And found such modest graces in his virgin bride,
That he came to love her more than his proper life.
Well she deserv'd his passion as a virtuous wife.
LIII
What more ensued between them it needs not here to say.
Now you must hear the story, how King Gunther lay
By the fair Lady Brunhild. Many a loving swain
By his loving helpmate with more content has lain.
LIV
The crowd had now all vanish'd, that tended them before;
Of the marriage chamber fast was made the door. He deem'd he now was
shortly to win his lovely mate,
But for that happy moment he yet had long to wait.
LV
In robe of whitest linen to the bed she pass'd;
Then thought the noble Gunther, "Now all is mine at last,
That I ever long'd for before in all my life."
Needs must be blest a husband in such a charming wife.
LVI
And now with trembling fingers 'gan he shroud the light,
Then went with glad expectance where lay his lady bright,
And laid him down beside her, nor small the joy he knew,
When his arms around her tenderly he threw.
LVII
Fain would he have caress'd her as gentle love inspires,
Had but the wayward maiden granted his desires;
But there he sore was troubled, so fiercely storm'd his mate.
He look'd for fond affection, and met with deadly hate.
LVIII
"Sir knight," said she, "it suits not--you'd better leave me free
From all your present purpose--it must and shall not be.
A maid still will I keep me (think well the matter o'er)
Till I am told that story." This fretted Gunther sore.
LIX
Then for her love he struggled e'en till her robe he rent;
With that, up caught the maiden a cord with fell intent
(About her waist she wore it, strong was the same and tough),
And wrought her lord and master shame and wrong enough.
LX
The feet and hands of Gunther she tied together all,
Then to a nail she bore him, and hung him 'gainst the wall,
And bade him not disturb her, nor breathe of love a breath.
Sure from the doughty damsel he all but met his death.
LXI
Humbly to beg began he, who master should have been,
"Untie me, I beseech you, right fair and noble queen
For your love will I never against your pleasure try,
And ne'er again will venture so close to you to lie."
LXII
How he far'd she reck'd not, while soft herself she lay;
So all night long he dangled perforce till break of day,
When through the chamber window the light began to peep.
That night was Gunther's pleasure as little as his sleep.
LXIII
"Now tell me, good Sir Gunther," began the froward fair,
"Would you like your servants to find you hanging there
The bondsman of a woman? that were a royal view!"
The noble knight made answer, "No credit 'twere to you;
LXIV
"And in good sooth," he added, "'twere honor none to me;
So of your kindness, lady, be pleas'd to set me free;
Since my love's so distasteful, fear neither harm nor hurt.
Not so much as a finger of mine shall touch your skirt."
LXV
With that the maid unbound him; free stood he, but half dead;
Then all aghast and trembling back totter'd to the bed,
And there lay down so distant that her night-dress fair
He seldom touch'd, if ever; e'en that she well could spare.
LXVI
Now in came their attendants; by these in hand were borne
New gaudy robes in plenty to suit the marriage morn.
Downcast he stood and moody amidst the smiling band.
Their mirth seem'd out of season to the monarch of the land.
LXVII
After the good old custom that in that land was kept,
King Gunther and Queen Brunhild forth from the chamber stepp'd,
And hied them to the minster, where the mass was sung.
Thither too came Sir Siegfried; then rose a press the crowd among.
LXVIII
Each circumstance of honor for monarch and his mate
Was there in order ready, both crown and robe of state.
Then consecrated were they, and, soon as that was o'er,
With jewel'd crowns conspicuous stood all the goodly four.
LXIX
Bold squires with sword were girded six hundred at the least
In honor of the rulers at that high marriage feast.
Was nought but mirth and joyance in Burgundy to hear,
And swashing of the buckler, and clattering of the spear.
LXX
There too at many a window sat many a laughing maid,
To view in mimic terror far-flashing arms display'd;
But still, whate'er was toward, kept the sad king apart,
With gloom upon his visage and anguish at his heart.
LXXI
'Twixt him and good Sir Siegfried what difference of mood!
Well guess'd what so him fretted that noble knight and good.
To the king he betook him, and ask'd in accents low,
"Last night how far'd it with you? this be pleas'd to let me know."
LXXII
Then to his guest said Gunther, "Shame, alas! and strife,
My friend, I home have brought me in my wayward wife.
No sooner came I near her, what did she do, but tie
My feet and hands together, and hang me up on high?
LXXIII
"There like a ball I dangled all night till break of day
Before she would unbind me;--how soft the while she lay!
I breathe my plaint in friendship to thy secret ear."
Then spake the noble Siegfried; "It irks me, what I hear;
LXXIV
"Yet you shall soon be master; lay fear and sorrow by;
This night I'll so contrive it, that close to you she'll lie.
