That Siegfried and thy sister once more may seek the Rhine,
That we again may see them, and all in love unite.
Nothing, I well assure thee, could give me more delight.
VII
"What soft emotion soothes me, whene'er I call to mind
Thy sister's noble graces, her accent soft and kind,
And how, when both were married, we both sat side by side!
No doubt may she with honor be Siegfried's loving bride."
VIII
She press'd so long, that Gunther replied with alter'd cheer,
"Now know that guests so welcome never saw I here.
Much pressing little needed; so messengers of mine
I'll send to bid them hasten hither to the Rhine."
IX
Thereto the queen made answer, "Tell me now, I pray,
When you will send to ask them, and about what day
We may expect the travellers to both of us so dear;
And who will bear your message, I willingly would hear."
X
"So will I do," replied he; "thirty of my men
Shall be commission'd thither." Forthwith he summon'd them
Those by whom his message to Siegfried's land he sent,
Brunhild sumptuous vesture gave them to their full content.
XI
Then spake the king, "Ye warriors, from me this message bear
(That you keep back nothing I bid you well beware),
Which I to valiant Siegfried and to my sister send,
That in this world can no man to both be more a friend;
XII
"And beg them hasten hither us on the Rhine to see;
It shall be well requited both by my wife and me.
By the next midsummer he and his men shall find
From every one among us high honor, welcome kind.
XIII
"Unto the good King Siegmund my service, too, commend;
Say, I and mine shall ever hold him as our friend.
Bid too my sister hasten to meet her kinsmen dear.
Ne'er graced she royal festal like that which waits her here."
XIV
Brunhild and Uta and every lady there
Into the land of Siegfried their greeting bade them bear
To many a noble warrior and many a lady gay.
So with the king's commission the couriers went their way.
XV
To start they now were ready; to each of all the band
Was brought both steed and vesture; so rode they from the land.
With happy haste they journey'd, and ever prick'd they hard;
The king had sent an escort his messengers to guard.
XVI
In the weary journey three toilsome weeks they spent.
At last in Niblung's castle, whither they had been sent,
E'en in the march of Norway, they found king Siegmund's son.
Horses alike and riders were travel-tainted and fordone.
XVII
To Siegfried and to Kriemhild forthwith the tidings came,
That knights had journey'd thither, whose venture was the same
As what by men of worship was born in Burgundy.
From her day-bed Kriemhild up sprung hastily.
XVIII
Sudden to a window she bade a damsel go,
Who saw bold Gary standing in the court below,
Him, and his valiant comrades on the same errand bound.
For her long-brooded sorrow what rapture then she found!
XIX
Loud call'd she to her husband, "See you, where they stand
Down in the court there waiting, stout Gary and his band,
Whom my good brother Gunther has sent us down the Rhine?"
"Welcome are they," said Siegfried, "welcome to me and mine."
XX
Where they saw them standing, all the household ran;
They kindly then saluted, as man encounter'd man,
And, as they best could please them, spoke many a friendly word,
With no small joy King Siegmund of their arrival heard.
XXI
Straight were allotted quarters to Gary and his men,
And charge ta'en of their courses; the messengers went then
To where sat bold Sir Siegfried by gentle Kriemhild's side;
They were to court invited, and so they thither hied.
XXII
Uprose, as in they enter'd, the host and his fair dame.
Full well receiv'd was Gary, and all who with him came
His followers, Gunther's liegemen from distant Burgundy.
To a seat the warrior was motion'd courteously.
XXIII
"Nay, deign," said he, "our message to hear before we sit,
And us, way-wearied wanderers, the while to stand permit.
We have to tell you tidings to us committed late
By Gunther and by Brunhild, who are both in best estate;
XXIV
"And from the Lady Uta we come, your mother dear,
And from the good Sir Gernot and youthful Giselher,
And from your choicest kinsmen, who all with kind intent
By us to you their service from Burgundy have sent."
