And fervently for pardon pray, every mother's son;
For this I warn you, warriors, nor hold these words for vain,
Ne'er, but God show you mercy, mass will ye hear again."
IX
Then went they to the minster, the princes and their band.
Just at the holy churchyard bold Hagan bade them stand,
And keep all well together, and thus bespake the crew.
"Who knows, to us Burgundians what yonder Huns may do?
X
"Take heed, my friends, your bucklers bring down before your feet,
And, if a soul our party in hostile guise should greet,
Requite him with a death-stroke; so seems to Hagan right,
So doing, will each among us be found as fits a knight."
XI
Folker then and Hagan both together went
And stood before the minster; 'twas done with this intent,
That they might see if Kriemhild would stir the slumbering feud
Passing contemptuous by them; right stern were both of mood.
XII
And now came on King Etzel and eke his lady fair,
Both, as their state befitted, in garments rich and rare,
With crowds of knights all ready to do their high commands.
Uprose the dust to heaven from Kriemhild's trampling bands;
XIII
When the king, advancing, so arm'd to point espied
The kings and their bold vassals, how quick to them he cried,
"What's this? my friends in armor marching thus along?
In sooth, 'twould sore afflict me if they have suffer'd wrong.
XIV
"Amends I'll make, and gladly, as shall to them seem right;
If any have put on them affront or foul despite,
I'll show them, that such outrage I also inly rue,
And all that they demand me, I ready am to do."
XV
Then Hagan thus made answer, "Naught has to us been done;
But my lords have a custom, till three whole days be run,
When royal feasts they visit, their warlike arms to wear;
All wrong that may be done us, to Etzel we'll declare."
XVI
Right well heard Lady Kriemhild what Trony's knight replied.
How bitterly the warrior under her lids she eyed!
Yet, though the truth well knowing as a Burgundian dame,
She would not to her husband her country's use proclaim.
XVII
How deep soe'er and deadly the hate she bore her kin
Still, had the truth by any disclos'd to Etzel been,
He had at once prevented what afterward befell.
Through proud contemptuous courage they scorn'd their wrongs to tell.
XVIII
Then on went haughty Kriemhild girt with a mighty crowd,
Yet swerve would not before her that pair of champions proud
So much as e'en two hands'-breadth; that gall'd th' Hungarians sore.
Perforce they press'd and jostled with the warriors through the door.
XIX
The chamberlains of Etzel therewith were ill content;
They had straight the haughty strangers defied as in they went;
But that they fear'd to do so their monarch's eyes before;
Pressing enough and jostling there was, but nothing more.
XX
When serv'd was God as fitted, and thence would every one,
Straight into the saddle leapt many a warlike Hun;
The while around fair Kriemhild many a bright maid was seen,
And full seven thousand champions begirt the stately queen.
XXI
Queen Kriemhild and her ladies now at the windows sat
With the wide-ruling Etzel; well pleas'd was he with that.
They would survey the tourney where knights their prowess show'd
Ah! what stranger warriors in the court before them rode!
XXII
Thither too the marshal was with the yeomen come;
The redoubted Dankwart had muster'd, all and some,
The followers of his master, the flower of Rhenish ground.
For the bold Nibelungers well-saddled steeds were found.
XXIII
Thither the kings came riding and with them many a man,
When the good minstrel Folker to counsel this began,
That they should joust together each in his country's mode.
Thereafter in the tourney the chiefs full knightly rode.
XXIV
What so the warrior counsell'd gave all who heard content.
A mighty press and clatter uprose incontinent.
Into the court's broad circuit prick'd many a mighty man.
King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild now to look on began.
XXV
There came into the tourney six hundred warriors fleet,
Retainers of Sir Dietrich, the stranger knights to meet.
With the bold Burgundians they long'd a course to run.
Had Dietrich but permitted fain would they so have done.
XXVI
Ah! what good knights among them rein'd the proud battle-steed!
