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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1151 ***
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED
+
+By An Unknown Author
+
+Translated by Daniel B. Shumway
+
+
+Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime around 1200
+A.D., although this dating is by no means certain. Author unknown.
+
+The text of this edition is based on that published as "The
+Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
+New York, 1909).
+
+PREPARER'S NOTE: In order to make this electronic edition easier to use,
+the preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.
+Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves and
+substituting page references with footnote references. The preparer
+takes full responsibility for these changes.--DBK.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS--
+
+Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London, 1962).
+Prose translation.
+
+Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne State
+University Press, Detroit, 1962). Verse translation.
+
+RECOMMENDED READING--
+
+Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs & Sidney Johnson
+(Garland Pub., New York, 1992).
+
+Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and Eirikr
+Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).
+
+Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History",
+Translated by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation
+of as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the
+general reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has
+been stimulated by Wagner's operas and by the reading of such poems as
+William Morris' "Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the
+medium of translation, since it is hardly possible to give an accurate
+rendering and at the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme
+and metre; at least, none of the verse translations made thus far have
+succeeded in doing this. The prose translations, on the other hand,
+mostly err in being too continuous and in condensing too much, so that
+they retell the story instead of translating it. The present translator
+has tried to avoid these two extremes. He has endeavored to translate
+literally and accurately, and to reproduce the spirit of the original,
+as far as a prose translation will permit. To this end the language has
+been made as simple and as Saxon in character as possible. An exception
+has been made, however, in the case of such Romance words as were in use
+in England during the age of the romances of chivalry, and which would
+help to land a Romance coloring; these have been frequently employed.
+Very few obsolete words have been used, and these are explained in the
+notes, but the language has been made to some extent archaic, especially
+in dialogue, in order to give the impression of age. At the request of
+the publishers the Introduction Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus
+of scholarship and made as popular as a study of the poem and its
+sources would allow. The advanced student who may be interested in
+consulting authorities will find them given in the introduction to the
+parallel edition in the Riverside Literature Series. A short list of
+English works on the subject had, however, been added.
+
+In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G.
+Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting
+the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition
+of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the notes.
+
+--DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY.
+
+Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY SKETCH
+
+There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such
+universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as
+the "Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age
+of chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German
+antiquity, and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry,
+but also traits of ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic
+mythology. One of its earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad",
+for, like this great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and
+unites the monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical
+personages into a poem that is essentially national in character, and
+the embodiment of all that is great in the antiquity of the race. Though
+lacking to some extent the dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied"
+surpasses the former in the deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy
+of fate, the inevitable retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle
+between the powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.
+
+That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages
+is evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us.
+We possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved
+in thirty-one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and
+fourteenth centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved
+that, in spite of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of
+this number three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon
+as the most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them
+a fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled. (1) It
+is now generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later redaction
+with many additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to whether
+the priority should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that B
+is the more original, A merely a careless copy of B.
+
+In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was
+soon forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly
+chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and
+tastes lay in a different direction, this epic shared the fate of many
+others of its kind, and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery
+or ducal libraries, there to wait till a more cultured age, curious
+as to the literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from
+its hiding places. However, the figures of the old legend were not
+forgotten, but lived on among the people, and were finally embodied in a
+popular ballad, "Das Lied vom Hürnen Seyfrid", which has been preserved
+in a print of the sixteenth century, although the poem itself is thought
+to go back at least to the thirteenth. The legend was also dramatized by
+Hans Sachs, the shoemaker poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form
+in a chap book which still exists in prints of the eighteenth century.
+The story and the characters gradually became so vague and distorted,
+that only a trained eye could detect in the burlesque figures of the
+popular account the heroes of the ancient Germanic Legend.
+
+The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to
+the world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H.
+Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the
+Tirol on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with
+Karl Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany
+has ever produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin
+his epoch-making essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied".
+Believing that the poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads
+or lays, he sought by means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts
+which were, as he thought, later interpolations or emendations. As a
+result of this sifting and discarding process, he reduced the poem
+to what he considered to have been its original form, namely, twenty
+separate lays, which he thought had come down to us in practically the
+same form in which they had been sung by various minstrels.
+
+This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every
+reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of
+Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed
+in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They
+formed merely the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive
+the old heroic legends of the German past which were familiar to his
+hearers and to adapt them to the tastes of his time. In all probability
+we must assume two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the
+poem. There appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German
+account, quite simple and brief, the other a tradition of the Lower
+Rhine. The legend was perhaps developed by minstrels along the Rhine,
+until it was taken and worked up into its present form by some Austrian
+poet. Who this poet was we do not know, but we do know that he was
+perfectly familiar with all the details of courtly etiquette. He seems
+also to have been acquainted with the courtly epics of Heinrich von
+Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his poem is free from the tedious and
+often exaggerated descriptions of pomp, dress, and court ceremonies,
+that mar the beauty of even the best of the courtly epics. Many
+painstaking attempts have been made to discover the identity of the
+writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all these theories
+which considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the "Minnesingers",
+to be the author, because of the similarity of the strophic form of our
+poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute proof, and
+recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was indebted to
+the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric, and not the
+"Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe is presumably much
+older, and, having become popular in Austria through the poem, was
+adopted by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, in
+its present form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of
+the exactness of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later
+than 1204, because of certain allusions to it in the sixth book of
+"Parzival", which we know to have been written at this date. The two
+Low German poems which probably form the basis of our epic may have been
+united about 1150. It was revised and translated into High German and
+circulated at South German courts about 1170, and then received its
+present courtly form about 1190, this last version being the immediate
+source of our manuscripts.
+
+The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited
+upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the
+latter by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages
+prove by their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity
+with the German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the
+Danube and upon the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along
+the rocky fjords of Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new
+home across the channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the
+snow-covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires at
+night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles,
+each people and each generation telling it in its own fashion and adding
+new elements of its own invention. This great geographical distribution
+of the legend, and the variety of forms in which it appears, make it
+difficult to know where we must seek its origin. The northern version is
+in many respects older and simpler in form than the German, but still it
+is probable that Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took
+its rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient
+tribe of the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are
+reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried "spring"
+in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild "bed" near
+Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon's Rock, on the
+Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge
+of the story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the
+"Nibelungenlied" and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved
+almost no trace of the legend, and such as exist are too late and too
+corrupt to be of much use in determining the original features of the
+story.
+
+Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but
+certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the
+sixth century. It may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves
+captured by the Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or,
+as Mogk believes, may have been taken by the Heruli on their return
+to Norway after their defeat by the Langobardi. By whatever channel,
+however, the story reached the North, it became part and parcel of
+Skandinavian folklore, only certain names still pointing to the original
+home of the legend. In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed
+the ancient free constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated
+to Iceland, taking with them these acquired legends, which were better
+preserved in this remote island because of the peaceful introduction
+of Christianity, than on the Continent, where the Church was more
+antagonistic to the customs and legends of the heathen period.
+
+The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down
+to us in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or
+older "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was assigned to the
+celebrated Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in
+which it is preserved, dates from the middle of the thirteenth century,
+but is probably a copy of an older manuscript. The songs it contains
+were written at various times, the oldest probably in the first half of
+the ninth century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest
+manuscript. Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period, when
+Christianity was already beginning to influence the Norwegians, that
+is, between the years 800 and 1000. They are partly heroic, partly
+mythological in character, and are written in alliterative strophes
+interspersed with prose, and have the form of dialogues. Though the
+legends on which these songs are based were brought from Norway, most of
+them were probably composed in Iceland. Among these songs, now, we find
+a number which deal with the adventures of Siegfried and his tragic end.
+
+The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called
+"Volsungasaga", a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates
+from the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the account was
+probably written a century earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his
+ancestors are here related in great detail and his ancestry traced back
+to Wodan. Although a secondary source, as it is based on the "Edda", the
+"Volsungasaga" is nevertheless of great importance, since it supplies a
+portion of the "Codex Regius" which has been lost, and thus furnishes us
+with the contents of the missing songs.
+
+The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra
+Edda", after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241), to whom
+it was ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda"
+and the "Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger
+"Edda" is not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however,
+the Siegfried saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since
+it evidently made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially
+in the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told more
+in detail and with considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or
+"Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of
+the Siegfried story. It is really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains
+the story of Sigurd and Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and
+Gunther), which an old man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason,
+who converted the Norwegians to Christianity. The story was written
+about 1250 to illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian
+faith. It is based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is
+therefore of minor importance as a source.
+
+These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried
+legend into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the
+middle of the thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of
+the Hanseatic League, when the story was introduced together with other
+popular German epics. These poems are products of the age of chivalry,
+and are characterized by the romantic and courtly features of this
+movement. The one which concerns us here, as the fifth source of the
+Siegfried story, is the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates
+the adventures of the famous legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne,
+the historical Theodorich of Ravenna. In as far as it contains the
+adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also called the "Niflungasaga". The
+"Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a Norwegian who, as he himself
+tells us, heard the story from Germans in the neighborhood of Bremen
+and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon traditions, it can be
+considered an independent source of the legend, and, in fact, differs
+from the earlier Norse versions in many important details. The author
+was acquainted, however, with the older versions, and sought to
+compromise between them, but mostly followed his German authorities.
+
+The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects
+more original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of
+the treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of
+"Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for
+the killing of the former's son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form
+of an otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari",
+who in turn had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari
+pronounces a terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and
+this curse passes from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when
+asleep by his two sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is
+cheated out of the coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the
+"Gnita" heath, where he guards it in the form of a dragon.
+
+This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands
+of a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have
+seen), a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history
+back to Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of
+Siegfried's ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not
+especially concern us, as it has little or no influence on the later
+development of the story. It is sufficient for our purpose to know that
+Siegfried was the son of Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the
+birth of his son. Sigurd was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis"
+and the wise dwarf Regin, who taught him the knowledge of runes and
+of many languages. (2) At the suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and
+receives the steed "Grani" from the king, and is then urged by his tutor
+to help him obtain the treasure guarded by the latter's brother Fafnir.
+Sigurd promises, but first demands a sword. Two, that are given him by
+Regin, prove worthless, and he forges a new one from the pieces of his
+father's sword, which his mother had preserved. With this he easily
+splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of wool, floating down the
+Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father, and then sets off with
+Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of the former Sigurd
+digs a ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him from below with
+his sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the dragon warns
+Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin, who, he
+says, is planning Sigurd's death, intending to obtain the treasure for
+himself.
+
+When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of
+concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs
+Sigurd to roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers,
+and, putting them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the
+birds and hears them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and
+then he would be wiser than all other men. They also betray Regin's evil
+designs, and counsel the lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does,
+cutting off Regin's head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and
+eating Fafnir's heart. (3) On the further advice of the birds Sigurd
+first fetches the treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the
+mountain "Hindarfjall", where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie,
+"Sigrdrifa" ("Brynhild", "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep thorn
+of Wodan, and clad in full armor, lies asleep within a castle that is
+surrounded by a wall of flame. With the help of his steed Grani, Sigurd
+succeeds in penetrating through the fire to the castle. The sleeping
+maiden awakes when he cuts the armor from her with his sword, for it
+was as tight as if grown fast to the flesh. She hails her deliverer
+with great joy, for she had vowed never to marry a man who knew fear. At
+Sigurd's request she teaches him many wise precepts, and finally pledges
+her troth to him. He then departs, after promising to be faithful to her
+and to remember her teachings.
+
+On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the
+Norse form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on
+the lower Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Gutthorm",
+and a daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears
+the name of Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil
+heart. (4) Sigurd is received with great honor, for his coming had been
+announced to Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her
+by Brynhild. The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the latter,
+gives him a potion which produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer
+remembers his betrothed, and accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king
+offers him at the queen's request. The marriage is celebrated with
+great pomp, and Sigurd remains permanently attached to Giuki's court,
+performing with the others many deeds of valor.
+
+Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild.
+Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild's
+father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom
+he learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will
+marry no one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this
+answer they proceed to Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to
+pierce the flames, even when seated on Sigurd's steed. Finally Sigurd
+and Gunnar change forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through
+the wall of fire, announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of
+Giuki, and reminds her of her promise to marry the one who penetrated
+the fire. Brynhild consents with great reluctance, for she is busy
+carrying on a war with a neighboring king. Sigurd then passes three
+nights at her side, placing, however, his sword Gram between them, as
+a bar of separation. At parting he draws from her finger the ring, with
+which he had originally pledged his troth to her, and replaces it with
+another, taken from Fafnir's hoard. Soon after this the marriage of
+Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with great splendor, and all return to
+Giuki's court, where they live happily for some time.
+
+One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath,
+Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the
+water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her
+father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through
+the fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts
+that not Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from
+her the fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in
+proof of her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not
+a word. After a second conversation on the subject had increased the
+hatred of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill,
+she takes to her bed, and when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks
+him if he remembers the circumstances of the wooing and that not he but
+Sigurd had penetrated the flames. She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as
+she had pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains
+by Hogni. Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake her. Finally
+Sigurd succeeds in making her talk, and she tells him how cruelly she
+has been deceived, that the better man had been destined for her, but
+that she had received the poorer one. This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's
+son had killed the king of the Danes and also Budli's brother, a great
+warrior. Moreover, although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames,
+he had not become her husband. He begs her therefore not to harbor a
+grudge against Gunnar.
+
+Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and threatens
+Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd.
+After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs
+him that he must kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the
+Rhinegold. Hogni warns him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it
+occurs to Gunnar, that his brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might
+do the deed. Both now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him
+wolf's and snake meat to eat to make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes
+the attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's
+penetrating glance. The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and pierces
+him with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls his own sword
+after his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He then dies, protesting
+his innocence and designating Brynhild as the instigator of his murder.
+Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her
+joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share Sigurd's death. In
+vain they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces
+herself with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre. In
+dying she prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli"
+and of the death of the many men which will be caused thereby.
+
+After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King
+"Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild
+learns of the place of her daughter's concealment, and tries to bring
+about a reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much
+treasure, if she will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only
+of revenge, but finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in
+Atli's land. After a time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for
+the latter had taken possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his
+court. A man named "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes
+the runes of warning, which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too,
+read as an invitation. The brothers determine to accept the invitation,
+and, though warned by many dreams, they set out for Atli's court, which
+they reach in due time. Vingi now breaks forth into exultations, that he
+has lured them into a snare, and is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.
+
+As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for
+battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun.
+Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some
+exchange of taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the
+combatants, but, failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her
+brothers. The battle rages furiously with great loss on both sides,
+until nearly all of the Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni
+are forced to yield to the power of numbers and are captured and bound.
+Gunnar is asked, if he will purchase his life with the treasure. He
+replies that he first wishes to see Hogni's bleeding heart. At first the
+heart of a slave is cut out and brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it
+at once as that of a coward. Then they cut out Hogni's heart, who laughs
+at the pain. This Gunnar sees is the right one, and is jubilant, for now
+Atli shall never obtain the treasure, as Gunnar alone knows where it is
+hid. In a rage Atli orders Gunnar to be thrown to the snakes. Though
+his hands are bound, Gunnar plays so sweetly with his toes on the harp,
+which Gudrun has sent him, that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with
+the exception of an adder, which stings him to the heart, so that he
+dies.
+
+Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun
+that she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers
+of peace and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons
+"Erp" and "Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives
+for his retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had
+drunk their blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night
+when Atli is asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires
+to avenge his father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust a
+sword through his breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told
+by Gudrun that she is his murderess. When he reproaches her with thus
+killing her husband, she answers that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli
+now asks for a fitting burial, and on receiving the promise of this,
+expires. Gudrun carries out her promise, and burns the castle with
+Atli and all his dead retainers. Other Edda songs relate the further
+adventures of Gudrun, but they do not concern us here, as the
+"Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the Nibelungs.
+
+This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to
+us in the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that
+this version, though more original than the German tradition, does not
+represent the simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the
+original form was, has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two
+distinctly opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the
+personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the
+possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely human
+origin for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for the
+possession of treasure. The former view is the older, and obtained
+almost exclusively at one time. The latter has been gaining ground of
+recent years, and is held by many of the younger students of the legend.
+According to the mythological view, the maiden slumbering upon the
+lonely heights is the sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the
+morning red ("Morgenrote"). Siegfried is the youthful day who is
+destined to rouse the sun from her slumber. At the appointed time he
+ascends, and before his splendor the morning red disappears. He awakens
+the maiden; radiantly the sun rises from its couch and joyously greets
+the world of nature. But light and shade are indissolubly connected; day
+changes of itself into night. When at evening the sun sinks to rest
+and surrounds herself once more with a wall of flames, the day again
+approaches, but no longer in the youthful form of the morning to arouse
+her from her slumber, but in the sombre shape of Gunther, to rest at her
+side. Day has turned into night; this is the meaning of the change of
+forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day and sun descend into the realm of
+darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried story is a day myth; but under
+another it is a myth of the year. The dragon is the symbol of winter,
+the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes the bright summer, his sword
+the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in the dark days of winder.
+When its time has come, it goes forth triumphantly and destroys
+the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the symbolization the
+abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is thus not a mere
+allegory, but a personification of nature's forces. The treasure may
+have entered the saga through the widespread idea of the dragon as the
+guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of nature which
+unfolds when the season has conquered. In the last act of the saga,
+Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees again
+a symbolic representation of a process of nature. According to him it
+signifies the death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he
+kills the dragon, in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully
+slain by the hostile powers of darkness. Later, when this act was
+connected with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning
+was forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and
+jealousy of the insulted queen.
+
+Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already
+spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and
+does not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best
+exponent of this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt
+to resolve the story into its simplest constituents. According to him
+the nucleus of the legend is an old story of the murder of relatives
+("Verwandienmord"), the original form being perhaps as follows. Attila
+(i.e., the enemy of Hagen under any name) is married to Hagen's sister
+Grimhild or Gudrun. He invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks
+him in the hope of obtaining his treasure, and kills him. According
+to this view Hagen was originally the king, but later sinks to a
+subordinate position through the subsequent connection of the story with
+the Burgundians. It is of course useless to hunt for the date of such
+an episode in history. Such a murder could have frequently occurred, and
+can be localized anywhere. Very early we find this Hagen story united
+with the Siegfried legend. If the latter is mythological, then we have
+a heterogeneous combination, a mythical legend grafted on a purely human
+one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and presents a number of arguments to
+disprove the mythical character of the Siegfried story, into which
+we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to the conclusion, that the
+Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and consisted originally of the
+murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of the Hagen title. Siegfried
+is married to Hagen's sister, and is killed by his brother-in-law
+because of his treasure. The kernel of the legend is, therefore, the
+enmity between relatives, which exists in two forms, the one in which
+the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi" saga, the
+other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by him, too, as
+in the "Hilde" saga. The German tradition tries to combine the two by
+introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild causes the death of her
+relatives, in order to avenge her first husband. Boer is of the opinion
+that both the Norse and the German versions have forgotten the original
+connection between the two stories, and that this connection was nothing
+more nor less than the common motive of the treasure. The same treasure,
+which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in turn
+through the greed of Attila. There was originally, according to Boer, no
+question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the retribution which
+overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate was lost
+when the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his treasure,
+was replaced by the one that he does it at the request of Brunhild. This
+leads Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to
+the Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty
+("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. The type is
+that of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which may take
+the form of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of being
+sewed into a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm's fairy tales. By the union
+of the two stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping
+Beauty tale, Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand
+his relation to Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the
+rock, on the other his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent
+death. This twofold relation had to be disposed of, and since his
+connection with Grimhild was decisive for his fate, his relation to
+Brunhild had to be changed. It could not be entirely ignored, for it
+was too well known, therefore it was given a different interpretation.
+Siegfried still rescues a maiden from the rock, not for himself,
+however, but for another. The exchange of forms on the part of
+Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of the older form. It gives the
+impression, that Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the bride. This
+alteration probably took place when the Burgundians were introduced into
+the legend. With this introduction an unlocalized saga of unknown heroes
+of ancient times became one of events of world-wide importance; the fall
+of a mighty race was depicted as the result of Siegfried's death. To
+render this plausible, it was necessary on the one hand to idealize
+the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of horror demanding
+fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of the Burgundians
+an active participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise it would not
+seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for a crime
+committed by the king's brother or vassal. As the role of Brunhild's
+husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role, it was
+natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very ingeniously
+the gradual development of this exchange of roles through the various
+sources.
+
+Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two women is
+to identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the
+hero rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her,
+and then is later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As
+Brunhild and Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need
+of a wooing for the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild,
+accordingly the old motive of greed (here envy) reappears.
+
+As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not
+originally belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the
+popular ballad is the fight with the dragon connected with the release
+of Brunhild. If the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the
+dragon cannot have originally belonged to it, but was later introduced,
+because of the widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of
+treasure, and in order to answer the question as to the provenience of
+the hoard. This is, however, only one answer to the question. Another,
+widespread in German legends, is that the treasure comes from the
+Nibelungs, that is, from the dwarfs. Many identify the dwarfs and the
+dragon, but this finds no support in the sources, for here the dwarfs
+and Fafnir are never confused. The "Nibelungenlied" describes an
+adventure with each, but the treasure is only connected with the dwarfs.
+The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon fight but not the dwarfs, as is
+likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad. Only in the Norse sources
+do we find a contamination. The story of Hreithmar and his sons, who
+quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of Schilbung and Nibelung in
+the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same source. One of the sons,
+because of his guarding the treasure, is identified with the dragon,
+and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon, after gaining the treasure.
+Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but a dwarf. These two
+independent forms can be geographically localized. The dwarf legend is
+the more southern; it is told in detail in the "Nibelungenlied". The
+dragon legend probably originated in the Cimbrian peninsula, where the
+"Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon fight plays such an important part,
+likewise arose.
+
+There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing
+in the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other
+tracing it back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may
+be, that the true form of the original saga lies half way between
+these two views. The story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their
+killing at Etzel's court, may go back to the tale of the murder of
+relatives for money. On the other hand it is hard to believe that the
+Siegfried saga is nothing but a repetition of the Attila motive, for
+this is too brief a formula to which to reduce the long legend of
+Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if we discard the mythological
+interpretation, it is the tale of a daring hero, who is brought up in
+the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon and takes possession of
+his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon a mountain, as in the
+older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a tower, as in the
+"Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire, as in the
+Norse, or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied". After
+betrothing himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further
+adventures, and falls into the power of an evil race, who by their
+magic arts lure him to them, cause his destruction, and then obtain
+his treasure and the maiden for themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa
+belongs to Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong
+together, and it seems hardly possible that she should have entered the
+story later, as Boer would have us believe. After all, it is largely a
+matter of belief, for it is impossible to prove positively that mythical
+elements did or did not exist in the original.
+
+To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements
+were added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the
+Franks were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward.
+Further up the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had
+established a kingdom in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their
+capital being Worms and their king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the
+Romans called him. For twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms
+with the surrounding nations. Then, growing bolder, they suddenly
+rose against the Romans in the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly
+suppressed by the Roman general Aetius. Though defeated, the Burgundians
+were not subdued, and the very next year they broke their oaths and
+again sought to throw off the Roman yoke. This time the Romans called to
+their aid the hordes of Huns, who had been growing rapidly in power and
+were already pressing hard upon the German nations from the east. Only
+too glad for an excuse, the Huns poured into the land in great numbers
+and practically swept the Burgundian people from the face of the earth.
+According to the Roman historians, twenty thousand Burgundians were
+slain in this great battle of the Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this
+catastrophe, in which a whole German nation fell before the hordes of
+invading barbarians, produced a profound impression upon the Teutonic
+world. The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the "Nibelungenlied", who also
+fell in the battle, became the central figure of a new legend, namely,
+the story of the fall of the Burgundians.
+
+Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after
+his death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the
+slaughter of the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types,
+and as Attila was a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon
+as the type of a cruel tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural
+for him to play the rôle assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible
+is Boer's explanation of the entrance of Attila into the legend. The
+"Thidreksaga" locates him in Seest in Westphalia. Now this province once
+bore the name of "Hunaland", and by a natural confusion, because of
+the similarity of the names, "Huna" and "Huns", Attila, who is the
+chief representative of Hunnish power, was connected with the legend
+and located at Seest. This would show that the original extension of the
+legend was slight, as Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles
+from Seest. The original form would then be that Hagen was slain by a
+king of "Hunaland", then because history relates that the Burgundians
+were slain by the Huns, the similarity of the names led to the
+introduction of Attila and the identification of the Nibelungs with the
+Burgundians. The fact, too, that the Franks rapidly took possession
+of the district depopulated by the crushing defeat of the Burgundians
+likewise aided the confusion, and thus the Franks became the natural
+heirs of the legend concerning the death of Gunther, and so we read of
+the fall of the Nibelungs, a name that is wholly Frankish in character.
+This identification led also to Attila's being considered the avenger of
+Siegfried's death. Poetic justice, however, demands that the slaughter
+of the Burgundians at the hands of Attila be also avenged. The rumor,
+that Attila's death was not natural, but that he had been murdered by
+his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the necessary features to round out
+the story. As Kriemhild was the sister of the Burgundian kings, it was
+but natural to explain her killing of Attila, as described in the Norse
+versions, by her desire to avenge her brothers.
+
+In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild,
+who is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here,
+has sunk to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive
+observer of the fight raging around him. This change was brought about
+perhaps by the introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing
+figure of all Germanic heroic lore. The necessity of providing him
+with a role corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing
+repugnance on the part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat at the
+hands of the Huns, caused the person of Attila to dwindle in importance.
+Gradually, too, the role played by Kriemhild was totally changed.
+Instead of being the avenger of her brothers, as depicted in the Norse
+versions, she herself becomes the cause of their destruction. Etzel
+is not only innocent of any desire to harm the Nibelungs, but is even
+ignorant of the revenge planned by his wife. This change in her role was
+probably due to the feeling that it was incumbent upon her to avenge the
+murder of Siegfried.
+
+Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried's
+youth as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no
+longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic
+Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king
+of the Netherlands, and the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild.
+The poem has forgotten Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows
+nothing of his penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her,
+nothing of the betrothal of the two. In our poem Siegfried is carefully
+reared at his father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out with great
+pomp for the court of the Burgundians. In the Norse version he naturally
+remains at Gunther's court after his marriage, but in our poem he
+returns to the Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the
+introduction of several new scenes to depict his arrival home, the
+invitation to the feast at Worms, and the reception of the guests on the
+part of the Burgundians.
+
+In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the
+winning of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older
+Norse versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but
+Siegfried dons the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that
+while Gunther makes the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing
+which is rather difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is
+likewise very differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it
+is in the Norse version. In the latter it takes place while the
+ladies are bathing in the river, and is brought on by the arrogance of
+Brunhild, who refuses to stand lower down the stream and bathe in the
+water flowing from Gudrun to her. In the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the
+seclusion of the ladies' apartments, but in our poem it culminates in
+front of the cathedral before the assembled court, and requires as its
+background all the pomp and splendor of medieval chivalry. With a master
+hand and a wonderful knowledge of female character, the author depicts
+the gradual progress of the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent
+scene of wounded pride and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as usual, plays
+the more important part, and, while standing up for her rights, tries in
+every way to conciliate Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At
+last, however, stung by the taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her
+patience, bursts out with the whole story of the twofold deception to
+which Brunhild has been subjected, and then triumphantly sweeps into
+the church, leaving her rival stunned and humiliated by the news she
+has heard. In the Norse tradition the scene serves merely to enlighten
+Brunhild as to the deception played upon her. In the "Nibelungenlied" it
+becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death, for Brunhild plans to kill
+Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to her. She has no other
+reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no deception. Brunhild
+appeals to us much less in the "Nibelungenlied" than in the Norse
+version. In the latter she feels herself deeply wronged by Siegfried's
+faithlessness, and resolves on his death because she will not be the
+wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason for wishing his death
+except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she disappears
+from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse tradition she
+ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.
+
+The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally different
+in the two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while
+asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is
+killed by Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded
+by a scene in which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the
+one vulnerable spot on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting
+him. This deepens the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and
+self-reproaches the greater. After Siegfried's burial his father,
+who had also come to Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade
+Kriemhild to return with him to the Netherlands. Her refusal is
+unnatural in the extreme, for she had reigned there ten years or
+more with Siegfried, and had left her little son behind, and yet she
+relinquishes all this and remains with her brothers, whom she knows to
+be the murderers of her husband. This is evidently a reminiscence of
+an earlier form in which Siegfried was a homeless adventurer, as in the
+"Thidreksaga".
+
+The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs,
+is treated of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the
+"Nibelungenlied", which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has
+developed and enlarged upon the story, until it overshadows the first
+part in length and importance and gives the name to the whole poem.
+The main difference between the two versions is that in the older
+Norse tradition it is Attila who invites the Nibelungs to his court and
+attacks them in order to gain possession of the treasure, while Gudrun
+(Kriemhild) first tries to reconcile the warring parties, and, not
+succeeding in this, snatches up a sword and fights on the side of
+her brothers and later kills her husband as an act of revenge. In the
+"Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied", however, she is the instigator
+of the fight and the cause of her brothers' death, and finally suffers
+death herself at the hands of Master Hildebrand, who is furious that
+such noble heroes should fall at a woman's hand. The second part of
+the poem is grewsome reading at best, with its weltering corpses and
+torrents of blood. The horror is relieved only by the grim humor of
+Hagen and by the charming scene at Rudeger's court, where the young
+prince Giselher is betrothed to Rudeger's daughter. Rudeger is without
+doubt the most tragic figure of this part. He is bound on the one hand
+by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by ties of
+friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at the dilemma in which
+Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him is pitiful.
+Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must fulfill his
+vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he rushes to
+his death in combat with his dearest friends.
+
+Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of
+Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that
+he is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his
+companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism
+that would do honor to a Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of
+his crime, and to the last mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury
+knows no bounds. No character shows so little the refining influences of
+Christianity as does his. In all essential respects he is still the same
+old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms of the legend.
+
+As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the
+"Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here,
+although they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to
+say, that the "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective
+scenes for the purpose of bringing some of them, especially Folker and
+Dankwart, into prominence. Among the best of these are, first, the night
+watch, when Folker first plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin,
+and then stands guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned
+by Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following morning,
+when the men of both parties clash; and lastly the tournament between
+the Huns and the Burgundians, which gives the author an excellent chance
+to show the prowess of the various heroes.
+
+Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the
+"Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"
+("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of
+the Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the
+strophe is considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem,
+and that it was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back
+most probably to the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth
+century, although some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the
+French epic verse, may have been of influence. The direct derivation
+from Otfrid seems, however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the
+importance of the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the
+sense, as well as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending. The
+"Nibelungen" strophe consists of four long lines separated by a caesura
+into two distinct halves. The first half of each line contains four
+accents, the fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last stress,
+however, is not, as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being
+somewhat like that of a feminine ending. On this account some speak of
+three accents in the first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth
+stress is, however, too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of
+its lighter character is best marked with a grave accent. The second
+half of each line ends in a masculine rhyme. The first three lines have
+each three stresses in the second half, while the second half of the
+fourth line has four accents to mark the end of the strophe. This
+longer fourth line is one of the most marked characteristics of the
+"Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are arranged in the order of "a", "a",
+"b", "b", though in a few isolated cases near the end of the poem but
+one rhyme is used throughout the strophe.
+
+The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form
+and scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the
+Middle High German language in which the poem is written:
+
+     Uns ist in alten maeren   wunders vil geseit
+     von heleden lobebaeron,   von grozer arebeit,
+     von froude und hochgeziten,   von weinen und von klagen,
+     von kuener recken striten   muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.
+
+     Ez wuochs in Burgonden   ein edel magedin,
+     daz in allen landen   niht schoeners mohte sin,
+     Kriemhild geheizen;   si wart ein scoene wip,
+     darambe muosen degene   vil verliesen den lip.
+
+     Der minneclichen meide   triuten wol gezam,
+     ir muotten kuene recken,   niemen was ir gram,
+     ane ma zen schoene   so was ir edel lip;
+     der iunevrouwen tugende   zierten anderiu wip.
+
+     Ir pflagen drie künege   edel unde rich,
+     Gunther unde Gernot,   die recken lobelich,
+     und Giselher der iunge,   ein uz erwelter degen,
+     diu frouwe was ir swester,   die fu'rsten hetens in ir
+                                        pflegen.
+
+     Die herren waren milte,   von arde hohe erborn,
+     mit kraft unmazen kuene,   die recken uz erkorn,
+     dazen Burgonden   so was ir lant genant,
+     si framden starkiu wunder   sit in Etzelen lant.
+
+     Ze Wormze bidem Rine   si wenden mit ir kraft,
+     in diende von ir landen   stolziu ritterscaft
+     mit lobelichen eren   unz an ir endes zit,
+     sit sturben si inemerliche   von zweier edelen frouwen nit.
+
+Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene": "degene"
+(str. 84) or "Hagene": "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, but
+it is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in
+question shows that the three accents are not complete without this
+final "e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High
+German poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to
+die out in the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the
+period. The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure
+rhymes being mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed
+together, e.g. "mich": "rich" or "man": "han". Caesural rhymes are
+frequently met with, and were considered by Lachmann to be the marks of
+interpolated strophes, a view no longer held. A further peculiarity
+of the "Nibelungen" strophe is the frequent omission of the unaccented
+syllable in the second half of the last line of the strophe between the
+second and third stresses. Examples of this will be found in the second,
+third, and fifth strophes of the passage given above.
+
+The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High
+German, that is, the High German written and spoken in the period
+between 1100 and 1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry
+and of the "Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the
+Austrian dialect of the close of the twelfth century, but contains many
+archaisms, which point to the fact of its having undergone a number of
+revisions.
+
+In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or
+two further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in
+German literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue"
+(faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent
+portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his
+lord, as depicted in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband,
+as shown by Kriemhild, carried out with unhesitating consistency to the
+bitter end. This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors
+so largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the
+death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the
+masters of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled to bow.
+
+In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of
+the youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it
+is a torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of
+these integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of
+originally separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains
+not a few contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a
+close study reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle
+High German epic poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older
+German literature. It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in
+Gottfried von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often
+magnificent descriptions of armor and dress to be met with in the epics
+of Hartman von Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram
+von Eschenbach's "Parzival", and does not, as this latter, lead the
+reader into the realms of religious doubts and struggles. It is imposing
+through its very simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which
+it does not seek to adorn and decorate. It nowhere pauses to analyze
+motives nor to give us a picture of inner conflict as modern authors are
+fond of doing. Its characters are impulsive and prompt in action, and
+when they have once acted, waste no time in useless regret or remorse.
+
+It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the
+terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery,
+but it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the
+latter. It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp
+of courtly ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and
+beneath the outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and
+wildly as in the days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps
+greater poems in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so
+majestic in conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their
+execution, and so national in their character, as this great popular
+epic of German literature.
+
+
+  ENDNOTES:
+  (1)  A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth
+       century, now found in Munich.  It forms the basis of
+       Lachmann's edition.  It is a parchment MS. of the middle of
+       the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.
+       Gall.  It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker
+       des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-
+       Literatur", vol. 6.  C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth
+       century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen.  It is
+       the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by
+       Zarncke.
+  (2)  The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in
+       having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in
+       ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably
+       borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although
+       thought by some to have been an original feature of our
+       legend.
+  (3)  The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the
+       brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode
+       in somewhat different fashion.  The brothers plan to kill
+       Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while
+       burning charcoal in the forest.  After killing the monster
+       with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and
+       thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him
+       invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,
+       which he could not reach.  This bathing in the blood is also
+       related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",
+       with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a
+       linden leaf falling upon him.
+  (4)  The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
+       that the Norse version is here more original.  Gunnar is the
+       same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
+       (Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot.  In this
+       latter the father is called Dancrat, the mother Uote, and
+       the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
+       daughter.
+  (5)  In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
+       hair.
+
+
+
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE I (2)
+
+Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of
+praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold
+warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.
+
+In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer
+might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,
+for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the
+loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her
+hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues
+of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.
+
+Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and
+Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a
+chosen knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their
+care. The lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold
+of strength were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy.
+Great marvels they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8)
+upon the Rhine they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out
+their lands served them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter
+they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.
+
+Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,
+Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a
+mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full
+great. These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed
+allegiance the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong
+and brave, fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg,
+thereto his brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13);
+Gere (14) and Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16)
+endued with fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen,
+a chosen knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three
+kings, had rule of the court and of its honors. Thereto had they many
+a warrior whose name I cannot tell. Dankwart was marshal; his nephew,
+Ortwin, seneschal unto the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight;
+Hunolt served as chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty
+stations. Of the forces of the court and its far-reaching might, of
+the high worship (18) and of the chivalry these lords did ply with joy
+throughout their life, of this forsooth none might relate to you the
+end.
+
+In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she
+trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes,
+two eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all
+this world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not
+unfold it to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon
+which thou trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him
+soon, unless so be that God preserve him."
+
+"Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be
+without a warrior's love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I
+shall never gain woe from love of man."
+
+"Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever
+thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the
+love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right
+worthy knight."
+
+"I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it
+been seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall
+avoid them both, then can it ne'er go ill with me."
+
+Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day
+thereafter the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would
+care to love. In after days she became with worship a valiant here's
+bride. He was the selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her
+mother unfolded to her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest
+kin, who slew him after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a
+mother's son.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs.  The ordinary
+        etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'
+        ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have
+        belonged originally to the dwarfs.  Piper, I, 50, interprets
+        it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers
+        "Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it
+        as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.
+        "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".
+   (2)  "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.
+        "adventura").  The word meant originally a happening,
+        especially some great event, then the report of such an
+        event.  Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos
+        or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.
+        epics.  Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes
+        the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.
+   (3)  "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish
+        "Grimhild".  In the MSS., the name generally appears with a
+        further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial
+        consonant were Germanic "k".  On the various forms of the
+        name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,
+        see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and
+        Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.
+   (4)  "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the
+        Burgundians in the fifth century.
+   (5)  "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place
+        of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse
+        version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not
+        etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in
+        Old Norse.
+   (6)  "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius".  Although
+        mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian
+        kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in
+        other poems dealing with these persons, such as the
+        "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,
+        and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.
+        Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his
+        death is told.  He probably came from some independent
+        source.
+   (7)  "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"
+        (Norse "Atli").  A discussion of his connection with the
+        saga will be found in the introduction.
+   (8)  "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first
+        century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the
+        "Vangioni".  In the fifth century it was the capital of the
+        Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns.  The
+        Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it
+        became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his
+        court.  It was later noted as the meeting-place of many
+        imperial diets.  It remained a free city till 1801.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".
+   (9)  "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote").  The name means ancestress, and is
+        frequently used for the mother of heroes.  The modern German
+        form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced
+        with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.
+   (10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in
+        the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the
+        "Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse
+        "Giuki").
+   (11) "Hagen of Troneg".  Troneg is probably a corruption of the
+        name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower
+        Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as
+        "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were
+        descended from the ancient Trojans.  "Troja" was then
+        further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege".  Hagen was
+        therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the
+        Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to
+        show.  Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally
+        lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was
+        often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was
+        connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their
+        brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms
+        and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial
+        localization.  Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of
+        Troneg, as is Hagen.  Other attempts to explain Troneg will
+        be found in Piper, I, 48.
+   (12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that
+        belonged to the early form of the legend.  He may have come
+        from another saga, where he played the principal role as
+        Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks.  Boer considers him to be
+        Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally
+        fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the
+        moment.  In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a
+        word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,
+        because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'.  Its
+        original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although
+        the later meaning is already found in M.H.G.  In all such
+        doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless
+        the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen
+        to translate it.
+   (13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",
+        "Waltharius", and in "Biterolf".  He is most likely a late
+        introduction (but see Piper, I, 44).  Rieger thinks that he
+        belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis".  Though the "i" is
+        long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"
+        in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been
+        chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in
+        such names.
+   (14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction.  He is perhaps the
+        historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the
+        Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs.  See O. von
+        Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L
+        43.
+   (15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession.  He is perhaps the
+        historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the
+        name.  He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.
+   (16) "Folker of Alzei" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the
+        knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in
+        spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine
+        Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz.  The
+        town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also
+        the noble family of the same name.  It is most likely,
+        however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with
+        Alzei.  In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of
+        minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of
+        our poem developed the character and made it the
+        personification of himself.
+   (17) "Rumolt", "Sindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis
+        and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.
+   (18) "Worship".  This word has been frequently used here in its
+        older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to
+        translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried.
+
+In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had
+for name Siegmund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle,
+known far and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called
+it. Of this hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.
+Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great
+worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty
+knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
+mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What
+bold warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders
+might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors
+he received and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him
+in their love; with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of
+himself what virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored,
+that he was found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he
+become of the age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw
+him, many a maid wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow
+gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom
+was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and
+Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were
+acquaint with courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore
+might he win both folk and land.
+
+Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed
+thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;
+these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund
+have cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving
+kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings.
+To the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever
+any was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these
+noble youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the
+youthful prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell
+of this great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great
+worship with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store.
+Wherefore one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred
+sword-thanes (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a
+fair maid was aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them
+all. Many precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together
+with the edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young
+warriors, for this must needs be done.
+
+The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer
+festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then
+full many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to
+the minster. Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had
+been done to them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer.
+To the honor of God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people
+full great a press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise,
+with such great honors as might not ever lightly be again. Then they
+ran to where they found saddled many a steed. In Siegmund's court the
+hurtling (6) waxed so fierce that both palace (7) and hall were heard
+to ring; the high-mettled warriors clashed with mighty sound. From young
+and old one heard many a shock, so that the splintering of the shafts
+reechoed to the clouds. Truncheons (8) were seen flying out before
+the palace from the hand of many a knight. This was done with zeal. At
+length the host bade cease the tourney and the steeds were led away.
+Upon the turf one saw all to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and
+great store of precious stones from the bright spangles (10) of the
+shields. Through the hurtling this did hap.
+
+Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With
+good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which
+one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown
+worship enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of
+the strolling folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which
+men found there richly, whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with
+praise. Then bade the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land
+and castles, as he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the
+sword-companions. The journey liked them well, that to this land they
+were come. The feasting lasted until the seventh day. Siegelind,
+the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out ruddy gold in
+time-honored wise. Full well she wot how to make him beloved of the
+folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among the strolling mimes. Steeds
+and raiment were scattered by their hand, as if they were to live not
+one more day. I trow that never did serving folk use such great bounty.
+With worshipful honors the company departed hence. Of the mighty barons
+the tale doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of
+this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught. Forasmuch as both
+Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child of them twain
+wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he become a lord against all
+the deeds of force within his lands, whereof the bold and daring knight
+was sore adread.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
+        independent saga.  See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.
+   (2)  "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of
+        Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows.  The Early
+        Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi
+        saga".
+   (3)  "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at
+        present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of
+        Dusseldorf.  It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in
+        the Middle Ages.
+   (4)  "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires
+        who were to be made knights.  It was the custom for a
+        youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of
+        others.
+   (5)  "Midsummer festival".  The M.H.G. "sunewende" means
+        literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.
+        This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the
+        church later turned into St. John's Eve.  The bonfires still
+        burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old
+        heathen custom.
+   (6)  "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed
+        from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many
+        knights clashed together.  Hurtling was used in older
+        English in the same significance.
+   (7)  "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large
+        building standing alone and largely used as a reception
+        hall.
+   (8)  "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzûne", O.F. "tronçon)", 'lance
+        splinters', 'fragments of spears'.
+   (9)  "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older
+        English to-beat, to-break, etc.
+   (10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating
+        from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
+        with precious stones.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+
+It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales
+told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous
+fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too.
+Her beauty out of measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard
+of her noble mind, that it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's
+land. But however many were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never
+confessed within her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was
+still a stranger to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of
+Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to his but
+as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In later days the
+noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride. Kinsmen and liegemen enow
+advised him, since he would have hope of constant love, that he woo
+one who was his peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose
+Kriemhild, the fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure.
+This I know full well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a
+wife, that it would not beseem him to love this noble queen."
+
+Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the
+courtiers he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to
+the king, that his child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it
+too, the wife of the noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for
+full well she knew Gunther and his men. Therefore they sought to turn
+the hero from this venture. Up spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear
+father mine, I would fain ever be without the love of noble dames, if I
+may not woo her in whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may
+aver, it will avail but naught."
+
+"And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad
+of thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath
+this King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but
+Hagen, the doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it
+will repent us sore, if we woo this high-born maid."
+
+Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may
+not obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can
+gain. I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."
+
+To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this
+tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that
+land. Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may
+none win the maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride
+with warriors unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they
+shall be summoned soon."
+
+"It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should
+follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the
+noble maid. My single hand can win her well--with eleven (2) comrades
+I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father
+Siegmund." Then to his knights they gave for garments furs both gray and
+vair. (3)
+
+Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for
+her loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther's men. Sorely
+the noble queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where
+he saw her; to his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not
+weep for me; naught have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray
+you, speed me on my journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my
+warriors may have array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for
+this I will say you gramercy i' faith."
+
+"Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I
+speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that
+ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."
+
+Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake:
+"None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be
+made ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with
+Kriemhild."
+
+Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease
+them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist
+from faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his
+son should ride forth from Siegmund's land. The shining breastplates,
+too, were put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both
+fair and broad. Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near;
+man and wife began to fear lest they never should come home again. The
+heroes bade lade their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their
+steeds were fair and their trappings red with gold. No need were there
+to live more proudly than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave
+to journey to the land of Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully
+vouchsafed. Lovingly he comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he,
+"must ye not weep, nor have fear for me or for my life."
+
+The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts
+did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death
+because of this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in
+sooth.
+
+Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave
+warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings
+fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men.
+Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as
+Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such
+princely attire been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down
+to their spurs. Sharp javelins were borne by these chosen knights.
+Siegfried wielded one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut
+most dangerously. In their hands they held gold-colored bridles; their
+martingales were silken: so they came into the land. Everywhere the folk
+began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's men fared forth to meet them.
+High-mettled warriors, both knight and squire, betook them to the lords
+(as was but right), and received into the land of their lords these
+guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which bore the
+shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How
+boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of
+my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever
+knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of
+Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."
+
+Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,
+that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see
+him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly
+man."
+
+To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,
+who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the
+Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly
+warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and
+broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then
+Ortwin of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king:
+"Since we know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let
+him see them. To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so
+be he knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."
+
+Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with
+his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.
+
+"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.
+
+"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If
+ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."
+
+"That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the
+guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their
+array, but full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He
+spake: "From wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may
+well be princes or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and
+their garments passing good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth
+high-mettled warriors be they."
+
+"I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried,
+yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that
+strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to
+this land. By this here's hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung
+and Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought
+great marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone
+without all aid, he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been
+told, by Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to
+him, till he gained knowledge of them there.
+
+"The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear
+a wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it
+there. This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near
+was he now come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights
+espied him, too. One among them spake: 'Here cometh the mighty
+Siegfried, the hero of Netherland.' Passing strange were the tidings
+that, he found among the Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well
+the knight; with one accord these young and noble lordings bade the
+stately man divide the hoard. Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in
+turn gan vow it to them.
+
+"He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred
+wains might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from
+the Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should
+divide. As a guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were
+served full ill by the service which the good knight Siegfried should
+render them. Nor could he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew.
+Twelve bold men of their kith were there, mighty giants these. What
+might that avail them! Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and
+seven hundred warriors from the Nibelung land he vanquished with the
+good sword Balmung. (7) Because of the great fear that, many a young
+warrior had of the sword and of the valiant man, they made the land and
+its castles subject to his hand. Likewise both the mighty kings he
+slew, but soon he himself was sorely pressed by Alberich. (8) The
+latter weened to venge straightway his masters, till he then discovered
+Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match for him was the sturdy dwarf.
+Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where from Alberich he won the
+Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, become master
+of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there slain. Soon
+bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the men of
+Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the strong, warden of the
+hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his knave; and fit he
+was for work of every sort."
+
+So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win
+such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the
+hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became
+like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been
+seen. All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the
+youthful warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a
+friend, for he hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how
+valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring
+man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."
+
+"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son
+of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that
+it can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."
+
+"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both
+noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good
+stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried
+stood.
+
+The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full
+little was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they
+had greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,
+"whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at
+Worms upon the Rhine."
+
+Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from
+you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the
+boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and
+that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear
+boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This
+the folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn
+back, till it be known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a
+crown. Fain would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me: Rightly
+doth he rule both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be a
+pledge. Now be ye so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it
+lief or loth to any man, I will gain from you whatso ye have--land and
+castles shall be subject to my hand."
+
+The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard,
+that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed
+wroth, as they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther,
+the knight, "that we should lose by the force of any man that which my
+father hath rules so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that
+we, too, are used in knightly ways."
+
+"In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be
+that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And
+shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall
+be subject to thy sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike;
+whether of us twain can triumph over the other, him shall both land and
+people serve."
+
+Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish,"
+spake Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man
+lie dead at hero's hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is
+meet, nor hath any a better claim to them than we."
+
+There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz.
+"It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the
+mighty Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your
+brothers no meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well
+so to fight that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty
+mien."
+
+At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake: "Thy hand
+shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king's vassal thou.
+Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."
+
+Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be
+Hagen of Troneg's sister's son. It rued the king that he had held his
+peace so long. Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between.
+He spake to Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done
+us no such wrong, but that we may still part the strife in courteous
+wise. Be advised of me and hold him still as friend; far better will
+this beseem us."
+
+Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights
+that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over;
+my lordings never would have done such ill to him."
+
+To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir
+Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have
+dominion here in the Burgundian land."
+
+"I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights
+speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then
+bethought him of the noble maid.
+
+"How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However
+really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant
+honor therefrom and ye but little gain."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen,
+and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he
+hath so many here in Burgundy?"
+
+At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel. Then spake
+Queen Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who
+are come with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."
+
+Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine. The master
+of the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable
+wise, shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be
+shared."
+
+At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade
+that care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that
+men might find were sought for Siegfried's squires; great easement they
+gave them. Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day
+they offered him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell
+you. This his prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he
+saw who was his foe.
+
+Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games,
+Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one
+match him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or
+hurled the shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights
+made merry with the ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of
+Netherland, for upon high love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for
+whatso they undertook, but in his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he
+had never seen. She too, who in secret spake full well of him, cherished
+him alone. Whenever the pages, squires, and knights would play their
+games within the court, Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from
+the windows, for no other pastime she needed on such days. Had he known
+that she gazed on him thus, whom he bare within his heart, then had he
+had pastime enough, I trow, for well I wot that no greater joy in all
+this world could chance to him.
+
+Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to
+do, for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind's son,
+that many a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him
+many a day: "How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the
+noble maid, whom I do love with all my heart and so have done long time.
+Sadly must I stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."
+
+Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all
+must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady
+rued, and he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt
+with the lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther's land, and in all
+this time he saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there
+happed to him much joy and eke much woe.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may
+        mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often
+        difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference
+        should be given.
+   (2)  "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means
+        one of twelve.  The accounts are, however, contradictory, as
+        a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of
+        Siegfried.
+   (3)  "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the
+        fur of the squirrel.
+   (4)  "Known".  It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he
+        was acquainted with the customs and dress of various
+        countries and with the names and lineage of all important
+        personages.  Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks
+        Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou
+        tellest me the one, I shall know the other."
+   (5)  "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a
+        mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some
+        authorities, the original owners of the treasure.  Boer, ix,
+        199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was
+        transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in
+        the formation of the saga.
+   (6)  "Angry of mood".  The reason of this anger is apparent from
+        the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801.  The quarrel
+        arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
+        Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
+        born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
+   (7)  "Balmung".  In the older Norse version and in the
+        "Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
+   (8)  "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
+        legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".
+        Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
+        important role in modern literature.
+   (9)  "Cloak of Darkness".  This translates the M.H.G.
+        "tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators.  It is
+        formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
+        "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'.  It rendered the
+        wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)
+
+Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent
+them from afar--tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When they
+heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will
+I name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly
+prince, and then from Denmark Liudegast, the king. For their journey
+they had gathered many a lordly stranger.
+
+To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked
+the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court
+unto King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be
+ye welcome. I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be
+told." So spake the right good king. But they feared full sore King
+Gunther's warlike mood.
+
+"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall
+not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us
+hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye
+have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal
+hate. They would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of
+many a knight; that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the
+journey must befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help
+guard your castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be
+carved by them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let
+messengers be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will
+not ride so near you, to give you pain of heart, from which full many a
+lusty knight and a good must die."
+
+"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then
+ye shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold
+from them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my
+friends."
+
+To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare
+the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his
+men, and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of
+men that could be found. The king spake: "Men would seek us here in this
+our land with mighty armies, now make ye wail for that."
+
+To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we
+fend indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die;
+for their sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be
+welcome to us."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and
+Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such
+short time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the
+valiant knight.
+
+To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they
+bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but
+right, till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend
+him aid. Yet in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full
+blithe a knight, who wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and
+prayed King Gunther to tell him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me,"
+spake Siegfried, for he it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry
+wont, which ye have used thus far with us."
+
+To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell
+all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise.
+Only to trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."
+
+At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake:
+"I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your
+woes. And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport
+myself with honor until mine end."
+
+"Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and
+though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are
+friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will
+let you hear why I stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I
+have heard that they would visit me with war, a thing which knights have
+never done to us in all these lands."
+
+"Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do
+as I pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye
+command your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty
+foes be helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them,
+had I but a thousand; for that rely on me."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."
+
+"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have
+but twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of
+Siegfried serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart,
+and Sindolt, your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride
+along; he shall bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it.
+Let now the envoys ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to
+understand they soon shall see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
+
+Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers
+of Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should
+journey home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts
+and gave them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say
+unto my foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their
+journey and stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands,
+hardships shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
+
+Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to
+bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they
+took their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.
+
+Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had
+heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in
+sooth, their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full
+many a valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand,
+whose name was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it
+Liudegast when he heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark
+had heard these tidings told, they hasted all the more to call their
+friends; till Sir Liudegast had gathered for his journey full twenty
+thousand knights from among his valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also,
+of Saxon land, sent forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men
+and more, with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.
+
+Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the
+liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead
+thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon
+must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.
+When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such
+wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg
+was master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who
+wist well how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and
+Ortwin, too, well could they serve with honor in this war.
+
+"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your
+warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep
+your spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate.
+Well will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at
+Worms upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride
+so nigh unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to
+fear."
+
+From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon
+land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried
+all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire
+distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.
+Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"
+Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:
+"Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
+knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and
+Ortwin guard the rear."
+
+"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the
+outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors
+be." Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop
+he gave in charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the
+valiant man. Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a
+helmet band he cut to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host
+that lay encamped upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his
+men. Forty thousand or better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried
+saw this in lofty mood. Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted
+to the outlook 'gainst the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold
+man saw him, too. Each began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it
+was, who stood on guard, I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold
+lay by his hand. It was the good King Liudegast, who was guarding here
+his band. The noble stranger pricked along in lordly wise.
+
+Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of
+their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched
+the spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty
+king. After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal
+knights, as though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled
+in knightly wise and the two fierce champions encountered with their
+swords. Then smote Sir Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring.
+Through the hero's hand from out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew
+the bright red sparks. Each in the other found his match. Sir Liudegast,
+too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each broke full upon the
+shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men stood there on guard, but ere they
+could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with three groat
+wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming breastplate, the
+which was passing good. The blood from the wounds gushed forth along
+the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast stood in sorry mood. He
+begged for life and made offrance of his lands and said that his name
+was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had witnessed what there had
+happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he
+was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty blows the hero's hand
+guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then wrought worse scathe.
+In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one he left alive,
+who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had chanced. By his
+reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved the men of
+Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken captive.
+Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with monstrous
+wrath, for great woe it brought him.
+
+Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
+Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was
+the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden
+raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be
+done, ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame
+in Saxon land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed
+to me, for I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see
+helmets carved by the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they
+shall become acquaint with fear."
+
+To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart
+minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.
+Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor
+had they more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve
+men-at-arms. Now from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land
+they rode; many a lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst.
+There, too, were come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened
+swords, as I since have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes'
+hands, for they would fain guard both their castles and their land
+against the strangers. The lordings' marshals led on the troop.
+Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had brought from
+Netherland. In the storm of battle many a hand this day grew red with
+blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too, slew many a knight in the
+strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness of their foes. This many a
+stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too,
+dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these
+storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.
+
+The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield
+resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of
+which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but
+when the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide
+wound carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow.
+Thus they fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang
+the sharp weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed
+their lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way
+in Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.
+Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn
+forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his
+men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was
+Hagen come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before
+them many a good knight must needs die this day.
+
+When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in
+hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the
+lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of
+swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two
+champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;
+fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that
+his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it
+was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot,
+but later he learned the truth.
+
+So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled
+beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a
+frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise
+Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise
+Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side
+by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets
+many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
+shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the
+fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave,
+and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then
+off flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of
+Netherland thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous
+many of whom one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring
+Dankwart broke!
+
+Then Sir Liudeger espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's
+hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends
+the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have
+seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him
+well. The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land."
+The banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was
+later granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land.
+This was wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord
+they then gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets
+and the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the
+hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would,
+for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors,
+bade bear away the wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth
+captive to the Rhine. The worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had
+the Saxons fought so well that one could give them aught of praise, and
+this the heroes rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by
+friends.
+
+Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried,
+the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must
+needs confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his
+native land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him
+and to his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for
+honor. The squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had
+sorrowed, were blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come.
+Much questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with
+the liegemen of the mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to
+Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not), for she,
+too, had amongst them her own true love. When she saw the messenger
+coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me
+glad news, I pray. And thou dost so without deceit, I will give thee of
+my gold and will ever be thy friend. How fared forth from the battle my
+brother Gernot and others of my kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or
+who wrought there the best? This thou must tell me."
+
+Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell
+the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray,
+as did the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of
+valiant Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife,
+Dankwart and Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove
+for honor, 'tis but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of
+Siegmund, the king. They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none
+might tell you of the wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode
+into the fight. Great woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the
+field the love of many a dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so
+loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds they drew forth the blood
+in streams. In every knightly art he is a worthy knight and a brave.
+Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he whom he could reach with his
+good sword, fell sorely wounded, but mostly dead), yet your brother
+wrought the direst woe that could ever chance in battle. One must say of
+the chosen knights in truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted
+them so well that they can well preserve their honor from every taint
+of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field
+resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the warriors from
+the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been avoided. The
+valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great numbers the
+armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this full many
+stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt,
+Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well
+ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
+very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
+was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
+Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this
+King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon
+land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried
+the twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this
+land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing
+to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly
+wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men
+were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty
+pride sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
+Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."
+
+Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
+face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
+had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings
+could not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in
+duty bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
+therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have
+thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are
+gladly told to noble dames.
+
+They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
+fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
+high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
+came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
+the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
+guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he
+his vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty
+king in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
+because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
+Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but
+sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes.
+Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to
+Gunther's land. The men alighted from their steeds before the palace
+of the king. Loud was heard the joyous sound of the merry welcome;
+then order was given to lodge the warriors in the town. The king bade
+minister well unto his guests, attend the wounded and give them good
+easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to
+Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta'en because of you;
+for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God reward my kinsmen,
+for they have given me joy."
+
+"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath
+king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of
+wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
+
+"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety
+that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land
+against my will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
+
+Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded
+were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.
+Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields
+were borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which
+one bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight
+returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.
+His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the
+sorely wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men
+offered to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto
+shining gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To
+his guests the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to
+set out for home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king
+bethought him how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass
+his wish for fame and honor.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to
+them that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then
+will many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."
+
+Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther
+learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for
+the king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,
+though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the
+kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For
+the sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy
+her. Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He
+rode thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
+
+At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful
+knight did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon
+the sand before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the
+Burgundian land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard
+it said that the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear
+friends. Then comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which
+they were to don. The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors
+who were to come. Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To
+please her children she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and
+many maids might therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the
+Burgundian land. Also for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly
+robes.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Saxons".  This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
+        poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
+        later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
+        period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
+        to Brunhild's land.  (In our poem it is placed before the
+        marriage.)  It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
+        on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
+        Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
+        was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
+        in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
+        idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
+        role.  The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
+        Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark.  In "Biterolf"
+        Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
+        his brother.
+   (2)  "Fey".  This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
+        to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
+        etymologically the same word.  The ancient Germans were
+        fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
+        fate had so predestined.
+   (3)  "Thirty thousand".  The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
+        numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples.  They
+        will be found to occur very frequently in our poem.  See
+        Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
+   (4)  "Their".  The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
+        'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
+        haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
+   (5)  "Marks of gold".  A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
+        gold or silver.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
+
+One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the
+feasting. Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the
+land, were given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all,
+for the highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes
+at the feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire.
+Giselher, the youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their
+men received the friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights
+right courtly greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle
+of golden red, dainty shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the
+Rhine. Many a wounded man was seen full merry since. Even those who lay
+abed in stress of wounds, must needs forget the bitterness of death.
+Men ceased to mourn for the weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the
+festal day, and how well they would fare at the feasting of the king.
+Pleasure without stint and overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk
+which there were seen. Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the
+whole of Gunther's land.
+
+Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad
+attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they
+vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he
+already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his
+sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above
+all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full
+honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who
+live in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man,
+what else could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames?
+Pray let your sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a
+hero was this counsel given.
+
+"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were
+merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely
+daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the
+presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away.
+Of rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden
+decked herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was
+of the mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would
+not exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they
+gazed on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty
+king full a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort
+his sister and serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the
+Burgundian land and carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta
+coming with her child. Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken
+for her train, who wore rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter
+many a stately maid. When from out a bower men saw them come, there rose
+a mighty press of knights who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze
+with joy upon the noble maid. Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as
+doth the red of dawn from out the lowering clouds. He then was reft
+of many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw the
+lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How shone full many a precious
+stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her rose-red hue appeared. Whatever
+one might wish, he could not but confess that never in the world had
+he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon, whose sheen is thrown so
+brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the stars, so stood she now
+before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher rose the spirits of
+the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front,
+while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press where they might
+see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole. To
+himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should love thee?
