle gate
before the proud knights.
There the king alighted from his horse, and, on knightly wise, the
heroes lifted down the women. There, too, the noble queens parted. Uta
and her daughter went with their attendants into a wide chamber, and a
merry din was heard over all.
The chairs were set, for the king was ready to go to table with his
guests, and beautiful Brunhild stood by him, and wore her crown in
Gunther’s land. Certes, she was proud enough.
Many were the seats, they say, and the tables goodly and broad, and
laden with food. Little, I trow, was lacking! And many a noble guest
sat there with the king. Gunther’s chamberlains carried round water in
golden ewers. If any tell you of a prince’s table better served,
believe it not.
Or Gunther took the water, Siegfried, as was meet, minded him of his
oath that he had sworn or ever he saw Brunhild in Issland.
He said, “Forget not the vow thou swarest with thy hand, that, if
Brunhild came into Burgundy, thou wouldst give me thy sister. Where is
thine oath now? Mickle toil was mine on the journey.”
The king answered his guest, “Thou hast done well to remind me. I go
not back from the oath of my hand. What I can do therein I will do.”
They bade Kriemhild to the court before the king. She went up the hall
with her maidens, but Giselher sprang down the stair and cried, “Send
back these maidens. My sister goeth alone to the king.”
They brought Kriemhild before Gunther, where he stood amidst of knights
from many lands. And they bade her stand in the middle of the hall.
Brunhild, by this time, was come to the table, and knew naught of what
was toward. Then said Dankrat’s son to his kinsmen, “Help me now, that
my sister take Siegfried to her husband.”
And they answered with one accord, “That may she do with honour.”
Gunther said, “Dearest sister, I prithee of thy goodness, loose me from
mine oath. I promised thee to a knight; and truly thou wilt do my will,
if thou take him to husband.”
The maiden answered, “Dear brother mine, thou needest not to entreat.
Command and I will obey. Him that thou givest me to husband I will
gladly wed.”
Siegfried grew red for love and joy, and vowed his service to
Kriemhild. And they bade them stand together in a circle, and asked her
if she would take the knight.
On maidenly wise she was shamefast at the first, yet so great was
Siegfried’s good fortune and his grace, that she refused not his hand;
and the king of the Netherland, from his side also, plighted his troth
to Kriemhild.
When their word was given, Siegfried took his queen in his arms
straightway, and kissed her before the warriors.
The circle brake up when this was ended, and Siegfried took the seat of
honour with Kriemhild. The vassals served before them, and his Nibelung
knights stood nigh.
The king and Brunhild were seated, and Brunhild saw Kriemhild sitting
by Siegfried, the which irked her sore; she fell to weeping, and the
hot tears ran down her bright cheeks.
Whereupon the host said, “What aileth thee, sweet Lady, that the light
of thine eyes is dim? Rejoice shouldst thou rather, for my land and
rich castles and true liegemen are all subject to thee.”
“I have cause to weep,” said the maiden. “I grieve from my heart for
thy sister, that she sitteth there by thy vassal. I must ever weep to
see her so shamed.”
But King Gunther answered, “I prithee, silence! Another time I will
tell thee why I gave my sister to Siegfried. May she live happily with
the knight.”
But she said, “I must grieve for her beauty and her birth. If I knew
whither I might flee, I would not suffer thee by me, till that thou
hadst told me how Siegfried hath gotten Kriemhild.”
Gunther answered them, “Hearken, and I will tell thee. Know that he
hath lands and castles even as I, and is a rich king; wherefore I give
him my beautiful sister gladly to wife.” Yet, for all the king could
say to her, she was downcast.
The knights rose from the table, and the tourney waxed so fierce that
the castle rang with the noise. But the king wearied amidst of his
guests. He thought, “It were softer alone with my wife.” And his heart
dwelled on the mickle joy her love must bring him, and he looked at her
sweetly.
Then they stopped the tourney, that the king might retire with his
wife.
At the foot of the stair that led forth from the hall, Kriemhild and
Brunhild came face to face. They were not foes yet. Their attendants
followed them, and longer they tarried not. The chamberlains brought
candles, and the knights of the two kings parted in two companies, and
many followed Siegfried.
Then came the heroes where they were to lie, and each thought to win
his wife’s favour, whereat their hearts melted.
With Siegfried all went well. He caressed the maiden lovingly, and she
was as his life. He had not given her alone for a thousand other women.
Of them I will tell no further. Hear now how it fared with Gunther.
Better had been his case with any but Brunhild.
The folk had departed, dames and knights. The door was made fast. He
thought to win her love, but it was long yet or she became his wife. He
lay down in a white garment and thought, “Now have I my heart’s
desire.” The king’s hand hid the light. He went to Brunhild and
embraced her with his arm. He was greatly glad. He would have caressed
her sweetly if she had let him. But she was so wroth that he was
dismayed. He thought to find joy, but found deep hate.
She said, “Noble knight, let me alone, for it shall not be as thou
desirest. Mark well I have naught to do with thee, till that thou has
answered me concerning Kriemhild.”
Then Gunther began to be angry with her, and fought with her, and tore
her raiment. And the royal maiden seized a girdle, a strong embroidered
silk cord that she wore round her waist, and did hurt enow to the
knight. She bound his hands and his feet, and carried him to a nail,
and hung him on the wall. She forbade him to touch her because he
disturbed her sleep. He almost perished from her strength.
Then he that should have been master began to pray, “Now loose my
bands, most noble queen. I promise never to touch thee, or even to come
nigh thee.”
She asked not how he fared while she lay soft. There must he hang the
long night through till the day, when the bright morning shone through
the window. If he had ever had strength, he had little in his body now.
“Tell me, Sir Gunther,” said the beautiful maiden, “doth it not irk
thee that thy chamberlains find thee bound by the hand of a woman.”
The noble knight answered, “It were the worse for thee. Also little
were my honour therein. Of thy charity allow me to lie down. Seeing
thou hatest my love, I will no so much as touch thy garment with my
hand.”
Then she loosed his bands, and let him go, and he laid him down, but so
far from her that he ruffled not her beautiful gown. Even that she had
gladly forgone.
Thereupon their attendants came and brought them new apparel, as much
as they could wear, that had been made ready against the wedding morn.
But, amidst of them that rejoiced, the king was heavy of his cheer
beneath his crown that day.
According to the good custom of the land, Gunther and Brunhild tarried
not longer, but went to the minster to hear mass. Thither also went
Siegfried, and there was great press of people.
Crowns and robes were ready for them there; and after they had taken
their vows, they stood up, all four, proudly beneath their crowns.
Youths, to the number of six hundred or more, were dubbed knights (I
say sooth) in honour of the king. And great joy was in Burgundy, and
much splintering of lances by sworded knights.
The beautiful maidens sat at the windows, and underneath them was the
flashing of many shields. But the king stood apart from his men, and
went about sadly.
He and Siegfried were unlike of their moods. The hero guessed what
ailed him, and went to him and asked him, “Tell me how it hath fared
with thee.”
Then said the host to his guest, “Shame and hurt have I suffered from
my wife in my house. When I would have caressed her, she bound me
tight, and took me to a nail, and hung me up on the wall. There I
dangled in fear the night through till the day, or she loosed me. How
soft she lay there! I tell thee this in secret.”
And stark Siegfried said, “I grieve for thee. I will tell thee a remedy
if thou keep it from her. I will so contrive it that this night she
will defy thee no longer.” The word was welcome to Gunther after his
pain.
“Now see my hands, how they are swollen. She overmastered me, as I had
been a child, that the blood spurted all over me from my nails. I
thought not to come off with my life.”
Said Siegfried, “It will yet be well. Unequal was our fortune last
night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than mine own body. This
day must Brunhild be thy wife. I will come to-night to thy room
secretly in my _Tarnkappe_, that none may guess the trick. Send the
chamberlains to their beds. I will put out the lights in the hands of
the pages, and by this sign thou shalt know that I am nigh. I will win
thy wife for thee or perish.”
“If only thou winnest her not for thyself. She is my dear wife.
Otherwise I rejoice. Do to her what thou wilt. If thou tookest her
life, I would bear it. She is a terrible woman.”
“I vow to thee on mine honour that I will have naught to do with her.
Thy dear sister is more to me than any I have ever seen.” And Gunther
believed Siegfried’s word.
Meanwhile the guests rode at the tourney with fortune good and bad,
but, when it was time for the women to go to the hall, they stopped the
tilting and the din, and the chamberlains bade the folk void the way.
And now the courtyard was empty of horses and men. A bishop led each
queen before the kings to table, and many proud knights followed them
to their seats. The king sat beside his wife in good hope, for he
minded Siegfried’s promise. The one day seemed to him as thirty, for he
thought only on Brunhild.
Scarce could he wait till they rose from the table.
Fair Kriemhild and also Brunhild were led to their chambers. Ha! what
bold knights went before the queens!
Joyful and without hate Siegfried the knight sat sweetly beside his
beautiful wife. With her white hand she caressed his, till, she knew
not how, he vanished from before her eyes. When she played with him and
saw him no longer, she said to her maidens, “I marvel much where the
king is gone. Who took his hands out of mine?” And so the matter
dropped.
He had gone where he found the chamberlains with the lights, which he
began to put out. By this sign Gunther perceived that it was Siegfried.
He knew well what he wanted, and he sent away the women and maidens.
When that was done, the king himself locked the door, and shot two
strong bolts before it. He hid the light quickly behind the bed
curtain, and the struggle that had to come began between stark
Siegfried and the beautiful maiden. King Gunther was both glad and
sorry.
Siegfried lay down by the queen, but she said, “Stop, Gunther, lest
thou suffer as afore. Thou mayest again receive a hurt at my hand.”
Siegfried concealed his voice and spake not. Gunther heard well all
that passed, albeit he saw nothing. There was little ease for the
twain. Siegfried feigned that he was Gunther, and put his arm round the
valiant maiden. She threw him on to a bench, that his head rang loud
against a foot-stool.
The bold man sprang up undaunted, but evil befell him. Such defence
from a woman I ween the world will never see more. Because he would not
let her be, Brunhild rose up.
“It is unseemly of thee,” said the brave maiden. “Thou wilt tear my
beautiful gown. Thou art churlish and must suffer for it. Thou shalt
see!”
She caught the good knight in her arms, and would have bound him as she
had done to the king, that she might have peace. Grimly she avenged her
torn raiment.