To their good lord Sir Dietrich the news was brought with speed
With Gunther's knights forbade he his knights a lance to cross,
Naught from such game forboding but grief and deadly loss.
XXVII
When now from out the tilt-yard the men of Bern were gone,
Sir Rudeger's retainers before the hall came on,
Five hundred from Bechlaren with shields and armor gay.
Well had it pleas'd the margrave had they been far away.
XXVIII
Then he rode in his wisdom up to the muster'd band,
And earnestly bespake them, and gave to understand,
That Gunther's men were sullen and all on mischief bent;
If they would quit the tourney, 'twould give him much content.
XXIX
When thence were now departed the margrave's warriors bold,
Then came the men of Thüringen, as has to us been told,
And from the realm of Denmark a thousand proud and high.
Then from the crashing lances were seen the shivers fly.
XXX
Irnfried then and Hawart into the tourney rode.
Proudly the bold Burgundians their sturdy brunt abode.
The noble knights of Thüringen they met in many a joust,
And many a glittering buckler pierc'd through with many a thrust.
XXXI
Sir Blœdel with three thousand rode forward frank and free;
By Etzel and by Kriemhild full well observ'd was he;
Before them both, his tilting perform'd each gallant knight;
Through hate to the Burgundians it gave the queen delight.
XXXII
She ponder'd thus in secret (as nigh to pass it came),
"Should they by chance hurt any, at once this gentle game
Would turn to bloody earnest; then I on these my foes
Should be reveng'd for ever, and quit of all my woes."
XXXIII
Schrutan and stout Gibek into the tourney rode,
And Ramung and swift Hornbog after the Hunnish mode.
Against the bold Burgundians they knightly bore them all;
High flew the whizzing splinters o'er the king's mighty hall.
XXXIV
And yet all their performance was but an empty sound.
Hall might you hear and palace with clashing shields resound,
Where rode the men of Gunther: by them proud deeds were done.
His train of that fair tourney the highest honors won.
XXXV
So great was then the pastime when front to front they met,
That through the reeking foot-cloths forth burst the frothy sweat
From the high-mettled coursers which the good knights bestrode,
As 'gainst the lords of Hungary in haughty wise they rode.
XXXVI
Then spake the noble minstrel Folker with scornful glance,
"These knights, methinks, will never confront us lance to lance.
I hear it loudly rumor'd they bear us mortal spite;
Surely can they never find better time to fight.
XXXVII
"So let us to our quarters," the fearless warrior cried,
"Send hence our weary horses; back we can hither ride,
If there be time, toward evening; 'twere fitter then than now;
What if to us Burgundians the queen should praise allow?"
XXXVIII
Just then there rode so proudly into the lists a Hun,
That so no knight among them the general gaze had won.
Perchance e'en then in secret for some fair maid he sigh'd.
He wore as rich apparel as any noble bride.
XXXIX
At once outspake Sir Folker, "I needs must spoil his cheer;
Yonder ladies' darling must feel a push of spear.
No one shall prevent it--let him guard his life.
I reck not, though it kindle the wrath of Etzel's wife."
XL
"No! as you love me, Folker," straight the king 'gan say,
"The people all will blame us if we commence the fray.
Let the Huns begin it: 'twere better so, I ween."
Still was King Etzel sitting beside his moody queen.
XLI
"I'll join you in the tourney," fierce Hagan sternly cried;
"Let's show both knights and ladies how we Burgundians ride.
'Twere well, by proof they knew it; they'd rate us higher then.
Now they deny all credit to good King Gunther's men."
XLII
Back into the tourney swift Folker hotly spurr'd;
Thereby was many a lady to grievous sorrow stirr'd.
Right through that proud Hun's body he drove the griding spear.
That stroke both dames and damsels cost many a bitter tear.
XLIII
That saw at once Sir Hagan, nor dallying there abode;
With sixty of his champions, all thundering as they rode,
'Gainst th' Huns he hotly hurtled fast by the gleeman's side.
King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild the tourney closely eyed.