And never more your pleasure with froward freaks delay."
At this from all his troubles wax'd Gunther blithe and gay.
LXXV
"Look at my wrists and fingers swoln with her cursed bands;
She squeez'd them so, I felt me a baby in her hands.
Under each nail forth started the blood beneath her grasp.
As for my life, I thought it e'en then at the last gasp."
LXXVI
Thereto replied Sir Siegfried, "All will again come right;
We two were most unequal in fortune yesternight.
To me thy sister Kriemhild is dear as is my life.
Now must Dame Brunhild also be made a loving wife.
LXXVII
"I will this night," he added, "into your chamber creep,
Envelop'd in my cloud-cloak, in silence still and deep,
That no man may have cunning to guess the trick I'll play;
So send, each to his lodging, your chamberlains away.
LXXVIII
"The tapers I'll extinguish that your pages bear,
And this shall give you notice that I have enter'd there,
Ready and glad to serve you; I'll force her to obey
This night her lord and master, or down my life will lay."
LXXIX
"Spare but to act the husband, and do whate'er thy will
With my loving helpmate, I shall not take it ill,"
Replied the angry monarch; "e'en shouldst thou take her life,
I should not die of sorrow; sooth she's a fearful wife."
LXXX
"Trust me in this," said Siegfried, "my word I'll pledge to thee
That I'll ne'er seek to woo her; thy sister is to me
Beyond all other women that ever met my view."
The king with full affiance took Siegfried's words for true.
LXXXI
The knights were busy tilting with good success or ill;
Straight 'twas bidd'n the tourney should all be hush'd and still,
For to the hall was coming either royal bride.
Then chamberlains advancing bade stand the crowd aside.
LXXXII
The court was clear'd of horses, the crowd no longer seen;
Then forth a reverend bishop led either lofty queen
To where the kings were seated, and tables richly stor'd.
Them many a man of worship follow'd to the board.
LXXXIII
There by his stately consort sat Gunther well appaid,
Musing upon the promise to him by Siegfried made.
That single day to Gunther seem'd thirty days at least.
On the love of Brunhild he thought throughout the feast.
LXXXIV
Scarcely could wait the monarch till from the board they rose;
Brunhild and lovely Kriemhild were summon'd to repose,
Each in her several chamber; ah! what a crowd was seen
Of young and active warriors before each stately queen!
LXXXV
Siegfried was fondly seated by his gentle bride;
Her slender snowy fingers, as leant they side by side
With his were softly toying; in midst of her caress
Suddenly he vanish'd--how, she could not guess.
LXXXVI
As with him she was playing, she miss'd him quite and clean.
"Ha!" to his wilder'd courtiers cried out the wilder'd queen,
"Where's the king? what portent is this? what semblance fine?
He was but now beside me--who snatch'd his hand from mine?"
LXXXVII
She stopp'd in speechless wonder; he quick had slipp'd away
To where with lights th' attendants stood ranged in meet array,
And straight 'gan dout the tapers held by the pages there;
Full well that it was Siegfried was Gunther then aware.
LXXXVIII
He knew what was to follow, so sent forth every one,
Maid and dame, from the chamber; then soon as this was done,
With his own hand impatient the king lock'd fast the door,
And two strong bolts of iron shot for assurance more.
LXXXIX
Behind the flowing hangings the lights he huddled all;
Forthwith began a pastime (as could not but befall)
Betwixt the sinewy Siegfried and the maiden fair.
At once with joy and sorrow stood Gunther trembling there.
XC
Adown Sir Siegfried laid him close by the damsel bright.
Said she, "Beware, Sir Gunther, remember yesternight;
Be pleas'd not to disturb me; wake not my wrath anew,
Or at my hands your folly you bitterly shall rue."
XCI
He breath'd no breath in answer, but still was as could be.
Well by the ear knew Gunther, although he could not see,
That nothing pass'd between them the jealous to displease.
Never in couch or chamber dwelt there so little ease.
XCII
Like Gunther he demean'd him, false mimic of the true;
Around th' unloving damsel his loveless arms he threw.
Him from the bed with fury against a bench she flung.
His head fell on a footstool so hard, that loud it rung.
XCIII
With all his might upstarted again th' undaunted man;
He'd try his fortune better; a struggle stern began,
When he essay'd to quell her; long was his toil and sore;
Such strife, I ween, will never be waged by woman more.
XCIV
As still he would not quit her, up sprung the frenzied fair;
"Sir knight, it ill becomes you a lady's dress to tear.