What availed him then his strength and his prowess? She proved to him
the mastery of her body, and carried him by force, since there was no
other way, and squeezed him hard against a press that stood by the bed.
“Alack!” thought the knight, “if I lose my life by the hand of a woman,
all wives evermore will make light of their husbands, that, without
this, would not dare.”
The king heard it well. He feared for the man. Then Siegfried was
ashamed and waxed furious. He grappled fiercely with her, and, in
terror of his life, strove to overcome Brunhild. When she squeezed him
down, he got up again in spite of her, by dint of his anger and his
mickle strength. He came in great scathe. In the chamber there was
smiting with many blows. King Gunther, likewise, stood in peril. He
danced to and fro quickly before them. So mightily they strove, it was
a wonder they came off with their lives. The trouble of the king was
twofold, yet most he feared Siegfried’s death. For she had almost
killed the knight. Had he dared, he had gone to his help.
The strife endured long atwixt them. Then Siegfried got hold of
Brunhild. Albeit she fought valiantly, her defence was grown weak. It
seemed long to the king, that stood there, till Siegfried had won. She
squeezed his hands till, by her strength, the blood spurted out from
his nails. Then he brake the strong will that she had shown at the
first. The king heard it all, but he spake no word. Siegfried pressed
her down till she cried aloud, for his might hurt her greatly. She
clutched at her side, where she found her girdle, and sought to tie his
hands. But he gripped her till the joints of her body cracked. So the
strife was ended.
She said, “Noble king, let me live. I will make good to thee what I
have done, and strive no more; truly I have found thee to be my
master.”
Siegfried rose up then and left her, as though he would throw off his
clothes. He drew from her hand a gold ring, without that she was ware
of it. He took her girdle also, a good silken band. I know not if he
did it from pride. He gave them to his wife, and suffered for it after.
The king and the fair maiden were left together, and, for that she was
grown weak, she hid her anger, for it availed her nothing. So they
abode there till the bright day.
Meanwhile Siegfried went back to his sweet love, that received him
kindly. He turned the questions aside that she asked him, and hid from
her for long what he had brought with him, till at the last, when they
were gotten home to the Netherland, he gave her the jewel; the which
brought him and many knights to their graves.
Much merrier was Gunther of his cheer the next morning than afore.
Throughout his lands many a noble knight rejoiced, and the guests that
he had bidden to the hightide were well feasted and served.
The hightide lasted fourteen days, during the which time the din of the
sports, and of the pastimes they practised, ceased not. Mickle was the
cost to the king. The king’s kinsmen gave, in his honour, to the
stranger knights, as their lord willed it, apparel, and ruddy gold and
horses, and thereto silver enow; and they that received the gifts took
their leave well content. Also Siegfried of the Netherland and his
thousand knights gave all that they had brought with them—goodly horses
with saddles. Certes, they lived right royally. Nevertheless, or they
had made an end of giving, they deemed it long; for they were weary for
their home. Never were guests better entreated. So ended the hightide,
and the warriors went their ways.
Eleventh Adventure
How Siegfried Brought his Wife Home
When the guests were all gone, the son of Siegmund spake to his
friends, “We will also go forth to our land.” And his wife was glad
when she heard the news.
She said to her husband, “When shall we start? Yet be not in too great
haste. My brothers shall first divide the land with me.” But the word
irked Siegfried.
The princes went to him and said, all the three, “Sir Siegfried, we be
thy true servants till death. Know this of a surety.” And he thanked
the knights that they spake him so fair.
“We would also divide with thee,” said Giselher the youth, “land and
castles, and the rich kingdom that we rule. A full share thereof shalt
thou receive with Kriemhild.”
But the son of Siegmund made answer, when he had heard their honourable
intent. “Blest be your heritage to you evermore, and also the people
thereof. The share you would give to my dear wife she may well forego,
for when she will wear the crown, she will be, if she live long enough,
the richest woman on earth. Command me in aught else, and I will obey.”
But Kriemhild said, “Though thou scorn my land, not so lightly shalt
thou treat Burgundian warriors. These any king might be proud to take
with him, and them, at the least, shall my brothers’ hand share with
me.”
Gunther answered, “Take whom thou wilt. Thou wilt find many ready to
ride with thee. Of three thousand knights, choose thou one thousand for
thy following.”
Then Kriemhild sent for Hagen of Trony and for Ortwin, and asked them
if they and their kinsmen would ride with her. But Hagen fell in a fury
and cried, “To no man in this world shall Gunther give us. Others can
ride with thee. Thou knowest the men of Trony and their way. By the
king at the court will we bide, to serve him and follow him as
heretofore.”
So she let the matter rest, and made ready for the journey; for her
followers she won two and thirty maidens and five hundred men, among
the which was Eckewart the Margrave. And they took their leave, as was
meet: knights and squires, damsels and dames. They parted thence with
kisses, and set out from Gunther’s land joyfully.
Her kinsmen brought her far on her way, and had night quarters put up
where they desired them, in the king’s land. And they despatched envoys
to King Siegmund, to tell him and Queen Sieglind how that their son
drew nigh with fair Kriemhild, Queen Uta’s child, from Worms on the
Rhine.
They could not have brought them better news.
Siegmund said, “Praised be God that I have lived to see the day when
Kriemhild shall wear the crown here. My heritage is increased in worth,
and Siegfried himself shall be king.”
Queen Sieglind gave the envoys, for fee, red velvet and heavy silver
and gold, for she was glad at the news.
Her women began to adorn them in haste, and when Sieglind knew who came
with Siegfried, she let seats be builded, where he might be crowned in
presence of his kinsmen.
King Siegmund’s knights rode out to meet them. Never heroes were better
welcomed, I trow, than these, into Siegmund’s land. Sieglind rode
forth, herself, to greet fair Kriemhild, with beautiful women and bold
knights, a day’s journey or they spied the guests. And strangers and
friends were pressed alike for room, till that they came to a great
castle that hight Xanten, where Siegfried and his wife were crowned
afterward.
Siegmund and Sieglind kissed Kriemhild, and Siegfried also, many times
with smiling mouth for their sorrow was ended; and Kriemhild’s
attendants got a gracious welcome.
They brought the guests into Siegmund’s palace, and lifted the fair
damsels from the horses. There were knights enow eager to serve them.
Howso rich had been the hightide by the Rhine, here the knights
received costlier apparel than ever before in their lives. Many marvels
might be told of their splendour. So they sat in honour and had plenty.
The courtiers wore robes of red gold embroidered with precious stones
and silk, that Sieglind, the noble queen, gave them.
Then Siegmund spake in presence of his kinsmen, “Be it known to you all
that Siegfried shall henceforth wear my crown.” They of the Netherland
heard the news gladly. So he made over to Siegfried his crown and his
rule and his land, that he became lord and king. And to him that he
acquitted, and to him that he condemned, it was done according to his
judgment. The husband of Kriemhild was a man greatly feared.
Thus, in high honour (and this is sooth that I say) he lived and
reigned, a crowned king, till the tenth year, when a son was born,
whereby the king’s liegemen saw their desire accomplished. They hasted
and christened him, and called him Gunther, after his uncle; that was
no shame, for, took he after his kinsmen, he must grow to be a bold
man. They reared him well, as was meet.
And in these days Sieglind died, and many wept because death had taken
her. Then Uta’s child held supreme rule, as befitted so rich a queen.
Now at the same time, they tell us, in Gunther’s land of Burgundy, the
beautiful Brunhild had borne a son, that, for love of the hero, they
named Siegfried. With all care they trained him. Gunther let him be
reared by his liegemen at the court in all virtues that might serve him
if he grew to be a man. Soon, alack, by an evil fate, he was to lose
all his kin!
The fame of Siegfried’s court ceased not to be noised abroad, and with
what worship his knights abode there; great was the fame also of
Gunther’s chosen warriors in Burgundy.
The Nibelungs held their land in fee from Siegfried, and none of his
kinsmen were so rich as he. For he was overlord to the knights of
Shilbung, and owned the treasure of the two brothers. Wherefore his
heart was the more uplifted.
The biggest hoard that ever hero won was his; that he had got by means
of his strong hand before a mountain, and for the which he smote many
heroes to death.
He had honour to the full; yet, if he had possessed nothing at all,
none that saw him had denied him to be the prowest champion that ever
rode a horse. With good cause the folk feared him.
Twelfth Adventure
How Gunther Invited Siegfried to the Hightide
Now there passed not a day but Gunther’s wife thought, “Surely
Kriemhild beareth her too proudly. Siegfried, her husband, is our
vassal. Little service hath he done for his land.”
She pondered it secretly in her heart; for it irked her that they were
strangers, and she had fain known wherefore Siegfried’s country yielded
no tribute. She prayed the king that she might behold Kriemhild again,
and told him her secret thought. But her word pleased him not. “How
could we bid them hither?” said the great king. “It cannot be. They
dwell too far off. I durst not do it.”
But Brunhild answered proudly, “However mighty a king’s vassal may be,
he must do what his lord commandeth.”
But Gunther laughed, for he took it not as homage when he saw
Siegfried.
She said further, “Dear lord, for my love, help me thereto, that
Siegfried and thy sister visit us, and that we see them here. Truly
nothing could rejoice me more. Thy sister’s courtesy, her gentle
breeding—with what delight my heart dwelleth thereon, and how we sat
together the day I became thy wife! That she chose Siegfried to her
husband did her honour.”
She begged the king for it so long that he said, “Certes! no guests
would I gladlier welcome, and willingly I grant it thee. I will bid
them hither by my envoys.”
The queen answered then, “Send not thither without my knowledge, and
inform me, without fail, when my dear friends shall come. And tell me,
also, whom thou wilt charge with the embassy.”
“That will I,” said the king. “I will despatch thirty of my knights.”
He bade them to his presence, and sent greeting by them to Siegfried’s
country. Brunhild clad them in rich apparel, and the king spake, “Ye
knights shall keep back naught wherewith I charge you, but shall say to
stark Siegfried, and to my sister, that no man in this world is better
minded to them than I be. Bid them both hither to the Rhine. If they
come, I and my wife will cease not to be beholden to them. Or midsummer
is here, he and his knights will find among us many to do them worship.
Greet King Siegmund also from me, and say that I and my friends are his
true servants; and entreat my sister that, without fail, she ride
hither to her friends. No hightide were fitter for her.”