+That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were I better
+dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood the son
+of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment by
+skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair a
+knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give
+way and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a
+wight, as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who
+offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite
+before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried
+now approach my sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be
+our gain. She who never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by
+this means we now may win the stately knight."
+
+Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion
+from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court;
+his sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."
+
+At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy
+without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely
+grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight
+stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir
+Siegfried, most good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this
+greeting his spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she
+took him by the hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon
+each other this lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly
+this happed. Was perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by
+heart-felt love? That know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was
+left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in
+summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his heart such lofty
+joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he walked with her whom he fain
+would call his love.
+
+Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk
+thus with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her,
+I'd bear it willingly."
+
+Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the
+guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was
+bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened
+in this world.
+
+Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a
+warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God
+grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."
+
+On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw
+her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately
+knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed
+by many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a
+daring wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight
+of many a knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well
+might he think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in
+heart. Cause enow he had to love the fair.
+
+When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight
+again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely
+maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many
+knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,
+"that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do
+love you with such fealty as I hear them say."
+
+Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve
+them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never
+will I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do,
+my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."
+
+A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid
+beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This
+service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure
+was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from
+many a daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever
+any wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they
+became well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land
+was decked with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming
+forth; they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard
+themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help
+them, for there was great store of men.
+
+At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He
+kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men
+saw him move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy
+knights, ere ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it
+of you ever. Do not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as
+I have great desire."
+
+Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we
+crave a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of
+our kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."
+
+Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had
+recovered from the fray, though many dead they left within this land.
+Then King Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake:
+"Now tell me what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for
+lasting peace of me and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what
+thinketh thee good to do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee;
+what of gold five hundred steeds can bear, that would they gladly give
+me, and I set them free again."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride
+hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his
+hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding
+hither to your land."
+
+"This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's
+foes was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their
+loved friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield
+full of treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out
+unweighed to his many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and
+to a few, still more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this.
+Then they all took leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests
+draw nigh to Kriemhild and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were
+knights dismissed in better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away,
+but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin and many a noble
+liegeman. Daily they were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good
+knight Siegfried now would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win
+that on which his mind was set. The king heard said that he would hence,
+but Giselher, the youth, quite won him from the journey.
+
+"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the
+knights, I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too,
+are many comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride
+hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I
+craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me
+from it."
+
+So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he
+have fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw
+Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording
+stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her
+love constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love
+in later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
+
+New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair
+maid dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high
+therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the
+sea, whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great
+her strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The
+stone she hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love
+must win without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the
+noble maid had done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by
+the Rhine. He turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes
+must needs later lose their lives.
+
+One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in
+many a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be
+their lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I
+will go down to the sea and hence to Brunhild, however it may go with
+me. For her love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become
+not my wife."
+
+"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say,
+the queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will
+pay full dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I
+might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
+
+"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
+
+"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to
+share with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so
+well how matters stand with Brunhild."
+
+The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely
+maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my
+love, for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and
+thou give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask
+no other meed."
+
+"I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if
+fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto
+wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."
+
+This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their
+hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account
+these brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take
+with him hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers
+from a dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made
+them ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness
+he had strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With
+cunning arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that
+whatsoever any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild,
+which brought him dole.
+
+"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we
+not take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with
+passing honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be
+called."
+
+"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so
+fierce a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give
+thee better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering
+knights adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the
+band. In all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo
+the lady, whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four
+comrades, the second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have
+we hope of life), Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand
+others durst not match us in the fight."
+
+"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would
+please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which
+would beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."
+
+"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
+Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel
+no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
+
+The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if
+perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments
+which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."
+
+Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your
+mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and
+she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."
+
+Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight
+Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing
+well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were
+her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when
+she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to
+greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.
+
+"Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the
+maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me
+hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
+
+Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty
+mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign
+lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."
+
+"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear
+aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other
+kings."
+
+By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she
+walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with
+dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime
+with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft
+between the twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as
+life. In after days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may
+not be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have
+need of princely garb to wear before the dames."
+
+Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,
+that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.
+Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble
+knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly
+air to do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a
+will." So spake the winsome maid.
+
+"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand
+shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there
+be no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye
+what I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon
+the shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too,
+gave glad assent.
+
+"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus
+clad to court?"
+
+He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and
+Hagen, shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say.
+Each of us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes
+of apparel and such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit
+Brunhild's land."
+
+In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the
+queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come
+forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the
+fair silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with
+precious stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the
+high-born maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought
+linings from the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they
+covered now with silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great
+marvels of these shining weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from
+Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest silks which the kith of
+any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore
+the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they had set their minds, they
+deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as
+coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.
+From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone. The
+ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought
+the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.
+
+When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste
+upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward
+to the sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the
+warriors were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now
+prepared; as they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no
+longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they sent a message to their
+war-companions, if perchance they should care to view their new attire,
+to see if it be too long or short. All was found in fitting measure,
+and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw them could not but
+aver that never in the world had they seen attire more fair. Therefore
+they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of better
+knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty
+knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise.
+Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.
+
+Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and
+pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then
+would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a
+birth."
+
+I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
+matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
+tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.
+
+She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended
+to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land."
+This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.
+
+The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
+every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
+Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.
+
+Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought
+them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would
+ride away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids
+stood at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the
+proud war fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?"
+
+"That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the
+flood. That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to
+me."
+
+So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly
+grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold
+Gunther took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy
+knights set forth from land. With them they took rich food and eke good
+wine, the best that could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood
+fair; they had good easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap
+them. Their stout sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues
+they sailed, or ever came the night, with a good wind, downward toward
+the sea. These hard toils later brought the high-mettled warriors pain.
+
+Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them
+far away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land. To none save Siegfried was
+this known; but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad
+marches, too, how soon he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it
+known to you whose are these castles and this lordly land?"
+
+Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild
+and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still
+see there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of
+one single mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day
+before Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When
+we behold the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes,
+must ye tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his
+man; then what he craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for
+whatever he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain.
+They promised what he would; wherefrom they all fared well, when King
+Gunther saw fair Brunhild. (6)
+
+"Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the comely
+maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to
+pass, that she become my wife."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,
+        however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the
+        agreement of the names in German.  "Isen lant", the reading
+        of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,
+        and partly to indicate its probable derivation from
+        "Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle.  Boer's
+        interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in
+        Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)
+        I, 1. 70.  Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea
+        Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",
+        referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.
+        Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.
+   (2)  "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a
+        few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the
+        name from this passage.  (See Bartsch, "Germanistische
+        Studien", ii, 129.)
+   (3)  "Wont to wear".  In the Middle Ages costly furs and
+        fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here
+        described, with silk or cloth.  By fish such amphibious
+        animals as otter and beaver were often meant.
+   (4)  "Well fit".  In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,
+        has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems
+        more appropriate to the sense.
+   (5)  "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.
+   (6)  "Brunhild".  The following words are evidently a late
+        interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been
+        translated for the sake of completeness.  They are spoken by
+        Siegfried.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild.
+
+Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many
+a comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther
+that he knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no
+knowledge of these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on
+the flood? Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."
+
+At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the
+high-born maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the
+power."
+
+"That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder
+window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair
+that mine eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she
+should become my wife."
+
+"Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild,
+the comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and
+mood." All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.
+
+When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it
+behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes. Each one obeyed.
+What next the ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their
+persons out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever
+had. To the narrow casements they came again, where they had seen the
+knights. Through love of gazing this was done.
+
+But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the
+stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby
+King Gunther felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed,
+so stately, good and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had
+sat him in the saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later
+quite forgot. Such service he had seldom done afore, that he should
+stand at any here's stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship.
+All this the comely dames of noble birth saw through the casements. The
+steeds and garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were
+right well matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed
+in the hands of the stately men. In lordly wise they rode to Brunhild's
+hall, their saddles set with precious stones, with narrow martingales,
+from which hung bells of bright and ruddy gold. So they came to the
+land, as well befit their prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with
+well-wrought swords, the which hung down to the spurs of these stately
+men. The swords the bold men bore were sharp and broad. All this
+Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.
+
+With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of
+how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their
+bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of
+India, the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they
+left their skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good
+rode to the castle. Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad
+palaces, (1) and one hall well wrought of costly marble, green as
+grass, wherein Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers. The castle was
+unlocked and the gates flung wide. Then ran Brunhild's men to meet them
+and welcomed the strangers into their mistress' land. One bade relieve
+them of their steeds and shields.
+
+Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining
+breastplates, too."
+
+"That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will
+bear them."
+
+Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let
+me say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken
+hence, then will all be well."
+
+Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade
+pour out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were
+seen walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were
+these heroes gazed upon.
+
+Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were
+come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid
+gan ask concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be
+these unknown knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose
+sake the heroes have journeyed hither?"
+
+Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never
+have I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among
+them. Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The
+second of their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily
+a mighty king over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and
+might possess them. One doth see him stand by the rest in such right
+lordly wise. The third of the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal
+so fair of body, most noble queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth
+east, I ween he be grim of thought and mood. The youngest among them
+is worshipful indeed. I see the noble knight stand so charmingly, with
+courtly bearing, in almost maiden modesty. We might all have cause
+for fear, had any done him aught. However blithely he doth practice
+chivalry, and howso fair of body he be, yet might he well make many a
+comely woman weep, should he e'er grow angry. He is so fashioned that in
+all knightly virtues he must be a bold knight and a brave."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried
+be come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I
+fear him not so sore, that I should become his wife."
+
+Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a
+comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately
+dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights
+from Isenland, Brunhild's men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore
+swords in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave
+and lusty heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear
+what the maid did speak.
+
+"Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey
+mean? That I fain would know."
+
+"Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most
+generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here
+before me, for he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By
+birth he's from the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we
+come hither. Fain would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now
+betimes, my lord will not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a
+lordly king. An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth
+this knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither. I would fain
+have given it over, could I have said him nay."
+
+She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games
+which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his wife; but
+should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."
+
+Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games.
+It must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He
+troweth well to win so fair a maid."
+
+"He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be
+ye not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as
+well. Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.
+
+Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen
+all that he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you well
+against her with my arts."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list,
+and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I'll
+gladly lose my head, and ye become not my wife."
+
+When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games,
+as was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a
+breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2)
+too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken
+cloth of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen
+to shine thereon.
+
+Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart
+and Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of
+how the king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us
+warriors aught of good."
+
+Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied
+him to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he
+quickly slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he
+found a great press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty
+games. Thither he went in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was
+he seen of any that were there. The ring had been marked out, where
+the games should be, afore many valiant warriors, who were to view them
+there. More than seven hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say
+who won the game.
+
+Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal
+lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her
+lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare
+along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel,
+beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there
+served a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and
+gleamed against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the
+maid would show her love. The shield the maid should bear was three
+spans thick beneath the studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of
+steel and eke of gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely carry.
+
+When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg
+spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our
+lives! She you would make your love is the devil's bride, in truth."
+
+Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat
+of silk of Azagouc, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in
+contrast to its color on the person of the queen.
+
+Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large,
+the which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad,
+which on its edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear's great weight
+hear wonders told. Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought
+therein, the which scarce three of Brunhild's men could bear. The noble
+Gunther gan be sore afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this
+mean? How could the devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe
+and sound in Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of
+mine."
+
+Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this
+court doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how
+must we lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in
+these lands? It doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country.
+Had but my brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should
+Brunhild's men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure,
+they'd guard against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand
+oaths, before I'd see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should
+lose her life."
+
+"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had
+we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then
+would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."
+
+What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she
+gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave,
+bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors' hands their
+sharp-edged swords."
+
+When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart
+blushed for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the
+doughty man. "Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."
+
+Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men bare a
+heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant
+men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when
+she had shot the spear. The Burgundians' fear now grew amain.
+
+"Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love?
+Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."
+
+Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands
+she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife
+began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's hate, and had Siegfried
+not come to Gunther's aid, she would have bereft the king of life.
+Secretly Siegfried went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther
+marked his wiles. "Who hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then
+he gazed around on every side, but saw none standing there.
+
+"'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the
+queen. Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark
+aright what thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the
+deeds."
+
+When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.
+
+Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then
+can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See
+how fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."
+
+Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield,
+mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm.
+The sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of
+the mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the
+fire flame forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered
+at the blow; but for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead.
+From the mouth of Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly
+the good knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had
+driven through his shield. Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it back
+again. He thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid." So he reversed
+the point and cast it at her armor with the butt, that it rang out
+loudly from his mighty hand. The sparks flew from the armor rings, as
+though driven by the wind. Siegmund's son had made the throw with might.
+With all her strength she could not stand before the blow. In faith King
+Gunther never could have done the deed.
+
+Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight,
+I cry you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with
+his strength. To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she
+quickly, angry was her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the
+stone and hurled it mightily far from her hand. After the cast she
+sprang, that all her armor rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve
+fathoms hence, but with her leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw.
+Then went Sir Siegfried to where lay the stone. Gunther poised it, while
+the hero made the throw. Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he threw
+the stone still further and made a broader jump. Through his fair arts
+he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him as he sprang. The
+leap was made, the stone lay on the ground; men saw none other save
+Gunther, the knight, alone. Siegfried had banished the fear of King
+Gunther's death. Brunhild, the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her
+courtiers she spake a deal too loud, when she spied the hero safe and
+sound at the border of the ring: "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and
+liegemen of mine, ye must now be subject to Gunther, the king."
+
+Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at
+the feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he
+had won the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving
+wise; in sooth he was most rich in virtues.
+
+Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him
+within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced
+him. She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace.
+When this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better
+cheer. With good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The
+doughty Siegfried was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he
+repaired to where the ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly
+did he this: "Why wait ye, good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of
+which the queen doth deal so great a store? Let us soon see how they be
+played." The crafty man did not as though he wist not a whit thereof.
+
+Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have
+seen naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"
+
+To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have
+made us sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the
+ship when the lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth
+naught thereof."
+
+"Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride
+hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath
+the power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us
+hence to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith
+and liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands;
+my dearest friends must first be fetched."
+
+Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends,
+her kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to
+Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily,
+early and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild's castle.
+
+"Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming
+of fair Brunhild's men. If now they come into this land in force, then
+hath the noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is
+unknown to us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"
+
+Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care. I'll not let
+hap that which ye fear. I'll bring you help hither to this land, from
+chosen knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask
+about me; I will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I'll
+return eftsoon and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights
+that I have ever known."
+
+"Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be
+justly glad."
+
+He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild,
+that ye've sent me hence."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Palaces".  See Adventure III, note 7.
+   (2)  "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is
+        a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.
+   (3)  "Azagouc".  See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2.  This
+        strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts
+        the description given above.
+   (4)  Weights.  The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "massa") is just as
+        indefinite as the English expression.  It was a mass or lump
+        of any metal, probably determined by the size of the
+        melting-pot.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.
+
+(1)
+
+Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the
+sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and
+drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the
+steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.
+They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed
+by Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and
+night with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away,
+or more. The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard.
+The hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached
+the boat and made it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which
+stood a castle, and sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He
+came first to a gateway that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded
+well their honor, as men still do. The stranger now gan knock upon
+the door, the which was closely guarded. There within he saw a giant
+standing, who kept the castle and at whose side lay at all times his
+arms. He spake: "Who is it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"
+
+Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up
+the door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer
+lie soft and take his ease."
+
+When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had
+donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty
+man snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he
+ran at Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge
+blows were dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend
+him, but with an iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then
+was the hero in dire need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the
+warder struck such mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for
+this cause. They strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound
+was heard in Nibelung's hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.
+
+The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land. Alberich, the
+bold, a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain.
+He armed him quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he
+bound the mighty giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his
+body he bare helmet and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of
+gold. Swift and hard he ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs
+(3) hung down in front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon
+the bold man's arm, that it brake in parts. The stately stranger came in
+danger of his life. From his hand he flung the broken shield and thrust
+into the sheath a sword, the which was long. He would not strike his
+servant dead, but showed his courtly breeding as his knightly virtue
+bade him. He rushed at Alberich and with his powerful hands he seized
+the gray-haired man by the beard. So roughly he pulled his beard, that
+he screamed aloud. The tugging of the youthful knight hurt Alberich
+sore.
+
+Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the
+vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own
+him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4)
+man.
+
+He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength
+of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"
+
+"My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I
+noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran
+of the land. I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of
+knights we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."
+
+Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich
+and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In
+fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: "Up now, ye heroes, ye must go
+to Siegfried."
+
+From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand
+doughty knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw
+Sir Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds.
+Great store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine.
+(5) He gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must
+away with me across the flood."
+
+Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty
+hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the
+best. Men brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead
+them to Brunhild's land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell
+you, ye must wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely
+dames shall gaze upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly
+weeds."
+
+Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey
+Siegfried won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and
+thus they came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land. The fair maids stood
+upon the battlements. Then spake the queen: "Knoweth any, who they be
+whom I see sailing yonder far out upon the sea? They have rich sails
+e'en whiter than the snow."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which I left
+hard by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my
+lady." All eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.
+
+Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly weeds
+and many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I
+receive the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"
+
+He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may
+well perceive how fain we be to see them here."
+
+Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried
+with her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took
+in charge their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land,
+that everywhere they jostled Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men
+fare home to Burgundy.
+
+Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out
+to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such
+store."
+
+To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble
+queen," spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to
+deal it out in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own."
+That he was bountiful, he made appear full well.
+
+When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's hand
+did proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such
+store that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds
+he gave, nor did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich
+attire, who never had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued
+the queen when this she heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have
+your aid, lest your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress;
+he squandereth eke my gold. If any would forfend this, I'd be his friend
+for aye. He giveth such royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth,
+that I have sent for death. I would fain use it longer and trow well
+myself to waste that which my father left me." No queen as yet hath ever
+had so bounteous a chamberlain.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of
+the Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we
+have no need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's weeds."
+
+"Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling
+chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we
+are come across to Gunther's land."
+
+Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains
+stood by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher's men. Gunther and
+Hagen began to laugh thereat.
+
+Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand
+and yours must first decree."
+
+Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will
+make him steward."
+
+The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother's
+brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my
+castles and my lands, till that King Gunther's hand rule here."
+
+Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence
+to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung
+land. They dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the
+sand. Six and eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids,
+their bodies passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were
+fain to get them hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they
+left at home! In courtly wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her
+nearest kinsmen who were found at court. After a fair leave-taking they
+journeyed to the sea. To her fatherland the lady nevermore returned.
+Many kinds of games were seen upon the way; pastimes they had galore.
+A real sea breeze did help them on their voyage. Thus they fared forth
+from the land fully merrily. She would not let her husband court her
+on the way; this pleasure was deferred until their wedding-tide in
+the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good time she came right
+joyfully with all her knights.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure VIII.  This whole episode, in which Siegfried
+        fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on
+        Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in
+        the older versions.  It is a further development of
+        Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung
+        and became the ruler of the Nibelung land.  The fight with
+        Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former
+        episode.
+   (2)  "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a
+        measure of distance, as here.
+   (3)  "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.
+   (4)  "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of
+        'knowing'.  The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,
+        denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a
+        standing epithet of dwarfs.
+   (5)  "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret
+        mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.
+   (6)  "Mark".  See Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+
+When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg
+spake: "Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for
+Worms upon the Rhine. Our messengers should be e'en now in Burgundy."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting
+for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can
+acquaint them better with our journey home to court."
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlain,
+I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until
+we bring them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he
+knoweth how to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the
+journey, then must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon
+for your sister's sake."
+
+Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake:
+"Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a
+messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw
+near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may
+requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.
+
+Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther
+gan beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for
+Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it,
+as well as I."
+
+When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me
+what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair
+maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye
+command for love of her, shall all be done."
+
+"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this
+voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye
+let our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her
+mine and Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men.
+How well I have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And
+tell Ortwin, the dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at
+Worms along the Rhine. Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to
+hold with Brunhild a mighty wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she
+hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she give fair
+greeting to my bride. For that I will ever render Kriemhild service."
+
+The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed
+him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might
+there be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty
+men-at-arms to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised
+about, the courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been
+slain.
+
+Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,
+the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother,
+too. How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's
+side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the
+king my brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from
+us. Great scathe had her haughty love then brought us."
+
+"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his
+kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his
+messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however
+that may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must
+let them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are
+in high estate."
+
+Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have
+brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll
+answer that the maid will see you gladly."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be
+gladly done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me
+thither?"
+
+Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight
+spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To
+us is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther
+hath sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth
+with the king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He'll tell you the
+right tidings straight from Isenland."
+
+As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds
+they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This
+he did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble
+maid, addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful
+knight. Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween
+that we have lost him through Brunhild's strength. Woe is me, poor maid,
+that ever I was born."
+
+Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye
+passing fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left
+him safe and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He
+and his bride do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble
+queen. Now leave off your weeping, they'll come full soon."
+
+In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white
+hem she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the
+messenger for the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow
+and her weeping were taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full
+ready he was for this. Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue
+it, should I give you as an envoy's meed my gold. For that ye are too
+rich, but I will be your friend in other ways."
+
+"And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive
+gifts from your fair hand."
+
+Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her
+chamberlain go fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings,
+set with goodly gold, she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero's mood
+that he would not retain them, but gave them straightway to her nearest
+maidens, he found within the bower. Full kindly her mother offered him
+her service. "I am to tell you the tale," then spake the valiant man,
+"of what the king doth pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine. If ye
+perform that, my lady, he'll ever hold you in his love. I heard him
+crave that ye should give fair greetings to his noble guests and grant
+him the boon, that ye ride to meet him out in front of Worms upon the
+strand. This ye are right truly admonished by the king to do."
+
+Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever
+wise I can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman's
+love it shall be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the
+messenger of any prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed
+him, had she but dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!
+
+The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt
+and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up
+the seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too,
+were found at work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch
+their friends on every side, and made known to them the feasting that
+was to be. The many comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast.
+Everywhere the palace and the walls were decked out for the guests.
+Gunther's hall was passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus
+began full merrily this splendid feast.
+
+From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen
+of these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon
+those who were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly
+weeds was taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild's
+kinsmen ride along. Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in
+the Burgundian land. Ho, what bold knights were found on either side!
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at
+the greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will
+praise and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors,
+too, and bade the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth,
+on which the ladies should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better
+trappings might there never be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on
+the jet-black palfreys! From their bridles there gleamed forth many a
+precious stone. The golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on
+shining carpets for the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said,
+the palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard for the noble maids. One
+saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best of silk, of which
+tale might be told. Six and eighty ladies who wore fillets (1) in their
+hair were seen come forth. The fair ones came to Kriemhild wearing
+glittering robes. Then followed many a comely maid in brave attire,
+fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They were eke the best that
+might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with their flaxen hair and
+shining ribbons. That which the king desired was done with zeal. They
+wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that
+could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample
+beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur. Many an
+arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken sleeves,
+which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring to the
+end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above
+gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of
+Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were
+sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good
+cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her
+weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely
+maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a
+mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they
+carried many an ashen spear.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
+   (2)  "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
+        "ferrandine".
+   (3)  "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
+        front.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.
+
+Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking
+to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the
+bridle. All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When
+those of Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in
+boats, they hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the
+kindred of the king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale,
+too, of the queen, the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the
+maidens from the castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint.
+Duke Gere led Kriemhild's palfrey by the bridle till just outside
+the castle gate. Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her
+further. A fair maid was she! Later the noble dame requited well this
+deed. Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and
+maidens rode in pairs. Well may we aver that so many dames were never
+seen together at such stately greeting. Many a splendid joust was
+ridden by worshipful knights (not well might it be left undone) afore
+Kriemhild, the fair, down to the ships. Then the fair-fashioned ladies
+were lifted from the palfreys. The king was come across and many a
+worthy guest. Ho, what stout lances brake before the ladies' eyes! One
+heard the clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what costly bucklers rang
+loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the shore as Gunther and
+his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led Brunhild by the hand.
+Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth in rivalry. Lady Kriemhild
+walked with courtly breeding to meet Dame Brunhild and her train.
+White hands removed the chaplets, (1) as these twain kissed each other;
+through deference this was done.
+
+Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in
+these lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we
+have."
+
+Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving
+greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her
+daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When
+now Brunhild's ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many
+a comely woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were
+seen to stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the
+greetings all were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth.
+Still side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well
+the doughty warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast afore that
+such beauty had ne'er been seen as these two dames possessed, spied now
+with all their eyes and must confess the truth. Nor did one see upon
+their persons cheats of any kind. Those who wot how to judge of women
+and lovely charms, praised Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had
+seen more clear and spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before
+Brunhild.
+
+Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen
+arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by,
+the which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came
+crowding around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames
+were bidden go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the
+Burgundian land escorted them.
+
+Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many
+royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land
+had burst forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as
+champion. Many a maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks,
+Sir Siegfried and his knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a
+thousand stately Nibelungs.
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in
+gentle wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the
+dust, the which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot:
+"Let stand the steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full
+ready when that the king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely
+dames before the spacious hall."
+
+When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on
+pastime bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the
+hope of lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded
+to ride away.
+
+Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no
+longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a
+comely maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store
+of clothes were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors,
+after the custom of the land, until the king dismounted by the hall.
+Valiant heroes helped the ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens
+then parted; Lady Uta and her daughter went with their train to a
+spacious hall, where great noise of merriment was heard on every side.
+
+The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his
+guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in
+the king's domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with
+full many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told.
+Little they lacked that they should have! At the king's table many a
+lordly guest was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in
+basins of ruddy gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were
+ever better served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you that.
+
+Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands,
+Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had
+promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake:
+"Ye must remember how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild
+came to this land, ye would give me your sister to wife. Where be now
+these oaths? I have suffered mickle hardship on our trip."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my
+hand shall not be perjured. I'll bring it to pass as best I can."
+
+Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came with her
+fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir Giselher sprang
+down the steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister
+alone shall be here by the king."
+
+Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood
+noble knights from many princes' lands; throughout the broad hall one
+bade them stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped
+to the table, too. Then spake King Gunther: "Sweet sister mine, by thy
+courtesie redeem my oath. I swore to give thee to a knight, and if he
+become thy husband, then hast thou done my will most loyally."
+
+Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me.
+Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done.
+I'll gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to
+husband."
+
+Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then
+proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand
+at each other's side within the ring and asked if she would take the
+stately man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was
+Siegfried's luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand.
+The noble king of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he
+and the maid had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon
+the winsome maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The
+courtiers parted, when that had happed; on the bench over against the
+king Siegfried was seen to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many
+a man accompanied him as servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at
+Siegfried's side.
+
+The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied
+Kriemhild (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's side.
+She began to weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord
+of the land: "What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow
+dim? Ye may well rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately
+vassal own your sway."
+
+"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore
+because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal's side. I
+must ever weep that she be so demeaned."
+
+Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At
+another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister
+unto wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."
+
+She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would
+flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by
+your side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried's
+bride."
+
+Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath castles
+and broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king,
+therefore did I give him the peerless maid to love."
+
+But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.
+
+Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so
+passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his
+guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady's side.
+As yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him
+through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the
+guests leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would
+go to bed. Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the
+hall, as yet without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble
+chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the
+liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either side and many of the
+knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.
+
+The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the
+twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe
+of mood. Siegfried's pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord
+Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and with his noble love caressed the
+high-born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not
+for a thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I'll
+tell how Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther
+lay by Lady Brunhild's side. The stately knight had often lain more
+soft by other dames. The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The
+chamber soon was locked; he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth
+the time was still far off, ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy
+linen she went to bed. Then thought the noble knight: "Now have I here
+all that I have ever craved in all my days." By rights she must needs
+please him through her comeliness. The noble king gan shroud the lights
+and then the bold knight hied him to where the lady lay. He laid him at
+her side, and great was his joy when in his arms he clasped the lovely
+fair. Many loving caresses he might have given, had but the noble dame
+allowed it. She waxed so wroth that he was sore a-troubled; he weened
+that they were lovers, but he found here hostile hate. She spake: "Sir
+Knight, pray give this over, which now ye hope. Forsooth this may not
+hap, for I will still remain a maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye
+that."
+
+Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her
+clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a
+stout band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king
+great wrong enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and
+hung him on the wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep.
+Of a truth he came full nigh to death through her great strength.
+
+Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my
+bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and
+full seldom will I lie so near your side."
+
+She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang
+all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the
+casements. Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him
+now.
+
+"Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid
+spake, "and your servants found you bound by a woman's hand?"
+
+Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it
+gain me honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me
+lie now by your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch
+your garment with my hands."
+
+Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady
+he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom
+touched her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.
+
+Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great
+store was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the
+lord of the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As
+was the usage which they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and
+Brunhild no longer tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was
+sung. Thither, too, Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the
+crowd. In keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all
+that they did need, their crowns and robes as well. Then they were
+consecrated. When this was done, all four were seen to stand joyful
+'neath their crowns. Many young squires, six hundred or better, were now
+girt with sword in honor of the kings, as ye must know. Great joy rose
+then in the Burgundian land; one heard spear-shafts clashing in the
+hands of the sworded knights. There at the windows the fair maids sat;
+they saw shining afore them the gleam of many a shield. But the king had
+sundered him from his liegemen; whatso others plied, men saw him stand
+full sad. Unlike stood his and Siegfried's mood. The noble knight and
+good would fain have known what ailed the king. He hasted to him and gan
+ask: "Pray let me know how ye have fared this night, Sir King."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won; I have
+brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her,
+she bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall.
+There I hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me.
+How softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to
+thee as friend to friend."
+
+Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I'll do you this to
+wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that she lie by you
+so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold from you her love."
+
+After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried
+spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike
+last night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady
+Brunhild must become thy wife to-night. I'll come to thy chamber this
+night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts.
+Then let the chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out
+the lights in the pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within
+and that I'll gladly serve thee. I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou
+mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."
+
+"Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be
+glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an'
+thou didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."
+
+"I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her.
+The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever
+seen."
+
+Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.
+
+From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade
+the hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to
+the hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court
+was cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they
+should go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior
+followed to the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well
+he thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought
+him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his
+lady's love. He could scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men
+let fair Brunhild and Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what
+doughty knights were seen to walk before the queens!
+
+The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss
+without alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he
+vanished from before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer
+spied him, as she toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this
+wondereth me, whither the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from
+mine?"
+
+She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms
+of the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages'
+hands. Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he
+would; he bade the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done,
+the mighty king himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place
+two sturdy bolts. Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of
+the bed. Stout Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there
+was no help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him
+close by the high-born maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and
+it be lief to you, that ye suffer not hardship as afore."
+
+Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered
+not a whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a
+bit, that they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon
+the bed. Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king.
+In his arms he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon
+a bench near by, so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up
+sprang the valiant man with all his might; fain would he try again. When
+he thought now to subdue her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween,
+might nevermore be made by any wife.
+
+When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus
+my shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore,
+I'll have you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she
+grasped the peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the
+king, that she might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full
+sore, that he had rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle
+force and his giant strength? She showed the knight her masterly
+strength of limb; she carried him by force (and that must needs be) and
+pressed him rudely 'twixt a clothes-press and the wall.
+
+"Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's
+hands, then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty
+mien, who would never do it else."
+
+The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried
+was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set
+himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful
+wise. It thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She
+pressed his hands, till from her strength the blood gushed forth from
+out the nails: this irked the hero. Therefore he brought the high-born
+maiden to the pass that she gave over her unruly will, which she
+asserted there afore. The king heard all, albeit not a word he spake.
+Siegfried pressed her against the bed, so that she shrieked aloud.
+Passing sore his strength did hurt her. She grasped the girdle around
+her waist and would fain have bound him, but his hand prevented it in
+such a wise that her limbs and all her body cracked. Thus the strife was
+parted and she became King Gunther's wife.
+
+She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I'll do thee remedy for
+whatso I have done thee. I'll no longer struggle against thy noble
+love, for I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over
+women."
+
+Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off
+his clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that
+she wist it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout
+band. I know not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his
+wife and rued it sore in after time.
+
+Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover,
+as beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From
+his embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed
+through love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed
+her lovely form in lover's wise. Had she tried her strength again, what
+had that availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How
+right lovingly she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!
+
+Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by
+a woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to
+put and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as
+queen within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!
+
+On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore.
+Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands,
+whom he had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of
+service. The wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that
+in all this while the sound never died away of the many joys which there
+they plied. The cost to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the
+noble host gave gifts in his honor to the strolling folk, as the king
+commanded: vesture and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too. Those who
+there craved gifts departed hence full merrily. Siegfried, the lord from
+Netherland, with a thousand of his men, gave quite away the garments
+they had brought with them to the Rhine and steeds and saddles, too.
+Full well they wot how to live in lordly wise. Those who would home
+again thought the time too long till the rich gifts had all been made.
+Nevermore have guests been better eased. Thus ended the wedding feast;
+Gunther, the knight, would have it so.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.
+        "schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress
+        especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.
+        It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of
+        gold and silver.  (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im
+        Mittelalter", i, 387.)
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.
+
+When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake to his
+fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."
+
+Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake
+to her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too
+sore. First must my brothers share their lands with me."
+
+It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The
+lordings hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir
+Siegfried, that our true service be ever at your bidding till our
+death."
+
+Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such
+kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both
+land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to
+our power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."
+
+The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the
+lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and
+the folk therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which
+ye would give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier
+than any one alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do
+command, I stand ready to your bidding."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is
+it not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might
+gladly lead them to his land. Forsooth my brothers' hands must share
+them with me."
+
+Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish. Thou
+wilt find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. We will
+give thee a thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court
+retainers."
+
+Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask
+if they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.
+
+At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not
+give us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know
+full well the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain
+here with the kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till
+now have followed."
+
+They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild
+gained for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble
+train. The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all
+took leave, both knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle
+right. Anon they parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's
+land. Their kinsmen bare them company far upon the way and bade them
+pitch their quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the
+princes' land.
+
+Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know,
+and Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's child,
+Kriemhild, the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might
+they never have. "Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have
+lived to see fair Kriemhild here as queen. My heritage will be thereby
+enhanced. My son, the noble Siegfried, shall himself be king."
+
+Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy gold;
+this was the envoy's meed. The tale well liked her, which then she
+heard. She clad her and her handmaids with care, as did beseem them. Men
+told who was to come with Siegfried to the land. Anon they bade seats be
+raised, where he should walk crowned before his friends. King Siegmund's
+liegemen then rode forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted
+than the famous hero in Siegmund's land, I know not. Siegelind, the
+fair, rode forth to meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty
+knights did follow on behind), a full day's journey, till one espied the
+guests. Home-folk and the strangers had little easement till they were
+come to a spacious castle, hight Xanten, (2) where they later reigned.
+
+Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and
+Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship
+received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund's
+hall, and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a
+knight gan serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting
+at the Rhine was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes
+than they had worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels
+might be told. When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all,
+what gold-hued clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well
+worked thereon! Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.
+
+Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's kin
+to wit, that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of
+Netherland heard full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the
+cognizance, (3) and lands, so that he then was master of them all. When
+that men went to law and Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in
+such a wise that men feared sore fair Kriemhild's husband.
+
+In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king,
+till the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was
+come to pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened
+to baptize and name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be
+ashamed of this. Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full
+well. They brought him up with care, as was but due. In these same times
+the Lady Siegelind died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them
+of her. Then the child of the noble Uta held withal the power over the
+lands, which well beseemed such high-born dames. (4)
+
+Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's court, in
+the Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero's
+sake they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend
+him! The noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him
+up to be a doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered
+through misfortune!
+
+Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty
+knights dwelt alway in Siegmund's land. Gunther dealt the same with his
+distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung's knights and the
+goods of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed
+mightier than he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man.
+The very greatest heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned
+it aforetime, the bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand
+hard by a hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death. He
+had honors to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one must
+rightly aver of the noble champion, that he was one of the best that
+ever mounted horse. Men feared his might and justly, too.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.
+   (2)  "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.
+   (3)  "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'
+   (4)  "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.
+
+Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild
+bear her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath
+he done us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her
+peace. It irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers
+and that men from Siegfried's land so seldom served her. Fain would she
+have known from whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap
+that she should see Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in
+mind. The speech like the king but moderately well. "How might we bring
+them," quoth he, "hither to our land? That were impossible, they live
+too far away; I dare not ask them this."
+
+To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty
+a king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord
+command him."
+
+King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried,
+yet did he not count it to him as service.
+
+She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy
+sister come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might
+ever hap to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister's courtesie and
+her well-bred mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I
+first became thy wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."
+
+She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have
+never seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send
+my envoys for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for
+them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me
+also to know whom ye will send thither."
+
+"That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride
+thither."
+
+He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's
+land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.
+
+Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to
+mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that
+no one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to
+us to the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At
+the next Midsummer's Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who
+would fain do them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings,
+and say that I and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister,
+too, that she fail not to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem
+her better."
+
+Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended
+their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in
+Siegfried's land. With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the
+messengers set forth. They rode as wandering knights; their horses and
+their trappings had now been brought them. Then they voided the land,
+for they had haste of the journey, whither they would fare. The king
+bade guard the messengers well with convoys. In three weeks they came
+riding into the land, to Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway,
+(1) whither they were sent. Here they found the knight. The mounts of
+the messengers were weary from the lengthy way.
+
+Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who
+wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang
+from a couch on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the
+window. In the court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship
+that had been sent thither. What joyful things she there found against
+her sorrow of heart! She spake to the king: "Now behold where they
+stand, who walk in the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother
+sendeth us adown the Rhine."
+
+Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."
+
+All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then
+spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord,
+was right blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and
+men bade take their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence
+to where Lord Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had
+leave to go to court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at
+once and greeted well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship,
+Gunther's liegemen. One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.
+
+"Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us
+way-worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which
+Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you,
+and also what Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and
+Sir Gernot, too, and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and
+commend their service to you from out the Burgundian land."
+
+"Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and
+good, as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same. Ye must
+tell us more, whether our dear friends at home be of good cheer? Since
+we have been parted from them, hath any done amiss to my lady's kinsmen?
+That ye must let me know. If so, I'll ever help them bear it in duty
+bound, until their foes must rue my service."
+
+Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every
+virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by
+the Rhine. They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg
+my lady that she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They
+would see you before the next Midsummer's Day."
+
+Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."
+
+Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot,
+and Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily
+wail, that ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids
+be fain of the tidings, if that might be that they should see you
+again; this would raise their spirits high." These tidings thought fair
+Kriemhild good.
+
+Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured
+out for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come
+to where he saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in
+friendly wise: "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now
+Siegfried, my son, hath won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more
+often here in this our land, if ye would show your kinship."
+
+They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their
+weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers
+be seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given
+great store. They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last
+the doughty knights made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their
+land.
+
+Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them
+what they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman
+Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would
+go full gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg
+Kriemhild, too, that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in
+what manner she shall ride thither. Though I must harry for them through
+thirty lands, yet would Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."
+
+Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting,
+we will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a
+thousand knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy
+land."
+
+Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why
+make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with
+you and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."
+
+"And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried,
+"glad shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."
+
+All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.
+
+Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good
+and speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife's kindred on
+the Rhine, that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and
+Kriemhild, as the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of
+gifts that their horses could not bear them to their native land. A
+wealthy man was he. They drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.
+
+Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that
+very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best that were at hand or
+might be found throughout all Siegfried's land. Men gan prepare the
+saddles and the shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with
+him was given whatso they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought
+to his kinsfolk many a lordly stranger.
+
+The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the
+knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from
+their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther's hall. Young and old
+did hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight:
+"When I tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."
+
+With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy
+the king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they
+were come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried,
+from whom so much of gladness hath happed to me?"
+
+Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer
+tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and
+his father, too, have sent to you."
+
+Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh
+Kriemhild to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how
+to use?"
+
+"She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.
+
+Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one
+might note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were
+well. He told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor
+were the gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them,
+gold and vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings
+to see. For their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.
+
+"He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not
+squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath
+closed upon the hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the
+Burgundian land!"
+
+All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the
+men of the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the
+folk. The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All
+time they had to oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a
+bench. Ortwin helped them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks.
+Rumolt, the master cook, how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many
+a broad kettle, pot, and pan they had! They made ready the vitaille for
+those who were coming to the land.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Norway".  The interpolated character of the Adventures XI
+        to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is
+        shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.
+        The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and
+        locates it in Norway.  No mention is made, however, of the
+        messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild
+        speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The Feasting.
+
+Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild
+and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine.
+Never did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for
+the way full many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the
+queen as well, rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of
+joys. Later it sped them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried's
+little child, Kriemhild's son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief
+befell him through their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his
+father and his mother more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund.
+Had he known aright how he would fare at the feasting, no whit of it
+would he have seen. No greater woe might ever hap to him in loving
+friends.
+
+Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band
+there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and Gunther's liegemen. The
+host gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and
+asked: "How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like
+manner must ye greet Siegfried's wife."
+
+"That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her
+friend."
+
+The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if
+ye would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within
+the castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."
+
+At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best
+they had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may
+lightly say, they did this gladly. Gunther's men hasted also for to
+serve them, and around him the host did gather all his knights. Then
+the queen rode forth in princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome
+guests was done. With what great joy did they receive them! It thought
+them as though Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in
+the Burgundian land. Those who had never seen her became acquaint with
+lofty mood.
+
+Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending
+to and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there
+against the jostling and the dust.
+
+When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how
+lovingly he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we
+shall be of good cheer because of this your journey to our court."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my
+son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go
+to see you."
+
+At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."
+
+Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none
+bare him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great
+courtesie. I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.
+
+Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many
+saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the
+sward. How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women
+now drew near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair
+greeting passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors
+standing by the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each
+other by the hand. Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from
+fair-fashioned dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen
+for to see. They bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host
+bade show his guests full well that all were fain to see them in the
+Burgundian land. Many a royal joust took place before the high-born
+maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too, proved full well their prowess.
+One durst not leave undone whatso they would command. Much service was
+rendered by them to the welcome guests. Many shields were heard resound
+from thrusts and blows before the castle gate. The host and his guests
+tarried long time without, or ever they came within. Forsooth the hours
+passed quickly for them with their sports. Merrily they rode before the
+royal palace. Many cunning housings (2) of good cloth and well cut
+were seen hanging on either side from the saddles of the fair-fashioned
+dames.
+
+Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to
+their easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who
+was passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam
+in lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout.
+Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then
+gan lodge the retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke
+without. Never were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them
+gladly all they craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there
+denied. Men served them in friendly wise without all hate. The host now
+took his seat at table with his guests. One bade Siegfried be seated
+where he sate afore. Then many a stately man went with him to the seats.
+Twelve hundred warriors in sooth did sit at his round table. Brunhild
+thought her that a vassal could not be mightier than he; yet she was
+still so friendly to him that she did not wish his death.
+
+On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes
+were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service
+was given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts,
+men bade the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever
+they were come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all
+enow with goodly honors.
+
+When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone
+from the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched
+by woman's hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had
+fully dawned, many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then
+rose a merry rout before the early mass, which was sung for the king.
+There young heroes rode so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many
+a trumpet rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did
+grow so great that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The
+high-mettled heroes horsed them everywhere. Then there rose in the land
+high knightly play from many a doughty champion; one saw a great rout
+of them whose youthful hearts beat high, and many a dapper knight and a
+good stood armed with shield. At the easements sate the high-born dames
+and many comely maids, decked out in brave attire. They watched the
+pastimes of the many valiant men. The host himself gan tilt there with
+his friends. Thus they passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.
+
+Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came,
+the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens.
+They alighted on the green before the minster; Brunhild was still
+friendly to her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the spacious
+church. Later their love was parted, which caused great hate. When they
+had heard the mass, they rode away again with many honors and were soon
+seen going merrily to table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag
+until the eleventh day.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving
+        folk'.
+   (2)  "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each Other.
+
+On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many
+knights made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for
+pastime's sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to
+gaze. The royal queens had sat them down together and talked of two
+worshipful knights.
+
+Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should
+rule over all these kingdoms."
+
+Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he
+and thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther
+liveth, this may never hap."
+
+Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right
+royally he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the
+stars? Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."
+
+Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and
+fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother
+of thine. Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not
+lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost
+thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther's peer."
+
+"Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not
+spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them
+first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when
+he won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king,
+and Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my
+vassal, sith I heard him speak thus himself."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble
+brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's bride?
+Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my
+sake thou kindly leave off this speech."
+
+"I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife. "Why should I give up so
+many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"
+
+Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego
+that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier than my brother
+Gunther, the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee
+say. Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so
+much power over us twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a
+time. By right I should be spared thy overweening pride."
+
+"Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife. "I would fain see
+whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."
+
+The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady
+Kriemhild: "This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for
+thy liegeman, now must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether
+I durst walk before the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am
+noble and free and that my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I
+myself be taxed therewith. Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman
+goeth to court before the knights of the Burgundian land. I myself
+shall be more worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a
+crown." Great hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.
+
+Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so
+must thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to
+church."
+
+To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."
+
+"Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife. "I must be here
+without reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds.
+Brunhild shall fain deny what she hath here averted."
+
+They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and
+maid attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with
+her train. Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty
+maidens with her, whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore
+bright vesture wrought in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids
+betook them to the minster. All Siegfried's men awaited them before the
+house. The folk had marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen
+thus sundered, so that they did not walk together as afore. From this
+did many a warrior later suffer dire distress. Here before the minster
+stood Gunther's wife, while many a good knight had pastime with the
+comely dames whom they there espied.
+
+Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind
+of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but
+the wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the
+wives of thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An' one
+would wish to, yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly
+dresses as at this time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild
+had not done it, save to anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious
+minster. Through her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise
+bade Kriemhild stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk before the
+queen."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held
+thy peace, 'twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair
+body of thine. How might a vassal's leman (1) ever be the wife of any
+king?"
+
+"Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.
+
+"That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed
+by Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy
+maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick.
+Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear
+thee make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.
+
+"I' faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."
+
+"What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee.
+With words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it
+will ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."
+
+Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster
+with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from
+which bright eyes grew dim and moist.
+
+Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed far
+too long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave
+knight and a good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now
+went forth and stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must
+tell me more of what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me.
+Hath Siegfried made boast of this, 'twill cost his life."
+
+Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild
+spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must
+ye let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I'll prove
+it by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought
+me when he first lay at your side."
+
+Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of
+gold was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in
+evil wise. I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it from me."
+
+Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.
+
+Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better
+to have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear. I'll prove it
+by the girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my
+Siegfried became thy lord."
+
+She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth
+'twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and
+all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I
+will let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly
+that I be Siegfried's wife."
+
+The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how
+gently he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"
+
+She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain
+part me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver
+that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."
+
+Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."
+
+"She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy
+gold. It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou
+clearest me of this passing great shame, for that I'll serve thee ever."
+
+King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if
+he hath made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of
+Netherland." One bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.
+
+When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how
+quickly then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for
+what cause the king hath had me fetched."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady
+Brunhild hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the
+first to clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy
+wife, doth say."
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue
+it sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with solemn oaths in
+front of all thy men, that I have not told her this."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost
+offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."
+
+They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold,
+stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy
+great innocence is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that
+of which my sister doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this
+thing."
+
+Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened
+Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."
+
+Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should
+so train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave
+haughty words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll do the same to
+mine. In truth, I do shame me of her great discourtesie."
+
+Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore,
+that it moved King Gunther's men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to
+his sovran lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had.
+She told him then the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild's lord
+should rue it sore, or he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot
+joined their parley and these heroes counseled Siegfried's death.
+Giselher, the son of the noble Uta, came hither too. When he heard the
+talk, he spake full true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this?
+Siegfried hath not merited forsooth such hate, that he should therefore
+lose his life. Certes, women oft grow angry over little things."
+
+"Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would
+gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege
+lady, I will rather die, an' it cost him not his life."
+
+Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and
+honor, so let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the
+knight? He was ever faithful to us and that right willingly."
+
+Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth
+avail him aught. If my lord permit, I'll do him every evil."
+
+So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this
+none followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the
+that if Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his
+sway. At this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.
+
+Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered
+before the minster in the presence of Siegfried's wife, even down to the
+hall! Enow of Gunther's men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be
+this murderous rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too,
+the wonderly bold man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match
+him, if he marked it."
+
+"No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring
+it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. Certes, Hagen hath
+broken with him for all time."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear. We'll bid messengers,
+that be not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon
+us openly. Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will
+take the field. When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and
+from this he shall lose his life, an' I learn the tale from the bold
+knight's wife."
+
+The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights
+gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women's
+quarreling full many a hero lost his life.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,
+        'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed.
+
+Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court
+and the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared.
+The very direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave
+to come before the king and say that they were Liudeger's men, whom
+Siegfried's hand had conquered afore and had brought as hostages to
+Gunther's land. He greeted then the messengers and bade them go and seat
+them. One among them spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have
+told the message we do bear you. This know, ye have of a truth many
+a mother's son as foe. Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave
+grievous sores, declare a feud against you and are minded to ride with
+an army to this land." The king waxed wroth when he heard This tale.
+
+Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or
+any else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles?
+This later brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering
+with his friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king's
+liegemen would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give
+up his plan. On a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of
+Netherland gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly? I'll help
+avenge it, hath any done you aught."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have
+challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."
+
+At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that with
+zeal, as beseemeth all your honors. I'll do yet to these knights as I
+did before; I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head
+your pledge of this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me
+ride to meet them with those I have. I'll let you see how fain I serve
+you. This know, through me it shall go evil with your foes."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were
+glad in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.
+
+Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."
+
+Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This
+was done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of
+Netherland get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike
+weeds. Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must
+stay here. We shall return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God
+give us luck. Ye must here make merry with the king."
+
+They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were
+enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout
+of men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their
+breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to
+quit the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for
+leave; sith they would void the land.
+
+"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare
+protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.
+Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend
+Hagen, think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear
+you hate. Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer,
+if I have done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble
+wife. "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero
+and a good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."
+
+"Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray
+tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do
+this for you than for any else."
+
+"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one
+would take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening
+mood; then the bold knight and a good were safe."
+
+"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him,
+pray let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot,
+on horse, will I ever be his guard."
+
+She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee
+trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well,
+mine own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been
+better left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow.
+When he slew the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of
+a truth in the blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in
+the fray. Yet am I in fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many
+javelins are cast by heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of
+mine. Alas, how oft I suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in
+the hope that thou wilt hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where
+men may wound the dear lord of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in
+faith. When the hot blood gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold
+hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt
+his shoulder blades. Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him
+there."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I
+may know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."
+
+She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:
+"With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,
+thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in
+the battle before his foes."
+
+"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
+
+The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband
+was thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence.
+The king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will
+warrior give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild
+trusted in his troth.
+
+Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He
+weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so
+near him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent
+in secret twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's
+land should still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the
+king. How loth Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his
+kinsmen's wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then
+to the king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will,
+friend Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this
+I'll ever serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my
+friends. Now that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting
+for bears and boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That
+Hagen, the faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my
+guests, that we ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make
+them ready. If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that
+liketh me as well."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd
+fain go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will
+ride to the pines."
+
+"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye
+will, four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is
+wont to go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
+
+Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told
+the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never
+use such faithlessness.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "bracke", used
+        here.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.
+
+Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry
+a-hunting in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars
+and bears and bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried
+in lordly guise; many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool
+spring he later lost his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife,
+had counseled. The bold knight then went to where he found Kriemhild.
+His costly hunting garb and those of his fellowship were already bound
+upon the sumpters, for they would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild
+have been more sorrowful. He kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let
+me see thee, lady, still in health and grant that thine eyes may see me
+too. Thou shalt have pastime with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at
+home."
+
+Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not
+say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord
+Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be
+your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did
+chase you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great
+cause to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we
+have not misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear
+my lord, that I counsel by my troth."
+
+He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here
+of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my
+friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."
+
+"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an
+evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It
+doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."
+
+In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then
+in a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw
+him in health again.
+
+Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many
+bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher
+stayed at home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the
+Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat
+and fish, and great store of other things, which so mighty a king might
+rightly have. They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green
+wood over against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade
+where they should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come.
+The hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the
+bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who
+shall lead us to the game within the wood?"
+
+"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords
+and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us
+divide the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He
+who doth hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen
+bided by another after that.
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath
+been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine
+woods." Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."
+
+Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space
+brought the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its
+lair the comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever
+the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his
+hand. His horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he
+gained the prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The
+beast which he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after
+which he found full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started
+this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a
+full sharp arrow. After the shot the lion ran the space of but three
+bounds. The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he
+speedily slew a bison and an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage
+shelk. (3) His horse bare him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor
+could hart or hind avoid him. Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar;
+when he began to flee, at once there came the master of the hunt and
+encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar did run against the
+valiant hero, but Kriemhild's husband slew him with his sword. Another
+huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he had felled
+him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well known
+to the Burgundian men.
+
+Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a
+deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."
+
+At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and
+the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise
+that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had
+let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must
+needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men
+should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the
+stalwart Siegfried was already standing by the fire. The chase was over,
+and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them
+thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's
+meiny bare then to the kitchen!
+
+Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A
+horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might
+find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen:
+"My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the
+quarters; I'll now give answer."
+
+Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake
+Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him
+smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started
+up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those
+behind: "I'll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach.
+Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he
+never so fast, he shall not escape us."
+
+The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would
+fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The
+mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the
+proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him.
+The bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught
+it and bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither
+scratch nor bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle
+and horsed him quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior
+and a good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise
+he rode to the quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A
+dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn
+of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him
+wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it
+was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was
+drawn over it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which
+any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend
+it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head to toe. From
+the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt
+many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good broad sword, that
+was so sharp that it never failed when 'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet;
+its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must
+tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the
+heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts. What he pierced therewith
+must needs die soon.
+
+Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
+him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
+saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
+loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly,
+that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had
+fear. Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he
+drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a
+firebrand scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!
+Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear
+grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had
+all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty
+men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such
+press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the
+whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could
+follow him but Kriemhild's husband, who caught and slew him with his
+sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it,
+averred he was a mighty man.
+
+Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon
+a fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they
+bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
+delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
+been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
+
+Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such
+great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the
+wine. Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your
+hunting-fellow. I have well deserved that they regard me, too."
+
+The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you
+remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die
+of thirst."
+
+Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the
+Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not
+drink to-day, how well will I avoid this in the future!"
+
+At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One
+should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled
+wine. (8) If that might not be, then men should have placed our benches
+nearer to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a
+good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."
+
+To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of
+thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne
+away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With
+false intent the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the
+game which Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever
+saw it gave him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth
+to Siegfried. When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It
+hath oft been told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband
+when he be minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
+
+Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that,
+and ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call
+give the prize to him who winneth."
+
+"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
+
+Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward
+at your feet." (9)
+
+How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold
+knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my
+trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he
+quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
+
+Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in
+two white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran,
+but men spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare
+away the prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid
+aside his quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough.
+The lordly stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was
+Siegfried's courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed
+forth, but the hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king
+had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the
+spring. Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream, and when he had
+drunken straightened up again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done
+the same, but now he paid for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from
+him both bow and sword and bounded then to where he found the spear;
+then he looked for the mark on bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried
+drank above the spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that
+his heart's blood spurted from the wounds almost on Hagen's clothes.
+Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed. Hagen left the spear a-sticking
+in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world had run from
+any man.
+
+When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started
+in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered.
+He weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid
+as he deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his
+sword, then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the
+spring and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit
+he was wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of
+precious stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst
+quite apart. Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was
+Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow
+the glade rang loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been
+Hagen's death, so sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good
+cause thereof. His hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of
+body melted quite away, for in bright colors he bore the signs of death.
+Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames enow.
+
+Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his
+blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause,
+at those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded
+spake: "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye
+have slain me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you.
+Alas, ye have acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born
+in after days will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore
+upon me. With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
+
+The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a
+hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and
+this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the
+Burgundians bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no
+need that he should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle
+blame. It had been better left undone."
+
+Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All
+our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who
+dare withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."
+
+"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your
+murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue
+me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I
+ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his
+kindred have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake
+Siegfried, "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the
+deadly wounded spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to
+any in the world, then let my dear love be commended to your grace and
+let it avail her that she be your sister. For the sake of your princely
+courtesie protect her faithfully. My father and my men must wait long
+time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
+
+The flowers on every side were wet with blood. With death he struggled,
+but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely.
+Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
+
+When the lordings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a
+shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen
+had done the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye
+must all hide it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as
+he rode alone a-hunting through the pine wood."
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be
+known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it
+trouble me however much she weep."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Lion."  It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
+        roam at large in the forests of Germany.  They were,
+        however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
+        poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
+        hunter.
+   (2)  "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
+        extinct.
+   (3)  "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
+        deer.
+   (4)  "Fragrance".  It was believed that the odor of the panther
+        attracted the game.  Compare the description of the panther
+        in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
+        surpass that of all ointments.
+   (5)  "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
+        connotation is not known.  Some interpret it to meau the
+        fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
+   (6)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (7)  "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
+        is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
+        did not disturb the poet.
+   (8)  "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
+   (9)  "Feet".  This was probably done as a handicap.  The time
+        consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
+        a start.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
+
+Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
+hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
+warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
+of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
+Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He
+bade place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when
+she went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild
+full seldom missed through sleep.
+
+Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild,
+the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
+vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
+him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord,
+but with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this
+Lady Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her
+ladies for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet,
+there doth lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
+
+Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it
+was her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
+protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure
+at his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they
+found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After
+her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:
+"Perchance it is a stranger knight."
+
+The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis
+Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen
+hath done the deed."
+
+The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand
+she raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him
+soon. There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The
+gracious queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is
+not carved with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done
+the deed, I'd ever plot his death."
+
+All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they
+grieved full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had
+cruelly avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
+
+Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all
+Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me
+bewail brave Siegfried."
+
+A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the
+Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could
+scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger
+came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I
+trow his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see
+his dear son alive.
+
+"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A
+wrong hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all
+other ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."
+
+Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which
+thou tellest me?"
+
+Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold
+Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
+
+Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales,
+that thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail
+him fully before my death."
+
+"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear
+yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."
+
+Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need. He and
+a hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands
+their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail.
+Then came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard
+the ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should
+dress them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great
+heaviness was buried in their hearts.
+
+Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas
+for the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my
+child and you of your husband among such good friends?"
+
+"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul
+would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin
+must ever weep because of me."
+
+Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow
+of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded
+from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's
+wife. They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his
+wounds and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty
+grief. Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be
+ever ready to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the
+deed."
+
+All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came
+with their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had
+in his troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he
+had great need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife,
+unless it be to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden
+to the hunt.
+
+Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief
+and how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the
+Nibelungs at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to
+hinder it. In kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin.
+The grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye
+wot naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye
+will all be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."
+
+With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The
+noble queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When
+they would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord
+Siegmund, ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my
+husband with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do
+him scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I
+will not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of
+ours. Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear
+with me my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights,
+to coffin the dear husband of mine."
+
+Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."
+
+None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were
+heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping.
+The noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they,
+too, were sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried,
+or for what cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the
+worthy burghers wept with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste
+to work a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it
+firm with strips of good hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.
+
+The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady
+bade them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster.
+Whatever friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells
+were ringing as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard
+the chant of many priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim
+Hagen also toward the sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs,
+clear sister, that we may not be free from this great scathe. We must
+ever lament for Siegfried's death."
+
+"That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth
+to you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on
+me, when I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth
+Kriemhild, "that it had happed to me."
+
+Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him
+guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all
+the folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."
+
+This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained
+murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's wounds do bleed, (1)
+as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen's. The wounds
+bled sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of
+those who wailed afore.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen
+did not do the deed."
+
+"I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends
+avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by you."
+
+Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again:
+"Now share with me this grief."
+
+Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where
+they found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild's
+men wept inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives,
+and children did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly
+bear his loss, wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake:
+"Sister mine, now comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We'll
+try to make it up to thee, the while we live."
+
+Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well
+towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The
+lady would not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle
+trouble. In a rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found
+none there that did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny
+mourned bitterly the stately man. When it was noised abroad that men
+sang in the minster and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of
+folk. What offerings they made for his soul's sake! He had good friends
+enow among these foes. Poor Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye
+must now be put to trouble for my sake, ye who wished him well and be my
+friends. For Siegfried's soul shall ye deal out his gold."
+
+No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or
+ever he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day.
+Great throng was there of Siegfried's friends.
+
+When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake:
+"Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone.
+With him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state
+three days and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God
+doth bid that death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of
+me, poor Kriemhild."
+
+The people of the town returned now to their lodgings. She begged the
+priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay.
+They spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained
+without all food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made
+known that men would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed.
+Then were the Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three
+days, as we hear tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a
+deal of work. What offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor,
+grew rich enow. Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught,
+these were bid go to mass with gold from Siegfried's treasure chamber.
+Since he might not live, many thousand marks of gold were given for his
+soul. She dealt out well-tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk
+were found. Enow of gold and silver was given to the poor. By her deeds
+she showed that she did love him fondly.
+
+Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the
+minster was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death,
+as one should do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told,
+full thirty thousand marks or better still were given to the poor for
+his soul's sake. Yet his great beauty and his life lay low. When God
+had been served and the chants were ended, much people fought 'gainst
+monstrous grief. Men bade bear him from the minster to the grave. Those
+were seen to weep and wail who missed him most. With loud laments the
+people followed hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man. They sang
+and read a service before they buried him. Ho, what good priests were
+present at his burial! Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the grave, her
+faithful heart was rung with grief, so that they must needs oft sprinkle
+her with water from the spring. Her pain was passing great; a mickle
+wonder it was that she ever lived. Many a lady helped her in her plaint.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye
+prove your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my
+woe, that I may see once more his comely head."