XXV
"Now God then quit!" said Siegfried, "that they're sincere and true,
I trust with full assurance, as men with friends should do.
The same too feels their sister. Now further to us tell,
Whether our friends in Rhineland are hearty all and well.
XXVI
"Since we from them departed, has any neighboring foe
Harried my consort's kindred? this let me surely know.
To them by me shall ever such friendly aid be lent,
That their wrong the doers shall bitterly repent."
XXVII
Thereto the Margrave Gary, the good knight, made reply,
"Fraught with all manly virtues they bear them proud and high.
They bid you to a festal, which they at home prepare.
You need not doubt, your kinsmen would gladly see you there.
XXVIII
"They also beg my lady thither with you to wend,
Soon as the blustering winter shall come at length to end,
You both ere next midsummer they all expect to see."
Then said the valiant Siegfried, "That can hardly be."
XXIX
But straight the bold Burgundian Gary gave this reply,
"Surely your mother Uta you never can deny,
Nor Giselher, nor Gernot, who all would meet you fain.
That you dwell so far distant, I hear them daily plain.
XXX
"Brunhild, my noble lady, and all her maidens fair,
Are glad to think that forthwith you thither will repair.
That they once more may see you, fills every heart with glee."
His words to lovely Kriemhild seem'd full good to be.
XXXI
Gary was her kinsman; him begg'd the host to sit,
And straight bade fill the goblets to pledge them, as was fit;
Then too, to meet the envoys, King Siegmund join'd the rest,
And to the bold Burgundians these friendly words address'd:
XXXII
"Welcome, ye men of Gunther! since Siegfried, my good son,
Your noble lady Kriemhild for his wife has won,
You at our court more frequent we should have gladly seen.
Your presence of our friendship the surest bond had been."
XXXIII
They said, whene'er he wish'd it, they willingly would come.
Their toil and teen through gladness forgot they all and some.
Siegfried bade all be seated, and viands of the best,
And in full abundance, be brought to every guest.
XXXIV
Nine days in mirth and feasting the envoys needs must stay.
At length the active warriors could brook no more delay.
Again would they ride homeward; on that their minds were bent
In th' interval King Siegfried for his friends had sent.
XXXV
He ask'd them what they counsel'd; he needs must to the Rhine;
"I bidden am by Gunther that dear friend of mine.
At a high feast my presence he and his kinsmen pray.
Fain would I ride thither, were't not so far away.
XXXVI
"They beg moreover, Kriemhild the journey too may share.
Now, my good friends, advise me; what's best to do, declare.
Should they for them request me to harry thirty lands,
Well they such warlike service might claim at Siegfried's hands."
XXXVII
Thereto his knights thus answer'd, "As you desire to speed,
If you this feast will visit, hearken to our rede.
Take of your best warriors a thousand by your side.
So 'midst the bold Burgundians in honor you'll abide."
XXXVIII
Then spake the lord of Netherland, Siegmund the frank and free,
"If you're for this high festal, why say not so to me?
I, if it not displease you, will with you to the Rhine,
And bring, to swell your squadron, a hundred knights of mine."
XXXIX
"Will you too journey with us, my father ever dear?"
Exclaim'd the bold Sir Siegfried; "it glads me this to hear.
Within twelve days at furthest we'll wend upon our way."
To all, who ask'd, then gave he good steeds and garments gay.
XL
When now to take the journey fix'd was the king's design,
He bade the knights of Gunther ride back unto the Rhine,
And sent by them a message to Kriemhild's kinsmen there,
That to the feast, they purpos'd, full fain would he repair.
XLI
Siegfried and Kriemhild (so says the tale) bestow'd
More gifts upon the envoys, than o'er such length of road
Their horses home could carry; a wealthy man was he.
They drove their strong-back'd sumpters merrily o'er the lea.