Brunhild and Uta, and their women, commended them to the fair women and
the bold men at Siegfried’s court.
So the envoys made haste to do the king’s bidding. They stood ready for
the road; horses and harness were there, and they took their leave.
They pushed forward with the escort the king gave them. Inside of
twelve days they reached the land and the castle of the Nibelungs, and
found Siegfried on the march of Norway. Horses and men were weary with
the long road.
They brought word to both Siegfried and Kriemhild that knights were
come, clad after the manner of the Burgundians.
And Kriemhild sprang from the couch where she lay resting, and bade a
maiden run to the window, who saw Gary standing in the courtyard, and
his knights that were sent with him. They brought welcome news to her
anxious heart.
She cried to the king, “Seest thou, standing there in the courtyard,
them that be come with stark Gary, that my brother Gunther hath sent
down the Rhine?”
And Siegfried answered, “They are welcome.”
All the folk ran when they saw the envoys and greeted them with kind
words. Siegfried was right glad at their coming. Lodging was given to
them, and their horses were seen to, whereupon they went straightway
where Siegfried sat by Kriemhild. Both were joyful to behold them. The
king and his wife rose quickly to receive Gary and Gunther’s knights of
Burgundy. And they bade Gary sit down.
“Nay, let us way-weary guests stand while we tell thee Gunther’s
message. After, we will sit. Gunther and Brunhild, with whom it is
well, and Queen Uta, your mother, and Giselher, the youth, and eke
Gernot, and your nearest kinsmen, send greeting from Burgundy.”
“Now God reward them,” said Siegfried; “I hold them for good and true,
as a man should trust his friends. The like doth their sister. Say on,
whether they be of good cheer. Hath any done my wife’s brethren a hurt
since we parted? Tell me, for I will stand by them till their foemen
rue my help.”
Margrave Gary, the good knight, answered, “It is well with them, and
they are of good cheer. They bid thee to a hightide, and were right
glad if thou camest. They bid my Lady also. So soon as the winter shall
be ended, before midsummer, they would see you.”
But Siegfried said, “That can hardly be.”
Whereupon Gary the Burgundian answered, “Your mother Uta, Gernot, and
Giselher, pray that ye deny them not. Every day I hear them lament that
ye dwell so far. Brunhild my mistress, and her maidens, rejoice in the
hope to see you.”
The message seemed good to Kriemhild. Gary was her kinsman; and the
king bade him sit, and tarried not longer to let pour the wine for the
guests.
Thither came Siegmund also, when he saw the messengers, and he spake to
them on friendly wise. “Ye be welcome, ye knights, Gunther’s men; since
Siegfried won Kriemhild to wife, ye should have been seen here oftener,
if you would have proved your love.”
They answered that, if he willed it, they would come gladly, for that
joy had taken from them their mickle weariness.
Then they bade the envoys sit, and set meats before them, whereof
Siegfried gave order they should have enough. Nine days they were kept
at the court, till at last they murmured, saying that if they tarried
longer, they durst not return again to their land.
Meanwhile Siegfried had let summon his friends. He asked them their
mind about his journey. “Gunther my brother-in-law, and his kinsmen,
have bidden me to a hightide at the Rhine, and Kriemhild also, that she
ride with me. And I were fain to go if his country lay not so far off.
Now counsel me, dear friends, for the best. Had I to harry thirty lands
for their sake, my hand were at their service.”
His knights made answer, “If thou wouldst ride to this hightide, we
counsel thee on this wise: take with thee a thousand knights to the
Rhine, that thou mayest have honour among the Burgundians.”
Then said King Siegmund of the Netherland, “Wherefore has thou not told
me thou wouldest to the hightide? If thou hast naught against it, I
will ride with thee, and will take an hundred knights with me to add to
thy train.”
“Wilt thou do so, dear father mine?” said bold Siegfried. “Right
welcome art thou. Inside of twelve days we will forth.”
To them that desired it horses and apparel were given.
Since the king was minded to make the journey, he sent away the swift
envoys, and charged them with a message to his wife’s brethren at the
Rhine, that he would come right gladly to their hightide.
Siegfried and Kriemhild (so runneth the tale) gave so much to the
envoys that their horses scarce sufficed to carry it, for Siegfried was
a rich king. So, well content, they drave their sumpters before them.
Then Siegfried and Siegmund equipped their folk, and Eckewart, the
Margrave, bade bring forth the best women’s vesture that was in
Siegfried’s whole land. They made ready saddles and shields, and to the
knights and the gentlewomen that were to ride with them, they gave
freely, that they lacked naught. Siegfried led many valiant knights to
his kinsmen.
The envoys hasted on their way, and when bold Gary was come into
Burgundy, they greeted him fair. The riders sprang from their horses
before Gunther’s hall. And young and old, as their wont is, pressed
round them and asked for news. But the good knight answered, “Ye shall
have it when I have told it to the king.” And he passed on with his
comrades to Gunther.
The king sprang from his seat for joy, and Brunhild thanked them that
they were so soon back again. To the envoys spake Gunther then, “How
fareth it with Siegfried, that hath ever done well by me?”
And Gary answered, “He and thy sister waxed red for joy. Kinder
greeting sent man never to his friends than Siegfried and his father
Siegmund send to thee.”
Then said the queen to the Margrave, “Tell me, I prithee; cometh
Kriemhild with them? And hath her body lost nothing of its fairness?”
Whereto Gary answered, “They will both come, and, with them, many
knights.”
Then Uta bade the envoys to her presence, and showed by her questions
what most she desired to know—how it fared with Kriemhild. He told her
how he had found her, and that she would come thither shortly.
They declared also the envoy’s fee that Siegfried had given them: the
apparel and the gold. All the knights of the three kings saw it, and
praised Siegfried.
“It is easy for him to give,” quoth Hagen. “He could not spend it if he
lived for ever, for the hoard of the Nibelungs is in his hand. Would it
came our way!”
All the court, both knights and ladies, were glad at their coming. The
servants of the three kings were not idle, and started to raise the
high-seats. Hunolt and Sindolt had work enow, for they were the sewer
and the butler, and they arranged the chairs; to Ortwin, for that he
helped them, Gunther gave thanks. As for Rumult, the chief cook, I ween
he knew how to order his underlings. Ha! what meats they made ready
against the feast, in their huge cauldrons and pots and pans.
The women too busied them, and saw to their robes, whereon they
embroidered gold and bright shining stones, that, when they wore them,
they might be well esteemed.
Thirteenth Adventure
How They Rode to the Hightide
Leave we all this work now, to tell how Kriemhild and her maidens
journeyed from the Nibelung land to the Rhine.
Never sumpters bare such rich apparel. They sent many travelling chests
on before them, and Siegfried and the queen rode with their friends and
dreamed on joy—that was to end in deep sorrow. As needs was, they left
their son at home. Also for him was the journey woeful: his father and
his mother he saw nevermore. Siegmund, the king, rode with them, that
had, certes, not been there, had he known what was to betide them.
Never sorrow was worse than his for dear ones.
They sent forward messengers betimes, and a proud host of Uta’s kin,
and Gunther’s knights, came forth to meet them. Gunther busied him to
show his guests worship. He went to Brunhild and said, “How did
Kriemhild welcome thee when thou camest first to this land? I would
have thee welcome her even so.”
She answered, “I will do it gladly, for I have cause to love her.”
The king spake further, “They come to-morrow early. If thou wilt
receive them, lose no time, lest they surprise us here in the castle,
for never have I welcomed dearer guests.”
So she gave orders to her women to seek out goodly robes, the best that
they had, and to wear them; the which, I trow, they did gladly.
Gunther’s men also hasted to meet them; all that he had he led forth;
and the queen rode in royal state. Mickle joy was at that greeting.
With high honour they welcomed them, yea, with even more, the folk
said, than Kriemhild had showed Brunhild aforetime; and the hearts of
them that saw it were uplifted. Then Siegfried came up with his men,
and the heroes coursed to and fro on the plain, that none had ease for
the dust and the press.
When the king saw Siegfried and Siegmund, on what loving wise he spake!
“Ye are welcome to me and to all my men. Right joyful have ye made us
by this journey.”
“Now God reward thee,” answered Siegmund, the worshipful man. “Since my
son Siegfried won thee to his kinsman, my desire hath ever been to
behold thee.”
Whereupon Gunther said, “That it hath come to pass doth rejoice me.”
Siegfried was received with the honour that was his due; and none
wished him ill. From Gernot and Giselher, also, dear guests had never
better welcome.
Then the two queens drew nigh to each other.
The saddles were emptied, and the women alighted on the grass with the
help of the heroes, that were not slow, I trow, with their service!
The queens met, and the knights rejoiced at so fair a greeting, and
ceased not to wait upon the fair women. Hero now to hero held out the
hand of welcome; the women courtseyed and kissed, and Gunther’s and
Siegfried’s men looked on well content.
They tarried not longer, but rode to the town, where the host bade it
be shown plain that the guests were welcome to Burgundy. There, too,
there was tilting before the maidens. Hagen of Trony and Ortwin
approved them mighty, for none durst gainsay their command; and they
showed the dear guests much honour.
The clash of shields, and the din of piercing and smiting, rose before
the castle gate. Long time stood the host there with his guest or they
were all gone in, for in pastime the hours flew by. Then they rode
merrily to the great reception hall. Gorgeous footcloths, rich and
cunningly fashioned, hung down from the saddles of the beautiful women.
Gunther’s serving-men hasted forward, and led them to their chambers.
All this time Brunhild kept not her eyes from Kriemhild, that was,
certes, fair enow, and of brighter hue than the gold she wore.
Over all the town of Worms was heard the mirth of the company. King
Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, see to them well, who gave them
goodly quarters. Without and within they feasted; never were strangers
fairer entreated; all that they desired stood ready for them, for so
rich was the king, that to none was aught denied. They were served well
and without hate.
Then the king went to table with his guests. Siegfried they let sit
where he had sat aforetime, and many a proud warrior strode after him
to the feast. Twelve hundred knights were in the circle at the table;
whereat Brunhild thought, “Never afore was vassal so rich.”
Nevertheless she was well minded to him, nor contrived aught to his
hurt.
Many a rich cloak was wetted where the king sat that night, with the
wine that the butlers ceased not to pour; for they toiled sore to serve
all.
As hath still been the custom at hightides, the women and the damsels
were led to their beds betimes; and to each guest, from whencesoever he
came, the host gave honour and gifts enow.