+
+She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break
+open the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With
+her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and
+good, thus dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then
+there happed a piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk,
+and soon they found the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the
+lovely fair have died of grief.
+
+When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him
+from the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men
+found Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three
+days would neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not
+so waste away their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows,
+as still happeneth oft enow.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Bleed".  This was not only a popular superstition, but also
+        a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had
+        not been discovered, or if any one was suspected.  The
+        suspected person was requested to approach the bier and
+        touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow
+        afresh if the one touching the body were guilty.  Our
+        passage is the first instance of its mention in German
+        literature.  A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364.
+        The usage was also known in France and England.  See the
+        instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",
+        930.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.
+
+Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her. Unto the queen
+he spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome
+guests. Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit
+treachery here in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet
+should ye not requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son's
+sake, of this shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the
+power which Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and
+also the crown shall be subject to you. All Siegfried's men shall serve
+you gladly."
+
+Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying
+for steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes.
+Men bade dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund
+would fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's mother gan beg her that she
+stay there with her kindred.
+
+The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the
+sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst
+stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have
+grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."
+
+To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of
+dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."
+
+"I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with
+thy brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of thy husband's
+death."
+
+Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."
+
+When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot
+and her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but
+little kith she had among Siegfried's men.
+
+"They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so
+strong but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and
+console your mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in
+truth."
+
+Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were
+brought for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land.
+Also all the trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters.
+Then the Lord Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild's side. To the lady he
+spake: "Siegfried's men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride
+away, for I be ill content in Burgundy."
+
+The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise
+me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."
+
+Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He
+spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear
+the crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not
+suffer, because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again,
+for the sake of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him
+orphaned. When your son groweth up, he will comfort your heart.
+Meanwhile many bold heroes and good shall serve you."
+
+"Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever
+fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."
+
+These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We
+might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would
+stay here with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more
+sorrowfully."
+
+"Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given
+safe-conduct to Siegmund's land, I'll bid them guard you well. To the
+care of you knights shall my dear child be given."
+
+When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of
+Siegmund's men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from
+Lady Kriemhild! He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly
+feasting," spake the noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to
+king or to his kinsmen, what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us
+nevermore in Burgundy."
+
+Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still
+take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his
+kinsmen be their deadly foes."
+
+He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright
+that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now
+first do I feel all my sorrow."
+
+Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were
+surely of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend
+them, should they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of
+none, but Gernot and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving
+wise. These brave and lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his
+loss. Courteously Prince Gernot spake: "God in heaven knoweth well that
+I be not to blame for Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was
+his foe. I mourn him justly."
+
+Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them
+from the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous
+then!
+
+How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild
+mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher
+alone; loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening
+pride. How Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her
+love or troth. Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest
+woe of heart.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.
+
+When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with
+his vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also
+often helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster,
+they built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and
+great, where, with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to
+go to church and did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither
+she went all time in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She
+prayed the good God to have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she
+bewept the knight full oft. Uta and her meiny comforted her all time,
+but so sorely wounded was her heart, that it booted naught, whatever
+comfort men did offer her. She had the greatest longing for her dear
+love, that ever wife did have for loving husband. One might see thereby
+her passing virtue; until her end she mourned, the while life lasted. In
+after days brave Siegfried's wife avenged herself with might.
+
+Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and this is
+true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther,
+nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister
+friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this
+might ye win great store, an' the queen would be our friend."
+
+The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will
+beg them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she
+might gladly see us win the hoard."
+
+"I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."
+
+Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was
+done, Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried
+it with the Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy
+spake: "Lady, ye mourn too long for Siegfried's death. The king will
+give you proof that he hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so
+greatly."
+
+She spake: "None chargeth him with this. 'Twas Hagen's hand that struck
+him, where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could
+I think that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full
+well," spake the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would
+I, poor wife, leave off my weeping. I'll never be a friend of him that
+did the deed." Then Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.
+
+When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand
+before her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her.
+Well he wot his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole. When now she would
+forego her hate of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted
+him better had she not been wronged by his advice; then might he have
+gone boldly unto Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought
+to pass with so many tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the
+one man alone, she pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the
+deed.
+
+Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained
+the hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was
+her marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot
+rode to fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should
+bring it from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight
+Alberich (2) and his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine
+coming for the hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught
+of the treasure dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth
+it to be her marriage morning gift. Yet should this never be done,"
+quoth Alberich, "but that with Siegfried we have foully lost the good
+Cloud Cloak, for fair Kriemhild's love did wear it alway. Now, alas,
+it hath fared ill with Siegfried, that the hero bereft us of the Cloud
+Cloak and that all this land did have to serve him."
+
+Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood
+Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the
+treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon
+the waves to the mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the
+hoard, the which twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear
+away from the hill in four days and nights and each must make the trip
+three times a day. There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men
+paid therewith the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been
+in worth. Forsooth Hagen did not crave it so without good cause. The
+greatest prize of all was a wishing-rod (3) of gold. He who knew its
+nature, might well be master over any man in all the world.
+
+Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they
+stored away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took charge of
+everything, chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men
+hear tales told of such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a
+thousand times as much, if the Lord Siegfried were but alive again,
+Kriemhild would fain have stood empty-handed at his side. No more
+faithful wife did hero ever win. Now that she had the hoard, she brought
+many unknown warriors to the land. In truth the lady's hand gave in
+such wise that men have never seen such bounty more. She used great
+courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the rich and the poor she
+began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she live yet a while,
+she would gain so many a man for her service that they would fare full
+ill.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I
+hinder that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed
+it, that she became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she
+deal out her silver and her gold."
+
+Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught
+of the heard. With her gifts she'll bring about the day when it well may
+rue the brave Burgundians sore."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her
+harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."
+
+Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."
+
+Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty
+store and Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother
+Gernot, when he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath
+done my sister much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his
+life, were he not my kin."
+
+Siegfried's wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Or ever
+we be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the
+Rhine, that it belong to none."
+
+Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake: "Dear
+brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life
+and goods."
+
+Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for
+now we think to ride."
+
+The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them
+that one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the
+hatred he bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was
+come again, Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at
+Loche, (4) in the Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The
+lordings came again and with them many men. With her maids and ladies
+Kriemhild gan bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly
+would Giselher have helped in all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath
+done wrong."
+
+Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor. They
+did him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate.
+Before Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty
+oaths that it should lie concealed as long as any one of them might
+live. Later they could not give it to themselves or any other.
+
+Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's end, and
+because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not
+in all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried's death, and
+this is true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she
+could not forget the warrior's death. She was true to him, as most folk
+owned.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary
+        for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after
+        the bridal night.  On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche
+        Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.
+   (2)  "Alberich", see Adventure III, note 8.  It is characteristic
+        of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.
+   (3)  "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried
+        treasure.  Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie," ii, 813.
+   (4)  "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the
+        Rhine province.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.
+
+That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought
+another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in
+the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead,
+they spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king
+ever won, then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her
+husband."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen
+and be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and
+therefore would not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that
+ever happed."
+
+The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the
+sake of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a
+trial for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."
+
+The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and
+the land by the Rhine?"
+
+Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known
+from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the
+noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use
+the highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always
+done."
+
+Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear
+the crown in this my land. An' she be so fair, as hath been told me, it
+shall never rue my dearest kin."
+
+"She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen.
+Certes, there might not be in all this world a king's bride more fair.
+He may well be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."
+
+He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if
+ever I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for it as best
+I may. Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure
+chambers I will bid thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and
+all thou wilt, that thou and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I'll
+bid full plenty of these things be made ready against thine errand."
+
+To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that
+were not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy
+hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May
+God keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune
+help me, that she look with favor on my suit."
+
+Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready
+arms and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will
+lead to the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I
+and mine be seen, all may say of thee: 'Never did any king send afar so
+many men in better wise than thou hast done to the Rhine.' If thou, O
+mighty king, wilt not turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that
+her noble love was subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son. Him thou hast
+seen here. (4) Men could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."
+
+Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was the
+noble prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh
+me well for her passing beauty."
+
+The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence
+in four and twenty days. I'll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that
+I myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."
+
+Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both
+sorrowful and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife.
+Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the
+message, a deal she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether
+she should gain a lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved
+her heart full sore.
+
+Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King
+Etzel was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their
+weeds. Then might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind
+awaited him; the young margravine, too, Rudeger's child, gladly saw her
+father and his men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble
+Rudeger rode from the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes
+were placed upon the sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a
+whit was taken from them.
+
+When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly
+bade lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw
+the host come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young
+margravine. To her his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to
+see the heroes from the Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden
+spake: "Now be my father and his men full welcome here."
+
+Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty
+knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger's mood. When at
+night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine
+put, whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady
+Gotelind, I'll gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another
+lady for my lord, sith that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for
+Kriemhild to the Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the
+Huns."
+
+"Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do hear
+such speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our
+lady for us in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear
+the crown in Hungary."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to
+ride with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel
+richly, then are they of lofty mood."
+
+She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I
+would not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part
+hence."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."
+
+Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers!
+With enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined
+from the neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that
+pleased him well.
+
+On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from
+Bechelaren. Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the
+Bavarian land. Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery's
+sake, and within twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the
+tidings not be hid; men told it to the king and to his liegemen, that
+stranger guests were come. The host gan say, if any knew them, he should
+tell him so. One saw their sumpters bear right heavy loads. 'Twas seen
+that they were passing rich.
+
+Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many
+strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft.
+The people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine.
+The host now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him.
+Then spake the knight of Troneg: "None of them have I ever seen, but
+when we now gaze upon them, I can tell you well from whence they ride
+hither to this land. They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not
+full soon." (5)
+
+Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship
+were come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good
+garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As
+well as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as
+if 'twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."
+
+"How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of
+Bechelaren be come to this land?"
+
+When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the
+good knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five
+hundred knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the
+men from Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes.
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord
+of Bechelaren and all his men, welcome in God's name."
+
+With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the
+king went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never
+have we seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."
+
+On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all
+their fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the
+king and with him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats;
+through their great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met
+the messengers! Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals
+warmly, as was his due. He took the good knight Rudeger by the hand
+and led him to the seat where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the
+guests (full gladly this was done) passing good mead and the best of
+wine that one might find in the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere
+both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had heard about the strangers.
+Merry they were of mood and greeted before the king the noble knights
+and good.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever
+requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the
+husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."
+
+King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare
+Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."
+
+To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know." He
+rose from his seat with all his men and spake to the king: "An' may that
+be that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the tidings that I
+bring, but will tell them willingly."
+
+Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these
+I'll let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my
+vassals hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."
+
+Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon
+the Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This
+message is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you
+his need. His folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master's
+wife, is dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned,
+daughters of noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth
+full piteously in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them
+faithfully. The king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."
+
+"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth
+his service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his
+greeting, and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."
+
+Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair
+Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."
+
+With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.
+
+Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me,
+O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent
+you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men
+told my lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be
+dead. If this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights,
+would ye but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."
+
+Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care
+to do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in
+these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her
+wish?"
+
+Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served
+so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunther's men.
+Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the
+third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full
+wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that
+Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save
+Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right
+wit, ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
+follow."
+
+"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure
+happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister.
+We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her
+honor."
+
+Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel
+as have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath
+danger happed to you by right."
+
+"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near
+him that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she become his
+wife."
+
+Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."
+
+For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords
+would think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble
+king. Hagen still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight
+Giselher of Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make
+her to forget the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune
+she may have, this ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister
+so many an ill," continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she
+hath good cause, if she be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady
+of greater joys."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and
+live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in whatever way she can.
+Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."
+
+To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to
+Etzel's land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that
+maketh for our honor."
+
+Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild wear
+the crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give
+it over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."
+
+Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all act as
+traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever
+ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."
+
+Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and
+Giselher, the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at
+last, if Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.
+
+Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor
+upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can
+well requite her of all the wrongs that have been done her."
+
+Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she
+received him. How quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly
+and give me a messenger's meed. Fortune is about to part you from all
+your woes. For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that
+ever gained a kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath
+sent envoys hither. Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me
+tell you."
+
+Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my
+kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man
+who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"
+
+Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher,
+the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in
+truth, could she but take the king.
+
+None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the
+knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to
+see the messengers."
+
+"I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see
+the Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither,
+whoever else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted
+with me. Pray bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I'll let him hear my
+will in full and tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake
+forth anew.
+
+The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the
+high-born queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but
+let the knight persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow
+when mass was sung, the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those
+who should go to court with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed.
+Full sad of mood, the high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and
+good. He found her in the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids
+wore rich clothes enow. She went to meet him to the door and greeted
+full kindly Etzel's liegeman. Only as one of twelve he went to meet her.
+Men offered him great worship, for never were come more lofty envoys.
+They bade the lording and his vassals seat them. Before her were seen to
+stand the two Margraves Eckewart and Gere, the noble knights and good.
+None they saw merry of mood, for the sake of the lady of the house. Many
+fair women were seen to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her
+grief; her dress upon her breast was wet with scalding tears. This the
+noble margrave noted well on Kriemhild.
+
+Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you,
+permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and
+tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."
+
+"Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear
+it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."
+
+The others noted well her unwilling mood.
+
+Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king,
+hath in good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers
+hither to this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your
+love. Great joy without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready
+to give you constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay
+within his heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full
+often joyless days."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my
+bitter sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the
+best of husbands that ever lady won."
+
+"What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy.
+When that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught
+availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble
+master, ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord
+will give you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand
+hath overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen,
+who were subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and
+princely race, who owned her sway." Thus spake the brave knight and
+bold. "Thereto my lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would
+deign to wear with him the crown, the very highest power which Helca
+ever won; this shall ye rule before all Etzel's men."
+
+Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero's
+bride? Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live
+joyless unto mine end."
+
+To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's court
+will be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an' it come to
+pass, for the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca's damosels
+and your maids shall together form one retinue, at sight of which
+warriors may well be blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare
+well in truth."
+
+With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow
+early, when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to
+what ye have in mind."
+
+The bold knights and good must needs obey.
+
+When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for
+Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping
+did beseem her and naught else better.
+
+Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I
+can well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish,
+and thou takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this
+thinketh me well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake
+Giselher again; "from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the
+sea, there be no other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice,
+an' he make thee his wife."
+
+She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping
+and wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his
+knights? Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."
+
+To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel
+thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with
+thee. I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."
+
+Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she
+might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband's side
+of yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never
+have again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall
+I give my body to a paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the
+world must I bear shame. An' he gave me all the kingdoms in the world
+still 1 would not do it."
+
+Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady
+lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the
+morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come
+and took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the
+king of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry.
+Then they bade fetch hither Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken
+their leave, whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost
+their suit. Rudeger came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn
+aright the noble prince's mind. To all it seemed well that this be done
+betimes, for long was the way back into their land. Men brought Rudeger
+to where Kriemhild was found. Winningly the knight gan beg the noble
+queen to let him hear what message she would send to Etzel's land. I
+ween, he heard from her naught else than no, that she nevermore would
+wed a man. The margrave spake: "That were ill done. Why would ye let
+such beauty wither? Still with honor may ye become the bride of a worthy
+man."
+
+Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in
+secret that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At
+this her great sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let
+be your weeping. If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful
+kin and liegemen, sore must he repent it who had ever done you aught."
+
+At this the lady's mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an
+oath, that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my
+wrongs."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."
+
+Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her
+faithfully and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel's
+land would ne'er refuse her aught.
+
+Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many
+friends, I'll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear
+husband's death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath
+so many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an' I command them. He is
+likewise so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen
+hath bereft me of my goods."
+
+To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly
+would I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many
+knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at his court.
+What if ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened?
+Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye
+should now give over your sadness."
+
+They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King
+Etzel's bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to
+the Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will
+take me to his land."
+
+Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more.
+'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine.
+No longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred
+vassals and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye
+bid, both here and there at home. I'll do by you the same whenever ye
+do mind me of the tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for
+your horses be made ready (Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and
+tell it to your maids, whom ye would take along, for many a chosen
+knight will meet us on the road."
+
+She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's time, so
+that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she
+would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames!
+Albeit they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready,
+for much had been told them of the king. They opened up the chests,
+which stood afore well locked. For four and one half days they were
+aught but idle; from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay
+therein. Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain
+would make all Rudeger's liegemen rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung
+land she still had such store that a hundred horses might not bear it;
+she weened her hand should deal it out among the Huns.
+
+This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will
+not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must stay behind. For why
+should I give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what
+Kriemhild will do with this hoard. I can well believe, an' she take it
+with her, that it will be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor
+have they steeds enow to bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it,
+pray tell Kriemhild that."
+
+When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told
+to all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not
+hap, the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye
+for the gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his
+eyes do light upon you, such store he'll give you that ye can never
+spend it all; this will I swear to you, my lady."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's daughter
+gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."
+
+Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the
+king in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild's gold was handed forth, a
+thousand marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased
+King Gunther.
+
+Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild
+all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it
+would mine or the queen's hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will
+none of it. Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can
+lightly do without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey
+in full lordly wise."
+
+Afore this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very
+best of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great
+store of women's trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her
+thought too great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she
+had still a thousand marks. For her dear husband's soul she dealt it
+out. This Rudeger thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the
+mournful lady: "Where be now my friends who for my sake would live in
+exile? Let those who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my
+treasure and purchase horses and trappings."
+
+Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first
+became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight,
+"and aye will do the same by you until mine end. I will take with
+me also five hundred of my men and place them in your service right
+loyally. Naught shall ever part us, save death alone."
+
+For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.
+
+Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many
+tears were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed
+that they were sad at Kriemhild's loss. A hundred high-born maids she
+took with her hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from
+bright eyes the tears fell down, but soon at Etzel's court they lived
+to see much joy. Then came Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their
+fellowship, as their courtesie demanded. Fain would they escort their
+dear sister hence; of their knights they took with them full a thousand
+stately men. Then came Ortwin and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master
+of the kitchen, must needs be with them, too. They purveyed them night
+quarters as far as the Danube's shore, but Gunther rode no further than
+a little from the town. Ere they fared hence from the Rhine, they had
+sent their messengers swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who
+should tell the king that Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble
+high-born queen.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.
+   (2)  "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the
+        daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the
+        "Thidreksaga" calls him.  In the latter work (chap. 73-80)
+        we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her
+        father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride.
+        On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see
+        Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.
+   (3)  "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the
+        "Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an
+        historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.
+        Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself
+        an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with
+        castles and lands in fief.  He may have been introduced, as
+        Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role
+        originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.
+        Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.
+        Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach
+        with the Danube.
+   (4)  "hast seen here".  "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich
+        had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's
+        court.
+   (5)  "full soon".  See Adventure III, note 4.
+   (6)  "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),
+        'heathen'.
+   (7)  "gold for offerings".  This was the gold to be used as
+        offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen
+journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from
+her. They had served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1)
+on the Danube they rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for
+they would ride again to the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen
+might not part. Doughty Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever,
+lady, thou shouldst need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but
+know, and I will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."
+
+Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took
+their leave of Margrave Rudeger's men. The queen had with her many a
+fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes
+of rich, gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the
+ladies on the road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.
+
+They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the
+tale was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where
+still a cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In
+the town of Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and
+the prince's court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers
+in the Bavarian land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild.
+The knights of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so
+many comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble
+knights. Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.
+
+With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the
+burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's sister's
+child, well was she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope
+that they would stay. Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must
+fare further down to Rudeger's land. Many knights await us, for all wot
+well the news."
+
+Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with
+care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should
+cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the
+Enns (3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw
+on every side the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet
+their guests. Now was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were
+from the Bavarian land who might perchance have done the guests much
+harm, had they robbed upon the roads, as was their wont. That had been
+forestalled by the lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or more.
+
+Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a
+noble knight in lordly vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5)
+upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests
+should have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to
+his guests. Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the
+road there trotted many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair
+was the welcome; right well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to
+meet them on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a
+knight. They practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor
+did the service of the knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger's
+liegemen met the guests, many truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high
+from the warriors' hands in knightly custom. As though for a prize they
+rode before the ladies there. This they soon gave over and many warriors
+greeted each other in friendly wise. Then they escorted fair Gotelind
+from thence to where she saw Kriemhild. Scant leisure had they who wot
+how to serve the ladies.
+
+The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble
+margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part
+her cares had given way to joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade
+her dismount with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a
+noble knight bestirred him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then
+Kriemhild spied the margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she
+drew, but checked the palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her
+quickly from the saddle. Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his
+sister's child to Gotelind. All stood aside at once. Then the exiled
+queen kissed Gotelind upon the mouth. Full lovingly spake Rudeger's
+wife: "Now well is me, dear lady, that I have ever seen with mine own
+eyes your charming self in these our lands. Naught liefer might hap to
+me in all these times."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I
+and Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that
+ye have seen me here."
+
+Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each
+other in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their
+service. After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With
+many they became acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As
+it was now high noon, men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The
+noble meiny no longer tarried, but rode to where they found many broad
+pavilions; there ample service stood ready for the guests.
+
+That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren
+made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned,
+that little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open,
+the castle at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men
+were fain to see; the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most
+lovingly Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.
+There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-born maid
+was greeted with delight. They took each other by the hand and hied
+them hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair, under which the Danube
+flowed along. Towards the breeze they sate and held great pastime. What
+more they did I cannot tell, save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were
+heard to grumble that they fared so slowly on their way, for much it
+irked them. Ho, what good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!
+
+Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind's
+daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she
+brought to Etzel's land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her,
+yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still
+might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In
+turn the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such
+friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not
+wear her jewels or her lordly robes.
+
+When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by
+the lady of the house to Etzel's bride. The fair young margravine, too,
+was much caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you
+good, I know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to
+the Hunnish land." How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her
+truly.
+
+The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren
+and the noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter. With
+a greeting many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each
+other since these days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands
+many a rich cup of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers
+on the highway. Thus they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight
+Astolt, (9) who showed them the road to the Austrian land, towards
+Mautern (10) down the Danube. There the noble queen was later served
+full well. From his niece the bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled
+her that she should bear her well and that she should purchase honor
+for herself, as Helca, too, had done! Ho, what great worship she later
+gained among the Huns!
+
+To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger's men
+purveyed them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land.
+Then the queen became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the
+king of the Hunnish land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer,
+(12) known far and wide. Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such
+great virtues that it might not lightly ever hap again, unless it be
+through Kriemhild. She wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow
+she had the joy that Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which
+she later won great store among the heroes. Etzel's rule was known far
+and wide, so that all time one found at his court the boldest warriors
+of whom men ever heard, among Christian or among paynim. They were all
+come with him. All time there were at his court, what may not so lightly
+hap again, Christian customs and also heathen faith. In whatsoever wise
+each lived, the bounty of the king bestowed on all enow.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt.  A ferry
+        across the river existed here from ancient times.
+   (2)  "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an
+        historical personage.  He was bishop of Passau from 971 to
+        991.  Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to
+        Boer between 1181 and 1185.  See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.
+        Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.
+   (3)  "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the
+        Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of
+        Linz.
+   (4)  "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,
+        about thirteen miles west of Linz.
+   (5)  "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,
+        forty-four miles southeast of Linz.
+   (6)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (7)  "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in
+        the "Klage", and in "Biterolf".  In the earlier Norse
+        version "Atli" is the son of "Budli".  (On this point see
+        Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and
+        Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the
+        names are shown to be identical.)
+   (8)  "Medelick" is the modern Mölk, or Melk, a town on the Danube
+        near the influx of the Bilach.  It lies at the foot of a
+        granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.
+   (9)  "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known
+        of him.
+   (10) "Mautern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite
+        Stein in Lower Austria.
+   (11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower
+        Austria, emptying near Traismauer.
+   (12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure").  All the MSS. but C and
+        D have this reading.  The latter have "Treysenmoure" and
+        "treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern
+        name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna.  It is
+        possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was
+        originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from
+        Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.
+        See Lachmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,
+        note to str. 1333.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.
+
+Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon
+the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were
+burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through Austria. Then the
+king was told aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at
+thought of this his sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the
+lovely Kriemhild. Men saw ride before King Etzel on the road many bold
+knights of many tongues and many mighty troops of Christians and of
+paynims. When they met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise. Of
+the Russians and the Greeks there rode there many a man. The right good
+steeds of the Poles and Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly, as they
+rode with might and main. Each did show the customs of his land.
+From the land of Kiev (1) there rode many a warrior and the savage
+Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they often shot at the birds which flew
+there; to the very head they drew the arrows on the bows.
+
+By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call
+Tulna. (3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the
+which size had never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came
+through her to grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and
+noble, courtly and lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of
+lofty birth. They would fain behold their lady and craved naught more.
+Duke Ramung (4) of Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up
+before her; like flying birds men saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeck
+with lordly bands. The doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men,
+wheeled from the king away towards the queen. Loudly they shouted after
+the custom of their land. Madly too rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then
+came brave Hawart (6) of Denmark and the doughty Iring, (7) free of
+guile was he, and Irnfried (8) of Thuringia, a stately man. With twelve
+hundred vassals, whom they had in their band, they greeted Kriemhild,
+so that she had therefrom great worship. Then came Sir Bloedel, (9)
+King Etzel's brother, from the Hunnish land, with three thousand men.
+In lordly wise he rode to where he found the queen. Then King Etzel
+came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his fellowship. There stood many
+worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good. At this Dame Kriemhild's
+spirits rose.
+
+Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the
+high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may
+not greet alike King Etzel's men."
+
+From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty,
+bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man.
+Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we
+are told, walked by the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went
+to meet her, where she greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious
+wise. She raised her veil and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy
+hue. Many a man stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have
+been more fair than she. Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the
+king. Him Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King Gibeck,
+too. There also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of the warriors the king's
+bride kissed. She greeted many knights in other ways.
+
+All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful
+warriors did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a
+royal joust. This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according
+to their custom. In what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made
+truncheons from the shafts fly through the air, high above the shields,
+from the hands of doughty knights! Many a buckler's edge was pierced
+through and through by the German strangers. Great crashing of breaking
+shafts was heard. All the warriors from the land were come and the
+king's guests, too, many a noble man.
+
+Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them
+a royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with
+booths, where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely
+maid was shown to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then
+sate with the queen on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well
+purveyed the seats for Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at
+this King Etzel grew blithe of mood. What the king there spake, I know
+not. In his right lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's
+wise, since Rudeger would not let the king make love to Kriemhild
+secretly.
+
+Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the
+great rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them
+lodgings stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they
+lay at ease, till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a
+man betook him to the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of
+the king! Etzel bade the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they
+rode from Tulna to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame
+adorned. With great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride. There was
+ready for them in great plenty whatever they should have. Many a lusty
+hero rejoiced at prospect of the rout.
+
+The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge
+the guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town.
+Rudeger therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in
+the country round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild,
+Sir Dietrich and many another knight. Their rest they had given over
+for toil, that they might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his
+friends had pastime good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide,
+when King Etzel lay by Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first
+husband, I trow, she did not win so many men for service. Through
+presents she made her known to those who had never seen her. Full many
+among them spake to the guests: "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had
+naught of goods, now hath she wrought many wonders with her gifts."
+
+The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any
+king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis hidden from us.
+All that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt
+before in Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was
+rich in goods, I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she
+saw stand 'fore Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast
+so many costly mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which
+all had here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake. Her friends and
+the strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any
+craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of the knights through
+bounty stood bereft of clothes. Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with
+her noble husband by the Rhine; her eyes grew moist, but she hid it full
+well, that none might see it. Great worship had been done her after
+many a grief. Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of
+Dietrich. What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite.
+Rudeger's lavish hand did also many wonders. Prince Bloedel of Hungary
+bade empty many traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all
+this was given away. The king's champions were seen to live right
+merrily. Werbel and Swemmel, (10) the minstrels of the king, each gained
+at the wedding feast, I ween, full thousand marks, or even better, when
+fair Kriemhild sate crowned at Etzel's side.
+
+On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were
+pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King
+Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient
+Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force
+they rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's
+native land! At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which
+men saw flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were
+solid earth. The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships
+were lashed together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm.
+Upon them many a goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land
+and plain.
+
+From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and
+wives therein were glad. Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their
+mistress, passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side. There
+many a noble maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca's
+death. Kriemhild found still seven royal princesses there, through whom
+all Etzel's land was graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat
+(14) cared, the daughter of Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly
+virtues, the betrothed of Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin's (15)
+daughter; much worship she later had. Blithe of heart she was at the
+coming of the guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared.
+Who might tell the tale of how the king held court? Never had men lived
+better among the Huns with any queen.
+
+When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble
+Kriemhild was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the
+better. Ho, how royally she ruled in Helca's stead! She became acquaint
+with much loyal service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk
+and precious stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to
+Hungary must needs be given all away. All the king's kinsmen and all
+his liegemen then owned her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so
+mightily as she, whom they now must serve till Kriemhild's death. The
+court and all the land lived in such high honors, that all time men
+found the pastimes which each heart desired, through the favor of the
+king and his good queen.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the
+        southwestern part of Russia.  Its capital of the same name,
+        situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known
+        cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an
+        important station of the Hanseatic league.
+   (2)  "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the
+        north of the Caspian.  By conquest they acquired a kingdom
+        extending from the Don to Transylvania.  They were feared
+        for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded
+        the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.
+   (3)  "Tulna" (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town
+        of Lower Austria, seventeen miles northwest of Vienna on the
+        Danube.
+   (4)  "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our
+        poem, nothing else is known of them.
+   (5)  "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but
+        nothing otherwise is known of him.
+   (6)  "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,
+        who is reputed to have played an important part in the
+        conquest of Thuringia.  He evidently comes from the Low
+        German version.
+   (7)  "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an
+        ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or
+        "Iringi".  He occurs in a legend of the fall of the
+        Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role
+        that the Milky Way was named after him.  See W. Grimm,
+        "Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the
+        connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a
+        confusion.
+   (8)  "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who
+        was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the
+        aid of the Saxons.  See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,
+        73-79.  He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.
+   (9)  "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he
+        reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445.  In our poem the
+        name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as
+        "Bloedelin".
+   (10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction
+        to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with
+        the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's
+        court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of
+        their rank.  Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form
+        "Swemmelin".
+   (11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.
+   (12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,
+        twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.
+   (13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of
+        Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of
+        Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no
+        definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics.  See
+        Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506.  The name occurs in
+        documents as late as the fifteenth century.
+   (14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently
+        mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed.  She
+        is spoken of as the exiled maid.
+   (15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else
+        is known of him.  See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.
+
+With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh
+year. In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel
+could not have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she
+brought it to pass that Etzel's child was christened after the Christian
+rite. Men named it Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of
+Etzel's lands. Whatever courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame
+Kriemhild practiced this full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who
+in secret grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was
+she known to the strangers and the home-folk. They vowed that never had
+a kingdom had a better or more bounteous queen. This they held for true.
+She bare this praise among the Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot
+she well, that none would thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a
+prince's wife, and that all time she saw twelve kings stand before
+her. Over many a wrong she brooded, that had happed to her at home. She
+thought likewise on the many honors in the Nibelung land, which she
+had there enjoyed and of which Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at
+Siegfried's death, and if perchance she might not make him suffer for
+his deed. "That would hap, if I might but bring him to this land." She
+dreamed that Giselher, her brother, walked often with her hand in hand.
+Alway she kissed him in her gentle slumber; later suffering came to
+both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel Kriemhild this, that she
+withdrew her friendship from Giselher, whom for forgiveness' sake she
+had kissed in the Burgundian land. At this hot tears again gan soil her
+robe. Early and late it lay within her heart, how without fault of hers
+they had made her wed a heathen man. Hagen and Gunther had brought her
+to this pass. This wish she seldom gave over in her heart. She thought:
+"I am so mighty and have such great wealth, that I can do my foes an
+injury yet. Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen of Troneg. My
+heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin. Might I be with those who
+did me wrong, my lover's death would be well avenged. Scarce can I abide
+this," spake Etzel's wife.
+
+All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty bound.
+Of the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might
+gainsay Dame Kriemhild's will. All time she thought: "I will beg the
+king, that he in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the
+Hunnish land." None marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when
+she lay by the king, and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont
+to love the noble dame, who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady
+thought her of her foes. To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would
+fain beseech you, by your grace, that ye would show me that ye did love
+my kinsfolk, if I have earned the favor."
+
+Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know however
+well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I
+won better kin through woman's love."
+
+Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have
+high-born kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me
+here. I hear the folk aver that I be banished."
+
+Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far,
+I'll bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to
+see."
+
+The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me
+your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through
+whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come
+hither to our land many a noble knight and a good."
+
+He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to
+see your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me
+sore, that they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please
+you, dear lady mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to
+the Burgundian land."
+
+He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted
+to where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be
+envoys to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready
+for them. Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the
+message was told them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his
+liegemen hither. Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then
+spake the mighty king: "I'll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my
+love and service, that it may please them to ride hither to my land. But
+few such welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill
+my wish, tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come this
+summer to my feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my
+wife."
+
+Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be
+in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"
+
+King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."
+
+"We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.
+
+The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she
+then talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a
+knight. To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in
+that ye do my pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send
+to my native land. I'll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly
+robes. And if ye see any of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not
+tell them that ye ever saw me sad of heart. Tender my service to the
+heroes brave and good. Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus
+part me from all my grief. The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin.
+Were I a knight, I'd visit them myself at times. And say to Gernot, too,
+the noble brother of mine, that none in the world doth love him more.
+Beg him to bring with him to this land our best of friends, that it may
+be to our honor. Say also to Giselher, that he remember well, I never
+gained grief through fault of his. Therefore would mine eyes fain sue
+him. For his great loyalty I would gladly have him here. Tell my mother
+also of the honors which I have, and if Hagen of Troneg be minded to
+stay at home, who then should lead them through the lands? From a child
+he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)
+
+The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of
+Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him
+many a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now
+been given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a
+sumptuous life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their
+persons adorned full well with goodly weeds.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"
+        Etzel's son is called Aldrian.  Bleyer, "Die germanischen
+        Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,
+        attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a
+        form "Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",
+        "Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".
+   (2)  "Hungary".  According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen
+        spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.
+
+When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew
+from land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to
+his high feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys
+rode away from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for
+three noble kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel;
+therefore all gan haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served
+them gladly. Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed
+not to send their service through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did
+they let them part hence without gifts, that Etzel's men might fare
+the better. To Uta and her sons Rudeger sent word that they had no more
+loyal margrave than he. To Brunhild, also, they tendered service and
+good wishes, constant fealty and a loving mind. When they heard the
+speech that the envoys would ride, the margravine begged God in heaven
+to keep them well.
+
+Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty
+Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin
+upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the
+messengers for love and let them ride.
+
+Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's sons, I
+should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the
+Rhine."
+
+What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them
+of their silver and their weeds; men feared their master's wrath. Certes
+the noble high-born king was a mighty lord.
+
+Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land
+of Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there
+came strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask:
+"Who will do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"
+
+This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to
+Gunther: "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen
+King Etzel's minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine;
+for their master's sake we must give them a kindly welcome."
+
+Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince's
+minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king's meiny
+bade them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their
+trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that
+with honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them
+longer there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them.
+At the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to
+these they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such
+as well befitted king's messengers for to wear.
+
+Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men
+saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and
+greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks.
+That he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his
+men. Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were
+the folk more merry; now know that of a truth."
+
+To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,
+as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of
+other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side.
+In courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns
+and all your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you
+hither to the Burgundian land?"
+
+To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also
+Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They
+have sent us to you knights in all good faith."
+
+Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so
+asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"
+
+Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never
+have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their
+kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we
+departed hence."
+
+"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of
+my sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in
+happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."
+
+The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard
+the tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to
+see the envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be
+very welcome to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine,
+ye would find friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm
+shall hap you in this land."
+
+"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to
+you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who
+live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth
+mind you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever
+hold her dear. But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye
+may deign to ride to Etzel's land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly
+to beg you this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not
+let your sister see you, he fain would know what he had done you that
+ye be so strange to him and to his lands. An' ye had never known the
+queen, yet would he fain bring it to pass that consent to come and see
+him. It would please him well if that might hap."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what
+I have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings
+and rest you well."
+
+Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the
+royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"
+
+The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that.
+An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother's wish, for she
+will gladly see you for my sister's sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will
+make you welcome."
+
+Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon
+the envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them
+gentle greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale.
+"My lady offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty.
+Might that be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no
+better joy in all the world."
+
+Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often
+see the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live,
+alas, too far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me
+know before ye leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have
+I seen messengers so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this
+should hap.
+
+Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the
+mighty king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his
+liegemen how they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king
+well might ride to Etzel's land. The very best among them advised him
+this, save Hagen alone; him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the
+king: "Ye fight against yourself; ye know full well what we have done.
+We may well be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand
+I slew her husband to death. How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss
+she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless
+be that the feud doth stand against you alone."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not,
+whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there
+both life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over,
+because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed
+not to go to see our sister."
+
+Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be
+guilty, friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let
+those who dare ride with us to my sister."
+
+At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye
+take any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I.
+Sith ye will not turn you, I will well show you that."
+
+Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well
+have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own
+desire, for ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given
+you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth
+you, for I be bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide
+here and leave King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more
+gently with you in all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your
+foes; so deck your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine,
+and pay court to stately ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of
+food that ever king did gain in the world. And were this not so, yet
+should ye tarry here for your fair wife's sake, before ye risk your life
+so childishly. Wherefore I do counsel you to stay at home. Your lands be
+rich, and one can redeem his pledges better at home than among the Huns.
+Who knoweth how it standeth there? Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is
+Rumolt's counsel."
+
+"We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel
+have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that
+liketh not to go may stay at home."
+
+To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare.
+In all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the
+Huns well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms,
+the best ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I'll
+choose a thousand doughty knights. Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring
+you naught of harm."
+
+"This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then
+bade messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand
+champions or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous
+woe. Full merrily they rode to Gunther's court. Men bade give all that
+were to ride forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king
+gained full many a one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his
+brother Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly
+guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and trappings
+into Gunther's land. Then came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he,
+with thirty of his men for the journey to Kriemhild's court. They had
+clothing such as a king might wear. Gunther bade make known, he would to
+the Hunnish land. I'll do you now to wit who Folker was. He was a noble
+lord, the liege of many doughty knights in Burgundy. A minstrel he was
+called, for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen chose a thousand whom
+he well knew; oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of
+battle, or in whatever else they did. None might aver aught else of them
+than doughtiness.
+
+The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their fear of
+their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant
+through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard
+against letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight
+later to Etzel's land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we
+wot it. Nor may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of
+hers, men do us harm. An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for
+many a chosen liegeman had we hence."
+
+Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them
+to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now
+men bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King Gunther. When they were
+come, Gernot spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly
+come to his high feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall
+be, or in what time we should go thither?"
+
+Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's day."
+
+The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would
+fain see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker
+hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not
+so well of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the
+morrow, and men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon
+her, it might not hap.
+
+Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own
+courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which
+he had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen
+Giselher and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were
+generous, too. They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for
+fear of their lord they durst not take them.
+
+Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay
+here at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take
+aught of gifts. Then too, there is but little need."
+
+Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse
+the gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold
+and weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's land. They would fain
+see the Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher
+brought the minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message,
+that whatever honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen
+bade give the minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of
+King Etzel and Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in
+good faith 'twas done.
+
+The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and
+men. Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights
+escort them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those
+who should have them in their care, Etzel's power did guard them on all
+their ways, so that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With
+great speed they hasted towards Etzel's land. To all the friends they
+wot of, they made known that in a short time the Burgundians would come
+hither from the Rhine to the Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too,
+the tale was told. As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren, men
+delayed not to tell Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's wife. Merry she
+grew that she should see them. Men saw the minstrels hasting with the
+tidings. They found King Etzel in the town of Gran. (2) Greeting after
+greeting they gave the king, of which full many had been sent him. He
+blushed for very joy.
+
+Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her
+brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts
+as meed. This was done for honor's sake. She spake: "Now tell me, both
+of you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to be at the
+feast? Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? Pray
+tell me what Hagen said when he heard the tale."
+
+The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council,
+and but little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the
+journey hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the
+wrathful Hagen. Your brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly
+mood. Whoever else may come, this tale I know not of a surety. The brave
+minstrel Folker vowed to ride along."
+
+"Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of
+Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may
+see him here."
+
+Then the queen went to where she saw the king. How lovingly Dame
+Kriemhild spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have
+ever craved, shall now be brought to pass."
+
+"Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe
+of mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the
+kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."
+
+King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with
+benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard
+from them mickle weeping.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.
+   (2)  "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the
+        Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles
+        northwest of Budapest.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. More
+high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any
+king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The
+ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1)
+as I have heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those
+they left at home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now
+borne across the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer
+to fair Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting. May God
+preserve their honor there."
+
+The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good
+knights. Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this
+land lay dead."
+
+"Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say
+the proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of honors. I wish
+that my lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to
+Etzel's land. The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full
+well, where we shall behold Kriemhild's feast."
+
+Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have
+advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude
+words. Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake:
+"Because of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."
+
+At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when
+it please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to
+Etzel's land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.
+
+The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men
+bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then
+full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised
+upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade
+his fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately
+knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they
+should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love
+caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.
+
+Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would
+hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must
+bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and
+was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and
+lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings
+from Kriemhild have never thought me good."
+
+"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well
+the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes
+King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."
+
+The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who
+lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many
+a stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were
+seen go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly
+there. Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them
+great harm. This doth never ease the heart.
+
+The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty
+turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and
+wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily
+along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong,
+who had left many comely dames at home whom they never saw again.
+Siegfried's wounds gave Kriemhild pain.
+
+Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up
+through Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot
+the way. Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As
+they rode away from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men
+could tell the princes and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their
+lordly bearing. On the twelfth morning the king came to the Danube.
+Hagen of Troneg rode foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs
+helpful cheer. On the sandy shore the bold knight dismounted and bound
+his steed full soon to a tree. The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden
+away. Great fear the Nibelungs had, as to how they might come across,
+for the stream was much too broad. Full many a lusty knight alighted on
+the ground.
+
+"Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the
+Rhine. Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is
+mighty. Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."
+
+"Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own
+prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the
+other bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."
+
+"Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown
+me in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel's
+lands. That will I well. Stay by the water's side, ye proud knights and
+good, and I will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall
+ferry us across to Gelfrat's (4) land."
+
+Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The
+shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it
+was. Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely
+it cut on either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the
+splash of water and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5)
+were bathing for to cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward
+them stealthily. When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to
+escape him; glad enow they were of this. The hero took their clothes,
+but did them naught else of harm.
+
+Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight
+Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds again, bold
+knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."
+
+Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought
+their senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell
+him. Well they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye
+may safely ride to Etzel's land. I'll stake my troth at once as pledge,
+that heroes never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now
+believe that in truth."
+
+In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their
+clothes and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they
+told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's land. The other mermaid spake
+(Siegelind she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For
+the sake of her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An' thou comest to
+the Huns, thou wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn
+again, for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land. Whose
+rideth hither, hath taken death by the hand."
+
+Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. How might it come to pass
+that we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"
+
+Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake
+again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king's
+chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to
+Gunther's land."
+
+Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my
+lords that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over
+the stream, thou wisest of all wives."
+
+She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder
+where an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and
+elsewhere none."
+
+At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior
+she called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in
+haste. List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank.
+The lord of these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is
+hight Knight Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. 'Twill go hard with
+you, an' ye will cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full
+wisely with the ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you
+live, unless be that ye have your wits about you with the knight. An'
+ye will that he guide you, then give him his meed. He guardeth this land
+and is liegeman unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across
+the flood and say, ye hight Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that;
+because of a feud did void this land. The ferryman will come when he
+heareth this name."
+
+Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his
+peace. Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore,
+to where he found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call
+across the flood: "Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good
+knight, "and I will give thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know,
+that of this passage I have great need in truth."
+
+So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore
+he full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty
+of mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood.
+He called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and
+great was the hero's strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's
+liegeman, that because of a great feud did void these lands."
+
+High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it
+was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat's land.
+The haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar
+in hand. As he would earn Hagen's gold so red, therefore he died the
+sword-grim death at the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods
+(10) doth give an evil end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the
+sandy bank. When he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he
+grew in earnest. When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the
+hero: "Ye may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom
+I weened here. By father and by mother he was my brother. Sith ye have
+bewrayed me, ye may stay on this hither shore."
+
+"No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and
+have warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me
+over. I am in truth your friend."
+
+The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes,
+wherefore I never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life,
+step out quickly on the sand."
+
+"Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from
+me as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just
+as many men."
+
+The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done." He raised a mighty
+rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew
+at this), so that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg
+had never met so fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the
+haughty stranger. He smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11)
+over Hagen's head (a man of might was he); from this the ferryman of
+Else took great harm. Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his
+sheath, wherein he found his sword. His head he struck off and cast
+it on the ground. Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the proud
+Burgundians. At the very moment that he slew the boatman, the skiff gan
+drifting down the stream. Enow that irked him. Weary he grew before he
+brought it back. King Gunther's liegeman pulled with might and main.
+With passing swift strokes the stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar
+snapped in his hand. He would hence to the knights out upon the shore.
+None other oar he had. Ho, how quickly he bound it with a shield strap,
+a narrow band! Towards a wood he floated down the stream, where he found
+his sovran standing by the shore.
+
+Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good
+received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the
+blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen
+was plied enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther
+spied the hot blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake:
+"Wherefore tell ye me not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween
+your prowess hath bereft him of his life."
+
+At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow
+tree, I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor
+hath harm happed to any one through fault of mine."
+
+Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear
+friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come
+over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."
+
+Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the
+grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one
+might find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to
+Gelfrat's land."
+
+They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the
+flood; passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not
+a one. Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their
+weariness. Then the knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith
+there was no help for the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so
+he ferried full many mighty warriors over to the sandy shore, into the
+unknown land. First he took across a thousand noble knights, then his
+own men-at-arms. Still there were more to come. Nine thousand footmen he
+ferried over to the land. Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day. When
+he had carried them all safe across the flood, the doughty knight and
+good bethought him of the strange tales which the wild mermaids had told
+him afore. For this cause the king's chaplain near lost his life. He
+found the priest close by the chapel luggage, leaning with his hand upon
+the relics. Little might that boot him. When Hagen spied him, ill fared
+it with the hapless priest; he threw him from the skiff in haste. Enow
+of them called out: "Hold on, Sir Hagen, hold!"
+
+Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then
+spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the
+chaplain's death? Had another done the deed, 'twould have irked you
+sore. For what cause have ye sworn enmity to the priest?"
+
+The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain
+save his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be,
+for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom,
+the which thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help,
+he turned him back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could
+not swim, yet did God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound
+to the land again. There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen
+marked thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which the
+wild mermaids told him. Him-thought: "These knights must lose their
+lives."
+
+When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne
+all away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it
+in the flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.
+
+"Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come
+over, when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"
+
+Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I
+do it in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through
+faint-heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a
+shameful death."
+
+They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which
+was named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did,
+it thought the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters
+laden well. On the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save
+the king's chaplain alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the
+Rhine again.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "a thousand and sixty".  This does not agree with the
+        account in Adventure XXIV, where we read of a thousand of
+        Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.
+        The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later
+        interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a
+        thousand all told.
+   (2)  "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient
+        province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east
+        of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,
+        Würzburg and Barnberg.  In _Biterolf_ Dietlieb journeys
+        through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.
+   (3)  "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of
+        "Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.
+   (4)  "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",
+        mentioned below.  Their father's name was also Else.
+   (5)  "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of
+        German mythology.  While it is not specifically mentioned,
+        it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are
+        also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an
+        important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift
+        of prophecy.  They appear in the form of swans, and the
+        strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to
+        the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled
+        Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings.  On bathing
+        they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession
+        of it has them in his power.  This explains their eagerness
+        to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments
+        to them.  For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",
+        355.
+   (6)  "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely
+        a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies
+        'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and
+        the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen
+        is the son of an elf by the same mother.
+   (7)  Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is
+        called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same
+        name.  See Adventure XXV, note 4.
+   (8)  "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.
+   (9)  "Spear".  It was the custom to offer presents on a spear
+        point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously
+        using his sword.  Compare the similar description in the
+        "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
+        be received with the spear.
+   (10) "Goods".  In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
+        for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
+        marriage and the desire for wealth.
+   (11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
+   (12) "Clerk", 'priest'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
+
+Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show
+us the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"
+
+Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."
+
+"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh
+right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll
+make you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land.
+Two mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back
+again. I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes,
+for we have mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike
+guise. I thought to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none
+of us would come home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore
+would I fain have drowned him to-day."
+
+These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from
+woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's
+court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering,
+(2) where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I
+have gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew
+this same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now
+lay on boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they
+match our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill
+not be left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we
+be a-fleeing on the road."
+
+"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but
+who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"
+
+They answered: "This let Folker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both
+road and path."
+
+Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing
+there well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was
+his fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was
+red. Later with the kings he fell into direst need.
+
+Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's
+ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they
+sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short
+time, as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who
+had wrought scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven
+hundred or more were come to Gelfrat. When they began to ride after
+their savage foes, their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too
+strong they hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their
+wrath. Therefore many of the lordings' friends were later lost.
+
+Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his
+kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen
+and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.
+
+The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared
+both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the
+Bavarian land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On
+either side of the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat
+of hoofs. Their foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart:
+"They purpose to attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be
+well to do."
+
+They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom
+they spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his
+peace; he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"
+
+To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria:
+"We seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew
+my ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his
+hands."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault
+was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I
+had great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I
+offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir
+Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar.
+At this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger
+with a grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as
+doth think thee best."
+
+"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode
+hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live;
+the knight must stand for the ferryman's life."
+
+Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;
+each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously;
+they tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever
+prove each other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by
+Gelfrat's hand. His martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall.
+The crash of shafts resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the
+thrust afore had come to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I
+trow, he was not gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their
+steeds, I know not; both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and
+rushed together. Their fellowship helped thereby and became acquaint
+with strife. Albeit Hagen sprang at Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave
+smote from his shield a mickle piece, so that the sparks flew wide. Full
+nigh did Gunther's liegeman die therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart:
+"O help, dear brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he
+will not spare my life."
+
+At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."
+
+The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a
+blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but
+he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had
+been slain, he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained
+with grim death behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in
+flight from Gunther's men.
+
+When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the
+savage blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes;
+they were in passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then
+spake Dankwart, the knight, in their pursuit: "Let us turn soon on this
+road and let them ride, for they be wet with blood. Haste we to our
+friends, this I advise you of a truth."
+
+When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg
+spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost
+in the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."
+
+Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid
+for dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were
+slain. From their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed
+and wet. Through the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining
+moon, as Hagen spake again: "Let none make known to my dear lords what
+we have wrought here to-day. Let them rest without care until the morn."
+
+When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was
+full weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a
+man.
+
+Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must
+all ride until the day be come."
+
+The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the
+marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest
+and our dear lords as well?"
+
+Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till
+it begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay us down upon
+the grass."
+
+How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained
+unmarked with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his
+gleaming light against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld
+that they had fought. Wrathfully the hero spake: "How now, friend Hagen?
+I ween, ye scorned to have me with you when your rings grew wet with
+blood? Who hath done this?"
+
+Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked
+because of his ferryman. Then my brother's hand smote Gelfrat down. Else
+soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them
+and but four of ours lay dead in the strife."
+
+We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the folk
+of the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode to court.
+Later they were well received at Passau. The uncle of the noble king,
+the Bishop Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his nephews came to his land
+with so many knights. That he bare them good will, they learned full
+soon. Well were they greeted, too, by friends along the way, sith men
+could not lodge them all at Passau. They had to cross the stream to
+where they found a field on which they set up pavilions and costly
+tents. All one day they must needs stay there, and a full night too.
+What good cheer men gave them! After that they had to ride to Rudeger's
+land, to whom the tidings were brought full soon. When the way-worn
+warriors had rested them and came nearer to the Hunnish land, they found
+a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen of Troneg won a sturdy
+sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart (3) in truth; sad of mood he
+grew, that he lost his weapon through the journey of the knights. They
+found Rudeger's marches guarded ill.
+
+"Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the
+Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight
+Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"
+
+When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his sword
+and six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art
+my friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the
+marches."
+
+"God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey
+to the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you
+here. I counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."
+
+"Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and
+their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement,
+where we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by
+the distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We
+find naught anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his
+courtesie would give us of his bread to-night."
+
+Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that full
+seldom have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an'
+ye will seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway
+and is the best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to
+courtesie, as the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry
+of mood, when he can serve good knights."
+
+At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my
+dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I
+will repay thee this, as best I ever can."
+
+"Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good
+will he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard,
+to whom none such pleasing news had come in many a day.
+
+At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried
+him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of
+Kriemhild."
+
+He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet
+the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The
+tales he brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were
+straightway told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of
+the Burgundian land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have
+sent me hither to you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service.
+Hagen and Folker, too, eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I'll
+tell you, that the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that
+the good knights have passing need of your lodgement."
+
+Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that
+the high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them.
+Merry and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my house."
+
+"Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your
+house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and
+nine thousand men-at-arms."
+
+Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests,
+that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as
+yet full seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my
+men."
+
+Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them
+right, which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their
+service. As yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXVI".  This adventure is a late interpolation,
+        as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga".  Originally the
+        river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's
+        kingdom.
+   (2)  "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and
+        Ingolstadt.  In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the
+        mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",
+        whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring.  This may be the
+        original form of the account and the form here contaminated.
+        See Boer, i, 134.
+   (3)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.  It will be remembered
+        that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then
+        stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and
+        finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court.  Originally he
+        must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.
+        Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in
+        the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side
+        of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,
+        he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to
+        Rudeger.  His sleeping here may, however, be thought to
+        indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+
+Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his
+daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard,
+that the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house.
+"My dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble
+high-born kings, when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye
+must give fair greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther's man. With them there
+cometh one also, hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen
+with courtesie. Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the
+knights with gentle breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they
+were to do it. From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which
+they would go to meet the warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on
+that day. Men saw but little of false colors on the ladies' cheeks;
+upon their heads they wore bright bands of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these
+were, that the winds might not dishevel their comely hair, and this is
+true i' faith.
+
+Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the
+plain was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the lordings,
+whom men then received well into the margrave's land. When the margrave,
+the doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake:
+"Be ye welcome, fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you
+in my land." Low obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without
+all hate. That he bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen
+he gave a special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker
+from Burgundy land he did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold
+knight spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for
+our men-at-arms whom we have brought?"
+
+Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship.
+I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds
+and trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not
+even a single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye
+lose I'll pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."
+
+Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made
+merry. When that was done, the lordings rode away and the footmen laid
+them everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had; I ween, they never
+fared so gently on the way. The noble margravine with her fair daughter
+was come out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the lovely
+ladies and many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely
+robes they wore. The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing
+costly weeds. Fair indeed were they fashioned.
+
+Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great
+courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and
+many other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could
+wish, went forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings
+were given there by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three
+kings, as did her mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father
+bade her kiss him, but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful
+that she had fain left it undone. Yet she must needs perform what the
+host now bade her do. Her color changed first pale then red. Dankwart,
+too, she kissed, and then the minstrel. For his great prowess was this
+greeting given. The young margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher
+of the Burgundian land. The same her mother did to Gunther, the valiant
+man. Full merrily they went hence with the heroes. The host walked at
+Gernot's side into a broad hall, where the knights and ladies sate them
+down. Soon they bade pour out for the guests good wine. Certes, heroes
+might never be better purveyed than they. Rudeger's daughter was gazed
+upon with loving glances, so fair she was. Forsooth many a good knight
+caressed her in his mind. And well did she deserve this, so high she was
+of mood. The knights thought what they would, but it might not come to
+pass. Back and forth shot the glances at maids and dames. Of them sate
+there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host good will.
+
+Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different
+sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers
+in lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went
+to table, but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by
+right. The guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.
+
+When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again
+into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake
+Folker, this brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel
+spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for
+he hath given you a passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An'
+I were a prince," quoth the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would
+fain have to wife your comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is
+lovely for to see, thereto noble and good."
+
+Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever
+crave the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth
+in such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"
+
+To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have a love
+after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."
+
+Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take
+a wife. The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen
+would gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."
+
+This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed
+it joyed their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble
+Giselher took her to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what
+shall be joined together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and
+swore to give him the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely
+fair. For the maiden they set castles and land aside, and this the hand
+of the noble king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that
+this should hap.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will
+ever serve you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my
+daughter, as an hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please
+the hero's kin in honor."
+
+After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a
+youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts,
+as young folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid
+whether she would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet
+she thought to take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as
+many another maid hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer
+yes, and gladly take him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and
+clasped her in his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy
+him.
+
+Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride
+again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child,
+that ye may take her with you."
+
+This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy.
+They bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep
+and rest them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the
+host purveyed them well.
+
+When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands.
+"I'll guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry
+still, for full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."
+
+To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find
+the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors
+another night?"
+
+When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech. My dear
+lords, ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I'd give you vittaile for a
+fortnight, with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King
+Etzel hath taken from me as yet full little of my goods."
+
+However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the
+fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that
+it was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer
+might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger
+wot how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could
+not but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before
+the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights.
+In their hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel's
+land. Before the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had
+proffered everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in
+mickle honors. To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther,
+the worshipful knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail,
+which the noble and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low
+over noble Rudeger's hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow,
+the which he later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the
+margrave's wife begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rudeger was
+forced to lose his life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well
+befit her. He took it, sith the king had taken one, that he should
+not fare forth from her to the feasting, without her present. Later he
+gainsayed it. "Of all that I have ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to
+bear naught else save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that
+with me into Etzel's land."
+
+When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her
+grief--tears became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung's (3)
+death, whom Wittich had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow.
+To the knight she spake: "I'll give you the shield. Would to God in
+heaven, that he still lived who bare it once in hand. He met his death
+in battle; for him must I ever weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire
+woe."
+
+The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she
+seized the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand.
+This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk
+concealed its colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the
+daylight never shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its
+cost, 'twere well worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be
+borne away.
+
+Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave's daughter gave great
+store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing
+lordly wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have
+come into the hands of any, save through the kindness of the host,
+who proffered them so fair. Later they became such foes that they were
+forced to strike him dead.
+
+Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before
+Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took
+his leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest.
+Now hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and
+placed them on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and
+wear them at court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell
+me how ye have served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he
+later carried out full well.
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier,
+for I myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm
+you on the road."
+
+Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five
+hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full
+merrily hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive
+to Bechelaren. With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did
+Giselher, as his gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they
+clasped fair wives. This many a high-born maid must needs bewail in
+later times. On every side they opened the casements, for the host with
+his liegemen would now mount their steeds. I ween their hearts did tell
+them of the bitter woes to come. Then wept many a dame and many a comely
+maid. They pined for their dear kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw in
+Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily across the sand, down along the
+Danube to the Hunnish land.
+
+Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians:
+"Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left
+unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."
+
+So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side
+'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine.
+Naught could have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before
+the envoys hasted with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in
+the Hunnish land.
+
+"Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be
+coming in great state to visit thee."
+
+Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see
+her kin, as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her
+fatherland. The king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very
+pleasure. "Now well is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen
+bring with them many a brand-new shield and white coat of mail. He who
+would have gold, let him bethink him of my sorrows, and I'll ever be his
+friend."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.
+   (2)  "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.
+   (3)  "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.
+        335, by "Vidga" (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of
+        Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport.  There,
+        chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and
+        the "Rosengarten" he is her son.
+   (4)  "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.
+
+When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne
+did hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him
+welcome well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade
+fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to
+where he thought to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full
+many a lordly tent. When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to
+his lords he spake in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise
+from your seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder
+cometh a fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights from
+the Amelung land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead--high-mettled
+warriors they. Scorn not the service that they proffer."
+
+Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right,
+many a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where
+they found the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the
+Burgundian land. Ye may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of
+Uta, as he saw them coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he
+weened that Rudeger wist it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome,
+fair sirs, Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and
+the doughty Dankwart. Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely
+for the hero of the Nibelung land?"
+
+"Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years,
+done to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not
+again, he hath long been buried."
+
+"Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still live,
+scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope
+of the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."
+
+"Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys
+(why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him,
+hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."
+
+"Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good
+knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady
+Kriemhild's mood."
+
+Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too,
+went and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne,
+what ye do know of the queen's mood?"
+
+Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I
+hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God
+of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."
+
+"That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be
+turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty
+knights among the Huns."
+
+The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after
+the fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what
+manner of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales,
+that he had slain Kriemhild's husband the mightiest of all heroes. For
+that cause alone much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The
+knight was fair of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the
+breast; his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his
+glance; lordly gait he had.
+
+Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship was
+placed apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and
+therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart,
+Hagen's brother, he was marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his
+followers, that he purvey them well and give them enow to eat; The hero
+of Burgundy bare them all good will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her
+maids-in-waiting to where, false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.
+Giselher alone she kissed and took by the hand. That Hagen of Troneg
+saw, and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,
+"doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth kings a greeting
+different from their men. We have not made a good journey to this
+feast." (4)
+
+She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not
+for your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the
+Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"
+
+"Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had
+bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to
+this land."
+
+"Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It
+was mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to
+Etzel's land."
+
+"I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care
+of the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it
+must verily lie till doomsday."
+
+Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of
+it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in
+my care. Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."
+
+"The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with
+my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand,
+therefore I bring you naught."
+
+Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring
+weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll have them taken
+in charge."
+
+"I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not
+the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other
+arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I
+myself will play the chamberlain."
+
+"Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my
+brother not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and
+wist I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."
+
+To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned the
+noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go
+to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."
+
+Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir
+Dietrich. At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with
+furious glance upon her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other
+quickly by the hand, the one was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With
+gentle breeding the lusty hero spake: "Forsooth I rue your coming to the
+Huns, because of what the queen hath said."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."
+
+Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and
+therefore he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty
+king, "who yonder warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such
+friendly wise. He carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is
+sure a doughty knight."
+
+A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from
+Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a
+grim man is he. I'll let you see full well that I have told no lie."
+
+"How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he
+wist not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her
+kin, so that she let none escape from the Huns alive.
