Book II

Twentieth Adventure

How King Etzel Sent to Burgundy for Kriemhild

It was in the days when Queen Helca died, and King Etzel wooed other

women, that his friends commended to him a proud widow in the land of

Burgundy, that hight Queen Kriemhild.

Seeing fair Helca was dead, they said, “If thou wouldst win a noble

wife, the highest and the best that ever a king won, take this woman.

Stark Siegfried was her husband.”

The great king answered, “How could that be, since I am a heathen, and

have not received baptism? The woman is a Christian—she will not

consent. It were a wonder, truly, if it came to pass.”

But the good knights said, “What if she do it gladly, for thy high

name’s sake, and thy great possessions? One can ask her at the least;

she were a fitting and comely mate for thee.”

Then the noble king answered, “Which among ye knoweth the folk by the

Rhine, and their land?”

Said good Rudeger of Bechlaren, “From a child I have known the high and

noble kings, Gunther and Gernot, good knights both. The third hight

Giselher; each of these doeth whatso goeth best with honour and virtue.

The like did their fathers.”

But Etzel said, “Friend, tell me now, is she meet to wear the crown in

my land? If her body be so fair as they say, my best friends shall

never rue it.”

“She resembleth great Helca, my mistress, for beauty. No king’s wife in

the world could be fairer. Whom she taketh to friend may well be

comforted!”

He said, “Then woo her, Rudeger, in my name and for my sake. And come I

ever to wed Kriemhild, I will reward thee as I best can. Thereto, thou

wilt have done my will faithfully. From my store I will bid them give

thee what thou requirest of horses and apparel, that thou and thy

fellows may live merrily. They shall give thee therefrom without stint

for thine embassy.”

Rudeger, the rich Margrave, answered, “I were much to blame if I took

from thy store. I will gladly ride, an envoy to the Rhine, at mine own

cost, and with what I have received from thy hand.”

Then the rich king said, “When thinkest thou to set out for the fair

one? God guard thine honour by the way, and also my wife, if kind

fortune help us to her favour.”

Said Rudeger, “Or we quit this land, we must let fashion weapons and

apparel, that we may win worship when we come before the princes. I

will lead to the Rhine five hundred valiant men, that when they see me

and mine at Burgundy, they may say that never king sent so many men so

far as thou hast sent to us, to the Rhine. And know, great king, if

thou art set on this, that she belonged to Siegfried, a right goodly

man, the son of Siegmund. Thou hast seen him here. Soothly, much

worship might be said of him.”

King Etzel answered, “If she was that knight’s wife, the noble prince

was of so high renown, that I may not scorn his queen. By reason of her

great beauty she pleaseth me well.”

Then the Margrave said, “I promise thee that we will ride hence in four

and twenty days. I will send word to Gotelind, my dear wife, that I,

myself, go as envoy to Kriemhild.” So Rudeger sent messengers to

Bechlaren to his wife, the high-born Margravine, and told her that he

would go wooing for the king.

The Margravine still thought lovingly on good Helca, and when she heard

the message, she was one part sorry, and began to weep, lest she might

not win such a mistress as afore. When she thought on Helca she was

heavy of her cheer.

Rudeger rode out of Hungary in seven days, whereat King Etzel rejoiced.

They made ready his equipment at the town of Vienna, and he delayed his

journey no longer.

Gotelind awaited him at Bechlaren, and the young Margravine, Rudeger’s

daughter, saw her father and his men gladly. They got a fair greeting

from beautiful women.

Or noble Rudeger rode to Bechlaren from the town of Vienna, the

clothes, whereof there were enow, came on the sumpters. So strong they

rode, that little was stolen from them by the way.

When they were come into the town of Bechlaren, the host bade lodge his

comrades, and give them good quarters. Wealthy Gotelind rejoiced to see

her husband, the like did also his dear daughter, the young Margravine,

that was as merry as could be at his coming. Right gladly she saw the

heroes from Hungary. The noble maiden said, with laughing mouth, “Ye be

very welcome, my father and his men.”

And the good knights were not slow to thank her.

Well Gotelind knew the mind of Rudeger. When she lay by him at night,

she asked him sweetly whither the king of the Huns had sent him.

He answered, “I will tell thee gladly, my wife Gotelind. I go to woo a

wife for my master, now that fair Helca is dead. I go to Kriemhild, on

the Rhine, that shall become a great queen here among the Huns.”

“God grant it fall so, for much good have we heard of her. Haply she

will make up to us for our mistress of aforetime. We might well rejoice

to have her wear the crown here.”

Said the Margrave, “To them that ride with me to the Rhine, thou shalt

give graciously of thy goods, dear wife. When heroes go richly attired,

they be of high courage.”

She answered, “There is none, if he will take it, but shall have what

suiteth him well, or thou and thy men depart.”

And the Margrave said, “Thou wilt please me well thereby.”

Ha! what rich stuffs they took from their chambers! They hasted and

provided the noble warriors with vesture enow from neck to spur. What

pleased him the beast, Rudeger chose for himself.

On the seventh morning the host rode from Bechlaren with his knights.

They took a goodly store of weapons and raiment through Bavaria, and

were seldom fallen upon by robbers on the way.

Within twelve days they came to the Rhine. The news was not slow to

spread. They told the king and his men that stranger guests had

arrived. Then the king began to ask that, if any knew them, he might

declare it. They perceived that their sumpters were heavy laden, and

saw that they were rich; and they gave them lodging in the wide city

straightway.

When the stranger were arrived, the folk spied at them curiously. They

wondered whence they had journeyed to the Rhine.

The king asked Hagen who the knights were, and the hero of Trony

answered, “I have not seen them aright. When we meet them, I will tell

thee whence they have ridden into this land. They be strangers indeed

if I know them not straightway.”

The guests had been to their lodging. The envoy and his train were

richly arrayed. Their clothes were good, and cunningly fashioned; and

they rode to the court.

Then said bold Hagen, “So far as I know, for it is long since I saw the

knights, they ride like the men of Rudeger, a bold warrior from the

land of the Huns.”

“How could I believe,” said the king, “that he of Bechlaren should come

into this land?” King Gunther had scarcely made an end of speaking,

when bold Hagen saw the good Rudeger.

He and all his friends ran to him. Five hundred knights sprang from

their horses. The Huns were well received; never were envoys so richly

clad.

Then cried Hagen of Trony, “Welcome, in God’s name, is this knight, the

prince of Bechlaren, and all his men.” Worshipful greeting got the

Huns. The nearest of kin to the king pressed forward, and Ortwin of

Metz said to Rudeger, “We have not, for long, seen guests so gladly. I

speak the truth.”

They thanked the heroes for their welcome. Then they went with the

warriors into the hall, where they found the king amidst of many bold

men.

Gunther rose from his seat out of courtesy. On what friendly wise he

went toward the envoys! He and Gernot hasted to meet the guests and his

men, as beseemed them, and Gunther took Rudeger by the hand. He led him

to the highseat where he sat himself, and bade his men set before the

strangers goodly meats, and the best wine that was to be found in all

the land round about the Rhine; the which was done gladly.

Giselher and Gary, Dankwart and Folker, came in, for they had heard of

the worthy guests. They rejoiced to see them, and welcomed, in the

presence of the king, the noble knights and good.

Then said Hagen of Trony to his master, “Thy knights are greatly

beholden for what the Margrave hath done for our sake. The husband of

fair Gotelind should be well requited.”

King Gunther said, “I pray thee tell me, for I would know, how it

standeth with Etzel and Helca in the land of the Huns.”

The Margrave answered, “I will tell thee gladly.”

Then he rose from his seat with all his men, and said to the king,

“Give me leave to deliver the message that King Etzel hath sent me

with, here to Burgundy.”

Gunther answered, “I will hear the message wherewith thou art charged,

without taking counsel with my friends. Speak it before me and my men,

for with all honour shall thy suit be heard.”

Then said the faithful envoy, “My great lord commendeth his true

service to thee at the Rhine, and to all the friends thou hast. This he

doth with true heart. The noble king biddeth thee mourn for his loss.

His people are joyless, for my mistress, great Helca, my lord’s wife,

is dead; whereby many high-born maidens, children of great princes,

that she hath reared, are orphaned. By reason thereof the land is full

of sorrow, for these, alack! have none now to care for them. The king

also ceaseth not to make dole.”

“Now God requite him,” said Gunther, “that he commendeth his service so

fair to me and to my men. I have hearkened gladly to his greeting. My

kinsmen and my liegemen will repay him.”

Then said Gernot of Burgundy, “The world may well rue beautiful Helca’s

death, for the sake of her many virtues.”

Hagen and many another knight said the same.

But Rudeger, the noble envoy, went on: “If thou allow it, O king, I

will tell thee further what my dear master hath charged me with.

Dolefully hath he lived since Helca’s death. And it hath been told him

that Kriemhild is without a husband, for that Siegfried is dead. If

that be so, and thou grant it, she shall wear the crown before Etzel’s

knights. This hath my lord bidden me say.”

Then the great king spake courteously, “If she be willing, she

followeth my desire therein. In three days I will let thee know. If she

say not nay to Etzel, wherefore should I?”

Meanwhile they gave the guests good lodging. On such wise were the

entreated that Rudeger was fain to confess he had friends among

Gunther’s men. Hagen served him gladly, the which Rudeger had done to

Hagen aforetime.

So Rudeger tarried there till the third day. The king did prudently,

and called a counsel, to ask his friends whether it seemed good to them

that Kriemhild should take King Etzel to husband.

And they all counselled it save Hagen, that said to Gunther, the bold

knight, “If thou be wise, thou wilt see to it that she do it not, even

if she desire it.”

“Why should I hinder it?” said Gunther. “If any good fall to the queen,

I may well grant it. She is my sister. If it be to her honour, we

ourselves should seek the alliance.”

But Hagen answered, “Say not so. Didst thou know Etzel as I do, thou

wouldst see that thou, first of all, must suffer if she wedded him as

thou counsellest.”

“How so?” answered Gunther. “Were she his wife, I need not come so nigh

him that I must feel his hate.”

But Hagen said, “I will never approve it.”

They summoned Gernot and Giselher, and asked whether it seemed good to

them that Kriemhild should take the great king. And none save Hagen was

against it.

Then said Giselher, the knight of Burgundy, “Do fairly by her for once,

friend Hagen. Make good to her the hurt thou hast done her. Let her

prosper without grudging it. Thou hast caused her much sorrow, and well

might she hate thee. Never was woman bereft by any man of more joy.”

“Trow me, I know that well. And were she to take Etzel, and to live

long enow, she would do us all the hurt she could. She will have many

valiant men to serve her.”

But bold Gernot answered Hagen, “Belike we shall never come into

Etzel’s land till they be both dead. Let us do truly by her, and it

will be to our honour.”

Said Hagen, “None need tell me that. If Kriemhild wear Helca’s crown,

she will do us all the hurt she can. Let the thing alone; it were

better for you knights.”

Then Giselher, fair Uta’s son, spake angrily, “We will not all do

basely. If aught good befall her, we shall be glad. For all thou canst

say, Hagen, I will serve her truly.”

When Hagen heard that, he was wroth. Gernot and Giselher, the proud

knights and good, and Gunther, the great king, agreed in the end, that

they would allow it gladly, if Kriemhild were so minded.

Then Prince Gary said, “I will tell the lady, that she may incline her

heart to King Etzel, for many a knight is his vassal. He may make good

to her the wrong she hath suffered.”

The good knight went to Kriemhild. She welcomed him kindly, and he said

without ado, “Greet me gladly, and give me the envoy’s meed, for good

fortune parteth thee from all thy dole. One of the best men that ever

ruled a king’s land with honour, or wore a crown, hath sent hither to

sue for thy love. Noble knights are come wooing for him; thy brother

bade tell thee this.”

But the sorrowful one said, “God forbid that thou and all my friends

should mock my misery. What could I be to a man that hath known the

heart’s love of a good wife?”

She would none of it. But Gernot, her brother, and Giselher the youth,

came to her, and lovingly they bade her be comforted, for, if she took

the king, it were truly to her profit.

But none could prevail on the lady to wed with any man. Then the

knights prayed her, saying, “Receive the envoys, at the least, if thou

wilt not yield.”