When the night was ended, and the morning shone, precious stones
sparkled on the rich apparel that the hands of the women drew forth
from the travelling chests. Many a rich robe was sought out.
Or it was well day, knights and squires gathered before the hall, and
the din of tourney arose again before the early mass that they sang for
the king. Gunther thanked the young heroes. Then the trumpets were
blown lustily, and the noise of drums and flutes were so loud that
Worms, the wide town, rang therewith.
Everywhere the bold heroes sprang to horse, and tourney was held in the
land. Many young hearts were there that beat high, and, under their
shields, many a doughty knight. In the windows sat stately dames and
beautiful maidens, featly adorned, and gazed down at the joisting of
the warriors, till that the king himself began to tilt with his
kinsmen. So they passed the time, nor thought it long.
Then the bells rang from the dome, whereat they led up the horses, and
the women rode forth, with many stark knights following the queens.
They alighted before the minster, on the grass. Still was Brunhild well
minded to her guests, and, with their crowns on, they went into the
great church. But soon jealousy made an end of their love.
When the mass was sung they rode home in state, and went merrily to
table. Nor was there an end of joy at the hightide till the eleventh
day.
Then the queen thought, “I can hide it no longer. I must contrive by
some means that Kriemhild tell me why her husband, that is our vassal,
hath so long paid us no tribute. I cannot loose this riddle.”
So she waited for the hour when the Devil tempted her, and she turned
the joy of the hightide to dole. For it pressed on her heart, and must
needs come to light. By reason thereof many lands were filled with
mourning.
Fourteenth Adventure
How the Queens Quarrelled
One day, before vespers, there arose in the court of the castle a
mighty din of knights that tilted for pastime, and the folk ran to see
them.
The queens sat together there, thinking each on a doughty warrior. Then
said fair Kriemhild, “I have a husband of such might that all these
lands might well be his.”
But Brunhild answered, “How so? If there lived none other save thou and
he, our kingdom might haply be his, but while Gunther is alive it could
never be.”
But Kriemhild said, “See him there. How he surpasseth the other
knights, as the bright moon the stars! My heart is uplifted with
cause.”
Whereupon Brunhild answered, “Howso valiant thy husband, comely and
fair, thy brother Gunther excelleth him, for know that he is the first
among kings.”
But Kriemhild said, “My praise was not idle; for worshipful is my
husband in many things. Trow it, Brunhild. He is, at the least, thy
husband’s equal.”
“Mistake me not in thine anger, Kriemhild. Neither is my word idle; for
they both said, when I saw them first, and the king vanquished me in
the sports, and on knightly wise won my love, that Siegfried was his
man. Wherefore I hold him for a vassal, since I heard him say it.”
Then Kriemhild cried, “Evil were my lot if that were true. How had my
brothers given me to a vassal to wife? Prithee, of thy courtesy, cease
from such discourse.”
“That will I not,” answered Brunhild. “Thereby should I lose many
knights that, with him, owe us homage.”
Whereat fair Kriemhild waxed very wroth. “Lose them thou must, for any
service he will do thee. He is nobler even than Gunther, my noble
brother. Wherefore, spare me thy foolish words. I wonder, since he is
thy vassal, and thou art so much mightier than we, that for so long
time he hath failed to pay tribute. Of a truth thine arrogancy irketh
me.”
“Thou vauntest thyself too high,” cried the queen; “I would see now
whether thy body be holden in like honour with mine.”
Both the women were angry.
Kriemhild answered, “That shalt thou see straightway. Since thou hast
called Siegfried thy vassal, the knights of both kings shall see this
day whether I dare enter the minster before thee, the queen. For I
would have thee know that I am noble and free, and that my husband is
of more worship than thine. Nor will I be chidden by thee. To-day thou
shalt see thy vassals go at court before the Burgundian knights, and me
more honoured than any queen that ever wore a crown.”
Fierce was the wrath of the women.
“If thou art no vassal,” said Brunhild, “thou and thy women shall walk
separate from my train when we go to the minster.”
And Kriemhild answered, “Be it so.”
“Now adorn ye, my maidens,” said Siegfried’s wife, “that I be not
shamed. If ye have rich apparel, show it this day. She shall take back
what her mouth hath spoken.”
She needed not to bid twice; they sought out their richest vesture, and
dames and damsels were soon arrayed.
Then the wife of the royal host went forth with her attendants. Fair to
heart’s desire were clad Kriemhild and the forty and three maidens that
she had brought with her to the Rhine. Bright shone the stuffs, woven
in Araby, whereof their robes were fashioned. And they came to the
minster, where Siegfried’s knights waited for them.
The folk marvelled much to see the queens apart, and going not together
as afore. Many a warrior was to rue it.
Gunther’s wife stood before the minster, and the knights dallied in
converse with the women, till that Kriemhild came up with her meiny.
All that noble maidens had ever worn was but as a wind to what these
had on. So rich was Kriemhild that thirty king’s wives together had not
been as gorgeous as she was. None could deny, though they had wished
it, that the apparel Kriemhild’s maidens wore that day was the richest
they had ever seen. Kriemhild did this on purpose to anger Brunhild.
So they met before the minster. And Brunhild, with deadly spite, cried
out to Kriemhild to stand still. “Before the queen shall no vassal go.”
Out then spake Kriemhild, for she was wroth. “Better hadst thou held
thy peace. Thou hast shamed thine own body. How should the leman of a
vassal become a king’s wife?”
“Whom namest thou leman?” cried the queen.
“Even thee,” answered Kriemhild. “For it was Siegfried my husband, and
not my brother, that won thee first. Where were thy senses? It was
surely ill done to favor a vassal so. Reproaches from thee are much
amiss.”
“Verily,” cried Brunhild, “Gunther shall hear of it.”
“What is that to me? Thine arrogancy hath deceived thee. Thou hast
called me thy vassal. Know now of a truth it hath irked me, and I am
thine enemy evermore.”
Then Brunhild began to weep, and Kriemhild tarried not longer, but went
with her attendants into the minster before the king’s wife. There was
deadly hate, and bright eyes grew wet and dim.
Whether they prayed or sang, the service seemed too long to Brunhild,
for her heart and her mind were troubled, the which many a bold and
good man paid for afterward.
Brunhild stopped before the minster with her women, for she thought,
“Kriemhild, the foul-mouthed woman, shall tell me further whereof she
so loud accuseth me. If he hath boasted of this thing, he shall answer
for it with his life.”
Then Kriemhild with her knights came forth, and Brunhild began, “Stop!
thou hast called me a wanton and shalt prove it, for know that thy
words irk me sore.”
Said Kriemhild, “Let me pass. With this gold that I have on my hand I
can prove it. Siegfried brought it when he came from thee.”
It was a heavy day for Brunhild. She said, “That gold so precious was
stolen from me, and hath been hidden these many years. Now I know who
hath taken it.” Both the women were furious.
“I am no thief,” cried Kriemhild. “Hadst thou prized thine honour thou
hadst held thy peace, for, with this girdle round my waist, I can prove
my word, and that Siegfried was verily thy leman.” She wore a girdle of
silk of Nineveh, goodly enow, and worked with precious stones.
When Brunhild saw it she started to weep. And soon Gunther knew it, and
all his men, for the queen cried, “Bring hither the King of Rhineland;
I would tell him how his sister hath mocked me, and sayeth openly that
I be Siegfried’s leman.”
The king came with his warriors, and, when he saw that his dear one
wept, he spake kindly, “What aileth thee, dear wife?”
She answered, “Shamed must I stand, for thy sister would part me from
mine honour? I make my plaint to thee. She proclaimeth aloud that
Siegfried hath had me to his leman.”
Gunther answered, “Evilly hath she done.”
“She weareth here a girdle I have long lost, and my red gold. Woe is me
that ever I was born! If thou clearest me not from this shame, I will
never love thee more.”
Said Gunther, “Bid him hither, that he confess whether he hath boasted
of this, or no.”
They summoned Siegfried, who, when he saw their anger and knew not the
cause, spake quickly, “Why weep these women? Tell me straight; and
wherefore am I summoned?”
Whereto Gunther answered, “Right vexed am I. Brunhild, my wife, telleth
me here that thou hast boasted thou wert her leman. Kriemhild declareth
this. Hast thou done it, O knight?”
Siegfried answered, “Not I. If she hath said so, I will rest not till
she repent it. I swear with a high oath, in the presence of all thy
knights, that I said not this thing.”
The king of the Rhine made answer, “So be it. If thou swear the oath
here, I will acquit thee of the falsehood.” Then the Burgundians stood
round in a ring, and Siegfried swore it with his hand; whereupon the
great king said, “Verily, I hold thee guiltless, nor lay to thy charge
the word my sister imputeth to thee.”
Said Siegfried further, “If she rejoiceth to have troubled thy fair
wife, I am grieved beyond measure.” The knights glanced at each other.
“Women must be taught to bridle their tongues. Forbid proud speech to
thy wife: I will do the like to mine. Such bitterness and pride are a
shame.”
Angry words have divided many men. Brunhild made such dole, that
Gunther’s men had pity on her. And Hagen of Trony went to her and asked
what ailed her, for he found her weeping. She told him the tale, and he
sware straightway that Kriemhild’s husband should pay for it, or never
would Hagen be glad again.
While they talked together, Ortwin and Gernot came up, and the warriors
counselled Siegfried’s death. But when Giselher, Uta’s fair child, drew
nigh and heard them, he spake out with true heart, “Alack, good
knights, what would ye do? How hath Siegfried deserved such hate that
he should lose his life? A woman is lightly angered.”
“Shall we rear bastards?” cried Hagen. “That were small honour to good
knights. I will avenge on him the boast that he hath made, or I will
die.”
But the king himself said, “Good, and not evil, hath he done to us. Let
him live. Wherefore should I hate the knight? He hath ever been true to
me.”
But Ortwin of Metz said, “His great strength shall not avail him.
Allow, O Lord, that I challenge him to his death.” So, without cause,
they banded against him. Yet none had urged it further, had not Hagen
tempted Gunther every day, saying, that if Siegfried lived not, many
kings’ lands were subject to him.
Whereat the warrior began to grieve.
Meanwhile they let the matter lie, and returned to the tourney. Ha!
what stark spears they brake before Kriemhild, atween the minster and
the palace; but Gunther’s men were wroth.