These are Burgundian manners! but dear it shall be paid;
I'll bring you soon to smart for it," exclaim'd the stormy maid.
XCV
Her arms around the warrior she scrupled not to fling,
And forthwith thought to bind him as though it were the king,
That of the bed sole mistress in quiet she might sleep.
For her injur'd night-dress took she vengeance deep.
XCVI
What booted then his manhood well prov'd in many a fight,
When that heroic maiden put forth her mastering might?
Him by main force she lifted in spite of all he tried,
And 'gainst a press she jamm'd him that stood the bed beside.
XCVII
"Ah!" thought the panting champion, "should I now lose my life
By this outrageous damsel, hereafter every wife
Will claim at home the mastery, and, scorning meek accord
And womanly submission, will lord it o'er her lord."
XCVIII
The king with fear and trembling heard all that there befell.
Shame gave fresh strength to Siegfried; furious he wax'd and fell.
He with redoubled puissance once more the maid oppos'd.
Fearful was the struggle as he with Brunhild clos'd.
XCIX
Down still she strove to keep him, but wrath and natural might
Combin'd so wrought within him, that soon in her despite
His feet the knight recovered; sore was his toil, I trow;
In the darken'd chamber they hurtled to and fro.
C
Ill too at ease was Gunther between the struggling pair.
Full oft to shift he needed as strove they here and there.
A wonder 'twas (so fiercely wrestled the mighty foes)
That either 'scap'd uninjured from that tempestuous close.
CI
Sore rued his fate the monarch beset with twofold care;
Still fear'd he most lest Siegfried should chance to perish there,
For now the puissant damsel had all but ta'en his life.
Had he but dar'd, he'd gladly have help'd him in the strife.
CII
Long time endur'd the contest, nor ever seem'd to slack,
Till 'gainst the bed with fury he dash'd the maiden back.
How fierce soe'er she struggled, faint and more faint she grew;
Then many a shrewd suspicion shot Gunther's bosom through.
CIII
Still ever as he listen'd, he thought 'twas wondrous long.
Just then the hands of Siegfried she squeez'd so fierce and strong,
That blood from the nails started; the warrior tingled sore;
But soon he brought the damsel to give her frenzy o'er,
CIV
And change her furious passions for love and duty meek.
Whatever pass'd heard Gunther, though daring not to speak
Against the bed he drove her, that loud she shriek'd for pain.
Cruel was her torture from Siegfried's mastering main.
CV
Then grasp'd she at her girdle, and strove to bind her foe,
When down the warrior hurl'd her with such a forceful throw,
That crack'd each bone and sinew; that clos'd at once the strife;
The fainting maid submitted to live King Gunther's wife.
CVI
Said she, "Right noble ruler, vouchsafe my life to spare;
Whatever I've offended, my duty shall repair.
I'll meet thy noble passion; my love with thine shall vie.
That thou canst tame a woman, none better knows than I."
CVII
Then up arose Sir Siegfried from where Dame Brunhild lay;
Upon the floor he left her, and noiseless went his way;
But first from her fine finger a golden ring he drew
So gently, that the maiden nothing felt or knew.
CVIII
He took, besides her girdle, with which her lord she tied;
I know not if he did so from triumph and from pride;
To his wife he gave it, a gift that mischief wrought.
Meanwhile the maid and monarch love both together brought.
CIX
They met with mutual passion as man and wife became;
Her stormy rage was soften'd; she was no more the same;
Weak she grew and feeble as in his arms she lay;
All her former puissance flitted straight away.
CX
And now was she no stronger than any dame beside.
Fearless, unfear'd, her husband caress'd his duteous bride.
Why act again the rebel? what boot could thus be won?
So much with alter'd Brunhild King Gunther's love had done.
CXI
How lovingly and fondly he by his lady lay
Till the rosy morning led on the laughing day!
Sir Siegfried thence departed, and back in silence came,
Where tenderly receiv'd him a fair and gentle dame.
CXII
Her questions he evaded, though much to know she sought;
Long time too kept he from her the gifts that he had brought,
Till, crown'd, in his own country she reign'd, his royal bride;
Of all, he else could grant her, how little he denied!
CXIII
Far merrier in the morning than he before had been
Appear'd the good King Gunther; the change with joy was seen
By every faithful vassal, and every foreign guest,
Whom he had home invited and feasted with the best.
CXIV
The sumptuous festal lasted e'en to the fourteenth day,
The while was heard unceasing the sound of mirth and play,
That in the crowd of pleasures the wilder'd guests were lost.
Unmatch'd was Gunther's splendor and boundless was his cost.
CXV
By the good king's order, to many a warrior bold
His kinsmen in his honor gave robes and ruddy gold,
And steeds and store of silver, and so their wants supplied,
That not a stranger was there but parted satisfied.