+
+"Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court
+gained mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my
+gold. The faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known
+Hagen every whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther
+of Spain. (6) Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again,
+Walther ran away with Hildegund."
+
+He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied
+aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman
+service. Later in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich.
+        He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".
+   (2)  "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew.  In the "Thidreksaga" he
+        falls in the battle of Gronsport.
+   (3)  "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land
+        appears.  Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged
+        to the race of the Amali.
+   (4)  "Feast".  That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was
+        innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.
+   (5)  "Vassal".  No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at
+        Etzel's court.  He is probably confused here with his son,
+        for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in
+        our poem a few lines further down.
+   (6)  "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary
+        personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin
+        epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"
+        tell.  He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the
+        Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related
+        here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering
+        numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in
+        the other sources against the Burgundians.  In both cases
+        Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at
+        first, out of friendship for Walther.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.
+
+Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and
+Sir Dietrich. Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a
+comrade-at-arms, whom he then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning
+fiddler, stand by Giselher, and begged him to join him, for well he knew
+his savage mood. He was in all things a bold knight and a good. Still
+they let the lordings stand in the court, only these twain alone men saw
+walk hence far across the court before a spacious palace. These chosen
+warriors feared the hate of none. They sate them down upon a bench
+before the house over against a hall, the which belonged to Kriemhild.
+Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds. Enow who gazed upon them
+would than have known the knights; as wild beasts the haughty heroes
+were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too, gazed upon
+them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again. Of her
+sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered Etzel's
+men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen hath
+done, ye heroes brave and good."
+
+To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see
+you joyful? None there be so bold, an' he hath done you aught, but it
+will cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you."
+
+"Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all
+he craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen; "avenge me on Hagen,
+that he lose his life."
+
+Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake. They
+would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With
+forethought this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim
+of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give
+over. With so few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong
+and bold Hagen of Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the
+fiddler, is stronger still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not
+so lightly match these knights."
+
+When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them
+ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes
+later fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the
+queen spake to the doughty knights: "Now bide a while, ye must stand
+quite still in truth. Wearing my crown, I will go to meet my foes. List
+ye to the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me. I
+know him to be so haughty that he'll not deny a whit. Little I reek what
+hap to him on this account."
+
+Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the
+flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw
+this, to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how
+she walketh yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have
+never seen with a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such
+warlike guise. Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If
+so be, I counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. Certes,
+methinks this good. They be wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and
+some be so broad of chest that he who would guard himself should do so
+betimes. I ween there be those among them who wear bright breastplates.
+Whom they would attack, I cannot say."
+
+Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all
+this be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in
+hand. For aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land.
+Now tell me, friend Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance
+Kriemhild's men would fight me? Pray let me hear that, if so be ye hold
+me dear. I'll aid you evermore with faithful service."
+
+"I'll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the king
+with all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I yield from fear
+in aiding you, the while I live."
+
+"Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they strive
+against me, what need I more? Sith ye will help me, as I hear you say,
+let these warriors come on full-armed."
+
+"Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel. "Let us do her
+honor as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. We shall
+thereby honor ourselves as well."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "Should I go hence, these knights would
+think 'twas through fear. Not for one of them will I ever rise from my
+seat. It beseemeth us both better, forsooth, to leave this undone, for
+why should I honor one who doth bear me hatred? Nor will I do this, the
+while I live; I reck not how King Etzel's wife doth hate me."
+
+Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose pommel
+a sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine. Its hilt was golden,
+its sheath an edging of red. That it was Siegfried's, Kriemhild knew
+full well. She must needs grow sad when that she knew the sword, for it
+minded her of her wrongs; she began to weep. I ween bold Hagen had done
+it for this cause. Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle
+bow, strong, mickle, and long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there
+the two lusty knights sate undaunted. These two brave men did think
+themselves so lordly, that they would not leave their seats through fear
+of any man. The noble queen walked therefore to their very feet and gave
+them hostile greeting. She spake: "Now tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for
+you, that ye durst ride hither to this land, sith ye know full well what
+ye have done me? Had ye good wits, ye should have left it undone, by
+rights."
+
+"No one sent for me," quoth Hagen. "Men bade to this land three knights,
+who hight my lords. I am their liegeman, and full seldom have I stayed
+behind when they journeyed to any court."
+
+Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the which ye
+have earned my hate? Ye slew Siegfried, my dear husband, for which I
+have cause enow to weep until mine end."
+
+Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said. It is just I, Hagen,
+who slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands. How sorely did he atone that
+Lady Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild. 'Tis not to be denied, O
+mighty queen, I alone am to blame for this scathful scathe. (1) Let him
+avenge it who will, be he wife or man. Unless be I should lie to you, I
+have dons you much of harm."
+
+Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my wrongs.
+Men of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this cause."
+
+The proud warriors all gazed at one another. Had any began the fight,
+it would have come about that men must have given the honors to the two
+comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in the fray. What the Huns
+had weened to do must now needs be left undone through fear.
+
+Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me? What I afore
+vowed, I will now give over. I will lose my life for no man's gift.
+Forsooth King Etzel's wife would fain lead us into wrong."
+
+Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I. An' any give me
+towers of good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for his fearful
+glances, the which I have seen him cast. Hagen, too, I have known from
+his youthful days, wherefore men can tell me little of this knight.
+I have seen him fight in two and twenty battles, through which woe of
+heart hath happed to many a dame. He and the knight from Spain trod many
+a war path, when here at Etzel's court they waged so many wars in honor
+of the king. Much this happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen. At
+that time the warrior was of his years a lad. How gray are they who then
+were young! Now is he come to wit and is a man full grim. Balmung, (2)
+too, he beareth, the which he won in evil wise."
+
+Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which mightily
+rued the queen. The warriors turned them hence; in sooth they feared
+their death at the fiddler's hands, and surely they had need of this.
+Then spake the fiddler: "We have now well seen that we shall find foes
+here, as we heard tell afore. Let us go to court now to the kings, then
+dare none match our lords in fight. How oft a man doth leave a thing
+undone through fear, the which he would not do, when friend standeth by
+friend in friendly (3) wise, an' he have good wits. Scathe to many a man
+is lightly warded off by forethought."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."
+
+They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the court
+in a great press of welcoming knights.
+
+Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye stand and
+let yourselves be jostled? Ye must go to court and hear from the king of
+what mind he be."
+
+Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off. The prince of Berne
+took by the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land. Irnfried (4)
+took the brave knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen to go to court with
+Giselher. But however any paired, Folker and Hagen never parted, save
+in one fray, when their end was come, and this noble ladies must needs
+greatly bewail in after time. With the kings one saw go to court a
+thousand brave men of their fellowship, thereto sixty champions that
+were come with them, whom the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart
+and Iring, (5) two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the
+kings. Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their
+chivalry before all eyes.
+
+When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel
+delayed no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him
+come. Never did so fair a greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome,
+Sir Gunther, and Sir Gernot, too, and your brother Giselher. I sent
+you truly my faithful service to Worms beyond the Rhine. All your
+fellowship, too, I welcome. Now be ye passing welcome, ye two knights,
+Folker, the brave, and Sir Hagen likewise, to me and to my lady, here in
+this our land. She sent you many a messenger to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were I not
+come to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have ridden in your
+honor to this land."
+
+The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them to the
+settle where he sate himself. Busily they poured out for the guests in
+broad bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and bade those far from
+home be welcome. Then spake King Etzel: "Let me tell you this; it might
+not liefer hap to me in all this world, than through you heroes, that
+ye be come to see me. Through this much sadness is also taken from the
+queen. Me-wondereth greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that
+ye never recked to come into my land. My sadness is turned to joy, since
+now I see you here."
+
+To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be glad to
+see them. Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my lady wot how to use
+so well. They bring also to your house many a stately knight."
+
+Upon a midsummer's eve the lords were come to the court of the mighty
+Etzel. Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting as when he
+welcomed the heroes. When now the time to eat was come, the king went
+with them to the board. Never did host sit fairer with his guests. Men
+gave them meat and drink to the full. All that they craved stood ready
+for them, for mickle wonders had been told about these knights.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden
+        scedelich".
+   (2)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (3)  "friend... friendly".  This repetition occurs in the
+        original.
+   (4)  "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.
+   (5)  "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.
+   (6)  "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry
+        wine, is a beverage composed of honey flavored with
+        mulberry-juice.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch.
+
+The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh. Care beset the wayworn
+travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest them. This Hagen
+bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.
+
+Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to our
+sleep, pray give us leave. We will come early on the morrow, whensoever
+ye bid."
+
+Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests. Men pressed the
+strangers on every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns: "How
+dare ye crowd before the warriors' feet? An' ye will not leave this, ye
+will fare full ill. I'll smite some man so heavy a fiddle blow, that
+if he have a faithful friend he may well bewail it. Why give ye not way
+before us knights? Methinks 'twere well. All pass for knights, but be
+not of equal mettle."
+
+As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked behind him.
+He spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right, ye men of Kriemhild,
+ye should hie you to your lodgings. I ween none of you will do what ye
+are minded, but would ye begin aught, come early on the morrow, and
+let us wanderers have peace to-night. Certes, I ween that it hath never
+happed with such good will on the part of heroes."
+
+Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they found
+purveyed on every side with costly beds, long and broad, for the
+warriors. Lady Kriemhild planned the very greatest wrongs against them.
+One saw there many a cunningly wrought quilt from Arras (1) of shining
+silken cloth and many a coverlet of Arabian silk, the best that might be
+had; upon this ran a border that shone in princely wise. Many bed covers
+of ermine and of black sable were seen, beneath which they should have
+their ease at night, until the dawn of day. Never hath king lain so
+lordly with his meiny.
+
+"Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and alas
+for my friends, who be come with us. However kindly my sister greeted
+us, yet I do fear me that through her fault we must soon lie dead."
+
+"Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I'll stand watch
+myself to-night. I trow to guard us well, until the day doth come.
+Therefore have no fear; after that, let him survive who may."
+
+All bowed low and said him gramercy. Then went they to their beds. A
+short while after the stately men had laid them down, bold Hagen, the
+hero, began to arm him. Then the fiddler, Knight Folker, spake: "If it
+scorn you not, Hagen, I would fain hold the watch with you to-night,
+until the early morn."
+
+The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven requite
+you, dear Folker. In all my cares, I would crave none other than you
+alone, whenever I had need. I shall repay you well, and death hinder me
+not."
+
+Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield in hand,
+walked out of the house and stood before the door. Thus they cared for
+the guests in faithful wise. The doughty Folker leaned his good shield
+against the side of the hall, then turned him back and fetched his
+fiddle and served his friends as well befit the hero. Beneath the door
+of the house he sate him down upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there
+never. When the tones of the strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud
+wanderers gave Folker thanks. At first the strings twanged so that the
+whole house resounded; his strength and his skill were both passing
+great. Then sweeter and softer he began to play, and thus many a
+care-worn man he lulled to sleep. When he marked that all had fallen
+asleep, the knight took again his shield and left the room and took
+his stand before the tower, and there he guarded the wanderers against
+Kriemhild's men.
+
+'Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it happed a
+little earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a helmet afar in
+the darkness. Kriemhild's men would fain have harmed the guests. Then
+the fiddler spake: "Sir Hagen, my friend, it behooveth us to bear these
+cares together. Before the house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I
+ween, they would encounter us!"
+
+"Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be ware
+of us. Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the hands of us
+twain. They will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil plight."
+
+One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that the door
+was guarded. How quickly then he spake: "That which we have in mind may
+not now come to pass. I see the fiddler stand on guard. On his head he
+weareth a glittering helmet, shining and hard, strong and whole. His
+armor rings flash out like fire. By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the
+guests be guarded well."
+
+Straightway they turned again. When Folker saw this, wrathfully he spake
+to his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to the warriors. I
+would fain put some questions to Lady Kriemhild's men."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the doughty
+knights are like to bring you in such stress with their swords, that I
+must aid you even should it be the death of all my kin. As soon as we
+be come into the fray, twain of them, or four, would in a short time run
+into the house and would bring such scathe upon the sleepers, that we
+might never cease to mourn."
+
+Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note that I
+have seen them, so that Kriemhild's men may not deny that they would
+fain have acted faithlessly."
+
+Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus armed, ye
+doughty knights? Would ye ride to rob, ye men of Kriemhild? Then must ye
+have the help of me and my comrade-at-arms."
+
+To this none made reply. Angry grew his mood. "Fy! Ye evil cowards,"
+spake the good knight, "would ye have murdered us asleep? That hath been
+done full seldom to such good heroes."
+
+Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught.
+Rightly it did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another plan.
+Through this brave heroes and good must needs thereafter perish.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands.
+        In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXI. (1) How They Went To Church.
+
+"My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker. "I ween the night hath run
+its course. By the air I mark that day is near."
+
+Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping. The light of
+dawn shone into the hall upon the strangers. On all sides Hagen gan wake
+the warriors, if perchance they would fain go to the minster for
+mass. Men now loudly rang the bells in Christian fashion. Heathens and
+Christians did not sing alike, so that it was seen full well that they
+were not as one. Gunther's liegemen now would go to church, and all
+alike had risen from their beds. The champions laced them into such
+goodly garments, that never did hero bring better clothes to the land of
+any king. This vexed Hagen. He spake: "Heroes, ye should wear here other
+clothes. Certes, ye know full well the tales. Instead of roses, bear
+weapons in your hands; instead of jeweled chaplets, your bright helms
+and good, sith ye know full well the wicked Kriemhild's mood. Let
+me tell you, we must fight to-day, so instead of silken shirts, wear
+hauberks, and instead of rich cloaks, good shields and broad, so that if
+any grow angry with you, ye be full armed. Dear my lords, and all my kin
+and liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint to the mighty God
+of your fears and need, for know full sure that death draweth nigh us.
+Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done and stand full
+zealously before your God. Of this I warn you, noble knights, unless God
+in heaven so will, ye'll never more hear mass."
+
+So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster. In the holy
+churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not be parted.
+He spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to us from the Huns.
+Place, my friends, your shields before your feet, and if any proffer
+you cold greeting, repay it with deep and mortal wounds. That is Hagen's
+counsel, that ye may so be found as doth befit your honor."
+
+Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious minster.
+This was done that the queen might press upon them in the crowd. Certes,
+she was passing grim. Then came the lord of the land and his fair wife,
+her body adorned with rich apparel; Doughty warriors, too, were seen to
+walk beside her. One saw the dust rise high from Kriemhild's band. When
+mighty Etzel spied the kings and their fellowship thus armed, how quick
+he spake: "Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets? Upon my troth,
+it grieveth me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make
+amends, as doth think them good. Hath any made heavy their hearts or
+mood, I'll show them well, that it doth irk me much. I am ready for
+whatever they command me."
+
+To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the custom of my
+lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for full three days. We
+should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."
+
+Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake. How right hostilely she
+gazed into his eyes! She would not tell the custom of their land, albeit
+she had known it long in Burgundy. However grim and strong the hate
+she bare them, yet had any told Etzel the truth, he would have surely
+hindered what later happed. Because of their great haughtiness they
+scorned to tell him. When the great crowd went past with the queen,
+these twain, Hagen and Folker, would not step back more than two
+hand-breadths, the which irked the Huns. Forsooth they had to jostle
+with the lusty heroes. This thought King Etzel's chamberlains not good.
+Certes, they would have fain angered the champions, but that they durst
+not before the noble king. So there was much jostling, but nothing more.
+
+When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish
+warrior horsed him passing soon. At Kriemhild's side stood many a comely
+maid, and well seven thousand knights rode with the queen. Kriemhild
+with her ladies sate her down at the easements by the side of the mighty
+Etzel, which was him lief, for they would watch the lusty heroes joust.
+Ho, what stranger knights rode before them in the court! Then was come
+the marshal with the squires. Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord's
+retainers from the Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they
+found well saddled. When now the kings and their men were come to horse,
+stalwart Folker gan advise that they should ride a joust after the
+fashion of their land. At this the heroes rode in lordly wise; none it
+irked what the knight had counseled. The hurtling and the noise waxed
+loud, as the many men rode into the broad court. Etzel and Kriemhild
+themselves beheld the scene. To the jousts were come six hundred knights
+of Dietrich's men to match the strangers, for they would have pastime
+with the Burgundians. Fain would they have done it, had he given them
+leave. Ho, what good champions rode in their train! The tale was told to
+Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther's men; he feared for
+his liegemen, and well he might.
+
+When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of Rudeger
+from Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields, riding out before
+the hall. It would have been lief to the margrave, had they left it
+undone. Wisely he rode then to them through the press and said to his
+knights, that they were ware that Gunther's men were evil-minded toward
+them. If they would leave off the jousting, it would please him much.
+When now these lusty heroes parted from them, then came those of
+Thuringia, as we are told, and well a thousand brave men from Denmark.
+From the tilting one saw many truncheons (2) flying hence. Irnfried and
+Hawart now rode into the tourney. Proudly those from the Rhine awaited
+them and offered the men of Thuringia many a joust. Many a lordly shield
+was riddled by the thrusts. Thither came then Sir Bloedel with three
+thousand men. Well was he seen of Etzel and Kriemhild, for the knightly
+sports happed just before the twain. The queen saw it gladly, that the
+Burgundians might come to grief. Schrutan (3) and Gibecke, Ramung and
+Hornbog, (4) rode into the tourney in Hunnish wise. To the heroes from
+Burgundian land they addressed them. High above the roof of the royal
+hall the spear-shafts whirled. Whatever any there plied, 'twas but a
+friendly rout. Palace and hall were heard resounding loud through the
+clashing of the shields of Gunther's men. With great honor his meiny
+gained the meed. Their pastime was so mickle and so great, that from
+beneath the housings of the good steeds, which the heroes rode, there
+flowed the frothy sweat. In haughty wise they encountered with the Huns.
+
+Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these warriors
+dare not match us. I've aye heard the tale, that they bear us hate, and
+forsooth it might never fortune better for them than now." Again Folker
+spake: "Let our steeds be now led away to their lodgings and let us
+joust again toward eventide, and there be time. Perchance the queen may
+accord to the Burgundians the prize."
+
+Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the Huns
+could have done the like. Certes, he must have had a sweetheart on the
+battlements. As well attired he rode as the bride of any noble knight.
+At sight of him Folker spake again: "How could I give this over? This
+ladies' darling must have a buffet. None shall prevent me and it shall
+cost him dear. In truth I reck not, if it vex King Etzel's wife."
+
+"For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther. "The people will
+blame us, if we encounter them. 'Twill befit us better far, an' we let
+the Huns begin the strife."
+
+King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.
+
+"I'll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then. "Let the ladies and
+the knights behold how we can ride. That will be well, for they'll give
+no meed to King Gunther's men."
+
+The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave many a
+dame great dole. His spear he thrust through the body of the dapper Hun;
+this both maid and wife were seen thereafter to bewail. Full hard and
+fast gan Hagen and his liegemen and sixty of his knights ride towards
+the fiddler, where the play was on. This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly
+saw. The three kings would not leave their minstrel without guard amidst
+the foe. Cunningly a thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did
+whatso they would. When now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin
+cry out and wail. All the courtiers asked: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."
+
+The margrave's kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway for
+their swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to death. Fast
+the host gan hasten from the windows. Great rout arose from the folk on
+every side. The kings and their fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted
+before the hall and drove their horses to the rear. Then King Etzel came
+to part the strife. From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched
+a sturdy weapon and drove them all back again, for full great was his
+wrath. "Why should my courtesie to these knights go all for naught?
+Had ye slain this minstrel at my court," spake King Etzel, "'twere evil
+done. I saw full well how he rode, when he thrust through the Hun, that
+it happed through stumbling, without any fault of his. Ye must let my
+guests have peace."
+
+Thus he became their safe-guard. To the stalls men led away the steeds;
+many a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in every service.
+The host now hied him to his palace with his friends, nor would he let
+any man grow wroth again. Then men set up the tables and bare forth
+water for the guests. Forsooth the men from the Rhine had there enow of
+stalwart foes. 'Twas long before the lords were seated.
+
+Meanwhile Kriemhild's fears did trouble her passing sore. She spake: "My
+lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor, for mine affairs do
+stand in anxious wise."
+
+Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And any slay
+the Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it without my aid.
+It may well repent him, for they be still unconquered, these doughty and
+lusty knights."
+
+Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish, O
+mighty queen. Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I should
+crave to match these valiant knights in strife. Thy request honoreth
+thee little, most noble queen, that thou dost plot against the life of
+thy kinsfolk. They came in hope of friendship to this land. Siegfried
+will not be avenged by Dietrich's hand."
+
+When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne, quickly
+she promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5) owned aforetime.
+Later he was slain by Hagen, so that he quite forgot the gift. She
+spake: "Thou must help me, Sir Bloedel, forsooth my foes be in this
+house, who slew Siegfried, my dear husband. Ever will I serve him, that
+helpeth me avenge this deed."
+
+To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because of Etzel
+I dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for he is fain to
+see thy kinsmen at his court. The king would ne'er forget it of me, and
+I did them aught of wrong."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend. Certes, I'll give
+thee silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the wife of Nudung,
+whose lovely body thou mayst fain caress. I'll give thee his land and
+all his castles, too, so that thou mayst always live in joy, Sir knight,
+if thou dost now win the lands where Nudung dwelt. Faithfully will I
+keep, whatso I vow to thee to-day."
+
+When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her beauty
+would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen in strife.
+Because of this the champion must needs lose his life. To the queen
+he spake: "Betake you again to the hall, and before any be aware,
+I'll begin a fray and Hagen must atone for what he hath done you. I'll
+deliver to you King Gunther's liegeman bound. Now arm you, my men,"
+spake Bloedel. "We must hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King
+Etzel's wife doth crave of me this service, wherefore we heroes must
+risk our lives."
+
+When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table with
+King Etzel and his men. Evil counsels had she held against the guests.
+Since the strife could be started in no other wise (Kriemhild's ancient
+wrong still lay deep buried in her heart), she bade King Etzel's son
+be brought to table. How might a woman ever do more ghastly deed for
+vengeance' sake? Four of Etzel's men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb,
+(6) the young prince, to the lordings' table, where Hagen also sat.
+Because of this the child must needs die through Hagen's mortal hate.
+
+When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the kinsmen
+of his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son of me and of
+your sister. This may be of profit to you all, for if he take after
+his kinsmen, he'll become a valiant man, mighty and noble, strong and
+fashioned fair. Twelve lands will I give him, and I live yet a while.
+Thus may the hand of young Ortlieb serve you well. I do therefore
+beseech you, dear friends of mine, that when ye ride again to your
+lands upon the Rhine, ye take with you your sister's son and act full
+graciously toward the child, and bring him up in honor till he become
+a man. Hath any done you aught in all these lands, he'll help you to
+avenge it, when he groweth up."
+
+This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel's wife.
+
+"These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to be a
+man, but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall seldom be
+seen to ride to Ortlieb's court."
+
+The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and though
+the gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart and made him
+heavy of his mood. Nor was Hagen's mind now bent on pastime. But all the
+lordings and the king were hurt by what Hagen had spoken of the child;
+it vexed them sore, that they were forced to hear it. They wot not the
+things as yet, which should happen to them through this warrior.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXXI".  This adventure is of late origin, being
+        found only in our poem.  See the introduction.
+   (2)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (3)  "Schrutan".  This name does not occur elsewhere.  Piper
+        suggests, that perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan"
+        appears in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 28, as an ancient name
+        of Scotland.
+   (4)  "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes
+        4 and 5.
+   (5)  "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.
+   (6)  "Ortlieb".  In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel's son is called
+        Aldrian.  There, however, he is killed because he strikes
+        Hagen in the face, here in revenge for the killing of the
+        Burgundian footmen.
+   (7)  "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXII (1) How Bloedel Was Slain.
+
+Full ready were now Bloedel's warriors. A thousand hauberks strong, they
+hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the squires. Then the
+very greatest hate arose among the heroes. When Sir Bloedel drew near
+the tables, Dankwart, the marshal, greeted him in courteous wise.
+"Welcome, Sir Bloedel, in our house. In truth me-wondereth at thy
+coming. What doth it mean?"
+
+"Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this coming
+of mine doth mean thine end. Because of Hagen, thy brother, by whom
+Siegfried was slain, thou and many other knights must suffer here among
+the Huns."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your court
+might rue us sore. I was but a little child when Siegfried lost his
+life. I know not what blame King Etzel's wife could put on me."
+
+"Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy kinsmen,
+Gunther and Hagen, did the deed. Now ward you, ye wanderers, ye may not
+live. With your death must ye become Kriemhild's pledge."
+
+"And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my entreaties rue
+me; they had better far been spared."
+
+The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp weapon,
+mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a sword-stroke that
+his head lay straightway at his feet. "Let that be thy marriage morning
+gift," (2) spake Dankwart, the knight, "for Nudung's bride, whom thou
+wouldst cherish with thy love. They call betroth her to another man upon
+the morn. Should he crave the dowry, 'twill be given to him eftsoon."
+A faithful Hun had told him that the queen did plan against them such
+grievous wrongs.
+
+When Bloedel's men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would they
+stand this from the guests. With uplifted swords they rushed, grim of
+mood, upon the youthful squires. Many a one did rue this later. Loudly
+Dankwart called to all the fellowship: "Ye see well, noble squires, how
+matters stand. Now ward you, wanderers! Forsooth we have great need,
+though Kriemhild asked us here in right friendly wise."
+
+Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted
+many a long footstool by its legs. The Burgundian squires would now
+abide no longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt many bruises
+through the helmets. How fiercely the stranger youths did ward them!
+Out of the house they drove at last the men-at-arms, but five hundred
+of them, or better, stayed behind there dead. The fellowship was red and
+wet with blood.
+
+These grievous tales were told now to Etzel's knights; grim was their
+sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain. This Hagen's brother and
+his squires had done. Before the king had learned it, full two thousand
+Huns or more armed them through hatred and hied them to the squires
+(this must needs be), and of the fellowship they left not one alive.
+The faithless Huns brought a mickle band before the house. Well the
+strangers stood their ground, but what booted their doughty prowess?
+Dead they all must lie. Then in a few short hours there rose a fearful
+dole. Now ye may hear wonders of a monstrous thing. Nine thousand yeomen
+lay there slain and thereto twelve good knights of Dankwart's men. One
+saw him stand alone still by the foe. The noise was hushed, the din had
+died away, when Dankwart, the hero, gazed over his shoulders. He spake:
+"Woe is me, for the friends whom I have lost! Now must I stand, alas,
+alone among my foes."
+
+Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. The wife
+of many a hero must later mourn for this. Higher he raised his shield,
+the thong he lowered; the rings of many an armor he made to drip with
+blood. "Woe is me of all this sorrow," quoth Aldrian's son. (3) "Give
+way now, Hunnish warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air
+may cool me, fight-weary man."
+
+Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise. As the
+strife-weary man sprang from the house, how many added swords rang on
+his helmet! Those that had not seen what wonders his hand had wrought
+sprang towards the hero of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God,"
+quoth Dankwart, "that I might find a messenger who could let my brother
+Hagen know I stand in such a plight before these knights. He would help
+me hence, or lie dead at my side."
+
+Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself,
+when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time
+Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great
+scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."
+
+Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I'll
+wot the armor rings of some with blood. I'll tell the tale at court
+myself and make plaint to my lords of my great dole."
+
+So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not withstand
+him with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his
+shield that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then
+they weened to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what
+deep wounds he struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave
+man was forced to reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby
+great praise. From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many
+of them entered the fray too soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a
+boar to the woods before the dogs. How might he be more brave? His path
+was ever wet with reeking blood. Certes, no single champion might ever
+fight better with his foes than he had done. Men now saw Hagen's brother
+go to court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of
+swords, and full many a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever
+food he bare to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.
+
+"How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve
+well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the
+tidings to my dear masters."
+
+Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he
+dealt so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand
+further back. His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure XXXII.  The details of the following scenes differ
+        materially in the various sources.  A comparative study of
+        them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
+   (2)  "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
+        the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
+        wedding.  See Adventure XIX, note 1.
+   (3)  "Aldrian's son", i.e., Dankwart.
+   (4)  "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" 'one who sets the
+        table'; cf. F. "asseoir" 'to set', 'place', Lat. "ad
+        sedere"), older English for an upper servant who brought on
+        and removed the dishes from the table.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.
+
+When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel's meiny
+step aside. His garments dripped with blood and in his hand he bare
+unsheathed a mighty sword. Full loud he called out to the knight:
+"Brother Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth. To you and to God in
+heaven do I make plaint of our woe. Our knights and squires all lie dead
+within their lodgements."
+
+He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid for
+it dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I struck off his
+head."
+
+"It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a knight
+that he hath lost his life at a warrior's hands. Stately dames shall
+mourn him all the less. Now tell me, brother Dankwart, how comes it that
+ye be so red of hue? Ye suffer from wounds great dole, I ween. If there
+be any in the land that hath done you this, 'twill cost his life, and
+the foul fiend save him not."
+
+"Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wet with blood. This hath
+happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain so many a one
+to-day that, had I to swear it, I could not tell the tale."
+
+"Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a single
+Hun go forth. I will hold speech with the warriors, as our need
+constraineth us, for our meiny lieth dead before them, undeserved."
+
+"If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet how to
+serve such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as doth become mine
+honors." Naught could have been more loth to Kriemhild's knights.
+
+"Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be
+whispering in here. I ween, they'd gladly do without the one that
+standeth at the door, and who told the courtly tale to us Burgundians.
+Long since I have heard it said of Kriemhild, that she would not leave
+unavenged her dole of heart. Now let us drink to friendship (1) and pay
+for the royal wine. The young lord of the Huns shall be the first."
+
+Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the blood
+spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell into the lap of
+the queen. At this there began a murdering, grim and great, among
+the knights. Next he dealt the master who taught the child a fierce
+sword-stroke with both his hands, so that his head fell quickly beneath
+the table to the ground. A piteous meed it was, which he meted out to
+the master. Hagen then spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel's board.
+In his wrath he hied him thither and struck off his right hand upon the
+fiddle. "Take this as message to the Burgundian land."
+
+"Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel. "Sir Hagen of Troneg,
+what had I done to you? I came in good faith to your masters' land. How
+can I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost my hand?"
+
+Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore. In the hall he dealt out
+fierce deadly wounds to Etzel's warriors, passing many of whom he slew.
+Enow of folk in the house he did to death. The doughty Folker now sprang
+up from the board; loud rang in his hands his fiddle bow. Rudely did
+Gunther's minstrel play. Ho, what foes he made him among the valiant
+Huns! The three noble kings, too, sprang up from the table. Gladly would
+they have parted the fray, or ever greater scathe was done. With all
+their wit they could not hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so
+sore. When that the lord of the Rhine beheld the fray unparted, the
+prince dealt his foes many gaping wounds himself through the shining
+armor rings. That he was a hero of his hands, he gave great proof. Then
+the sturdy Gernot joined the strife. Certes, he did many a hero of
+the Huns to death with a sharp sword, the which Rudeger had given him.
+Mighty wounds he dealt King Etzel's warriors. Now the young son of Lady
+Uta rushed to the fray. Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of
+Etzel's warriors from the Hunnish land. Full mickle wonders were wrought
+by bold Giselher's hand. But how so doughty they all were, the kings and
+their liegemen, yet Folker was seen to stand before them all against
+the foe; a good hero he. Many a one he made to fall in his blood through
+wounds. Etzel's men did fend them, too, full well, yet one saw the
+strangers go hewing with their gleaming swords through the royal hall
+and on every side was heard great sound of wail. Those without would now
+fain be with their friends within, but at the entrance towers they found
+small gain. Those within had gladly been without the hall, but Dankwart
+let none go either up or down the steps. Therefore there rose before
+the towers a mighty press, and helmets rang loudly from the sword-blows.
+Bold Dankwart came into great stress thereby; this his brother feared,
+as his loyalty did bid him.
+
+Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my brother
+stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows? Friend, save my
+brother, or ever we lose the knight."
+
+"That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace he went
+a-fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand. Great thanks were
+tendered by the warriors from the Rhine. Bold Folker spake to Dankwart:
+"Great discomfiture have ye suffered to-day, therefore your brother bade
+me hasten to your aid. Will ye stand without, so will I stand within."
+
+Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase against
+whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in the heroes'
+hands. Folker of Burgundy land performed the same within. Across
+the press the bold fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen, the hall is locked;
+forsooth King Etzel's door is bolted well. The hands of two heroes guard
+it, as with a thousand bars." When Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so
+well defended, the famous hero and good slung his shield upon his back
+and gan avenge the wrongs that had been done him there. His foes had now
+no sort of hope to live.
+
+When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld aright
+that the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench he sprang and
+spake: "Hagen poureth out the very worst of drinks."
+
+The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life was
+hardly safe from these his foes. O how many dear friends were snatched
+away before his eyes! He sate full anxious; what booted it him that he
+was king? Haughty Kriemhild now cried aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me
+hence alive, most noble knight, by the virtues of all the princes of the
+Amelung land. If Hagen reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."
+
+"How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich. "I fear for
+myself in sooth. These men of Gunther be so passing wroth that at this
+hour I cannot guard a soul."
+
+"Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good. Let thy chivalrous
+mood appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die." Passing great
+cause had Kriemhild for this fear.
+
+"I'll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I have
+soon so many good knights so bitterly enraged. Of a truth I see blood
+spurting through the helmets from the swords."
+
+Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth as from
+a bison's horn, until the broad castle resounded with his force. Sir
+Dietrich's strength was passing great in truth.
+
+When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he began to
+heed. He spake: "Dietrich's voice hath reached mine ears, I ween our
+champions have bereft him of some friend to-day. I see him on the table,
+he doth beckon with his hand. Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian
+land, give over the strife. Let's hear and see what here hath fortuned
+to the knight from my men-at-arms."
+
+When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they
+sheathed their swords. Passing great was his power, so that none struck
+a blow. Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of Berne. He spake:
+"Most noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you through these my friends?
+I am minded to do you remedy and to make amends. If any had done you
+aught, 'twould grieve me sore."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray you, let
+me leave this hall and this fierce strife under your safe-guard, with my
+men. For this favor I will serve you ever."
+
+"How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then. "Forsooth the
+fiddler hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may open it enow
+to let us pass."
+
+"Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye ever
+done."
+
+Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon. Lead from the hall as
+few or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must remain within.
+Right ill have they treated me in the Hunnish land."
+
+When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the high-born
+queen, whose fear was passing great. On his other side he led King Etzel
+with him hence; with Dietrich there also went six hundred stately men.
+
+Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would gladly
+serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and lasting peace
+shall well befit good friends."
+
+To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and friendship
+be granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your fealty. Ye and all
+your men, ye may go hence fearlessly with these your friends."
+
+When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told, five
+hundred men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of Bechelaren, from
+whom King Gunther later gained great scathe. Then a Hunnish champion
+spied Etzel walking close by Dietrich. He, too, would take this chance,
+but the fiddler dealt him such a blow that his head fell soon before
+King Etzel's feet. When the lord of the land was come outside the house,
+he turned him about and gazed on Folker. "Woe is me of these guests.
+This is a direful need, that all my warriors should lie low in death
+before them. Alas for the feasting," quoth the noble king. "Like a
+savage boar there fighteth one within, hight Folker, who is a gleeman. I
+thank my stars that I escaped this fiend. His glees have an evil sound,
+the strokes of his how draw blood; forsooth his measures fell many a
+hero dead. I wot not, with what this minstrel twitteth us, for I have
+never had such baleful guest."
+
+They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall. Then there arose
+within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what there had happed
+them. Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke! The noble King Gunther turned
+him toward the sound. "Hear ye the measures, Hagen, which Folker
+yonder fiddleth with the Huns, when any draweth near the towers? 'Tis a
+blood-red stroke he useth with the bow."
+
+"It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall I sate
+me down to rest before the hero did. I was his comrade and he was mine;
+and come we ever home again, we shall still be so, in loyal wise. Now
+behold, most noble king, Folker is thy friend, he earneth gladly thy
+silver and thy gold. His fiddle bow doth cut through the hardest steel,
+on the helmets he breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4) Never have
+I seen fiddler stand in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath
+stood to-day. His glees resound through shield and helmet. Certes he
+shall ride good steeds and wear lordly raiment."
+
+Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these
+remained alive. Thus the clash of arms died out, since none strove with
+them longer. The lusty knights and bold now laid aside their swords.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" 'to drink
+        to the memory of a person', an old custom originating with
+        the idea of pouring out a libation to the gods.  Later it
+        assumed the form of drinking to the honor of God, of a
+        saint, or of an absent friend.  See Grimm, "Mythologie", p.
+        48.
+   (2)  "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.
+   (3)  "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.
+   (4)  "Gauds", ornaments.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+
+The lordings sate them down for weariness. Folker and Hagen came forth
+from the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors leaned. Wise
+words were spoken by the twain. Then Knight Giselher of Burgundy spake:
+"Forsooth, dear friends, ye may not ease you yet; ye must bear the
+dead from out the hall. I'll tell you, of a truth, we shall be attacked
+again. They must no longer lie here beneath our feet. Ere the Huns
+vanquish us by storm, we'll yet how wounds, which shall ease my heart.
+For this," quoth Giselher, "I have a steadfast mind."
+
+"Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen. "This rede which my young
+master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a knight. At this,
+Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."
+
+Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven thousand
+dead, the which they cast outside. Down they fell before the stairway
+to the hall, and from their kinsmen rose a full piteous wall. Some there
+were with such slight wounds that, had they been more gently treated,
+they would have waxed well again; but from the lofty fall, they must
+needs lie dead. Their friends bewailed this, and forsooth they had good
+cause.
+
+Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the truth of
+this, as hath been told me. The Huns be cravens, like women they wail;
+they should rather nurse these sorely wounded men."
+
+A margrave weened, he spake through kindness. Seeing one of his kinsmen
+lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would have borne
+him hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the dead to death. The
+flight began as the others saw this deed, and all fell to cursing this
+selfsame minstrel. He snatched javelin, sharp and hard, the which had
+been hurled at him by a Hun, and cast it with might across the court,
+far over the folk. Thus he forced Etzel's warriors to take lodgement
+further from the hall. On every side the people feared his mighty
+prowess.
+
+Many thousand men now stood before the hall. Folker and Hagen gan speak
+to Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold and good came
+thereafter into danger. Quoth Hagen: "'Twould well beseem the people's
+hope, if the lords would fight in the foremost ranks, as doth each of
+my lordings here. They hew through the helmets, so that the blood doth
+follow the sword."
+
+Etzel was brave; he seized his shield. "Now fare warily," spake Lady
+Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. If Hagen doth
+but reach you there, ye'll be hand in hand with death."
+
+The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now
+seldom hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw
+him hence. Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant
+kinship," quoth Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He
+loved Kriemhild, or ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost
+thou plot against me?"
+
+Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew
+that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's liegemen. Therefore
+she again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that
+slayeth me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King
+Etzel's shield with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many
+goodly lands and castles."
+
+"Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I
+seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such
+goodly wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again.
+Many of those who so basely eat the lording's bread, and now desert him
+in the greatest need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass
+for brave. May shame ever be their lot!"
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain.
+
+Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long
+time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me
+my harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."
+
+"I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights
+stand further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I'll
+send them back sore wounded down the steps."
+
+"Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I've tried
+before such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter
+thee alone. What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in
+words?"
+
+Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia,
+a daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men.
+Whatever Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the
+fiddler spied a mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring.
+Upon their heads they bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a
+deal full wroth of mood. "See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder,
+who vowed to match you with his sword alone? How doth lying beseem
+a hero? Much that misliketh me. There walk with him full a thousand
+knights or more, well armed."
+
+"Say not that I lie," spake Hawart's liegeman. "Gladly will I perform
+what I have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through any fear. However
+frightful Hagen be, I will meet him single-handed."
+
+On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him match the
+knight alone. This they did unwillingly, for well they knew the haughty
+Hagen from the Burgundian land. But Iring begged so long that at last
+it happed. When the fellowship beheld his wish and that he strove for
+honor, they let him go. Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain.
+Iring of Denmark, the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and
+covered him with his shield. Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall,
+while a great shout arose from all the knights around. With might and
+main they cast the spears with their hands through the sturdy shields
+upon their shining armor, so that the shafts whirled high in air. Then
+the two brave men and fierce reached for their swords. Bold Hagen's
+strength was mickle and great, but Iring smote him, that the whole hall
+rang. Palace and towers resounded from their blows, but the knight could
+not achieve his wish.
+
+Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler. He
+weened to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight wist how
+to guard bin, well. Then the fiddler struck a blow, that the plates of
+mail whirled high above the buckler's rim. An evil man he was, for
+to encounter, so Iring let him stand and rushed at Gunther of the
+Burgundian land. Here, too, either was strong enow in strife. The blows
+that Gunther and Iring dealt each other drew no blood from wounds. This
+the harness hindered, the which was both strong and good.
+
+He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of fire
+from his armor rings. Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy nigh done
+brave Iring unto death, but that he sprang away from the prince (nimble
+enow he was), and slew eftsoon four noble henchmen of the Burgundians
+from Worms across the Rhine. At this Giselher might never have waxed
+more wroth. "God wot, Sir Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must
+pay me weregild (1) for those who have fallen dead this hour before
+you."
+
+Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not stir a
+step, but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that all did ween
+the good knight would never deal a blow again in strife. But Iring lay
+unwounded here before Sir Giselher. From the crashing of the helmet
+and the ringing of the sword, his wits had grown so weak that the brave
+knight no longer thought of life. Stalwart Giselher had done this with
+his might. When now the ringing gan leave his head, the which he had
+suffered from the mighty stroke, he thought: "I am still alive and
+nowhere wounded. Now first wot I of Giselher's mighty strength." On
+either side he heard his foes. Wist they the tale, still more had happed
+him. Giselher, too, he marked hard by; he bethought him, how he might
+escape his foes. How madly he sprang up from the blood! Well might he
+thank his nimbleness for this. Out of the house he ran to where he again
+found Hagen, whom he dealt a furious blow with his powerful hand.
+
+Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed. Unless be that the foul fiend
+protect thee, thou canst not escape alive."
+
+Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest. This the hero wrought with
+Waska, (2) a passing goodly sword. When Sir Hagen felt the wound, wildly
+he brandished his weapon in his hand. Soon Hawart's liegeman was forced
+to yield his ground, and Hagen gan pursue him down the stairs. Brave
+Iring swung his shield above his head, but had the staircase been the
+length of three, Hagen would not have let him strike a blow the while.
+Ho, what red sparks did play above his helmet!
+
+Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen. Then the tidings were brought
+to Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife with Hagen of
+Troneg. For this the queen gan thank him highly. "Now God requite thee,
+Iring, thou peerless hero and good. Thou hast comforted well my heart
+and mind. I see that Hagen's weeds be wet with blood." For very joy
+Kriemhild herself relieved him of his shield.
+
+"Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "'Twould well befit a
+knight to try again. A valiant man were he, if he then came back alive.
+Little shall the wound profit you, which I have at his bands; for that
+ye have seen the rings wet with blood from my wound doth urge me to the
+death of many a man. Now first am I enraged at Hawart's liegeman. Small
+scathe hath Knight Iring done me yet."
+
+Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his harness
+and doffed his casque. All the folk then praised his prowess, at which
+the margrave was in passing lofty mood. Again Sir Iring spake: "My
+friends, this know; arm me now quickly, for I would fain try again, if
+perchance I may not conquer this overweening man."
+
+His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon the
+champion was armed again. Through hate he seized a passing heavy spear
+with which he would encounter Hagen yonder. Meantime the death-grim
+man awaited him in hostile wise. But Knight Hagen would not abide his
+coming. Hurling the javelin and brandishing his sword, he ran to meet
+him to the very bottom of the stairs. Forsooth his rage was great.
+Little booted Iring then his strength; through the shields they smote,
+so that the flames rose high in fiery blasts. Hagen sorely wounded
+Hawart's liegeman with his sword through shield and breastplate. Never
+waxed he well again. When now Knight Iring felt the wound, higher above
+his helmet bands he raised his shield. Great enow he thought the scathe
+he here received, but thereafter King Gunther's liegeman did him more of
+harm. Hagen found a spear lying now before his feet. With this he shot
+Iring, the Danish hero, so that the shaft stood forth from his head.
+Champion Hagen had given him a bitter end. Iring must needs retreat
+to those of Denmark. Or ever they unbound his helmet and drew the
+spear-shaft from his head, death had already drawn nigh him. At this his
+kinsmen wept, as forsooth they had great need.
+
+Then the queen came and bent above him. She gan bewail the stalwart
+Iring and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was passing sharp. At this
+the bold and lusty warrior spake before his kinsmen: "Let be this wail,
+most royal queen. What availeth your weeping now? Certes, I must lose
+my life from these wounds I have received. Death will no longer let me
+serve you and Etzel." To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he
+spake: "None of you must take from the queen her shining ruddy gold as
+meed, for if ye encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."
+
+Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death. Dole enow it
+gave them, for no longer might Hawart's liegeman live. Then the men
+of Denmark must needs renew the fray. Irnfried and Hawart with well a
+thousand champions leaped toward the hall. On every side one heard a
+monstrous uproar, mighty and strong. Ho, what sturdy javelins were cast
+at the Burgundian men! Bold Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained
+great damage at his hands. Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler
+smote the landgrave. Certes, he was grim enow! Then Sir Irnfried dealt
+the valiant gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open and
+his breastplate was enveloped with a bright red flame. Yet the landgrave
+fell dead at the minstrel's hands. Hawart and Hagen, too, had come
+together. Wonders would he have seen, who beheld the fight. The swords
+fell thick and fast in the heroes' hands. Through the knight from the
+Burgundian land Hawart needs must die. When the Thuringians and the
+Danes espied their lordings dead, there rose before the hall a fearful
+strife, before they gained the door with mighty hand. Many a helm and
+shield was hacked and cut thereby.
+
+"Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they have in
+mind will not be ended. They must die in here in full short time. With
+death they'll gain what the queen would give them."
+
+When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of many a
+one sank down so low that he needs must die from their furious strokes.
+Well fought the valiant Gernot, and the same did Giselher, the knight. A
+thousand and four were come into the hall and many a whizzing stroke
+of the swords was seen flash forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain
+therein. Mickle wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men. The hall
+grew still, as the uproar died away. On every side the dead men's blood
+poured through the openings down to the drain-pipes. This the men from
+the Rhine had wrought with their passing strength.
+
+Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and laid aside
+their swords and shields. But still the valiant minstrel stood guard
+before the hall. He waited, if any would perchance draw near again in
+strife. Sorely the king made wail, as did the queen. Maids and ladies
+were distraught with grief. Death, I ween, had conspired against them,
+wherefore many of the warriors perished through the guests.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", 'a man', "gild", 'payment of
+        money'), legal term for compensation paid for a man killed.
+   (2)  "Waska".  In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of
+        Walther of Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German
+        name, "Wasgenwald", for the Vosges.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.
+
+"Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen. "I and my
+comrade will guard you well, and should Etzel's men be minded to try
+again, I'll warn my lords as soon as I ever can."
+
+Then many a good knight bared his head. They sate them down upon the
+wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their hands. Evil
+looks were cast upon the noble strangers. Before the eventide the king
+and the queen brought it to pass that the Hunnish champions tried
+again. Men saw full twenty thousand warriors stand before them, who must
+perforce march to the fray. Straightway there rose a mighty storming
+towards the strangers. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, the doughty knight,
+sprang from his lordings' side to meet the foes without the door.
+All weened that he were dead, yet forth he stood again unscathed.
+The furious strife did last till nightfall brought it to a close. As
+befitted good knights, the strangers warded off King Etzel's liegemen
+the livelong summer day. Ho, how many a bold knight fell doomed before
+them! This great slaughter happed upon midsummer's day, when Lady
+Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart upon her nearest kin and upon many
+another man, so that King Etzel never again gained joy.
+
+The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear. They
+thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than to be
+longer racked with monstrous pain. A truce these proud and lusty knights
+now craved; they begged that men would bring the king to see them. Forth
+from the hall stepped the heroes, bloody of hue, and the three noble
+kings, stained from their armor. They wist not to whom they should make
+plaint of their mighty wounds. Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went;
+the land was theirs and so their band waxed large. He spake to the
+strangers: "Pray tell me, what ye will of me? Ye ween to gain here
+peace, but that may hardly be. For damage as great as ye have done me,
+in my son and in my many kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and pardon
+shall be denied you quite; it shall not boot you aught, an' I remain
+alive."
+
+To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my
+men-at-arms lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel. How did I deserve
+such pay? I came to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my friend."
+
+Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who still
+do live, what do ye blame me with? What have I done to you, for I rode
+in friendly wise into this land of yours."
+
+Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with grief and
+the land as well. We should not have taken it ill, in sooth, if thou
+hadst never come from Worms beyond the Rhine. Thou and thy brothers have
+filled this land with orphans."
+
+Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside this
+bitter hate and make your peace with us stranger knights, 'twere best
+for either side. We have not merited at all what Etzel here doth do us."
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and yours. The
+mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame, which I have taken
+here, are such that none of you shall e'er go hence alive."
+
+At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you act in
+merciful wise. Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but let us first
+descend to you into the open court. That will make to you for honor.
+Let be done quickly whatever shall hap to us. Ye have still many men
+unscathed, who dare well encounter us and bereave us storm-weary men of
+life. How long must we warriors undergo these toils?"
+
+King Etzel's champions had nigh granted this boon and let them leave the
+hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked her. Therefore the
+wanderers were speedily denied the truce. "Not so, ye Hunnish men. I
+counsel you in true fealty, that ye do not what ye have in mind, and let
+these murderers leave the hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly
+fall. Did none of them still live, save Uta's sons, my noble brothers,
+and they came forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye
+would all be lost. Bolder heroes were never born into the world."
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my trust,
+when thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to this land, to
+this dire need. How have I merited death here from the Huns? I was aye
+true to thee; never did I do thee wrong, and in the hope that thou wast
+still my friend, dear sister mine, rode I hither to thy court. It cannot
+be but that thou grant us mercy."
+
+"I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood. Hagen of Troneg hath
+done me such great wrongs that it may never be amended, the while I
+live. Ye must all suffer for this deed," so spake King Etzel's wife.
+"And ye will give me Hagen alone as hostage, I will not deny that I will
+let you live, for ye be my brothers and children of one mother, and will
+counsel peace with these heroes that be here."
+
+"Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a thousand of
+us, the clansmen of thy kin, we'd rather all lie dead, than give thee a
+single man as hostage. Never shall this be done."
+
+"We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder that we
+guard us in knightly wise. We be still here, if any list to fight us;
+for never have I failed a friend in fealty."
+
+Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held his
+peace): "Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone. It may yet rue
+those who here refuse the truce. I'll tell you of a truth, we'll make
+you ware of this."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the stairs
+and avenge my wrongs. For this I will ever serve you, as I should by
+right. I'll pay Hagen well for his overweening pride. Let none at all
+escape from the house, and I will bid the hall be set on fire at all
+four ends. Thus all my wrongs shall be well avenged."
+
+Soon were King Etzel's champions ready still stood without into the hall
+with blows and shots. Mickle waxed the din, yet the lordings and their
+liegemen would not part. For very fealty they could not leave each
+other. Etzel's queen then bade the hall be set on fire, and thus they
+racked the bodies of the knights with fire and flame. Fanned by the
+breeze, the whole house burst into flames full soon. I ween, no folk
+did ever gain such great distress. Enow within cried out: "Alack this
+plight! We would much rather die in stress of battle. It might move God
+to pity, how we all are lost! The queen now wreaketh monstrously on us
+her wrath."
+
+Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead. What avail us now the
+greetings which the king did send us? Thirst from this great heat giveth
+me such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must ebb away in anguish."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him whom
+pangs of thirst constrain, drink here this blood. In such great heat,
+'tis better still than wine. We can purvey us at this time none better."
+
+One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and knelt
+him down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and began to drink
+the flowing blood. However little wont to such a drink, him thought it
+passing good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite you," spake the weary man,
+"that I have drunk so well at your advice; seldom hath better wine been
+proffered me. And I live yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."
+
+When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon there
+were many more that drank the blood. From this the body of each gained
+much of strength; but many a stately dame paid dear for this through
+the loss of loving kin. Into the hall the fire fell thick and fast upon
+them, but with their shields they turned it from them to the ground.
+Both the heat and the smoke did hurt them sore; in sooth, I ween, that
+nevermore will such anguish hap to heroes.
+
+Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. Let not
+the firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp them with your
+feet down deeper in the blood. Forsooth it is an evil feast which the
+queen doth give us here."
+
+In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the brave
+minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall, a-leaning on their
+shields. More scathe they awaited from those of Etzel's band. Then spake
+the fiddler: "Now go we into the hall. Then the Huns will ween, that we
+all be dead from the torture that hath been done us here. They'll yet
+see us go to meet them in the strife."
+
+Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day dawneth, a
+cooling wind doth blow. May God in heaven let us live to see a liefer
+time, for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here an evil feast."
+
+Again one spake: "I see the day. Sith we cannot hope for better things,
+so arm you, heroes, think on your life. Certes, King Etzel's wife will
+come to meet us soon again."
+
+The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil and the
+pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave men, as good as
+any knight that king ever gained, were still alive. Those set to guard
+the strangers had well seen that the guests still lived, despite the
+damage and the dole that had been done both to the lordings and their
+men. In the hall one saw them stand full safe and sound. They then told
+Kriemhild that many were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could
+never be, that any should have lived through such stress of fire. Rather
+will I believe that all lie dead."
+
+The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed
+to do them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish
+land. So with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same
+day, towards morning, men proffered them a fierce attack as greeting,
+which brought the champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was
+hurled upon them, but the bold and lordly warriors warded them in
+knightly wise. High rose the mood of Etzel's men at the thought that
+they should earn Queen Kriemhild's gold. Thereto they were minded to
+perform whatso the King did bid them. Many of them because of this
+must soon needs gaze on death. Of pledges and of gifts one might tell
+wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be carried forth on shields and gave
+it to whomsoever craved it and would take it. Certes, greater wage was
+nevermore given against foes. To the hall a mickle force of well-armed
+warriors marched.
+
+Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes
+more gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king's gold to
+do us scathe."
+
+Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what
+we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."
+
+Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been
+thrown. What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match
+them, surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with
+wounds. None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from
+mortal wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for
+friends. All the great king's doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen
+mourned them passing sore.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.
+
+The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind's husband
+came to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous
+wounds on either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever
+born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make
+for peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more
+the sufferings of his men."
+
+Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might
+turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer:
+"Who might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."
+
+Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and
+many tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth
+stand, that hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and whom both lands
+and people serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of
+which he doth hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy
+stroke hath he dealt in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it
+fare here at court, sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be
+bolder than any other wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous
+(1) days."
+
+Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak.
+Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and
+hast told thy tale too loud at court."
+
+His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man
+so mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King
+Etzel's woe grew greater.
+
+"Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow of
+grief and pain. How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here? Certes,
+I have good cause to hate the strangers, and would have done all in my
+power against them, had I not led the warriors hither. Of a truth I was
+their safeguard to my master's land. Therefore the hand of me, wretched
+man, may not strive against them."
+
+Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye helped
+us, most noble Rudeger! We have so many fey (2) in the land, that we
+have no need of more. Full evil have ye done."
+
+At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my mood and
+twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of which I have
+received from thy hand. This hath cost the liar dear."
+
+The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns through
+the hero's wrath. Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes grew moist as
+she spake to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye should increase the
+sorrows of the king and me? Hitherto ye have told us, that for our sake
+ye would risk both life and honor. I heard full many warriors accord
+to you the palm. Let me mind you of your fealty and that ye swore, when
+that ye counseled me to Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve
+me till one of us should die. Never have I, poor woman, had such great
+need of this."
+
+"There's no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake I'd
+risk both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would lose my soul.
+'Twas I that bade the high-born lordings to this feast."
+
+Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy
+constancy, and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine
+injuries and all my woes."
+
+Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."
+
+Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank before
+the knight. Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad. Pitifully the
+faithful warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched man, that I have
+lived to see this day. I must give over all my honors, my fealty, and
+my courtesie, that God did bid me use. Alas, great God of heaven, that
+death will not turn this from me! I shall act basely and full evil,
+whatever I do or leave undone. But if I give over both, then will all
+people blame me. Now may he advise me, who hath given me life."
+
+Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly. Through this
+warriors must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger's hands, when
+the hero also died. Ye may well hear it now, that he deported him full
+pitifully. He wist that it would bring him scathe and monstrous woe.
+Gladly would he have refused the king and queen. He feared full sore
+that if he slew but one of the strangers, the world would bear him hate.
+
+Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take back
+again all that I have from you, my land with its castles, let not a whit
+remain to me. On foot will I wander into other lands."
+
+At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then? I'll give thee
+the land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou mayst avenge me on
+my foes. Thou shalt be a mighty king at Etzel's side."
+
+Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed? I bade them to my
+house and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and drink
+and gave them gifts. How may I counsel their death? People will lightly
+ween, that I be craven. No service of mine have I refused these noble
+lordings and their men. Now I rue the kinship I have gained with them. I
+gave my daughter to Giselher, the knight; to none in all the world could
+she have been better given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and
+wealth. Never have I seen so young a prince of such right courteous
+mind."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our
+griefs, on mine and on the king's. Bethink thee well, that king did
+never gain such baneful guests."
+
+To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger's life must pay to-day
+for whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me. Therefore must I
+die; no longer may it be deferred. I know full well, that my castles and
+my lands will be voided for you to-day through the hand of one of these
+men. To your mercy I commend my wife and children and the strangers (3)
+who be at Bechelaren."
+
+"Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and the
+queen grew glad. "Thy people shall be well commended to our care. For
+mine own weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."
+
+Etzel's bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the
+venture. He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my
+friends, whom I am loth to fight."
+
+Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he
+found his warriors standing. He spake: "Ye must arm you all, my men,
+for, alas, I must needs encounter the bold Burgundians."
+
+They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it
+were helm or buckler, 'twas all brought forth to them by their meiny.
+Later the proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rudeger was
+now armed, and with him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve
+champions, who would fain win renown in the stress of battle. They
+wist not that death drew nigh them. Then Rudeger was seen to march with
+helmet donned. The margrave's men bare keen-edged swords, and their
+bright shields and broad upon their arms. This the fiddler saw; greatly
+he rued the sight. When young Giselher beheld his lady's father walk
+with his helm upon his head, how might he know what he meant thereby,
+save that it portended good? Therefore the noble prince waxed passing
+merry of mood.
+
+"Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we have
+won upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief
+it is to me, that this betrothal hath taken place."
+
+"I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the minstrel; "when
+have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand,
+for the sake of peace? Rudeger doth think to win his castles and his
+lands in fight with us."
+
+Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble Rudeger
+before the house. At his feet he placed his trusty shield, and now both
+service and greeting he must needs refuse his friends. Into the hall
+the noble margrave called: "Ye doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well
+on every side. Ye were to profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe.
+Aforetime we were friends, but of this troth I now would fain be rid."
+
+The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained aught
+of joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight them. From their
+foes they had already suffered mickle stress of war. "Now God of heaven
+forbid," spake Gunther, the knight, "that ye should give over your love
+of us and your great fealty, on which we counted of a truth. Better
+things I trow of you, than that ye should ever do this deed."
+
+"Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have vowed it.
+Now ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life. King Etzel's wife
+would not release me from mine oath."
+
+"Ye declare this feud too late," spake the high-born king. "Now may God
+requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and fealty that ye
+have shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at the end. I and my
+kinsmen, we ought ever to serve you for the noble gifts ye gave us, when
+ye brought us hither faithfully to Etzel's land. Now, noble Rudeger,
+think on this."
+
+"How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I might
+weigh out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly as I had
+hoped, if I never should be blamed on that account."
+
+"Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did never give
+his guests such loving cheer as ye did us. This shall profit you well,
+and we remain alive."
+
+"Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were on the
+Rhine and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now encounter you!
+Never did friends act worse to heroes."
+
+"Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your passing
+rich gifts. Your death doth rue me, if such knightly virtues shall be
+lost with you. Here I bear your sword that ye gave me, good knight and
+true. It hath never failed me in all this need. Many a knight fell
+dead beneath its edges. It is bright and steady, glorious and good;
+nevermore, I ween, will warrior give so rich a gift. And will ye not
+turn back, but come to meet us, and slay aught of the friends I still
+have here, with your own sword will I take your life. Then will ye rue
+me, Rudeger, ye and your high-born wife."
+
+"Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all your
+will might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped unscathed! Then
+both my daughter and my wife may trust you well, forsooth."
+
+Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta's son: "Why do ye so, Sir
+Rudeger? Those that be come with us, do all like you well. Ye encounter
+us in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair daughter a widow far too
+soon. If ye and your warriors match me now with strife, how right
+unkindly do ye let it appear, that I trust you well above all other men
+and therefore won me your daughter to wife."
+
+"Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king. And God let you
+escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for me. For your
+own virtue's sake, vouchsafe her mercy."
+
+"That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if
+my noble kinsmen here within must die through you, then my steadfast
+friendship for you and for your daughter must be parted."
+
+"Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man. Then they
+raised their shields, as though they would hence to fight the guests in
+Kriemhild's hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown the steps. "Pray tarry
+awhile, most noble Rudeger," so spake Hagen; "I and my lords would fain
+have further parley, as doth befit our need. What can the death of us
+wanderers avail King Etzel? I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield
+that Lady Gotelind gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns.
+I brought it with friendly purpose into Etzel's land. O that God in
+heaven would grant, that I might bear so good a shield as that thou hast
+in thy hand, most noble Rudeger! Then I should no longer need a hauberk
+in the fray."
+
+"Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it before
+Kriemhild. Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm. Ho, if thou
+couldst only wield it in the Burgundian land!"
+
+When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes grew
+red with scalding tears. 'T was the last gift that ever Rudeger of
+Bechelaren gave to any knight. However fierce Hagen, and however stern
+of mood, the gift did touch him, which the good hero, so near to death,
+had given. Many a noble knight gan mourn with him.
+
+"Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger. Your like will
+nevermore be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly gifts. God
+grant that your courtesie may ever live." Again Hagen spake: "Woe is me
+of these tales, we had so many other griefs to bear. Let complaint be
+made to heaven, if we must fight with friends."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."