XLIV
Nor would the three kings basely in dastard sloth repose,
And leave the minstrel aidless among unnumber'd foes,
With them came to the rescue a thousand warriors good;
Haughty and overweening they did whate'er they would.
XLV
Soon as by Sir Folker the wealthy Hun was slain,
You might hear his kinsmen cry out and loudly plain.
All in a breath were asking, "Who has this outrage done?"
"Folker the bold minstrel," gave answer many a one.
XLVI
Straight for swords and bucklers were calling all the band
Akin to the young margrave of the Hunnish land;
The fearless minstrel Folker they thought at once to slay.
The host down from a window took in haste his way.
XLVII
From the Huns on all sides a cry arose amain.
Before the hall alighted the kings and all their train.
Every bold Burgundian sent his steed away;
Up in haste came Etzel and parted straight the fray.
XLVIII
He found one of the kinsmen with his sword drawn in his hand;
From him in an instant he snatch'd the naked brand,
And beat the brawlers backward, chafing and raging sore.
"In sooth with these good warriors my favor all were o'er,"
XLIX
Said Etzel, "If among us this minstrel here ye slew;
'Twas by mere misadventure he ran your kinsman through.
I had my eye upon him just as he struck the blow.
It was his steed that stumbled; 'twas heaven would have it so.
L
"Then leave my friends in quiet, and from the tilt-yard speed."
Himself then gave them escort; meanwhile each battle-steed
Was led thence to their quarters, for those Burgurdian guests
Had many a zealous varlet to tend their high behests.
LI
Then with his friends King Etzel into his palace went;
He bade all cease from anger, and calm'd their fierce intent.
Ready were set the tables; for all was water brought.
The lives of the Burgundians many a stout foeman sought.
LII
However irk'd it Etzel, still many an armed knight
Press'd close behind the princes, e'en in the king's despite,
Lowering with hateful glances as they to table went,
Each to revenge his kinsman on those proud strangers bent.
LIII
"'Tis an ill use," said Etzel, "and one I scarce can bear,
At the feastful table the weeds of war to wear.
But whosoe'er his vengeance on these my guests shall wreak,
His head shall pay the forfeit; this to you Huns I speak."
LIV
'Twas long before was seated every lordly guest.
Fell care and deep disquiet wrung Kriemhild's laboring breast.
"Prince of Bern," she murmur'd, "thy counsel, aid and grace
I seek in sore affliction; pity my mournful case."
LV
Then answer'd her Sir Hildebrand, a warrior frank and free,
"Who'd slay the Nibelungers shall have no help from me,
No, not for countless treasure; th' attempt he well may rue;
The good knights ne'er were conquer'd, with whom he'll have to do."
LVI
Said she, "Yet surely Hagan has done me cruel wrong;
He murder'd my beloved, the strongest of the strong.
Who'd lure him from the others, should have my gold for meed.
'Twould inly discontent me should one but Hagan bleed."
LVII
Then answer'd Master Hildebrand, "How can that ever be?
Slay him among his fellows? Why surely you must see,
That, if we strike at Hagan, to battle straight will all,
And rich and poor together must in one slaughter fall."
LVIII
Then in his courteous fashion thereto Sir Dietrich spake,
"Great queen, this talk give over, and better counsel take.
Me never wrong'd your kinsmen, nor is there cause that I
Should warriors, whom I value, to mortal strife defy.
LIX
"It does you little honor, the simple truth to say,
Against your trusting kinsmen such deadly plots to lay.
'Twas under a safe-conduct they enter'd Etzel's land.
Revenge for Siegfried never expect from Dietrich's hand."
LX
When she no spark of treason found in the Berner brave,
Of a wide march to Blœdel the promise straight she gave.
It once belong'd to Nudung; a gift 'twas for a queen;
Yet a stroke of Dankwart's made him forget it quite and clean.
LXI
"To give me help, Sir Blœdel," said she, "the task be thine;
Harbor'd within this palace are mortal foes of mine,
The same, who my dear husband Sir Siegfried did to die;
Who helps me to revenge it, to him for ever bound am I."