Then said the king, “Give over this deadly hate. For our weal and
honour he was born. Thereto the man is so wonderly stark and grim,
that, if he were ware of this, none durst stand against him.”
“Not so,” said Hagen. “Assure thee on that score. For I will contrive
secretly that he pay for Brunhild’s weeping. Hagen is his foe
evermore.”
But Gunther said, “How meanest thou?”
And Hagen answered, “On this wise. Men that none here knoweth shall
ride as envoys into this land and declare war. Whereupon thou wilt say
before thy guests that thou must to battle with thy liegemen. When thou
hast done this, he will promise to help thee. Then he shall die, after
I have learnt a certain thing from his wife.”
Evilly the king followed Hagen, and they plotted black treason against
the chosen knight, without any suspecting it. So, through the quarrel
of two women, died many warriors.
Fifteenth Adventure
How Siegfried Was Betrayed
On the fourth morning, thirty and two men were seen riding to the
court. They brought word to Gunther that war was declared against him.
The women were woeful when they heard this lie.
The envoys won leave to go into the king, and they said they were
Ludger’s men, that Siegfried’s hand had overcome in battle and brought
captive into Gunther’s land.
The king greeted them, and bade them sit, but one of them said, “Let us
stand, till that we have declared the message wherewith we are charged
to thee. Know that thou hast to thy foemen many a mother’s son. Ludger
and Ludgast, whom thou hast aforetime evilly entreated, ride hither to
make war against thee in this land.”
The king fell in a rage, as if he had known naught thereof. Then they
gave the false messengers good lodging. How could Siegfried or any
other guess their treason, whereby, or all was done, they themselves
perished?
The king went whispering up and down with his friends. Hagen of Trony
gave him no peace. Many of the knights were fain to let it drop, but
Hagen would not be turned from it.
On a day that Siegfried found them whispering, he asked them,
“Wherefore are the king and his men so sorrowful? If any hath done
aught to their hurt, I will stand by them to avenge it.”
Gunther answered, “I grieve not without cause. Ludgast and Ludger ride
hither to war against me in my land.”
Then said the bold knight, “Siegfried’s arm will withstand them on such
wise, that ye shall all come off with honour. I will do to these
warriors even as I did aforetime. Waste will be their lands and their
castles, or I be done. I pledge my head thereto. Thou and thy men shall
tarry here at home, and I will ride forth with my knights that I have
with me. I serve thee gladly, and will prove it. Doubt not that thy
foemen shall suffer scathe at my hand.”
“These be good words,” answered the king, as he were truly glad, and
craftily the false man bowed low.
Then said Siegfried further, “Have no fear.”
The knights of Burgundy made ready for war, they and their squires, and
dissembled before Siegfried and his men. Siegfried bade them of the
Netherland lose no time, and they sought out their harness.
Then spake stark Siegfried, “Tarry here at home, Siegmund, my father.
If God prosper us, we shall return or long to the Rhine. Meanwhile, be
thou of good cheer here by the king.”
They made as if to depart, and bound on the standard. Many of Gunther’s
knights knew nothing of how the matter stood, and a mighty host
gathered round Siegfried. They bound their helmets and their coats of
mail on to the horses and stood ready. Then went Hagen of Trony to
Kriemhild, to take his leave of her, for they would away.
“Well for me,” said Kriemhild, “that ever I won to husband a man that
standeth so true by his friends, as doth Siegfried by my kinsmen. Right
proud am I. Bethink thee now, Hagen, dear friend, how that in all
things I am at thy service, and have ever willed thee well. Requite me
through my husband, that I love, and avenge not on him what I did to
Brunhild. Already it repenteth me sore. My body hath smarted for it,
that ever I troubled her with my words. Siegfried, the good knight,
hath seen to that.”
Whereto Hagen answered, “Ye will shortly be at one again. But
Kriemhild, prithee tell me wherein I can serve thee with Siegfried, thy
husband, and I will do it, for I love none better.”
“I should fear naught for his life in battle, but that he is foolhardy,
and of too proud a courage. Save for that, he were safe enow.”
Then said Hagen, “Lady, if thou fearest hurt for him in battle, tell me
now by what device I may hinder it, and I will guard him afoot and on
horse.”
She answered, “Thou art my cousin, and I thine. To thy faith I commend
my dear husband, and thou mayst watch and keep him.”
Then she told him what she had better have left unsaid.
“My husband is stark and bold. When that he slew the dragon on the
mountain, he bathed him in its blood; wherefore no weapon can pierce
him. Nevertheless, when he rideth in battle, and spears fly from the
hands of heroes, I tremble lest I lose him. Alack! for Siegfried’s sake
how oft have I been heavy of my cheer! And now, dear cousin, I will
trust thee with the secret, and tell thee, that thou mayst prove thy
faith, where my husband may be wounded. For that I know thee
honourable, I do this. When the hot blood flowed from the wound of the
dragon, and Siegfried bathed therein, there fell atween his shoulders
the broad leaf of a lime tree. There one might stab him, and thence is
my care and dole.”
Then answered Hagen of Trony, “Sew, with thine own hand, a small sign
upon his outer garment, that I may know where to defend him when we
stand in battle.”
She did it to profit the knight, and worked his doom thereby. She said,
“I will sew secretly, with fine silk, a little cross upon his garment,
and there, O knight, shalt thou guard to me my husband when ye ride in
the thick of the strife, and he withstandeth his foemen in the fierce
onset.”
“That will I do, dear lady,” answered Hagen.
Kriemhild thought to serve Siegfried; so was the hero betrayed.
Then Hagen took his leave and went forth glad; and his king bade him
say what he had learned.
“If thou wouldst turn from the journey, let us go hunting instead; for
I have learned the secret, and have him in my hand. Wilt thou contrive
this?”
“That will I,” said the king.
And the king’s men rejoiced. Never more, I ween, will knight do so
foully as did Hagen, when he brake his faith with the queen.
The next morning Siegfried, with his thousand knights, rode merrily
forth; for he thought to avenge his friends. And Hagen rode nigh him,
and spied at his vesture. When he saw the mark, he sent forward two of
his men secretly, to ride back to them with another message: that
Ludger bade tell the king his land might remain at peace.
Loth was Siegfried to turn his rein or had he done battle for his
friends. Gunther’s vassals scare held him back. Then he rode to the
king, that thanked him.
“Now, God reward thee, Siegfried, my kinsman, that thou didst grant my
prayer so readily. Even so will I do by thee, and that justly. I hold
thee trustiest of all my friends. Seeing we be quit of this war, let us
ride a hunting to the Odenwald after the bear and the boar, as I have
often done.”
Hagen, the false man, had counselled this.
“Let it be told to my guests straightway that I will ride early. Whoso
would hunt with me, let him be ready betimes. But if any would tarry
behind for pastime with the women, he shall do it, and please me
thereby.”
Siegfried answered on courtly wise, “I will hunt with thee gladly, and
will ride to the forest, if thou lend me a huntsman and some brachs.”
“Will one suffice?” asked Gunther. “I will lend thee four that know the
forest well, and the tracks of the game, that thou come not home
empty-handed.”
Then Siegfried rode to his wife.
Meanwhile Hagen had told the king how he would trap the hero. Let all
men evermore avoid such foul treason. When the false man had contrived
his death, they told all the others. Giselher and Gernot were not
hunting with the rest. I know not for what grudge they warned him not.
But they paid dear for it.
Sixteenth Adventure
How Siegfried Was Slain
Gunther and Hagen, the fierce warriors, went hunting with false intent
in the forest, to chase the boar, the bear, and the wild bull, with
their sharp spears. What fitter sport for brave men?
Siegfried rode with them in kingly pomp. They took with them good store
of meats. By a cool stream he lost his life, as Brunhild, King
Gunther’s wife, had devised it.
But or he set out, and when the hunting-gear was laid ready on the
sumpters that they were to take across the Rhine, he went to Kriemhild,
that was right doleful of her cheer. He kissed his lady on the mouth.
“God grant I may see thee safe and well again, and thou me. Bide here
merry among thy kinsfolk, for I must forth.”
Then she thought on the secret she had betrayed to Hagen, but durst not
tell him. The queen wept sore that ever she was born, and made
measureless dole.
She said, “Go not hunting. Last night I dreamed an evil dream: how that
two wild boars chased thee over the heath; and the flowers were red
with blood. Have pity on my tears, for I fear some treachery. There be
haply some offended, that pursue us with deadly hate. Go not, dear
lord; in good faith I counsel it.”
But he answered, “Dear love, I go but for a few days. I know not any
that beareth me hate. Thy kinsmen will me well, nor have I deserved
otherwise at their hand.”
“Nay, Siegfried, I fear some mischance. Last night I dreamed an evil
dream: how that two mountains fell on thee, and I saw thee no more. If
thou goest, thou wilt grieve me bitterly.”
But he caught his dear one in his arms and kissed her close; then he
took leave of her and rode off.
She never saw him alive again.
They rode thence into a deep forest to seek sport. The king had many
bold knights with him, and rich meats, that they had need of for the
journey. Sumpters passed laden before them over the Rhine, carrying
bread and wine, and flesh and fish, and meats of all sorts, as was
fitting for a rich king.
The bold huntsmen encamped before the green wood where they were to
hunt, on a broad meadow. Siegfried also was there, which was told to
the king. And they set a watch round the camp.
Then said stark Siegfried, “Who will into the forest and lead us to the
game?”
“If we part or we begin the chase in the wood,” said Hagen, “we shall
know which is the best sportsman. Let us divide the huntsmen and the
hounds; then let each ride alone as him listeth, and he who hunteth the
best shall be praised.” So they started without more ado.
But Siegfried said, “One hound that hath been well trained for the
chase will suffice for me. There will be sport enow!”
Then an old huntsman took a limehound, and brought the company where
there was game in plenty. They hunted down all the beasts they started,
as good sportsmen should.
Whatsoever the limehound started, the hero of the Netherland slew with
his hand. His horse ran so swift that naught escaped him; he won
greater praise than any in the chase. In all things he was right manly.
The first that he smote to the death was a half-bred boar. Soon after,
he encountered a grim lion, that the limehound started. This he shot
with his bow and a sharp arrow; the lion made only three springs or he
fell. Loud was the praise of his comrades. Then he killed, one after
the other, a buffalo, an elk, four stark ureoxen, and a grim shelk. His
horse carried him so swiftly that nothing outran him. Deer and hind
escaped him not.