XLII
Siegfried and eke Siegmund their people cloth'd anew;
Eckewart the Margrave all Siegfried's country through
Bade seek out women's raiment, whate'er was stored in chest
Or could be bought for money, the choicest and the best.
XLIII
Rich saddles were made ready, and shields of glittering pride.
To the knights and ladies, that should with Siegfried ride,
Whate'er they wish'd was granted; none wanted there for ought.
To his friends in Rhineland many a lordly guest he brought.
XLIV
Meanwhile homeward speeding prick'd the envoys fast.
Back came the noble Gary to Burgundy at last.
He met with hearty welcome; straight they dismounted all
From war-horse and from palfrey before King Gunther's hall.
XLV
Old and young (as the use is) ran up from every side,
And ask'd what news they brought them? the noble knights replied,
"When I the king have told it, 'twill spread to all around."
Then went he with his comrades to where the king he found.
XLVI
From sheer pleasure Gunther started from his seat
At the happy tidings; that they had come so fleet,
Much thanks had they from Brunhild. Gunther straight begun,
"How fares it with Siegfried, who so much for me has done?"
XLVII
"To hear of you," said Gary, "he redden'd with delight,
Both he, and eke your sister; never living wight
Sent his friends a message so tender and so true,
As by me Sir Siegfried and his father have to you."
XLVIII
Then to the valiant margrave the noble queen 'gan say,
"Tell me, is Kriemhild coming? does still her form display
The beauty and soft graces, she well to foster knew?"
The good knight, Gary, answer'd, "She's surely coming too."
XLIX
Then before Dame Uta the messengers were brought;
Well without her asking could Gary guess her thought,
So, ere she put the question, "How did Kriemhild fare?"
He said, how he had found her, and that she'd soon be there.
L
Of all the gorgeous presents nothing was left untold,
Given them by good Sir Siegfried; the raiment and the gold,
That the three brethren's lieges might view them forth were laid.
With thanks the gracious giver was by them all repaid.
LI
"Ay! of his own," said Hagan, "full lightly he may give;
'Tis past his power to spend it, should he forever live.
The Nibelungers' treasure holds he by strength of hand.
Ah! would it were brought hither to our Burgundian land!"
LII
The court, both knights and ladies, were all with joy elate
To hear that they were coming. Early forthwith and late
The friends of the three brethren were busied every man;
Seats with sumptuous trappings to raise they straight began.
LIII
Hunolt and eke Sindolt, the hardy knights and true,
Had not a moment's leisure; full work had they to do
The while, as sewer and butler, and many a bench to raise.
Ortwine for th' aid he gave them had Gunther's thanks and praise.
LIV
Sore toil'd the chief cook, Rumolt; ah! how his orders ran
Among his understrappers! how many a pot and pan,
How many a mighty cauldron rattled and rang again!
They dress'd a world of dishes for all th' expected train.
LV
Nor less was then the labor to the fair ladies known,
As they prepar'd their garments; many a precious stone
They set in gold far-beaming, and glitter'd both so bright,
And with such grace they wore them, as ravish'd every sight.
THIRTEENTH ADVENTURE
HOW THEY WENT TO THE FESTIVAL
I
Now we awhile must leave them on household toils intent,
And tell how Lady Kriemhild and her maidens went
From the Nibelungers' country to the Rhine's fair shore.
Such plenty of rich vesture never sumpters bore.
II
Dispatch'd were travelling cases well fraught with precious load;
Then with his queen and comrades Sir Siegfried forward rode.
Her heart with pleasure's promise was ready to o'erflow;
All was chang'd thereafter to wail and mortal woe.
III
At home, since so it needed, they left their infant heir,
The son that valiant Siegfried begot on Kriemhild fair.
To the poor boy misfortune that fatal journey bore;
His father and his mother saw he never more.
IV
And with them good Sir Siegmund prick'd forth in merry mood.
Had he but once foreboded the woes that thence ensued,
At that disastrous festal he ne'er had sat a guest,
Ne'er had he seen the ruin of those he loved the best.