LXII
Thus answer'd her Sir Blœdel, "Lady, to truth give ear;
I dare not wreak your vengeance, for Etzel's wrath I fear.
He's glad to see your kinsmen and all their vassals throng,
And never would forgive me if I should do them wrong."
LXIII
"Nay, say not so, Sir Blœdel, I'll stand thy friend at need;
Silver and gold in plenty I'll give thee for thy meed,
Besides a beauteous damsel, whom Nudung had to wife.
Lapp'd in her soft caresses thou'lt lead a loving life.
LXIV
"The lands and eke the castles to thee I'll freely give;
So may'st thou, noble warrior, with joy for ever live,
If thou but win the lordships where Nudung once held sway.
I'll truly keep the promise I've given you here to-day."
LXV
No sooner heard Sir Blœdel of such a guerdon tell,
Beside that for her beauty the lady pleas'd him well,
Than he resolv'd by battle to win the lovely bride.
He miss'd, alas! the damsel, and lost his life besides.
LXVI
He thus bespake Queen Kriemhild, "To th' hall back haste away;
Ere one can take precaution, I'll stir a bloody fray.
Hagan, who sow'd in murder, shall reap a harvest meet.
I'll bring the man of Gunther in fetters to your feet.
LXVII
"Now arm ye straight," said Blœdel, "my merry men one and all!
Hence to the strangers' quarters upon our foes to fall.
So wills our royal lady, King Etzel's noble wife.
Ye heroes! at her bidding each boldly risk his life."
LXVIII
When Kriemhild thus found Blœdel to work her will intent,
And eager to do battle, to table straight she went
With the redoubted Etzel and eke with all his train,
Against the guests from Rhineland fell counsel had she ta'en.
LXIX
How they went all to table, I now at full must say.
First went the king attended, crown'd and in rich array;
Many a proud prince behind them, many a good knight was seen,
And all display'd their courtship before the noble queen.
LXX
The good host at the tables found place for every guest;
He seated close beside him the highest and the best.
The Christian knights and heathen there feasted nothing loath.
Their food indeed was different, but there was store for both.
LXXI
The yeomen in their quarters the time in feasting spent.
Servers were by good King Etzel to do their bidding sent,
Who gave them all they ask'd for, and serv'd both high and low.
Their merriment and revel were soon outweigh'd by woe.
LXXII
Still her old grudge lay rankling in Kriemhild's poison'd heart;
When else 'twere hard a quarrel to stir on either part,
To table 'mid the feasters she sent for Etzel's son.
When for revenge by woman was deed so fearful done?
LXXIII
With that four men of Etzel's went out at her command;
They brought the young King Ortlieb and led him by the hand
Up to the princes' table, where sat fierce Hagan by,
Doom'd all too soon, poor infant! by his fell hate to die.
LXXIV
Soon as the proud King Etzel his little son espied,
Graciously his wife's kinsmen bespake he at his side,
"See, friends, my boy and Kriemhild's, our only son and heir.
To you may henceforth profit come from this child so fair.
LXXV
"If he grow up like his kinsmen, he'll prove a man of might,
Of noble mind and lineage, a strong and fearless knight.
Should I live some time longer, I'll give him twelve broad lands,
So look for useful service at this fair infant's hands.
LXXVI
"Now therefore I beseech you, ye dearest friends of mine,
When hence you make your journey back to your native Rhine,
To take with you this infant, your loving sister's son,
And treat him well and kindly as should by kin be done;
LXXVII
"And bring him up in honor, till to a man he grow,
And, should your land be harried by force of any foe,
He'll help you to avenge it, when he his arms can wield."
All this was heard by Kriemhild; her lips stern silence seal'd.
LXXVIII
"He well may help these warriors," Sir Hagan straight began,
"If ever by good fortune he come to be a man;
Yet seems the young king's aspect no long life to foreshow.
Methinks I shall have seldom to Ortlieb's court to go."