The limehound tracked a wild boar next that began to flee. But
Siegfried rode up and barred the path, whereat the monster ran at the
knight. He slew him with his sword. Not so lightly had another done it.
They leashed their limehound then, and told the Burgundians how
Siegfried had prospered. Whereupon his huntsman said, “Prithee, leave
something alive; thou emptiest to us both mountain and forest.” And
Siegfried laughed.
The noise of the chase was all round them; hill and wood rang with
shouting and the baying of dog, for the huntsmen had loosed twenty and
four hounds. Many a beast perished that day, for each thought to win
the prize of the chase. But when stark Siegfried rode to the
tryst-fire, they saw that could not be.
The hunt was almost over. The sportsmen brought skins and game enow
with them to the camp. No lack of meat for cooking was there, I ween.
Then the king bade tell the knights that he would dine. And they blew a
blast on a horn, that told the king was at the tryst-fire.
Said one of Siegfried’s huntsmen, “I heard the blast of a horn bidding
us back to the camp. I will answer it.” And they kept blowing to
assemble the company.
Siegfried bade quit the wood. His horse bare him smoothly, and the
others pricked fast behind. The noise roused a grim bear, whereat the
knight cried to them that came after him, “Now for sport! Slip the dog,
for I see a bear that shall with us to the tryst-fire. He cannot escape
us, if he ran ever so fast.”
They slipped the limehound; off rushed the bear. Siegfried thought to
run him down, but he came to a ravine, and could not get to him; then
the bear deemed him safe. But the proud knight sprang from his horse,
and pursued him. The beast had no shelter. It could not escape from
him, and was caught by his hand, and, or it could wound him, he had
bound it, that it could neither scratch nor bite. Then he tied it to
his saddle, and, when he had mounted up himself, he brought it to the
tryst-fire for pastime.
How right proudly he rode to the camping ground! His boar-spear was
mickle, stark and broad. His sword hung down to the spur, and his
hunting-horn was of ruddy gold. Of better hunting-gear I never heard
tell. His coat was black samite, and his hat was goodly sable. His
quiver was richly laced, and covered with a panther’s hide for the sake
of the sweet smell. He bare, also, a bow that none could draw but
himself, unless with a windlass. His cloak was a lynx-skin, pied from
head to foot, and embroidered over with gold on both sides. Also
Balmung had he done on, whereof the edges were so sharp that it clave
every helmet it touched. I ween the huntsman was merry of his cheer.
Yet, to tell you the whole, I must say how his rich quiver was filled
with good arrows, gilt on the shaft, and broad a hand’s breadth or
more. Swift and sure was the death of him that he smote therewith.
So the knight rode proudly from the forest, and Gunther’s men saw him
coming, and ran and held his horse.
When he had alighted, he loosed the band from the paws and from the
mouth of the bear that he had bound to his saddle.
So soon as they saw the bear, the dogs began to bark. The animal tried
to win back to the wood, and all the folk fell in great fear.
Affrighted by the noise, it ran through the kitchen. Nimbly started the
scullions from their place by the fire. Pots were upset and the brands
strewed over all. Alack! the good meats that tumbled into the ashes!
Then up sprang the princes and their men. The bear began to growl, and
the king gave order to slip the hounds that were on leash. I’faith, it
had been a merry day if it had ended so.
Hastily, with their bows and spears, the warriors, swift of foot,
chased the bear, but there were so many dogs that none durst shoot
among them, and the forest rang with the din. Then the bear fled before
the dogs, and none could keep pace with him save Kriemhild’s husband,
that ran up to him and pierced him dead with his sword, and carried the
carcase back with him to the fire. They that saw it said he was a
mighty man.
Then they bade the sportsmen to the table, and they sat down, a goodly
company enow, on a fair meadow. Ha! what dishes, meet for heroes, were
set before them. But the cup-bearers were tardy, that should have
brought the wine. Save for that, knights were never better served. If
there had not been false-hearted men among them, they had been without
reproach. The doomed man had no suspicion that might have warned him,
for his own heart was pure of all deceit. Many that his death profited
not at all had to pay for it bitterly.
Then said Sir Siegfried, “I marvel, since they bring us so much from
the kitchen, that they bring not the wine. If good hunters be entreated
so, I will hunt no more. Certes, I have deserved better at your hands.”
Whereto the king at the table answered falsely, “What lacketh to-day we
will make good another time. The blame is Hagen’s, that would have us
perish of thirst.”
Then said Hagen of Trony, “Dear master, Methought we were to hunt
to-day at Spessart, and I sent the wine thither. For the present we
must go thirsty; another time I will take better care.”
But Siegfried cried, “Small thank to him. Seven sumpters with meat and
spiced wines should he have sent here at the least, or, if that might
not be, we should have gone nigher to the Rhine.”
Hagen of Trony answered, “I know of a cool spring close at hand. Be not
wroth with me, but take my counsel, and go thither.” The which was
done, to the hurt of many warriors. Siegfried was sore athirst and bade
push back the table, that he might go to the spring at the foot of the
mountain. Falsely had the knights contrived it. The wild beasts that
Siegfried’s hand had slain they let pile on a waggon and take home, and
they that saw it praised him.
Foully did Hagen break faith with Siegfried. He said, when they were
starting for the broad lime tree, “I hear from all sides that none can
keep pace with Kriemhild’s husband when he runneth. Let us see now.”
Bold Siegfried of the Netherland answered, “Thou mayst easily prove it,
if thou wilt run with me to the brook for a wager. The praise shall be
to him that winneth there first.”
“Let us see then,” said Hagen the knight.
And stark Siegfried answered, “If I lose, I will lay me at thy feet in
the grass.”
A glad man was King Gunther when he heard that!
Said Siegfried further, “Nay, I will undertake more. I will carry on me
all that I wear—spear, shield, and hunting gear.” Whereupon he girded
on his sword and his quiver in haste. Then the others did off their
clothes, till they stood in their white shirts, and they ran through
the clover like two wild panthers; but bold Siegfried was seen there
the first. Before all men he won the prize in everything. He loosed his
sword straightway, and laid down his quiver. His good spear he leaned
against the lime tree; then the noble guest stood and waited, for his
courtesy was great. He laid down his shield by the stream. Albeit he
was sore athirst, he drank not till that the king had finished, who
gave him evil thanks.
The stream was cool, pure, and good. Gunther bent down to the water,
and rose again when he had drunk. Siegfried had gladly done the like,
but he suffered for his courtesy. Hagen carried his bow and his sword
out of his reach, and sprang back and gripped the spear. Then he spied
for the secret mark on his vesture; and while Siegfried drank from the
stream, Hagen stabbed him where the cross was, that his heart’s blood
spurted out on the traitor’s clothes. Never since hath knight done so
wickedly. He left the spear sticking deep in his heart, and fled in
grimmer haste than ever he had done from any man on this earth afore.
When Siegfried felt the deep wound, he sprang up maddened from the
water, for the long boar spear stuck out from his heart. He thought to
find bow or sword; if he had, Hagen had got his due. But the
sore-wounded man saw no sword, and had nothing save his shield. He
picked it up from the water’s edge and ran at Hagen. King Gunther’s man
could not escape him. For all that he was wounded to the death, he
smote so mightily that the shield well-nigh brake, and the precious
stones flew out. The noble guest had fain taken vengeance.
Hagen fell beneath his stroke. The meadow rang loud with the noise of
the blow. If he had had his sword to hand, Hagen had been a dead man.
But the anguish of his wound constrained him. His colour was wan; he
could not stand upright; and the strength of his body failed him, for
he bare death’s mark on his white cheek. Fair women enow made dole for
him.
Then Kriemhild’s husband fell among the flowers. The blood flowed fast
from his wound, and in his great anguish he began to upbraid them that
had falsely contrived his death. “False cowards!” cried the dying
knight. “What availeth all my service to you, since ye have slain me? I
was true to you, and pay the price for it. Ye have done ill by your
friends. Cursed by this deed are your sons yet unborn. Ye have avenged
your spite on my body all too bitterly. For your crime ye shall be
shunned by good knights.”
All the warriors ran where he lay stabbed. To many among them it was a
woeful day. They that were true mourned for him, the which the hero had
well deserved of all men.
The King of Burgundy, also, wept for his death, but the dying man said,
“He needeth not to weep for the evil, by whom the evil cometh. Better
had he left it undone, for mickle is his blame.”
Then said grim Hagen, “I know not what ye rue. All is ended for us—care
and trouble. Few are they now that will withstand us. Glad am I that,
through me, his might is fallen.”
“Lightly mayst thou boast now,” said Siegfried; “if I had known thy
murderous hate, it had been an easy thing to guard my body from thee.
My bitterest dole is for Kriemhild, my wife. God pity me that ever I
had a son. For all men will reproach him that he hath murderers to his
kinsmen. I would grieve for that, had I the time.”
He said to the king, “Never in this world was so foul a murder as thou
hast done on me. In thy sore need I saved thy life and thine honour.
Dear have I paid for that I did well by thee.” With a groan the wounded
man said further, “Yet if thou canst show truth to any on this earth, O
King, show it to my dear wife, that I commend to thee. Let it advantage
her to be thy sister. By all princely honour stand by her. Long must my
father and my knights wait for my coming. Never hath woman won such woe
through a dear one.”
He writhed in his bitter anguish, and spake painfully, “Ye shall rue
this foul deed in the days to come. Know this of a truth, that in
slaying me ye have slain yourselves.”
The flowers were all wet with blood. He strove with death, but not for
long, for the weapon of death cut too deep. And the bold knight and
good spake no more.
When the warriors saw that the hero was dead, they laid him on a shield
of ruddy gold, and took counsel how they should conceal that Hagen had
done it. Many of them said, “Evil hath befallen us. Ye shall all hide
it, and hold to one tale—when Kriemhild’s husband was riding alone in
the forest, robbers slew him.”
But Hagen of Trony said, “I will take him back to Burgundy. If she that
hath troubled Brunhild know it, I care not. It concerneth me little if
she weep.”
Of that very brook where Siegfried was slain ye shall hear the truth
from me. In the Odenwald is a village that hight Odenheim, and there
the stream runneth still; beyond doubt it is the same.