+
+"Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger. Howso these
+high-born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall never touch you
+in the fight, and ye slew them all from the Burgundian land."
+
+Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low. On every side they wept,
+that none might soothe this pain of heart. That was a mighty grief. In
+Rudeger would die the father of all knightly virtues.
+
+Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my comrade
+Hagen hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just as steadfastly
+from my hand, for well ye earned it, when we came into this land. Most
+noble margrave, ye shall be mine envoy, too. The margravine gave me
+these ruddy arm rings, that I should wear them here at the feasting.
+These ye may yourself behold, that ye may later be my witness."
+
+"Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine may give
+you more! I'll gladly tell these tales to my dear love, if I see her in
+health again. Of this ye shall not doubt."
+
+When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield. No longer
+he bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he rushed upon the
+guests. Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker
+and Hagen, stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still
+he found standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the
+fight with anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let
+him in, good heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him
+sore, in truth. He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then
+the margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them
+follow their lord. In their hands they bare their keen-edged swords,
+the which cleft there many a helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors
+dealt the men of Bechelaren many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep
+through the shining mail, down to the very quick.
+
+Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight
+Folker and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man
+alone. Through the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from
+the helmets. How grimly rang the many swords within! The shield plates
+sprang from their fastenings, and the precious stones, cut from the
+shields, fell down into the gore. So grimly they fought, that men will
+never do the like again. The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as
+one who wotteth how to use great prowess in the fray. Passing like to
+a worshipful champion and a bold did Rudeger bear him on that day. Here
+stood the warriors, Gunther and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in
+the fray. Giselher and Dankwart, the twain, recked so little, that
+they brought full many a knight to his last day of life. Full well did
+Rudeger make appear that he was strong enow, brave and well-armed. Ho,
+what knights he slew! This a Burgundian espied; perforce it angered him,
+and thus Sir Rudeger's death drew near.
+
+The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake: "It
+appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That
+irketh me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may
+your present work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of
+friends. Pray address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift
+shall be paid for as best I can."
+
+Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs
+grow dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men.
+Either gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords,
+that naught might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote
+Gernot a buffet through his helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so
+that the blood gushed forth. But this the bold knight and good repaid
+eftsoon. High in his hand he now poised Rudeger's gift, and though
+wounded unto death, he smote him a stroke through his good and trusty
+shield down to his helmet band. And so fair Gotelind's husband was done
+to death. Certes, so rich a gift was never worse repaid. So fell alike
+both Gernot and Rudeger, slain in the fray, through each other's hand.
+
+Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe. Quoth
+the hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us. In these two men we
+have taken a loss so great that neither their land nor people will e'er
+recover from the blow. Rudeger's champions must answer to us homeless
+men."
+
+"Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death. What evil tales
+I hear all time! Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue me. The loss and the
+grievous wounds are felt on either side."
+
+When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed's father dead, those within the
+hall were forced to suffer need. Fiercely death sought his fellowship;
+not one of those of Bechelaren escaped with life. Gunther and Giselher
+and Hagen, too, Dankwart and Folker, the right good knights, went to
+where they found the two men lying. Then by these heroes tears of grief
+were shed.
+
+"Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth. "Now give over
+your weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed armor of us
+storm-weary men may cool. Certes, I ween, that God in heaven vouchsafeth
+us no more to live."
+
+This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall, but all
+again were idle. Rudeger's heroes lay still in death. The din had died
+away; the hush endured so long, it vexed King Etzel.
+
+"Alack for such services," spake the queen. "They be not so true, that
+our foes must pay with their life at Rudeger's hands. I trow, he doth
+wish to lead them back to the Burgundian land. What booteth it, King
+Etzel, that we have given him whatso he would? The knight hath done
+amiss, he who should avenge us, doth make his peace."
+
+To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not true,
+alas, most noble queen. Durst I give the lie to such a high-born dame,
+then had ye most foully lied against Rudeger. He and his champions be
+cozened in this peace. So eagerly he did what the king commanded,
+that he and all his fellowship lie here in death. Now look around you,
+Kriemhild, to see whom ye may now command. The good Knight Rudeger hath
+served you to his end. And ye will not believe the tale, we'll let you
+see."
+
+To their great grief 'twas done; they bare the slain hero to where the
+king might see him. Never had there happed to Etzel's men a grief so
+great. When they saw the margrave borne forth dead, no scribe might
+write or tell the frantic grief of men and women, which there gan show
+itself from dole of heart. King Etzel's sorrow waxed so great that the
+mighty king did voice his woe of heart, as with a lion's roar. Likewise
+did his queen. Beyond all measure they bewailed the good Knight
+Rudeger's death.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Parlous", older English for 'perilous'.
+   (2)  "Fey", 'doomed to death', here in the sense of 'already
+        slain'.  See Adventure V, note 2.
+   (3)  "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from
+        home.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's Warriors Were Slain.
+
+On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the towers
+rang with the wailing. Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard it, too. How
+quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales! To the lording he
+spake: "Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much I've lived to see till
+now, yet heard I never such a monstrous wail, as now hath reached mine
+ears. I ween, King Etzel himself hath come to grief. How else might all
+be so distressed? One of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely
+been laid low by the brave strangers in their wrath. Full many a dapper
+warrior weepeth passing sore."
+
+Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye not
+too fast. Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they be now in
+mickle need. Let it profit them, that I did offer them my peace."
+
+At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for tidings
+of what they have done, and will tell you then, my most dear lord, just
+as I find it, what the wail may be."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude questions
+then are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood of warriors. In
+truth, I will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these questions of them."
+
+Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade him find
+from Etzel's men or from the guests themselves, what there had fortuned,
+for men had never seen from folks so great a grief. The messenger gan
+ask: "What hath here been done?"
+
+At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the Hunnish
+land hath passed away. Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the Burgundians'
+hands; and of those who were come with him, not one hath 'scaped
+alive."
+
+Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole. Sorely weeping, the
+envoy went to Dietrich. Never was he so loth to tell a tale. "What
+have ye found for us?" quoth Dietrich. "Why weep ye so sore, Knight
+Helfrich?"
+
+Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail. The
+Burgundians have slain the good Sir Rudeger."
+
+At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid. That were a
+fearful vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat. Wherewith hath
+Rudeger deserved this at their hands? I know full well, forsooth, he is
+the strangers' friend."
+
+To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, 'twill cost
+them all their lives. 'Twould be our shame, should we let this pass, for
+of a truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger hath served us much and
+oft."
+
+The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better. In bitter grief he sate
+him at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the strangers, that
+he might find from them what had been done. The storm-brave warrior,
+Master Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield nor weapon in his hand. In
+courtly wise he would hie him to the strangers; for this he was chided
+by his sister's son. Grim Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so
+bare, ye will never fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame.
+But if ye go there armed, each will guard against that well."
+
+Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth. Or ever he
+was ware, all Dietrich's warriors had donned their war-weeds and held
+in their hands their swords. Loth it was to the hero, and he would have
+gladly turned their mind. He asked whither they would go.
+
+"We will hence with you. Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will dare the
+less to address him to you with scorn, which full well he knoweth how to
+use." When he heard this, the knight vouchsafed them for to go.
+
+Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of Dietrich,
+march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in their hands they
+bare their shields. He told it to his lords from out the Burgundian
+land. The fiddler spake: "Yonder I see the men of Dietrich march along
+in right hostile wise, armed cap-a-pie. They would encounter us; I ween
+'twill go full ill with us strangers."
+
+Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come. Before his feet he placed his shield,
+and gan ask Gunther's men: "Alas, good heroes, what had Rudeger done
+you? My Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to say, that if the
+hand of any among you hath slain the noble margrave, as we are told, we
+could never stand such mighty dole."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true. How gladly could I wish,
+that the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger's sake, and that he
+still did live, for whom both man and wife may well ever weep."
+
+When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail for
+him, as their fealty bade them. Over the beards and chins of Dietrich's
+champions the tears were seen to run. Great grief had happened to them.
+
+Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an end
+the cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. The joy of
+all wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."
+
+Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw mine own
+father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than for his death.
+Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave's wife?"
+
+Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the warriors
+to so many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done? Alas, most noble
+Rudeger, that we should lose thee thus!"
+
+Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men bewailed
+his death. For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a whit. He spake:
+"Sir knights, now do what my lord hath sent you here to do. Give us
+the corse of Rudeger from out the hall, in whom our joy hath turned to
+grief, and let us repay to him the great fealty he hath shown to us and
+to many another man. We, too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight.
+Why do ye let us wait thus? Let us bear him away, that we may yet
+requite the knight in death. More justly had we done it, when he was
+still alive."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as that,
+which a friend doth do to a friend after his death. When any doeth that,
+I call it faithful friendship. Ye repay him but rightly, for much love
+hath he ever shown you."
+
+"How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart. "Sith our best
+hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no longer have him
+with us, let us bear him hence to where the warrior may be buried."
+
+To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you. Fetch ye him
+from the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood, with mortal
+wounds. 'Twill then be a perfect service, which ye render Rudeger."
+
+Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us great
+dole and should not rouse our ire. But that I durst not for fear of my
+lord, ye should all fare ill. We must perforce abstain, sith he forbade
+us strife."
+
+Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth abstain
+from all that one forbiddeth him. That I call not a real hero's mood."
+This speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.
+
+"Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I'll play such havoc with
+your fiddle strings, that ye'll have cause to tell the tale, when ye
+ride homeward to the Rhine. I cannot brook in honor your overweening
+pride."
+
+Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must the
+gleam of your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however I ride to
+the Burgundian land."
+
+Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him firmly.
+"I ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger. Then hadst thou lost
+forever the favor of my lord."
+
+"Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the good
+knight Folker. "Had he slain the whole world with his one hand, I'll
+smite him, and he come within my reach, so that he may never sing the
+answer to my song."
+
+At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood. Wolfhart, a
+doughty knight and a good, snatched up his shield. Like a wild lion
+he ran to meet him, swiftly followed by all his friends. But howsoever
+great the strides he took towards the hall, yet did old Hildebrand
+overtake him at the steps. He would not let him reach the fray before
+him. At the hands of the homeless knights they later found the strife
+they sought. Master Hildebrand then sprang at Hagen. In the hands of
+both one heard the swords ring out. That both were angry, might be
+plainly seen; from the swords of the twain streamed forth a blast of
+fire-red sparks. Then they were parted in the stress of battle by the
+men of Berne, as their strength did bid them. At once Hildebrand turned
+him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart addressed him to Folker the
+bold. Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon his good helmet, that the
+sword's edge pierced to the very helmet bands. This the bold gleeman
+repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the sparks flew wide. Enow
+of fire they struck from the armor rings, for each bare hatred to the
+other. Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne did part them--an' he be not a hero,
+never was there one.
+
+With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of the
+Amelung land. Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red and wet with
+blood. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, a fierce man was he; whatever he had
+done before to Etzel's warriors in strife was as a wind to the fury with
+which bold Aldrian's son now fought. Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich
+and Wichart had spared themselves full seldom in many battle storms;
+this they now made Gunther's liegemen note full well. Wolfbrand, too,
+was seen in the strife bearing him in lordly wise. Old Hildebrand fought
+as though he raged. At Wolfhart's hands many good knights, struck by the
+sword, must needs fall dead down into the blood. Thus the bold champions
+and good avenged Knight Rudeger.
+
+Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him. Ho, what good helmets
+of his foes this son of Dietrich's sister clove in the strife! Nor
+might he ever do better in the fray. When sturdy Folker espied that bold
+Siegstab hewed a bloody stream from the hard armor rings, wroth of mood
+the hero grew. He sprang to meet him, and Siegstab lost his life full
+soon at the fiddler's hands, for Folker gave him such a sample of his
+art, that he soon lay dead, slain by his sword. This old Hildebrand
+avenged, as his might did bid him.
+
+"Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here dead
+at Folker's hands. Now shall the fiddler no longer live."
+
+How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer? Folker he smote, so that
+on all sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from helmet and
+shield of the doughty gleeman. Thus stout Folker was done to death. At
+this the men of Dietrich pressed forward to the strife. They smote so
+that the armor rings whirled far and wide, and high through the air
+the sword-points wore seen to fly. From the helmets they drew the warm
+gushing stream of blood. When Hagen of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was
+the greatest sorrow, that he had gained at the feasting in kinsman or
+in liegeman. Alas, how fiercely Hagen gan venge the knight! "Now old
+Hildebrand shall not profit by this deed. My helpmate lieth slain by the
+hero's hand, the best war comrade that I did ever win." Higher he raised
+his helmet, and ran, slashing as he went.
+
+Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart. Loth enow it was to Gunther and Giselher,
+when they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own hands he himself
+had well avenged his death. Meanwhile Wolfhart raged back and forth,
+hewing alway King Gunther's men. For the third time he was come through
+the hall, and many a warrior fell, struck by his hands.
+
+Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever gained
+so grim a foe! Noble knight and brave, now address you unto me. I'll
+help to make an end; this may be no longer."
+
+At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote other
+many a gaping wound. He pressed so mightily toward the king, that
+the blood beneath his feet spurted high above his head. With grim
+and fearful blows the son of fair Uta then greeted the brave knight
+Wolfhart. However strong the warrior, he might not save his life. Never
+could so young a king have been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through
+his stout hauberk, that his blood streamed down from the wound. Unto
+death he wounded Dietrich's liegeman. None save a champion had done such
+deed. When brave Wolfhart felt the wound, he let fall his shield and
+lifted higher in his hand his mighty sword (sharp enow it was); through
+both helmet and armor rings the hero smote Giselher. Thus each did other
+fiercely unto death.
+
+Now was none left of Dietrich's men. Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart fall;
+never before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to him. The men of
+Gunther all lay dead, and those of Dietrich, too. Hildebrand hied him to
+where Wolfhart had fallen in the gore, and clasped in his arms the brave
+knight and good. He would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a
+deal too heavy, and so he must needs let him lie. Then the dying warrior
+looked upward from the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his
+uncle would fain help him hence. Though wounded unto death, he spake:
+"Dear uncle mine, ye may not aid me now. 'Tis well, methinks, that ye
+should guard you against Hagen. A fierce mood he beareth in his heart.
+And if perchance my kinsmen would mourn me after I am dead; pray tell
+the nearest and the best, that they weep not for me; there is no need of
+that. At the hands of a king I have met a glorious death and have also
+avenged me, so that the wives of the good knights may well bewail it. If
+any ask you of this, ye may boldly say, that full a hundred lie slain by
+my hand alone."
+
+Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold Hildebrand
+had robbed of life. To the knight he spake: "Ye'll requite me now my
+sorrows. Through your hatred ye have bereft us of many a lusty knight."
+
+He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the which
+bold Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the knight. Then the
+old man warded him; in sooth he was brave enow. Dietrich's champion
+struck with a broad sword, that cut full sore, at the hero of Troneg,
+but could not wound King Gunther's liegeman. Hagen, however, smote him
+through his well-wrought hauberk. When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he
+feared more scathe at Hagen's hand; his shield he slung across his back
+and thus Sir Dietrich's man escaped from Hagen, though sorely wounded.
+
+Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and
+Hagen alone. Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he found
+Dietrich, and told him the baleful tale. He saw him sitting sadly, but
+much more of dole the prince now gained. He spied Hildebrand in his
+blood-red hauberk, and asked him tidings, as his fears did prompt him.
+
+"Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wet with your lifeblood?
+Pray who hath done you this? I ween, ye have fought with the strangers
+in the hall. I forbade it you so sorely, that ye should justly have
+avoided it."
+
+Then said he to his lord: "'Twas Hagen that did it. He dealt me this
+wound in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the knight. I
+scarce escaped the devil with my life."
+
+Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for that ye
+have broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye did hear me vow
+friendship to the knights. Were it not mine everlasting shame, ye should
+lose your life."
+
+"My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my friends and
+me is all too great. Fain would we have carried Rudeger's corse away,
+but King Gunther's liegemen would not grant it us."
+
+"Woe is me of these sorrows! If Rudeger then be dead, 'twill bring
+me greater dole, than all my woe. Noble Gotelind is the child of my
+father's sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be now in Bechelaren."
+
+Rudeger's death now minded him of ruth and dole. Mightily the hero gan
+weep; in sooth he had good cause. "Alas for this faithful comrade whom I
+have lost! In truth I shall ever mourn for King Etzel's liegeman. Can ye
+tell me, Master Hildebrand, true tidings, who be the knight, that hath
+slain him there?"
+
+Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the hero,
+too, fell dead at Rudeger's hands."
+
+Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm them
+quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready my shining
+battle weeds. I myself will question the heroes of the Burgundian land."
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you? Whatso of living
+men ye have, ye see stand by you. 'Tis I alone; the others, they be
+dead."
+
+He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never in his
+life had he gained so great a grief. He spake: "And are my men all dead,
+then hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich. Once I was a lordly king,
+mighty, high, and rich." Again Sir Dietrich spake: "How could it hap,
+that all the worshipful heroes died at the hands of the battle-weary,
+who were themselves hard pressed? Were it not for mine ill-luck, death
+were still a stranger to them. Sith then mine evil fortune would have it
+so, pray tell me, are any of the strangers still alive?"
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only Hagen and
+Gunther, the high-born king."
+
+"Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well rue me,
+that ever I was born. Siegstab and Wolfwin and Wolfbrand, too! Who then
+shall help me to the Amelung land? Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been
+slain, and Gerbart and Wichart? How shall I ever mourn for them in
+fitting wise? This day doth forever end my joys. Alas, that none may die
+for very grief!"
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330,
+        where we are told that he was the bravest and courtliest of
+        all knights.
+   (2)  "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.
+   (3)  "Siegstab" is Dietrich's nephew.  He also appears in the
+        "Thidreksaga", but in a different role.
+   (4)  "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich's
+        nephew.
+   (5)  "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.
+   (6)  "Ritschart".   With the exception of Helfrich (see Above
+        note 1), these names do not occur elsewhere, though one of
+        the sons of Haimon was called Wichart.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.
+
+Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master
+Hildebrand helped him arm. The mighty man made wail so sore, that the
+whole house resounded with his voice. But then he gained again a real
+hero's mood. The good knight was now armed and grim of mind; a stout
+shield he hung upon his arm. Thus he and Master Hildebrand went boldly
+hence.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming hither; he
+would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that hath here befallen
+him. To-day we shall see, to whom one must give the palm. However strong
+of body and grim of mood the lord of Berne thinketh him to be, right
+well dare I match him," so spake Hagen, "an' he will avenge on us that
+which hath been done him."
+
+Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to where he
+found the champion stand before the house, leaning against the wall.
+Dietrich set his good shield upon the ground, and spake in grievous
+dole: "Gunther, mighty king, why have ye so acted against me, banished
+man? What have I done to you? I stand alone, bereft of all my comfort.
+Ye thought it not enow of bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger,
+our friend. Now ye have robbed me of all my men. Forsooth I never had
+wrought you heroes sorrow such as this. Think on yourselves and on your
+wrongs. Doth not the death of your kinsmen and all the hardship grieve
+the minds of you good knights? Alas, what great dole Rudeger's death
+doth give me! Never in all the world hath more of sorrow happed to any
+man. Ye thought but little on me and on your pain. Whatsoever joy I had,
+that lieth slain by you. Certes, I never can bewail my kin enow."
+
+"Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen. "Your warriors came to
+this hall in a large band, armed with care. Methinks the tale hath not
+been told you rightly."
+
+"What else should I believe? Hildebrand told me, that when my knights
+from the Amelung land asked that ye should give up Rudeger's corse from
+out the hall, ye did naught but mock the valiant heroes from above the
+steps."
+
+Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would fain
+bear Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex King Etzel,
+and not thy men, until then Wolfhart began to rail about it."
+
+Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so. Gunther,
+most noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of the wrongs,
+that have happed to me from thee, and make such amends, brave knight,
+that I may give thee credit for the deed. Give thyself and thy men to me
+as hostages, and I will guard you, as best I may, that none here do thee
+aught among the Huns. Thou shalt find me naught but good and true."
+
+"Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves up
+to thee, that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and walk so
+unfettered before their foes."
+
+"Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich. "Ye
+have grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but right, and ye
+would requite me. I give you my hand and troth as pledge, that I will
+ride with you, home to your land. I'll lead you in all honor, or else
+lie dead, and for your sakes I will forget my grievous wrongs."
+
+"Crave this no longer," answered Hagen. "'Twere fitting, that the tale
+be told of us, that two men so brave had given themselves up to you. We
+see none standing by you, save Hildebrand alone."
+
+Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour will
+come, when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer to keep it
+with you. Ye might well content you with the truce my lord doth offer."
+
+"Forsooth I'd take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I'd flee from out
+a hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand. I weened, ye could
+stand better against a foe."
+
+To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that? Who was it
+sate upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter of Spain slew
+so many of his kin? Ye, too, have faults enow of your own to show."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they should
+scold like aged beldams. I forbid you, Hildebrand, to speak aught more.
+Grievous wrongs constrain me, homeless warrior. Let's hear, Knight
+Hagen, what ye twain did speak, ye doughty men, when ye saw me coming
+toward you armed? Ye said, that ye alone would fain encounter me in
+strife."
+
+"Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay it here
+with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung break in my
+hand. Wroth am I, that we twain have here been craved as hostages."
+
+When Dietrich noted Hagen's raging mood, quickly the doughty knight and
+good snatched up his shield. How swiftly Hagen sprang toward him from
+the steps! Loudly the good sword of Nibelung rang on Dietrich's head.
+Then wist Dietrich well, that the bold knight was grim of mood. The
+lord of Berne gan guard him against the fearful blows, for well he knew
+Hagen, the stately knight. Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow.
+Dietrich returned the blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he
+conquered Hagen in the strife. A wound he dealt him, the which was
+deep and long. Then Lord Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out with
+strife; little honor shall I have, and thou liest dead before me. I will
+try, if perchance I can force thee to be my hostage."
+
+This he wrought with danger. His shield he let fall, great was his
+strength, and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms. Thus the brave knight
+was overcome by Dietrich. Noble Gunther gan wail thereat. Dietrich now
+bound Hagen and led him to where he found the high-born queen; into her
+hand he gave the bravest warrior that ever bare a sword. Then merry enow
+she grew after her great dole. For very joy King Etzel's wife bowed low
+before the knight. "May thy heart and body be ever blest. Thou hast well
+requited me of all my woes. For this will I ever serve thee, unless be,
+that death doth hinder me therefrom."
+
+Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen. And if
+this still may be, how well will I requite you of that which he hath
+done you! Let him not suffer, because ye see him stand here bound."
+
+She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked in and
+where none did see him. Gunther, the high-born king, began to call:
+"Whither went the knight of Berne? He hath done me wrong."
+
+At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him. Gunther's might was worthy
+of praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and from the
+clashing of the swords of the twain a mighty din arose. However much and
+long Lord Dietrich's prowess had been praised, yet Gunther was so sorely
+angered and enraged, for because of the grievous dole, he was his deadly
+foe, that men still tell it as a wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall.
+Great were both their prowess and their strength. The palace and the
+towers resounded with the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the
+sturdy helmets. King Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of Berne
+overcame him, as happed to Hagen afore. The hero's blood was seen to
+ooze through the armor rings, drawn forth by a keen-edged sword, the
+which Sir Dietrich bare. Though weary, Sir Gunther had guarded him most
+valiantly. The lord was now bound by Dietrich's hands. Though kings
+should not endure such bonds, yet Dietrich thought, if he set free the
+king and his liegeman, that all they met must needs fall dead at their
+hands.
+
+Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to where
+he found Kriemhild. At sight of his sorrow much of her fear took flight.
+She spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the Burgundian land."
+
+Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your greetings
+were but kinder. I know you, queen, to be so wroth of mood that ye do
+give me and Hagen meagre greetings."
+
+Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such good
+knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted lady. For my
+sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."
+
+She vowed she'd do it gladly. Then Sir Dietrich left the worshipful
+knights with weeping eyes. Later Etzel's wife avenged her grimly; she
+took the life of both the chosen heroes. To make their duress worse she
+let them lie apart, so that neither saw the other, till she bare her
+brother's head to Hagen. Kriemhild's vengeance on both was great enow.
+
+Then the queen went to Hagen. In what right hostile wise she spake to
+the knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken from me, then ye
+may still go home alive to Burgundy."
+
+Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble queen.
+Forsooth I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the hoard, the
+while and any of my lords still live; so I shall give it to none."
+
+"I'll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife. Then she bade her
+brother's life be taken. His head they struck off, and by the hair she
+bare it to the knight of Troneg. Loth enow it was to him. When sad of
+mind the warrior gazed upon his master's head, he spake to Kriemhild:
+"Thou hast brought it to an end after thy will, and it hath happed, as I
+had thought me. The noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher,
+the youth, and Sir Gernot, too. None knoweth of the treasure now save
+God and me, and it shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."
+
+Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the sword of
+Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw him, in whom
+dole of heart hath happed to me through you."
+
+From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit. She planned
+to rob the knight of life. With her hands she raised it and struck off
+his head. This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it rued him. "Alack!" cried
+the lording, "how lieth now dead at a woman's hands the very best of
+knights, that ever came to battle or bare a shield! However much I was
+his foe, yet it doth grieve me sorely."
+
+Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught, that
+she durst slay him. Whatso hap to me, and however much it may bring me
+to a dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg's death."
+
+Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild. For fear of him she
+suffered pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked so
+frightfully? He dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the which did
+cut the high-born dame in twain. Now all lay low in death whom fate had
+doomed. Dietrich and Etzel then began to weep; sorely they mourned
+both kin and liegemen. Their mickle honors lay there low in death; the
+courtiers all had grief and drearihead. The king's high feast had ended
+now in woe, as joy doth ever end in sorrow at the last. I cannot tell
+you, that which happed thereafter, save that knights and ladies and
+noble squires were seen to weep for the death of loving kinsmen. The
+tale hath here an end. This is the Nibelungs' fall. (2) (3)
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.
+   (2)  "Fall".  The word "not", translated here "fall", means
+        really 'disaster', but as this word is not in keeping with
+        the style, "fall" has been chosen as preferable to 'need',
+        used by some translators.  The MS. C has here "liet" instead
+        of "not" of A and B.
+   (3)  The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage",
+        a poem written in short rhyming couplets.  As the name
+        indicates, it describes the lamentations of the survivors
+        over the dead.  The praises of each warrior are sung and a
+        messenger dispatched to acquaint Gotelind, Uta, and Brunhild
+        with the sad end of their kinsmen.  It closes with
+        Dietrich's departure from Etzel's court and his return home.
+        Although in one sense a continuation of our poem, the
+        "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being
+        excessively tedious with its constant repetitions.  A
+        reprint and a full account of it will be found in Piper's
+        edition of our poem, vol. I.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nibelungenlied, by Unknown
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1151 ***
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+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Nibelungenlied</title>
+
+<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+    
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+    
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1151 ***</div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      THE NIBELUNGENLIED
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      By An Unknown Author
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      Translated by Daniel B. Shumway
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime around 1200
+      A.D., although this dating is by no means certain. Author unknown.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The text of this edition is based on that published as "The
+      Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
+      New York, 1909).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      PREPARER'S NOTE: In order to make this electronic edition easier to use,
+      the preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.
+      Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves and
+      substituting page references with footnote references. The preparer takes
+      full responsibility for these changes.—DBK.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY: </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> INTRODUCTORY SKETCH </a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>THE NIBELUNGENLIED</b> </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ADVENTURE I. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw
+        Kriemhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland
+        (1) for Brunhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His
+        Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At
+        Worms. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward
+        With His Wife. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To
+        The Feasting. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The
+        Feasting. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each
+        Other. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her
+        Husband And How He Was Buried. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home
+        Again. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was
+        Brought to Worms. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To
+        Burgundy For Kriemhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The
+        Huns. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His
+        Bride. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To
+        Avenge Her Wrongs. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought
+        The Message. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To
+        The Huns. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> ADVENTURE XXVI. How Gelfrat Was Slain By
+        Dankwart. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To
+        Etzel's Castle. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For
+        Kriemhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> ADVENTURE XXXI. How They Went To Church. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> ADVENTURE XXXII How Bloedel Was Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought
+        The Huns. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To
+        Burn the Hall. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was
+        Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's
+        Warriors Were Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And
+        Kriemhild Were Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+
+<hr />
+
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      OTHER TRANSLATIONS—
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London, 1962).
+      Prose translation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne State
+      University Press, Detroit, 1962). Verse translation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      RECOMMENDED READING—
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs &amp; Sidney Johnson
+      (Garland Pub., New York, 1992).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and Eirikr
+      Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by the Online
+      Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History", Translated
+      by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online Medieval and
+      Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PREF">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PREFACE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation of
+      as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the
+      general reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has been
+      stimulated by Wagner's operas and by the reading of such poems as William
+      Morris' "Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the medium of
+      translation, since it is hardly possible to give an accurate rendering and
+      at the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme and metre; at least,
+      none of the verse translations made thus far have succeeded in doing this.
+      The prose translations, on the other hand, mostly err in being too
+      continuous and in condensing too much, so that they retell the story
+      instead of translating it. The present translator has tried to avoid these
+      two extremes. He has endeavored to translate literally and accurately, and
+      to reproduce the spirit of the original, as far as a prose translation
+      will permit. To this end the language has been made as simple and as Saxon
+      in character as possible. An exception has been made, however, in the case
+      of such Romance words as were in use in England during the age of the
+      romances of chivalry, and which would help to land a Romance coloring;
+      these have been frequently employed. Very few obsolete words have been
+      used, and these are explained in the notes, but the language has been made
+      to some extent archaic, especially in dialogue, in order to give the
+      impression of age. At the request of the publishers the Introduction
+      Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus of scholarship and made as popular
+      as a study of the poem and its sources would allow. The advanced student
+      who may be interested in consulting authorities will find them given in
+      the introduction to the parallel edition in the Riverside Literature
+      Series. A short list of English works on the subject had, however, been
+      added.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G.
+      Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting
+      the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition
+      of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the notes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      —DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0003">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      INTRODUCTORY SKETCH
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such
+      universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as the
+      "Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age of
+      chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German antiquity,
+      and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry, but also traits
+      of ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic mythology. One of
+      its earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad", for, like this
+      great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and unites the
+      monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical personages
+      into a poem that is essentially national in character, and the embodiment
+      of all that is great in the antiquity of the race. Though lacking to some
+      extent the dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied" surpasses the
+      former in the deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy of fate, the
+      inevitable retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle between the
+      powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages is
+      evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us. We
+      possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved in
+      thirty-one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and
+      fourteenth centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved
+      that, in spite of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of
+      this number three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon as
+      the most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them a
+      fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled. (1) It is now
+      generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later redaction with many
+      additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to whether the priority
+      should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that B is the more
+      original, A merely a careless copy of B.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was
+      soon forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly
+      chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and
+      tastes lay in a different direction, this epic shared the fate of many
+      others of its kind, and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery or
+      ducal libraries, there to wait till a more cultured age, curious as to the
+      literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from its hiding places.
+      However, the figures of the old legend were not forgotten, but lived on
+      among the people, and were finally embodied in a popular ballad, "Das Lied
+      vom Hürnen Seyfrid", which has been preserved in a print of the sixteenth
+      century, although the poem itself is thought to go back at least to the
+      thirteenth. The legend was also dramatized by Hans Sachs, the shoemaker
+      poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form in a chap book which still
+      exists in prints of the eighteenth century. The story and the characters
+      gradually became so vague and distorted, that only a trained eye could
+      detect in the burlesque figures of the popular account the heroes of the
+      ancient Germanic Legend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to the
+      world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H.
+      Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the Tirol
+      on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with Karl
+      Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany has ever
+      produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin his epoch-making
+      essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied". Believing that the
+      poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads or lays, he sought by
+      means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts which were, as he
+      thought, later interpolations or emendations. As a result of this sifting
+      and discarding process, he reduced the poem to what he considered to have
+      been its original form, namely, twenty separate lays, which he thought had
+      come down to us in practically the same form in which they had been sung
+      by various minstrels.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every
+      reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of
+      Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed
+      in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They
+      formed merely the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive the
+      old heroic legends of the German past which were familiar to his hearers
+      and to adapt them to the tastes of his time. In all probability we must
+      assume two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the poem. There
+      appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German account, quite
+      simple and brief, the other a tradition of the Lower Rhine. The legend was
+      perhaps developed by minstrels along the Rhine, until it was taken and
+      worked up into its present form by some Austrian poet. Who this poet was
+      we do not know, but we do know that he was perfectly familiar with all the
+      details of courtly etiquette. He seems also to have been acquainted with
+      the courtly epics of Heinrich von Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his
+      poem is free from the tedious and often exaggerated descriptions of pomp,
+      dress, and court ceremonies, that mar the beauty of even the best of the
+      courtly epics. Many painstaking attempts have been made to discover the
+      identity of the writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all
+      these theories which considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the
+      "Minnesingers", to be the author, because of the similarity of the
+      strophic form of our poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute
+      proof, and recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was indebted to
+      the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric, and not the
+      "Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe is presumably much
+      older, and, having become popular in Austria through the poem, was adopted
+      by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, in its present
+      form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of the exactness
+      of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later than 1204, because of
+      certain allusions to it in the sixth book of "Parzival", which we know to
+      have been written at this date. The two Low German poems which probably
+      form the basis of our epic may have been united about 1150. It was revised
+      and translated into High German and circulated at South German courts
+      about 1170, and then received its present courtly form about 1190, this
+      last version being the immediate source of our manuscripts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited
+      upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the
+      latter by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages
+      prove by their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity
+      with the German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the
+      Danube and upon the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along the
+      rocky fjords of Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new home
+      across the channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the
+      snow-covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires at
+      night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles,
+      each people and each generation telling it in its own fashion and adding
+      new elements of its own invention. This great geographical distribution of
+      the legend, and the variety of forms in which it appears, make it
+      difficult to know where we must seek its origin. The northern version is
+      in many respects older and simpler in form than the German, but still it
+      is probable that Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took its
+      rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient tribe of
+      the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are
+      reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried "spring"
+      in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild "bed" near
+      Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon's Rock, on the
+      Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge of the
+      story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the "Nibelungenlied"
+      and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved almost no trace of
+      the legend, and such as exist are too late and too corrupt to be of much
+      use in determining the original features of the story.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but
+      certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the sixth
+      century. It may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves captured
+      by the Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or, as Mogk
+      believes, may have been taken by the Heruli on their return to Norway
+      after their defeat by the Langobardi. By whatever channel, however, the
+      story reached the North, it became part and parcel of Skandinavian
+      folklore, only certain names still pointing to the original home of the
+      legend. In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed the ancient free
+      constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated to Iceland, taking
+      with them these acquired legends, which were better preserved in this
+      remote island because of the peaceful introduction of Christianity, than
+      on the Continent, where the Church was more antagonistic to the customs
+      and legends of the heathen period.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down to
+      us in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or older
+      "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was assigned to the celebrated
+      Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in which it is
+      preserved, dates from the middle of the thirteenth century, but is
+      probably a copy of an older manuscript. The songs it contains were written
+      at various times, the oldest probably in the first half of the ninth
+      century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest manuscript.
+      Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period, when Christianity was
+      already beginning to influence the Norwegians, that is, between the years
+      800 and 1000. They are partly heroic, partly mythological in character,
+      and are written in alliterative strophes interspersed with prose, and have
+      the form of dialogues. Though the legends on which these songs are based
+      were brought from Norway, most of them were probably composed in Iceland.
+      Among these songs, now, we find a number which deal with the adventures of
+      Siegfried and his tragic end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called "Volsungasaga",
+      a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates from the beginning
+      of the thirteenth century, but the account was probably written a century
+      earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his ancestors are here related in
+      great detail and his ancestry traced back to Wodan. Although a secondary
+      source, as it is based on the "Edda", the "Volsungasaga" is nevertheless
+      of great importance, since it supplies a portion of the "Codex Regius"
+      which has been lost, and thus furnishes us with the contents of the
+      missing songs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra Edda",
+      after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241), to whom it was
+      ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda" and the
+      "Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger "Edda" is
+      not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however, the
+      Siegfried saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since it
+      evidently made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially in
+      the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told more in
+      detail and with considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or
+      "Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of
+      the Siegfried story. It is really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains
+      the story of Sigurd and Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and Gunther),
+      which an old man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason, who converted
+      the Norwegians to Christianity. The story was written about 1250 to
+      illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian faith. It is
+      based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is therefore of minor
+      importance as a source.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried
+      legend into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the middle
+      of the thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of the Hanseatic
+      League, when the story was introduced together with other popular German
+      epics. These poems are products of the age of chivalry, and are
+      characterized by the romantic and courtly features of this movement. The
+      one which concerns us here, as the fifth source of the Siegfried story, is
+      the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates the adventures of the famous
+      legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne, the historical Theodorich of Ravenna.
+      In as far as it contains the adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also
+      called the "Niflungasaga". The "Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a
+      Norwegian who, as he himself tells us, heard the story from Germans in the
+      neighborhood of Bremen and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon
+      traditions, it can be considered an independent source of the legend, and,
+      in fact, differs from the earlier Norse versions in many important
+      details. The author was acquainted, however, with the older versions, and
+      sought to compromise between them, but mostly followed his German
+      authorities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects more
+      original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of the
+      treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of
+      "Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for the
+      killing of the former's son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form of an
+      otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari", who in turn
+      had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari pronounces a
+      terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and this curse passes
+      from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when asleep by his two
+      sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is cheated out of the
+      coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the "Gnita" heath, where
+      he guards it in the form of a dragon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands of
+      a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have seen),
+      a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history back to
+      Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of Siegfried's
+      ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not especially concern
+      us, as it has little or no influence on the later development of the
+      story. It is sufficient for our purpose to know that Siegfried was the son
+      of Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the birth of his son. Sigurd
+      was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis" and the wise dwarf Regin, who
+      taught him the knowledge of runes and of many languages. (2) At the
+      suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and receives the steed "Grani" from
+      the king, and is then urged by his tutor to help him obtain the treasure
+      guarded by the latter's brother Fafnir. Sigurd promises, but first demands
+      a sword. Two, that are given him by Regin, prove worthless, and he forges
+      a new one from the pieces of his father's sword, which his mother had
+      preserved. With this he easily splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of
+      wool, floating down the Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father,
+      and then sets off with Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of
+      the former Sigurd digs a ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him
+      from below with his sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the
+      dragon warns Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin,
+      who, he says, is planning Sigurd's death, intending to obtain the treasure
+      for himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of
+      concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs Sigurd
+      to roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers, and,
+      putting them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the birds
+      and hears them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and then he
+      would be wiser than all other men. They also betray Regin's evil designs,
+      and counsel the lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does, cutting off
+      Regin's head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and eating Fafnir's
+      heart. (3) On the further advice of the birds Sigurd first fetches the
+      treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the mountain "Hindarfjall",
+      where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie, "Sigrdrifa" ("Brynhild",
+      "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep thorn of Wodan, and clad in full
+      armor, lies asleep within a castle that is surrounded by a wall of flame.
+      With the help of his steed Grani, Sigurd succeeds in penetrating through
+      the fire to the castle. The sleeping maiden awakes when he cuts the armor
+      from her with his sword, for it was as tight as if grown fast to the
+      flesh. She hails her deliverer with great joy, for she had vowed never to
+      marry a man who knew fear. At Sigurd's request she teaches him many wise
+      precepts, and finally pledges her troth to him. He then departs, after
+      promising to be faithful to her and to remember her teachings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the Norse
+      form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on the
+      lower Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Gutthorm", and a
+      daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears the name of
+      Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil heart. (4)
+      Sigurd is received with great honor, for his coming had been announced to
+      Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her by Brynhild.
+      The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the latter, gives him a
+      potion which produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer remembers his
+      betrothed, and accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king offers him at
+      the queen's request. The marriage is celebrated with great pomp, and
+      Sigurd remains permanently attached to Giuki's court, performing with the
+      others many deeds of valor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild.
+      Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild's
+      father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom he
+      learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will marry
+      no one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this answer they
+      proceed to Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to pierce the flames,
+      even when seated on Sigurd's steed. Finally Sigurd and Gunnar change
+      forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through the wall of fire,
+      announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of Giuki, and reminds her
+      of her promise to marry the one who penetrated the fire. Brynhild consents
+      with great reluctance, for she is busy carrying on a war with a
+      neighboring king. Sigurd then passes three nights at her side, placing,
+      however, his sword Gram between them, as a bar of separation. At parting
+      he draws from her finger the ring, with which he had originally pledged
+      his troth to her, and replaces it with another, taken from Fafnir's hoard.
+      Soon after this the marriage of Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with
+      great splendor, and all return to Giuki's court, where they live happily
+      for some time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath,
+      Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the
+      water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her
+      father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through
+      the fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts
+      that not Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from
+      her the fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in
+      proof of her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not a
+      word. After a second conversation on the subject had increased the hatred
+      of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill, she takes
+      to her bed, and when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks him if he
+      remembers the circumstances of the wooing and that not he but Sigurd had
+      penetrated the flames. She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as she had
+      pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains by Hogni.
+      Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake her. Finally Sigurd
+      succeeds in making her talk, and she tells him how cruelly she has been
+      deceived, that the better man had been destined for her, but that she had
+      received the poorer one. This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's son had killed
+      the king of the Danes and also Budli's brother, a great warrior. Moreover,
+      although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames, he had not become her
+      husband. He begs her therefore not to harbor a grudge against Gunnar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and threatens
+      Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd.
+      After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs him
+      that he must kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the
+      Rhinegold. Hogni warns him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it
+      occurs to Gunnar, that his brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might do
+      the deed. Both now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him
+      wolf's and snake meat to eat to make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes the
+      attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's
+      penetrating glance. The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and pierces him
+      with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls his own sword after
+      his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He then dies, protesting his
+      innocence and designating Brynhild as the instigator of his murder.
+      Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her
+      joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share Sigurd's death. In vain
+      they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces herself
+      with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre. In dying she
+      prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli" and of the
+      death of the many men which will be caused thereby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King
+      "Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild learns
+      of the place of her daughter's concealment, and tries to bring about a
+      reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much treasure, if she
+      will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only of revenge, but
+      finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in Atli's land. After
+      a time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for the latter had taken
+      possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his court. A man named
+      "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes the runes of warning,
+      which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too, read as an invitation. The
+      brothers determine to accept the invitation, and, though warned by many
+      dreams, they set out for Atli's court, which they reach in due time. Vingi
+      now breaks forth into exultations, that he has lured them into a snare,
+      and is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for
+      battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun.
+      Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some exchange
+      of taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the combatants, but,
+      failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her brothers. The battle
+      rages furiously with great loss on both sides, until nearly all of the
+      Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni are forced to yield to the
+      power of numbers and are captured and bound. Gunnar is asked, if he will
+      purchase his life with the treasure. He replies that he first wishes to
+      see Hogni's bleeding heart. At first the heart of a slave is cut out and
+      brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it at once as that of a coward. Then
+      they cut out Hogni's heart, who laughs at the pain. This Gunnar sees is
+      the right one, and is jubilant, for now Atli shall never obtain the
+      treasure, as Gunnar alone knows where it is hid. In a rage Atli orders
+      Gunnar to be thrown to the snakes. Though his hands are bound, Gunnar
+      plays so sweetly with his toes on the harp, which Gudrun has sent him,
+      that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with the exception of an adder,
+      which stings him to the heart, so that he dies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun
+      that she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers
+      of peace and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons "Erp"
+      and "Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives for his
+      retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had drunk their
+      blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night when Atli is
+      asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires to avenge his
+      father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust a sword through his
+      breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told by Gudrun that she is
+      his murderess. When he reproaches her with thus killing her husband, she
+      answers that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli now asks for a fitting
+      burial, and on receiving the promise of this, expires. Gudrun carries out
+      her promise, and burns the castle with Atli and all his dead retainers.
+      Other Edda songs relate the further adventures of Gudrun, but they do not
+      concern us here, as the "Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the
+      Nibelungs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to us
+      in the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that this
+      version, though more original than the German tradition, does not
+      represent the simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the
+      original form was, has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two
+      distinctly opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the
+      personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the
+      possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely human origin
+      for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for the possession of
+      treasure. The former view is the older, and obtained almost exclusively at
+      one time. The latter has been gaining ground of recent years, and is held
+      by many of the younger students of the legend. According to the
+      mythological view, the maiden slumbering upon the lonely heights is the
+      sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the morning red ("Morgenrote").
+      Siegfried is the youthful day who is destined to rouse the sun from her
+      slumber. At the appointed time he ascends, and before his splendor the
+      morning red disappears. He awakens the maiden; radiantly the sun rises
+      from its couch and joyously greets the world of nature. But light and
+      shade are indissolubly connected; day changes of itself into night. When
+      at evening the sun sinks to rest and surrounds herself once more with a
+      wall of flames, the day again approaches, but no longer in the youthful
+      form of the morning to arouse her from her slumber, but in the sombre
+      shape of Gunther, to rest at her side. Day has turned into night; this is
+      the meaning of the change of forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day and
+      sun descend into the realm of darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried
+      story is a day myth; but under another it is a myth of the year. The
+      dragon is the symbol of winter, the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes
+      the bright summer, his sword the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in
+      the dark days of winder. When its time has come, it goes forth
+      triumphantly and destroys the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the
+      symbolization the abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is
+      thus not a mere allegory, but a personification of nature's forces. The
+      treasure may have entered the saga through the widespread idea of the
+      dragon as the guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of
+      nature which unfolds when the season has conquered. In the last act of the
+      saga, Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees
+      again a symbolic representation of a process of nature. According to him
+      it signifies the death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he
+      kills the dragon, in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully
+      slain by the hostile powers of darkness. Later, when this act was
+      connected with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning
+      was forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and
+      jealousy of the insulted queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already
+      spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and does
+      not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best exponent of
+      this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt to resolve the
+      story into its simplest constituents. According to him the nucleus of the
+      legend is an old story of the murder of relatives ("Verwandienmord"), the
+      original form being perhaps as follows. Attila (i.e., the enemy of Hagen
+      under any name) is married to Hagen's sister Grimhild or Gudrun. He
+      invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks him in the hope of
+      obtaining his treasure, and kills him. According to this view Hagen was
+      originally the king, but later sinks to a subordinate position through the
+      subsequent connection of the story with the Burgundians. It is of course
+      useless to hunt for the date of such an episode in history. Such a murder
+      could have frequently occurred, and can be localized anywhere. Very early
+      we find this Hagen story united with the Siegfried legend. If the latter
+      is mythological, then we have a heterogeneous combination, a mythical
+      legend grafted on a purely human one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and
+      presents a number of arguments to disprove the mythical character of the
+      Siegfried story, into which we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to
+      the conclusion, that the Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and
+      consisted originally of the murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of
+      the Hagen title. Siegfried is married to Hagen's sister, and is killed by
+      his brother-in-law because of his treasure. The kernel of the legend is,
+      therefore, the enmity between relatives, which exists in two forms, the
+      one in which the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi"
+      saga, the other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by him,
+      too, as in the "Hilde" saga. The German tradition tries to combine the two
+      by introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild causes the death of her
+      relatives, in order to avenge her first husband. Boer is of the opinion
+      that both the Norse and the German versions have forgotten the original
+      connection between the two stories, and that this connection was nothing
+      more nor less than the common motive of the treasure. The same treasure,
+      which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in turn
+      through the greed of Attila. There was originally, according to Boer, no
+      question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the retribution which
+      overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate was lost when
+      the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his treasure, was
+      replaced by the one that he does it at the request of Brunhild. This leads
+      Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to the
+      Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty
+      ("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. The type is that
+      of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which may take the form
+      of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of being sewed into
+      a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm's fairy tales. By the union of the two
+      stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping Beauty tale,
+      Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand his relation to
+      Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the rock, on the other
+      his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent death. This twofold
+      relation had to be disposed of, and since his connection with Grimhild was
+      decisive for his fate, his relation to Brunhild had to be changed. It
+      could not be entirely ignored, for it was too well known, therefore it was
+      given a different interpretation. Siegfried still rescues a maiden from
+      the rock, not for himself, however, but for another. The exchange of forms
+      on the part of Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of the older form.
+      It gives the impression, that Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the
+      bride. This alteration probably took place when the Burgundians were
+      introduced into the legend. With this introduction an unlocalized saga of
+      unknown heroes of ancient times became one of events of world-wide
+      importance; the fall of a mighty race was depicted as the result of
+      Siegfried's death. To render this plausible, it was necessary on the one
+      hand to idealize the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of
+      horror demanding fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of
+      the Burgundians an active participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise
+      it would not seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for
+      a crime committed by the king's brother or vassal. As the role of
+      Brunhild's husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role,
+      it was natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very
+      ingeniously the gradual development of this exchange of roles through the
+      various sources.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two women is to
+      identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the hero
+      rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her, and then is
+      later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As Brunhild and
+      Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need of a wooing for
+      the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild, accordingly the old
+      motive of greed (here envy) reappears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not originally
+      belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the popular ballad
+      is the fight with the dragon connected with the release of Brunhild. If
+      the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the dragon cannot have
+      originally belonged to it, but was later introduced, because of the
+      widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of treasure, and in order
+      to answer the question as to the provenience of the hoard. This is,
+      however, only one answer to the question. Another, widespread in German
+      legends, is that the treasure comes from the Nibelungs, that is, from the
+      dwarfs. Many identify the dwarfs and the dragon, but this finds no support
+      in the sources, for here the dwarfs and Fafnir are never confused. The
+      "Nibelungenlied" describes an adventure with each, but the treasure is
+      only connected with the dwarfs. The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon
+      fight but not the dwarfs, as is likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad.
+      Only in the Norse sources do we find a contamination. The story of
+      Hreithmar and his sons, who quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of
+      Schilbung and Nibelung in the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same
+      source. One of the sons, because of his guarding the treasure, is
+      identified with the dragon, and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon,
+      after gaining the treasure. Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but
+      a dwarf. These two independent forms can be geographically localized. The
+      dwarf legend is the more southern; it is told in detail in the
+      "Nibelungenlied". The dragon legend probably originated in the Cimbrian
+      peninsula, where the "Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon fight plays such
+      an important part, likewise arose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing in
+      the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other tracing
+      it back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may be, that
+      the true form of the original saga lies half way between these two views.
+      The story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their killing at Etzel's
+      court, may go back to the tale of the murder of relatives for money. On
+      the other hand it is hard to believe that the Siegfried saga is nothing
+      but a repetition of the Attila motive, for this is too brief a formula to
+      which to reduce the long legend of Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if
+      we discard the mythological interpretation, it is the tale of a daring
+      hero, who is brought up in the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon
+      and takes possession of his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon
+      a mountain, as in the older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a
+      tower, as in the "Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire,
+      as in the Norse, or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied".
+      After betrothing himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further
+      adventures, and falls into the power of an evil race, who by their magic
+      arts lure him to them, cause his destruction, and then obtain his treasure
+      and the maiden for themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa belongs to
+      Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong together, and it
+      seems hardly possible that she should have entered the story later, as
+      Boer would have us believe. After all, it is largely a matter of belief,
+      for it is impossible to prove positively that mythical elements did or did
+      not exist in the original.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements were
+      added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the Franks
+      were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward. Further
+      up the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had established a
+      kingdom in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their capital being Worms
+      and their king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the Romans called him. For
+      twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms with the surrounding
+      nations. Then, growing bolder, they suddenly rose against the Romans in
+      the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly suppressed by the Roman
+      general Aetius. Though defeated, the Burgundians were not subdued, and the
+      very next year they broke their oaths and again sought to throw off the
+      Roman yoke. This time the Romans called to their aid the hordes of Huns,
+      who had been growing rapidly in power and were already pressing hard upon
+      the German nations from the east. Only too glad for an excuse, the Huns
+      poured into the land in great numbers and practically swept the Burgundian
+      people from the face of the earth. According to the Roman historians,
+      twenty thousand Burgundians were slain in this great battle of the
+      Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this catastrophe, in which a whole German
+      nation fell before the hordes of invading barbarians, produced a profound
+      impression upon the Teutonic world. The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the
+      "Nibelungenlied", who also fell in the battle, became the central figure
+      of a new legend, namely, the story of the fall of the Burgundians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after his
+      death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the slaughter
+      of the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types, and as Attila
+      was a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon as the type of a
+      cruel tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural for him to play the
+      rôle assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible is Boer's explanation
+      of the entrance of Attila into the legend. The "Thidreksaga" locates him
+      in Seest in Westphalia. Now this province once bore the name of
+      "Hunaland", and by a natural confusion, because of the similarity of the
+      names, "Huna" and "Huns", Attila, who is the chief representative of
+      Hunnish power, was connected with the legend and located at Seest. This
+      would show that the original extension of the legend was slight, as
+      Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles from Seest. The original
+      form would then be that Hagen was slain by a king of "Hunaland", then
+      because history relates that the Burgundians were slain by the Huns, the
+      similarity of the names led to the introduction of Attila and the
+      identification of the Nibelungs with the Burgundians. The fact, too, that
+      the Franks rapidly took possession of the district depopulated by the
+      crushing defeat of the Burgundians likewise aided the confusion, and thus
+      the Franks became the natural heirs of the legend concerning the death of
+      Gunther, and so we read of the fall of the Nibelungs, a name that is
+      wholly Frankish in character. This identification led also to Attila's
+      being considered the avenger of Siegfried's death. Poetic justice,
+      however, demands that the slaughter of the Burgundians at the hands of
+      Attila be also avenged. The rumor, that Attila's death was not natural,
+      but that he had been murdered by his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the
+      necessary features to round out the story. As Kriemhild was the sister of
+      the Burgundian kings, it was but natural to explain her killing of Attila,
+      as described in the Norse versions, by her desire to avenge her brothers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild,
+      who is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here, has
+      sunk to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive
+      observer of the fight raging around him. This change was brought about
+      perhaps by the introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing figure
+      of all Germanic heroic lore. The necessity of providing him with a role
+      corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing repugnance on the
+      part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat at the hands of the Huns,
+      caused the person of Attila to dwindle in importance. Gradually, too, the
+      role played by Kriemhild was totally changed. Instead of being the avenger
+      of her brothers, as depicted in the Norse versions, she herself becomes
+      the cause of their destruction. Etzel is not only innocent of any desire
+      to harm the Nibelungs, but is even ignorant of the revenge planned by his
+      wife. This change in her role was probably due to the feeling that it was
+      incumbent upon her to avenge the murder of Siegfried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried's
+      youth as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no
+      longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic
+      Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king of
+      the Netherlands, and the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild. The poem
+      has forgotten Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows nothing of
+      his penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her, nothing of the
+      betrothal of the two. In our poem Siegfried is carefully reared at his
+      father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out with great pomp for the
+      court of the Burgundians. In the Norse version he naturally remains at
+      Gunther's court after his marriage, but in our poem he returns to the
+      Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the introduction of several
+      new scenes to depict his arrival home, the invitation to the feast at
+      Worms, and the reception of the guests on the part of the Burgundians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the winning
+      of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older Norse
+      versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but Siegfried dons
+      the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that while Gunther makes
+      the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing which is rather
+      difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is likewise very
+      differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it is in the Norse
+      version. In the latter it takes place while the ladies are bathing in the
+      river, and is brought on by the arrogance of Brunhild, who refuses to
+      stand lower down the stream and bathe in the water flowing from Gudrun to
+      her. In the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the seclusion of the ladies'
+      apartments, but in our poem it culminates in front of the cathedral before
+      the assembled court, and requires as its background all the pomp and
+      splendor of medieval chivalry. With a master hand and a wonderful
+      knowledge of female character, the author depicts the gradual progress of
+      the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent scene of wounded pride
+      and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as usual, plays the more important part,
+      and, while standing up for her rights, tries in every way to conciliate
+      Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At last, however, stung by the
+      taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her patience, bursts out with the
+      whole story of the twofold deception to which Brunhild has been subjected,
+      and then triumphantly sweeps into the church, leaving her rival stunned
+      and humiliated by the news she has heard. In the Norse tradition the scene
+      serves merely to enlighten Brunhild as to the deception played upon her.
+      In the "Nibelungenlied" it becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death,
+      for Brunhild plans to kill Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to
+      her. She has no other reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no
+      deception. Brunhild appeals to us much less in the "Nibelungenlied" than
+      in the Norse version. In the latter she feels herself deeply wronged by
+      Siegfried's faithlessness, and resolves on his death because she will not
+      be the wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason for wishing his
+      death except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she
+      disappears from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse
+      tradition she ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally different in
+      the two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while
+      asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is
+      killed by Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded by
+      a scene in which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the one
+      vulnerable spot on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting him. This
+      deepens the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and self-reproaches
+      the greater. After Siegfried's burial his father, who had also come to
+      Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade Kriemhild to return with
+      him to the Netherlands. Her refusal is unnatural in the extreme, for she
+      had reigned there ten years or more with Siegfried, and had left her
+      little son behind, and yet she relinquishes all this and remains with her
+      brothers, whom she knows to be the murderers of her husband. This is
+      evidently a reminiscence of an earlier form in which Siegfried was a
+      homeless adventurer, as in the "Thidreksaga".
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs, is treated
+      of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the "Nibelungenlied",
+      which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has developed and enlarged
+      upon the story, until it overshadows the first part in length and
+      importance and gives the name to the whole poem. The main difference
+      between the two versions is that in the older Norse tradition it is Attila
+      who invites the Nibelungs to his court and attacks them in order to gain
+      possession of the treasure, while Gudrun (Kriemhild) first tries to
+      reconcile the warring parties, and, not succeeding in this, snatches up a
+      sword and fights on the side of her brothers and later kills her husband
+      as an act of revenge. In the "Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied",
+      however, she is the instigator of the fight and the cause of her brothers'
+      death, and finally suffers death herself at the hands of Master
+      Hildebrand, who is furious that such noble heroes should fall at a woman's
+      hand. The second part of the poem is grewsome reading at best, with its
+      weltering corpses and torrents of blood. The horror is relieved only by
+      the grim humor of Hagen and by the charming scene at Rudeger's court,
+      where the young prince Giselher is betrothed to Rudeger's daughter.
+      Rudeger is without doubt the most tragic figure of this part. He is bound
+      on the one hand by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by
+      ties of friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at the dilemma in
+      which Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him is pitiful.
+      Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must fulfill his
+      vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he rushes to
+      his death in combat with his dearest friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of
+      Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that he
+      is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his
+      companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism
+      that would do honor to a Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of
+      his crime, and to the last mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury
+      knows no bounds. No character shows so little the refining influences of
+      Christianity as does his. In all essential respects he is still the same
+      old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms of the legend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the
+      "Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here, although
+      they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to say, that the
+      "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective scenes for the
+      purpose of bringing some of them, especially Folker and Dankwart, into
+      prominence. Among the best of these are, first, the night watch, when
+      Folker first plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin, and then
+      stands guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned by
+      Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following morning, when
+      the men of both parties clash; and lastly the tournament between the Huns
+      and the Burgundians, which gives the author an excellent chance to show
+      the prowess of the various heroes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the
+      "Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"
+      ("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of the
+      Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the
+      strophe is considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem,
+      and that it was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back most
+      probably to the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth
+      century, although some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the
+      French epic verse, may have been of influence. The direct derivation from
+      Otfrid seems, however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the
+      importance of the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the sense, as
+      well as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending. The "Nibelungen"
+      strophe consists of four long lines separated by a caesura into two
+      distinct halves. The first half of each line contains four accents, the
+      fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last stress, however, is not,
+      as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being somewhat like that of
+      a feminine ending. On this account some speak of three accents in the
+      first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth stress is, however,
+      too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of its lighter character is
+      best marked with a grave accent. The second half of each line ends in a
+      masculine rhyme. The first three lines have each three stresses in the
+      second half, while the second half of the fourth line has four accents to
+      mark the end of the strophe. This longer fourth line is one of the most
+      marked characteristics of the "Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are
+      arranged in the order of "a", "a", "b", "b", though in a few isolated
+      cases near the end of the poem but one rhyme is used throughout the
+      strophe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form
+      and scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the
+      Middle High German language in which the poem is written:
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+     Uns ist in alten maeren   wunders vil geseit
+     von heleden lobebaeron,   von grozer arebeit,
+     von froude und hochgeziten,   von weinen und von klagen,
+     von kuener recken striten   muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.
+
+     Ez wuochs in Burgonden   ein edel magedin,
+     daz in allen landen   niht schoeners mohte sin,
+     Kriemhild geheizen;   si wart ein scoene wip,
+     darambe muosen degene   vil verliesen den lip.
+
+     Der minneclichen meide   triuten wol gezam,
+     ir muotten kuene recken,   niemen was ir gram,
+     ane ma zen schoene   so was ir edel lip;
+     der iunevrouwen tugende   zierten anderiu wip.
+
+     Ir pflagen drie künege   edel unde rich,
+     Gunther unde Gernot,   die recken lobelich,
+     und Giselher der iunge,   ein uz erwelter degen,
+     diu frouwe was ir swester,   die fu'rsten hetens in ir
+                                        pflegen.
+
+     Die herren waren milte,   von arde hohe erborn,
+     mit kraft unmazen kuene,   die recken uz erkorn,
+     dazen Burgonden   so was ir lant genant,
+     si framden starkiu wunder   sit in Etzelen lant.
+
+     Ze Wormze bidem Rine   si wenden mit ir kraft,
+     in diende von ir landen   stolziu ritterscaft
+     mit lobelichen eren   unz an ir endes zit,
+     sit sturben si inemerliche   von zweier edelen frouwen nit.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene": "degene"
+      (str. 84) or "Hagene": "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, but it
+      is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in
+      question shows that the three accents are not complete without this final
+      "e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High German
+      poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to die out
+      in the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the period.
