But just before, the tidings had to their ears been brought.
Right glad to see the envoys for his dear sister's sake
Was the young knight Giselher, and friendly them bespake.
XXIV
"Welcome, ye noble envoys, welcome to me and mine;
Should you be pleas'd more frequent to travel to the Rhine,
Friends you would meet with ever who'd see you still with joy,
And little you'd encounter to cause you here annoy."
XXV
"For that we freely trust you," straight answer'd Swemmeline;
"Express ne'er could I fitly by wit or words of mine
What kind and friendly greetings I from King Etzel bear,
And from your noble sister, who reigns so proudly there.
XXVI
"Your love and old affection she bids you keep in mind,
And how to her you ever in heart and soul were kind.
But first to the king and foremost we come by high command,
To beg you'd deign to travel hence into Etzel's land.
XXVII
"In strictest charge 'twas given us by our redoubted king,
Unto you all this message on his account to bring,
If you your loving sister are so resolv'd to shun,
Yet fain would learn King Etzel, what he to you has done,
XXVIII
"That you to him such strangers and to his land have been;
E'en were you distant aliens, nor kinsmen of his queen,
He at your hands might merit that you his guests should be,
And if this e'er should happen, right well content were he."
XXIX
Thereto replied King Gunther, "Before this sennight's end,
I'll tell you, after counsel first ta'en with many a friend.
What I shall have determin'd; meanwhile for you 'twere best
To go back to your quarters and there in pleasure rest."
XXX
Then said the minstrel Werbel, "And might it also be,
That you would permit us a little space to see
My gracious Lady Uta ere we retire to rest?"
Thereto assent Sir Giselher thus courteously express'd.
XXXI
"That no one will refuse you, and, would you thither go,
Full well you'd please my mother, that for a truth I know;
Surely for my sister the Lady Kriemhild's sake
She will behold you gladly, and friendly welcome make."
XXXII
Giselher then led them where he the lady found;
Full gladly she beheld them, the chiefs from Hunnish ground.
She gave them friendly greeting, for she was good and wise;
They then their charge deliver'd in grave and courtly guise.
XXXIII
"To you the queen my lady," thus noble Swemmeline spake,
"Commends her love and duty; this you for truth may take,
That if your royal daughter her mother oft could see,
In all the world no pleasure more dear to her would be."
XXXIV
Thereto the queen made answer, "That cannot be, I fear;
Much as 'twould glad me, often to see my daughter dear,
She dwells from hence too distant, the noble Etzel's wife.
May she and he together ever lead a happy life!
XXXV
"I pray you, give me notice, e'er you from Rhineland go,
When you begin your journey; this too for certain know,
That I never envoys with more content have seen."
The squires to do her pleasure made promise to the queen.
XXXVI
The messengers from Hungary thence to their chambers went;
Meanwhile in haste King Gunther round to his friends had sent,
And, when all were assembled, inquir'd of every man,
What thought they of the message; many then to speak began.
XXXVII
That into Etzel's country be might in safety ride,
This all the best advis'd him, who stood there by his side,
Save only stern Sir Hagan; he drew the king apart,
And grimly frowning mutter'd, "You strike at your own heart.
XXXVIII
"You sure must still remember what we ere now have done.
We must beware of Kriemhild for ever, every one.
To the death her husband I smote with this good hand;
How then can we with prudence set foot in Etzel's land?"
XXXIX
Then spake the mighty monarch, "She thinks no more of this;
At parting she forgave us, with many a loving kiss,
All we had done against her; her wrath is overblown.
If she bear malice, Hagan, 'tis sure 'gainst you alone."
XL
"Trust not, Sir King," said Hagan, "how smooth soe'er they be,
The messengers from Hungary; if Kriemhild you will see,
You put upon the venture your honor and your life.
A nurse of ling'ring vengeance is Etzel's moody wife."