Seventeenth Adventure
How Siegfried Was Mourned and Buried
They tarried there that night, and then crossed the Rhine. Heroes never
went to so woeful a hunt. For one thing that they slew, many women
wept, and many a good knight’s body paid for it. Of overweening pride
ye shall hear now, and grim vengeance.
Hagen bade them bear dead Siegfried of the Nibelung land before the
chamber where Kriemhild was, and charged them to lay him secretly
outside the door, that she might find him there when she went forth to
mass or it was day, the which she was wont to do.
The minster bell was rung as the custom was. Fair Kriemhild waked her
maidens, and bade them bring her a light and her vesture.
Then a chamberlain came and found Siegfried. He saw him red with blood,
and his garment all wet, but he knew not yet that he was his king. He
carried the light into the room in his hand, and from him Kriemhild
heard evil tidings.
When she would have gone with her women to the minster, the chamberlain
said, “Lady, stop! A murdered knight lieth on the threshold.”
“Woe is me!” cried Kriemhild. “What meanest thou by such news?”
Or she knew for certain that it was her husband, she began to think on
Hagen’s question, how he might guard him. From that moment her dole
began; for, with his death, she took leave of all joy. She sank on the
floor speechless; they saw the miserable woman lying there. Kriemhild’s
woe was great beyond measure, and after her swoon she cried out, that
all the chamber rang.
Then said her attendants, “What if it be a stranger?”
But the blood burst from her mouth by reason of her heart’s anguish,
and she said, “Nay, it is Siegfried, my dear husband. Brunhild hath
counselled it, and Hagen hath done it.”
The lady bade them show her where the hero lay. She lifted his
beautiful head with her white hands. Albeit he was red with blood, she
knew him straightway. Pitifully the hero of the Netherland lay there.
The gentle, good queen wailed in anguish, “Woe is me for this wrong!
Thy shield is unpierced by swords. Thou liest murdered. If I knew who
had done this deed, I would not rest till he was dead.”
All her attendants wailed and cried with their dear mistress, for they
were woe for their noble master that they had lost. Foully had Hagen
avenged Brunhild’s anger.
The sorrowful one said, “Go and wake Siegfried’s men quickly; and tell
Siegmund also my dole, that he may help me to mourn for brave
Siegfried.”
Then a messenger ran in haste where Siegfried’s heroes of the Nibelung
land lay, and took from them their joy with heavy tidings. They
believed it not, till they heard the wailing.
The messenger also came quickly where the king was. Siegmund slept not.
I ween his heart told him what had happened, and that he would see his
dear son never more.
“Arouse thee, Sir Siegmund! Kriemhild, my lady, hath sent me. For a
wrong hath been done her, that lieth heavier on her heart than any
other hath done. Thou shalt help her to mourn, for it is thy sorrow
also.”
Up rose Sir Siegmund then, and said, “What is fair Kriemhild’s grief,
whereof thou tellest me?”
The messenger answered, weeping, “She mourneth with cause. Bold
Siegfried of the Netherland is slain.”
But Siegmund said, “Jest not with these evil tidings of my son, and say
to none that he is slain; for never to my life’s end could I mourn him
enow.”
“If thou believest not what I tell thee, hearken thyself to Kriemhild,
how she maketh dole for Siegfried’s death with all her maidens.”
Then Siegmund feared and was sore affrighted. With an hundred of his
men he sprang out of his bed; they grasped their long swords and keen,
with their hands, and ran sorrowfully where they heard the sound of
weeping. A thousand of Siegfried’s knights came running. They thought
not on their vesture till they were there, for they had lost their wits
through grief. Mickle woe was buried in their hearts.
Then came Siegmund to Queen Kriemhild, and said, “Woe is me for our
journey hither! Who, among such good friends, hath murderously robbed
me of my child, and thee of thy husband?”
“If I knew that,” answered the noble woman, “I were ever his foe with
heart and soul. Trust me, I would so contrive his hurt that all his
friends, by reason of me, would yet weep for sorrow.”
Siegmund took the prince in his arms; the grief of his friends was so
great that, with their loud wailing and their weeping, palace and hall
and the town of Worms rang again. None could comfort Siegfried’s wife.
They took the clothes off his beautiful body, and washed his wounds and
laid him on a bier, and all his folk were heavy with great grief.
Then spake his knights of the Netherland, “Our hands are ready for
vengeance. He that hath done it is in this house.”
Siegfried’s men armed them in haste; the valiant knights assembled to
the number of eleven hundred. These had Siegmund, the mighty king, for
his following; and, as his honour bade him, he had gladly avenged the
death of his son. They knew not whom they should fall on, if it were
not Gunther and his men, with whom Siegfried had gone hunting.
But when Kriemhild saw them armed, she was greatly grieved. For all her
dole and her pain, she so feared the death of the Nibelungs at the hand
of her brother’s men that she forbade their vengeance, and warned them
in love, as friend doth with dear friend.
The sorrowful queen said, “My lord, Siegmund, what wouldst thou do?
Surely thou knowest not how many bold knights Gunther hath. If ye come
to grips with them, ye must certainly perish.”
They stood eager for strife with their shields dressed, but the queen
begged and commanded them to forbear; that they would not, grieved her
sore.
She said, “My lord Siegmund, let be, till more fitting season, and I
will help thee to avenge my husband. Verily, I will show him that took
him from me that he hath done it to his hurt. Here by the Rhine there
are so many overweening men that I would have thee, for the present,
forbear from battle; for thy one man they have at least the thirty. God
do to them as they have done to us. Tarry here, brave knights, and
mourn with me till it is day, and help me to lay my dear husband in his
coffin.”
The warriors answered, “Dear lady, be it so.”
None might tell to the end the wailing that arose there from knights
and women. It was so loud that they in the town heard it, and the noble
burghers hasted thither, and mourned with the guests, for they were
right sorrowful. They knew no fault in Siegfried for which he had lost
his life, and the good burgesses’ wives wept with the women of the
court.
They bade the smiths go and make a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle
and stark, and brace it strongly with good steel. Right heavy of their
cheer were all the folk.
The night was ended. They told them it was day, and the queen gave
order to bear the dead knight, her dear husband, to the minster; and
all the friends he had there followed weeping.
When they came to the minster, how many a bell rang out! On all sides
they sang requiems. Thither came King Gunther with his men, and also
grim Hagen, that had better stayed away.
Gunther said, “Dear sister, woe is me for this grief of thine, and that
this great misadventure hath befallen us. We must ever mourn
Siegfried’s death.”
“Ye do wrongly,” said the wailing queen. “If it grieved thee, it had
never happed. I was clean forgotten by thee when thou didst part me
from my dear husband. Would to God thou hadst done it to me instead!”
But they held to their lie, and Kriemhild went on. “Let him that is
guiltless prove it. Let him go up to the bier before all the folk, and
soon we shall know the truth.”
It is a great marvel, and ofttimes seen even now, how that, when the
murderer standeth by the dead, the wounds bleed again. And so it fell
then, and Hagen’s guilt was plain to all.
The wounds burst open and bled as they had done afore; and they that
had wept already wept now much more. King Gunther said, “Hear the
truth. He was slain by robbers. Hagen did it not.”
“These robbers,” she answered, “I know well. God grant that his
kinsmen’s hands may avenge it. By you, Gunther and Hagen, was it done.”
Siegfried’s knights had fain fallen on them, but Kriemhild said, “Help
me to bear my woe.”
Gernot her brother, and Giselher the youth, both came and found
Siegfried dead; they mourned for him truly, and their eyes were blind
with tears. They wept for Kriemhild’s husband from their hearts.
It was time to sing mass, and men and women flocked from all quarters.
Even they that missed him little mourned with the rest.
Gernot and Giselher said, “Comfort thee, sister, for the dead, for so
it must needs be now. We will make it good to thee while we live.” But
comfort her could none.
His coffin was ready by the middle of the day, and they lifted the dead
man from the bier whereon he lay, but the queen would not let them bury
him yet. All his folk must first toil sore.
They wound him in a rich cloth. Not one, I ween, was there that wept
not. Uta, the noble queen and all her women wailed bitterly for
Siegfried.
When the folk heard they sang the requiem, and that Siegfried was in
his chest, they crowded thither, and brought offerings for his soul.
Amidst of his enemies, he had good friends enow.
Then poor Kriemhild said to her chamberlain, “For my sake, stint not
thy labour. For Siegfried’s soul, divide his wealth among them that
were well minded to him, and are true to me.”
The smallest child, if he understood all, must go with its offering or
he was buried. They sang at the least an hundred masses a day. And
great was the press among Siegfried’s friends.
When they had done singing, the folk rose and departed; but Kriemhild
said, “Leave me not alone to watch the valiant knight. With his body
lieth all my joy. Three days and three nights will I keep him here,
till that I have had my fill of my dear husband. What if God let death
take me too? So the sorrow of poor Kriemhild were ended.”
The townsfolk went home; and priests, and monks, and all them that had
served Siegfried, she bade tarry. Heavy were their nights and toilsome
their days. Many a man neither ate nor drank, but they that desired it
were bidden take their fill. Siegmund saw to that. No easy time had the
Nibelungs. They say that all that could sing got no rest. What
offerings were brought! The poorest was rich enow, for they that had
naught were bidden bring an offering from the gold of Siegfried’s own
hoard. When he lived no more, they gave many thousand marks for his
soul. Kriemhild bestowed lands and revenues over all, on cloisters and
holy men. Silver and clothes in plenty they gave to the poor. She
showed plain the love she bare Siegfried.
On the third morning, when mass was due, the great churchyard by the
minster was full of weeping countryfolk; for they served him in death
as dear friends should.
They say that, in these four days, thirty thousand marks, or more, were
given to the poor for his soul’s sake, when his beauty and his life
were brought to nothing.
God had been served; the song was done. The folk were shaken with
weeping. They bade carry him from the minster to the grave, and naught
was heard but crying and mourning.
With loud wail the people followed after. None was joyful, neither
woman nor man. They sang and read or they buried him. Ah, what good
priests were at his funeral!
Or Siegfried’s wife came to the grave, her faithful body was wrung with
such grief that they ceased not from sprinkling her with water. None
could measure her sorrow.
It was a wonder that she lived. Her weeping women helped her. Then said
the queen, “Ye men of Siegfried, as ye love me, do me this grace. Give
me, in my sorrow, this little joy: to see his dear head once more.” She
begged this so long, and with such bitter weeping, that they brake open
the rich chest.
