Nibelungenlied E-book
Author: Anonymous Epic
Genre: Epic, Literature, Poetry
1200
THE NIBELUNGENLIED
translated by Margaret Armour
Electronically Enhanced Text (c) Copyright 1996, World Library(R)
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 weeping 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 & 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; & 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 to thee a true and trusty
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 now 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. But the noble youth would
none of it. 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. To thee
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 toward
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 younder 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 these 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, here by thee, dwell the
prowest knights 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 are 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 thy 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 are shall raise a hand against me, for I am a great king; thou
are 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
advantage.'
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 are 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 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 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 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 mighty 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 thy 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 trusty friends, let it appear now; let them help
thee to keep thy castles and thy 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 other 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 array, 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 me 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 the 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 thy 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 hated 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 vassal, and to Hagen and his knights. These were
sorry enow at the news; 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 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 myself will 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 by 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 price 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 hasted 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
had happed, 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 land.
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 sword 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
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 Ludger 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 may 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 were 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 palace, 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 art
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 hast 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 unweighted silver 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 maiden.
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
adventage us, & 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 thee. Never, while I live, will I lay head on pillow,
till I have brought thy 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. This
favor she showed the knight for her great love.
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, & if any devised a sport, warriors, joyous
in strife, welcomed it straightway. So were the knights proven
before the guests, & 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 ye 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.'
'What thou counsellest I will do. They shall depart as thou sayest.'
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, & 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 happed 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 not so,' 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
straitened 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 & 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 whoso 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 crosss 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 art welcome, my brother: thou and thy
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 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 younder 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 strangers. 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 poitrals 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, &
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 man 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 & 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 younder 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; &
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 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 am I 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, & he did it on swiftly, that
none knew. Then he hasted 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 & 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 & 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 &
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 carried 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, & 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 spear 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, &
had perished but for the Tarnkappe. The blood gushed from
Siegfried's mouth. But he sprang up swiftly, & took the spear that she
had shot through his buckler, and threw it back again with great
force. He thought, 'I will not slay so fair a maiden,' and he turned
the spear, and hurled it with 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, & 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 & 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 despatched 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 start 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 & 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, & 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 lavish 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 nigh her- her mother's
brother- and to him she said, 'Take my castles & my 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, & 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, & 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, 'Harken
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 straight way, & 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 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, & 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, & 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, & 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- & they drew night 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, & 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
& 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 to 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, 'Dear 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 then, '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 guest. 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 th |
|