LXXIX
Sore irk'd the speech King Etzel; the knight he sternly eyed
Though not a word in answer the haughty prince replied,
Down it weigh'd his spirits, and overcast his heart.
Unfit was Hagan's nature in joy to bear a part.
LXXX
Woe was the low'ring monarch, and all his chiefs as well,
When such dark words from Hagan on that fair infant fell.
That they should bear it longer, deep murmur'd all the crew.
Little thought the warriors what he was yet to do.
LXXXI
Many, who there had heard him, and bore him mortal hate,
Had gladly set upon him; the king had done it straight
But for his word of honor; then ill had Hagan sped;
Soon worse did he to Ortlieb; in Etzel's sight he struck him dead.
THIRTY-SECOND ADVENTURE
HOW BLŒDEL WAS SLAIN
I
All the knights of Blœdel were ready in array;
With a thousand hauberks to the hall they took their way,
Where Dankwart at the table sat with the yeomen tall.
Straight among the warriors uprose a deadly brawl.
II
At once up to the tables Sir Blœdel fiercely strode,
When Dankwart this fair greeting on the stern knight bestow'd.
"Welcome, my lord, Sir Blœdel, you here are gladly seen.
We look'd not for your presence; what may this meeting mean?"
III
"Greet me not," said Blœdel, "'tis a waste of breath;
Know, my coming hither to thee must needs be death.
Thank thy brother Hagan who noble Siegfried slew.
Thou now shalt pay the Huns for it, thou and many another too."
IV
"Nay, say not so, Lord Blœdel," Sir Dankwart answer made,
"So should we rue this visit in faith and honor paid.
I was a little infant when Siegfrid lost his life;
How could I have offended King Etzel's moody wife?"
V
"I know not, and I care not, if this be false or true.
'Twas done by your base kinsmen, Gunther and Hagan too.
So ward ye well, ye strangers! 'tis all in vain to fly;
Your lives are pledg'd to Kriemhild, and take them now will I."
VI
"So you are fix'd," said Dankwart, "for murder all prepar'd!
Would I had ne'er besought you! that had been better spar'd."
Upstarted from the table the warrior swift and strong;
Out he drew a broadsword heavy and sharp and long.
VII
Straight at luckless Blœdel he struck a blow so fleet,
That his head in an instant lay before his feet.
"Take that, thou thriving wooer!" victorious Dankwart cried,
"For a marriage-morning's present to Nudung's mincing bride.
VIII
"Another mate to-morrow may wed the widow'd dame;
I'll pay him with like measure, should he the dowry claim."
(A faithful Hun that morning had told him underhand,
That deadly fraud against them the vengeful queen had plann'd.)
IX
When Blœdel's men their master saw dead upon the floor,
Such loss from the fierce strangers they could endure no more.
On squires at once and yeomen with high rais'd swords they flew
In deadly wrath; full many that hour had cause to rue.
X
To his train shouted Dankwart, loud o'er the crash and din,
"Ye see, bold squires and yeomen, what danger hems us in.
Fight for your lives, ye friendless! in sooth we're foully shent,
For all the loving greetings that fraudful Kriemhild sent."
XI
They, who had not their broadswords, benches asunder tore,
Or many a chair and footstool snatch'd up from the floor.
The bold Burgundians stay'd not, but all for weapons used;
Heads with heavy settles were pummel'd sore and bruis'd.
XII
How fiercely the lorn strangers themselves defended there!
Out they drove their foemen all weapon'd as they were;
Yet, within, five hundred were lifeless left or more.
Dankwart's men pursued them dripping red with gore.
XIII
Straight the sorry tidings to every Hunnish chief
Were borne by hasty rumor (it gave them mortal grief)
That slaughter'd with his warriors was Blœdel good at need,
That Dankwart and the yeomen had done the bloody deed.
XIV
Before King Etzel knew it, inflam'd with deadly hate
Two thousand Huns or better donn'd their armor straight.
They march'd against the yeomen to deal them mortal dole,
And living of the party let not escape a soul.