XLI
Then took the word Prince Gernot, and in the council spake,
"Because you with good reason believe your life at stake
In yonder Hunnish kingdoms, must we too Kriemhild shun,
And visit not our sister? that sure were wrongly done."
XLII
Then to the frowning warrior Prince Giselher turn'd his rede,
"Since you know yourself guilty, friend Hagan, in this deed,
Better stay here in safety, and of your life take care,
And with us to our sister let journey those who dare."
XLIII
Thereat the Knight of Trony to kindle wrath began,
"Never shall you, never, lead with you hence a man
That with you dare ride readier to visit your worst foe;
Since you will not hear counsel, this I ere long will show."
XLIV
Then spake the steward Rumolt, a hardy knight and true;
"You can dispose in Rhineland of friends and strangers too
After your own good pleasure; abundance have you here;
No one, I ween, in Hungary has bound you to appear.
XLV
"Since you will not hear Hagan, to my advice attend;
This is what Rumolt counsels, your firm and faithful friend;
Stay here in peace and plenty; let those who need it roam,
And let the great King Etzel cheer his fair queen at home.
XLVI
"Where can you be better for pleasure or repose?
Where more with friends surrounded, and more secure from foes?
So be wise and merry, the richest raiment wear,
Drink the best wine in Rhineland, and woo the fairest fair.
XLVII
"Store have you too of dainties, the best and most to prize
That ever feasted monarch, and, if 'twere otherwise,
At home you still should tarry for love of your fair wife,
Nor in such childish fashion expose your precious life.
XLVIII
"Stay here then, I beseech you; rich are your lawns and leas,
Here every pledge of pleasure you may redeem with ease,
Far better than in Hungary; who knows what there may rise?
Stay here, my lord, and stir not; this is what I advise."
XLIX
"Stay will we not, assure thee," Prince Gernot answer'd straight;
"How can we, when my sister and the great king, her mate,
Have bidd'n us by a message so loving and so kind?
Who will not freely with us may safely stay behind."
L
Thereto made Hagan answer, "Be not displeas'd at all
With what I now shall counsel, whatever hence befall.
In faith and truth I warn you; would you in safety go,
Ride well array'd to Hungary, and arm'd from top to toe.
LI
"Since you still will forward, for all your warriors send,
For every valiant stranger and every trusted friend.
From all I'll choose a thousand, each a well-proved knight;
Thus you may rest in safety from moody Kriemhild's spite."
LII
"I gladly take thy counsel," the king at once replied;
Throughout his lands despatch'd he his messengers far and wide.
Three thousand knights or better came on with proud intent.
Little thought they to purchase such doleful dreariment.
LIII
With jollity and joyance to Gunther's land they rode;
On all, that proffer'd service, was horse and weed bestow'd,
For soon were they to travel far from Burgundian ground.
Many a good knight to join him the king right willing found.
LIV
Then Hagan told Sir Dankwart, his brother good at need,
Eighty of their warriors forth to the Rhine to lead.
Thither they came full knightly; the well-appointed band
Harness with them, and raiment, brought into Gunther's land.
LV
Folker, a noble minstrel, and eke a hardy knight,
Came to partake their journey with thirty men of might,
All clad in such apparel as well a king might wear;
He bade announce to Gunther, to Hungary he'd fare.
LVI
Now, who was this same Folker, I'll tell you faithfully.
He was a high-born warrior, and had in Burgundy
Many good knights for vassals of honor undefil'd.
For playing on the viol the minstrel he was styl'd.
LVII
Hagan chose out a thousand whom well before he knew
In stern assaults and forays for valiant men and true,
And in all forms of battle their worth he oft had tried.
Their well-approved prowess by none could be denied.
LVIII
Sore irk'd it Kriemhild's envoys to make so long a stay;
They fear'd their lord's displeasure, and fain would speed away.
They daily were entreating for leave at once to part,
But Hagan still refus'd it through subtlety of heart.