“That I will do,” said the queen; “I am fain to see Rudeger, by reason

of his many virtues. Were it not he, but another envoy, I had remained

a stranger to him.” She said, “Send him hither to my chamber to-morrow

early, and I will tell him my mind on this matter.”

Then her bitter weeping began afresh.

Rudeger desired nothing better than to see the queen. He knew himself

so skilful in speech that, could it be at all, he must prevail with

her.

Early the next morning when they were singing the mass, the noble

envoys came. The press was great, and the valiant men that were bound

for the court with Rudeger were richly arrayed.

Poor Kriemhild, the sad-hearted one, waited for Rudeger, the noble

envoy. He found her in the clothes that she wore every day, albeit her

attendants were in rich raiment enow. She went to the door to meet him,

and received Etzel’s man kindly. With twelve knights only he came

before her. They were well entreated, for never were better envoys.

They bade the warrior and his men sit down. The two Margraves, Eckewart

and Gary stood before her, but all were sad of their countenance by

reason of the sorrowful queen; many fair women sat round her, and

Kriemhild did nothing but weep; that her robe on the bosom was wet with

hot tears.

The Margrave saw this, and rose from his seat and spake courteously,

“Most noble king’s daughter, grant to me and my friends that are with

me, to stand before thee and tell thee the message we bring hither.”

“Thou hast permission,” said the queen; “say what thou wilt, and I will

hear it gladly, for thou art a good envoy.”

The others perceived her unwilling mind, but Prince Rudeger of

Bechlaren said, “Etzel, a great king, commendeth his true love to thee,

here in this land. He hath sent many good knights to sue for thy love.

Love without sorrow he offereth thee, and the like firm affection that

he showed erstwhile to Queen Helca, that lay upon his heart. Thou shalt

wear the crown, even as my mistress did aforetime.”

Then said the queen, “Margrave Rudeger, none that knew my bitter woe

would counsel me to wed another man, for I lost one of the best that

ever woman had.”

“What comforteth more in grief,” said the bold man, “than true love? He

that chooseth to his heart’s desire findeth that naught healeth sorrow

like love. If thou consent to wed my noble master, twelve royal crowns

shall be thine; thereto, my lord will give thee thirty princes’ lands

that his strong hand hath overcome. And thou shalt be mistress of many

worshipful men, that were subject to my lady Helca, and of many

beautiful maidens, the kin of kings, that she ruled over. My master

bade me say that, if thou wilt wear the crown with him, he will give

thee all the high power that Helca had. Mightily shalt thou wield it

over Etzel’s men.”

But the queen answered, “How could I incline my heart again to be a

hero’s wife? Death hath wrought me such woe through one, that I must

stand joyless till my life’s end.”

The Huns answered, “Great queen, thy life by Etzel will be so glad that

thou wilt know nothing save delight, if thou consent. For the king hath

many a peerless knight. Helca’s maidens, and thine together, shall be

thy attendants, by reason whereof many warriors shall rejoice. Be

counselled, O queen, for thy good.”

She said courteously, “Let the matter stand till to-morrow morning.

Come to me then; and I will answer you concerning your business.” To

the which the bold knights agreed.

When they were all gone to their lodging, the lady sent for Giselher

and her mother. To both she said that weeping beseemed her better than

aught else.

But her brother Giselher said, “Sister, something telleth me, and I

trow it, that King Etzel will end all thy dole. It seemeth good to me

that thou take him to husband, whatso any other may counsel. He may

give thee again all that thou hast lost. From the Rhone to the Rhine,

from the Elbe to the sea, no king is so mighty as he is. Thou mayest

well rejoice that he chooseth thee for his queen.”

She answered, “Dear brother, wherefore counsel me thus? Mourning and

weeping suit me better. How could I appear before the knights at court?

Had my body ever beauty, it hath lost it.”

Then said queen Uta to her dear daughter, “Dear child, do what thy

brother saith. Be counselled by thy friends, and good will betide thee.

Too long have I seen thee mourning bitterly.”

Then she asked mighty God to guide her. Albeit she might have gold and

silver and apparel to give, as aforetime, when her husband lived, never

again could she have the happy hours.

She thought to herself, “Shall I give myself to a heathen? I am a

Christian woman. I should be shamed before the world. Though he gave me

the riches of the whole earth, it could never be.”

At that point she left it; and all night long, till the day, the woman

lay on her bed full of thoughts. Her bright eyes were never dry till

she went to mass in the morning.

The kings also came at the hour of mass, and took their sister by the

hand. They counselled her to wed the king of the Huns. But the lady was

no merrier of her cheer.

Then they bade Etzel’s men come before her, that were fain to be gone

with her answer, whether it was a “yea” or a “nay.” So Rudeger came to

the court. His comrades urged him to learn the princes’ mind without

delay. This seemed good to them all, for it was a far way back to their

land.

They brought Rudeger to Kriemhild. And the knight asked the queen

gently to let him hear the message she sent to Etzel. He won nothing

from her but denial, for never could she love another man.

Then said the Margrave, “That were ill done. Wherefore ruin so fair a

body? Still mayest thou with honour become a good man’s wife.” Yet all

their entreaty availed not, till that Rudeger said secretly to the

queen that he would make good to her any hurt that might befall her. At

that, her grief abated somewhat.

He said to the queen, “Weep no more. If thou hadst none among the Huns

save me, my faithful kinsmen, and my men, sore must he pay for it that

did thee wrong.”

Much milder was the lady’s mood, and she said, “Swear me an oath that,

should any do aught against me, thou wilt be the first to avenge it.”

The Margrave answered, “I will swear it.”

So Rudeger swore with all his men always to serve her truly, and to

deny her nothing in Etzel’s land that her honour called for, and he

confirmed it with his hand.

Then thought the faithful woman, “Since I, a forlorn woman, can win so

many friends, I will let the folk say what they please. Haply I may yet

avenge my dear husband’s death. Etzel hath so many knights that, were

they mine to command, I could do what I would. Thereto, he is so

wealthy that I shall have wherewith to bestow gifts. Cruel Hagen hath

taken my treasure from me.”

She said to Rudeger, “Had I not heard he was a heathen, I would go

gladly at his bidding, and take him to husband.”

The Margrave answered, “Say no more of that, Lady. He is not quite a

heathen, be assured, for my dear master hath been christened; albeit he

hath turned again. Haply he will think better of it shouldst thou wed

him. He hath so many Christian knights that no ill could betide thee.

And thou mightst easily win back the good prince, heart and soul, to

God.”

Her brothers said, “Promise it, sister, and give over grieving.”

They begged it so long that at the last the sorrowful woman promised,

before the warriors, to become Etzel’s wife.

She said, “Poor queen that I am, I will follow you! I will go to the

Huns, if I find friends to lead me thither.” Fair Kriemhild gave her

hand on it before the knights.

Then said the Margrave, “Thou hast two knights for thy liegemen, and I

have more. Thou canst fare across the Rhine with honour. I will not

leave thee longer here among the Burgundians. I have five hundred men

and also my kinsmen. These shall serve thee here, and at home likewise,

and do thy bidding. I will do it also, and will never shame me when

thou mindest me on my word. Bid them fetch thee forth thy horse-gear,

for thou wilt never rue Rudeger’s counsel, and tell it to the maidens

that thou takest with thee. Many a chosen knight will meet us on the

road.”

They had still the trappings that they rode with in Siegfried’s time,

so that she could take many maidens with her in fitting pomp when she

departed. Ha! what goodly saddles they brought out for the fair women!

All the rich clothes they had ever worn were made ready for the

journey, for they had heard much of the king. They opened the chests

that had stood shut, and busied them for five days and a half, and took

from the presses the store of things that lay therein. Kriemhild

unlocked her chambers, that she might make Rudeger’s men rich. She had

still some gold from the Nibelung hoard, that she purposed to divide

with her hand among the Huns. An hundred mules scarce carried it.

Hagen heard the news, and said, “Since Kriemhild will never forgive me,

Siegfried’s gold shall stay here. Wherefore should I let my foemen get

so much wealth. Well I know what Kriemhild will do with this treasure.

If she took it hence, she would divide it, certes, to my hurt. Tell her

that Hagen will keep it.”

When she heard this, her anger was grim. They told it to the three

kings, that would gladly have put it right; when they could not, noble

Rudeger said joyfully, “Great Queen, why weep for thy gold? King

Etzel’s love is not small. When his eyes behold thee, he will give thee

more than thou canst ever spend. Take my word for it, lady.”

But the queen said, “Most noble Rudeger, never had a king’s daughter

more wealth than Hagen hath taken from me.”

Then came her brother Gernot to her chamber, and, with his kingly

might, stuck a key into the door, that they got Kriemhild’s gold

out—thirty marks or more. He bade the guests take it, the which pleased

Gunther.

But Gotelind’s husband of Bechlaren said, “Had my mistress all that was

ever brought from the Nibelung land, neither mine nor the queen’s hand

would touch it. Bid them keep it, for I will none of it. I brought with

me so much from my home that we can lightly dispense with it, and yet

live merrily by the way.”

But her maidens had filled twelve chests of the best gold that could

be; they took that with them, and many women’s trinkets for the

journey. But even in this thing she feared grim Hagen’s might. She had

still a thousand gold marks for masses, and this she gave for the soul

for her dear husband; the which Rudeger thought well done.

Then said the weeping queen, “Where are now the friends that will leave

their home for my sake? Let them ride with me into the land of the

Huns, and take of my treasure to buy them horses and apparel.”

The Margrave Gary spake at once, “From the day I was first given to

thee for thine attendant, I have served thee faithfully,” said the

knight, “and will do the same to my life’s end. I will take with me

also five hundred men; these, with true heart, I make over to thee.

Only death shall part us.” Kriemhild thanked the knight for his word

and for his good offer.

Then they brought round the horses, for they were ready to start. There

was bitter weeping of friends. Great Uta and many a fair maiden showed

their grief for the loss of Kriemhild.

She took with her an hundred high-born maidens, arrayed as beseemed

them. The tears ran down from bright eyes. But at Etzel’s court they

had joyful days again.

Then Giselher and Gernot came with their followers, as courtesy bade

them, and escorted their dear sister. A thousand valiant men they took

with them. Brave Gary came, and Ortwin. Rumolt the cook had also to go.

They prepared night-quarters for the women on the way. Folker was the

marshal, and saw to their lodging.

After the kisses there was loud weeping, or they came from the castle

to the plain. Many rode and followed on foot unbidden, but Gunther went

only a little way from the town.

Or they left the Rhine, they had sent forward swift messengers to the

land of the Huns, that told the king how Rudeger had won the noble

queen for his wife.

The envoys sped fast; needs must they haste, for honour’s sake and the

guerdon of good news. When they and their horses got home, King Etzel

had never heard such welcome tidings. The king bade give the envoys so

much for their message that they could live merrily ever after, till

their death. For love had chased away the king’s trouble and his dole.

Twenty-First Adventure

How Kriemhild Journeyed to the Huns

Let the envoys ride, and list rather while we tell you how the queen

journeyed through the land, and where Giselher and Gernot parted from

her. They had served her well as honour bade them. They rode as far as

the Danube at Bergen; then they took their leave, that they might

return to the Rhine. Among friends so good, this could not be done

without weeping.

Bold Giselher said to his sister, “If thou hast need of me at any time,

sister, or standest in any peril, let me know it, and I will ride to

thy succour into Etzel’s land.”

She kissed all her kinsmen on the mouth, and on friendly wise the bold

Burgundians took leave of Rudeger’s men. With the queen went many fair

maidens, an hundred and four, richly clad in gay and costly stuffs; and

they that followed Kriemhild bare broad shields enow. Then Folker, the

goodly knight, turned back also.

When they were come over the Danube into Bavaria, the news was noised

abroad that unknown guests were advancing. Where a cloister still

standeth, and the Inn floweth into the Danube, a bishop dwelled in the

town of Passau. The houses were emptied of the folk, and also the

prince’s palace, and they hasted to meet the strangers in Bavaria,

where Bishop Pilgerin found fair Kriemhild.

