"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have
but twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of
Siegfried serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart,
and Sindolt, your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride
along; he shall bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it.
Let now the envoys ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to
understand they soon shall see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers
of Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should
journey home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts
and gave them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say
unto my foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their
journey and stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands,
hardships shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to
bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they
took their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.
Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had
heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in
sooth, their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full
many a valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand,
whose name was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it
Liudegast when he heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark
had heard these tidings told, they hasted all the more to call their
friends; till Sir Liudegast had gathered for his journey full twenty
thousand knights from among his valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also,
of Saxon land, sent forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men
and more, with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.
Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the
liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead
thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon
must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.
When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such
wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg
was master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who
wist well how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and
Ortwin, too, well could they serve with honor in this war.
"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your
warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep
your spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate.
Well will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at
Worms upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride
so nigh unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to
fear."
From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon
land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried
all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire
distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.
Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"
Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:
"Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and
Ortwin guard the rear."
"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the
outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors
be." Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop
he gave in charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the
valiant man. Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a
helmet band he cut to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host
that lay encamped upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his
men. Forty thousand or better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried
saw this in lofty mood. Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted
to the outlook 'gainst the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold
man saw him, too. Each began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it
was, who stood on guard, I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold
lay by his hand. It was the good King Liudegast, who was guarding here
his band. The noble stranger pricked along in lordly wise.
Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of
their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched
the spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty
king. After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal
knights, as though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled
in knightly wise and the two fierce champions encountered with their
swords. Then smote Sir Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring.
Through the hero's hand from out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew
the bright red sparks. Each in the other found his match. Sir Liudegast,
too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each broke full upon the
shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men stood there on guard, but ere they
could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with three groat
wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming breastplate, the
which was passing good. The blood from the wounds gushed forth along
the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast stood in sorry mood. He
begged for life and made offrance of his lands and said that his name
was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had witnessed what there had
happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he
was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty blows the hero's hand
guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then wrought worse scathe.
In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one he left alive,
who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had chanced. By his
reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved the men of
Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken captive.
Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with monstrous
wrath, for great woe it brought him.
Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was
the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden
raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be
done, ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame
in Saxon land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed
to me, for I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see
helmets carved by the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they
shall become acquaint with fear."
To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart
minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.
Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor
had they more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve
men-at-arms. Now from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land
they rode; many a lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst.
There, too, were come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened
swords, as I since have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes'
hands, for they would fain guard both their castles and their land
against the strangers. The lordings' marshals led on the troop.
Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had brought from
Netherland. In the storm of battle many a hand this day grew red with
blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too, slew many a knight in the
strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness of their foes. This many a
stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too,
dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these
storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.
The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield
resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of
which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but
when the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide
wound carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow.
Thus they fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang
the sharp weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed
their lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way
in Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.
Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn
forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his
men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was
Hagen come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before
them many a good knight must needs die this day.
When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in
hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the
lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of
swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two
champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;
fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that
his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it
was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot,
but later he learned the truth.
So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled
beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a
frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise
Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise
Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side
by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets
many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the
fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave,
and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then
off flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of
Netherland thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous
many of whom one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring
Dankwart broke!
Then Sir Liudeger espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's
hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends
the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have
seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him
well. The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land."
The banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was
later granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land.
This was wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord
they then gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets
and the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the
hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would,
for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors,
bade bear away the wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth
captive to the Rhine. The worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had
the Saxons fought so well that one could give them aught of praise, and
this the heroes rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by
friends.
Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried,
the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must
needs confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his
native land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him
and to his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for
honor. The squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had
sorrowed, were blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come.
Much questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with
the liegemen of the mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to
Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not), for she,
too, had amongst them her own true love. When she saw the messenger
coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me
glad news, I pray. And thou dost so without deceit, I will give thee of
my gold and will ever be thy friend. How fared forth from the battle my
brother Gernot and others of my kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or
who wrought there the best? This thou must tell me."
Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell
the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray,
as did the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of
valiant Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife,
Dankwart and Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove
for honor, 'tis but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of
Siegmund, the king. They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none
might tell you of the wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode
into the fight. Great woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the
field the love of many a dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so
loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds they drew forth the blood
in streams. In every knightly art he is a worthy knight and a brave.
Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he whom he could reach with his
good sword, fell sorely wounded, but mostly dead), yet your brother
wrought the direst woe that could ever chance in battle. One must say of
the chosen knights in truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted
them so well that they can well preserve their honor from every taint
of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field
resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the warriors from
the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been avoided. The
valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great numbers the
armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this full many
stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt,
Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well
ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this
King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon
land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried
the twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this
land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing
to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly
wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men
were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty
pride sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."
Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings
could not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in
duty bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have
thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are
gladly told to noble dames.
They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he
his vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty
king in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but
sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes.
Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to
Gunther's land. The men alighted from their steeds before the palace
of the king. Loud was heard the joyous sound of the merry welcome;
then order was given to lodge the warriors in the town. The king bade
minister well unto his guests, attend the wounded and give them good
easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to
Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta'en because of you;
for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God reward my kinsmen,
for they have given me joy."
"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath
king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of
wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety
that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land
against my will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded
were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.
Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields
were borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which
one bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight
returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.
His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the
sorely wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men
offered to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto
shining gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To
his guests the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to
set out for home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king
bethought him how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass
his wish for fame and honor.
Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to
them that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then
will many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."
Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther
learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for
the king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,
though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the
kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For
the sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy
her. Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He
rode thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful
knight did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon
the sand before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the
Burgundian land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard
it said that the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear
friends. Then comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which
they were to don. The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors
who were to come. Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To
please her children she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and
many maids might therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the
Burgundian land. Also for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly
robes.
ENDNOTES:
(1) "Saxons". This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
to Brunhild's land. (In our poem it is placed before the
marriage.) It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
role. The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark. In "Biterolf"
Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
his brother.
(2) "Fey". This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
etymologically the same word. The ancient Germans were
fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
fate had so predestined.
(3) "Thirty thousand". The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples. They
will be found to occur very frequently in our poem. See
Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
(4) "Their". The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
(5) "Marks of gold". A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
gold or silver.
ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the
feasting. Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the
land, were given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all,
for the highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes
at the feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire.
Giselher, the youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their
men received the friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights
right courtly greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle
of golden red, dainty shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the
Rhine. Many a wounded man was seen full merry since. Even those who lay
abed in stress of wounds, must needs forget the bitterness of death.
Men ceased to mourn for the weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the
festal day, and how well they would fare at the feasting of the king.
Pleasure without stint and overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk
which there were seen. Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the
whole of Gunther's land.
Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad
attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they
vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he
already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his
sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above
all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full
honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who
live in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man,
what else could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames?
Pray let your sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a
hero was this counsel given.
"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were
merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely
daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the
presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away.
Of rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden
decked herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was
of the mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would
not exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they
gazed on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty
king full a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort
his sister and serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the
Burgundian land and carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta
coming with her child. Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken
for her train, who wore rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter
many a stately maid. When from out a bower men saw them come, there rose
a mighty press of knights who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze
with joy upon the noble maid. Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as
doth the red of dawn from out the lowering clouds. He then was reft
of many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw the
lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How shone full many a precious
stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her rose-red hue appeared. Whatever
one might wish, he could not but confess that never in the world had
he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon, whose sheen is thrown so
brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the stars, so stood she now
before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher rose the spirits of
the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front,
while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press where they might
see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole. To
himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should love thee?
That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were I better
dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood the son
of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment by
skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair a
knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give
way and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a
wight, as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who
offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite
before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried
now approach my sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be
our gain. She who never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by
this means we now may win the stately knight."
Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion
from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court;
his sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."
At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy
without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely
grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight
stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir
Siegfried, most good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this
greeting his spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she
took him by the hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon
each other this lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly
this happed. Was perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by
heart-felt love? That know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was
left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in
summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his heart such lofty
joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he walked with her whom he fain
would call his love.
Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk
thus with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her,
I'd bear it willingly."
Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the
guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was
bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened
in this world.
Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a
warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God
grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."
On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw
her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately
knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed
by many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a
daring wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight
of many a knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well
might he think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in
heart. Cause enow he had to love the fair.
When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight
again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely
maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many
knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,
"that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do
love you with such fealty as I hear them say."
Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve
them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never
will I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do,
my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."
A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid
beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This
service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure
was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from
many a daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever
any wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they
became well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land
was decked with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming
forth; they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard
themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help
them, for there was great store of men.
At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He
kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men
saw him move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy
knights, ere ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it
of you ever. Do not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as
I have great desire."
Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we
crave a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of
our kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."
Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had
recovered from the fray, though many dead they left within this land.
Then King Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake:
"Now tell me what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for
lasting peace of me and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what
thinketh thee good to do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee;
what of gold five hundred steeds can bear, that would they gladly give
me, and I set them free again."
Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride
hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his
hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding
hither to your land."
"This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's
foes was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their
loved friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield
full of treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out
unweighed to his many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and
to a few, still more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this.
Then they all took leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests
draw nigh to Kriemhild and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were
knights dismissed in better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away,
but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin and many a noble
liegeman. Daily they were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good
knight Siegfried now would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win
that on which his mind was set. The king heard said that he would hence,
but Giselher, the youth, quite won him from the journey.
"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the
knights, I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too,
are many comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."
Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride
hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I
craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me
from it."
So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he
have fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw
Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording
stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her
love constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love
in later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.
ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair
maid dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high
therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the
sea, whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great
her strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The
stone she hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love
must win without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the
noble maid had done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by
the Rhine. He turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes
must needs later lose their lives.
One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in
many a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be
their lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I
will go down to the sea and hence to Brunhild, however it may go with
me. For her love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become
not my wife."
"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say,
the queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will
pay full dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."
Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I
might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to
share with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so
well how matters stand with Brunhild."
The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely
maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my
love, for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."
To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and
thou give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask
no other meed."
"I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if
fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto
wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."
This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their
hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account
these brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take
with him hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers
from a dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made
them ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness
he had strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With
cunning arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that
whatsoever any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild,
which brought him dole.
"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we
not take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with
passing honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be
called."
"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so
fierce a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give
thee better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering
knights adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the
band. In all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo
the lady, whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four
comrades, the second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have
we hope of life), Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand
others durst not match us in the fight."
"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would
please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which
would beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."
"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel
no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if
perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments
which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."
Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your
mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and
she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."
Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight
Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing
well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were
her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when
she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to
greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.
"Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the
maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me
hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty
mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign
lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."
"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear
aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other
kings."
By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she
walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with
dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime
with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft
between the twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as
life. In after days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may
not be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have
need of princely garb to wear before the dames."
Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,
that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.
Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble
knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly
air to do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a
will." So spake the winsome maid.
"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand
shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there
be no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye
what I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon
the shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too,
gave glad assent.
"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus
clad to court?"
He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and
Hagen, shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say.
Each of us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes
of apparel and such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit
Brunhild's land."
In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the
queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come
forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the
fair silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with
precious stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the
high-born maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought
linings from the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they
covered now with silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great
marvels of these shining weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from
Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest silks which the kith of
any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore
the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they had set their minds, they
deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as
coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.
From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone. The
ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought
the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.
When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste
upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward
to the sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the
warriors were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now
prepared; as they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no
longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they sent a message to their
war-companions, if perchance they should care to view their new attire,
to see if it be too long or short. All was found in fitting measure,
and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw them could not but
aver that never in the world had they seen attire more fair. Therefore
they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of better
knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty
knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise.
Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.
Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and
pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then
would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a
birth."
I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.
She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended
to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land."
This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.
The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.
Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought
them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would
ride away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids
stood at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the
proud war fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.