LIX
To his lords he thus gave warning, "We must well beware
Of letting these ride homeward, unless ourselves we fare
Within a sennight after straight into Etzel's land.
We shall be thus the safer if any fraud be plann'd.
LX
"With all her thirst for vengeance, Kriemhild will want the time
To weave a web of mischief, and muster strength for crime,
Or, if she strike too early, she'll be the sufferer then,
Since we shall bring to Hungary such a host of chosen men."
LXI
Forthwith for many a champion, who thence would soon away,
Prepar'd were shields and saddles and all the proud array
That to the land of Etzel each was with him to bring;
Meanwhile Queen Kriemhild's envoys were call'd before the king.
LXII
Then thus began Sir Gernot to th' envoys there in place,
"The king will do the bidding of royal Etzel's grace.
Fain will we seek his festal, which it were ill to miss,
And see once more our sister; she may depend on this."
LXIII
Then spake to them King Gunther, "Could you to us declare
The time of this high festal, and when we should be there
With all our following present?" then Swemmeline made reply,
"For the next midsummer is fix'd the festal high."
LXIV
The king then gave permission, not granted till that hour,
If they wish'd to visit Dame Brunhild in her bower,
With his free allowance thither at once to go,
Then interpos'd Sir Folker (the queen would have it so).
LXV
"Just now my Lady Brunhild is not so well of cheer,"
Said the good knight, "that strangers before her can appear.
Wait until to-morrow; then you the queen may see."
Much wish'd they to behold her, yet never could it be.
LXVI
Then in his gracious fashion commanded straight the king
Through kindnes to the envoys forth his gold to bring
Spread out on massy bucklers; good store thereof had he.
Rich gifts his friends too gave them with liberal hand and free.
LXVII
Gernot alike and Giselher and Gary and Ortwine
Show'd, they as well could lavish the treasures of the mine.
Such rich gifts on the envoys were shower'd with one accord,
That they durst not accept them through terror of their lord.
LXVIII
On this the messenger Swemmeline thus to the king 'gan say,
"Sir King, needs must your presents here in your country stay;
We cannot take them with us; our king has so decreed,
And strictly that forbidden; besides, we've little need."
LXIX
Not little wonder'd Gunther, and felt displeasure more,
That they refus'd such presents given from his royal store.
Still he at last constrain'd them his gold and weed to take,
And to the land of Etzel to bear them for his sake.
LXX
An audience of Queen Uta, ere they set out, they sought.
Young Giselher the minstrels before his mother brought.
The lady to her daughter by them this message sent,
To hear of all her honors, it gave her full content.
LXXI
Girdles and gold she lavish'd, sure more than I can tell,
Both for the sake of Kriemhild (for her she lov'd full well)
And also of King Etzel, on those same minstrels brave;
They willingly accepted what she sincerely gave.
LXXII
Their leave then took the envoys, well-gifted as might be,
Of every noble warrior and every lady free.
Thence on they rode to Swabia; Sir Gernot sent along
So far his knights to guard them, that none should do them wrong.
LXXIII
When from the friends they parted, who had assur'd their way,
In peace they went thenceforward, safe under Etzel's sway,
That no man dar'd to pilfer their horses or their weed.
So to the land of Etzel they prick'd with fiery speed.
LXXIV
Whom true they found and friendly, them told they all and some,
That the bold Burgundians would shortly thither come
From the Rhine into Hungary, as Etzel them had pray'd.
Also to Bishop Pilgrin like tidings were convey'd.
LXXV
As they nigh to Bechlaren came riding down the road,
Twas told to good Sir Rudeger, who there in peace abode,
And to the Lady Gotelind, the noble margravine.
To hear she soon would see them, right glad was she, I ween.
LXXVI
On went they with the tidings, fast sped they horse and man;
The minstrels found King Etzel in his good town of Gran.