CXVI
As well good King Siegfried, the knight of Netherland,
And his thousand champions their robes, with liberal hand,
And all they had brought thither alike were pleas'd to give,
Fair steeds and costly trappings; like nobles they knew how to live.
CXVII
To those, whose thoughts were homeward, the hours seem'd all too long,
Ere the rich gifts were lavish'd among the gladsome throng.
Never before was party dismiss'd in merrier plight.
So the high feast concluded; thence off rode many a knight.
ELEVENTH ADVENTURE
HOW SIEGFRIED BROUGHT HIS WIFE HOME
I
The festal hall was silent, and parted every guest,
When thus the son of Siegmund his loving friends address'd.
"We too must make us ready, and forthwith home return."
Glad was his noble consort her lord's resolve to learn.
II
She thus bespake the warrior, "Since we are home to fare,
Of over-haste in parting, I beg thee, well beware.
First should of right my brethren with me the lands divide."
Sir Siegfried heard with sorrow these words from his fair bride.
III
Then came to him the princes, and thus spake all the three,
"Know that for you, King Siegfried, shall ever ready be
Our true and loving service, that e'en of death is vow'd."
To them for their fair promise the stately warrior bow'd.
IV
"With you too we are anxious," said Giselher the young,
"To part the lands and castles that to us all belong.
Of all the broad possessions, o'er which the rule we bear,
We'll yield to you and Kriemhild a good and ample share."
V
Soon as the son of Siegmund their loving offer heard,
To the noble princes this answer he preferr'd.
"God grant you long enjoyment of your possessions fair;
For me and my dear consort, our part we well can spare.
VI
"The right that you allow her my wife may well lay down;
Henceforth in my country she'll wear the queenly crown,
And, should I live, be richer than any living wight.
In all things else, your bidding I'll do with all my might."
VII
"In th' heritage," said Kriemhild, "though you renounce our rights,
Not of so little value are our Burgundian knights;
Them might a king be happy to bring into his land,
And I my portion in them claim at each brother's hand."
VIII
"Take whom thou wilt, fair sister," Sir Gernot straight replied,
"No doubt you'll find abundance, who long with you to ride.
From thirty hundred vassals, each one a chosen man,
Take for thy train a thousand." Kriemhild to send began
IX
First for Ortwine and Hagan, the noble knights and true,
If they and their bold kinsmen would Kriemhild serve and sue.
Thereat wax'd Hagan wrathful, and frowning thus 'gan say,
"Nor right nor power has Gunther to give us thus away.
X
"For followers and companions seek elsewhere if you will.
As for our Trony customs, sure you must know them still.
At court we guard our princes, nor from this duty swerve.
Thus here we serv'd them ever, thus will we ever serve."
XI
Thereto was made no answer; all on their journey thought.
Her noble train together the lady Kriemhild brought,
Two and thirty maidens and five hundred men.
Eckewart the Margrave follow'd Kriemhild then.
XII
Leave last by all was taken, both by squire and knight
And by dame and damsel, as fitting was and right.
With many a kiss they parted, and many a grasp of hand,
And so not ill contented they left King Gunther's land.
XIII
Far rode their loving kinsmen to bring them on their way;
Each night they found them quarters where'er it pleas'd them stay,
While they upon their journey through Gunther's country went
Then messengers were forthwith to old King Siegmund sent,
XIV
To him and to Dame Sieglind the hasty news to bear,
That his son was coming, and with him Kriemhild fair,
The daughter of Dame Uta, from Worms beyond the Rhine.
Ne'er to such welcome tidings did they their ears incline.
XV
"Ah! well is me," cried Siegmund, "that I this day have seen,
That here the lovely Kriemhild should move a crowned queen
My heritage high worship shall hence and honor gain;
Here too my son Siegfried himself a king shall reign."
XVI
Then gave the Lady Sieglind good store of velvet red;
Full weight of gold and silver shower'd she for newsman's bread.
Much at the gladsome tidings rejoic'd the royal dame.
Her train themselves apparel'd as nobles well became.
XVII
'Twas told her, who was coming with him into the land.
Then rais'd in haste were sittings, as Sieglind gave command,
Whither crown'd should march Sir Siegfried in front of all his train.
Then forth to meet the strangers rode Siegmund's knights amain.
XVIII
If e'er was heartier welcome than was receiv'd that day
In good King Siegmund's country, is more than I can say.
To meet the lovely Kriemhild the royal Sieglind came
With many a lovely lady and many a knight of fame.
XIX
A whole day's journey's distance, till came the guests in view.