The knights of the country were not sorry when they saw so many

beautiful maidens following her, and they wooed the heroes’ daughters

with their eyes. Good lodging was given to the strangers, and they

rested at Pledelingen. The folk rode from all quarters toward them, and

they got freely all they needed. Both there and elsewhere they took it,

nor lost honour thereby.

The bishop rode with his niece to Passau. When the burghers of the town

got word that Kriemhild, the child of their prince’s sister, came

thither, she was received with great worship by the merchants.

The bishop thought she would tarry there, but Eckewart said, “It cannot

be, for we must down into Rudeger’s land. Many knights await us that

know of our coming.”

Fair Gotelind also had heard the news. She and her high-born child made

them ready in haste, for Rudeger had bidden her cheer the queen by

riding to meet her with all his men, as far as the Enns. This was no

sooner done than the roads were thronged with folk riding and running

afoot to meet the guests.

The queen was now come to Efferding. There many a Bavarian robber had

gladly plundered them on the road, as their custom is, and had easily

done them a hurt. But noble Rudeger had guarded against this; he had

with him a thousand knights or more. Rudeger’s wife, Gotelind, too, was

come thither, and with her many bold warriors. When they had crossed

the Traun at Enns, they found booths and tents pitched for them on the

plain where they were to sleep. Rudeger took all the charges on

himself.

Gotelind set out from her quarters, and many horses with jingling

bridles took the road. It was a fair welcome, and done for Rudeger’s

sake. The knights, from both sides, pricked gallantly to the greeting,

and showed their horsemanship in the presence of the maidens, that saw

it gladly enow. When Rudeger’s men rode up to the strangers, many a

splinter flew into the air from the hands of the heroes, that tilted on

knightly wise. They rode to win praise from the women. When the tourney

was ended, the men greeted each other, and fair Gotelind was led to

Kriemhild. There was little rest for any skilled to wait upon women.

The Margrave rode to meet his wife, that was not sorry to see him come

back safe from the Rhine. In her joy she forgot her long dole. When she

had welcomed him, he bade her alight on the grass with her attendants.

The knights hasted to serve them.

When Kriemhild saw the Margravine standing with her train, she went no

further, but stayed her horse and bade them lift her quickly from the

saddle. The bishop led his sister’s child, he and Eckewart, to

Gotelind, and all that stood in the way fell back. Then the stranger

kissed the Margravine on the mouth, and Rudeger’s wife said sweetly,

“Well for me, dear lady, that I have seen with mine eyes thy fair body

here in this land! Naught so welcome hath, for long, befallen me.” “God

reward thee, noble Gotelind,” answered Kriemhild. “If I be spared alive

to live with Botlung’s child, it may indeed be well for thee that thou

hast seen me.” Neither of them knew that which was to be.

The maidens, attended by the knights, advanced and greeted each other

courteously; then they sat down on the clover, and many that had been

strangers became acquainted. They bade pour out wine for the women;

and, seeing it was already noon, they rested there no longer, but rode

till they came to broad pavilions, where they were well served. They

stayed there the night through, till the early morning.

The folk of Bechlaren had not failed to make them ready for the many

worshipful guests, and Rudeger had so ordered it that these wanted for

little. The windows in the walls were thrown wide, the Castle of

Bechlaren stood open, and the welcome guests rode in. The noble host

bade provide good lodging for them all. Rudeger’s daughter advanced

with her attendants and received the queen right sweetly, and her

mother, the Margravine, was there also. Many a maiden was lovingly

greeted. They took hands and went together into a wide and goodly hall,

below which flowed the Danube. There they sat merrily, and the breeze

blew upon them.

What they did further, I cannot say. Kriemhild’s knights were heard

mourning that they must away so soon; it irked them sore. Ha! what good

warriors rode with them from Bechlaren.

Rudeger did them right loving service. They queen gave Gotelind’s

daughter twelve red armlets, and, thereto, goodly raiment of the best

that she had brought with her into Etzel’s land. Albeit she was bereft

of the Nibelung gold, she won to her all that saw her with the small

store that remained to her. Goodly were the gifts she bestowed on the

followers of the host. In return, the lady Gotelind did the guests from

the Rhine such honour that it had been hard to find any among them

without jewels or rich apparel from her hand.

When they had eaten, and it was time to be gone, the hostess commended

her true service to Etzel’s wife, who, from her side, embraced the fair

Margravine lovingly. And the maiden said to the queen, “Well I know, if

it seem good to thee, that my father would gladly send me into the land

of the Huns to be with thee.” Kriemhild found her true indeed!

The horses stood ready before Bechlaren; the noble queen had taken

leave of Rudeger’s wife and daughter, and, with many a sweet farewell,

the maidens parted; seldom did they meet again.

The folk of Medilick brought out in their hands rich golden vessels,

and offered them, full of wine, to the guests on the road, and bade

them welcome. The host of the place hight Astolt, that showed them the

way into Austria, by Mautern down below on the Danube; and here, again,

the great queen was paid much worship.

At that point the bishop parted lovingly from his niece, after that he

had prayed earnestly that she might prosper, and win herself honour

even as Helca had done. Ha! what fame was hers after, among the Huns!

So the strangers fared on to the Traisem, diligently waited on by

Rudeger’s men, till that the Huns were seen riding across the land.

Mickle worship was done there to the queen.

Fast by the Traisem the King of the Huns had a goodly castle and a

famous, called Traisenmauer. There Helca had dwelled and ruled more

mildly than any hath done since, save Kriemhild, who likewise gave

freely of her goods. Well might she live happily after her mourning,

and win praise from Etzel’s men, the which the heroes soon gave her to

the full.

So famed was Etzel’s rule that the boldest knights ever heard of among

Christians or heathens drew ceaselessly to his court; and all these

were come with him. One saw there what one never sees now—Christian and

heathen together. Howso divers their beliefs were, the king gave with

such free hand that all had plenty.

Twenty-Second Adventure

How She Was Received Among the Huns

She tarried at Traisenmauer till the fourth day, during which time the

dust on the road was never still, but rose like flame from all sides.

And King Etzel’s men rode thither through Austria.

When it was told to the king how proudly Kriemhild advanced through the

land, his old sorrow vanished clean from his mind, and he set out to

meet the fair one. In front of him on the way rode many a bold knight—a

vast host of Christians and heathens of many divers tongues. When they

spied the queen, they came on in stately array. Russians and Greeks

were there. Polacks and Wallachians spurred along, deftly managing

their good horses, displaying themselves each according to the custom

of his own land. From Kiow came many a knight. Savage Petschenegers

were there also, that shot with their bows at the birds that flew by,

and drew their arrow-heads strongly to the utmost stretch of the bow.

In Austria, by the Danube, is a town that hight Tulna. There Kriemhild

learned many a strange custom that she had not seen afore, and was

welcomed by not a few that, after, suffered dole through her.

The men of King Etzel’s household rode before him, merry and

rich-attired, fair accoutred and courtly: full four and twenty princes,

great and noble. To behold their queen was all they sought. Duke Ramung

of Wallachia spurred up to her with seven hundred men. They sped like

birds on the wing. Then came Prince Gibek with a gallant host. Hornbog,

the swift, pricked forward from the king’s side to his mistress with

echoing shouts, after the fashion of his country. Etzel’s kinsmen,

likewise, spurred hotly toward her. Next came bold Hawart of Denmark,

and swift Iring, free from guile; and Irnfried of Thuringia, a brave

man. These, with the twelve hundred men that made up their host,

received Kriemhild with all worship. Then came Sir Blœdel, King Etzel’s

brother, from the land of the Huns; with great pomp, he drew nigh to

the queen. The next was King Etzel, with Sir Dietrich and all his

knights, among the which were many good warriors faithful and true;

whereat the heart of Queen Kriemhild was uplifted.

Then Sir Rudeger said to the queen, “Lady, the king would welcome thee

here. Kiss them that I bid thee kiss. It is not meet that all Etzel’s

men be greeted on like manner.”

So they lifted the queen down from her palfrey. Etzel, the great

monarch, tarried no longer, but sprang from his horse with many a bold

knight, and hasted joyfully toward Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, they

tell us, walked by the queen and carried her train when King Etzel went

toward her, and she received him sweetly with kisses. She pushed back

her head-band, and her bright skin shone from out the gold, till many a

man vowed that queen Helca could not have been fairer. Blœdel, the

king’s brother, stood close at hand, whom Rudeger, the wealthy

Margrave, bade her kiss; also King Gibek, and Dietrich likewise. Twelve

knights were kissed by her, and many others were kindly greeted.

All the time that Etzel stood by Kriemhild, the youths did as the

custom is still. Christian knights and heathen jousted, each after his

own fashion. Dietrich’s men, as beseemed good warriors, hurled the

whizzing shafts high above the shields, with undaunted hand. Bucklers

enow were pierced before the German guests. Mickle din was there of

splintered lances. All the knights of the land were gathered together,

and the king’s guests also, among the which were many noble men. Then

the great king went with the queen into a stately pavilion. The field

round about was full of tents, that they might rest after their labour.

Thither the heroes led the beautiful maidens after the queen, who sat

down therein on a rich couch. The Margrave had so ordered it, that they

found it all goodly and fair. High beat the heart of Etzel.

What they said to each other I know not. Kriemhild’s white hand lay in

the king’s. They sat lovingly together, but Rudeger allowed not the

king to caress his bride in secret.

They bade stay the tourney. The din of the fray ended with honour, and

Etzel’s men went to their tents, where they had spacious lodging. That

evening, and through the night, they rested in comfort, till the

morning light began to shine. Then they got to horse again. Ha! what

sports they drave for the glory of the king! Etzel exhorted his Huns to

do as honour bade.

Then they rode from Tulna to the town of Vienna. There they found many

women featly adorned, that received Etzel’s wife with much worship. All

that they needed was there in plenty, and the heroes rejoiced against

the festival. Lodging was given them, and the king’s hightide began

merrily. There was not room for all in the town, and Rudeger bade them

that were not guests take up their quarters in the country round about.

All this time, I trow, the king was not far from Kriemhild. Sir

Dietrich, and many another knight beside, slacked not in their

endeavour to cheer the hearts of the strangers. Rudeger and his friends

had good pastime.

The festival fell on a Whitsuntide, when King Etzel wedded Kriemhild in

the town of Vienna. She had not, certes, had so many men to serve her

in her first husband’s time. With her gifts she made herself known to

many that had never seen her afore, among the which were some that said

to the guests, “We deemed that Kriemhild possessed naught. Yet here she

doeth wonders with her wealth.”

The hightide lasted seventeen days. Of no king, I ween, is it told,

that he held a longer marriage feast; at the least we wot of none. All

the guests wore new apparel. At home, in the Netherland, Kriemhild had

never sat before so many knights; yea, I trow, that albeit Siegfried

had great possessions, he had never at command so many noble warriors

as stood before Etzel. Nor had any king ever given at his own wedding

such store of rich mantles, long and wide, nor such goodly vesture,

whereof he had enow and to spare. For Kriemhild’s sake he did it all.

Friends and strangers were of one mind. They grudged not their dearest

possession. Whatso any asked for was readily given, till that many a

knight, through his charity, was left bare and without clothes.

When the queen thought how once she had sat by the Rhine with her noble

husband, her eyes grew wet. But she hid it, that none knew. Great

honour was now hers after her mickle dole.

Howso freely the others gave, it was but a wind compared with Dietrich.

What Botlung’s son had given him was no wall spent. The open hand of

Rudeger also did great wonders. Prince Blœdel, too, of Hungary, bade

empty many a travelling chest, and scatter freely both silver and gold.

Right merrily lived the warriors of the king. Werbel and Schwemmel, the

court minstrels, won, each, at the hightide, when Kriemhild wore the

crown beside Etzel, a thousand marks or more.

On the eighteenth morning they rode away from Vienna. Many a shield was

pierced in knightly encounter by the spears which the heroes bare in

their hands. So Etzel returned to the land of the Huns rejoicing. They

stayed the night at ancient Haimburg. None could number the host, nor

tell how many strong they rode through the land. Ha! what beautiful

women they found waiting them in their home! At Misenburg, the wealthy

city, they went aboard ships. The water was covered with horses and

men, as if the dry land had begun to float. There the way-weary women

had ease and comfort. The good ships were lashed together, that wave

and water might not hurt them, and fair awnings were stretched above,

as they had been still on the plain.