Greetings upon greetings were sent from Rhine, they said,
All there were at his service; for joy he glow'd a merry red.
LXXVII
When the queen heard for certain (what she so long had plann'd)
That her long absent brethren would come into the land,
She swam in joy and rapture; richly for service done
The minstrels she requited; high honor thus she won.
LXXVIII
Then thus she spake, "Now tell me, Werbel and Swemmeline,
Who to our feast are coming of kin and friends of mine,
Into this land invited with many a friendly word;
And tell, too, what said Hagan, when he the tidings heard."
LXXIX
"Early upon a morning to the council-board he came;
Little there he utter'd but words of gloom and blame;
And when the jaunt to Hungary was voted in a breath,
He grimly smil'd and mutter'd, 'This jaunt's a jaunt to death.'
LXXX
"There are your brethren coming, the noble kings all three,
In lofty mood and joyous; who there besides may be,
We could not learn for certain, else would we nothing hide.
The valiant gleeman Folker agreed with them to ride."
LXXXI
"I could have spar'd full lightly the minstrel's presence here,"
Replied the wife of Etzel; "this gives me little cheer;
I'm well inclin'd to Hagan; he is of courage high;
To have him here among us right well content am I."
LXXXII
Then in haste went Kriemhild where sat King Etzel near;
How kindly she bespake him! "My lord and husband dear,
What thinks't thou of these tidings, thou, who this feast hast will'd?
My heart's long lingering wishes shall now be all fulfill'd."
LXXXIII
"Thy wishes are my pleasure," the smiling king replied,
"Ne'er with my own good kinsmen was I so satisfied,
Whene'er into my country they have been pleas'd to fare;
Through love of thy brave brethren has vanish'd all my care."
LXXXIV
The officers of Etzel forthwith bestirr'd them all,
With fitting seats to furnish palace as well as hall
For the dear guests, approaching the merry feast to keep.
They gave him cause thereafter full bitterly to weep.
TWENTY-FIFTH ADVENTURE
HOW THE LORDS ALL CAME INTO HUNGARY
I
But let us tell no further how there the work they plied.
Never to a king's country were known before to ride
Such well-appointed squadrons as thither were to speed.
They had whate'er they wanted, both weapons and eke weed.
II
The King of Rhine apparel gave to his liegemen bold,
To threescore and a thousand, as I have heard it told,
Beside nine thousand yeomen, on mirth and revel bent.
Those, whom they left behind them, soon rued that e'er they went.
III
In Worms, as their equipment was carrying through the court,
From Spire an aged bishop, of reverend report,
Thus bespake fair Uta, "Our worthy friends prepare
To yonder feast to travel; God watch and ward them there!"
IV
Thereon the noble Uta bespake her children dear,
"Far better stay, good heroes, and tend your safety here.
I had last night, my children, a dream of ghastly dread,
How all the birds, that flutter throughout this land, were dead."
V
"Who cares for dreams," said Hagan, "and thinks by them to walk,
Ne'er in the path of honor with sturdy steps can stalk,
Or breathe the voice of reason, but wavers to and fro.
I rede, my noble master take leave and forward go.
VI
"Yes, we shall ride full gladly hence into Etzel's land.
There kings need for their service many a good hero's hand,
And this fair feast of Kriemhild's awaits us there to view."
So Hagan urg'd the journey, which soon he came to rue.
VII
He ne'er had giv'n such counsel but for what late had pass'd,
When scorn on him Sir Gernot had so unseemly cast,
Reminding him of Siegfried, and what had erst been done,
As though for that dislik'd him the journey to the Hun.
VIII
Then answer'd he of Trony, "Fear prompts not what I rede.
If so you'll have it, heroes, fall to the work and speed;
You'll find me not the hindmost to ride to Etzel's realm."
Soon shatter'd he thereafter many a shield and many a helm.
IX
The boats were waiting ready, the band was muster'd there;
Thither his choice apparel each one made haste to bear.