+      The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure rhymes
+      being mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed together,
+      e.g. "mich": "rich" or "man": "han". Caesural rhymes are frequently met
+      with, and were considered by Lachmann to be the marks of interpolated
+      strophes, a view no longer held. A further peculiarity of the "Nibelungen"
+      strophe is the frequent omission of the unaccented syllable in the second
+      half of the last line of the strophe between the second and third
+      stresses. Examples of this will be found in the second, third, and fifth
+      strophes of the passage given above.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High German,
+      that is, the High German written and spoken in the period between 1100 and
+      1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry and of the
+      "Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the Austrian dialect
+      of the close of the twelfth century, but contains many archaisms, which
+      point to the fact of its having undergone a number of revisions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or two
+      further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in German
+      literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue"
+      (faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent
+      portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his
+      lord, as depicted in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband, as
+      shown by Kriemhild, carried out with unhesitating consistency to the
+      bitter end. This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors
+      so largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the
+      death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the masters
+      of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled to bow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of the
+      youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it is a
+      torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of these
+      integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of originally
+      separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains not a few
+      contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a close study
+      reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle High German
+      epic poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older German
+      literature. It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in Gottfried
+      von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often magnificent
+      descriptions of armor and dress to be met with in the epics of Hartman von
+      Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram von Eschenbach's
+      "Parzival", and does not, as this latter, lead the reader into the realms
+      of religious doubts and struggles. It is imposing through its very
+      simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which it does not seek to
+      adorn and decorate. It nowhere pauses to analyze motives nor to give us a
+      picture of inner conflict as modern authors are fond of doing. Its
+      characters are impulsive and prompt in action, and when they have once
+      acted, waste no time in useless regret or remorse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the
+      terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery, but
+      it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the
+      latter. It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp of
+      courtly ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and beneath
+      the outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and wildly as
+      in the days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps greater
+      poems in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so majestic in
+      conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their execution, and
+      so national in their character, as this great popular epic of German
+      literature.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  ENDNOTES:
+  (1)  A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth
+       century, now found in Munich.  It forms the basis of
+       Lachmann's edition.  It is a parchment MS. of the middle of
+       the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.
+       Gall.  It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker
+       des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-
+       Literatur", vol. 6.  C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth
+       century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen.  It is
+       the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by
+       Zarncke.
+  (2)  The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in
+       having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in
+       ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably
+       borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although
+       thought by some to have been an original feature of our
+       legend.
+  (3)  The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the
+       brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode
+       in somewhat different fashion.  The brothers plan to kill
+       Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while
+       burning charcoal in the forest.  After killing the monster
+       with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and
+       thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him
+       invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,
+       which he could not reach.  This bathing in the blood is also
+       related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",
+       with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a
+       linden leaf falling upon him.
+  (4)  The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
+       that the Norse version is here more original.  Gunnar is the
+       same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
+       (Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot.  In this
+       latter the father is called Dancrat, the mother Uote, and
+       the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
+       daughter.
+  (5)  In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
+       hair.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE I (2)
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of praise,
+      of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold warriors,
+      of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer
+      might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,
+      for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the
+      loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her
+      hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues
+      of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and Gernot,
+      (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a chosen
+      knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their care. The
+      lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold of strength
+      were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy. Great marvels
+      they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8) upon the Rhine
+      they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out their lands served
+      them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter they died
+      grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,
+      Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a mighty
+      man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full great.
+      These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed allegiance
+      the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong and brave,
+      fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg, thereto his
+      brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13); Gere (14) and
+      Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16) endued with
+      fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen, a chosen
+      knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three kings, had
+      rule of the court and of its honors. Thereto had they many a warrior whose
+      name I cannot tell. Dankwart was marshal; his nephew, Ortwin, seneschal
+      unto the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight; Hunolt served as
+      chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty stations. Of the forces
+      of the court and its far-reaching might, of the high worship (18) and of
+      the chivalry these lords did ply with joy throughout their life, of this
+      forsooth none might relate to you the end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she
+      trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes, two
+      eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all this
+      world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not unfold it
+      to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon which thou
+      trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him soon, unless
+      so be that God preserve him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be
+      without a warrior's love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I
+      shall never gain woe from love of man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever
+      thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the
+      love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right
+      worthy knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it been
+      seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall avoid them
+      both, then can it ne'er go ill with me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day thereafter
+      the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would care to love. In
+      after days she became with worship a valiant here's bride. He was the
+      selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her mother unfolded to
+      her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest kin, who slew him
+      after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a mother's son.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs.  The ordinary
+        etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'
+        ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have
+        belonged originally to the dwarfs.  Piper, I, 50, interprets
+        it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers
+        "Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it
+        as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.
+        "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".
+   (2)  "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.
+        "adventura").  The word meant originally a happening,
+        especially some great event, then the report of such an
+        event.  Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos
+        or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.
+        epics.  Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes
+        the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.
+   (3)  "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish
+        "Grimhild".  In the MSS., the name generally appears with a
+        further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial
+        consonant were Germanic "k".  On the various forms of the
+        name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,
+        see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and
+        Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.
+   (4)  "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the
+        Burgundians in the fifth century.
+   (5)  "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place
+        of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse
+        version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not
+        etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in
+        Old Norse.
+   (6)  "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius".  Although
+        mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian
+        kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in
+        other poems dealing with these persons, such as the
+        "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,
+        and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.
+        Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his
+        death is told.  He probably came from some independent
+        source.
+   (7)  "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"
+        (Norse "Atli").  A discussion of his connection with the
+        saga will be found in the introduction.
+   (8)  "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first
+        century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the
+        "Vangioni".  In the fifth century it was the capital of the
+        Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns.  The
+        Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it
+        became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his
+        court.  It was later noted as the meeting-place of many
+        imperial diets.  It remained a free city till 1801.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".
+   (9)  "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote").  The name means ancestress, and is
+        frequently used for the mother of heroes.  The modern German
+        form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced
+        with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.
+   (10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in
+        the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the
+        "Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse
+        "Giuki").
+   (11) "Hagen of Troneg".  Troneg is probably a corruption of the
+        name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower
+        Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as
+        "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were
+        descended from the ancient Trojans.  "Troja" was then
+        further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege".  Hagen was
+        therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the
+        Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to
+        show.  Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally
+        lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was
+        often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was
+        connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their
+        brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms
+        and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial
+        localization.  Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of
+        Troneg, as is Hagen.  Other attempts to explain Troneg will
+        be found in Piper, I, 48.
+   (12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that
+        belonged to the early form of the legend.  He may have come
+        from another saga, where he played the principal role as
+        Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks.  Boer considers him to be
+        Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally
+        fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the
+        moment.  In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a
+        word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,
+        because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'.  Its
+        original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although
+        the later meaning is already found in M.H.G.  In all such
+        doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless
+        the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen
+        to translate it.
+   (13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",
+        "Waltharius", and in "Biterolf".  He is most likely a late
+        introduction (but see Piper, I, 44).  Rieger thinks that he
+        belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis".  Though the "i" is
+        long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"
+        in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been
+        chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in
+        such names.
+   (14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction.  He is perhaps the
+        historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the
+        Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs.  See O. von
+        Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L
+        43.
+   (15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession.  He is perhaps the
+        historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the
+        name.  He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.
+   (16) "Folker of Alzei" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the
+        knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in
+        spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine
+        Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz.  The
+        town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also
+        the noble family of the same name.  It is most likely,
+        however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with
+        Alzei.  In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of
+        minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of
+        our poem developed the character and made it the
+        personification of himself.
+   (17) "Rumolt", "Sindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis
+        and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.
+   (18) "Worship".  This word has been frequently used here in its
+        older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to
+        translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0006">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had
+      for name Siegmund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle,
+      known far and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called
+      it. Of this hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.
+      Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great
+      worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty
+      knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
+      mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What bold
+      warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders might one
+      tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors he received
+      and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him in their love;
+      with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of himself what
+      virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored, that he was
+      found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he become of the
+      age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw him, many a maid
+      wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow gazed on him with
+      favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom was the youth
+      allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and Siegelind bade
+      deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were acquaint with
+      courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore might he win both
+      folk and land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed
+      thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;
+      these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund have
+      cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving
+      kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings. To
+      the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever any
+      was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these noble
+      youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the youthful
+      prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell of this
+      great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great worship
+      with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store. Wherefore
+      one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred sword-thanes
+      (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a fair maid was
+      aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them all. Many
+      precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together with the
+      edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young warriors, for
+      this must needs be done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer
+      festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then full
+      many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to the
+      minster. Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had been
+      done to them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer. To the
+      honor of God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people full great a
+      press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise, with such great
+      honors as might not ever lightly be again. Then they ran to where they
+      found saddled many a steed. In Siegmund's court the hurtling (6) waxed so
+      fierce that both palace (7) and hall were heard to ring; the high-mettled
+      warriors clashed with mighty sound. From young and old one heard many a
+      shock, so that the splintering of the shafts reechoed to the clouds.
+      Truncheons (8) were seen flying out before the palace from the hand of
+      many a knight. This was done with zeal. At length the host bade cease the
+      tourney and the steeds were led away. Upon the turf one saw all
+      to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and great store of precious stones
+      from the bright spangles (10) of the shields. Through the hurtling this
+      did hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With
+      good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which
+      one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown
+      worship enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of the
+      strolling folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which men
+      found there richly, whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with praise.
+      Then bade the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land and castles, as
+      he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the sword-companions. The
+      journey liked them well, that to this land they were come. The feasting
+      lasted until the seventh day. Siegelind, the noble queen, for the love of
+      her son, dealt out ruddy gold in time-honored wise. Full well she wot how
+      to make him beloved of the folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among
+      the strolling mimes. Steeds and raiment were scattered by their hand, as
+      if they were to live not one more day. I trow that never did serving folk
+      use such great bounty. With worshipful honors the company departed hence.
+      Of the mighty barons the tale doth tell that they desired the youth unto
+      their lord, but of this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught.
+      Forasmuch as both Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child
+      of them twain wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he become a lord
+      against all the deeds of force within his lands, whereof the bold and
+      daring knight was sore adread.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
+        independent saga.  See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.
+   (2)  "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of
+        Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows.  The Early
+        Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi
+        saga".
+   (3)  "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at
+        present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of
+        Dusseldorf.  It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in
+        the Middle Ages.
+   (4)  "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires
+        who were to be made knights.  It was the custom for a
+        youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of
+        others.
+   (5)  "Midsummer festival".  The M.H.G. "sunewende" means
+        literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.
+        This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the
+        church later turned into St. John's Eve.  The bonfires still
+        burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old
+        heathen custom.
+   (6)  "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed
+        from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many
+        knights clashed together.  Hurtling was used in older
+        English in the same significance.
+   (7)  "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large
+        building standing alone and largely used as a reception
+        hall.
+   (8)  "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzûne", O.F. "tronçon)", 'lance
+        splinters', 'fragments of spears'.
+   (9)  "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older
+        English to-beat, to-break, etc.
+   (10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating
+        from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
+        with precious stones.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0007">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales
+      told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous
+      fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too. Her
+      beauty out of measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard of her
+      noble mind, that it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's land. But
+      however many were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never confessed
+      within her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was still a stranger
+      to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of Siegelind aspire
+      to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to his but as the wind, for
+      well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In later days the noble Kriemhild
+      became bold Siegfried's bride. Kinsmen and liegemen enow advised him,
+      since he would have hope of constant love, that he woo one who was his
+      peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose Kriemhild, the
+      fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure. This I know full
+      well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a wife, that it would
+      not beseem him to love this noble queen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the courtiers
+      he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to the king,
+      that his child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it too, the
+      wife of the noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for full well
+      she knew Gunther and his men. Therefore they sought to turn the hero from
+      this venture. Up spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear father mine, I
+      would fain ever be without the love of noble dames, if I may not woo her
+      in whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may aver, it will
+      avail but naught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad of
+      thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath this
+      King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but Hagen,
+      the doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it will
+      repent us sore, if we woo this high-born maid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may not
+      obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can gain.
+      I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this
+      tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that land.
+      Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may none win
+      the maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride with
+      warriors unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they shall be
+      summoned soon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should
+      follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the
+      noble maid. My single hand can win her well—with eleven (2) comrades
+      I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father
+      Siegmund." Then to his knights they gave for garments furs both gray and
+      vair. (3)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for
+      her loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther's men. Sorely the
+      noble queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where he saw
+      her; to his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not weep for
+      me; naught have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray you, speed me
+      on my journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my warriors may have
+      array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for this I will say you
+      gramercy i' faith."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I
+      speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that
+      ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake:
+      "None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be made
+      ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with
+      Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease
+      them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist
+      from faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his
+      son should ride forth from Siegmund's land. The shining breastplates, too,
+      were put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both fair and
+      broad. Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near; man and wife
+      began to fear lest they never should come home again. The heroes bade lade
+      their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their steeds were fair and
+      their trappings red with gold. No need were there to live more proudly
+      than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave to journey to the land
+      of Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully vouchsafed. Lovingly he
+      comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he, "must ye not weep, nor have
+      fear for me or for my life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts
+      did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death
+      because of this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in
+      sooth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave
+      warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings
+      fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men. Their
+      shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as Siegfried,
+      the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such princely attire
+      been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down to their spurs. Sharp
+      javelins were borne by these chosen knights. Siegfried wielded one full
+      two spans broad, which upon its edges cut most dangerously. In their hands
+      they held gold-colored bridles; their martingales were silken: so they
+      came into the land. Everywhere the folk began to gape amazed and many of
+      Gunther's men fared forth to meet them. High-mettled warriors, both knight
+      and squire, betook them to the lords (as was but right), and received into
+      the land of their lords these guests and took from their hands the black
+      sumpters which bore the shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away
+      for easement. How boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts
+      of me and of my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great
+      desire. Whosoever knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the
+      mighty, of Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,
+      that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see
+      him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly
+      man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,
+      who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the
+      Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly
+      warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and
+      broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then Ortwin
+      of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king: "Since we
+      know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let him see them.
+      To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so be he knoweth
+      these lords, he will tell us straightway."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with his
+      warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If
+      ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the
+      guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their
+      array, but full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He spake:
+      "From wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may well be
+      princes or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and their garments
+      passing good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth high-mettled warriors
+      be they."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried,
+      yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that
+      strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to
+      this land. By this here's hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung
+      and Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought great
+      marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone without all
+      aid, he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been told, by
+      Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to him, till
+      he gained knowledge of them there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear a
+      wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it there.
+      This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near was he now
+      come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights espied him, too.
+      One among them spake: 'Here cometh the mighty Siegfried, the hero of
+      Netherland.' Passing strange were the tidings that, he found among the
+      Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well the knight; with one accord
+      these young and noble lordings bade the stately man divide the hoard.
+      Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in turn gan vow it to them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred wains
+      might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from the
+      Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should divide. As
+      a guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were served full
+      ill by the service which the good knight Siegfried should render them. Nor
+      could he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew. Twelve bold men of
+      their kith were there, mighty giants these. What might that avail them!
+      Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and seven hundred warriors from
+      the Nibelung land he vanquished with the good sword Balmung. (7) Because
+      of the great fear that, many a young warrior had of the sword and of the
+      valiant man, they made the land and its castles subject to his hand.
+      Likewise both the mighty kings he slew, but soon he himself was sorely
+      pressed by Alberich. (8) The latter weened to venge straightway his
+      masters, till he then discovered Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match
+      for him was the sturdy dwarf. Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where
+      from Alberich he won the Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the
+      terrible, become master of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all
+      lay there slain. Soon bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from
+      whence the men of Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the
+      strong, warden of the hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his
+      knave; and fit he was for work of every sort."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win
+      such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the
+      hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became
+      like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been seen.
+      All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the youthful
+      warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a friend, for he
+      hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how
+      valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring
+      man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son
+      of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that it
+      can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both
+      noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good
+      stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried
+      stood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full little
+      was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they had
+      greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,
+      "whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at
+      Worms upon the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from
+      you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the
+      boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and
+      that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear
+      boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This the
+      folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn back,
+      till it be known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a crown. Fain
+      would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me: Rightly doth he rule
+      both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be a pledge. Now be ye
+      so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it lief or loth to any man, I
+      will gain from you whatso ye have—land and castles shall be subject
+      to my hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard,
+      that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed wroth,
+      as they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther, the
+      knight, "that we should lose by the force of any man that which my father
+      hath rules so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that we, too,
+      are used in knightly ways."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be
+      that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And
+      shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall be
+      subject to thy sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike; whether
+      of us twain can triumph over the other, him shall both land and people
+      serve."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish," spake
+      Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man lie dead
+      at hero's hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is meet, nor hath
+      any a better claim to them than we."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz.
+      "It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the mighty
+      Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your brothers no
+      meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well so to fight
+      that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty mien."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake: "Thy hand
+      shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king's vassal thou.
+      Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be Hagen
+      of Troneg's sister's son. It rued the king that he had held his peace so
+      long. Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between. He spake to
+      Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done us no such
+      wrong, but that we may still part the strife in courteous wise. Be advised
+      of me and hold him still as friend; far better will this beseem us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights
+      that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over;
+      my lordings never would have done such ill to him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir
+      Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have
+      dominion here in the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights
+      speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then
+      bethought him of the noble maid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However
+      really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant honor
+      therefrom and ye but little gain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen,
+      and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he
+      hath so many here in Burgundy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel. Then spake Queen
+      Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who are
+      come with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine. The master of
+      the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable wise,
+      shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be shared."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade that
+      care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that men
+      might find were sought for Siegfried's squires; great easement they gave
+      them. Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day they
+      offered him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell you. This
+      his prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he saw who was
+      his foe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games,
+      Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one match
+      him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or hurled
+      the shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights made merry with
+      the ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of Netherland, for upon
+      high love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for whatso they undertook,
+      but in his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he had never seen. She too,
+      who in secret spake full well of him, cherished him alone. Whenever the
+      pages, squires, and knights would play their games within the court,
+      Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from the windows, for no other
+      pastime she needed on such days. Had he known that she gazed on him thus,
+      whom he bare within his heart, then had he had pastime enough, I trow, for
+      well I wot that no greater joy in all this world could chance to him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to do,
+      for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind's son, that
+      many a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him many a
+      day: "How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the noble
+      maid, whom I do love with all my heart and so have done long time. Sadly
+      must I stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all
+      must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady rued,
+      and he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt with the
+      lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther's land, and in all this time
+      he saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there happed to
+      him much joy and eke much woe.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may
+        mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often
+        difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference
+        should be given.
+   (2)  "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means
+        one of twelve.  The accounts are, however, contradictory, as
+        a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of
+        Siegfried.
+   (3)  "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the
+        fur of the squirrel.
+   (4)  "Known".  It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he
+        was acquainted with the customs and dress of various
+        countries and with the names and lineage of all important
+        personages.  Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks
+        Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou
+        tellest me the one, I shall know the other."
+   (5)  "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a
+        mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some
+        authorities, the original owners of the treasure.  Boer, ix,
+        199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was
+        transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in
+        the formation of the saga.
+   (6)  "Angry of mood".  The reason of this anger is apparent from
+        the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801.  The quarrel
+        arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
+        Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
+        born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
+   (7)  "Balmung".  In the older Norse version and in the
+        "Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
+   (8)  "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
+        legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".
+        Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
+        important role in modern literature.
+   (9)  "Cloak of Darkness".  This translates the M.H.G.
+        "tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators.  It is
+        formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
+        "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'.  It rendered the
+        wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0008">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent
+      them from afar—tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When
+      they heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will I
+      name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly prince,
+      and then from Denmark Liudegast, the king. For their journey they had
+      gathered many a lordly stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked
+      the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court unto
+      King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be ye welcome.
+      I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be told." So spake
+      the right good king. But they feared full sore King Gunther's warlike
+      mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall
+      not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us hither:
+      Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye have earned
+      their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal hate. They
+      would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of many a knight;
+      that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the journey must
+      befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help guard your
+      castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be carved by
+      them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let messengers
+      be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will not ride so near
+      you, to give you pain of heart, from which full many a lusty knight and a
+      good must die."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then ye
+      shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold from
+      them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my
+      friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare
+      the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his men,
+      and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of men that
+      could be found. The king spake: "Men would seek us here in this our land
+      with mighty armies, now make ye wail for that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we fend
+      indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die; for their
+      sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be welcome to us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and
+      Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such short
+      time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the valiant
+      knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they
+      bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but
+      right, till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend him
+      aid. Yet in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full blithe a
+      knight, who wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and prayed King
+      Gunther to tell him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me," spake
+      Siegfried, for he it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry wont,
+      which ye have used thus far with us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell
+      all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise.
+      Only to trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake:
+      "I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your woes.
+      And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport myself
+      with honor until mine end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and
+      though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are
+      friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will let
+      you hear why I stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I have heard
+      that they would visit me with war, a thing which knights have never done
+      to us in all these lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do as I
+      pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye command
+      your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty foes be
+      helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them, had I but a
+      thousand; for that rely on me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have but
+      twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of Siegfried
+      serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart, and Sindolt,
+      your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride along; he shall
+      bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it. Let now the envoys
+      ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to understand they soon shall
+      see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers of
+      Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should journey
+      home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts and gave
+      them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say unto my
+      foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their journey and
+      stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands, hardships
+      shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to
+      bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they took
+      their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had heard
+      how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in sooth,
+      their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full many a
+      valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand, whose name
+      was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it Liudegast when he
+      heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark had heard these tidings
+      told, they hasted all the more to call their friends; till Sir Liudegast
+      had gathered for his journey full twenty thousand knights from among his
+      valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also, of Saxon land, sent forth his
+      summons, till they had forty thousand men and more, with whom they thought
+      to ride to the Burgundian land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the
+      liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead
+      thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon
+      must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.
+      When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such
+      wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg was
+      master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who wist well
+      how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and Ortwin, too,
+      well could they serve with honor in this war.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your
+      warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep your
+      spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate. Well
+      will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at Worms
+      upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride so nigh
+      unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to fear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon
+      land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried
+      all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire
+      distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.
+      Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"
+      Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:
+      "Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
+      knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and
+      Ortwin guard the rear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the
+      outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors be."
+      Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop he gave in
+      charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the valiant man.
+      Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a helmet band he cut
+      to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host that lay encamped
+      upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his men. Forty thousand or
+      better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried saw this in lofty mood.
+      Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted to the outlook 'gainst
+      the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold man saw him, too. Each
+      began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it was, who stood on guard,
+      I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold lay by his hand. It was the
+      good King Liudegast, who was guarding here his band. The noble stranger
+      pricked along in lordly wise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of
+      their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched the
+      spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty king.
+      After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal knights, as
+      though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled in knightly wise
+      and the two fierce champions encountered with their swords. Then smote Sir
+      Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring. Through the hero's hand from
+      out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew the bright red sparks. Each in
+      the other found his match. Sir Liudegast, too, struck many a savage blow;
+      the might of each broke full upon the shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men
+      stood there on guard, but ere they could come to his aid, Siegfried had
+      won the fight, with three groat wounds which he dealt the king through his
+      gleaming breastplate, the which was passing good. The blood from the
+      wounds gushed forth along the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast
+      stood in sorry mood. He begged for life and made offrance of his lands and
+      said that his name was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had
+      witnessed what there had happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead
+      his captive thence, he was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty
+      blows the hero's hand guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then
+      wrought worse scathe. In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one
+      he left alive, who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had
+      chanced. By his reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved
+      the men of Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken
+      captive. Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with
+      monstrous wrath, for great woe it brought him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
+      Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was
+      the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden
+      raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be done,
+      ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame in Saxon
+      land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed to me, for
+      I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see helmets carved by
+      the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they shall become acquaint
+      with fear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart
+      minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.
+      Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor had they
+      more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve men-at-arms. Now
+      from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land they rode; many a
+      lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst. There, too, were
+      come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened swords, as I since
+      have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes' hands, for they would
+      fain guard both their castles and their land against the strangers. The
+      lordings' marshals led on the troop. Siegfried, too, was come with his
+      men-at-arms, whom he had brought from Netherland. In the storm of battle
+      many a hand this day grew red with blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot,
+      too, slew many a knight in the strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness
+      of their foes. This many a stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and
+      Hagen and Ortwin, too, dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with
+      flowing blood, these storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were
+      done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield
+      resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of
+      which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but when
+      the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide wound
+      carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow. Thus they
+      fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang the sharp
+      weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed their
+      lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way in
+      Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.
+      Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn
+      forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his
+      men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was Hagen
+      come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before them many
+      a good knight must needs die this day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in
+      hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the
+      lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of
+      swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two
+      champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;
+      fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that
+      his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it
+      was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot, but
+      later he learned the truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled
+      beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a
+      frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise
+      Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise
+      Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side
+      by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets
+      many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
+      shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the
+      fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave, and
+      Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then off
+      flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of Netherland
+      thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous many of whom
+      one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring Dankwart broke!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Sir Liudeger espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's
+      hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends
+      the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have
+      seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him well.
+      The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land." The
+      banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was later
+      granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land. This was
+      wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord they then gave
+      over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets and the broad,
+      battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the hue of blood from
+      the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would, for this lay in
+      their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors, bade bear away the
+      wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth captive to the Rhine. The
+      worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had the Saxons fought so well
+      that one could give them aught of praise, and this the heroes rued full
+      sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried, the
+      warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must needs
+      confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his native
+      land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him and to
+      his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for honor. The
+      squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had sorrowed, were
+      blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come. Much questioning
+      was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with the liegemen of the
+      mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to Kriemhild; this happed
+      full secretly (openly she durst not), for she, too, had amongst them her
+      own true love. When she saw the messenger coming to her bower, fair
+      Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me glad news, I pray. And thou
+      dost so without deceit, I will give thee of my gold and will ever be thy
+      friend. How fared forth from the battle my brother Gernot and others of my
+      kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or who wrought there the best? This
+      thou must tell me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell
+      the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray, as did
+      the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of valiant
+      Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife, Dankwart and
+      Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove for honor, 'tis
+      but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, the king.
+      They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none might tell you of the
+      wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode into the fight. Great
+      woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the field the love of many a
+      dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so loud upon the helmets, that
+      from the wounds they drew forth the blood in streams. In every knightly
+      art he is a worthy knight and a brave. Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved
+      (and he whom he could reach with his good sword, fell sorely wounded, but
+      mostly dead), yet your brother wrought the direst woe that could ever
+      chance in battle. One must say of the chosen knights in truth, that these
+      proud Burgundians acquitted them so well that they can well preserve their
+      honor from every taint of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle
+      bare, while the field resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the
+      warriors from the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been
+      avoided. The valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great
+      numbers the armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this
+      full many stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and
+      Hunolt, Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may
+      well ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
+      very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
+      was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
+      Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this King
+      Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon land.
+      Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried the
+      twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this land,
+      as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing to our land
+      five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly wounded, my
+      lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men were mostly
+      wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty pride sent a
+      challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of Gunther, the
+      king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
+      face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
+      had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings could
+      not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in duty
+      bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
+      therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have thee
+      brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are gladly
+      told to noble dames.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
+      fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
+      high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
+      came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
+      the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
+      guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he his
+      vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty king
+      in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him, because in
+      the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor. Gunther bade his
+      kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but sixty had been lost,
+      whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes. Many a riven shield and
+      battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to Gunther's land. The men
+      alighted from their steeds before the palace of the king. Loud was heard
+      the joyous sound of the merry welcome; then order was given to lodge the
+      warriors in the town. The king bade minister well unto his guests, attend
+      the wounded and give them good easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen
+      upon his foes. He spake to Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have
+      I ta'en because of you; for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor.
+      God reward my kinsmen, for they have given me joy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath
+      king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of
+      wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety that
+      my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land against my
+      will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded
+      were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.
+      Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields were
+      borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which one
+      bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight
+      returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.
+      His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the sorely
+      wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men offered
+      to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto shining
+      gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To his guests
+      the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to set out for
+      home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king bethought him
+      how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass his wish for
+      fame and honor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to them
+      that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then will
+      many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther
+      learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for the
+      king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,
+      though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the
+      kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For the
+      sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy her.
+      Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He rode
+      thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful knight
+      did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon the sand
+      before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the Burgundian
+      land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard it said that
+      the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear friends. Then
+      comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which they were to don.
+      The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors who were to come.
+      Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To please her children
+      she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and many maids might
+      therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the Burgundian land. Also
+      for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly robes.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Saxons".  This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
+        poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
+        later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
+        period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
+        to Brunhild's land.  (In our poem it is placed before the
+        marriage.)  It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
+        on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
+        Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
+        was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
+        in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
+        idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
+        role.  The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
+        Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark.  In "Biterolf"
+        Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
+        his brother.
+   (2)  "Fey".  This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
+        to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
+        etymologically the same word.  The ancient Germans were
+        fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
+        fate had so predestined.
+   (3)  "Thirty thousand".  The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
+        numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples.  They
+        will be found to occur very frequently in our poem.  See
+        Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
+   (4)  "Their".  The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
+        'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
+        haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
+   (5)  "Marks of gold".  A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
+        gold or silver.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0009">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the feasting.
+      Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the land, were
+      given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all, for the
+      highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes at the
+      feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire. Giselher, the
+      youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their men received the
+      friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights right courtly
+      greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle of golden red, dainty
+      shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the Rhine. Many a wounded man
+      was seen full merry since. Even those who lay abed in stress of wounds,
+      must needs forget the bitterness of death. Men ceased to mourn for the
+      weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the festal day, and how well they
+      would fare at the feasting of the king. Pleasure without stint and
+      overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk which there were seen.
+      Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the whole of Gunther's land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad
+      attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they
+      vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he
+      already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his
+      sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above
+      all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full
+      honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who live
+      in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man, what else
+      could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames? Pray let your
+      sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a hero was this
+      counsel given.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were
+      merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely
+      daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the
+      presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away. Of
+      rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden decked
+      herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was of the
+      mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would not
+      exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they gazed
+      on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty king full
+      a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort his sister and
+      serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the Burgundian land and
+      carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta coming with her child.
+      Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken for her train, who wore
+      rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter many a stately maid. When
+      from out a bower men saw them come, there rose a mighty press of knights
+      who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze with joy upon the noble maid.
+      Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as doth the red of dawn from out the
+      lowering clouds. He then was reft of many woes who bore her in his heart
+      so long a time, when he saw the lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How
+      shone full many a precious stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her
+      rose-red hue appeared. Whatever one might wish, he could not but confess
+      that never in the world had he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon,
+      whose sheen is thrown so brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the
+      stars, so stood she now before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher
+      rose the spirits of the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains
+      marched on in front, while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press
+      where they might see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy
+      and dole. To himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should
+      love thee? That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were
+      I better dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood
+      the son of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment
+      by skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair
+      a knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give way
+      and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a wight,
+      as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who offered
+      service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite before these
+      knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried now approach my
+      sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be our gain. She who
+      never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by this means we now may
+      win the stately knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion from
+      Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court; his
+      sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy without
+      alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely grace she
+      greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight stand thus
+      before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most
+      good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this greeting his
+      spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she took him by the
+      hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon each other this
+      lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly this happed. Was
+      perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by heart-felt love? That
+      know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was left undone, for soon had
+      she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in summertide nor in the days of
+      May bare he within his heart such lofty joy as now he gained, when hand in
+      hand he walked with her whom he fain would call his love.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk thus
+      with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her, I'd bear
+      it willingly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the
+      guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was
+      bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened in
+      this world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a
+      warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God
+      grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw
+      her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately
+      knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed by
+      many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a daring
+      wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight of many a
+      knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well might he
+      think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in heart.
+      Cause enow he had to love the fair.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight
+      again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely
+      maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many
+      knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,
+      "that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do love
+      you with such fealty as I hear them say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve
+      them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never will
+      I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do, my Lady
+      Kriemhild, to win your love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid
+      beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This
+      service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure was
+      daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from many a
+      daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever any
+      wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they became
+      well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land was decked
+      with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming forth; they,
+      too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard themselves with
+      bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help them, for there was
+      great store of men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He kept
+      him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men saw him
+      move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy knights, ere
+      ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it of you ever. Do
+      not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as I have great
+      desire."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we crave
+      a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of our
+      kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had recovered
+      from the fray, though many dead they left within this land. Then King
+      Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake: "Now tell me
+      what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for lasting peace of me
+      and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what thinketh thee good to
+      do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee; what of gold five hundred
+      steeds can bear, that would they gladly give me, and I set them free
+      again."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride
+      hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his hand,
+      that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding hither to
+      your land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's foes
+      was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their loved
+      friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield full of
+      treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out unweighed to his
+      many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and to a few, still
+      more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this. Then they all took
+      leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests draw nigh to Kriemhild
+      and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were knights dismissed in
+      better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away, but still there stayed
+      at home the king and all his kin and many a noble liegeman. Daily they
+      were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good knight Siegfried now
+      would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win that on which his mind
+      was set. The king heard said that he would hence, but Giselher, the youth,
+      quite won him from the journey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the knights,
+      I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too, are many
+      comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride
+      hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I
+      craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me
+      from it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he have
+      fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw
+      Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording
+      stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her love
+      constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love in
+      later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0010">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair maid
+      dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high
+      therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the sea,
+      whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great her
+      strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The stone she
+      hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love must win
+      without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the noble maid had
+      done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by the Rhine. He
+      turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes must needs later
+      lose their lives.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in many
+      a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be their
+      lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I will go
+      down to the sea and hence to Brunhild, however it may go with me. For her
+      love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become not my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say, the
+      queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will pay full
+      dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I
+      might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to share
+      with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so well how
+      matters stand with Brunhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely
+      maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my love,
+      for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and thou
+      give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask no other
+      meed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if
+      fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto
+      wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their
+      hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account these
+      brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take with him
+      hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers from a
+      dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made them
+      ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness he had
+      strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With cunning
+      arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that whatsoever
+      any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild, which brought
+      him dole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we not
+      take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with passing
+      honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be called."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so fierce
+      a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give thee
+      better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering knights
+      adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the band. In
+      all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo the lady,
+      whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four comrades, the
+      second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have we hope of life),
+      Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand others durst not
+      match us in the fight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would
+      please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which would
+      beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
+      Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel
+      no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if
+      perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments
+      which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your
+      mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and
+      she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight
+      Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing
+      well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were
+      her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when
+      she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to
+      greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the
+      maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me
+      hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty
+      mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign
+      lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear
+      aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other
+      kings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she walked
+      to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with dainty
+      figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime with the
+      ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft between the
+      twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as life. In after
+      days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may not
+      be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have need of
+      princely garb to wear before the dames."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,
+      that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.
+      Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble
+      knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly air to
+      do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a will." So
+      spake the winsome maid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand
+      shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there be
+      no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye what
+      I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon the
+      shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too, gave
+      glad assent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus
+      clad to court?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and Hagen,
+      shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say. Each of
+      us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes of apparel and
+      such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit Brunhild's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the
+      queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come
+      forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the fair
+      silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with precious
+      stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the high-born
+      maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought linings from
+      the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they covered now with
+      silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great marvels of these shining
+      weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from Libya, too, they had great
+      store of the fairest silks which the kith of any king did ever win.
+      Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore the twain. Sith upon the
+      proud journey they had set their minds, they deemed ermine to be well fit.
+      (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as coal. This would still beseem all
+      doughty knights at high festal tides. From out a setting of Arabian gold
+      there shone forth many a stone. The ladies' zeal, it was not small,
+      forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought the robes. Ready, too, were the
+      weapons for the right good knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste upon
+      the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward to the
+      sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the warriors
+      were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now prepared; as
+      they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no longer would they tarry on
+      the Rhine; they sent a message to their war-companions, if perchance they
+      should care to view their new attire, to see if it be too long or short.
+      All was found in fitting measure, and for this they gave the ladies
+      thanks. All who saw them could not but aver that never in the world had
+      they seen attire more fair. Therefore they wore it gladly at the court.
+      None wist how to tell of better knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give
+      great thanks. Then the lusty knights craved leave to go, and this the
+      lordings did in courtly wise. Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from
+      weeping.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and pay
+      court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then would I
+      say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a birth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
+      matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
+      tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended to
+      your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land." This
+      the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
+      every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
+      Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought
+      them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would ride
+      away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids stood
+      at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the proud war
+      fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the flood.
+      That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly
+      grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold Gunther
+      took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy knights set
+      forth from land. With them they took rich food and eke good wine, the best
+      that could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood fair; they had
+      good easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap them. Their stout
+      sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues they sailed, or
+      ever came the night, with a good wind, downward toward the sea. These hard
+      toils later brought the high-mettled warriors pain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them far
+      away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land. To none save Siegfried was this
+      known; but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad marches, too,
+      how soon he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it known to you
+      whose are these castles and this lordly land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild
+      and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still
+      see there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of one
+      single mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day
+      before Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When we
+      behold the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes, must
+      ye tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his man;
+      then what he craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for whatever
+      he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain. They promised
+      what he would; wherefrom they all fared well, when King Gunther saw fair
+      Brunhild. (6)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the comely
+      maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to
+      pass, that she become my wife."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,
+        however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the
+        agreement of the names in German.  "Isen lant", the reading
+        of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,
+        and partly to indicate its probable derivation from
+        "Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle.  Boer's
+        interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in
+        Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)
+        I, 1. 70.  Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea
+        Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",
+        referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.
+        Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.
+   (2)  "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a
+        few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the
+        name from this passage.  (See Bartsch, "Germanistische
+        Studien", ii, 129.)
+   (3)  "Wont to wear".  In the Middle Ages costly furs and
+        fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here
+        described, with silk or cloth.  By fish such amphibious
+        animals as otter and beaver were often meant.
+   (4)  "Well fit".  In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,
+        has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems
+        more appropriate to the sense.
+   (5)  "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.
+   (6)  "Brunhild".  The following words are evidently a late
+        interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been
+        translated for the sake of completeness.  They are spoken by
+        Siegfried.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0011">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many a
+      comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther that
+      he knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no knowledge
+      of these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on the flood?
+      Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the high-born
+      maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the power."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder
+      window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair
+      that mine eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she
+      should become my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild, the
+      comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and mood."
+      All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it
+      behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes. Each one obeyed. What
+      next the ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their persons
+      out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever had. To the
+      narrow casements they came again, where they had seen the knights. Through
+      love of gazing this was done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the
+      stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby King
+      Gunther felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed, so
+      stately, good and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had sat
+      him in the saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later quite
+      forgot. Such service he had seldom done afore, that he should stand at any
+      here's stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship. All this the
+      comely dames of noble birth saw through the casements. The steeds and
+      garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were right well
+      matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed in the hands
+      of the stately men. In lordly wise they rode to Brunhild's hall, their
+      saddles set with precious stones, with narrow martingales, from which hung
+      bells of bright and ruddy gold. So they came to the land, as well befit
+      their prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with well-wrought swords, the
+      which hung down to the spurs of these stately men. The swords the bold men
+      bore were sharp and broad. All this Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of
+      how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their
+      bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of India,
+      the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they left
+      their skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good rode to the
+      castle. Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad palaces, (1)
+      and one hall well wrought of costly marble, green as grass, wherein
+      Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers. The castle was unlocked and the
+      gates flung wide. Then ran Brunhild's men to meet them and welcomed the
+      strangers into their mistress' land. One bade relieve them of their steeds
+      and shields.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining
+      breastplates, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will bear
+      them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let me
+      say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken
+      hence, then will all be well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade pour
+      out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were seen
+      walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were these
+      heroes gazed upon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were
+      come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid gan
+      ask concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be these
+      unknown knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose sake the
+      heroes have journeyed hither?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never have
+      I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among them.
+      Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The second
+      of their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily a mighty
+      king over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and might possess
+      them. One doth see him stand by the rest in such right lordly wise. The
+      third of the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal so fair of body, most
+      noble queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth east, I ween he be grim
+      of thought and mood. The youngest among them is worshipful indeed. I see
+      the noble knight stand so charmingly, with courtly bearing, in almost
+      maiden modesty. We might all have cause for fear, had any done him aught.
+      However blithely he doth practice chivalry, and howso fair of body he be,
+      yet might he well make many a comely woman weep, should he e'er grow
+      angry. He is so fashioned that in all knightly virtues he must be a bold
+      knight and a brave."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried be
+      come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I fear
+      him not so sore, that I should become his wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a
+      comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately
+      dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights
+      from Isenland, Brunhild's men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore
+      swords in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave
+      and lusty heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear what
+      the maid did speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey
+      mean? That I fain would know."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most
+      generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here
+      before me, for he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By
+      birth he's from the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we
+      come hither. Fain would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now
+      betimes, my lord will not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a lordly
+      king. An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth this
+      knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither. I would fain have given
+      it over, could I have said him nay."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games
+      which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his wife; but
+      should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games. It
+      must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He
+      troweth well to win so fair a maid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be ye
+      not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as well.
+      Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen all that
+      he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you well against her
+      with my arts."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list,
+      and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I'll gladly
+      lose my head, and ye become not my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games, as
+      was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a
+      breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2)
+      too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken
+      cloth of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen to
+      shine thereon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart and
+      Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of how
+      the king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us
+      warriors aught of good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied him
+      to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he quickly
+      slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he found a
+      great press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty games. Thither
+      he went in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was he seen of any
+      that were there. The ring had been marked out, where the games should be,
+      afore many valiant warriors, who were to view them there. More than seven
+      hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say who won the game.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal
+      lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her
+      lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare
+      along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel,
+      beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there
+      served a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and
+      gleamed against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the maid
+      would show her love. The shield the maid should bear was three spans thick
+      beneath the studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of steel and eke of
+      gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely carry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg
+      spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our
+      lives! She you would make your love is the devil's bride, in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat of
+      silk of Azagouc, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in
+      contrast to its color on the person of the queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large, the
+      which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad, which on
+      its edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear's great weight hear wonders
+      told. Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought therein, the
+      which scarce three of Brunhild's men could bear. The noble Gunther gan be
+      sore afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this mean? How could
+      the devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe and sound in
+      Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of mine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this
+      court doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how
+      must we lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in these
+      lands? It doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country. Had but my
+      brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should Brunhild's
+      men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure, they'd guard
+      against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand oaths, before I'd
+      see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should lose her life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had
+      we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then
+      would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she
+      gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave, bring
+      them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors' hands their
+      sharp-edged swords."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart blushed
+      for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the doughty man.
+      "Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men bare a
+      heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant
+      men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when she
+      had shot the spear. The Burgundians' fear now grew amain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love?
+      Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands
+      she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife
+      began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's hate, and had Siegfried not
+      come to Gunther's aid, she would have bereft the king of life. Secretly
+      Siegfried went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther marked his
+      wiles. "Who hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then he gazed
+      around on every side, but saw none standing there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the
+      queen. Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark
+      aright what thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the
+      deeds."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then
+      can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See
+      how fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield,
+      mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm. The
+      sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of the
+      mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the fire
+      flame forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered at the
+      blow; but for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead. From the
+      mouth of Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly the good
+      knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had driven
+      through his shield. Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it back again. He
+      thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid." So he reversed the point and
+      cast it at her armor with the butt, that it rang out loudly from his
+      mighty hand. The sparks flew from the armor rings, as though driven by the
+      wind. Siegmund's son had made the throw with might. With all her strength
+      she could not stand before the blow. In faith King Gunther never could
+      have done the deed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight, I
+      cry you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with his
+      strength. To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she quickly,
+      angry was her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the stone and
+      hurled it mightily far from her hand. After the cast she sprang, that all
+      her armor rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve fathoms hence, but
+      with her leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw. Then went Sir
+      Siegfried to where lay the stone. Gunther poised it, while the hero made
+      the throw. Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he threw the stone still
+      further and made a broader jump. Through his fair arts he had strength
+      enow to bear King Gunther with him as he sprang. The leap was made, the
+      stone lay on the ground; men saw none other save Gunther, the knight,
+      alone. Siegfried had banished the fear of King Gunther's death. Brunhild,
+      the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her courtiers she spake a deal too
+      loud, when she spied the hero safe and sound at the border of the ring:
+      "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and liegemen of mine, ye must now be
+      subject to Gunther, the king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at the
+      feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he had
+      won the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving wise;
+      in sooth he was most rich in virtues.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him
+      within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced him.
+      She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace. When
+      this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better cheer.
+      With good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The doughty
+      Siegfried was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he repaired to
+      where the ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly did he this: "Why
+      wait ye, good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of which the queen doth
+      deal so great a store? Let us soon see how they be played." The crafty man
+      did not as though he wist not a whit thereof.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have
+      seen naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have made
+      us sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the ship when
+      the lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth naught
+      thereof."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride
+      hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath the
+      power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us hence to
+      the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith
+      and liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands; my
+      dearest friends must first be fetched."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends, her
+      kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to
+      Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily,
+      early and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild's castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming of
+      fair Brunhild's men. If now they come into this land in force, then hath
+      the noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is
+      unknown to us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care. I'll not let
+      hap that which ye fear. I'll bring you help hither to this land, from
+      chosen knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask about
+      me; I will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I'll return
+      eftsoon and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights that I have
+      ever known."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be justly
+      glad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild,
+      that ye've sent me hence."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Palaces".  See Adventure III, note 7.
+   (2)  "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is
+        a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.
+   (3)  "Azagouc".  See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2.  This
+        strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts
+        the description given above.
+   (4)  Weights.  The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "massa") is just as
+        indefinite as the English expression.  It was a mass or lump
+        of any metal, probably determined by the size of the
+        melting-pot.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0012">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.(1)
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the
+      sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and
+      drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the
+      steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.
+      They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed by
+      Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and night
+      with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away, or
+      more. The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard. The
+      hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached the
+      boat and made it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which stood a
+      castle, and sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He came first
+      to a gateway that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded well their
+      honor, as men still do. The stranger now gan knock upon the door, the
+      which was closely guarded. There within he saw a giant standing, who kept
+      the castle and at whose side lay at all times his arms. He spake: "Who is
+      it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up the
+      door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer lie
+      soft and take his ease."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had
+      donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty man
+      snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he ran at
+      Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge blows
+      were dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend him, but
+      with an iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then was the hero
+      in dire need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the warder struck
+      such mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for this cause.
+      They strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound was heard in
+      Nibelung's hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land. Alberich, the bold,
+      a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain. He armed
+      him quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he bound the
+      mighty giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his body he bare
+      helmet and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of gold. Swift
+      and hard he ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs (3) hung down
+      in front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon the bold man's
+      arm, that it brake in parts. The stately stranger came in danger of his
+      life. From his hand he flung the broken shield and thrust into the sheath
+      a sword, the which was long. He would not strike his servant dead, but
+      showed his courtly breeding as his knightly virtue bade him. He rushed at
+      Alberich and with his powerful hands he seized the gray-haired man by the
+      beard. So roughly he pulled his beard, that he screamed aloud. The tugging
+      of the youthful knight hurt Alberich sore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the
+      vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own
+      him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4)
+      man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength
+      of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I
+      noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran of
+      the land. I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of knights
+      we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich
+      and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In
+      fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: "Up now, ye heroes, ye must go
+      to Siegfried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand doughty
+      knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw Sir
+      Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds. Great
+      store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine. (5) He
+      gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must away with
+      me across the flood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty
+      hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the best.
+      Men brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead them to
+      Brunhild's land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell you, ye must
+      wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely dames shall gaze
+      upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly weeds."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey Siegfried
+      won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and thus they
+      came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land. The fair maids stood upon the
+      battlements. Then spake the queen: "Knoweth any, who they be whom I see
+      sailing yonder far out upon the sea? They have rich sails e'en whiter than
+      the snow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which I left
+      hard by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my
+      lady." All eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly weeds and
+      many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I receive
+      the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may
+      well perceive how fain we be to see them here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried with
+      her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took in charge
+      their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land, that
+      everywhere they jostled Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men fare
+      home to Burgundy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out
+      to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such
+      store."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble queen,"
+      spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to deal it out
+      in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own." That he was
+      bountiful, he made appear full well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's hand did
+      proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such store
+      that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds he gave,
+      nor did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich attire, who
+      never had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued the queen when
+      this she heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have your aid, lest
+      your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress; he squandereth eke
+      my gold. If any would forfend this, I'd be his friend for aye. He giveth
+      such royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth, that I have sent for
+      death. I would fain use it longer and trow well myself to waste that which
+      my father left me." No queen as yet hath ever had so bounteous a
+      chamberlain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of the
+      Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we have no
+      need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's weeds."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling
+      chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we
+      are come across to Gunther's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains
+      stood by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher's men. Gunther and
+      Hagen began to laugh thereat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand and
+      yours must first decree."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will make
+      him steward."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother's
+      brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my
+      castles and my lands, till that King Gunther's hand rule here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence
+      to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung land.
+      They dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the sand. Six
+      and eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids, their bodies
+      passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were fain to get them
+      hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they left at home! In courtly
+      wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her nearest kinsmen who were
+      found at court. After a fair leave-taking they journeyed to the sea. To
+      her fatherland the lady nevermore returned. Many kinds of games were seen
+      upon the way; pastimes they had galore. A real sea breeze did help them on
+      their voyage. Thus they fared forth from the land fully merrily. She would
+      not let her husband court her on the way; this pleasure was deferred until
+      their wedding-tide in the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good
+      time she came right joyfully with all her knights.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure VIII.  This whole episode, in which Siegfried
+        fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on
+        Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in
+        the older versions.  It is a further development of
+        Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung
+        and became the ruler of the Nibelung land.  The fight with
+        Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former
+        episode.
+   (2)  "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a
+        measure of distance, as here.
+   (3)  "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.
+   (4)  "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of
+        'knowing'.  The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,
+        denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a
+        standing epithet of dwarfs.
+   (5)  "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret
+        mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.
+   (6)  "Mark".  See Adventure V, note 5.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0013">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg
+      spake: "Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for
+      Worms upon the Rhine. Our messengers should be e'en now in Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting
+      for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can
+      acquaint them better with our journey home to court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlain,
+      I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until we
+      bring them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he
+      knoweth how to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the
+      journey, then must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon for
+      your sister's sake."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake:
+      "Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a
+      messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw
+      near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may
+      requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther gan
+      beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for Kriemhild's
+      too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it, as well as I."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me
+      what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair
+      maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye
+      command for love of her, shall all be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this
+      voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye let
+      our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her mine and
+      Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men. How well I
+      have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And tell Ortwin, the
+      dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at Worms along the Rhine.
+      Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to hold with Brunhild a mighty
+      wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she hath heard that I be come with
+      my guests to the land, that she give fair greeting to my bride. For that I
+      will ever render Kriemhild service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed him
+      well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might there
+      be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty men-at-arms
+      to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised about, the
+      courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been slain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,
+      the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother, too.
+      How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's side:
+      "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the king my
+      brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from us. Great
+      scathe had her haughty love then brought us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his
+      kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his
+      messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however that
+      may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must let
+      them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are in
+      high estate."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have
+      brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll answer
+      that the maid will see you gladly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be gladly
+      done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me thither?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight
+      spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To us
+      is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther hath
+      sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth with the
+      king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He'll tell you the right
+      tidings straight from Isenland."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds
+      they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This he
+      did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble maid,
+      addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful knight.
+      Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween that we
+      have lost him through Brunhild's strength. Woe is me, poor maid, that ever
+      I was born."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye passing
+      fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left him safe
+      and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He and his
+      bride do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble queen.
+      Now leave off your weeping, they'll come full soon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white hem
+      she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the messenger
+      for the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow and her
+      weeping were taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full ready he
+      was for this. Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue it, should I
+      give you as an envoy's meed my gold. For that ye are too rich, but I will
+      be your friend in other ways."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive
+      gifts from your fair hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her chamberlain
+      go fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings, set with goodly
+      gold, she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero's mood that he would not
+      retain them, but gave them straightway to her nearest maidens, he found
+      within the bower. Full kindly her mother offered him her service. "I am to
+      tell you the tale," then spake the valiant man, "of what the king doth
+      pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine. If ye perform that, my lady, he'll
+      ever hold you in his love. I heard him crave that ye should give fair
+      greetings to his noble guests and grant him the boon, that ye ride to meet
+      him out in front of Worms upon the strand. This ye are right truly
+      admonished by the king to do."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever wise
+      I can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman's love it
+      shall be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the messenger
+      of any prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed him, had she
+      but dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt
+      and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up the
+      seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too, were
+      found at work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch their
+      friends on every side, and made known to them the feasting that was to be.
+      The many comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast. Everywhere the
+      palace and the walls were decked out for the guests. Gunther's hall was
+      passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus began full merrily this
+      splendid feast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen of
+      these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon those who
+      were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly weeds was
+      taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild's kinsmen ride
+      along. Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in the Burgundian
+      land. Ho, what bold knights were found on either side!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at the
+      greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will
+      praise and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors, too,
+      and bade the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth, on which
+      the ladies should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better trappings
+      might there never be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on the jet-black
+      palfreys! From their bridles there gleamed forth many a precious stone.
+      The golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on shining carpets for
+      the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said, the palfreys now stood
+      ready in the courtyard for the noble maids. One saw the steeds wear narrow
+      martingales of the best of silk, of which tale might be told. Six and
+      eighty ladies who wore fillets (1) in their hair were seen come forth. The
+      fair ones came to Kriemhild wearing glittering robes. Then followed many a
+      comely maid in brave attire, fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They
+      were eke the best that might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with
+      their flaxen hair and shining ribbons. That which the king desired was
+      done with zeal. They wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk,
+      the best that could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit
+      their ample beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur.
+      Many an arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken
+      sleeves, which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring
+      to the end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long,
+      above gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of
+      Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were
+      sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good
+      cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her
+      weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely
+      maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a
+      mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they
+      carried many an ashen spear.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
+   (2)  "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
+        "ferrandine".
+   (3)  "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
+        front.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0014">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking
+      to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the bridle.
+      All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When those of
+      Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in boats, they
+      hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the kindred of the
+      king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale, too, of the queen,
+      the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the maidens from the
+      castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint. Duke Gere led
+      Kriemhild's palfrey by the bridle till just outside the castle gate.
+      Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her further. A fair maid
+      was she! Later the noble dame requited well this deed. Ortwin, the bold,
+      rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and maidens rode in pairs. Well
+      may we aver that so many dames were never seen together at such stately
+      greeting. Many a splendid joust was ridden by worshipful knights (not well
+      might it be left undone) afore Kriemhild, the fair, down to the ships.
+      Then the fair-fashioned ladies were lifted from the palfreys. The king was
+      come across and many a worthy guest. Ho, what stout lances brake before
+      the ladies' eyes! One heard the clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what
+      costly bucklers rang loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the
+      shore as Gunther and his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led
+      Brunhild by the hand. Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth in
+      rivalry. Lady Kriemhild walked with courtly breeding to meet Dame Brunhild
+      and her train. White hands removed the chaplets, (1) as these twain kissed
+      each other; through deference this was done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in these
+      lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we have."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving
+      greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her
+      daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When
+      now Brunhild's ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many a
+      comely woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were
+      seen to stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the
+      greetings all were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth. Still
+      side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well the doughty
+      warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast afore that such beauty
+      had ne'er been seen as these two dames possessed, spied now with all their
+      eyes and must confess the truth. Nor did one see upon their persons cheats
+      of any kind. Those who wot how to judge of women and lovely charms,
+      praised Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had seen more clear and
+      spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before Brunhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen
+      arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by, the
+      which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came
+      crowding around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames
+      were bidden go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the
+      Burgundian land escorted them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many
+      royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land
+      had burst forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as
+      champion. Many a maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks, Sir
+      Siegfried and his knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a
+      thousand stately Nibelungs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in gentle
+      wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the dust, the
+      which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot: "Let stand
+      the steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full ready when that
+      the king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely dames before the
+      spacious hall."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on pastime
+      bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the hope of
+      lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded to ride
+      away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no
+      longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a
+      comely maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store of
+      clothes were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors, after the
+      custom of the land, until the king dismounted by the hall. Valiant heroes
+      helped the ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens then parted; Lady
+      Uta and her daughter went with their train to a spacious hall, where great
+      noise of merriment was heard on every side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his
+      guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in the
+      king's domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with full
+      many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told. Little
+      they lacked that they should have! At the king's table many a lordly guest
+      was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in basins of ruddy
+      gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were ever better
+      served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands,
+      Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had
+      promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake: "Ye
+      must remember how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild came
+      to this land, ye would give me your sister to wife. Where be now these
+      oaths? I have suffered mickle hardship on our trip."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my
+      hand shall not be perjured. I'll bring it to pass as best I can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came with her
+      fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir Giselher sprang down
+      the steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister alone
+      shall be here by the king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood noble
+      knights from many princes' lands; throughout the broad hall one bade them
+      stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped to the table,
+      too. Then spake King Gunther: "Sweet sister mine, by thy courtesie redeem
+      my oath. I swore to give thee to a knight, and if he become thy husband,
+      then hast thou done my will most loyally."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me.
+      Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done. I'll
+      gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to husband."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then
+      proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand at
+      each other's side within the ring and asked if she would take the stately
+      man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was Siegfried's
+      luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand. The noble
+      king of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he and the maid
+      had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon the winsome
+      maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The courtiers
+      parted, when that had happed; on the bench over against the king Siegfried
+      was seen to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many a man accompanied
+      him as servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at Siegfried's side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied Kriemhild
+      (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's side. She began to
+      weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord of the land:
+      "What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow dim? Ye may well
+      rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately vassal own your sway."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore
+      because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal's side. I
+      must ever weep that she be so demeaned."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At
+      another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister
+      unto wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would
+      flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by your
+      side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried's
+      bride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath castles and
+      broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king,
+      therefore did I give him the peerless maid to love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so
+      passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his
+      guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady's side.
+      As yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him
+      through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the
+      guests leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would go
+      to bed. Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the hall,
+      as yet without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble
+      chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the
+      liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either side and many of the
+      knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the
+      twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe
+      of mood. Siegfried's pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord
+      Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and with his noble love caressed the
+      high-born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not
+      for a thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I'll
+      tell how Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther
+      lay by Lady Brunhild's side. The stately knight had often lain more soft
+      by other dames. The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The chamber
+      soon was locked; he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth the time
+      was still far off, ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy linen she
+      went to bed. Then thought the noble knight: "Now have I here all that I
+      have ever craved in all my days." By rights she must needs please him
+      through her comeliness. The noble king gan shroud the lights and then the
+      bold knight hied him to where the lady lay. He laid him at her side, and
+      great was his joy when in his arms he clasped the lovely fair. Many loving
+      caresses he might have given, had but the noble dame allowed it. She waxed
+      so wroth that he was sore a-troubled; he weened that they were lovers, but
+      he found here hostile hate. She spake: "Sir Knight, pray give this over,
+      which now ye hope. Forsooth this may not hap, for I will still remain a
+      maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her
+      clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a stout
+      band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king great
+      wrong enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and hung
+      him on the wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep. Of a
+      truth he came full nigh to death through her great strength.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my
+      bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and
+      full seldom will I lie so near your side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang
+      all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the
+      casements. Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him
+      now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid spake,
+      "and your servants found you bound by a woman's hand?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it gain
+      me honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me lie now
+      by your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch your
+      garment with my hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady
+      he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom
+      touched her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great store
+      was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the lord of
+      the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As was the usage
+      which they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and Brunhild no
+      longer tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was sung.
+      Thither, too, Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the crowd.
+      In keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all that they
+      did need, their crowns and robes as well. Then they were consecrated. When
+      this was done, all four were seen to stand joyful 'neath their crowns.
+      Many young squires, six hundred or better, were now girt with sword in
+      honor of the kings, as ye must know. Great joy rose then in the Burgundian
+      land; one heard spear-shafts clashing in the hands of the sworded knights.
+      There at the windows the fair maids sat; they saw shining afore them the
+      gleam of many a shield. But the king had sundered him from his liegemen;
+      whatso others plied, men saw him stand full sad. Unlike stood his and
+      Siegfried's mood. The noble knight and good would fain have known what
+      ailed the king. He hasted to him and gan ask: "Pray let me know how ye
+      have fared this night, Sir King."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won; I have
+      brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her, she
+      bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall. There I
+      hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me. How
+      softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to thee
+      as friend to friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I'll do you this to
+      wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that she lie by you
+      so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold from you her love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried
+      spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike
+      last night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady
+      Brunhild must become thy wife to-night. I'll come to thy chamber this
+      night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts.
+      Then let the chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out
+      the lights in the pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within
+      and that I'll gladly serve thee. I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou
+      mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be
+      glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an'
+      thou didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her.
+      The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever
+      seen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade the
+      hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to the
+      hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court was
+      cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they
+      should go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior
+      followed to the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well
+      he thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought
+      him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his lady's
+      love. He could scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men let fair
+      Brunhild and Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what doughty
+      knights were seen to walk before the queens!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss without
+      alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he vanished
+      from before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer spied him,
+      as she toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this wondereth me,
+      whither the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from mine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms of
+      the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages' hands.
+      Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he would; he
+      bade the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done, the mighty
+      king himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place two sturdy
+      bolts. Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of the bed.
+      Stout Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there was no
+      help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him close by
+      the high-born maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and it be lief
+      to you, that ye suffer not hardship as afore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered not
+      a whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a bit, that
+      they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon the bed.
+      Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king. In his arms
+      he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon a bench near
+      by, so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up sprang the
+      valiant man with all his might; fain would he try again. When he thought
+      now to subdue her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween, might
+      nevermore be made by any wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus my
+      shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore, I'll have
+      you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she grasped the
+      peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the king, that
+      she might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full sore, that he
+      had rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle force and his giant
+      strength? She showed the knight her masterly strength of limb; she carried
+      him by force (and that must needs be) and pressed him rudely 'twixt a
+      clothes-press and the wall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's hands,
+      then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty mien, who
+      would never do it else."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried
+      was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set
+      himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful wise.