When word thereof came to Etzel’s castle, both women and men rejoiced.

Etzel’s household, that Helca had aforetime ruled, passed many a happy

day with Kriemhild. Noble maidens stood waiting, that since Helca’s

death had suffered heart’s dole. Kriemhild found there seven kings’

daughters that were for an adornment to Etzel’s whole land. The charge

of the damsels was with Herrat, Helca’s sister’s daughter, famed for

virtue, and the betrothed of Dietrich, a noble king’s child, the

daughter of Nentwine; the which afterward had much worship. Glad of her

cheer was she at the coming of the guests, and many a goodly thing was

made ready. What tongue might tell how merrily King Etzel dwelled

there? Never under any queen fared the Huns better.

When the king rode up with his wife from the strand, Kriemhild was told

the name of them that led forward the maidens, that she might greet

them the more fitly. Ha! how mightily she ruled in Helca’s stead! She

had true servants in plenty. The queen gave gold and vesture, silver

and precious stones. All that she had brought with her from over the

Rhine to the Huns, she divided among them. All the king’s kinsmen and

liegemen vowed their service to her, and were subject to her, so that

Helca herself had never ruled so mightily as Kriemhild, that they had

all to serve till her death.

So famous was the court and the country, that each found there, at all

times, the pastime he desired; so kind was the king and so good the

queen.

Twenty-Third Adventure

How Kriemhild Thought of Revenging Her Wrong

So, in high honour (I say sooth), they dwelled together till the

seventh year. Meanwhile Kriemhild had borne a son. Nothing could have

rejoiced Etzel more. She set her heart on it that he should receive

Christian baptism. He was named Ortlieb, and glad was all Etzel’s land.

For many a day Kriemhild ruled virtuously, even as Helca aforetime.

Herrat, the foreign maiden, that still mourned bitterly for Helca in

secret, taught her the customs of the country. Strangers and friends

alike praised her, and owned that never queen had ruled a king’s land

better or more mildly. For this she was famed among the Huns till the

thirteenth year.

When now she saw that none withstood her (the which a king’s knights

will sometimes do to their prince’s wife), and that twelve kings stood

ever before her, she thought on the grievous wrongs that had befallen

her in her home. She remembered also the honour that was hers among the

Nibelungs, and that Hagen’s hand had robbed her of by Siegfried’s

death, and she pondered how she might work him woe.

“It were easily done, could I but bring him hither.” She dreamed that

she walked hand in hand with Giselher her brother, and oft, in sweet

sleep, she kissed him. Evil came of it after.

It was the wicked Devil, I ween, that counselled Kriemhild to part from

Gunther in friendship, and to be reconciled to him with a kiss in the

land of Burgundy. She began to wet her vesture anew with hot tears.

Late and early it lay on her heart, how that, through no fault of hers,

she had been forced to wed a heathen. Hagen and Gunther had done this

wrong to her.

Never a day passed but she longed to be revenged. She thought, “Now I

am so rich and powerful that I could do mine enemies a mischief. Were

it Hagen of Trony, I were nothing loth. My heart still yearneth for my

beloved. Could I but win to them that worked me woe, well would the

death of my dear one be avenged. It is hard to wait,” said the

sorrowful woman.

All her knights, the king’s men, loved her, as was meet. Her

chamberlain was Eckewart, that thereby won many friends. None durst

withstand Kriemhild’s will.

Every day she thought to herself, “I will ask the king.” She deemed

that, of his goodness, he would send for her friends and bring them

into the land of the Huns. None guessed her evil intent.

One night, when she lay by the king, and he held her in his arms, as

was his wont, for she was to him as his life, the royal woman thought

on her foes, and said to him, “My dearest lord, I would fain beg a boon

of thee. I would have thee show, if I have deserved it at thy hand,

that my kinsmen have found favour in thy sight.”

The great king answered with true heart, “That will I readily prove to

thee. All that profiteth and doth honour to the knights rejoiceth me,

for through no woman’s love have I won better friends.”

Then said the queen, “Thou knowest well that I have noble kinsmen. It

irketh me that they visit me so seldom. The folk here deem me kinless.”

Whereto King Etzel answered, “My dearest wife, if it be not too far, I

will invite across the Rhine whomsoever thou wouldst gladly see, and

bid them hither to my land.”

The woman was well content when she discovered his mind on the matter,

and said, “If thou wouldst truly please me, my lord, thou wilt dispatch

envoys to Worms beyond the Rhine. I will inform my friends of my desire

by these; so, many good knights will come hither into our land.”

He answered, “Thy wish shall be obeyed. Thy kinsmen, noble Uta’s sons,

will not be so welcome to thee as to me. It irketh me sore that they

have been strangers so long. If it seem good to thee, dearest wife, I

will send my minstrels as envoys to thy friends in Burgundy.”

He bade summon the good fiddlers straightway, that hasted to where he

sat by the queen, and he told them both to go as envoys to Burgundy. He

let fashion rich clothes for them; for four and twenty knights they

made apparel, and the king gave them the message wherewith they were to

invite Gunther and his men. And Kriemhild began to speak to them in

secret.

Then said the great king, “I will tell ye what ye shall do. I send to

my friends love and every good wish, and pray them to ride hither to my

land. I know few other guests so dear. And if Kriemhild’s kinsmen be

minded to do my will, bid them fail not to come, for love of me, to my

hightide, for my heart yearneth toward the brethren of my wife.”

Whereto Schwemmel, the proud minstrel, answered, “When shall thy

hightide fall, that we may tell thy friends yonder?”

King Etzel said, “Next midsummer.”

“Thy command shall be obeyed,” answered Werbel.

The queen bade summon the envoys secretly to her chamber, and spake

with them. Little good came thereof. She said to the two envoys, “Ye

shall deserve great reward if ye do my bidding well, and deliver the

message wherewith I charge you, at home, in my land. I will make you

rich in goods, and give you sumptuous apparel. See that ye say not to

any of my friends at Worms, by the Rhine, that ye have ever seen me sad

of my cheer, and commend my service to the heroes bold and good. Beg

them to grant the king’s prayer and end all my sorrow. The Huns deem me

without kin. Were I a knight, I would go to them myself. Say to Gernot,

my noble brother, that none is better minded to him in the world than

I. Bid him bring here our best friends, that we win honour. And tell

Giselher to remember that never, through his fault, did ill betide me;

for which reason mine eyes are fain to behold him. Evermore I would

serve him. Tell my mother, also, what worship is mine. And if Hagen of

Trony tarry behind, who shall lead them through the land? From a child

up he hath known the roads hither to the Huns.”

The envoys guessed not why she could not leave Hagen of Trony at the

Rhine. They knew it afterward to their cost, for, through him, many a

knight was brought face to face with grim death.

Letters and greetings were given to them. They rode forth rich in

goods, that they might live merrily by the way. They took leave of

Etzel and his fair wife. Their bodies were adorned with goodly vesture.

Twenty-Fourth Adventure

How Werbel and Schwemmel Brought the Message

When Etzel sent his fiddlers to the Rhine, the news flew from land to

land. By means of swift messengers, he invited guests to his hightide.

There many met their death.

The envoys rode from the country of the Huns to the Burgundians, even

to the three noble kings and their men, to bid them to Etzel’s court,

and hasted on the way. They came to Bechlaren, where they were well

seen to, and nothing lacked to their entertainment. Rudeger and

Gotelind, and the Margrave’s child also, sent their greeting by them to

the Rhine. Not without gifts went Etzel’s men forth, that they might

fare the better on the road. Rudeger commended him to Uta and her sons;

never Margrave was so true to them as he. To Brunhild, likewise, they

commended their true service and their steadfast faith and love. When

the envoys had heard the message, they set out again, and the

Margravine prayed God in Heaven to guard them.

Or they left Bavaria, swift Werbel sought out the bishop: what greeting

he sent to his friends by the Rhine I know not. But he gave his red

gold to the envoys out of love, and let them ride on. Bishop Pilgerin

said, “Right gladly would I see my sister’s sons here. Seldom, alack!

can I win to them at the Rhine.”

I cannot tell by what road they fared through the land; but none took

from them their silver and fine clothes, for all feared the wrath of

their master: the great king was mighty and of high lineage.

Within twelve days Werbel and Schwemmel reached Worms on the Rhine. And

the king sand their men were told the news, that foreign envoys were

come. Thereupon Gunther, the prince of the Rhine, began to question his

folk, and said, “Who will tell us whence these strangers are come

riding into the land?”

And none knew, till that Hagen of Trony saw the envoys, and said to

Gunther, “We shall have news, I promise thee, for I have seen Etzel’s

fiddlers here. Thy sister hath sent them. Let us welcome them right

heartily for their master’s sake.”

They rode straight to the palace. Never goodlier show made the

minstrels of a king. Gunther’s courtiers hasted to meet them, and gave

them lodging, and bade see to their gear. Their travelling clothes were

rich and well fashioned. With all honour they might have gone before

the king therein. Yet they scorned to wear them at the court, and asked

whether any desired them. There was no lack of needy folk, that took

them gladly, and to these they were sent. Then the guests clad them in

rich apparel, as beseemed the envoys of a king.

Etzel’s men got leave to go before Gunther. They that saw them

rejoiced. Hagen sprang from his seat and ran to them, and received them

lovingly, for which the youths thanked him. He asked for news of Etzel

and his men, whereto the fiddlers made answer, “The land was never more

prosperous, nor the people more joyful; know that of a surety.”

He led them before the king, through the hall full of folk, and the

guests were well received, as envoys should ever be in foreign kings’

lands. Werbel found many a knight by Gunther.

The gracious prince greeted them, and said, “Ye are both welcome,

Etzel’s minstrels, ye and your followers. Wherefore hath the mighty

Etzel sent you into Burgundy?”

They bowed before him, and Werbel answered, “My dear master, and

Kriemhild thy sister, commend their service to thee. With true intent

they have sent us hither to you, O knights.”

Then said the noble prince, “I rejoice at the tidings. How fareth it

with Etzel, and Kriemhild my sister?”

Whereto the fiddler answered, “Never was king of any land better or

happier, nor his kinsmen nor vassals; know that for certain. Right glad

were they when we set forth on this journey.”

“Thank him and my sister for their greeting. I rejoice that it is well

with the king and his folk, for I asked, much fearing.”

The two young kings were also come in, and had heard the news for the

first time. Giselher, the youth, was glad to see the envoys, for love

of his sister, and said to them kindly, “Ye be heartily welcome. If ye

came oftener to the Rhine, ye would find friends worth the seeing.

Small ill should betide you here.”

“I trow it well,” answered Schwemmel. “Word of mine cannot tell thee

how right lovingly Etzel commendeth him to thee, and eke thy sister,

that is holden in high esteem. The king’s wife biddeth thee remember

thy love and faith, and that thou wert ever true to her in heart and

soul. And, first of all, we are sent to the king, to invite you to ride

into Etzel’s land, and Sir Gernot with you. Mighty Etzel commanded me

to say to you all that, even if ye desire not to see your sister, he

would fain learn what wrong he hath done you, that ye are such

strangers to him and his court. Had ye never known the queen, he

deserveth no less of you than that ye come to see him. If ye consent to

this, ye shall please him well.”

And Gunther answered, “A sennight from now I will let thee know what I

and my friends have determined on. Go meanwhile to thy lodging and

rest.”

But Werbel said, “Might we not, ere we seek repose, win audience of

great Uta?”

Whereto the noble Giselher answered courteously, “None shall hinder

you, for in this ye shall have done my mother’s will. For the sake of

my sister, Queen Kriemhild, she will see you gladly. Right welcome

shall ye be.”

Giselher brought them before the lady, who rejoiced to see envoys from

the land of the Huns. Kindly and lovingly she greeted them, and the

courtly messengers and good delivered their tidings. “My mistress

commendeth to thee,” said Schwemmel, “her service and her true love.

Could she but have sight of thee oftener, naught on earth were dearer

to her.”

But the queen answered, “That cannot be. The noble king’s wife

dwelleth, alack! too far from me. Blessed evermore be she and Etzel.

