Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This
was done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of
Netherland get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike
weeds. Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must
stay here. We shall return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God
give us luck. Ye must here make merry with the king."
They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were
enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout
of men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their
breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to
quit the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for
leave; sith they would void the land.
"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare
protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.
Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend
Hagen, think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear
you hate. Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer,
if I have done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble
wife. "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero
and a good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."
"Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray
tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do
this for you than for any else."
"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one
would take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening
mood; then the bold knight and a good were safe."
"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him,
pray let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot,
on horse, will I ever be his guard."
She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee
trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well,
mine own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been
better left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow.
When he slew the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of
a truth in the blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in
the fray. Yet am I in fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many
javelins are cast by heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of
mine. Alas, how oft I suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in
the hope that thou wilt hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where
men may wound the dear lord of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in
faith. When the hot blood gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold
hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt
his shoulder blades. Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him
there."
Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I
may know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."
She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:
"With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,
thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in
the battle before his foes."
"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband
was thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence.
The king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will
warrior give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild
trusted in his troth.
Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He
weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so
near him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent
in secret twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's
land should still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the
king. How loth Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his
kinsmen's wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then
to the king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will,
friend Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this
I'll ever serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my
friends. Now that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting
for bears and boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That
Hagen, the faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my
guests, that we ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make
them ready. If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that
liketh me as well."
Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd
fain go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will
ride to the pines."
"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye
will, four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is
wont to go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told
the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never
use such faithlessness.
ENDNOTES:
(1) "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "bracke", used
here.
ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.
Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry
a-hunting in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars
and bears and bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried
in lordly guise; many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool
spring he later lost his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife,
had counseled. The bold knight then went to where he found Kriemhild.
His costly hunting garb and those of his fellowship were already bound
upon the sumpters, for they would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild
have been more sorrowful. He kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let
me see thee, lady, still in health and grant that thine eyes may see me
too. Thou shalt have pastime with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at
home."
Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not
say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord
Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be
your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did
chase you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great
cause to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we
have not misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear
my lord, that I counsel by my troth."
He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here
of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my
friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."
"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an
evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It
doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."
In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then
in a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw
him in health again.
Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many
bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher
stayed at home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the
Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat
and fish, and great store of other things, which so mighty a king might
rightly have. They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green
wood over against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade
where they should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come.
The hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the
bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who
shall lead us to the game within the wood?"
"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords
and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us
divide the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He
who doth hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen
bided by another after that.
Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath
been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine
woods." Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."
Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space
brought the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its
lair the comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever
the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his
hand. His horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he
gained the prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The
beast which he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after
which he found full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started
this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a
full sharp arrow. After the shot the lion ran the space of but three
bounds. The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he
speedily slew a bison and an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage
shelk. (3) His horse bare him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor
could hart or hind avoid him. Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar;
when he began to flee, at once there came the master of the hunt and
encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar did run against the
valiant hero, but Kriemhild's husband slew him with his sword. Another
huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he had felled
him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well known
to the Burgundian men.
Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a
deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."
At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and
the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise
that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had
let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must
needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men
should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the
stalwart Siegfried was already standing by the fire. The chase was over,
and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them
thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's
meiny bare then to the kitchen!
Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A
horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might
find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen:
"My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the
quarters; I'll now give answer."
Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake
Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him
smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started
up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those
behind: "I'll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach.
Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he
never so fast, he shall not escape us."
The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would
fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The
mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the
proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him.
The bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught
it and bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither
scratch nor bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle
and horsed him quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior
and a good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise
he rode to the quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A
dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn
of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him
wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it
was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was
drawn over it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which
any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend
it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head to toe. From
the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt
many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good broad sword, that
was so sharp that it never failed when 'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet;
its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must
tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the
heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts. What he pierced therewith
must needs die soon.
Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly,
that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had
fear. Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he
drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a
firebrand scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!
Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear
grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had
all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty
men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such
press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the
whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could
follow him but Kriemhild's husband, who caught and slew him with his
sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it,
averred he was a mighty man.
Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon
a fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they
bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such
great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the
wine. Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your
hunting-fellow. I have well deserved that they regard me, too."
The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you
remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die
of thirst."
Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the
Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not
drink to-day, how well will I avoid this in the future!"
At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One
should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled
wine. (8) If that might not be, then men should have placed our benches
nearer to the Rhine."
Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a
good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."
To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of
thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne
away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With
false intent the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the
game which Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever
saw it gave him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth
to Siegfried. When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It
hath oft been told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband
when he be minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that,
and ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call
give the prize to him who winneth."
"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward
at your feet." (9)
How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold
knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my
trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he
quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in
two white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran,
but men spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare
away the prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid
aside his quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough.
The lordly stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was
Siegfried's courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed
forth, but the hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king
had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the
spring. Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream, and when he had
drunken straightened up again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done
the same, but now he paid for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from
him both bow and sword and bounded then to where he found the spear;
then he looked for the mark on bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried
drank above the spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that
his heart's blood spurted from the wounds almost on Hagen's clothes.
Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed. Hagen left the spear a-sticking
in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world had run from
any man.
When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started
in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered.
He weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid
as he deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his
sword, then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the
spring and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit
he was wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of
precious stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst
quite apart. Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was
Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow
the glade rang loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been
Hagen's death, so sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good
cause thereof. His hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of
body melted quite away, for in bright colors he bore the signs of death.
Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames enow.
Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his
blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause,
at those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded
spake: "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye
have slain me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you.
Alas, ye have acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born
in after days will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore
upon me. With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a
hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and
this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the
Burgundians bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no
need that he should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle
blame. It had been better left undone."
Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All
our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who
dare withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."
"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your
murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue
me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I
ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his
kindred have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake
Siegfried, "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the
deadly wounded spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to
any in the world, then let my dear love be commended to your grace and
let it avail her that she be your sister. For the sake of your princely
courtesie protect her faithfully. My father and my men must wait long
time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
The flowers on every side were wet with blood. With death he struggled,
but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely.
Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
When the lordings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a
shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen
had done the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye
must all hide it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as
he rode alone a-hunting through the pine wood."
Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be
known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it
trouble me however much she weep."
ENDNOTES:
(1) "Lion." It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
roam at large in the forests of Germany. They were,
however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
hunter.
(2) "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
extinct.
(3) "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
deer.
(4) "Fragrance". It was believed that the odor of the panther
attracted the game. Compare the description of the panther
in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
surpass that of all ointments.
(5) "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
connotation is not known. Some interpret it to meau the
fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
(6) "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
(7) "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
did not disturb the poet.
(8) "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
(9) "Feet". This was probably done as a handicap. The time
consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
a start.
ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He
bade place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when
she went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild
full seldom missed through sleep.
Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild,
the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord,
but with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this
Lady Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her
ladies for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet,
there doth lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it
was her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure
at his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they
found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After
her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:
"Perchance it is a stranger knight."
The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis
Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen
hath done the deed."
The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand
she raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him
soon. There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The
gracious queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is
not carved with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done
the deed, I'd ever plot his death."
All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they
grieved full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had
cruelly avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all
Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me
bewail brave Siegfried."
A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the
Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could
scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger
came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I
trow his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see
his dear son alive.
"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A
wrong hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all
other ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."
Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which
thou tellest me?"
Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold
Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales,
that thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail
him fully before my death."
"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear
yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."
Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need. He and
a hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands
their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail.
Then came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard
the ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should
dress them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great
heaviness was buried in their hearts.
Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas
for the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my
child and you of your husband among such good friends?"
"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul
would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin
must ever weep because of me."
Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow
of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded
from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's
wife. They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his
wounds and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty
grief. Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be
ever ready to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the
deed."
All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came
with their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had
in his troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he
had great need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife,
unless it be to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden
to the hunt.
Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief
and how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the
Nibelungs at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to
hinder it. In kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin.
The grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye
wot naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye
will all be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."
With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The
noble queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When
they would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord
Siegmund, ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my
husband with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do
him scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I
will not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of
ours. Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear
with me my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights,
to coffin the dear husband of mine."