Then they bought the queen where he was. She lifted his lovely head
with her white hand, and kissed him. Her bright eyes, for grief, wept
blood. It was a pitiful parting.
Then they carried her thence, for she could not walk. And she lay in a
swoon, as her fair body would have perished for sorrow.
When the noble knight was buried, they that were come with him from the
land of the Nibelungs made measureless dole. Little joy was seen in
Siegmund. For three whole days some neither ate nor drank for woe.
Longer than that their bodies endured it not. And so they ate and got
well of their grief, as many a one doth still.
Kriemhild lay senseless in a swoon all that day and that night, till
the next morning; she knew nothing that they said. And in like case lay
also King Siegmund. Scarce got the knight his wits again, for his
strength was weakened by reason of his great dole. It was no wonder.
Then his men said, “Sir knight, let us home. We may not tarry longer
here.”
Eighteenth Adventure
How Siegmund Returned Home
Kriemhild’s father-in-law went to her and said, “Let us home to our
land. I ween we are unwelcome guests by the Rhine. Kriemhild, dear
lady, return to my country with me. That treason has bereft thee here
of thy dear husband shall not be avenged on thee. I will stand by thee
truly, for love of thy husband and his noble child. Thou shalt also
have all the power that Siegfried, the valiant knight, gave thee. The
land and the crown are thine, and all Siegfried’s men shall serve thee
gladly.”
They told the squires they would away. There was hurrying for the
horses, for life was a burden to them among their stark foemen. Women
and maidens were bidden seek out their clothes.
But when King Siegmund would have set out, Kriemhild’s mother began to
beg that she would remain among her kinsfolk.
The wretched queen said, “That could hardly be. How could I have ever
before mine eyes him that hath brought this woe upon me, miserable
woman that I am?”
Giselher the youth said, “Dear sister mine, thy duty is here by thy
mother. Thou need’st no service from them that have wounded and
darkened thy spirit, for thou shalt live at my sole charge.”
But she answered the knight, “It cannot be; I must die of grief but to
look on Hagen.”
“Nay, I counsel thee, dear sister, to stay by thy brother Giselher; and
I will make good to thee thy husband’s death.”
But the God-forsaken one answered, “Need enow hath Kriemhild of
comfort.”
While the youth besought her so kindly, Uta and Gernot began to pray
her, and her faithful kinsmen also, that she should tarry, for she had
few kinsmen among Siegfried’s men.
“They are all strangers to thee,” said Gernot, “and however strong a
friend may be, one day he must die. Consider it, dear sister, and take
comfort and stay here by thy kinsfolk. It were better for thee.”
So she promised Giselher she would remain there.
The horses were led out for Siegmund’s men, for they were ready to ride
back to the land of the Nibelungs; and their harness was laid on the
sumpters.
Then went Siegmund to Kriemhild, and said to her, “Siegfried’s men wait
by their horses. Let us away, for it irketh me here by the
Burgundians.”
Kriemhild answered, “They that are faithful among my kinsfolk counsel
me to abide here with them. I have no kinsmen in the Nibelung land.”
Siegmund was woeful when he heard this from Kriemhild, and he said,
“Let none tell thee that. Before all my kinsmen shalt thou wear the
crown, and have dominion as aforetime; no man shall avenge on thee the
loss of the hero. Come with us for thy little child’s sake. Leave it
not an orphan. When thy son is grown to a man he shall comfort thee;
and meanwhile many a bold knight and good shall serve thee.”
But she answered, “My lord Siegmund, I cannot go. Whatso come of it, I
must tarry here with my kinsfolk, who will help me to mourn.”
The warriors liked not the news, and they said with one accord, “Then
might we bewail our wrong indeed, if thou shouldst abide here by our
foemen. Heroes never rode to a sorrier hightide.”
“Depart without fear, and in God’s keeping. I will see that ye come
well escorted to your land. I commend my dear child to your care.”
When they saw plain that she would not go, Siegmund’s men all fell to
weeping. How right piteously Siegmund parted from Kriemhild! His grief
was bitter, and he said, “Woe is me for this hightide! Never yet hath
such evil befallen a king and his men at a feast. They shall see us no
more in Burgundy.”
Siegfried’s men said openly, “Nay, we might well ride hither again if
we knew who had murdered our master. Among his kinsmen they have stark
foes enow.”
Siegmund kissed Kriemhild, and spake dolefully when he saw she would
tarry, “We fare home joyless to our land. Now, for the first time, I
know all my sorrows.”
They rode, without an escort, from Worms across the Rhine. Well might
the Nibelungs fear nothing from the assault of foemen, with their own
strong hand to guard them.
They took leave of none; but Gernot and Giselher went to them lovingly,
for they grieved for their loss, and told them so.
Gernot said courteously, “God in Heaven knoweth that I had no blame in
Siegfried’s death; neither was it told me, that any here bare him
malice. With true heart I sorrow for him.”
Giselher the youth gave them good escort. He brought the king and his
knights home to the Netherland without further mischance.
How it fared with them after, I cannot tell. But Kriemhild was ever
heard mourning, and none comforted her save Giselher—he was true and
good.
Fair Brunhild sat misproud, and recked little how Kriemhild wept. She
was never kind to her again. Also to her, afterward, Kriemhild caused
bitter heart’s dole.
Nineteenth Adventure
How the Nibelung Hoard Came to Worms
When noble Kriemhild was widowed, Count Eckewart stayed by her in
Burgundy with his men, as honour bade him, and served his mistress with
goodwill till his death.
At Worms, by the minster, they gave her a room, wide and high, rich and
spacious, where she sat joyless with her attendants. To church she went
often and gladly. Since her dear one was buried, how seldom she failed
there! She went thither sorrowfully every day, and prayed to great God
for his soul. Faithfully and without stint the knight was mourned.
Uta and her women ceased not to comfort her. But her heart was wounded
so deep that she could not be cheered. She sorrowed for Siegfried more
than wife ever did for husband. Her great love appeared therein, and
she mourned him to the end, while her life endured. Strong and true she
took vengeance at the last.
So she remained (I say sooth) till the fourth year after her husband’s
death, and had spoken no word to Gunther, nor once, in the whole of
that time, had looked on Hagen, her foe.
Then said Hagen of Trony, “Couldst thou contrive that thy sister took
thee to friend again? So would the Nibelung gold come into this land.
Thou mightest win much thereof for thyself, if the queen were
appeased.”
“We will try it,” answered the king. “I will send my brothers thither,
that haply they may prevail upon her to do it gladly.”
But Hagen said, “I doubt that will never be.”
Gunther sent Ortwin and the Margrave Gary to the court. When that was
done, they brought Gernot, and Giselher the youth. And on friendly wise
they essayed it with Kriemhild.
Bold Gernot of Burgundy said, “Lady, thou mournest Siegfried’s death
too long. The king will prove to thee that it was not he that slew him.
Evermore thou art heard wailing bitterly.”
She said, “No one blameth the king. Hagen’s hand slew him, and from me
he discovered where he should stab. How could I know he hated him? Good
care had I taken then not to betray his beautiful body, and had not
needed now to weep, wretched woman that I am. I will never be the
friend of them that did it.”
Then began Giselher, the valiant man, to entreat her.
She said, “Ye give me no peace. I must greet him, but great is your
blame therein, for without fault of mine the king hath brought on me
bitter heart’s dole. With my mouth I may pardon him, but with my heart,
never.”
“After this it will be better,” thought her friends. “What if he so
entreat her that she grow glad again?”
“He may yet make it good to her,” said Gernot, the warrior.
And the sorrowful woman said, “See, I will do as ye desire; I will
greet the king.”
When they told him that, the king went with his best friends to her.
But Hagen durst not come before her. Well he knew his guilt, and that
he had done her a wrong.
Since she had hid her hate to him, Gunther deemed it well to kiss her.
If he had not wrought her such woe, he might have gone often and boldly
into her presence.
Friends were never reconciled with so many tears, for her wrongs
weighed heavy on her heart. She forgave them all, save the one man, for
none but Hagen had slain him.
Soon after, they contrived that Kriemhild won the great hoard from the
land of the Nibelungs, and brought it to the Rhine. It was her
marriage-morning gift, and rightly hers. Giselher and Gernot went for
it. Kriemhild sent eighty hundred men to fetch it from where it lay
hid, and where Albric with his nearest kinsmen guarded it.
When they saw the men of the Rhine come for the treasure, bold Albric
spake to his friends, “We dare not refuse her the treasure, for it is
the noble queen’s wedding gift. Yet we had never parted with it, if we
had not lost with Siegfried the good _Tarnkappe_. At all times it was
worn by fair Kriemhild’s husband. A woeful thing hath it proved for
Siegfried that he took from us the _Tarnkappe_, and won all this land
to his service.”
Then the chamberlain went and got the keys. Kriemhild’s men and some of
her kinsmen stood before the mountain. They carried the hoard to the
sea, on to the ships, and bare it across the waves from the mountain to
the Rhine.
Now hear the marvels of this treasure. Twelve wagons scarce carried it
thence in four days and four nights, albeit each of them made the
journey three times. It was all precious stones and gold, and had the
whole world been bought therewith, there had not been one coin the
less. Certes, Hagen did not covet it without cause.
The wishing-rod lay among it, the which, if any discovered it, made him
master over every man in all the world.
Many of Albric’s kinsmen went with Gernot. When Gernot and Giselher the
youth got possession of the hoard, there came into their power lands,
and castles, also, and many a good warrior, that served them through
fear of their might.
When the hoard came into Gunther’s land, and the queen got it in her
keeping, chambers and towers were filled full therewith. One never
heard tell of so marvelous a treasure. But if it had been a thousand
times more, but to have Siegfried alive again, Kriemhild had gladly
stood bare by his side. Never had hero truer wife.
Now that she had the hoard, it brought into the land many stranger
knights; for the lady’s hand gave more freely than any had ever seen.
She was kind and good; that must one say of her.
To poor and rich she began to give, till Hagen said that if she lived
but a while longer, she would win so many knights to her service that
it must go hard with the others.
But King Gunther said, “It is her own. It concerneth me not how she
useth it. Scarcely did I win her pardon. And now I ask not how she
divideth her jewels and her red gold.”
But Hagen said to the king, “A wise man would leave such a treasure to
no woman. By reason of her largess, a day will come that the bold
Burgundians may rue.”
Then King Gunther said, “I sware an oath to her that I would
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