Fail not to send me word of your departure, when ye are about to return

home. It is long since envoys were so welcome as ye are.” And the

youths promised that they would do it.

The Huns went to their lodging. Meanwhile, the great king had sent for

his friends, and noble Gunther asked his men how the message pleased

them. And many of them began to say that he might well ride into

Etzel’s land. The best among them counselled him thereto—all save

Hagen. Him it irked exceedingly. He said to the king apart, “Ye strike

at your own life. Surely ye know what we have done. Evermore we stand

in danger from Kriemhild. I smote her husband dead with my hand. How

dare we ride into Etzel’s land?”

But the king answered, “My sister forgot her anger. With a loving kiss

she forgave us for all we had done to her or she rode away. Hath she

aught against any, it is against thee alone, Hagen.”

“Be not deceived,” said Hagen, “by the words of the Hunnish envoys. If

thou goest to see Kriemhild, thou mayst lose thine honour and thy life.

The wife of King Etzel hath a long memory.”

Then Gernot spake out before the assembly, “Because thou fearest death

with reason among the Huns, it were ill done on our part to keep away

from our sister.”

And Sir Giselher said to the knight, “Since thou knowest thyself

guilty, friend Hagen, stay thou at home, and guard thyself well, and

let them that dare, journey with us to the Huns.”

Then the knight of Trony fell into a passion. “None that ye take with

you will be readier to ride to the court than I. And well I will prove

it, since ye will not be turned.”

But knight Rumolt, the cook, said, “Strangers and friends ye can

entertain at home, at your pleasure. For here is abundance. Hagen, I

trow, hath never held you back afore. If ye will not follow him in

this, be counselled by Rumolt (for your true and loving servant am I)

and tarry here as I would have ye do, and leave King Etzel yonder by

Kriemhild. Where in the wide world could ye be better? Here ye are safe

from your enemies. Ye can adorn your bodies with goodly vesture, drink

the best wine, and woo fair women. Thereto, ye are given meats, the

best on earth that ever king ate. The land is prosperous. Ye may give

up Etzel’s hightide with honour, and live merrily at home with your

friends. Even had ye nothing else to feat on here, I could always give

you your fill of one dish—cutlets fried in oil. This is Rumolt’s

advice, my masters, since there is danger among the Huns. Never again,

I trow, will Kriemhild be your friend, nor have you and Hagen deserved

otherwise. Stay here, ye knights, else ye may rue it. Ye shall find in

the end that my counsel is not bad: wherefore heed my words. Rich are

your lands. Here ye can redeem your pledges better than among the Huns.

Who knoweth how things stand there. Abide where ye are. That is

Rumolt’s counsel.”

“We will not stay here,” said Gernot. “Since my sister and great Etzel

have bidden us so lovingly, why should we refuse? He that will not with

us may tarry at home.”

“By my troth,” said Rumolt, “I, for one, will never cross the Rhine for

Etzel’s hightide. Why should I hazard what I have? I will live while I

may.”

“I am of thy mind for that,” said knight Ortwin. “I will help thee to

order things at home.”

And there were many that would not go, and said, “God guard you among

the Huns.”

The king was wroth when he saw they desired to take their ease at home.

“We will go none the less. The prudent are safe in the midst of

danger.”

Hagen answered, “Be not wroth at my word. Whatever betide, I counsel

thee in good faith to ride strongly armed to the Huns. Since thou wilt

not be turned, summon the best men thou canst find, or knowest of,

among thy vassals, and from among them I will choose a thousand good

knights, that thou come not in scathe by Kriemhild’s anger.”

“I will do this,” said the king straightway. And he bade messengers

ride abroad through the country. Three thousand or more heroes they

brought back with them.

They thought not to meet so grim a doom. Merrily they rode into

Gunter’s land. To all them that were to journey to the Huns horses and

apparel were given. The king found many willing. Hagen of Trony bade

Dankwart, his brother, lead eighty of their knights to the Rhine. They

came in proud array, bringing harness and vesture with them. Bold

Folker, a noble minstrel, arrived with thirty of his men for the

journey. A king might well have worn their raiment. He told Gunther

that these would also visit the Huns.

I will tell you who Folker was. He was a noble knight, and many good

warriors in Burgundy were his vassals. He was called a minstrel because

he played on the viol.

Hagen chose a thousand that he knew well, and the prowess of whose hand

he had seen in grim battle, and in warlike deeds. None could deny their

valour.

It irked Kriemhild’s envoys to be delayed, for they greatly feared

their master, and every day they desired to be gone. But Hagen kept

them for his crafty ends. He said to his lord, “We must beware of

letting them go or we be ready to follow them, in a sennight. We shall

be safer so, if they mean us harm. Kriemhild will not have the time to

contrive our hurt. Or, if she be minded thereto, it may go ill with

her, since we lead with us to the Huns so many chosen men.”

Shields and saddles and all the vesture they were to take with them, to

Etzel’s land, were now ready, and Kriemhild’s envoys were bidden to

Gunther’s presence. When they appeared, Gernot said, “The king will

obey Etzel’s wish. We go gladly to his hightide to see our sister. She

may count on us.”

Gunther asked, “Can ye tell us when the hightide falleth, or when we

must set forth?”

And Schwemmel answered, “Next midsummer, without fail.”

The king gave them leave, for the first time, to visit Brunhild, but

Folker, to please her, said them nay.

“Queen Brunhild is not well enow for you to see her,” said the good

knight. “Wait till morning, and ye shall win audience of her.” They had

fain beheld her, but could not.

Then the rich prince, that he might show favour to the envoys, bade

bring thither of his own bounty gold upon broad shields. He had plenty

thereof. His friends also gave them rich gifts. Giselher and Gernot,

Gary and Ortwin, let it be seen that they could give freely. They

offered such costly things to the envoys that these durst not take

them, for fear of their master.

Then said Werbel to the king, “Keep your gifts, O king, in your own

land. We may not carry them with us. My lord forbade us to take aught.

Thereto, we have small need.” But the prince of the Rhine was angry

because they refused so great a king’s gift. So, at the last, they were

constrained to take his gold and vesture, and carry them home into

Etzel’s land.

They desired to see Uta or they departed. Giselher, the youth, brought

the minstrels before his mother, and the lady bade them say that she

rejoiced to hear how that Kriemhild was had in worship. For the sake of

Kriemhild, that she loved, and of King Etzel, the queen gave the envoys

girdles and gold. Well might they receive this, for with true heart it

was offered.

The envoys had now taken leave of both men and women, and rode merrily

forward to Swabia. Gernot sent his warriors with them thus far, that

none might do them a hurt.

When their escorts parted from them, Etzel’s might kept them safe by

the way, that none robbed them of horses or vesture. Then they spurred

swiftly to the land of the Huns. Them that they knew for friends, they

told that the Burgundians from the Rhine would pass there shortly. They

brought the tidings also to Bishop Pilgerin.

When they rode down by Bechlaren, they failed not to send word to

Rudeger and Dame Gotelind, the Margrave’s wife, that was merry of her

cheer because she was to see the guests so soon.

The minstrels were seen spurring through the land. They found Etzel in

his town of Gran. They gave the king, that grew red for joy, the

greetings that had been sent him.

When the queen heard for certain that her brothers would come, she was

well content, and requited the minstrels with goodly gifts, which did

her honour. She said, “Now tell me, both of you, Werbel and Schwemmel,

which of my friends, of the best that we have bidden, come to the

hightide. What said Hagen when he heard the news?”

“He came to the council one morning early. He had little good to say of

the hightide. It was named by grim Hagen the death-ride. Thy brothers,

the three kings, come in merry mood. Who further are with them I cannot

say. Folker, the bold minstrel, is one.”

“I had made shift to do without Folker,” said the king’s wife. “Hagen I

esteem; he is a good knight. I am right glad that we shall see him

here.”

Then Kriemhild went to the king, and spake to him right sweetly, “How

doth the news please thee, dearest lord? All my heart’s desire shall

now be satisfied.”

“Thy will is my pleasure,” answered the king. “I were less glad had it

been mine own kinsmen. Through love of thy dear brethren all my cares

have vanished.”

Etzel’s officers bade fit up palace and hall everywhere with seats for

the welcome guests. They took much joy from the king.

Twenty-Fifth Adventure

How the Kings Journeyed to the Huns

But of their doings there we shall tell no further. High-hearted heroes

never rode so proudly into any king’s land. All that they wanted they

had, both of weapons and apparel. They say that the Prince of the Rhine

equipped a thousand and three score of knights, and nine thousand

squires for the hightide. They that tarried at home were soon to weep

for them.

Whilst they carried their harness across the court at Worms, an old

bishop from Spires said to fair Uta, “Our friends will ride to the

hightide. God help them there.”

Then noble Uta said to her children, “Stay here, good heroes. Last

night I dreamed an evil dream, that all the birds in this land were

dead.”

“He that goeth by dreams,” said Hagen, “careth little for his honour. I

would have my noble master take leave without delay, and ride forward

merrily into Etzel’s land. There kings need heroes’ hands to serve

them, and we must see Kriemhild’s hightide.”

Hagen counselled them now to the journey, but he rued it later. He had

withstood them, but that Gernot had mocked him. He minded him on

Siegfried, Kriemhild’s husband, and said, “It is for that, that Hagen

durst not go.”

But Hagen said, “I hold not back from fear. If ye will have it so,

heroes, go forward. I am ready to ride with you to Etzel’s land.” Soon

many a helmet and shield were pierced by him.

The ships lay waiting for the kings and their men. They carried their

vesture down to them, and were busy till eventide. Merry of cheer they

quitted their homes. On the camping ground across the Rhine they

pitched tents and put up booths. The king’s fair wife entreated him to

stay, for much she loved him. Flutes and trumpets rang out early in the

morning, and gave the signal to be gone. Many a true lover was torn

from his loved one’s arms by King Etzel’s wife.

King Uta’s sons had a liegeman bold and true. When he saw they would

forth, he spake to the king secretly, “Much I grieve that thou goest to

this hightide.” Rumolt was his name, a chosen knight. He said, “To whom

wilt thou leave thy folk and thy land? Alack! that none can turn you

knights from your purpose! Kriemhild’s message never pleased me.”

“I leave my land and child in thy charge. I will have it so. Comfort

them that thou seest weeping. Etzel’s wife will do us no hurt!”

The king held a council with his chief men or he started. He left not

land and castles defenceless. Many a chosen knight stayed behind to

guard them.

The horses stood ready for the kings and their followers. With sweet

kisses parted many whose hearts still beat high. Noble women soon wept

for them. Wailing was there, with tears enow. The queen bare her child

in her arms to the king. “How canst thou leave us both desolate? Stay

for our sake,” said the sorrowful woman.

“Weep not for me, but be of good cheer here at home. We shall return

shortly, safe and sound.”

So they waited no longer, but lovingly took leave of their friends.

When the bold knights were gotten to horse, many women stood sorrowing.

Their hearts told them it was a long parting. None is merry of his

cheer when bitter woe is at hand.

The swift Burgundians rode off, and there was hurrying in the land. On

either side the mountains both men and women wept. But, for all the

folk could do, they pressed forward merrily. A thousand of the Nibelung

knights in habergeons went with them, that had left fair women at home,

the which they never saw more. The wounds of Siegfried gaped in

Kriemhild’s heart.

The Christian faith was still weak in those days. Nevertheless they had

a chaplain with them to say mass. He returned alive, escaped from much

peril. The rest tarried dead among the Huns. Gunther’s men shaped their

course toward the Main, up through East Frankland. Hagen led them, that

knew the way well. Their Marshal was Dankwart, the knight of Burgundy.

As they rode from East Frankland to Schwanfeld, the princes and their

kinsmen, knights of worship, were known by their stately mien.

On the twelfth morning the king reached the Danube. Hagen of Trony rode

in front of the rest. He was the helper and comforter of the Nibelungs.

The bold knight alighted there on the bank, and tied his horse to a

tree. The river was swoln, there was no boat, and the knights were

troubled how to win across. The water was too wide. Many a bold knight

sprang to the ground.

“Mischief might easily befall thee here, King of Rhineland,” said

Hagen; “thou canst see for thyself that the river is swoln, and the

current very strong. I fear me we shall lose here to-day not a few good

knights.”