Their toil was scarce well over ere eve fell on the lea;
So from their homes they parted as merry as might be.
X
Beyond the Rhine's fair current their hasty camp was seen;
There tents and proud pavilions bespotted all the green.
The lovely queen her husband detain'd for that one night,
The last they spent together, dole mingling with delight.
XI
At early dawn there sounded sweet flute and trumpet-clang;
'Twas the hour of parting; to work the warriors sprang.
With a hasty kiss fond lovers were then constrain'd to sever.
With woe and death fell Kriemhild soon sunder'd them for ever.
XII
The children of fair Uta a man had at their court,
Bold alike and faithful, in all of best report.
The same, as they were going, drew the king aside.
"Woe's me," said he, "dear master, you to this feast will ride."
XIII
The good knight's name was Rumolt, a tall man of his hands.
Said he, "To whom commit you your people and your lands?
Would one could turn your warriors to do what best you should;
This message of your sister's it never seem'd me good."
XIV
"This is my will and pleasure; to thee my infant heir,
To thee I trust my country; of the women take good care;
Whomever thou see'st weeping, his woe with comfort charm.
Sure at the hands of Kriemhild we ne'er can come to harm."
XV
For the kings and for their liegemen the steeds were ready ranged;
How many then, with kisses of true love interchanged,
Full flown with lively vigor, athirst for bold emprise,
Left each a stately lady to droop in tears and sighs.
XVI
When light into their saddles up sprang the warriors good,
Then might you see the women how sorrowful they stood.
All felt, they did for ever, and to their doom, depart,
A dreary, dark foreboding, that shakes the firmest heart!
XVII
As the bold Burgundians rode forth in gallant show,
To see them all the country ran hurrying to and fro.
On either side the mountains both men and women wept.
Little reck'd they the weepers; their joyous course they kept.
XVIII
In habergeons a thousand the knights of Nibelung's reign,
Who many a lovely lady they ne'er should see again
Had left at home in sorrow, rode gaily with the rest.
The wounds of Siegfried fester'd in Kriemhild's throbbing breast.
XIX
So went they ever onward until the Main they spied,
Thence up through Eastern Frankland the men of Gunther hied.
Well knew the roads Sir Hagan, who led their steps aright;
Their marshal was Sir Dankwart, the stout Burgundian knight.
XX
As on from Eastern Frankland to Schwanfeld still they rode,
Their grace and stately courtesy and knightly bearing show'd,
The princes and their kindred deserv'd their lofty fame.
The king on the twelfth morning unto the Danube came.
XXI
A space the Knight of Trony rode on before the host;
He still the Nibelungers best cheer'd and aided most.
The fear-defying champion alighted on the lea,
And fast beside the river his horse tied to a tree.
XXII
Swoln was the roaring river, bark was there none to spy;
Every bold Nibelunger look'd on with wistful eye
In doubt how to pass over, the surges spread so wide.
Many a good knight from saddle down sprung the stream beside.
XXIII
"Good Lord of Rhine," said Hagan, "much mischief here may be,
Much may'st thou have to suffer, as thou thyself may'st see.
Strong is the flood and furious, the stream can ill be cross'd.
Many a good knight, I fear me, will here to-day be lost."
XXIV
"Why dost thou check me, Hagan?" the troubled king 'gan say;
"Do not, as thou are valiant, the daunted more dismay.
Look out a ford up higher, above these lower meads,
Where we may pass in safety our baggage and our steeds."
XXV
"I never," answer'd Hagan, "my life so weary found, But in these burly
billows 'twould irk me to be drown'd. Many a knight of Etzel's, ere yet
my day be o'er, By this good hand shall perish; that, 'faith, would
please me more.
XXVI
"So here beside the water, ye noble knights, abide;
Myself will seek the ferrymen along the river side,
And bid them bring us over hence into Gelfrat's land."