V
Dispatch'd before were couriers to say they were at hand
Straight rode out to meet them a royal vested band,
Many a friend of Uta's, of Gunther's many a knight.
The host himself was stirring to welcome them aright.
VI
Forthwith he sought out Brunhild, where sat the stately dame.
"How did my sister greet you when first you hither came?
So greet the wife of Siegfried, take care to fail in nought."
"So will I," said she, "gladly; I love her as I ought."
VII
"To-morrow they'll be with us," said he, "by early day,
So, if you mean to greet them, be stirring while you may.
We must not, sure, be lurking within the castle here.
Never had I the fortune to welcome guests so dear."
VIII
She bade her dames and damsels look out their choicest vests,
The same they wore at festals before high-honor'd guests,
Such were to be expected with to-morrow's sun,
I need not say her bidding right willingly was done.
IX
Then too, to do their service the men of Gunther sped.
With him all his warriors the host in squadron led.
Next the queen came pacing full royally array'd.
To guests belov'd so dearly was goodliest welcome made.
X
With what joy and gladness welcom'd were they there!
It seem'd, when came Dame Brunhild to Burgundy whilere,
Her welcome by Dame Kriemhild less tender was and true;
The heart of each beholder beat higher at the view.
XI
Now too was come Sir Siegfried with all his men around.
You might see the warriors careering o'er the ground,
Now hither and now thither, with fire-sparkling hoof.
From the dust and tumult none could keep aloof.
XII
When Siegfried and eke Siegmund met King Gunther's eyes,
The host both son and father bespoke in loving wise.
"To me you are right welcome, to all my friends as dear.
It is our pride and pleasure as guests to have you here."
XIII
"Now God you quit!" said Siegmund, the grave and reverend man;
"Ever since my Siegfried you for his comrade wan,
My wish had it been always to see you and to know."
"Right glad I am," said Gunther, "it now has happen'd so."
XIV
Receiv'd was bold Sir Siegfried, as fitted well his state,
With the highest honors; no man bore him hate.
Young Giselher and Gernot proffer'd all courtly care;
Never met friend or kinsman reception half so fair.
XV
Now either king's fair consort nigh to the other came;
Emptied were store of saddles; many a smiling dame
To the grass by stalwart champions down was lifted light.
In the ladies' service how busy was many a knight!
XVI
And now the lovely ladies each to the other went.
Thereat was many a chieftain full well at heart content,
When both a welcome offer'd so friendly and so fair.
Meanwhile the warriors ceas'd not to tend the ladies there.
XVII
Chieftain now to chieftain held out the cordial hand;
Low bows were made in plenty by either courtly band.
Amongst the high-born ladies pass'd many a loving kiss.
Both Gunther's men and Siegfried's were fain to look on this.
XVIII
They linger'd there no longer, but toward the city rode.
To his guests King Gunther by every action show'd
How welcome was their presence to all in Burgundy.
Young knights before young maidens ran tilting joyously.
XIX
The power of mighty Hagan and eke of bold Ortwine
Well there might each beholder from what he saw divine.
Whate'er they pleas'd to order, from all obedience won;
To the lov'd guests by either was courtly service done.
XX
The shields they clang'd and clatter'd before the castle gate
With fencing and with foining; long time had there to wait
His guests and good King Gunther ere they could enter in.
They pass'd the time right joyous amidst the press and din.
XXI
So to the spacious palace on rode they merrily.
You might see rich foot-cloths, well cut and artfully,
Down hang from o'er the saddle of many a high-born dame.
Forward to receive them King Gunther's servants came.
XXII
Then to their several chambers the guests were led aside.
From time to time Queen Brunhild with searching glances eyed
The love-enkindling Kriemhild; lovely she was indeed;
Her hue the gold outsparkled that glitter'd in her weed.