“Wherefore daunt me, Hagen?” said the proud king. “Of thy charity

fright us no more. Look out a ford for us, that we bring both horses

and baggage safe across.”

“I am no so weary of life,” said Hagen, “that I desire to drown in

these broad waves. Many a man in Etzel’s land shall first fall by my

hand. That is more to my mind. Stay by the water side, ye proud knights

and good, and I will seek the ferrymen by the river, that will bring us

safe into Gelfrat’s land.”

Thereupon stark Hagen took his good shield. He was well armed. He bare

his buckler. He laced on his shining helmet. He wore a broad weapon

above his harness, that cut grimly with both its edges.

Then he sought the ferrymen up and down. He heard the splash of water

and began to listen. It came from mermaidens that bathed their bodies

in a clear brook to cool them.

Hagen spied them, and stole up secretly. When they were ware of him,

they fled. Well pleased were they to escape him. The hero took their

garments, but did them no further annoy.

Then one of the mermaids (she hight Hadburg) said, “We will tell thee,

noble Hagen, if thou give us our clothes again, how ye shall all fare

on this journey among the Huns.”

They swayed like birds in the water before him. He deemed them wise and

worthy of belief, so that he trusted the more what they told him. They

informed him concerning all that he asked them. Hadburg said, “Ye may

ride safely into Etzel’s land; I pledge my faith thereon, that never

yet heroes journeyed to any court to win more worship. I say sooth.”

Hagen’s heart was uplifted at her word; he gave them back their clothes

and stayed no longer. When they had put on their wonderful raiment,

they told him the truth about the journey.

The other mermaid, that hight Sieglind, said, “Be warned, Hagen, son of

Aldrian. My aunt hath lied to thee because of her clothes. If ye go to

the Huns, ye are ill-advised. Turn while there is time, for ye bold

knights have been bidden that ye may die in Etzel’s land. Who rideth

thither hath death at his hand.”

But Hagen said, “Your deceit is vain. How should we all tarry there,

dead, through the hate of one woman?”

Then they began to foretell it plainer, and Hadburg said also, “Ye are

doomed. Not one of you shall escape, save the king’s chaplain: this we

know for a truth. He, only, shall return alive into Gunther’s land.”

Grimly wroth spake bold Hagen then. “It were a pleasant thing to tell

my masters that we must all perish among the Huns! Show us a way across

the water, thou wisest of womankind.”

She answered, “Since thou wilt not be turned from the journey, up

yonder by the river standeth an inn. Within it is a boatman; there is

none beside.”

He betook him thither to ask further. But the mermaidens cried after

the wrothful knight, “Stay, Sir Hagen. Thou art too hasty. Hearken

first concerning the way. The lord of this march hight Elsy. The name

of his brother is Gelfrat, a prince in Bavaria. It might go hard with

thee if thou wentest through his march. Look well to thyself, and

proceed warily with the boatman. He is so grim of his mood that he will

kill thee, if thou speak him not fair. If thou wouldst have him ferry

thee across, give him hire. He guardeth this land, and is Gelfrat’s

friend. If he come not straightway, cry across the river to him that

thou art Amelrich; he was a good knight, that a feud drove from this

land. The boatman will come when he heareth that name.”

Proud Hagen thanked the women for their warning and their counsel, and

said no more. He went up the river’s bank, till he came to an inn that

stood on the far side. He began to shout across the water, “Boatman,

row me over, and I will give thee, for thy meed, an armlet of red gold.

I must across.”

The boatman was so rich that he needed not to serve for hire, and

seldom took reward from any. His men also were overweening, and Hagen

was left standing on the bank of the river.

Thereupon he shouted so loud that all the shore rang with it. He was a

stark man. “Row across for Amelrich. I am Elsy’s liegeman, that, for a

feud, fled the country.” He swung the armlet aloft on his sword—it was

of red gold, bright and shining—that they might ferry him over to

Gelfrat’s march. At this the haughty boatman himself took the oar, for

he was greedy and covetous of gain, the which bringeth oft to a bad

end. He thought to win Hagen’s red gold, but won, in lieu thereof, a

grim death by his sword.

He rowed over to the shore with mighty strokes. When he found not him

that had been named, he fell into a fury; he saw Hagen, and spake

wrothfully to the hero, “Thy name may be Amelrich, but, or I err

greatly, thy face is none of his. By one father and one mother he was

my brother. Since thou hast deceived me, thou canst stay where thou

art.”

“Nay, for the love of God,” said Hagen. “I am a stranger knight that

have the charge of other warriors. Take thy fee and row me over, for I

am a friend.”

But the boatman answered, “I will not. My dear masters have foemen,

wherefore I must bring no stranger across. If thou lovest thy life,

step out on to the shore again.”

“Nay now,” said Hagen, “I am sore bested. Take, as a keepsake, this

goodly gold, and ferry us over with our thousand horses and our many

men.”

But the grim boatman answered, “Never!” He seized an oar, mickle and

broad, and smote Hagen (soon he rued it), that he staggered and fell on

his knees. Seldom had he of Trony encountered so grim a ferryman.

Further, to anger the bold stranger, he brake a boat-pole over his

head, for he was a strong man. But he did it to his own hurt.

Grimly wroth, Hagen drew a weapon from the sheath, and cut off his

head, and threw it on the ground. The Burgundians were soon ware of the

tidings.

In the same moment that he slew the ferryman, the boat was caught by

the current, which irked him no little, for he was weary or he could

bring her head round, albeit Gunther’s man rowed stoutly. With swift

strokes he sought to turn it, till the oar brake in his hand. He strove

to reach the knights on the strand, but had no other oar. Ha! how

nimbly he bound it together with the thong of his shield, a narrow

broidered band, and rowed to a wood down the river.

There he found his masters waiting on the beach. Many a valiant knight

ran to meet him, and greeted him joyfully. But when they saw the boat

full of blood from the grim wound he had given the ferryman, they began

to question him.

When Gunther saw the hot blood heaving in the boat, he said quickly,

“Tell me what thou hast done with the ferryman. I ween he hath fallen

by thy strength.”

But he answered with a lie, “I found the boat by a waste meadow, and

loosed it. I have seen no ferryman this day, nor hath any suffered hurt

at my hand.”

Then said Sir Gernot of Burgundy, “I am heavy of my cheer because of

the dear friends that must die or night, for boatmen we have none.

Sorrowfully I stand, nor know how we shall win over.”

But Hagen cried, “Lay down your burdens on the grass, ye squires. I was

the best boatman by the Rhine, and safe, I trow, I shall bring you into

Gelfrat’s land.”

That they might cross the quicker, they drave in the horses. These swam

so well that none were drowned, albeit a few, grown weary, were borne

down some length by the tide. Then they carried their gold and harness

on board, since they must needs make the passage. Hagen was the

helmsman, and steered many a gallant knight to the unknown land. First

he took over a thousand, and thereto his own band of warriors. Then

followed more: nine thousand squires. The knight of Trony was not idle

that day. The ship was huge, strongly built and wide enow. Five hundred

of their folk and more, with their meats and weapons, it carried easily

at a time. Many a good warrior that day pulled sturdily at the oar.

When he had brought them safe across the water, the bold knight and

good thought on the strange prophecy of the wild mermaids. Through this

the king’s chaplain came nigh to lose his life. He found the priest

beside the sacred vessels, leaning with his hand upon the holy relics.

This helped him not. When Hagen saw him, it went hard with the poor

servant of God. He threw him out of the ship on the instant. Many

cried, “Stop, Hagen, stop!” Giselher, the youth, was very wroth, but

Hagen ceased not, till he had done him a hurt.

Then stark Gernot of Burgundy said, “What profiteth thee the chaplain’s

death, Hagen? Had another done this, he had paid dear for it. What hast

thou against the priest?”

The chaplain swam with all his might. He had gotten on board again had

any helped him. But none could do it, for stark Hagen pushed him

fiercely under. None approved his deed.

When the poor man saw that they would not aid him, he turned and made

for the shore. He was in sore peril. But, albeit he could not swim, the

hand of God upbore him, that he won safe to the dry land again. There

he stood, and shook his clothes.

By this sign Hagen knew there was no escape from what the wild women of

the sea had foretold. He thought, “These knights be all dead men.”

When they had unloaded the ship, and brought all across that belonged

to the three kings, Hagen brake it in pieces and threw these on the

water. Much the bold knights marvelled thereat.

“Wherefore dost thou so, brother?” said Dankwart. “How shall we get

over when we ride home from the Huns to the Rhine?”

Hagen told him, after, that that would never be, but for the meantime

he said, “I did it a-purpose. If we have any coward with us on this

journey, that would forsake us in our need, he shall die a shameful

death in these waves.”

They had with them one from Burgundy, a hero of great prowess, that

hight Folker, and that spake with mocking words all his mind. And

whatso Hagen did, this fiddler approved.

When the king’s chaplain saw the ship hewn up, he cried across the

water to Hagen, “What had I done to thee, false murderer, that, without

cause, thou wouldst have drowned me?”

Hagen answered, “Hold thy peace. By my troth, and in sober earnest, it

irketh me that thou hast escaped.”

Said the poor priest, “I will praise God evermore. Little I fear thee

now, rest assured. Fare forward to the Huns, and I will to the Rhine.

God grant thou comest never back again. That is my prayer, for

well-nigh hadst thou killed me.”

But King Gunther said to his chaplain, “I will more than make good to

thee what Hagen hath done in his anger, if I win back alive. Have no

fear. Go home, for so it needs must be now. Bear a greeting to my dear

wife, and my other kinsfolk. Tell them the good tidings: that, so far,

all is well.”

The horses stood ready, the sumpters were laden. As yet they had

suffered no scathe by the way, save the king’s chaplain, that had to

return to the Rhine afoot.

Twenty-Sixth Adventure

How Dankwart Slew Gelfrat

When they were all on the shore, the king asked, “Who will show us the

right way through the country, that we go not astray?”

Whereto bold Folker answered, “I will do it.”

“Stop!” said Hagen, “both knights and squires. One must follow one’s

friends—that is plain to me, and right. But I have heavy news to tell

you. Never again shall we see Burgundy. Two mermaids told me this

morning early that we should win back to our home nevermore. Now follow

my counsel. Arm ye, ye heroes, and guard your lives well. Stark foemen

are at hand, wherefore ride as to battle. I hoped to prove the words of

the wise mermaids false. They said that none save the chaplain would

return. It was for that I had so gladly drowned him.”

The news flew from rank to rank. Many a bold knight grew pale, and fell

in fear of bitter death, whereto he journeyed. Doleful were they and

dreary.

They crossed the river at Moering, where Elsy’s ferryman was killed,

and Hagen said further, “I have made enemies by the way, that will

shortly set on us. I slew the boatman this morning; wherefore, if

Gelfrat and Elsy attack us, welcome them on such wise that it shall go

hard with them. They will do it without fail, for I know them for bold

men. Ride softly, that none may say we fly.”

“So be it,” said young Giselher. “Who will lead us through the land?”

And they answered, “Folker, the bold minstrel; he knoweth all the hills

and the paths.”

Or they had time to ask him, the brave fiddler stood before them,

armed, with his helmet on. His harness was bright coloured, and he had

bound a red pennon on his spear. Soon he came, with the kings, in great

peril.

The news of his boatman’s death had reached Gelfrat. Stark Elsy had

heard it likewise. Wroth were they both. They summoned their knights,

that were soon ready. Straightway, as I will tell you, a mighty host,

strongly armed, rode to them that had suffered scathe. To Gelfrat come

more than seven hundred. When these set out to pursue their grim

foemen, the leaders spurred hotly after the strangers, to be revenged.

By the which they lost many friends.

Hagen of Trony had so ordered it (how could a hero guard his kinsmen

better) that he brought up the rear with his vassals, and with

Dankwart, his brother. It was wisely done.

The day was far spent; the light failed. He feared greatly for his

comrades. They rode through Bavaria behind shields, and shortly after

were set upon.

On both sides, and close behind, they heard the trample of hoofs, and

spurred on. Then said bold Dankwart, “They will fall on us here. Ye did

well to bind on your helmets.”