With that the sturdy Hagan took his good shield in hand.
XXVII
Well arm'd was the stern champion; he bore a shield of might; Strongly
lac'd was his helmet, well-temper'd, burnish'd bright;
His broadsword in a baldric hung o'er his armor sheen;
Wounds could it cut full ghastly with both its edges keen.
XXVIII
As there and here for boatmen look'd out the warrior good,
He heard a splash of water; listening awhile he stood.
The sound came from wise women, who took their pleasure near,
Bathing for refreshment in a fountain cool and clear.
XXIX
'Ware of them was Hagan; nigh he closely crept;
Sudden they espied him,--how away they swept!
That they had so escap'd him, their bosoms swell'd with joy;
He seiz'd upon their raiment, nor wrought them more annoy.
XXX
Then one of them bespake him (Hadburg was her name),
"Noble knight, Sir Hagan, go seek a worthier game.
Give us back our raiment, and we will tell thee all
That from this march to Hungary shall thee and thine befall."
XXXI
Like water-hens they floated before him on the wave.
Him seem'd, their well-known wisdom of truth assurance gave;
Hence what they chose to tell him, he took with more belief.
Then thus they of the future resolv'd the listening chief.
XXXII
Said th' one, "To Etzel's country (doubt not what Hadburg saith)
You well may ride and safely, for that I pledge my faith,
And never band of heroes sought kingdom far or near
To win such height of honor; 'tis true as we are here."
XXXIII
Well pleas'd her speech Sir Hagan, his heart wax'd light and gay;
He gave them back their vesture, and would no longer stay;
But when again the mermaids had donn'd their wondrous weed,
They told in truth, how Gunther in Hungary should speed.
XXXIV
And then the other mermaid, that Sieglind hight, began,
"I will warn thee, Hagan, thou son of Aldrian;
My aunt has lied unto thee her raiment back to get;
If once thou coms't to Hungary, thou'rt taken in the net.
XXXV
"Turn, while there's time for safety, turn, warriors most and least;
For this, and for this only, you're bidden to the feast,
That you perforce may perish in Etzel's bloody land.
Whoever rideth thither, Death has he close at hand."
XXXVI
Thereto gave answer Hagan, "In vain you cheat and lie,
How can it ever happen that there we all shall die,
However fierce the hatred that one to us may bear?"
They then began the future more fully to declare.
XXXVII
Then thus the first bespake him, "Yet so it needs must be;
Not one of you his country again shall ever see,
Not one but the king's chaplain; this well to us is known;
To Gunther's land in safety return shall he alone."
XXXVIII
Then angrily Sir Hagan bespake her, frowning stern,
"'Twere ill to tell my masters what they'd disdain and spurn,
That we should all in Hungary death and destruction find.
Now show us o'er the water, wisest of womankind."
XXXIX
Said she, "Since from this journey, it seems, thou wilt not turn,
Up yonder by the river an inn thou may'st discern.
A ferryman there dwelleth; no others here abide."
The knight believ'd her answer, and took her words for guide.
XL
Him then the first call'd after as gloomily he went,
"Stay yet awhile, Sir Hagan, why so on haste intent?
Hear better our instructions to reach the farther strand.
A margrave, that hight Elsy, is lord of all this land.
XLI
"He has a valiant brother (Sir Gelfrat men him call),
A great lord in Bavaria; ill might it you befall,
If through his march you travel; your course with caution plan,
And smoothly deal and gently with yonder ferryman.
XLII
"He scarce will leave you scathless (so fierce is he and rude),
Unless with sound discretion you temper his rough mood.
Would you he'd put you over, pay down at once the fare.
He is a friend of Gelfrat's and of this land has care.
XLIII
"And, should the ferryman tarry, across the river shout,
And say your name is Amelrich, whom late a feud drove out
Perforce from this, his country, a knight of birth and fame.
Good speed will make the ferryman when once he hears the name."
XLIV