Herrat was a faithful wife and helpmeet. The old master and many of his
other ancient friends were round him; but in the midst of his glory
Dietrich could not forget the faithful comrades who had died in his
service, the friends who had given him their all, and to whom he could
no longer show either love or kindness.
His power was great. The empire was more extensive than it had ever
been before, and peace reigned within its borders. Once, indeed, a
giant had committed great devastations within the land, and Heime had
sought him out, but only to be slain. Dietrich himself had then gone
forth, and had conquered the monster. It was the last combat in which
the aged hero ever took part.
[Illustration: ROUND THEODERIC’S TOMB.]
His wife, noble Herrat, soon after fell sick and died. From that time
forward his character seemed changed. He was gloomy and morose, and
committed many actions for which no after repentance could atone. The
only one of his former pleasures that gave him any happiness was that
of hunting. When he heard the cheerful sound of the horns, his face
would clear up, and a smile play on his lips, and he would once more
look like the Dietrich his friends had known of yore. Once, when he was
bathing in the river, a great stag with golden horns, wonderful to look
upon, trotted slowly along the bank, and passed into the wood close by.
He sprang out of the water, threw on his clothes, and called for horse
and hounds. Before the servants could bring him what he desired,
Dietrich perceived a coal-black steed come towards him neighing.
Seizing his sword and darts, he hastily mounted the noble animal, and
galloped after the stag. His servants followed with the fleetest horses
in his stables, but could not come up with him. The hero rode on
faster, and ever faster. His people waited weeks, months, and even
years for his return, but all in vain. The mighty empire had no ruler.
Bloody wars broke out in consequence. His subjects longed for his
return, that his strong hand might rule the land again; but still he
did not come. Wodan, his ancestor, had caught him up to himself, and
had made him one of his wild huntsmen. Many a benighted traveller has
seen him rushing past, mounted on his coal-black steed. The people of
Lausitz and other parts of Germany talk of him as Dietherbernet, and
see him in the Furious Host even to this day.
[Illustration]
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PART SECOND.
_THE NIBELUNG AND KINDRED LEGENDS._
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