So they stopped, as needs was. Then they saw the glitter of shields in

the dark. Hagen held his peace no longer, “Who follow us by the way?”

Gelfrat had to answer. Said the Margrave of Bavaria, “We seek our

foemen and follow on their track. I know not who slew my boatman

to-day. He was a valiant knight, and I grieve for his loss.”

Then said Hagen of Trony, “Was the boatman thine? He would not ferry me

over. The blame is mine. I slew him. Certes, I had need. I had nigh met

my death at his hand. I offered him gold and raiment, Sir Knight, as

his meed for rowing us into thy land. So angry was he that he struck me

with his great oar, whereat I was grim enow. Then I seized my sword,

and defended me from his wrath with a grisly wound, whereby the hero

perished. I will answer for it as seemeth good to thee.”

So they fell to fighting, for they were wroth. “I knew well,” said

Gelfrat, “when Gunther crossed with his followers, that Hagen’s

insolence would do us some hurt. Now he shall not escape us. His death

shall pay for the boatman’s.” Gelfrat and Hagen couched their lances to

thrust above their shields. Deadly was their hate. Elsy and Dankwart

met gallantly, and proven on each other was their might. They strove

grimly. How could heroes have fought better? Bold Hagen was knocked

back from off his horse by a strong blow from Gelfrat’s hand. The

poitral brake asunder and he fell.

From the followers also rang the clash of spears. Hagen sprang up again

where he had fallen on the grass from the blow; not little was his

wrath against Gelfrat. I know not who held their horses. Hagen and

Gelfrat were both on the ground. They ran at each other, and their

attendants helped them and fought by them. For all Hagen’s fierce

onset, the noble Margrave hewed an ell’s length from his shield, that

the sparks flew bright. Gunther’s man was well-nigh slain. Then he

cried aloud to Dankwart, “Help! dear brother. I perish by the hand of a

hero.”

Bold Dankwart answered, “I will decide between you.” The knight spurred

toward them, and smote Gelfrat such a blow that he fell dead.

Elsy would have avenged him, but he and his followers were overcome.

His brother was slain, and he himself wounded. Full eighty of his

warriors he left there with grim death; the prince had to flee before

Gunther’s men.

When the Bavarians gave way, there was heard the echo of grisly

strokes. The men of Trony chased their foes, and they that stayed not

to answer for it had little ease by the way.

But while they pursued them, Dankwart said, “Now turn we, and let them

ride. They are wet with blood. Let us join our friends. Truly it were

best.”

When they came again where the fight had been, Hagen of Trony said,

“Let us see now, ye heroes, who are amissing, and whom we have lost

through Gelfrat’s anger.”

They had four to mourn for, that they had lost. Well they were avenged.

Against these, more than an hundred of them of Bavaria lay slain. The

shields of the men of Trony were dim and wet with blood.

The bright moon shone faintly through the clouds, and Hagen said, “Let

none tell my dear masters what hath befallen us. Let them be free of

trouble till the morrow.”

When they that had fought came up with the rest, they found them

overcome with weariness. “How long shall we ride?” asked many among

them. Bold Dankwart answered, “Here is no hostel. Ye must ride till it

is day.” Folker, that had the charge, bade ask the marshal, “Where

shall we halt for the night, that the horses and my dear masters may

rest?” But Dankwart said, “I know not. We cannot rest till the dawn.

Then we shall lie down on the grass wherever we find a place.” When

they heard this news they were sorry enow!

Of the red blood that reeked on them nothing was said till the sun

greeted the morning on the mountains with his bright beams, and the

king saw that they had fought.

The knight cried angrily, “How now, friend Hagen? Wherefore didst thou

scorn my help when they were wetting thy harness with blood? Who hath

done it?”

Hagen answered, “It was Elsy. He fell on us by night. Because of his

ferryman, he attacked us. My brother’s hand slew Gelfrat. Elsy was

forced to flee. An hundred of his men, and four of ours, lie dead,

slain in battle.”

I cannot tell you where they rested. Soon all the country folk heard

that noble Uta’s sons were on their way to the hightide. They were well

received at Passau. Bishop Pilgerin, the king’s uncle, was well pleased

that his nephews drew nigh with so many knights. He was not slow to

give them welcome. Friends rode out to meet them on the way. When there

was not room enough for all in Passau, they crossed the river to a

field, and there the squires put up tents and rich pavilions.

They had to tarry there a whole day and a night. Well they were

entreated! Then they rode into Rudeger’s country. When Rudeger heard

the news, he was glad.

When the way-weary ones had rested, and drew nigher to Rudeger’s

country, they found a man asleep on the marches, from whom Hagen of

Trony took a stark weapon. This same good knight hight Eckewart. Right

heavy was he of his cheer that he had lost his sword through the

passing of the heroes. They found Rudeger’s marches ill guarded.

“Woe is me for this shame!” cried Eckewart. “Sore I rue the

Burgundians’ journey. The day I lost Siegfried my joy was ended. Alack!

Sir Rudeger, an ill turn I have done thee.”

Hagen overheard all the warrior’s grief, and gave him his sword again,

with six red armlets. “Take them, Sir Knight, for love of me, and be my

friend. Thou art a brave man to lie here all alone.”

“God quit thee for thine armlets,” answered Eckewart. “Yet still I must

rue thy journey to the Huns. Thou slewest Siegfried, and art hated

here. Look well to thyself; from true heart I warn thee.”

“God must guard us,” said Hagen. “No other care have these knights, the

princes and their liegemen, than to find quarters, where they may tarry

the night. Our horses are weary from the long way, and our provender is

done. We can find none to buy. We have need of a host that, of his

charity, would give us bread.”

Eckewart answered, “I will show you such an host. Better welcome to his

house will none give you in any land than Rudeger, if ye will go to see

him. He dwelleth fast by the road, and is the best host that ever had a

house. His heart blossometh with virtues, as smiling May decketh the

grass with flowers. He is ever glad to serve knights.”

Then said King Gunther, “Wilt thou be my envoy, and ask my dear friend

Rudeger if he will keep us—me with my kinsmen and our men—till the day?

I will requite him as best I can.”

“I will gladly be thy envoy,” answered Eckewart.

He set out with good will, and told Rudeger what he had heard. Such

good news had not reached him for long. A knight was seen hasting to

Bechlaren. Rudeger knew him, and said, “Here cometh Eckewart,

Kriemhild’s man, down the way.” He deemed that foemen had done him a

hurt. He went to the door and met the envoy, that ungirded his sword

and laid it down.

Rudeger said to the knight, “What hast thou heard, that thou ridest in

such hot haste? Hath any done us a mischief?”

“None hath harmed us,” said Eckewart straightway. “Three kings have

sent me: Gunther of Burgundy, Giselher, and Gernot. Each of them

commended his service to thee. The same doth Hagen from true heart, and

also Folker. Further, I have to tell thee that Dankwart, the king’s

marshal, bade me say that the good knights have need of thy roof.”

Rudeger answered with smiling face, “This is glad news, that the high

kings need my service. It shall not be denied them. Right glad am I

that they come to my house.”

“Dankwart, the marshal, bade me tell thee who there be of them: sixty

bold warriors and a thousand good knights, with nine thousand squires.”

Rudeger rejoiced to hear it, and said, “Welcome are these guests—the

high warriors that come to my castle, and that I so seldom have served

heretofore. Ride out to meet them, my kinsmen and my vassals.”

Whereat knights and squires hasted to horse. All that their lord

commanded they deemed right; so they served him the better.

Gotelind, that sat in her chamber, had not heard the news.

Twenty-Seventh Adventure

How They Came to Bechlaren

The Margrave went to find his wife and daughter, and told them the good

news that he had heard, how that their queen’s brethren were coming to

the house.

“Dear love,” said Rudeger, “receive the high and noble kings well when

they come here with their followers. Hagen, Gunther’s man, thou shalt

also greet fair. There is one with them that hight Dankwart; another

hight Folker, a man of much worship. These six thou shalt kiss—thou and

my daughter. Entreat the warriors courteously.”

The women promised it, nothing loth. They took goodly apparel from

their chests, wherein to meet the knights. The fair women made haste

enow. Their cheeks needed little false colour. They wore fillets of

bright gold on their heads, fashioned like rich wreaths, that the wind

might not ruffle their beautiful hair. They were dainty and fresh.

Now leave we the women busied on this wise. There was mickle spurring

across the plain among Rudeger’s friends till they found the princes.

These were well received in the Margrave’s land. Rudeger cried joyfully

as he went toward them, “Ye be welcome, ye knights, and all your men.

Right glad am I to see you in my home.”

The warriors thanked him with true heart void of hate. He showed them

plainly they were welcome. To Hagen he gave special greeting, for he

knew him from aforetime. He did the same to Folker of Burgundy. He

welcomed Dankwart also. Then said that knight, “If thou take us in, who

will see to our followers from Worms beyond the Rhine?”

The Margrave answered, “Have no fear on that head. All that ye have

with you, horses, silver and apparel, shall be so well guarded that ye

shall not lose a single spur thereof. Pitch your tents in the fields,

ye squires. Whatso ye lose here I will make good to you. Off with the

bridles, and let the horses go loose.” Never before had host done this

for them. Glad enow were the guests. When they had obeyed him, and the

knights had ridden away, the squires laid them down on the grass over

all, and took their ease. It was their softest rest on the whole

journey.

The noble Margravine came out before the castle with her beautiful

daughter. Lovely women and fair maids not a few stood beside her,

adorned with bracelets and fine apparel. Precious stones sparked bright

on their rich vesture. Goodly was their raiment.

The guests rode up and sprang to the ground. Ha! courteous men all were

they of Burgundy! Six and thirty maidens and many women beside, fair to

heart’s desire, came forth to meet them, with bold men in plenty. The

noble women welcomed them sweetly. The Margravine kissed the kings all

three. Her daughter did the like. Hagen stood by. Him also her father

bade her kiss. She looked up at him, and he was so grim that she had

gladly let it be. Yet must she do as the host bade her. Her colour came

and went, white and red. She kissed Dankwart, too, and, after him, the

fiddler. By reason of his body’s strength he won this greeting. Then

the young Margravine took Giselher, the youth, of Burgundy by the hand.

Her mother did the same to Gunther, and they went in merrily with the

heroes.

The host led Gernot into a wide hall. There knights and ladies sat

down, and good wine was poured out for the guests. Never were warriors

better entreated.

Rudeger’s daughter was looked at with loving eyes, she was so fair; and

many a good knight loved her in his heart. And well they might, for she

was an high-hearted maiden. But their thoughts were vain: it could not

be.

They kept spying at the women, whereof many sat round. Now the fiddler

was well-minded to Rudeger.

Women and knights were parted then, as was the custom, and went into

separate rooms. The table was made ready in the great hall, and willing

service was done to the strangers.

To show love to the guests, the Margravine went to table with them. She

left her daughter with the damsels, as was seemly, albeit it irked the

guests to see her no longer.

When they had all drunk and eaten, they brought the fair ones into the

hall again, and there was no lack of sweet words. Folker, a knight bold

and good, spake plenty of them. This same fiddler said openly, “Great

Margrave, God hath done well by thee, for He hath given thee a right

beautiful wife, and happy days. Were I a king,” said the minstrel, “and

wore a crown, I would choose thy sweet daughter for my queen. She would

be the choice of my heart, for she is fair to look upon, and, thereto,

noble and good.”

The Margrave answered, “How should a king covet my dear daughter? My

wife and I are both strangers here, and have naught to give. What

availeth then her beauty?”

But said Gernot, the courteous man, “Might I choose where I would, such

a wife were my heart’s desire.”

Then said Hagen graciously, “It is time Giselher wedded. Of such high

lineage is the noble Margravine, that we would gladly serve her, I and

his men, if she wore the crown in Burgundy.”

The word pleased both Rudeger and Gotelind greatly. Their hearts were

uplifted. So it was agreed among the heroes that noble Giselher should

take her to wife; the which a king might well do without shame.

If a thing be right, who can withstand it? They bade the maiden before

them, and they swore to give her to him, whereupon he vowed to cherish

her. They gave her castles and lands for her share. The king and Gernot

sware with the hand that it should be even as they had promised.