XXIII
At Worms through all the city rang the mirthsome shout
Of the rejoicing followers; Gunther the noisy rout
Commended to his marshal, and bade him treat them fair;
Dankwart sought out good quarters and fitly lodg'd them there.
XXIV
Without, within, was feasting; unbounded was the store.
Sure stranger guests were never treated so well before.
It only needed asking, and all was straight supplied;
So rich a king was Gunther that nothing was denied.
XXV
With friendly zeal they serv'd them, with hearts devoid of hate;
Amidst his guests at table the host exulting sate.
To sit was bidden Siegfried where he of yore had done.
With him strode to the banquet proud warriors many a one.
XXVI
Twelve hundred stalwart champions in circle there were seen
With him at table sitting; Brunhild, the watchful queen,
Thought to herself, no vassal could ever wealthier be.
Still him she so far favor'd, that from harm she left him free.
XXVII
All that feastful evening, as sat the king to dine,
Store of the richest vesture was wetted by the wine,
That in hasty hurry the butlers ever pour'd.
Sore toil'd they in their service at that o'ercrowded board.
XXVIII
Then, as is still the custom at each well-order'd feast,
To rest the dames and damsels were in good time releas'd.
All guests with gifts and honors, from whenceso'er they came,
The noble host entreated as well beseem'd his fame.
XXIX
When now the night was over, and reappear'd the dawn,
By the fair hands of ladies was many a jewel drawn,
Sparkling in goodly raiment, from many a travelling chest,
And out was sought and hurried many a lordly vest.
XXX
Ere 'twas full day, came flocking the palace hall around
Knights and squires in plenty; then arose the sound
Of matins sung to Gunther, and, when this was done,
So well rode youthful warriors, that the king's thanks they won.
XXXI
Shrill fifes and loud-voic'd clarions and blaring trumpet-clang
Mix'd with the shouts of thousands, that all the city rang,
And through the startled welkin th' alarum spread around.
Proud knights on strong-hoof'd chargers rode thund'ring
o'er the ground.
XXXII
At once without the city a tourney they began.
There his career exulting many a young warrior ran,
Whom his fresh boiling courage impell'd to honor's field.
Many a knight of prowess was there seen under shield.
XXXIII
Many a stately matron and many a smiling maid
Sat at the castle windows in costly robes array'd,
And look'd on while the warriors display'd their skill and force;
The good host with his comrades himself would run a course.
XXXIV
The time seem'd not to linger, so merrily it pass'd.
Pealing from the minster they heard the bells at last.
Then up were led the palfreys; forth rode each lady bright;
The noble queens were follow'd by many a valiant knight.
XXXV
Down before the minster they lighted on the green.
Still to her guests was gracious King Gunther's haughty queen.
Both crown'd, into the minster they stepp'd with royal state.
Too soon their love was sunder'd and all through jealous hate!
XXXVI
Soon as the mass was over, with regal pomp and pride
Thence came they to the palace, and straight exulting hied
To the joyous banquet, and neither stop nor stay
Was put to the high festal until th' eleventh day.
XXXVII
Then thought Queen Brunhild, "Silent no longer I'll remain.
Howe'er to pass I bring it, Kriemhild shall explain,
Wherefore so long her husband, who holds of us in fee,
Has left undone his service; this sure shall answer'd be."
XXXVIII
So still she brooded mischief, and conn'd her devil's lore,
Till she broke off in sorrow the feast so blithe before.
Ever at her heart lay closely what came perforce to light.
Many a land she startled with horror and affright.
FOURTEENTH ADVENTURE
HOW THE TWO QUEENS REVILED ONE ANOTHER
I
One day at th' hour of vespers a loud alarum rose
From certain lusty champions that for their pastime chose
To prove themselves at tilting in the castle court;
Then many a knight and lady ran thither to see the sport.
II
There were the proud queens sitting together, as befell,
Each on a good knight thinking that either lov'd full well.