+      It thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She pressed his
+      hands, till from her strength the blood gushed forth from out the nails:
+      this irked the hero. Therefore he brought the high-born maiden to the pass
+      that she gave over her unruly will, which she asserted there afore. The
+      king heard all, albeit not a word he spake. Siegfried pressed her against
+      the bed, so that she shrieked aloud. Passing sore his strength did hurt
+      her. She grasped the girdle around her waist and would fain have bound
+      him, but his hand prevented it in such a wise that her limbs and all her
+      body cracked. Thus the strife was parted and she became King Gunther's
+      wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I'll do thee remedy for
+      whatso I have done thee. I'll no longer struggle against thy noble love,
+      for I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over women."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off
+      his clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that she
+      wist it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout band. I
+      know not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his wife and
+      rued it sore in after time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover, as
+      beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From his
+      embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed through
+      love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed her lovely
+      form in lover's wise. Had she tried her strength again, what had that
+      availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How right
+      lovingly she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by a
+      woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to put
+      and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as queen
+      within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore.
+      Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands, whom
+      he had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of service. The
+      wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that in all this
+      while the sound never died away of the many joys which there they plied.
+      The cost to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the noble host gave
+      gifts in his honor to the strolling folk, as the king commanded: vesture
+      and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too. Those who there craved gifts
+      departed hence full merrily. Siegfried, the lord from Netherland, with a
+      thousand of his men, gave quite away the garments they had brought with
+      them to the Rhine and steeds and saddles, too. Full well they wot how to
+      live in lordly wise. Those who would home again thought the time too long
+      till the rich gifts had all been made. Nevermore have guests been better
+      eased. Thus ended the wedding feast; Gunther, the knight, would have it
+      so.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.
+        "schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress
+        especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.
+        It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of
+        gold and silver.  (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im
+        Mittelalter", i, 387.)
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0015">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake to his
+      fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake to
+      her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too sore.
+      First must my brothers share their lands with me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The lordings
+      hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir Siegfried,
+      that our true service be ever at your bidding till our death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such
+      kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both
+      land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to
+      our power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the
+      lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and
+      the folk therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which
+      ye would give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier
+      than any one alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do
+      command, I stand ready to your bidding."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is it
+      not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might gladly
+      lead them to his land. Forsooth my brothers' hands must share them with
+      me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish. Thou wilt
+      find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. We will give thee a
+      thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court retainers."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask if
+      they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not
+      give us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know full
+      well the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain here
+      with the kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till now have
+      followed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild
+      gained for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble
+      train. The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all took
+      leave, both knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle right.
+      Anon they parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's land. Their
+      kinsmen bare them company far upon the way and bade them pitch their
+      quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the princes' land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know, and
+      Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's child, Kriemhild,
+      the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might they never
+      have. "Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have lived to see fair
+      Kriemhild here as queen. My heritage will be thereby enhanced. My son, the
+      noble Siegfried, shall himself be king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy gold; this
+      was the envoy's meed. The tale well liked her, which then she heard. She
+      clad her and her handmaids with care, as did beseem them. Men told who was
+      to come with Siegfried to the land. Anon they bade seats be raised, where
+      he should walk crowned before his friends. King Siegmund's liegemen then
+      rode forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted than the famous
+      hero in Siegmund's land, I know not. Siegelind, the fair, rode forth to
+      meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty knights did follow on
+      behind), a full day's journey, till one espied the guests. Home-folk and
+      the strangers had little easement till they were come to a spacious
+      castle, hight Xanten, (2) where they later reigned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and
+      Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship
+      received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund's hall,
+      and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a knight gan
+      serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting at the Rhine
+      was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes than they had
+      worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels might be told.
+      When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all, what gold-hued
+      clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well worked thereon!
+      Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's kin to wit,
+      that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of Netherland
+      heard full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the cognizance, (3)
+      and lands, so that he then was master of them all. When that men went to
+      law and Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in such a wise that men
+      feared sore fair Kriemhild's husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king, till
+      the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was come to
+      pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened to baptize
+      and name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be ashamed of this.
+      Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full well. They brought
+      him up with care, as was but due. In these same times the Lady Siegelind
+      died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them of her. Then the child
+      of the noble Uta held withal the power over the lands, which well beseemed
+      such high-born dames. (4)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's court, in the
+      Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero's sake
+      they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend him! The
+      noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him up to be a
+      doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered through
+      misfortune!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty knights
+      dwelt alway in Siegmund's land. Gunther dealt the same with his
+      distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung's knights and the goods
+      of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed mightier
+      than he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man. The very
+      greatest heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned it
+      aforetime, the bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand hard by
+      a hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death. He had honors
+      to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one must rightly aver
+      of the noble champion, that he was one of the best that ever mounted
+      horse. Men feared his might and justly, too.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.
+   (2)  "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.
+   (3)  "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'
+   (4)  "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild bear
+      her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath he done
+      us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her peace. It
+      irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers and that men
+      from Siegfried's land so seldom served her. Fain would she have known from
+      whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap that she should see
+      Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in mind. The speech like
+      the king but moderately well. "How might we bring them," quoth he, "hither
+      to our land? That were impossible, they live too far away; I dare not ask
+      them this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty a
+      king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord
+      command him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried, yet
+      did he not count it to him as service.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy
+      sister come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might
+      ever hap to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister's courtesie and her
+      well-bred mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I first
+      became thy wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have never
+      seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send my envoys
+      for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for
+      them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me
+      also to know whom ye will send thither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride
+      thither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's
+      land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to
+      mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that no
+      one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to us to
+      the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At the
+      next Midsummer's Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who would
+      fain do them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings, and say
+      that I and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister, too, that
+      she fail not to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem her
+      better."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended
+      their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in Siegfried's
+      land. With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the messengers set
+      forth. They rode as wandering knights; their horses and their trappings
+      had now been brought them. Then they voided the land, for they had haste
+      of the journey, whither they would fare. The king bade guard the
+      messengers well with convoys. In three weeks they came riding into the
+      land, to Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway, (1) whither they
+      were sent. Here they found the knight. The mounts of the messengers were
+      weary from the lengthy way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who
+      wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang from a
+      couch on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the window. In
+      the court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship that had been
+      sent thither. What joyful things she there found against her sorrow of
+      heart! She spake to the king: "Now behold where they stand, who walk in
+      the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother sendeth us adown the
+      Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then
+      spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord, was
+      right blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and men
+      bade take their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence to where
+      Lord Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had leave to go
+      to court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at once and greeted
+      well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship, Gunther's liegemen.
+      One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us
+      way-worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which
+      Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you, and
+      also what Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and Sir
+      Gernot, too, and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and commend
+      their service to you from out the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and good,
+      as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same. Ye must tell us
+      more, whether our dear friends at home be of good cheer? Since we have
+      been parted from them, hath any done amiss to my lady's kinsmen? That ye
+      must let me know. If so, I'll ever help them bear it in duty bound, until
+      their foes must rue my service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every
+      virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by the
+      Rhine. They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg my
+      lady that she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They would
+      see you before the next Midsummer's Day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot, and
+      Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily wail,
+      that ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids be fain of
+      the tidings, if that might be that they should see you again; this would
+      raise their spirits high." These tidings thought fair Kriemhild good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured out
+      for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come to where
+      he saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in friendly wise:
+      "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now Siegfried, my son,
+      hath won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more often here in this our
+      land, if ye would show your kinship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their
+      weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers be
+      seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given great
+      store. They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last the doughty
+      knights made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them what
+      they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman
+      Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would go
+      full gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg Kriemhild,
+      too, that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in what manner
+      she shall ride thither. Though I must harry for them through thirty lands,
+      yet would Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting, we
+      will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a thousand
+      knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why
+      make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with
+      you and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried, "glad
+      shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good and
+      speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife's kindred on the Rhine,
+      that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and Kriemhild, as
+      the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of gifts that their
+      horses could not bear them to their native land. A wealthy man was he.
+      They drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that
+      very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best that were at hand or might
+      be found throughout all Siegfried's land. Men gan prepare the saddles and
+      the shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with him was given
+      whatso they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought to his kinsfolk
+      many a lordly stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the
+      knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from
+      their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther's hall. Young and old
+      did hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight:
+      "When I tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy
+      the king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they
+      were come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried,
+      from whom so much of gladness hath happed to me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer
+      tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and his
+      father, too, have sent to you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh Kriemhild
+      to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how to use?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one might
+      note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were well. He
+      told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor were the
+      gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them, gold and
+      vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings to see. For
+      their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not
+      squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath closed
+      upon the hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the Burgundian
+      land!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the men
+      of the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the folk.
+      The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All time they
+      had to oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a bench. Ortwin
+      helped them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks. Rumolt, the
+      master cook, how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many a broad
+      kettle, pot, and pan they had! They made ready the vitaille for those who
+      were coming to the land.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Norway".  The interpolated character of the Adventures XI
+        to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is
+        shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.
+        The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and
+        locates it in Norway.  No mention is made, however, of the
+        messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild
+        speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0017">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The Feasting.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild
+      and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine.
+      Never did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for the
+      way full many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the queen
+      as well, rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of joys.
+      Later it sped them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried's little
+      child, Kriemhild's son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief befell
+      him through their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his father and
+      his mother more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund. Had he known
+      aright how he would fare at the feasting, no whit of it would he have
+      seen. No greater woe might ever hap to him in loving friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band
+      there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and Gunther's liegemen. The
+      host gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and
+      asked: "How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like
+      manner must ye greet Siegfried's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if ye
+      would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within the
+      castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best
+      they had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may
+      lightly say, they did this gladly. Gunther's men hasted also for to serve
+      them, and around him the host did gather all his knights. Then the queen
+      rode forth in princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome guests was
+      done. With what great joy did they receive them! It thought them as though
+      Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in the Burgundian
+      land. Those who had never seen her became acquaint with lofty mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending to
+      and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there
+      against the jostling and the dust.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how lovingly
+      he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we shall be of
+      good cheer because of this your journey to our court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my son
+      Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go to see
+      you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none bare
+      him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great courtesie.
+      I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many
+      saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the sward.
+      How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women now drew
+      near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair greeting
+      passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors standing by
+      the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each other by the hand.
+      Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from fair-fashioned
+      dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen for to see. They
+      bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host bade show his guests full
+      well that all were fain to see them in the Burgundian land. Many a royal
+      joust took place before the high-born maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin,
+      too, proved full well their prowess. One durst not leave undone whatso
+      they would command. Much service was rendered by them to the welcome
+      guests. Many shields were heard resound from thrusts and blows before the
+      castle gate. The host and his guests tarried long time without, or ever
+      they came within. Forsooth the hours passed quickly for them with their
+      sports. Merrily they rode before the royal palace. Many cunning housings
+      (2) of good cloth and well cut were seen hanging on either side from the
+      saddles of the fair-fashioned dames.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to their
+      easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who was
+      passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam in
+      lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout. Gunther
+      bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then gan lodge the
+      retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke without. Never
+      were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them gladly all they
+      craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there denied. Men served
+      them in friendly wise without all hate. The host now took his seat at
+      table with his guests. One bade Siegfried be seated where he sate afore.
+      Then many a stately man went with him to the seats. Twelve hundred
+      warriors in sooth did sit at his round table. Brunhild thought her that a
+      vassal could not be mightier than he; yet she was still so friendly to him
+      that she did not wish his death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes
+      were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service
+      was given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts,
+      men bade the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever
+      they were come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all enow
+      with goodly honors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone from
+      the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched by
+      woman's hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had
+      fully dawned, many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then rose
+      a merry rout before the early mass, which was sung for the king. There
+      young heroes rode so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many a trumpet
+      rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did grow so great
+      that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The high-mettled
+      heroes horsed them everywhere. Then there rose in the land high knightly
+      play from many a doughty champion; one saw a great rout of them whose
+      youthful hearts beat high, and many a dapper knight and a good stood armed
+      with shield. At the easements sate the high-born dames and many comely
+      maids, decked out in brave attire. They watched the pastimes of the many
+      valiant men. The host himself gan tilt there with his friends. Thus they
+      passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came,
+      the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens. They
+      alighted on the green before the minster; Brunhild was still friendly to
+      her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the spacious church. Later their
+      love was parted, which caused great hate. When they had heard the mass,
+      they rode away again with many honors and were soon seen going merrily to
+      table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag until the eleventh day.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving
+        folk'.
+   (2)  "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0018">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each Other.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many knights
+      made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for pastime's
+      sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to gaze. The royal
+      queens had sat them down together and talked of two worshipful knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should rule
+      over all these kingdoms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he and
+      thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther
+      liveth, this may never hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right royally
+      he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the stars?
+      Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and
+      fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother of
+      thine. Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not
+      lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost
+      thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther's peer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not
+      spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them
+      first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when he
+      won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king, and
+      Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my vassal,
+      sith I heard him speak thus himself."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble
+      brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's bride?
+      Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my sake
+      thou kindly leave off this speech."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife. "Why should I give up so
+      many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego
+      that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier than my brother
+      Gunther, the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee say.
+      Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so much power
+      over us twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a time. By
+      right I should be spared thy overweening pride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife. "I would fain see
+      whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady
+      Kriemhild: "This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for thy
+      liegeman, now must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether I
+      durst walk before the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am
+      noble and free and that my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I
+      myself be taxed therewith. Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman goeth
+      to court before the knights of the Burgundian land. I myself shall be more
+      worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a crown." Great
+      hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so must
+      thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to church."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife. "I must be here without
+      reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds. Brunhild
+      shall fain deny what she hath here averted."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and
+      maid attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with her
+      train. Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty maidens
+      with her, whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore bright
+      vesture wrought in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids betook them to
+      the minster. All Siegfried's men awaited them before the house. The folk
+      had marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen thus sundered, so
+      that they did not walk together as afore. From this did many a warrior
+      later suffer dire distress. Here before the minster stood Gunther's wife,
+      while many a good knight had pastime with the comely dames whom they there
+      espied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind
+      of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but
+      the wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the
+      wives of thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An' one would
+      wish to, yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly dresses
+      as at this time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild had not done
+      it, save to anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious minster. Through
+      her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise bade Kriemhild
+      stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk before the queen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held
+      thy peace, 'twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair
+      body of thine. How might a vassal's leman (1) ever be the wife of any
+      king?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed
+      by Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy
+      maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick.
+      Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear thee
+      make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I' faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee. With
+      words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it will
+      ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster
+      with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from which
+      bright eyes grew dim and moist.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed far too
+      long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave knight
+      and a good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now went
+      forth and stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must tell me
+      more of what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me. Hath
+      Siegfried made boast of this, 'twill cost his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild
+      spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must ye
+      let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I'll prove it
+      by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought me
+      when he first lay at your side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of gold
+      was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in evil
+      wise. I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it from me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better to
+      have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear. I'll prove it by the
+      girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my Siegfried
+      became thy lord."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth
+      'twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and
+      all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I will
+      let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly that I
+      be Siegfried's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how gently
+      he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain
+      part me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver
+      that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy gold.
+      It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou clearest me of
+      this passing great shame, for that I'll serve thee ever."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if he hath
+      made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of Netherland." One
+      bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how quickly
+      then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for what cause
+      the king hath had me fetched."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady Brunhild
+      hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the first to
+      clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy wife, doth
+      say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue it
+      sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with solemn oaths in front of
+      all thy men, that I have not told her this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost
+      offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold,
+      stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy
+      great innocence is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that of
+      which my sister doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this
+      thing."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened
+      Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should so
+      train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave haughty
+      words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll do the same to mine. In
+      truth, I do shame me of her great discourtesie."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore, that
+      it moved King Gunther's men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to his
+      sovran lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had. She told
+      him then the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild's lord should rue
+      it sore, or he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot joined their
+      parley and these heroes counseled Siegfried's death. Giselher, the son of
+      the noble Uta, came hither too. When he heard the talk, he spake full
+      true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this? Siegfried hath not merited
+      forsooth such hate, that he should therefore lose his life. Certes, women
+      oft grow angry over little things."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would
+      gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege lady,
+      I will rather die, an' it cost him not his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and honor,
+      so let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the knight? He was
+      ever faithful to us and that right willingly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth
+      avail him aught. If my lord permit, I'll do him every evil."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this none
+      followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the that if
+      Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his sway. At
+      this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered before
+      the minster in the presence of Siegfried's wife, even down to the hall!
+      Enow of Gunther's men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be this
+      murderous rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too, the
+      wonderly bold man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match him, if
+      he marked it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring
+      it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. Certes, Hagen hath
+      broken with him for all time."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear. We'll bid messengers, that
+      be not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon us
+      openly. Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will take
+      the field. When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and from this
+      he shall lose his life, an' I learn the tale from the bold knight's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights
+      gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women's
+      quarreling full many a hero lost his life.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,
+        'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0019">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court and
+      the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared. The
+      very direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave to come
+      before the king and say that they were Liudeger's men, whom Siegfried's
+      hand had conquered afore and had brought as hostages to Gunther's land. He
+      greeted then the messengers and bade them go and seat them. One among them
+      spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have told the message we do
+      bear you. This know, ye have of a truth many a mother's son as foe.
+      Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave grievous sores, declare a
+      feud against you and are minded to ride with an army to this land." The
+      king waxed wroth when he heard This tale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or any
+      else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles? This
+      later brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering with
+      his friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king's
+      liegemen would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give up
+      his plan. On a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of Netherland
+      gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly? I'll help avenge it, hath
+      any done you aught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have
+      challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that with
+      zeal, as beseemeth all your honors. I'll do yet to these knights as I did
+      before; I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head your
+      pledge of this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me ride to
+      meet them with those I have. I'll let you see how fain I serve you. This
+      know, through me it shall go evil with your foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were glad
+      in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This was
+      done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of Netherland
+      get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike weeds. Then the
+      stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must stay here. We shall
+      return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God give us luck. Ye must
+      here make merry with the king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were
+      enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout of
+      men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their
+      breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to quit
+      the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for leave;
+      sith they would void the land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare
+      protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.
+      Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend Hagen,
+      think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear you hate.
+      Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer, if I have
+      done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble wife.
+      "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero and a
+      good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray
+      tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do
+      this for you than for any else."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one would
+      take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening mood;
+      then the bold knight and a good were safe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him, pray
+      let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot, on
+      horse, will I ever be his guard."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee
+      trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well, mine
+      own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been better
+      left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow. When he slew
+      the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of a truth in the
+      blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in the fray. Yet am I in
+      fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many javelins are cast by
+      heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of mine. Alas, how oft I
+      suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in the hope that thou wilt
+      hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where men may wound the dear lord
+      of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in faith. When the hot blood
+      gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold hero and a good bathed him
+      therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt his shoulder blades.
+      Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I may
+      know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:
+      "With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,
+      thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in
+      the battle before his foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband was
+      thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence. The
+      king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will warrior
+      give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild trusted in his
+      troth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He
+      weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so near
+      him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent in secret
+      twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's land should
+      still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the king. How loth
+      Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his kinsmen's
+      wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then to the
+      king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will, friend
+      Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this I'll ever
+      serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my friends. Now
+      that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting for bears and
+      boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That Hagen, the
+      faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my guests, that we
+      ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make them ready. If any
+      choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that liketh me as well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd fain
+      go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will ride
+      to the pines."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye will,
+      four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is wont to
+      go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told
+      the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never use
+      such faithlessness.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "bracke", used
+        here.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0020">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry a-hunting
+      in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars and bears and
+      bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried in lordly guise;
+      many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool spring he later lost
+      his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife, had counseled. The bold
+      knight then went to where he found Kriemhild. His costly hunting garb and
+      those of his fellowship were already bound upon the sumpters, for they
+      would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild have been more sorrowful. He
+      kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let me see thee, lady, still in
+      health and grant that thine eyes may see me too. Thou shalt have pastime
+      with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at home."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not
+      say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord
+      Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be
+      your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did chase
+      you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great cause
+      to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we have not
+      misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear my lord,
+      that I counsel by my troth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here
+      of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my
+      friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an evil
+      dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It doth cut
+      me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then in
+      a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw him
+      in health again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many bold
+      knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher stayed at
+      home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the Rhine, the
+      which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat and fish, and
+      great store of other things, which so mighty a king might rightly have.
+      They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green wood over
+      against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade where they
+      should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come. The hunting
+      fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the bold knight, the
+      sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who shall lead us to
+      the game within the wood?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords and
+      I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us divide
+      the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He who doth
+      hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen bided by
+      another after that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath been
+      trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine woods."
+      Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space brought
+      the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its lair the
+      comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever the brach
+      started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his hand. His
+      horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he gained the
+      prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The beast which
+      he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after which he found
+      full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started this from its lair,
+      he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a full sharp arrow. After
+      the shot the lion ran the space of but three bounds. The hunting
+      fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he speedily slew a bison and
+      an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage shelk. (3) His horse bare
+      him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor could hart or hind avoid him.
+      Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar; when he began to flee, at once
+      there came the master of the hunt and encountered him upon his path.
+      Wrathfully the boar did run against the valiant hero, but Kriemhild's
+      husband slew him with his sword. Another huntsman might not have done this
+      deed so lightly. When he had felled him, they leashed the sleuth-hound;
+      his rich booty was soon well known to the Burgundian men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a
+      deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and
+      the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise that
+      both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had let loose
+      full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must needs lose their
+      lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men should give him the
+      prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the stalwart Siegfried was
+      already standing by the fire. The chase was over, and yet not quite. Those
+      who would to the camp-fire brought with them thither hides of many beasts
+      and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's meiny bare then to the
+      kitchen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A horn
+      was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might find the
+      noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen: "My lord, I
+      heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the quarters; I'll
+      now give answer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake Sir
+      Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him smoothly
+      and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started up a savage
+      beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those behind: "I'll
+      give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach. Forsooth I spy
+      a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he never so fast, he
+      shall not escape us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would
+      fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The
+      mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the
+      proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him. The
+      bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught it and
+      bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither scratch nor
+      bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle and horsed him
+      quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior and a good brought
+      it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise he rode to the
+      quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A dainty sword hung
+      downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn of ruddy gold. Never
+      heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him wear a coat of black and
+      silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it was. Ho, what costly bands he
+      wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was drawn over it for its sweet
+      fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which any but the hero must needs draw
+      back with a windlass, and he would bend it. His vesture was befurred with
+      otter skin (5) from head to toe. From the bright fur shone out on both
+      sides of the bold master of the hunt many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he
+      also bare, a good broad sword, that was so sharp that it never failed when
+      'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet; its edge was good. In high spirits was the
+      lordly huntsman. Sith I must tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was
+      full of goodly darts, the heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts.
+      What he pierced therewith must needs die soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
+      him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
+      saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
+      loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly, that
+      spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had fear.
+      Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he drove the
+      scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a firebrand
+      scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes! Then the
+      lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear grew furious
+      and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had all sped well,
+      they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty men delayed, but
+      ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such press of dogs that
+      none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the whole hill rang. The
+      bear began to flee before the dogs; none could follow him but Kriemhild's
+      husband, who caught and slew him with his sword. Then they bore the bear
+      again to the fire. Those that saw it, averred he was a mighty man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon a
+      fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they bare
+      there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
+      delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
+      been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such
+      great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the wine.
+      Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your hunting-fellow.
+      I have well deserved that they regard me, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you
+      remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die
+      of thirst."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the
+      Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not
+      drink to-day, how well will I avoid this in the future!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One should
+      have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled wine. (8) If
+      that might not be, then men should have placed our benches nearer to the
+      Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a
+      good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of thirst
+      now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne away the
+      sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With false intent
+      the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the game which
+      Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever saw it gave
+      him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth to Siegfried.
+      When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It hath oft been
+      told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband when he be
+      minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that, and
+      ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call give
+      the prize to him who winneth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward at
+      your feet." (9)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold
+      knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my
+      trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he
+      quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in two
+      white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran, but men
+      spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare away the
+      prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid aside his
+      quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough. The lordly
+      stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was Siegfried's
+      courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed forth, but the
+      hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king had drunk, who gave
+      him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the spring. Gunther stooped
+      down then to the flowing stream, and when he had drunken straightened up
+      again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done the same, but now he paid
+      for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from him both bow and sword and
+      bounded then to where he found the spear; then he looked for the mark on
+      bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried drank above the spring, he
+      pierced him through the cross, so that his heart's blood spurted from the
+      wounds almost on Hagen's clothes. Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed.
+      Hagen left the spear a-sticking in his heart and fled more madly than he
+      ever in the world had run from any man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started
+      in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered. He
+      weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid as he
+      deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his sword,
+      then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the spring
+      and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit he was
+      wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of precious
+      stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst quite apart.
+      Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was Hagen fallen to
+      the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow the glade rang
+      loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been Hagen's death, so
+      sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good cause thereof. His
+      hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of body melted quite away,
+      for in bright colors he bore the signs of death. Thereafter he was
+      bewailed by fair dames enow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his
+      blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause, at
+      those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded spake:
+      "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye have slain
+      me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you. Alas, ye have
+      acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born in after days
+      will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore upon me. With shame
+      shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a
+      hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and this
+      the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the Burgundians
+      bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no need that he
+      should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle blame. It had
+      been better left undone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All
+      our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who dare
+      withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your
+      murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue me
+      so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I ever had
+      a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his kindred
+      have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake Siegfried,
+      "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the deadly wounded
+      spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to any in the world,
+      then let my dear love be commended to your grace and let it avail her that
+      she be your sister. For the sake of your princely courtesie protect her
+      faithfully. My father and my men must wait long time for me. Never was
+      woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The flowers on every side were wet with blood. With death he struggled,
+      but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely. Then
+      the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the lordings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a shield
+      of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen had done
+      the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye must all hide
+      it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as he rode alone
+      a-hunting through the pine wood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be
+      known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it
+      trouble me however much she weep."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Lion."  It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
+        roam at large in the forests of Germany.  They were,
+        however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
+        poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
+        hunter.
+   (2)  "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
+        extinct.
+   (3)  "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
+        deer.
+   (4)  "Fragrance".  It was believed that the odor of the panther
+        attracted the game.  Compare the description of the panther
+        in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
+        surpass that of all ointments.
+   (5)  "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
+        connotation is not known.  Some interpret it to meau the
+        fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
+   (6)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (7)  "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
+        is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
+        did not disturb the poet.
+   (8)  "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
+   (9)  "Feet".  This was probably done as a handicap.  The time
+        consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
+        a start.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0021">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
+      hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
+      warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
+      of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
+      Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He bade
+      place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when she
+      went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild full
+      seldom missed through sleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild, the
+      fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
+      vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
+      him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord, but
+      with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this Lady
+      Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her ladies
+      for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet, there doth
+      lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it was
+      her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
+      protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure at
+      his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they
+      found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After
+      her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:
+      "Perchance it is a stranger knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis
+      Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen
+      hath done the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand she
+      raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him soon.
+      There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The gracious
+      queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is not carved
+      with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done the deed, I'd
+      ever plot his death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they grieved
+      full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had cruelly
+      avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all
+      Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me
+      bewail brave Siegfried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the
+      Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could
+      scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger
+      came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I trow
+      his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see his dear
+      son alive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A wrong
+      hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all other
+      ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which thou
+      tellest me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold
+      Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales, that
+      thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail him fully
+      before my death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear
+      yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need. He and a
+      hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands
+      their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail. Then
+      came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard the
+      ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should dress
+      them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great heaviness was
+      buried in their hearts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas for
+      the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my child
+      and you of your husband among such good friends?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul
+      would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin
+      must ever weep because of me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow
+      of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded
+      from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's wife.
+      They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his wounds
+      and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty grief.
+      Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be ever ready
+      to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came with
+      their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had in his
+      troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he had great
+      need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife, unless it be
+      to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden to the hunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief and
+      how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the Nibelungs
+      at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to hinder it. In
+      kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin. The
+      grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye wot
+      naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye will all
+      be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The noble
+      queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When they
+      would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord Siegmund,
+      ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my husband
+      with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do him
+      scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I will
+      not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of ours.
+      Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear with me
+      my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights, to coffin
+      the dear husband of mine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were
+      heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping.
+      The noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they,
+      too, were sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried, or
+      for what cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the worthy
+      burghers wept with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste to work
+      a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it firm with
+      strips of good hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady bade
+      them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster. Whatever
+      friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells were
+      ringing as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard the
+      chant of many priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim Hagen
+      also toward the sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs, clear
+      sister, that we may not be free from this great scathe. We must ever
+      lament for Siegfried's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth
+      to you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on me,
+      when I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth
+      Kriemhild, "that it had happed to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him
+      guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all the
+      folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained
+      murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's wounds do bleed, (1)
+      as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen's. The wounds
+      bled sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of
+      those who wailed afore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen
+      did not do the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends
+      avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again:
+      "Now share with me this grief."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where
+      they found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild's
+      men wept inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives, and
+      children did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly bear
+      his loss, wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake: "Sister
+      mine, now comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We'll try to
+      make it up to thee, the while we live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well
+      towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The lady
+      would not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle trouble.
+      In a rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found none there
+      that did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny mourned bitterly
+      the stately man. When it was noised abroad that men sang in the minster
+      and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of folk. What offerings
+      they made for his soul's sake! He had good friends enow among these foes.
+      Poor Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye must now be put to trouble
+      for my sake, ye who wished him well and be my friends. For Siegfried's
+      soul shall ye deal out his gold."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or
+      ever he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day. Great
+      throng was there of Siegfried's friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake:
+      "Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone. With
+      him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state three days
+      and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God doth bid that
+      death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of me, poor
+      Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The people of the town returned now to their lodgings. She begged the
+      priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay.
+      They spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained without
+      all food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made known that
+      men would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed. Then were the
+      Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three days, as we
+      hear tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a deal of work.
+      What offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor, grew rich enow.
+      Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught, these were bid go
+      to mass with gold from Siegfried's treasure chamber. Since he might not
+      live, many thousand marks of gold were given for his soul. She dealt out
+      well-tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk were found. Enow of
+      gold and silver was given to the poor. By her deeds she showed that she
+      did love him fondly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the
+      minster was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death, as
+      one should do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told, full
+      thirty thousand marks or better still were given to the poor for his
+      soul's sake. Yet his great beauty and his life lay low. When God had been
+      served and the chants were ended, much people fought 'gainst monstrous
+      grief. Men bade bear him from the minster to the grave. Those were seen to
+      weep and wail who missed him most. With loud laments the people followed
+      hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man. They sang and read a service
+      before they buried him. Ho, what good priests were present at his burial!
+      Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the grave, her faithful heart was rung
+      with grief, so that they must needs oft sprinkle her with water from the
+      spring. Her pain was passing great; a mickle wonder it was that she ever
+      lived. Many a lady helped her in her plaint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye prove
+      your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my woe, that I
+      may see once more his comely head."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break
+      open the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With
+      her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and
+      good, thus dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then
+      there happed a piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk,
+      and soon they found the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the
+      lovely fair have died of grief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him from
+      the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men found
+      Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three days
+      would neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not so waste
+      away their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows, as still
+      happeneth oft enow.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Bleed".  This was not only a popular superstition, but also
+        a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had
+        not been discovered, or if any one was suspected.  The
+        suspected person was requested to approach the bier and
+        touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow
+        afresh if the one touching the body were guilty.  Our
+        passage is the first instance of its mention in German
+        literature.  A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364.
+        The usage was also known in France and England.  See the
+        instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",
+        930.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0022">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her. Unto the queen he
+      spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome
+      guests. Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit
+      treachery here in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet
+      should ye not requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son's
+      sake, of this shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the
+      power which Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and
+      also the crown shall be subject to you. All Siegfried's men shall serve
+      you gladly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying for
+      steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes. Men
+      bade dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund would
+      fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's mother gan beg her that she stay there
+      with her kindred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the
+      sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst
+      stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have
+      grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of
+      dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with thy
+      brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of thy husband's
+      death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot and
+      her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but little
+      kith she had among Siegfried's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so
+      strong but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and
+      console your mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were brought
+      for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land. Also all
+      the trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters. Then the Lord
+      Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild's side. To the lady he spake: "Siegfried's
+      men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride away, for I be ill content
+      in Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise
+      me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He
+      spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear the
+      crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not suffer,
+      because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again, for the
+      sake of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him orphaned. When
+      your son groweth up, he will comfort your heart. Meanwhile many bold
+      heroes and good shall serve you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever
+      fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We
+      might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would stay here
+      with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more sorrowfully."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given
+      safe-conduct to Siegmund's land, I'll bid them guard you well. To the care
+      of you knights shall my dear child be given."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of Siegmund's
+      men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from Lady Kriemhild!
+      He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly feasting," spake
+      the noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to king or to his
+      kinsmen, what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us nevermore in
+      Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still
+      take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his
+      kinsmen be their deadly foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright
+      that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now
+      first do I feel all my sorrow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were surely
+      of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend them, should
+      they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of none, but Gernot
+      and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving wise. These brave and
+      lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his loss. Courteously Prince
+      Gernot spake: "God in heaven knoweth well that I be not to blame for
+      Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was his foe. I mourn him
+      justly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them
+      from the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous then!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild
+      mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher alone;
+      loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening pride. How
+      Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her love or troth.
+      Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest woe of heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0023">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with his
+      vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also often
+      helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster, they
+      built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and great,
+      where, with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to go to
+      church and did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither she went
+      all time in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She prayed the
+      good God to have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she bewept the
+      knight full oft. Uta and her meiny comforted her all time, but so sorely
+      wounded was her heart, that it booted naught, whatever comfort men did
+      offer her. She had the greatest longing for her dear love, that ever wife
+      did have for loving husband. One might see thereby her passing virtue;
+      until her end she mourned, the while life lasted. In after days brave
+      Siegfried's wife avenged herself with might.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and this is
+      true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther,
+      nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister
+      friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this
+      might ye win great store, an' the queen would be our friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will beg
+      them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she might
+      gladly see us win the hoard."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was done,
+      Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried it with the
+      Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy spake: "Lady, ye
+      mourn too long for Siegfried's death. The king will give you proof that he
+      hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so greatly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "None chargeth him with this. 'Twas Hagen's hand that struck
+      him, where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could I
+      think that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full
+      well," spake the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would
+      I, poor wife, leave off my weeping. I'll never be a friend of him that did
+      the deed." Then Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand before
+      her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her. Well he wot
+      his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole. When now she would forego her
+      hate of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted him better had
+      she not been wronged by his advice; then might he have gone boldly unto
+      Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought to pass with so
+      many tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the one man alone, she
+      pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the deed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained the
+      hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was her
+      marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot rode
+      to fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should bring
+      it from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight Alberich (2)
+      and his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine coming for the
+      hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught of the treasure
+      dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth it to be her
+      marriage morning gift. Yet should this never be done," quoth Alberich,
+      "but that with Siegfried we have foully lost the good Cloud Cloak, for
+      fair Kriemhild's love did wear it alway. Now, alas, it hath fared ill with
+      Siegfried, that the hero bereft us of the Cloud Cloak and that all this
+      land did have to serve him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood
+      Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the
+      treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon the
+      waves to the mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the hoard,
+      the which twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear away from
+      the hill in four days and nights and each must make the trip three times a
+      day. There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men paid therewith
+      the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been in worth. Forsooth
+      Hagen did not crave it so without good cause. The greatest prize of all
+      was a wishing-rod (3) of gold. He who knew its nature, might well be
+      master over any man in all the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they stored
+      away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took charge of everything,
+      chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men hear tales told
+      of such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a thousand times as much,
+      if the Lord Siegfried were but alive again, Kriemhild would fain have
+      stood empty-handed at his side. No more faithful wife did hero ever win.
+      Now that she had the hoard, she brought many unknown warriors to the land.
+      In truth the lady's hand gave in such wise that men have never seen such
+      bounty more. She used great courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the
+      rich and the poor she began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she
+      live yet a while, she would gain so many a man for her service that they
+      would fare full ill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I
+      hinder that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed it,
+      that she became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she deal out
+      her silver and her gold."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught of
+      the heard. With her gifts she'll bring about the day when it well may rue
+      the brave Burgundians sore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her
+      harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty store
+      and Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother Gernot,
+      when he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath done my
+      sister much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his life, were
+      he not my kin."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried's wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Or ever we
+      be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the Rhine,
+      that it belong to none."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake: "Dear
+      brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life and
+      goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for
+      now we think to ride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them
+      that one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the hatred
+      he bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was come
+      again, Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at Loche, (4) in
+      the Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The lordings came
+      again and with them many men. With her maids and ladies Kriemhild gan
+      bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly would Giselher
+      have helped in all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath done wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor. They did
+      him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate. Before
+      Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty oaths
+      that it should lie concealed as long as any one of them might live. Later
+      they could not give it to themselves or any other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's end, and
+      because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not in
+      all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried's death, and this is
+      true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she could not
+      forget the warrior's death. She was true to him, as most folk owned.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary
+        for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after
+        the bridal night.  On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche
+        Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.
+   (2)  "Alberich", see Adventure III, note 8.  It is characteristic
+        of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.
+   (3)  "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried
+        treasure.  Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie," ii, 813.
+   (4)  "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the
+        Rhine province.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0024">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought
+      another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in
+      the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead, they
+      spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king ever
+      won, then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her husband."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen and
+      be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and therefore
+      would not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that ever happed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the sake
+      of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a trial
+      for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and
+      the land by the Rhine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known
+      from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the
+      noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use
+      the highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always
+      done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear
+      the crown in this my land. An' she be so fair, as hath been told me, it
+      shall never rue my dearest kin."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen. Certes,
+      there might not be in all this world a king's bride more fair. He may well
+      be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if ever
+      I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for it as best I may.
+      Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure chambers I
+      will bid thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and all thou wilt,
+      that thou and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I'll bid full plenty
+      of these things be made ready against thine errand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that
+      were not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy
+      hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May God
+      keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune help me,
+      that she look with favor on my suit."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready arms
+      and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will lead to
+      the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I and mine
+      be seen, all may say of thee: 'Never did any king send afar so many men in
+      better wise than thou hast done to the Rhine.' If thou, O mighty king,
+      wilt not turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that her noble love was
+      subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son. Him thou hast seen here. (4) Men
+      could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was the noble
+      prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh me well
+      for her passing beauty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence in
+      four and twenty days. I'll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that I
+      myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both
+      sorrowful and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife.
+      Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the
+      message, a deal she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether
+      she should gain a lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved her
+      heart full sore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King Etzel
+      was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their weeds. Then
+      might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind awaited him;
+      the young margravine, too, Rudeger's child, gladly saw her father and his
+      men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble Rudeger rode
+      from the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes were placed upon
+      the sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a whit was taken from
+      them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly bade
+      lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw the host
+      come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young margravine. To
+      her his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to see the heroes
+      from the Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden spake: "Now be
+      my father and his men full welcome here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty
+      knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger's mood. When at
+      night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine put,
+      whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady Gotelind,
+      I'll gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another lady for my lord,
+      sith that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for Kriemhild to the
+      Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the Huns."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do hear such
+      speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our lady for
+      us in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear the crown in
+      Hungary."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to ride
+      with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel
+      richly, then are they of lofty mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I would
+      not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part hence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers! With
+      enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined from the
+      neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that pleased him
+      well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from
+      Bechelaren. Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the
+      Bavarian land. Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery's
+      sake, and within twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the
+      tidings not be hid; men told it to the king and to his liegemen, that
+      stranger guests were come. The host gan say, if any knew them, he should
+      tell him so. One saw their sumpters bear right heavy loads. 'Twas seen
+      that they were passing rich.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many
+      strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft. The
+      people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine. The
+      host now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him. Then
+      spake the knight of Troneg: "None of them have I ever seen, but when we
+      now gaze upon them, I can tell you well from whence they ride hither to
+      this land. They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not full soon."
+      (5)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship were
+      come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good
+      garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As well
+      as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as if
+      'twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of Bechelaren
+      be come to this land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the good
+      knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five hundred
+      knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the men from
+      Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes. Then Hagen
+      of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord of Bechelaren
+      and all his men, welcome in God's name."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the king
+      went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never have we
+      seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all their
+      fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the king and with
+      him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats; through their
+      great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met the messengers!
+      Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals warmly, as was his
+      due. He took the good knight Rudeger by the hand and led him to the seat
+      where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the guests (full gladly this
+      was done) passing good mead and the best of wine that one might find in
+      the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere both were come; Dankwart and
+      Folker, too, had heard about the strangers. Merry they were of mood and
+      greeted before the king the noble knights and good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever
+      requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the
+      husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare
+      Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know." He rose
+      from his seat with all his men and spake to the king: "An' may that be
+      that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the tidings that I
+      bring, but will tell them willingly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these
+      I'll let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my vassals
+      hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon the
+      Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This
+      message is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you his
+      need. His folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master's wife, is
+      dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned, daughters of
+      noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth full piteously
+      in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them faithfully. The
+      king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth his
+      service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his greeting,
+      and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair
+      Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me, O
+      king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent you,
+      sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men told my
+      lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be dead. If
+      this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights, would ye
+      but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care to
+      do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in
+      these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her
+      wish?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served
+      so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunther's men.
+      Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the
+      third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full
+      wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that
+      Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save
+      Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right wit,
+      ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
+      follow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure happen
+      to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister. We
+      ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel as
+      have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath
+      danger happed to you by right."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near him
+      that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she become his wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords would
+      think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble king. Hagen
+      still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight Giselher of
+      Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make her to forget
+      the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune she may have, this
+      ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister so many an ill,"
+      continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she hath good cause, if
+      she be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady of greater joys."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and
+      live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in whatever way she can.
+      Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to
+      Etzel's land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that
+      maketh for our honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild wear the
+      crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give it
+      over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all act as
+      traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever
+      ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and Giselher,
+      the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at last, if
+      Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor
+      upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can well
+      requite her of all the wrongs that have been done her."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she
+      received him. How quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly and
+      give me a messenger's meed. Fortune is about to part you from all your
+      woes. For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that ever
+      gained a kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath sent
+      envoys hither. Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me tell you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my
+      kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man
+      who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher,
+      the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in
+      truth, could she but take the king.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the
+      knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to
+      see the messengers."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see the
+      Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither,
+      whoever else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted
+      with me. Pray bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I'll let him hear my
+      will in full and tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake
+      forth anew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the
+      high-born queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but let
+      the knight persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow when
+      mass was sung, the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those who
+      should go to court with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed. Full
+      sad of mood, the high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and good. He
+      found her in the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids wore rich
+      clothes enow. She went to meet him to the door and greeted full kindly
+      Etzel's liegeman. Only as one of twelve he went to meet her. Men offered
+      him great worship, for never were come more lofty envoys. They bade the
+      lording and his vassals seat them. Before her were seen to stand the two
+      Margraves Eckewart and Gere, the noble knights and good. None they saw
+      merry of mood, for the sake of the lady of the house. Many fair women were
+      seen to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her grief; her dress
+      upon her breast was wet with scalding tears. This the noble margrave noted
+      well on Kriemhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you,
+      permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and
+      tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear
+      it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The others noted well her unwilling mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king, hath in
+      good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers hither to
+      this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your love. Great joy
+      without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready to give you
+      constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay within his
+      heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full often joyless
+      days."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my bitter
+      sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the best of
+      husbands that ever lady won."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy. When
+      that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught
+      availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble master,
+      ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord will give
+      you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand hath
+      overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen, who were
+      subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and princely race,
+      who owned her sway." Thus spake the brave knight and bold. "Thereto my
+      lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would deign to wear with
+      him the crown, the very highest power which Helca ever won; this shall ye
+      rule before all Etzel's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero's bride?
+      Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live joyless
+      unto mine end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's court will
+      be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an' it come to pass, for
+      the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca's damosels and your
+      maids shall together form one retinue, at sight of which warriors may well
+      be blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare well in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow early,
+      when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to what ye have
+      in mind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bold knights and good must needs obey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for
+      Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping did
+      beseem her and naught else better.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I can
+      well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish, and
+      thou takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this
+      thinketh me well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake
+      Giselher again; "from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the
+      sea, there be no other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice, an'
+      he make thee his wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping and
+      wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his knights?
+      Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel
+      thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with thee.
+      I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she
+      might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband's side of
+      yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never have
+      again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall I give my
+      body to a paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the world must I
+      bear shame. An' he gave me all the kingdoms in the world still 1 would not
+      do it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady
+      lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the
+      morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come and
+      took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the king
+      of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry. Then they
+      bade fetch hither Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken their leave,
+      whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost their suit. Rudeger
+      came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn aright the noble prince's
+      mind. To all it seemed well that this be done betimes, for long was the
+      way back into their land. Men brought Rudeger to where Kriemhild was
+      found. Winningly the knight gan beg the noble queen to let him hear what
+      message she would send to Etzel's land. I ween, he heard from her naught
+      else than no, that she nevermore would wed a man. The margrave spake:
+      "That were ill done. Why would ye let such beauty wither? Still with honor
+      may ye become the bride of a worthy man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in secret
+      that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At this her
+      great sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let be your
+      weeping. If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful kin and
+      liegemen, sore must he repent it who had ever done you aught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the lady's mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an oath,
+      that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my wrongs."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her faithfully
+      and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel's land would ne'er
+      refuse her aught.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many
+      friends, I'll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear
+      husband's death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath so
+      many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an' I command them. He is
+      likewise so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen
+      hath bereft me of my goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly would
+      I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many
+      knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at his court. What
+      if ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened?
+      Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye
+      should now give over your sadness."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King
+      Etzel's bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to the
+      Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will take me
+      to his land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more.
+      'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine. No
+      longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred vassals
+      and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye bid, both
+      here and there at home. I'll do by you the same whenever ye do mind me of
+      the tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for your horses be
+      made ready (Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and tell it to your
+      maids, whom ye would take along, for many a chosen knight will meet us on
+      the road."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's time, so
+      that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she
+      would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames!
+      Albeit they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready, for
+      much had been told them of the king. They opened up the chests, which
+      stood afore well locked. For four and one half days they were aught but
+      idle; from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay therein.
+      Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain would make all
+      Rudeger's liegemen rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung land she still had
+      such store that a hundred horses might not bear it; she weened her hand
+      should deal it out among the Huns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will
+      not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must stay behind. For why should
+      I give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what Kriemhild
+      will do with this hoard. I can well believe, an' she take it with her,
+      that it will be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor have they
+      steeds enow to bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it, pray tell
+      Kriemhild that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told to
+      all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not hap,
+      the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye for the
+      gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his eyes do
+      light upon you, such store he'll give you that ye can never spend it all;
+      this will I swear to you, my lady."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's daughter
+      gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the king
+      in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild's gold was handed forth, a
+      thousand marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased
+      King Gunther.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild
+      all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it would
+      mine or the queen's hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will none of
+      it. Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can lightly do
+      without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey in full
+      lordly wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Afore this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very
+      best of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great
+      store of women's trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her
+      thought too great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she
+      had still a thousand marks. For her dear husband's soul she dealt it out.
+      This Rudeger thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the mournful
+      lady: "Where be now my friends who for my sake would live in exile? Let
+      those who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my treasure and
+      purchase horses and trappings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first
+      became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight, "and
+      aye will do the same by you until mine end. I will take with me also five
+      hundred of my men and place them in your service right loyally. Naught
+      shall ever part us, save death alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many tears
+      were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed that they
+      were sad at Kriemhild's loss. A hundred high-born maids she took with her
+      hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from bright eyes the
+      tears fell down, but soon at Etzel's court they lived to see much joy.
+      Then came Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their fellowship, as their
+      courtesie demanded. Fain would they escort their dear sister hence; of
+      their knights they took with them full a thousand stately men. Then came
+      Ortwin and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master of the kitchen, must needs
+      be with them, too. They purveyed them night quarters as far as the
+      Danube's shore, but Gunther rode no further than a little from the town.
+      Ere they fared hence from the Rhine, they had sent their messengers
+      swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who should tell the king that
+      Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble high-born queen.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.
+   (2)  "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the
+        daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the
+        "Thidreksaga" calls him.  In the latter work (chap. 73-80)
+        we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her
+        father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride.
+        On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see
+        Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.
+   (3)  "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the
+        "Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an
+        historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.
+        Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself
+        an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with
+        castles and lands in fief.  He may have been introduced, as
+        Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role
+        originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.
+        Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.
+        Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach
+        with the Danube.
+   (4)  "hast seen here".  "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich
+        had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's
+        court.
+   (5)  "full soon".  See Adventure III, note 4.
+   (6)  "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),
+        'heathen'.
+   (7)  "gold for offerings".  This was the gold to be used as
+        offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0025">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen
+      journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from her.
+      They had served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1) on the
+      Danube they rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for they would
+      ride again to the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen might not
+      part. Doughty Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever, lady, thou
+      shouldst need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but know, and I
+      will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took their
+      leave of Margrave Rudeger's men. The queen had with her many a
+      fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes of
+      rich, gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the ladies
+      on the road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the tale
+      was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where still a
+      cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In the town
+      of Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and the
+      prince's court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers in the
+      Bavarian land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild. The
+      knights of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so many
+      comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble knights.
+      Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the
+      burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's sister's
+      child, well was she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope that
+      they would stay. Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must fare
+      further down to Rudeger's land. Many knights await us, for all wot well
+      the news."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with
+      care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should
+      cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the Enns
+      (3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw on every
+      side the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet their
+      guests. Now was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were from the
+      Bavarian land who might perchance have done the guests much harm, had they
+      robbed upon the roads, as was their wont. That had been forestalled by the
+      lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a
+      noble knight in lordly vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5)
+      upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests
+      should have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to his
+      guests. Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the road
+      there trotted many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair was the
+      welcome; right well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to meet them
+      on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a knight. They
+      practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor did the service
+      of the knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger's liegemen met the
+      guests, many truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high from the warriors'
+      hands in knightly custom. As though for a prize they rode before the
+      ladies there. This they soon gave over and many warriors greeted each
+      other in friendly wise. Then they escorted fair Gotelind from thence to
+      where she saw Kriemhild. Scant leisure had they who wot how to serve the
+      ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble
+      margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part her
+      cares had given way to joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade her
+      dismount with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a noble knight
+      bestirred him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then Kriemhild spied
+      the margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she drew, but checked
+      the palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her quickly from the
+      saddle. Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his sister's child to
+      Gotelind. All stood aside at once. Then the exiled queen kissed Gotelind
+      upon the mouth. Full lovingly spake Rudeger's wife: "Now well is me, dear
+      lady, that I have ever seen with mine own eyes your charming self in these
+      our lands. Naught liefer might hap to me in all these times."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I and
+      Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that ye
+      have seen me here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each
+      other in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their
+      service. After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With many
+      they became acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As it was
+      now high noon, men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The noble meiny no
+      longer tarried, but rode to where they found many broad pavilions; there
+      ample service stood ready for the guests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren
+      made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned,
+      that little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open, the
+      castle at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men were
+      fain to see; the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most
+      lovingly Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.
+      There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-born maid
+      was greeted with delight. They took each other by the hand and hied them
+      hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair, under which the Danube flowed
+      along. Towards the breeze they sate and held great pastime. What more they
+      did I cannot tell, save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were heard to grumble
+      that they fared so slowly on their way, for much it irked them. Ho, what
+      good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind's
+      daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she
+      brought to Etzel's land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her,
+      yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still
+      might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In turn
+      the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such
+      friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not
+      wear her jewels or her lordly robes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by
+      the lady of the house to Etzel's bride. The fair young margravine, too,
+      was much caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you good, I
+      know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to the Hunnish
+      land." How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her truly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren and the
+      noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter. With a greeting
+      many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each other since
+      these days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands many a rich cup
+      of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers on the highway. Thus
+      they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight Astolt, (9) who showed
+      them the road to the Austrian land, towards Mautern (10) down the Danube.
+      There the noble queen was later served full well. From his niece the
+      bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled her that she should bear her well
+      and that she should purchase honor for herself, as Helca, too, had done!
+      Ho, what great worship she later gained among the Huns!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger's men purveyed
+      them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land. Then the queen
+      became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the king of the
+      Hunnish land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer, (12) known far
+      and wide. Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such great virtues
+      that it might not lightly ever hap again, unless it be through Kriemhild.
+      She wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow she had the joy that
+      Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which she later won great
+      store among the heroes. Etzel's rule was known far and wide, so that all
+      time one found at his court the boldest warriors of whom men ever heard,
+      among Christian or among paynim. They were all come with him. All time
+      there were at his court, what may not so lightly hap again, Christian
+      customs and also heathen faith. In whatsoever wise each lived, the bounty
+      of the king bestowed on all enow.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt.  A ferry
+        across the river existed here from ancient times.
+   (2)  "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an
+        historical personage.  He was bishop of Passau from 971 to
+        991.  Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to
+        Boer between 1181 and 1185.  See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.
+        Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.
+   (3)  "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the
+        Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of
+        Linz.
+   (4)  "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,
+        about thirteen miles west of Linz.
+   (5)  "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,
+        forty-four miles southeast of Linz.
+   (6)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (7)  "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in
+        the "Klage", and in "Biterolf".  In the earlier Norse
+        version "Atli" is the son of "Budli".  (On this point see
+        Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and
+        Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the
+        names are shown to be identical.)
+   (8)  "Medelick" is the modern Mölk, or Melk, a town on the Danube
+        near the influx of the Bilach.  It lies at the foot of a
+        granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.
+   (9)  "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known
+        of him.
+   (10) "Mautern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite
+        Stein in Lower Austria.
+   (11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower
+        Austria, emptying near Traismauer.
+   (12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure").  All the MSS. but C and
+        D have this reading.  The latter have "Treysenmoure" and
+        "treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern
+        name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna.  It is
+        possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was
+        originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from
+        Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.
+        See Lachmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,
+        note to str. 1333.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0026">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon
+      the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were
+      burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through Austria. Then the king
+      was told aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at thought
+      of this his sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the lovely
+      Kriemhild. Men saw ride before King Etzel on the road many bold knights of
+      many tongues and many mighty troops of Christians and of paynims. When
+      they met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise. Of the Russians and the
+      Greeks there rode there many a man. The right good steeds of the Poles and
+      Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly, as they rode with might and main.
+      Each did show the customs of his land. From the land of Kiev (1) there
+      rode many a warrior and the savage Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they
+      often shot at the birds which flew there; to the very head they drew the
+      arrows on the bows.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call Tulna.
+      (3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the which size
+      had never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came through her to
+      grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and noble, courtly and
+      lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of lofty birth. They would
+      fain behold their lady and craved naught more. Duke Ramung (4) of
+      Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up before her; like flying
+      birds men saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeck with lordly bands. The
+      doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men, wheeled from the king away
+      towards the queen. Loudly they shouted after the custom of their land.
+      Madly too rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then came brave Hawart (6) of
+      Denmark and the doughty Iring, (7) free of guile was he, and Irnfried (8)
+      of Thuringia, a stately man. With twelve hundred vassals, whom they had in
+      their band, they greeted Kriemhild, so that she had therefrom great
+      worship. Then came Sir Bloedel, (9) King Etzel's brother, from the Hunnish
+      land, with three thousand men. In lordly wise he rode to where he found
+      the queen. Then King Etzel came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his
+      fellowship. There stood many worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good.
+      At this Dame Kriemhild's spirits rose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the
+      high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may
+      not greet alike King Etzel's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty,
+      bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man.
+      Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we are
+      told, walked by the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went to meet
+      her, where she greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious wise. She
+      raised her veil and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy hue. Many a
+      man stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have been more fair
+      than she. Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the king. Him
+      Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King Gibeck, too. There
+      also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of the warriors the king's bride kissed.
+      She greeted many knights in other ways.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful warriors
+      did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a royal
+      joust. This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according to their
+      custom. In what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made truncheons
+      from the shafts fly through the air, high above the shields, from the
+      hands of doughty knights! Many a buckler's edge was pierced through and
+      through by the German strangers. Great crashing of breaking shafts was
+      heard. All the warriors from the land were come and the king's guests,
+      too, many a noble man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them a
+      royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with
+      booths, where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely maid
+      was shown to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then sate with
+      the queen on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well purveyed the
+      seats for Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at this King Etzel
+      grew blithe of mood. What the king there spake, I know not. In his right
+      lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's wise, since Rudeger
+      would not let the king make love to Kriemhild secretly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the great
+      rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them lodgings
+      stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they lay at
+      ease, till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a man betook
+      him to the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of the king!
+      Etzel bade the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they rode from
+      Tulna to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame adorned. With
+      great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride. There was ready for them
+      in great plenty whatever they should have. Many a lusty hero rejoiced at
+      prospect of the rout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge the
+      guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town. Rudeger
+      therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in the
+      country round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild, Sir
+      Dietrich and many another knight. Their rest they had given over for toil,
+      that they might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his friends had
+      pastime good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide, when King Etzel lay
+      by Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first husband, I trow, she
+      did not win so many men for service. Through presents she made her known
+      to those who had never seen her. Full many among them spake to the guests:
+      "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had naught of goods, now hath she wrought
+      many wonders with her gifts."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any
+      king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis hidden from us. All
+      that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt before
+      in Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was rich in
+      goods, I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she saw stand
+      'fore Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast so many
+      costly mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which all had
+      here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake. Her friends and the
+      strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any
+      craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of the knights through
+      bounty stood bereft of clothes. Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with
+      her noble husband by the Rhine; her eyes grew moist, but she hid it full
+      well, that none might see it. Great worship had been done her after many a
+      grief. Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of Dietrich.
+      What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite. Rudeger's lavish
+      hand did also many wonders. Prince Bloedel of Hungary bade empty many
+      traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all this was given away.
+      The king's champions were seen to live right merrily. Werbel and Swemmel,
+      (10) the minstrels of the king, each gained at the wedding feast, I ween,
+      full thousand marks, or even better, when fair Kriemhild sate crowned at
+      Etzel's side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were
+      pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King
+      Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient
+      Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force
+      they rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's
+      native land! At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which
+      men saw flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were solid
+      earth. The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships were
+      lashed together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm. Upon
+      them many a goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land and
+      plain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and wives
+      therein were glad. Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their mistress,
+      passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side. There many a noble
+      maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca's death. Kriemhild
+      found still seven royal princesses there, through whom all Etzel's land
+      was graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat (14) cared, the
+      daughter of Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly virtues, the
+      betrothed of Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin's (15) daughter; much
+      worship she later had. Blithe of heart she was at the coming of the
+      guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared. Who might tell the
+      tale of how the king held court? Never had men lived better among the Huns
+      with any queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble Kriemhild
+      was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the better. Ho, how
+      royally she ruled in Helca's stead! She became acquaint with much loyal
+      service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk and precious
+      stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to Hungary must
+      needs be given all away. All the king's kinsmen and all his liegemen then
+      owned her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so mightily as she, whom
+      they now must serve till Kriemhild's death. The court and all the land
+      lived in such high honors, that all time men found the pastimes which each
+      heart desired, through the favor of the king and his good queen.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the
+        southwestern part of Russia.  Its capital of the same name,
+        situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known
+        cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an
+        important station of the Hanseatic league.
+   (2)  "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the
+        north of the Caspian.  By conquest they acquired a kingdom
+        extending from the Don to Transylvania.  They were feared
+        for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded
+        the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.
+   (3)  "Tulna" (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town
+        of Lower Austria, seventeen miles northwest of Vienna on the
+        Danube.
+   (4)  "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our
+        poem, nothing else is known of them.
+   (5)  "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but
+        nothing otherwise is known of him.
+   (6)  "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,
+        who is reputed to have played an important part in the
+        conquest of Thuringia.  He evidently comes from the Low
+        German version.
+   (7)  "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an
+        ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or
+        "Iringi".  He occurs in a legend of the fall of the
+        Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role
+        that the Milky Way was named after him.  See W. Grimm,
+        "Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the
+        connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a
+        confusion.
+   (8)  "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who
+        was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the
+        aid of the Saxons.  See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,
+        73-79.  He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.
+   (9)  "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he
+        reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445.  In our poem the
+        name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as
+        "Bloedelin".
+   (10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction
+        to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with
+        the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's
+        court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of
+        their rank.  Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form
+        "Swemmelin".
+   (11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.
+   (12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,
+        twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.
+   (13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of
+        Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of
+        Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no
+        definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics.  See
+        Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506.  The name occurs in
+        documents as late as the fifteenth century.
+   (14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently
+        mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed.  She
+        is spoken of as the exiled maid.
+   (15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else
+        is known of him.  See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0027">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh year.
+      In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel could
+      not have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she brought it
+      to pass that Etzel's child was christened after the Christian rite. Men
+      named it Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of Etzel's lands.