Then no small toil and trouble both friends and strangers knew
To reach a spacious fortress (Xanten the name it bore),
Where royal crowns thereafter the bride and bridegroom wore.
XX
Sieglind and Siegmund wecom'd fair Kriemhild lovingly;
With laughing mouth full often they kiss'd her tenderly,
And did as much to Siegfried; far flown was all their care.
All the train of followers were warmly greeted there.
XXI
Straight were brought the strangers to Siegmund's royal hall.
Down there the lovely maidens from horse were lifted all
By knights and squires officious, and many a high-born man
To wait on beauteous ladies with courtly zeal began.
XXII
How great soe'er the splendor of Gunther's marriage day,
Yet here were fairer garments profusely given away
Than ever yet at festals had deck'd the warriors bold;
Of their surpassing richness marvels might be told.
XXIII
As sat they in high honor with all delights in store,
What bright gold-color'd raiment their joyful followers wore,
Laces and stones full precious fair work'd in vesture sheen!
Well were the guests entreated by the rich and noble queen.
XXIV
Then spake the good Sir Siegmund before his friends in hall,
"This my resolve declare I to Siegfried's kinsmen all,
That he before these warriors my royal crown shall wear."
The news gave full contentment to the Netherlanders there.
XXV
His crown and power he gave him and seisin of his land;
Their master then became he; zealous was every hand
To execute his judgments; his mouth pronounc'd the law.
To th' husband of fair Kriemhild all look'd with fear and awe.
XXVI
So liv'd he in high honor, a rightful monarch crown'd,
And giving righteous judgment till the tenth year came round,
When the fair queen his consort bore him at last an heir.
Glad were thereat his kinsmen, glad too the royal pair.
XXVII
Forthwith the babe was christen'd, and given him was a name
After his uncle Gunther; it could not bring him shame.
If he his kin resembled, in worth he would excel;
His parents, as became them, train'd up the infant well.
XXVIII
About the self-same season the Lady Sieglind died;
The child of noble Uta her vacant place supplied,
And to the power succeeded that Sieglind held before.
The people deeply sorrow'd that Sieglind was no more.
XXIX
Next messengers came posting the joyful news to bring,
How by the Rhine to Gunther, the stout Burgundian king,
A son was borne by Brunhild the once relentless dame;
He for the love of Siegfried receiv'd the hero's name.
XXX
With every care they train'd him; Gunther his father dear
Bade tutors the young infant in every virtue rear,
That, nurtur'd so to manhood, all worship he might win.
Ah! by mishap thereafter how lost he all his kin!
XXXI
Thenceforward at all seasons full many a tale was told,
How nobly and how knightly the wariors fierce and bold
Liv'd in the land of Siegmund; fame voiced their praises loud.
Like them lived good King Gunther and his noble kinsmen proud.
XXXII
Their land the Nibelungers of Siegfried held in fee;
None e'er of all his kindred so wealthy was as he.
His were the knights of Schilbung and both the brethren's store.
Through this the bold Sir Siegfried himself the loftier bore.
XXXIII
The richest of all treasures, that e'er was gain'd by knight,
Save by its former masters, he held by conqueror's right.
The same before a mountain by dint of sword he won.
To win it, many a champion his hand to death had done.
XXXIV
Huge was his wealth and worship; yet, had he naught possess'd
Whoever look'd upon him could not but have confess'd,
He was the prowest champion that e'er in saddle sat.
All trembled at his manhood; good cause had they for that.
TWELFTH ADVENTURE
HOW GUNTHER INVITED SIEGFRIED TO THE FESTIVAL
I
Still Gunther's consort ever thought with deep-musing care,
Why should the Lady Kriemhild herself so proudly bear?
And yet her husband Siegfried--what but our man is he?
And late but little service has yielded for his fee.
II
In her heart his thought she foster'd deep in its inmost core;
That still they kept such distance, a secret grudge she bore.
How came it that their vassal to court declin'd to go,
Nor for his land did homage, she inly yearn'd to know.
III
She made request of Gunther, and begg'd it so might be,
That she the absent Kriemhild yet once again might see,
And told him too, in secret, whereon her thoughts were bent.
With the words she utter'd her lord was scarce content.
IV
"How could we bring them hither," the king in turn began,
"Such a length of journey? 'twere past the power of man.
I could not ask it of them, they dwell from us so wide."
Thereto in haughty fashion the frowning queen replied,
V
"How rich soe'er a vassal, how broad soe'er his lands,
Obedience is his duty, whate'er his lord commands."
Sure could but smile Sir Gunther when thus he heard her fret.
'Twas not for suit and service that he and Siegfried met.
VI