Then thus began fair Kriemhild, "My husband's of such might,
That surely o'er these kingdoms he ought to rule by right."
III
Then answer'd Lady Brunhild, "Nay, how can that be shown?
Were there none other living but thou and he alone,
Then might, no doubt, the kingdoms be rul'd by him and thee,
But, long as Gunther's living, that sure can never be."
IV
Thereto rejoin'd fair Kriemhild, "See'st thou how proud he stands,
How proud he stalks, conspicuous among those warrior bands,
As doth the moon far-beaming the glimmering stars outshine?
Sure have I cause to pride me when such a knight is mine."
V
Thereto replied Queen Brunhild, "How brave soe'er he be,
How stout soe'er or stately, one greater is than he.
Gunther, thy noble brother, a higher place may claim,
Of knights and kings the foremost in merit and in fame."
VI
Thereto rejoin'd fair Kriemhild, "So worthy is my mate,
All praise that I can give him can ne'er be term'd too great.
In all he does how matchless? in honor too how clear!
Believ'st thou this, Queen Brunhild? at least he's Gunther's peer."
VII
"Thou should'st not so perversely, Kriemhild, my meaning take.
What I said, assure thee, with ample cause I spake.
I heard them both allow it, then when both first I saw,
And the stout king in battle compell'd me to his law.
VIII
"E'en then, when my affection he so knightly won,
'Twas fairly own'd by Siegfried that he was Gunther's man.
Myself I heard him own it, and such I hold him still."
"Forsooth," replied fair Kriemhild, "they must have used me ill.
IX
"How could my noble brethren their power have so applied,
As to make me, their sister, a lowly vassal's bride?
For manners' sake then, Brunhild, this idle talk give o'er,
And, by our common friendship, let me hear no more."
X
"Give o'er will I never," the queen replied again;
"Shall I renounce the service of all the knightly train
That hold of him, our vassal, and are our vassals too?"
Into sudden anger at this fair Kriemhild flew.
XI
"Ay! but thou must renounce it, for never will he grace
Thee with his vassal service: he fills a higher place
Than e'en my brother Gunther, noble though be his strain.
Henceforth thou should'st be wiser, nor hold such talk again.
XII
"I wonder, too, since Siegfried thy vassal is by right,
Since both of us thou rulest with so much power and might,
Why to thee his service so long he has denied.
Nay! I can brook no longer thy insolence and pride."
XIII
"Thyself too high thou bearest," Brunhild answer made;
"Fain would I see this instant whether to thee be paid
Public respect and honor such as waits on me."
Then both the dames with anger lowering you might see.
XIV
"So shall it be," said Kriemhild, "to meet thee I'm prepar'd
Since thou my noble husband a vassal hast declar'd,
By the men of both our consorts to-day it shall be seen,
That I the church dare enter before King Gunther's queen.
XV
"To-day by proof thou'lt witness, what lofty birth is mine,
And that my noble husband worthier is than thine;
Nor for this with presumption shall I be tax'd I trow;
To-day thou'lt see moreover thy lowly vassal go
XVI
"To court before the warriors here in Burgundy.
Assure thee, thou'lt behold me honor'd more royally
Than the proudest princess that ever here wore crown."
The dames their spite attested with many a scowl and frown.
XVII
"Since thou wilt be no vassal," Brunhild rejoin'd again,
"Then thou with thy women must apart remain
From my dames and damsels, as to the church we go."
Thereto Kriemhild answer'd, "Trust me it shall be so.
XVIII
"Array ye now, my maidens," said Siegfried's haughty dame,
"You must not let your mistress here be put to shame.
That you have gorgeous raiment make plain to every eye.
What she has just asserted, she soon shall fain deny."
XIX
They needed not much bidding; all sought out their best;
Matrons alike and maidens each donn'd a glittering vest.
Queen Brunhild with her meiny was now upon her way.
By this was deck'd fair Kriemhild in royal rich array,
XX