Then said the Margrave, “Since I have no castles, I can only prove me

your true friend evermore. I will give my daughter as much silver and

gold as an hundred sumpters may carry, that ye warriors may, with

honour, be content.”

Then the twain were put in a circle, as the custom was. Many a young

knight stood opposite in merry mood, and thought in his heart as young

folk will. They asked the lovely maiden if she would have the hero. She

was half sorry, yet her heart inclined to the goodly man. She was

shamefast at the question, as many a maid hath been.

Rudeger her father counselled her to say “yes,” and to take him gladly.

Giselher, the youth, was not slow to clasp her to him with his white

hands. Yet how little while she had him!

Then said the Margrave, “Great and noble kings, I will give you my

child to take with you, for this were fittest, when ye ride home again

into your land.” And it was so agreed.

The din of tourney was bidden cease. The damsels were sent to their

chambers, and the guests to sleep and to take their rest till the day.

Then meats were made ready, for their host saw well to their comfort.

When they had eaten, they would have set out again for the country of

the Huns, but Rudeger said, “Go not, I pray you. Tarry here yet a

while, for I had never dearer guests.”

Dankwart answered, “It may not be. Where couldst thou find the meat,

the bread and the wine, for so many knights?”

But when the host heard him, he said, “Speak not of that. Deny me not,

my dear lords. I can give you, and all them that are with you, meat for

fourteen days. Little hath King Etzel ever taken of my substance.”

Albeit they made excuse, they had to tarry till the fourth morning. He

gave both horses and apparel so freely, that the fame of it spread

abroad.

But longer than this it could not last, for they must needs forth.

Rudeger was not sparing of his goods. If any craved for aught, none

denied him. Each got his desire.

The attendants brought the saddled horses to the door. There many

stranger knights joined them, shield in hand, to ride with them to

Etzel’s court. To each of the noble guests Rudeger offered a gift, or

he left the hall. He had wherewithal to live in honour and give freely.

Upon Giselher he had bestowed his fair daughter. He gave to Gernot a

goodly weapon enow, that he wielded well afterward in strife. The

Margrave’s wife grudged him not the gift, yet Rudeger, or long, was

slain thereby.

To Gunther, the valiant knight, he gave a coat of mail, that did the

rich king honour, albeit he seldom took gifts. He bowed before Rudeger

and thanked him.

Gotelind offered Hagen a fair gift, as was fitting, since the king had

taken one, that he might not fare to the hightide without a keepsake

from her, but he refused.

“Naught that I ever saw would I so fain bear away with me as yonder

shield on the wall. I would gladly carry it into Etzel’s land.”

When the Margravine heard Hagen’s word, it minded her on her sorrow,

and she fell to weeping. She thought sadly on the death of Nudung, that

Wittich had slain; and her heart was heavy.

She said to the knight, “I will give thee the shield. Would to God he

yet lived that once bore it! He died in battle. I must ever weep when I

think on him, for my woman’s heart is sore.”

The noble Margravine rose from her seat, and took down the shield with

her white hands and carried it to Hagen, that used it as a hero should.

A covering of bright stuff lay over its device. The light never shone

on better shield. It was so rich with precious stones, that had any

wanted to buy it, it had cost him at the least a thousand marks.

The knight bade his attendants bear it away. Then came his brother

Dankwart, to whom the Margrave’s daughter gave richly broidered

apparel, that afterward he wore merrily among the Huns.

None had touched any of these things but for love of the host that

offered them so kindly. Yet, or long, they bare him such hate that they

slew him.

Bold Folker then stepped forth with knightly bearing and stood before

Gotelind with his viol. He played a sweet tune and sang her his song.

Then he took his leave and left Bechlaren. But first the Margravine

bade them bring a drawer near. Of loving gifts now hear the tale. She

took therefrom twelve armlets, and drew them over his hand, saying,

“These shalt thou take with thee and wear for my sake at Etzel’s court.

When thou comest again, I will hear how thou hast served me at the

hightide.” Well he did her behest.

The host said to the guests, “That ye may journey the safer, I will

myself escort you, and see that none fall on you by the way.” And

forthwith they loaded his sumpter. He stood ready for the road with

five hundred men, mounted and equipped. These he led merrily to the

hightide. Not one of them came back alive to Bechlaren.

He took leave with sweet kisses. The same did Giselher, as love bade

him. They took the fair women in their arms. Or long, many a damsel

wept for them.

The windows were flung wide over all, for the host and his men were

gotten to horse. Their hearts, I ween, foreboded their bitter woe, and

many a wife and many a maiden wept sore. They sorrowed for many a dear

friend that was never seen more at Bechlaren. Yet merrily they rode

down the valley by the Danube into the land of the Huns.

Then said noble Rudeger to the Burgundians, “We must delay no longer to

send news of our advance. Nothing could rejoice King Etzel more.”

The swift envoys pressed down through Austria, and soon the folk knew,

far and near, that the heroes were on their way from Worms beyond the

Rhine. It was welcome news to the king’s vassals. The envoys spurred

forward with the tidings that the Nibelungs were come to the Huns.

“Receive them well, Kriemhild, my wife. Thy brethren are come to show

thee great honour.”

Kriemhild stood at a window and looked out as a friend might for

friends. Many drew thither from her father’s land. The king was joyful

when he heard the news.

“Glad am I,” said Kriemhild, “my kinsmen come with many new shields and

shining bucklers. I will ever be his friend that taketh my gold and

remembereth my wrong.”

She thought in her heart, “Now for the reckoning! If I can contrive it,

it will go hard at this hightide with him that killed all my happiness.

Fain would I work his doom. I care not what may come of it: my

vengeance shall fall on the hateful body of him that stole my joy from

me. He shall pay dear for my sorrow.”

Twenty-Eighth Adventure

How Kriemhild Received Hagen

When the Burgundians came into the land, old Hildebrand of Bern heard

thereof, and told his master, that was grieved at the news. He bade him

give hearty welcome to the valiant knights.

Bold Wolfhart called for the horses, and many stark warriors rode with

Dietrich to greet them on the plain, where they had pitched their

goodly tents.

When Hagen of Trony saw them from afar, he spake courteously to his

masters, “Arise, ye doughty heroes, and go to meet them that come to

welcome you. A company of warriors that I know well draw hither—the

heroes of the Amelung land. They are men of high courage. Scorn not

their service.”

Then, as was seemly, Dietrich, with many knights and squires, sprang to

the ground. They hasted to the guests, and welcomed the heroes of

Burgundy lovingly.

When Dietrich saw them, he was both glad and sorry; he knew what was

toward, and grieved that they were come. He deemed that Rudeger was

privy to it, and had told them. “Ye be welcome, Gunther and Giselher,

Gernot and Hagen; Folker, likewise, and Dankwart the swift. Know ye not

that Kriemhild still mourneth bitterly for the hero of the Nibelungs?”

“She will weep awhile,” answered Hagen. “This many a year he lieth

slain. She did well to comfort her with the king of the Huns. Siegfried

will not come again. He is long buried.”

“Enough of Siegfried’s wounds. While Kriemhild, my mistress, liveth,

mischief may well betide. Wherefore, hope of the Nibelungs, beware!” So

spake Dietrich of Bern.

“Wherefore should I beware?” said the king. “Etzel sent us envoys (what

more could I ask?) bidding us hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild,

also, sent us many greetings.”

But Hagen said, “Bid Sir Dietrich and his good knights tell us further

of this matter, that they may show us the mind of Kriemhild.”

Then the three kings went apart: Gunther and Gernot and Dietrich.

“Now tell us, noble knight of Bern, what thou knowest of the queen’s

mind.”

The prince of Bern answered, “What can I tell you, save that every

morning I have heard Etzel’s wife weeping and wailing in bitter woe to

the great God of Heaven, because of stark Siegfried’s death?”

Said bold Folker, the fiddler, “There is no help for it. Let us ride to

the court and see what befalleth us among the Huns.”

The bold Burgundians rode to the court right proudly, after the custom

of their land. Many bold Huns marvelled much what manner of man Hagen

of Trony might be. The folk knew well, from hearsay, that he had slain

Siegfried of the Netherland, the starkest of all knights, Kriemhild’s

husband. Wherefore many questions were asked concerning him. The hero

was of great stature; that is certain. His shoulders were broad, his

hair was grisled; his legs were long, and terrible was his face. He

walked with a proud gait.

Then lodging was made ready for the Burgundians. Gunther’s attendants

lay separate from the others. The queen, that greatly hated Gunther,

had so ordered it. By this device his yeomen were slain soon after.

Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, was marshal. The king commended his men

earnestly to his care, that he might give them meat and drink enow, the

which the bold knight did faithfully and with good will.

Kriemhild went forth with her attendants and welcomed the Nibelungs

with false heart. She kissed Giselher and took him by the hand. When

Hagen of Trony saw that, he bound his helmet on tighter.

“After such greeting,” he said, “good knights may well take thought.

The kings and their men are not all alike welcome. No good cometh of

our journey to this hightide.”

She answered, “Let him that is glad to see thee welcome thee. I will

not greet thee as a friend. What bringest thou for me from Worms,

beyond the Rhine, that thou shouldst be so greatly welcome?”

“This is news,” said Hagen, “that knights should bring thee gifts. Had

I thought of it, I had easily brought thee something. I am rich enow.”

“Tell me what thou hast done with the Nibelung hoard. That, at the

least, was mine own. Ye should have brought it with you into Etzel’s

land.”

“By my troth, lady, I have not touched the Nibelung hoard this many a

year. My masters bade me sink it in the Rhine. There it must bide till

the day of doom.”

Then said the queen, “I thought so. Little hast thou brought thereof,

albeit it was mine own, and held by me aforetime. Many a sad day I have

lived for lack of it and its lord.”

“I bring thee the Devil!” cried Hagen. “My shield and my harness were

enow to carry, and my bright helmet, and the sword in my hand. I have

brought thee naught further.”

“I speak not of my treasure, because I desire the gold. I have so much

to give that I need not thy offerings. A murder and a double theft—it

is these that I, unhappiest of women, would have thee make good to me.”

Then said the queen to all the knights, “None shall bear weapons in

this hall. Deliver them to me, ye knights, that they be taken in

charge.”

“Not so, by my troth,” said Hagen; “I crave not the honour, great

daughter of kings, to have thee bear my shield and other weapons to

safe keeping. Thou art a queen here. My father taught me to guard them

myself.”

“Woe is me!” cried Kriemhild. “Why will not Hagen and my brother give

up their shields? They are warned. If I knew him that did it, he should

die.”

Sir Dietrich answered wrathfully then, “I am he that warned the noble

kings, and bold Hagen, the man of Burgundy. Do thy worst, thou devil’s

wife, I care not!”

Kriemhild was greatly ashamed, for she stood in bitter fear of

Dietrich. She went from him without a word, but with swift and wrathful

glances at her foes.

Then two knights clasped hands—the one was Dietrich, the other Hagen.

Dietrich, the valiant warrior, said courteously, “I grieve to see thee

here, since the queen hath spoken thus.”

Hagen of Trony answered, “It will all come right.”

So the bold men spake together, and King Etzel saw them, and asked, “I

would know who yonder knight is that Dietrich welcometh so lovingly. He

beareth him proudly. Howso is his father hight, he is, certes, a goodly

warrior.”

One of Kriemhild’s men answered the king, “He was born at Trony. The

name of his father was Aldrian. Albeit now he goeth gently, he is a

grim man. I will prove to thee yet that I lie not.”

“How shall I find him so grim?” He knew nothing, as yet, of all that

the queen contrived against her kinsmen: by reason whereof not one of

them escaped alive from the Huns.

“I know Hagen well. He was my vassal. Praise and mickle honour he won

here by me. I made him a knight, and gave him my gold. For that he

proved him faithful, I was ever kind to him. Wherefore I may well know

all about him. I brought two noble children captive to this land—him

and Walter of Spain. Here they grew to manhood. Hagen I sent home

again. Walter fled with Hildegund.”

So he mused on the good old days, and what had happed long ago, for he

had seen Hagen, that did him stark service in his youth. Yet now that

he was old, he lost by him many a dear friend.