XV
Before the house they muster'd, an army deep and dense;
Though succorless, the strangers stood well on their defence;
Yet what avail'd their valor? Dead perforce they lay.
Thence arose soon after a yet more horrid fray.
XVI
Now you must hear a wonder as never yet was told,
Within the hall lay lifeless nine thousands yeomen bold,
Thereto of Dankwart's followers twelve hardy knights and good,
And now among his foemen alone the warrior stood.
XVII
Hush'd was the din of battle, laid was the wild uproar;
He sternly o'er his shoulder survey'd the horrid floor,
And spake, "Alas, brave comrades! what? not a dying groan?
Then stand, must Dankwart aidless among his foes alone."
XVIII
Upon his single person fell thund'ring sword-strokes rife,
Yet cause gave he for weeping to many a hero's wife.
He rais'd his buckler higher and lower brought the thong.
Blood stream'd beneath his buffets through many a hauberk strong.
XIX
"Woe's me! I'm faint and stifled," the son of Aldrian cried;
"Now, ye knights of Hungary! stand a little wide;
Let the air refresh me--I'm wearied with the fight."
Then manfully among them stepp'd forth the stately knight.
XX
As faint and exhausted from the house he sprang,
What redoubled sword-strokes on his morion rang!
Those, who had not yet witness'd what wonders wrought his hand,
Forward leapt upon him, the knight from Gunther's land.
XXI
"Now would to God," said Dankwart, "a messenger would go
To let my brother Hagan my fearful peril know,
Among this band of traitors how sore beset am I!
He'd come and hence would help me, or by my side would die."
XXII
"Nay, do thyself thy message," the fierce Hungarians said,
"When we unto thy brother bring thee cold and dead
Then shall the man of Gunther the smart of sorrow know.
Thou here hast wrought King Etzel such grievous loss and woe."
XXIII
Said he, "Your threats give over, stand from me farther yet,
Or I will make your hauberks with blood all dripping wet.
Myself the heavy tidings will bring to yonder court,
And to my lords with wailing our deadly wrongs report."
XXIV
So much the knights of Etzel his matchless strength dismay'd,
That not a man amongst them durst meet him blade to blade,
But darts into his buckler they shot so thick around,
That, by the weight o'ermaster'd he dropp'd it on the ground.
XXV
Seeing him thus unshielded, they fiercer forward drove;
How then with deadly gashes the shields and helms he clove!
Down perforce before him stoop'd many a lofty knight.
What praise was then Sir Dankwart's, alone to sway the fight!
XXVI
They rush'd at him from both sides; none then would keep aloof;
But, match'd with him, found many most speed was least behoof.
Right through his foes the champion made his red passage good
As through the dogs the wild-boar amidst the echoing wood.
XXVII
Ever the ground beneath him with smoking gore was wet.
When better fought a champion with countless foes beset?
So to court before them, along his bloody road,
Unconquer'd still and stately fierce Hagan's brother strode.
XXVIII
Cupbearers and servers heard sword-strokes clashing nigh.
Dainty drinks and dishes they threw in hurry by,
The which they in were bringing upon the board to set.
A crowd of sturdy foemen e'en on the stairs he met.
XXIX
"How now, ye servers?" said Dankwart with bloody toil oppress'd,
"'Tis your's to feed the hungry, and cheer the thirsty guest,
And store of savory viands to feasting knights to bear;
Give place, for I would something to my good lords declare."
XXX
All, who dar'd confront him as up the stairs he flew,
Met with such fearful slashes, that soon at distance due
From that weighty broadsword stood trembling every one.
Such surpassing wonders by Dankwart's strength were done.
THIRTY-THIRD ADVENTURE
HOW THE BURGUNDIANS FOUGHT WITH THE HUNS
I
Soon as the fearless warrior beneath the lintel hied,
He bade the men of Etzel keep distance yet more wide.
The blood from that fierce combat down all his armor pour'd,
And in his hand uplifted he held his naked sword.
II