+      Whatever courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame Kriemhild
+      practiced this full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who in secret
+      grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was she known to
+      the strangers and the home-folk. They vowed that never had a kingdom had a
+      better or more bounteous queen. This they held for true. She bare this
+      praise among the Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot she well, that
+      none would thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a prince's wife,
+      and that all time she saw twelve kings stand before her. Over many a wrong
+      she brooded, that had happed to her at home. She thought likewise on the
+      many honors in the Nibelung land, which she had there enjoyed and of which
+      Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at Siegfried's death, and if perchance
+      she might not make him suffer for his deed. "That would hap, if I might
+      but bring him to this land." She dreamed that Giselher, her brother,
+      walked often with her hand in hand. Alway she kissed him in her gentle
+      slumber; later suffering came to both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel
+      Kriemhild this, that she withdrew her friendship from Giselher, whom for
+      forgiveness' sake she had kissed in the Burgundian land. At this hot tears
+      again gan soil her robe. Early and late it lay within her heart, how
+      without fault of hers they had made her wed a heathen man. Hagen and
+      Gunther had brought her to this pass. This wish she seldom gave over in
+      her heart. She thought: "I am so mighty and have such great wealth, that I
+      can do my foes an injury yet. Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen
+      of Troneg. My heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin. Might I be with
+      those who did me wrong, my lover's death would be well avenged. Scarce can
+      I abide this," spake Etzel's wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty bound. Of
+      the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might gainsay
+      Dame Kriemhild's will. All time she thought: "I will beg the king, that he
+      in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the Hunnish land." None
+      marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when she lay by the king,
+      and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont to love the noble dame,
+      who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady thought her of her foes.
+      To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would fain beseech you, by your
+      grace, that ye would show me that ye did love my kinsfolk, if I have
+      earned the favor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know however
+      well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I
+      won better kin through woman's love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have high-born
+      kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me here. I hear
+      the folk aver that I be banished."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far, I'll
+      bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to see."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me
+      your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through
+      whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come
+      hither to our land many a noble knight and a good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to see
+      your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me sore,
+      that they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please you, dear
+      lady mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to the
+      Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted to
+      where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be envoys
+      to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready for them.
+      Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the message was
+      told them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his liegemen
+      hither. Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then spake the
+      mighty king: "I'll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my love and
+      service, that it may please them to ride hither to my land. But few such
+      welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill my wish,
+      tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come this summer to my
+      feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be
+      in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she then
+      talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a knight.
+      To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in that ye do
+      my pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send to my native
+      land. I'll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly robes. And if ye
+      see any of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not tell them that ye
+      ever saw me sad of heart. Tender my service to the heroes brave and good.
+      Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus part me from all my grief.
+      The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin. Were I a knight, I'd visit them
+      myself at times. And say to Gernot, too, the noble brother of mine, that
+      none in the world doth love him more. Beg him to bring with him to this
+      land our best of friends, that it may be to our honor. Say also to
+      Giselher, that he remember well, I never gained grief through fault of
+      his. Therefore would mine eyes fain sue him. For his great loyalty I would
+      gladly have him here. Tell my mother also of the honors which I have, and
+      if Hagen of Troneg be minded to stay at home, who then should lead them
+      through the lands? From a child he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of
+      Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him
+      many a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now
+      been given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a
+      sumptuous life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their
+      persons adorned full well with goodly weeds.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"
+        Etzel's son is called Aldrian.  Bleyer, "Die germanischen
+        Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,
+        attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a
+        form "Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",
+        "Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".
+   (2)  "Hungary".  According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen
+        spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0028">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew from
+      land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to his
+      high feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys rode
+      away from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for three
+      noble kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel; therefore
+      all gan haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served them gladly.
+      Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed not to send their
+      service through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did they let them part hence
+      without gifts, that Etzel's men might fare the better. To Uta and her sons
+      Rudeger sent word that they had no more loyal margrave than he. To
+      Brunhild, also, they tendered service and good wishes, constant fealty and
+      a loving mind. When they heard the speech that the envoys would ride, the
+      margravine begged God in heaven to keep them well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty
+      Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin
+      upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the
+      messengers for love and let them ride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's sons, I
+      should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the
+      Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them of
+      their silver and their weeds; men feared their master's wrath. Certes the
+      noble high-born king was a mighty lord.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land
+      of Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there
+      came strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask: "Who
+      will do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to Gunther:
+      "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen King Etzel's
+      minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine; for their
+      master's sake we must give them a kindly welcome."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince's
+      minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king's meiny bade
+      them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their
+      trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that
+      with honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them
+      longer there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them. At
+      the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to these
+      they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such as well
+      befitted king's messengers for to wear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men
+      saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and
+      greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks. That
+      he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his men.
+      Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were the
+      folk more merry; now know that of a truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,
+      as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of
+      other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side. In
+      courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns and all
+      your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you hither to
+      the Burgundian land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also
+      Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They have
+      sent us to you knights in all good faith."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so
+      asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never
+      have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their
+      kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we departed
+      hence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of my
+      sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in
+      happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard the
+      tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to see the
+      envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be very welcome
+      to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine, ye would find
+      friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm shall hap you in
+      this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to
+      you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who
+      live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth mind
+      you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever hold
+      her dear. But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye may deign
+      to ride to Etzel's land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly to beg you
+      this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not let your sister
+      see you, he fain would know what he had done you that ye be so strange to
+      him and to his lands. An' ye had never known the queen, yet would he fain
+      bring it to pass that consent to come and see him. It would please him
+      well if that might hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what I
+      have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings and
+      rest you well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the
+      royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that.
+      An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother's wish, for she
+      will gladly see you for my sister's sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will
+      make you welcome."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon the
+      envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them gentle
+      greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale. "My lady
+      offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty. Might that
+      be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no better joy
+      in all the world."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often see
+      the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live, alas,
+      too far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me know
+      before ye leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have I seen
+      messengers so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this should
+      hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the
+      mighty king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his
+      liegemen how they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king well
+      might ride to Etzel's land. The very best among them advised him this,
+      save Hagen alone; him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the king: "Ye
+      fight against yourself; ye know full well what we have done. We may well
+      be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand I slew her
+      husband to death. How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss
+      she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless
+      be that the feud doth stand against you alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not,
+      whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there
+      both life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over,
+      because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed
+      not to go to see our sister."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be guilty,
+      friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let those who
+      dare ride with us to my sister."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye take
+      any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I. Sith ye
+      will not turn you, I will well show you that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well
+      have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own
+      desire, for ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given
+      you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth you,
+      for I be bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide here
+      and leave King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more gently
+      with you in all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your foes; so
+      deck your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine, and pay
+      court to stately ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of food that
+      ever king did gain in the world. And were this not so, yet should ye tarry
+      here for your fair wife's sake, before ye risk your life so childishly.
+      Wherefore I do counsel you to stay at home. Your lands be rich, and one
+      can redeem his pledges better at home than among the Huns. Who knoweth how
+      it standeth there? Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is Rumolt's
+      counsel."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel
+      have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that
+      liketh not to go may stay at home."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare. In
+      all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the Huns
+      well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms, the best
+      ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I'll choose a
+      thousand doughty knights. Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring you naught
+      of harm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then bade
+      messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand
+      champions or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous
+      woe. Full merrily they rode to Gunther's court. Men bade give all that
+      were to ride forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king
+      gained full many a one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his
+      brother Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly
+      guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and trappings
+      into Gunther's land. Then came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he, with
+      thirty of his men for the journey to Kriemhild's court. They had clothing
+      such as a king might wear. Gunther bade make known, he would to the
+      Hunnish land. I'll do you now to wit who Folker was. He was a noble lord,
+      the liege of many doughty knights in Burgundy. A minstrel he was called,
+      for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen chose a thousand whom he well knew;
+      oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of battle, or in
+      whatever else they did. None might aver aught else of them than
+      doughtiness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their fear of
+      their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant
+      through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard against
+      letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight later to
+      Etzel's land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we wot it. Nor
+      may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of hers, men do
+      us harm. An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for many a chosen
+      liegeman had we hence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them
+      to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now men
+      bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King Gunther. When they were come,
+      Gernot spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly come to
+      his high feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall
+      be, or in what time we should go thither?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would fain
+      see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker
+      hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not so
+      well of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the
+      morrow, and men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon her,
+      it might not hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own
+      courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which he
+      had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen Giselher
+      and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were generous,
+      too. They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for fear of their
+      lord they durst not take them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay
+      here at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take aught
+      of gifts. Then too, there is but little need."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse the
+      gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold and
+      weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's land. They would fain see the
+      Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher brought the
+      minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message, that whatever
+      honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen bade give the
+      minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of King Etzel and
+      Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in good faith 'twas
+      done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and men.
+      Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights escort
+      them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those who should
+      have them in their care, Etzel's power did guard them on all their ways,
+      so that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With great speed
+      they hasted towards Etzel's land. To all the friends they wot of, they
+      made known that in a short time the Burgundians would come hither from the
+      Rhine to the Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too, the tale was told.
+      As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren, men delayed not to tell
+      Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's wife. Merry she grew that she should
+      see them. Men saw the minstrels hasting with the tidings. They found King
+      Etzel in the town of Gran. (2) Greeting after greeting they gave the king,
+      of which full many had been sent him. He blushed for very joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her
+      brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts as
+      meed. This was done for honor's sake. She spake: "Now tell me, both of
+      you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to be at the feast?
+      Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? Pray tell me what
+      Hagen said when he heard the tale."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council, and but
+      little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the journey
+      hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the wrathful
+      Hagen. Your brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly mood. Whoever
+      else may come, this tale I know not of a surety. The brave minstrel Folker
+      vowed to ride along."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of
+      Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may
+      see him here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen went to where she saw the king. How lovingly Dame Kriemhild
+      spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have ever craved,
+      shall now be brought to pass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe of
+      mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the
+      kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with
+      benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard from
+      them mickle weeping.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.
+   (2)  "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the
+        Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles
+        northwest of Budapest.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0029">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. More
+      high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any
+      king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The
+      ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1) as
+      I have heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those they
+      left at home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now borne
+      across the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer to fair
+      Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting. May God preserve their
+      honor there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good knights.
+      Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this land lay
+      dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say the
+      proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of honors. I wish that my
+      lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to Etzel's land.
+      The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full well, where we shall
+      behold Kriemhild's feast."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have
+      advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude words.
+      Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake: "Because
+      of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when it
+      please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to Etzel's
+      land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men
+      bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then
+      full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised
+      upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade his
+      fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately
+      knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they
+      should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love
+      caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would
+      hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must
+      bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and
+      was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and
+      lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings
+      from Kriemhild have never thought me good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well
+      the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes
+      King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who
+      lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many a
+      stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were seen
+      go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly there.
+      Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them great harm.
+      This doth never ease the heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty
+      turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and
+      wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily
+      along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong, who
+      had left many comely dames at home whom they never saw again. Siegfried's
+      wounds gave Kriemhild pain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up through
+      Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot the way.
+      Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As they rode
+      away from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men could tell the
+      princes and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their lordly bearing. On
+      the twelfth morning the king came to the Danube. Hagen of Troneg rode
+      foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs helpful cheer. On the sandy
+      shore the bold knight dismounted and bound his steed full soon to a tree.
+      The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden away. Great fear the Nibelungs
+      had, as to how they might come across, for the stream was much too broad.
+      Full many a lusty knight alighted on the ground.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the
+      Rhine. Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is
+      mighty. Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own
+      prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the
+      other bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown me
+      in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel's lands.
+      That will I well. Stay by the water's side, ye proud knights and good, and
+      I will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall ferry us
+      across to Gelfrat's (4) land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The
+      shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it was.
+      Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely it cut
+      on either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the splash of
+      water and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5) were bathing
+      for to cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward them
+      stealthily. When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to escape him;
+      glad enow they were of this. The hero took their clothes, but did them
+      naught else of harm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight
+      Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds again, bold
+      knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought
+      their senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell
+      him. Well they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye
+      may safely ride to Etzel's land. I'll stake my troth at once as pledge,
+      that heroes never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now
+      believe that in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their
+      clothes and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they
+      told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's land. The other mermaid spake
+      (Siegelind she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For
+      the sake of her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An' thou comest to the
+      Huns, thou wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn again,
+      for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land. Whose rideth
+      hither, hath taken death by the hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. How might it come to pass that
+      we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake
+      again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king's
+      chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to
+      Gunther's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my lords
+      that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over the
+      stream, thou wisest of all wives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder where
+      an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and elsewhere
+      none."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior she
+      called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in haste.
+      List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank. The lord
+      of these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is hight Knight
+      Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. 'Twill go hard with you, an' ye will
+      cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full wisely with the
+      ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you live, unless be
+      that ye have your wits about you with the knight. An' ye will that he
+      guide you, then give him his meed. He guardeth this land and is liegeman
+      unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across the flood and say,
+      ye hight Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that; because of a feud did
+      void this land. The ferryman will come when he heareth this name."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his
+      peace. Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore, to
+      where he found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call across
+      the flood: "Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good knight, "and
+      I will give thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know, that of this
+      passage I have great need in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore he
+      full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty of
+      mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood. He
+      called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and great
+      was the hero's strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's liegeman,
+      that because of a great feud did void these lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it
+      was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat's land. The
+      haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar in
+      hand. As he would earn Hagen's gold so red, therefore he died the
+      sword-grim death at the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods
+      (10) doth give an evil end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the sandy
+      bank. When he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he grew in
+      earnest. When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the hero: "Ye
+      may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom I weened here.
+      By father and by mother he was my brother. Sith ye have bewrayed me, ye
+      may stay on this hither shore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and
+      have warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me
+      over. I am in truth your friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes, wherefore
+      I never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life, step out
+      quickly on the sand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from me
+      as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just as
+      many men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done." He raised a mighty
+      rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew at
+      this), so that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg had
+      never met so fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the
+      haughty stranger. He smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11)
+      over Hagen's head (a man of might was he); from this the ferryman of Else
+      took great harm. Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his sheath,
+      wherein he found his sword. His head he struck off and cast it on the
+      ground. Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the proud Burgundians. At
+      the very moment that he slew the boatman, the skiff gan drifting down the
+      stream. Enow that irked him. Weary he grew before he brought it back. King
+      Gunther's liegeman pulled with might and main. With passing swift strokes
+      the stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar snapped in his hand. He would
+      hence to the knights out upon the shore. None other oar he had. Ho, how
+      quickly he bound it with a shield strap, a narrow band! Towards a wood he
+      floated down the stream, where he found his sovran standing by the shore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good
+      received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the
+      blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen
+      was plied enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther spied
+      the hot blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake: "Wherefore tell
+      ye me not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween your prowess hath
+      bereft him of his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow
+      tree, I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor
+      hath harm happed to any one through fault of mine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear
+      friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come
+      over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the
+      grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one
+      might find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to
+      Gelfrat's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the flood;
+      passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not a one.
+      Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their weariness. Then
+      the knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith there was no help
+      for the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so he ferried full many
+      mighty warriors over to the sandy shore, into the unknown land. First he
+      took across a thousand noble knights, then his own men-at-arms. Still
+      there were more to come. Nine thousand footmen he ferried over to the
+      land. Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day. When he had carried them
+      all safe across the flood, the doughty knight and good bethought him of
+      the strange tales which the wild mermaids had told him afore. For this
+      cause the king's chaplain near lost his life. He found the priest close by
+      the chapel luggage, leaning with his hand upon the relics. Little might
+      that boot him. When Hagen spied him, ill fared it with the hapless priest;
+      he threw him from the skiff in haste. Enow of them called out: "Hold on,
+      Sir Hagen, hold!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then spake
+      Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the chaplain's
+      death? Had another done the deed, 'twould have irked you sore. For what
+      cause have ye sworn enmity to the priest?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain
+      save his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be,
+      for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom, the
+      which thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help, he
+      turned him back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could not
+      swim, yet did God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound to the
+      land again. There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen marked
+      thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which the wild
+      mermaids told him. Him-thought: "These knights must lose their lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne all
+      away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it in the
+      flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come over,
+      when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I do it
+      in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through
+      faint-heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a
+      shameful death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which was
+      named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did, it thought
+      the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters laden well. On
+      the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save the king's
+      chaplain alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the Rhine again.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "a thousand and sixty".  This does not agree with the
+        account in Adventure XXIV, where we read of a thousand of
+        Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.
+        The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later
+        interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a
+        thousand all told.
+   (2)  "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient
+        province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east
+        of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,
+        Würzburg and Barnberg.  In <i>Biterolf</i> Dietlieb journeys
+        through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.
+   (3)  "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of
+        "Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.
+   (4)  "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",
+        mentioned below.  Their father's name was also Else.
+   (5)  "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of
+        German mythology.  While it is not specifically mentioned,
+        it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are
+        also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an
+        important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift
+        of prophecy.  They appear in the form of swans, and the
+        strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to
+        the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled
+        Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings.  On bathing
+        they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession
+        of it has them in his power.  This explains their eagerness
+        to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments
+        to them.  For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",
+        355.
+   (6)  "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely
+        a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies
+        'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and
+        the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen
+        is the son of an elf by the same mother.
+   (7)  Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is
+        called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same
+        name.  See Adventure XXV, note 4.
+   (8)  "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.
+   (9)  "Spear".  It was the custom to offer presents on a spear
+        point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously
+        using his sword.  Compare the similar description in the
+        "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
+        be received with the spear.
+   (10) "Goods".  In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
+        for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
+        marriage and the desire for wealth.
+   (11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
+   (12) "Clerk", 'priest'.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0030">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show us
+      the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh
+      right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll make
+      you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land. Two
+      mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back again.
+      I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes, for we have
+      mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike guise. I thought
+      to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none of us would come
+      home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore would I fain have
+      drowned him to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from
+      woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's
+      court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering, (2)
+      where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I have
+      gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew this
+      same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now lay on
+      boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they match
+      our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill not be
+      left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we be
+      a-fleeing on the road."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but who
+      shall guide the fellowship across the land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They answered: "This let Folker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both road
+      and path."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing there
+      well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was his
+      fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was red.
+      Later with the kings he fell into direst need.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's
+      ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they
+      sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short time,
+      as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who had wrought
+      scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven hundred or more
+      were come to Gelfrat. When they began to ride after their savage foes,
+      their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too strong they hasted after
+      the valiant strangers; they would avenge their wrath. Therefore many of
+      the lordings' friends were later lost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his
+      kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen
+      and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared
+      both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the Bavarian
+      land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On either side of
+      the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat of hoofs. Their
+      foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart: "They purpose to
+      attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be well to do."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom they
+      spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his peace;
+      he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria: "We
+      seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew my
+      ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault
+      was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I had
+      great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I
+      offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir
+      Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar. At
+      this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger with a
+      grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as doth
+      think thee best."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode
+      hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live; the
+      knight must stand for the ferryman's life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;
+      each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously; they
+      tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever prove
+      each other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by Gelfrat's
+      hand. His martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall. The crash of
+      shafts resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the thrust afore
+      had come to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I trow, he was not
+      gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their steeds, I know not;
+      both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and rushed together. Their
+      fellowship helped thereby and became acquaint with strife. Albeit Hagen
+      sprang at Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave smote from his shield a
+      mickle piece, so that the sparks flew wide. Full nigh did Gunther's
+      liegeman die therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart: "O help, dear
+      brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he will not spare my
+      life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a
+      blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but
+      he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had
+      been slain, he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained
+      with grim death behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in
+      flight from Gunther's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the savage
+      blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes; they were in
+      passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then spake Dankwart, the
+      knight, in their pursuit: "Let us turn soon on this road and let them
+      ride, for they be wet with blood. Haste we to our friends, this I advise
+      you of a truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg
+      spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost in
+      the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid for
+      dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were slain.
+      From their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed and wet.
+      Through the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining moon, as
+      Hagen spake again: "Let none make known to my dear lords what we have
+      wrought here to-day. Let them rest without care until the morn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was
+      full weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must all
+      ride until the day be come."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the
+      marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest
+      and our dear lords as well?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till it
+      begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay us down upon the
+      grass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained unmarked
+      with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his gleaming light
+      against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld that they had
+      fought. Wrathfully the hero spake: "How now, friend Hagen? I ween, ye
+      scorned to have me with you when your rings grew wet with blood? Who hath
+      done this?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked
+      because of his ferryman. Then my brother's hand smote Gelfrat down. Else
+      soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them and
+      but four of ours lay dead in the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the folk of
+      the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode to court. Later
+      they were well received at Passau. The uncle of the noble king, the Bishop
+      Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his nephews came to his land with so many
+      knights. That he bare them good will, they learned full soon. Well were
+      they greeted, too, by friends along the way, sith men could not lodge them
+      all at Passau. They had to cross the stream to where they found a field on
+      which they set up pavilions and costly tents. All one day they must needs
+      stay there, and a full night too. What good cheer men gave them! After
+      that they had to ride to Rudeger's land, to whom the tidings were brought
+      full soon. When the way-worn warriors had rested them and came nearer to
+      the Hunnish land, they found a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen
+      of Troneg won a sturdy sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart (3) in
+      truth; sad of mood he grew, that he lost his weapon through the journey of
+      the knights. They found Rudeger's marches guarded ill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the
+      Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight
+      Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his sword
+      and six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art
+      my friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the
+      marches."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey to
+      the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you here. I
+      counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and
+      their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement,
+      where we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by
+      the distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We find
+      naught anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his
+      courtesie would give us of his bread to-night."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that full seldom
+      have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an' ye will
+      seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway and is
+      the best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to
+      courtesie, as the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry of
+      mood, when he can serve good knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my
+      dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I
+      will repay thee this, as best I ever can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good will
+      he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard, to whom
+      none such pleasing news had come in many a day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried
+      him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of
+      Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet
+      the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The tales
+      he brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were
+      straightway told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of the
+      Burgundian land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have sent me
+      hither to you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service. Hagen and
+      Folker, too, eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I'll tell you, that
+      the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that the good knights
+      have passing need of your lodgement."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that the
+      high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them. Merry
+      and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my house."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your
+      house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and
+      nine thousand men-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests,
+      that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as yet
+      full seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them right,
+      which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their service. As
+      yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXVI".  This adventure is a late interpolation,
+        as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga".  Originally the
+        river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's
+        kingdom.
+   (2)  "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and
+        Ingolstadt.  In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the
+        mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",
+        whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring.  This may be the
+        original form of the account and the form here contaminated.
+        See Boer, i, 134.
+   (3)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.  It will be remembered
+        that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then
+        stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and
+        finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court.  Originally he
+        must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.
+        Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in
+        the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side
+        of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,
+        he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to
+        Rudeger.  His sleeping here may, however, be thought to
+        indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0031">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his
+      daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard,
+      that the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house. "My
+      dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble
+      high-born kings, when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye
+      must give fair greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther's man. With them there
+      cometh one also, hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen
+      with courtesie. Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the
+      knights with gentle breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they
+      were to do it. From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which
+      they would go to meet the warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on that
+      day. Men saw but little of false colors on the ladies' cheeks; upon their
+      heads they wore bright bands of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these were, that
+      the winds might not dishevel their comely hair, and this is true i' faith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the plain
+      was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the lordings, whom men
+      then received well into the margrave's land. When the margrave, the
+      doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake: "Be ye
+      welcome, fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you in my
+      land." Low obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without all
+      hate. That he bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen he gave
+      a special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker from
+      Burgundy land he did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold knight
+      spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for our
+      men-at-arms whom we have brought?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship.
+      I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds
+      and trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not
+      even a single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye
+      lose I'll pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made merry.
+      When that was done, the lordings rode away and the footmen laid them
+      everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had; I ween, they never fared so
+      gently on the way. The noble margravine with her fair daughter was come
+      out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the lovely ladies and
+      many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely robes they wore.
+      The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing costly weeds. Fair
+      indeed were they fashioned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great
+      courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and
+      many other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could wish,
+      went forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings were given
+      there by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three kings, as did
+      her mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father bade her kiss him,
+      but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful that she had fain left
+      it undone. Yet she must needs perform what the host now bade her do. Her
+      color changed first pale then red. Dankwart, too, she kissed, and then the
+      minstrel. For his great prowess was this greeting given. The young
+      margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher of the Burgundian land. The
+      same her mother did to Gunther, the valiant man. Full merrily they went
+      hence with the heroes. The host walked at Gernot's side into a broad hall,
+      where the knights and ladies sate them down. Soon they bade pour out for
+      the guests good wine. Certes, heroes might never be better purveyed than
+      they. Rudeger's daughter was gazed upon with loving glances, so fair she
+      was. Forsooth many a good knight caressed her in his mind. And well did
+      she deserve this, so high she was of mood. The knights thought what they
+      would, but it might not come to pass. Back and forth shot the glances at
+      maids and dames. Of them sate there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host
+      good will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different
+      sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers
+      in lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went to
+      table, but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by
+      right. The guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again
+      into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake
+      Folker, this brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel
+      spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for he
+      hath given you a passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An' I were
+      a prince," quoth the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would fain have
+      to wife your comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is lovely for
+      to see, thereto noble and good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever
+      crave the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth in
+      such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have a love
+      after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take a
+      wife. The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen would
+      gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed it
+      joyed their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble Giselher
+      took her to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what shall be
+      joined together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and swore to
+      give him the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely fair. For the
+      maiden they set castles and land aside, and this the hand of the noble
+      king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that this should hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will ever serve
+      you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my daughter, as an
+      hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please the hero's kin in
+      honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a
+      youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts, as
+      young folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid whether
+      she would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet she thought
+      to take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as many another
+      maid hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer yes, and gladly
+      take him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and clasped her in
+      his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride
+      again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child,
+      that ye may take her with you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy. They
+      bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep and
+      rest them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the host
+      purveyed them well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands. "I'll
+      guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry still, for
+      full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find
+      the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors
+      another night?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech. My dear lords,
+      ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I'd give you vittaile for a fortnight,
+      with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King Etzel hath
+      taken from me as yet full little of my goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the
+      fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that
+      it was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer
+      might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger wot
+      how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could not
+      but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before the gate
+      the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights. In their
+      hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel's land. Before
+      the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had proffered
+      everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in mickle honors.
+      To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther, the worshipful
+      knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail, which the noble
+      and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low over noble
+      Rudeger's hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow, the which he
+      later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the margrave's wife
+      begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rudeger was forced to lose his
+      life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well befit her. He took it,
+      sith the king had taken one, that he should not fare forth from her to the
+      feasting, without her present. Later he gainsayed it. "Of all that I have
+      ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to bear naught else save that shield on
+      yonder wall; fain would I take that with me into Etzel's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her grief—tears
+      became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung's (3) death, whom
+      Wittich had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow. To the knight
+      she spake: "I'll give you the shield. Would to God in heaven, that he
+      still lived who bare it once in hand. He met his death in battle; for him
+      must I ever weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire woe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she
+      seized the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand.
+      This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk
+      concealed its colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the
+      daylight never shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its
+      cost, 'twere well worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be
+      borne away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave's daughter gave great
+      store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing
+      lordly wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have come
+      into the hands of any, save through the kindness of the host, who
+      proffered them so fair. Later they became such foes that they were forced
+      to strike him dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before
+      Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took
+      his leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest.
+      Now hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and placed
+      them on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and wear them
+      at court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell me how ye
+      have served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he later
+      carried out full well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier, for
+      I myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm you on
+      the road."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five
+      hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full merrily
+      hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive to Bechelaren.
+      With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did Giselher, as his
+      gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they clasped fair wives. This
+      many a high-born maid must needs bewail in later times. On every side they
+      opened the casements, for the host with his liegemen would now mount their
+      steeds. I ween their hearts did tell them of the bitter woes to come. Then
+      wept many a dame and many a comely maid. They pined for their dear
+      kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw in Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily
+      across the sand, down along the Danube to the Hunnish land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians:
+      "Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left
+      unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side
+      'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine. Naught
+      could have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before the envoys
+      hasted with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in the Hunnish
+      land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be
+      coming in great state to visit thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see her
+      kin, as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her fatherland.
+      The king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very pleasure. "Now well
+      is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen bring with them many a
+      brand-new shield and white coat of mail. He who would have gold, let him
+      bethink him of my sorrows, and I'll ever be his friend."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.
+   (2)  "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.
+   (3)  "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.
+        335, by "Vidga" (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of
+        Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport.  There,
+        chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and
+        the "Rosengarten" he is her son.
+   (4)  "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0032">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne
+      did hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him
+      welcome well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade
+      fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to where
+      he thought to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full many a
+      lordly tent. When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to his lords
+      he spake in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise from your
+      seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder cometh a
+      fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights from the Amelung
+      land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead—high-mettled warriors
+      they. Scorn not the service that they proffer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right,
+      many a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where they
+      found the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the Burgundian
+      land. Ye may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of Uta, as he saw
+      them coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he weened that
+      Rudeger wist it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome, fair sirs,
+      Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and the doughty
+      Dankwart. Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely for the hero of
+      the Nibelung land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years,
+      done to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not
+      again, he hath long been buried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still live,
+      scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope of
+      the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys
+      (why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him,
+      hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good
+      knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady
+      Kriemhild's mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too,
+      went and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne, what
+      ye do know of the queen's mood?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I
+      hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God
+      of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be
+      turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty
+      knights among the Huns."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after
+      the fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what
+      manner of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales, that
+      he had slain Kriemhild's husband the mightiest of all heroes. For that
+      cause alone much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The knight
+      was fair of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the breast;
+      his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his glance;
+      lordly gait he had.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship was
+      placed apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and
+      therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart, Hagen's
+      brother, he was marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his
+      followers, that he purvey them well and give them enow to eat; The hero of
+      Burgundy bare them all good will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her
+      maids-in-waiting to where, false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.
+      Giselher alone she kissed and took by the hand. That Hagen of Troneg saw,
+      and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,
+      "doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth kings a greeting
+      different from their men. We have not made a good journey to this feast."
+      (4)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not for
+      your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the
+      Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had
+      bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to
+      this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It was
+      mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to Etzel's
+      land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care of
+      the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it must
+      verily lie till doomsday."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of
+      it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in my
+      care. Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with
+      my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand,
+      therefore I bring you naught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring
+      weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll have them taken in
+      charge."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not
+      the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other
+      arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I
+      myself will play the chamberlain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my
+      brother not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and wist
+      I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned the
+      noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go
+      to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir Dietrich.
+      At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with furious glance
+      upon her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other quickly by the hand,
+      the one was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With gentle breeding the lusty
+      hero spake: "Forsooth I rue your coming to the Huns, because of what the
+      queen hath said."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and therefore
+      he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty king, "who yonder
+      warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such friendly wise. He
+      carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is sure a doughty
+      knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from
+      Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a grim
+      man is he. I'll let you see full well that I have told no lie."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he wist
+      not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her kin, so
+      that she let none escape from the Huns alive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court gained
+      mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my gold. The
+      faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known Hagen every
+      whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther of Spain. (6)
+      Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again, Walther ran away with
+      Hildegund."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied
+      aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman
+      service. Later in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich.
+        He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".
+   (2)  "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew.  In the "Thidreksaga" he
+        falls in the battle of Gronsport.
+   (3)  "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land
+        appears.  Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged
+        to the race of the Amali.
+   (4)  "Feast".  That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was
+        innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.
+   (5)  "Vassal".  No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at
+        Etzel's court.  He is probably confused here with his son,
+        for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in
+        our poem a few lines further down.
+   (6)  "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary
+        personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin
+        epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"
+        tell.  He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the
+        Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related
+        here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering
+        numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in
+        the other sources against the Burgundians.  In both cases
+        Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at
+        first, out of friendship for Walther.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0033">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and Sir Dietrich.
+      Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a comrade-at-arms, whom he
+      then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning fiddler, stand by Giselher,
+      and begged him to join him, for well he knew his savage mood. He was in
+      all things a bold knight and a good. Still they let the lordings stand in
+      the court, only these twain alone men saw walk hence far across the court
+      before a spacious palace. These chosen warriors feared the hate of none.
+      They sate them down upon a bench before the house over against a hall, the
+      which belonged to Kriemhild. Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds.
+      Enow who gazed upon them would than have known the knights; as wild beasts
+      the haughty heroes were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too,
+      gazed upon them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again.
+      Of her sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered
+      Etzel's men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen
+      hath done, ye heroes brave and good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see
+      you joyful? None there be so bold, an' he hath done you aught, but it will
+      cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all
+      he craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen; "avenge me on Hagen,
+      that he lose his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake. They
+      would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With
+      forethought this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim
+      of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give
+      over. With so few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong and
+      bold Hagen of Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the fiddler,
+      is stronger still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not so lightly
+      match these knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them
+      ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes
+      later fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the
+      queen spake to the doughty knights: "Now bide a while, ye must stand quite
+      still in truth. Wearing my crown, I will go to meet my foes. List ye to
+      the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me. I know him
+      to be so haughty that he'll not deny a whit. Little I reek what hap to him
+      on this account."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the
+      flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw this,
+      to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how she
+      walketh yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have never
+      seen with a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such warlike
+      guise. Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If so be, I
+      counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. Certes, methinks this
+      good. They be wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and some be so broad of
+      chest that he who would guard himself should do so betimes. I ween there
+      be those among them who wear bright breastplates. Whom they would attack,
+      I cannot say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all
+      this be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in
+      hand. For aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land. Now tell
+      me, friend Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance Kriemhild's
+      men would fight me? Pray let me hear that, if so be ye hold me dear. I'll
+      aid you evermore with faithful service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the king
+      with all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I yield from fear in
+      aiding you, the while I live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they strive
+      against me, what need I more? Sith ye will help me, as I hear you say, let
+      these warriors come on full-armed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel. "Let us do her honor
+      as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. We shall thereby
+      honor ourselves as well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "Should I go hence, these knights would
+      think 'twas through fear. Not for one of them will I ever rise from my
+      seat. It beseemeth us both better, forsooth, to leave this undone, for why
+      should I honor one who doth bear me hatred? Nor will I do this, the while
+      I live; I reck not how King Etzel's wife doth hate me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose pommel a
+      sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine. Its hilt was golden, its
+      sheath an edging of red. That it was Siegfried's, Kriemhild knew full
+      well. She must needs grow sad when that she knew the sword, for it minded
+      her of her wrongs; she began to weep. I ween bold Hagen had done it for
+      this cause. Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle bow,
+      strong, mickle, and long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there the
+      two lusty knights sate undaunted. These two brave men did think themselves
+      so lordly, that they would not leave their seats through fear of any man.
+      The noble queen walked therefore to their very feet and gave them hostile
+      greeting. She spake: "Now tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for you, that ye
+      durst ride hither to this land, sith ye know full well what ye have done
+      me? Had ye good wits, ye should have left it undone, by rights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No one sent for me," quoth Hagen. "Men bade to this land three knights,
+      who hight my lords. I am their liegeman, and full seldom have I stayed
+      behind when they journeyed to any court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the which ye
+      have earned my hate? Ye slew Siegfried, my dear husband, for which I have
+      cause enow to weep until mine end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said. It is just I, Hagen,
+      who slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands. How sorely did he atone that Lady
+      Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild. 'Tis not to be denied, O mighty
+      queen, I alone am to blame for this scathful scathe. (1) Let him avenge it
+      who will, be he wife or man. Unless be I should lie to you, I have dons
+      you much of harm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my wrongs. Men
+      of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this cause."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The proud warriors all gazed at one another. Had any began the fight, it
+      would have come about that men must have given the honors to the two
+      comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in the fray. What the Huns had
+      weened to do must now needs be left undone through fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me? What I afore
+      vowed, I will now give over. I will lose my life for no man's gift.
+      Forsooth King Etzel's wife would fain lead us into wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I. An' any give me towers
+      of good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for his fearful glances,
+      the which I have seen him cast. Hagen, too, I have known from his youthful
+      days, wherefore men can tell me little of this knight. I have seen him
+      fight in two and twenty battles, through which woe of heart hath happed to
+      many a dame. He and the knight from Spain trod many a war path, when here
+      at Etzel's court they waged so many wars in honor of the king. Much this
+      happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen. At that time the warrior
+      was of his years a lad. How gray are they who then were young! Now is he
+      come to wit and is a man full grim. Balmung, (2) too, he beareth, the
+      which he won in evil wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which mightily
+      rued the queen. The warriors turned them hence; in sooth they feared their
+      death at the fiddler's hands, and surely they had need of this. Then spake
+      the fiddler: "We have now well seen that we shall find foes here, as we
+      heard tell afore. Let us go to court now to the kings, then dare none
+      match our lords in fight. How oft a man doth leave a thing undone through
+      fear, the which he would not do, when friend standeth by friend in
+      friendly (3) wise, an' he have good wits. Scathe to many a man is lightly
+      warded off by forethought."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the court in
+      a great press of welcoming knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye stand and let
+      yourselves be jostled? Ye must go to court and hear from the king of what
+      mind he be."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off. The prince of Berne took
+      by the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land. Irnfried (4) took the
+      brave knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen to go to court with Giselher.
+      But however any paired, Folker and Hagen never parted, save in one fray,
+      when their end was come, and this noble ladies must needs greatly bewail
+      in after time. With the kings one saw go to court a thousand brave men of
+      their fellowship, thereto sixty champions that were come with them, whom
+      the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart and Iring, (5) two chosen
+      men, were seen to walk together near the kings. Men saw Dankwart and
+      Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their chivalry before all eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel delayed
+      no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him come. Never did so
+      fair a greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome, Sir Gunther, and Sir
+      Gernot, too, and your brother Giselher. I sent you truly my faithful
+      service to Worms beyond the Rhine. All your fellowship, too, I welcome.
+      Now be ye passing welcome, ye two knights, Folker, the brave, and Sir
+      Hagen likewise, to me and to my lady, here in this our land. She sent you
+      many a messenger to the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were I not
+      come to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have ridden in your
+      honor to this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them to the
+      settle where he sate himself. Busily they poured out for the guests in
+      broad bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and bade those far from
+      home be welcome. Then spake King Etzel: "Let me tell you this; it might
+      not liefer hap to me in all this world, than through you heroes, that ye
+      be come to see me. Through this much sadness is also taken from the queen.
+      Me-wondereth greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that ye never
+      recked to come into my land. My sadness is turned to joy, since now I see
+      you here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be glad to
+      see them. Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my lady wot how to use
+      so well. They bring also to your house many a stately knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon a midsummer's eve the lords were come to the court of the mighty
+      Etzel. Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting as when he
+      welcomed the heroes. When now the time to eat was come, the king went with
+      them to the board. Never did host sit fairer with his guests. Men gave
+      them meat and drink to the full. All that they craved stood ready for
+      them, for mickle wonders had been told about these knights.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden
+        scedelich".
+   (2)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (3)  "friend... friendly".  This repetition occurs in the
+        original.
+   (4)  "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.
+   (5)  "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.
+   (6)  "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry
+        wine, is a beverage composed of honey flavored with
+        mulberry-juice.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0034">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh. Care beset the wayworn
+      travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest them. This Hagen
+      bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to our
+      sleep, pray give us leave. We will come early on the morrow, whensoever ye
+      bid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests. Men pressed the strangers
+      on every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns: "How dare ye crowd
+      before the warriors' feet? An' ye will not leave this, ye will fare full
+      ill. I'll smite some man so heavy a fiddle blow, that if he have a
+      faithful friend he may well bewail it. Why give ye not way before us
+      knights? Methinks 'twere well. All pass for knights, but be not of equal
+      mettle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked behind him.
+      He spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right, ye men of Kriemhild, ye
+      should hie you to your lodgings. I ween none of you will do what ye are
+      minded, but would ye begin aught, come early on the morrow, and let us
+      wanderers have peace to-night. Certes, I ween that it hath never happed
+      with such good will on the part of heroes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they found
+      purveyed on every side with costly beds, long and broad, for the warriors.
+      Lady Kriemhild planned the very greatest wrongs against them. One saw
+      there many a cunningly wrought quilt from Arras (1) of shining silken
+      cloth and many a coverlet of Arabian silk, the best that might be had;
+      upon this ran a border that shone in princely wise. Many bed covers of
+      ermine and of black sable were seen, beneath which they should have their
+      ease at night, until the dawn of day. Never hath king lain so lordly with
+      his meiny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and alas for
+      my friends, who be come with us. However kindly my sister greeted us, yet
+      I do fear me that through her fault we must soon lie dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I'll stand watch
+      myself to-night. I trow to guard us well, until the day doth come.
+      Therefore have no fear; after that, let him survive who may."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All bowed low and said him gramercy. Then went they to their beds. A short
+      while after the stately men had laid them down, bold Hagen, the hero,
+      began to arm him. Then the fiddler, Knight Folker, spake: "If it scorn you
+      not, Hagen, I would fain hold the watch with you to-night, until the early
+      morn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven requite
+      you, dear Folker. In all my cares, I would crave none other than you
+      alone, whenever I had need. I shall repay you well, and death hinder me
+      not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield in hand,
+      walked out of the house and stood before the door. Thus they cared for the
+      guests in faithful wise. The doughty Folker leaned his good shield against
+      the side of the hall, then turned him back and fetched his fiddle and
+      served his friends as well befit the hero. Beneath the door of the house
+      he sate him down upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there never. When the
+      tones of the strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud wanderers gave
+      Folker thanks. At first the strings twanged so that the whole house
+      resounded; his strength and his skill were both passing great. Then
+      sweeter and softer he began to play, and thus many a care-worn man he
+      lulled to sleep. When he marked that all had fallen asleep, the knight
+      took again his shield and left the room and took his stand before the
+      tower, and there he guarded the wanderers against Kriemhild's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      'Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it happed a
+      little earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a helmet afar in the
+      darkness. Kriemhild's men would fain have harmed the guests. Then the
+      fiddler spake: "Sir Hagen, my friend, it behooveth us to bear these cares
+      together. Before the house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I ween,
+      they would encounter us!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be ware of us.
+      Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the hands of us twain.
+      They will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil plight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that the door
+      was guarded. How quickly then he spake: "That which we have in mind may
+      not now come to pass. I see the fiddler stand on guard. On his head he
+      weareth a glittering helmet, shining and hard, strong and whole. His armor
+      rings flash out like fire. By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the guests be
+      guarded well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Straightway they turned again. When Folker saw this, wrathfully he spake
+      to his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to the warriors. I
+      would fain put some questions to Lady Kriemhild's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the doughty
+      knights are like to bring you in such stress with their swords, that I
+      must aid you even should it be the death of all my kin. As soon as we be
+      come into the fray, twain of them, or four, would in a short time run into
+      the house and would bring such scathe upon the sleepers, that we might
+      never cease to mourn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note that I have
+      seen them, so that Kriemhild's men may not deny that they would fain have
+      acted faithlessly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus armed, ye
+      doughty knights? Would ye ride to rob, ye men of Kriemhild? Then must ye
+      have the help of me and my comrade-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this none made reply. Angry grew his mood. "Fy! Ye evil cowards," spake
+      the good knight, "would ye have murdered us asleep? That hath been done
+      full seldom to such good heroes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught. Rightly
+      it did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another plan. Through this
+      brave heroes and good must needs thereafter perish.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands.
+        In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0035">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXI. (1) How They Went To Church.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      "My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker. "I ween the night hath run
+      its course. By the air I mark that day is near."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping. The light of dawn
+      shone into the hall upon the strangers. On all sides Hagen gan wake the
+      warriors, if perchance they would fain go to the minster for mass. Men now
+      loudly rang the bells in Christian fashion. Heathens and Christians did
+      not sing alike, so that it was seen full well that they were not as one.
+      Gunther's liegemen now would go to church, and all alike had risen from
+      their beds. The champions laced them into such goodly garments, that never
+      did hero bring better clothes to the land of any king. This vexed Hagen.
+      He spake: "Heroes, ye should wear here other clothes. Certes, ye know full
+      well the tales. Instead of roses, bear weapons in your hands; instead of
+      jeweled chaplets, your bright helms and good, sith ye know full well the
+      wicked Kriemhild's mood. Let me tell you, we must fight to-day, so instead
+      of silken shirts, wear hauberks, and instead of rich cloaks, good shields
+      and broad, so that if any grow angry with you, ye be full armed. Dear my
+      lords, and all my kin and liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint
+      to the mighty God of your fears and need, for know full sure that death
+      draweth nigh us. Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done and
+      stand full zealously before your God. Of this I warn you, noble knights,
+      unless God in heaven so will, ye'll never more hear mass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster. In the holy
+      churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not be parted. He
+      spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to us from the Huns. Place,
+      my friends, your shields before your feet, and if any proffer you cold
+      greeting, repay it with deep and mortal wounds. That is Hagen's counsel,
+      that ye may so be found as doth befit your honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious minster. This
+      was done that the queen might press upon them in the crowd. Certes, she
+      was passing grim. Then came the lord of the land and his fair wife, her
+      body adorned with rich apparel; Doughty warriors, too, were seen to walk
+      beside her. One saw the dust rise high from Kriemhild's band. When mighty
+      Etzel spied the kings and their fellowship thus armed, how quick he spake:
+      "Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets? Upon my troth, it grieveth
+      me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make amends, as doth
+      think them good. Hath any made heavy their hearts or mood, I'll show them
+      well, that it doth irk me much. I am ready for whatever they command me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the custom of my
+      lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for full three days. We
+      should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake. How right hostilely she gazed
+      into his eyes! She would not tell the custom of their land, albeit she had
+      known it long in Burgundy. However grim and strong the hate she bare them,
+      yet had any told Etzel the truth, he would have surely hindered what later
+      happed. Because of their great haughtiness they scorned to tell him. When
+      the great crowd went past with the queen, these twain, Hagen and Folker,
+      would not step back more than two hand-breadths, the which irked the Huns.
+      Forsooth they had to jostle with the lusty heroes. This thought King
+      Etzel's chamberlains not good. Certes, they would have fain angered the
+      champions, but that they durst not before the noble king. So there was
+      much jostling, but nothing more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish warrior
+      horsed him passing soon. At Kriemhild's side stood many a comely maid, and
+      well seven thousand knights rode with the queen. Kriemhild with her ladies
+      sate her down at the easements by the side of the mighty Etzel, which was
+      him lief, for they would watch the lusty heroes joust. Ho, what stranger
+      knights rode before them in the court! Then was come the marshal with the
+      squires. Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord's retainers from the
+      Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they found well saddled. When
+      now the kings and their men were come to horse, stalwart Folker gan advise
+      that they should ride a joust after the fashion of their land. At this the
+      heroes rode in lordly wise; none it irked what the knight had counseled.
+      The hurtling and the noise waxed loud, as the many men rode into the broad
+      court. Etzel and Kriemhild themselves beheld the scene. To the jousts were
+      come six hundred knights of Dietrich's men to match the strangers, for
+      they would have pastime with the Burgundians. Fain would they have done
+      it, had he given them leave. Ho, what good champions rode in their train!
+      The tale was told to Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther's
+      men; he feared for his liegemen, and well he might.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of Rudeger
+      from Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields, riding out before the
+      hall. It would have been lief to the margrave, had they left it undone.
+      Wisely he rode then to them through the press and said to his knights,
+      that they were ware that Gunther's men were evil-minded toward them. If
+      they would leave off the jousting, it would please him much. When now
+      these lusty heroes parted from them, then came those of Thuringia, as we
+      are told, and well a thousand brave men from Denmark. From the tilting one
+      saw many truncheons (2) flying hence. Irnfried and Hawart now rode into
+      the tourney. Proudly those from the Rhine awaited them and offered the men
+      of Thuringia many a joust. Many a lordly shield was riddled by the
+      thrusts. Thither came then Sir Bloedel with three thousand men. Well was
+      he seen of Etzel and Kriemhild, for the knightly sports happed just before
+      the twain. The queen saw it gladly, that the Burgundians might come to
+      grief. Schrutan (3) and Gibecke, Ramung and Hornbog, (4) rode into the
+      tourney in Hunnish wise. To the heroes from Burgundian land they addressed
+      them. High above the roof of the royal hall the spear-shafts whirled.
+      Whatever any there plied, 'twas but a friendly rout. Palace and hall were
+      heard resounding loud through the clashing of the shields of Gunther's
+      men. With great honor his meiny gained the meed. Their pastime was so
+      mickle and so great, that from beneath the housings of the good steeds,
+      which the heroes rode, there flowed the frothy sweat. In haughty wise they
+      encountered with the Huns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these warriors dare
+      not match us. I've aye heard the tale, that they bear us hate, and
+      forsooth it might never fortune better for them than now." Again Folker
+      spake: "Let our steeds be now led away to their lodgings and let us joust
+      again toward eventide, and there be time. Perchance the queen may accord
+      to the Burgundians the prize."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the Huns
+      could have done the like. Certes, he must have had a sweetheart on the
+      battlements. As well attired he rode as the bride of any noble knight. At
+      sight of him Folker spake again: "How could I give this over? This ladies'
+      darling must have a buffet. None shall prevent me and it shall cost him
+      dear. In truth I reck not, if it vex King Etzel's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther. "The people will blame
+      us, if we encounter them. 'Twill befit us better far, an' we let the Huns
+      begin the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then. "Let the ladies and the
+      knights behold how we can ride. That will be well, for they'll give no
+      meed to King Gunther's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave many a dame
+      great dole. His spear he thrust through the body of the dapper Hun; this
+      both maid and wife were seen thereafter to bewail. Full hard and fast gan
+      Hagen and his liegemen and sixty of his knights ride towards the fiddler,
+      where the play was on. This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly saw. The three
+      kings would not leave their minstrel without guard amidst the foe.
+      Cunningly a thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did whatso
+      they would. When now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin cry out
+      and wail. All the courtiers asked: "Who hath done this deed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The margrave's kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway for their
+      swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to death. Fast the
+      host gan hasten from the windows. Great rout arose from the folk on every
+      side. The kings and their fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted before
+      the hall and drove their horses to the rear. Then King Etzel came to part
+      the strife. From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched a sturdy
+      weapon and drove them all back again, for full great was his wrath. "Why
+      should my courtesie to these knights go all for naught? Had ye slain this
+      minstrel at my court," spake King Etzel, "'twere evil done. I saw full
+      well how he rode, when he thrust through the Hun, that it happed through
+      stumbling, without any fault of his. Ye must let my guests have peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus he became their safe-guard. To the stalls men led away the steeds;
+      many a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in every service.
+      The host now hied him to his palace with his friends, nor would he let any
+      man grow wroth again. Then men set up the tables and bare forth water for
+      the guests. Forsooth the men from the Rhine had there enow of stalwart
+      foes. 'Twas long before the lords were seated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Kriemhild's fears did trouble her passing sore. She spake: "My
+      lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor, for mine affairs do
+      stand in anxious wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And any slay
+      the Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it without my aid. It
+      may well repent him, for they be still unconquered, these doughty and
+      lusty knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish, O mighty
+      queen. Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I should crave to
+      match these valiant knights in strife. Thy request honoreth thee little,
+      most noble queen, that thou dost plot against the life of thy kinsfolk.
+      They came in hope of friendship to this land. Siegfried will not be
+      avenged by Dietrich's hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne, quickly she
+      promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5) owned aforetime. Later he
+      was slain by Hagen, so that he quite forgot the gift. She spake: "Thou
+      must help me, Sir Bloedel, forsooth my foes be in this house, who slew
+      Siegfried, my dear husband. Ever will I serve him, that helpeth me avenge
+      this deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because of Etzel I
+      dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for he is fain to see
+      thy kinsmen at his court. The king would ne'er forget it of me, and I did
+      them aught of wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend. Certes, I'll give
+      thee silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the wife of Nudung,
+      whose lovely body thou mayst fain caress. I'll give thee his land and all
+      his castles, too, so that thou mayst always live in joy, Sir knight, if
+      thou dost now win the lands where Nudung dwelt. Faithfully will I keep,
+      whatso I vow to thee to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her beauty
+      would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen in strife.
+      Because of this the champion must needs lose his life. To the queen he
+      spake: "Betake you again to the hall, and before any be aware, I'll begin
+      a fray and Hagen must atone for what he hath done you. I'll deliver to you
+      King Gunther's liegeman bound. Now arm you, my men," spake Bloedel. "We
+      must hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King Etzel's wife doth crave
+      of me this service, wherefore we heroes must risk our lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table with King
+      Etzel and his men. Evil counsels had she held against the guests. Since
+      the strife could be started in no other wise (Kriemhild's ancient wrong
+      still lay deep buried in her heart), she bade King Etzel's son be brought
+      to table. How might a woman ever do more ghastly deed for vengeance' sake?
+      Four of Etzel's men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb, (6) the young
+      prince, to the lordings' table, where Hagen also sat. Because of this the
+      child must needs die through Hagen's mortal hate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the kinsmen of
+      his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son of me and of your
+      sister. This may be of profit to you all, for if he take after his
+      kinsmen, he'll become a valiant man, mighty and noble, strong and
+      fashioned fair. Twelve lands will I give him, and I live yet a while. Thus
+      may the hand of young Ortlieb serve you well. I do therefore beseech you,
+      dear friends of mine, that when ye ride again to your lands upon the
+      Rhine, ye take with you your sister's son and act full graciously toward
+      the child, and bring him up in honor till he become a man. Hath any done
+      you aught in all these lands, he'll help you to avenge it, when he groweth
+      up."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel's wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to be a
+      man, but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall seldom be
+      seen to ride to Ortlieb's court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and though the
+      gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart and made him heavy of
+      his mood. Nor was Hagen's mind now bent on pastime. But all the lordings
+      and the king were hurt by what Hagen had spoken of the child; it vexed
+      them sore, that they were forced to hear it. They wot not the things as
+      yet, which should happen to them through this warrior.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXXI".  This adventure is of late origin, being
+        found only in our poem.  See the introduction.
+   (2)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (3)  "Schrutan".  This name does not occur elsewhere.  Piper
+        suggests, that perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan"
+        appears in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 28, as an ancient name
+        of Scotland.
+   (4)  "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes
+        4 and 5.
+   (5)  "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.
+   (6)  "Ortlieb".  In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel's son is called
+        Aldrian.  There, however, he is killed because he strikes
+        Hagen in the face, here in revenge for the killing of the
+        Burgundian footmen.
+   (7)  "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0036">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXII (1) How Bloedel Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Full ready were now Bloedel's warriors. A thousand hauberks strong, they
+      hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the squires. Then the very
+      greatest hate arose among the heroes. When Sir Bloedel drew near the
+      tables, Dankwart, the marshal, greeted him in courteous wise. "Welcome,
+      Sir Bloedel, in our house. In truth me-wondereth at thy coming. What doth
+      it mean?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this coming
+      of mine doth mean thine end. Because of Hagen, thy brother, by whom
+      Siegfried was slain, thou and many other knights must suffer here among
+      the Huns."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your court
+      might rue us sore. I was but a little child when Siegfried lost his life.
+      I know not what blame King Etzel's wife could put on me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy kinsmen,
+      Gunther and Hagen, did the deed. Now ward you, ye wanderers, ye may not
+      live. With your death must ye become Kriemhild's pledge."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my entreaties rue me;
+      they had better far been spared."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp weapon,
+      mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a sword-stroke that
+      his head lay straightway at his feet. "Let that be thy marriage morning
+      gift," (2) spake Dankwart, the knight, "for Nudung's bride, whom thou
+      wouldst cherish with thy love. They call betroth her to another man upon
+      the morn. Should he crave the dowry, 'twill be given to him eftsoon." A
+      faithful Hun had told him that the queen did plan against them such
+      grievous wrongs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Bloedel's men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would they stand
+      this from the guests. With uplifted swords they rushed, grim of mood, upon
+      the youthful squires. Many a one did rue this later. Loudly Dankwart
+      called to all the fellowship: "Ye see well, noble squires, how matters
+      stand. Now ward you, wanderers! Forsooth we have great need, though
+      Kriemhild asked us here in right friendly wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted
+      many a long footstool by its legs. The Burgundian squires would now abide
+      no longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt many bruises through the
+      helmets. How fiercely the stranger youths did ward them! Out of the house
+      they drove at last the men-at-arms, but five hundred of them, or better,
+      stayed behind there dead. The fellowship was red and wet with blood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These grievous tales were told now to Etzel's knights; grim was their
+      sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain. This Hagen's brother and his
+      squires had done. Before the king had learned it, full two thousand Huns
+      or more armed them through hatred and hied them to the squires (this must
+      needs be), and of the fellowship they left not one alive. The faithless
+      Huns brought a mickle band before the house. Well the strangers stood
+      their ground, but what booted their doughty prowess? Dead they all must
+      lie. Then in a few short hours there rose a fearful dole. Now ye may hear
+      wonders of a monstrous thing. Nine thousand yeomen lay there slain and
+      thereto twelve good knights of Dankwart's men. One saw him stand alone
+      still by the foe. The noise was hushed, the din had died away, when
+      Dankwart, the hero, gazed over his shoulders. He spake: "Woe is me, for
+      the friends whom I have lost! Now must I stand, alas, alone among my
+      foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. The wife of
+      many a hero must later mourn for this. Higher he raised his shield, the
+      thong he lowered; the rings of many an armor he made to drip with blood.
+      "Woe is me of all this sorrow," quoth Aldrian's son. (3) "Give way now,
+      Hunnish warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air may cool
+      me, fight-weary man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise. As the
+      strife-weary man sprang from the house, how many added swords rang on his
+      helmet! Those that had not seen what wonders his hand had wrought sprang
+      towards the hero of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God," quoth
+      Dankwart, "that I might find a messenger who could let my brother Hagen
+      know I stand in such a plight before these knights. He would help me
+      hence, or lie dead at my side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself,
+      when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time
+      Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great
+      scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I'll wot
+      the armor rings of some with blood. I'll tell the tale at court myself and
+      make plaint to my lords of my great dole."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not withstand him
+      with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his shield
+      that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then they
+      weened to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what deep
+      wounds he struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave man
+      was forced to reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby great
+      praise. From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many of them
+      entered the fray too soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a boar to
+      the woods before the dogs. How might he be more brave? His path was ever
+      wet with reeking blood. Certes, no single champion might ever fight
+      better with his foes than he had done. Men now saw Hagen's brother go to
+      court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of swords,
+      and full many a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever food he bare
+      to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve
+      well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the
+      tidings to my dear masters."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he dealt
+      so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand further back.
+      His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure XXXII.  The details of the following scenes differ
+        materially in the various sources.  A comparative study of
+        them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
+   (2)  "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
+        the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
+        wedding.  See Adventure XIX, note 1.
+   (3)  "Aldrian's son", i.e., Dankwart.
+   (4)  "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" 'one who sets the
+        table'; cf. F. "asseoir" 'to set', 'place', Lat. "ad
+        sedere"), older English for an upper servant who brought on
+        and removed the dishes from the table.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0037">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel's meiny
+      step aside. His garments dripped with blood and in his hand he bare
+      unsheathed a mighty sword. Full loud he called out to the knight: "Brother
+      Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth. To you and to God in heaven do I
+      make plaint of our woe. Our knights and squires all lie dead within their
+      lodgements."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid for it
+      dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I struck off his head."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a knight
+      that he hath lost his life at a warrior's hands. Stately dames shall mourn
+      him all the less. Now tell me, brother Dankwart, how comes it that ye be
+      so red of hue? Ye suffer from wounds great dole, I ween. If there be any
+      in the land that hath done you this, 'twill cost his life, and the foul
+      fiend save him not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wet with blood. This hath
+      happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain so many a one to-day
+      that, had I to swear it, I could not tell the tale."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a single Hun
+      go forth. I will hold speech with the warriors, as our need constraineth
+      us, for our meiny lieth dead before them, undeserved."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet how to
+      serve such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as doth become mine
+      honors." Naught could have been more loth to Kriemhild's knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be
+      whispering in here. I ween, they'd gladly do without the one that standeth
+      at the door, and who told the courtly tale to us Burgundians. Long since I
+      have heard it said of Kriemhild, that she would not leave unavenged her
+      dole of heart. Now let us drink to friendship (1) and pay for the royal
+      wine. The young lord of the Huns shall be the first."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the blood
+      spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell into the lap of
+      the queen. At this there began a murdering, grim and great, among the
+      knights. Next he dealt the master who taught the child a fierce
+      sword-stroke with both his hands, so that his head fell quickly beneath
+      the table to the ground. A piteous meed it was, which he meted out to the
+      master. Hagen then spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel's board. In his
+      wrath he hied him thither and struck off his right hand upon the fiddle.
+      "Take this as message to the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel. "Sir Hagen of Troneg,
+      what had I done to you? I came in good faith to your masters' land. How
+      can I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost my hand?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore. In the hall he dealt out fierce
+      deadly wounds to Etzel's warriors, passing many of whom he slew. Enow of
+      folk in the house he did to death. The doughty Folker now sprang up from
+      the board; loud rang in his hands his fiddle bow. Rudely did Gunther's
+      minstrel play. Ho, what foes he made him among the valiant Huns! The three
+      noble kings, too, sprang up from the table. Gladly would they have parted
+      the fray, or ever greater scathe was done. With all their wit they could
+      not hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so sore. When that the lord
+      of the Rhine beheld the fray unparted, the prince dealt his foes many
+      gaping wounds himself through the shining armor rings. That he was a hero
+      of his hands, he gave great proof. Then the sturdy Gernot joined the
+      strife. Certes, he did many a hero of the Huns to death with a sharp
+      sword, the which Rudeger had given him. Mighty wounds he dealt King
+      Etzel's warriors. Now the young son of Lady Uta rushed to the fray.
+      Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of Etzel's warriors from the
+      Hunnish land. Full mickle wonders were wrought by bold Giselher's hand.
+      But how so doughty they all were, the kings and their liegemen, yet Folker
+      was seen to stand before them all against the foe; a good hero he. Many a
+      one he made to fall in his blood through wounds. Etzel's men did fend
+      them, too, full well, yet one saw the strangers go hewing with their
+      gleaming swords through the royal hall and on every side was heard great
+      sound of wail. Those without would now fain be with their friends within,
+      but at the entrance towers they found small gain. Those within had gladly
+      been without the hall, but Dankwart let none go either up or down the
+      steps. Therefore there rose before the towers a mighty press, and helmets
+      rang loudly from the sword-blows. Bold Dankwart came into great stress
+      thereby; this his brother feared, as his loyalty did bid him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my brother
+      stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows? Friend, save my
+      brother, or ever we lose the knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace he went
+      a-fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand. Great thanks were
+      tendered by the warriors from the Rhine. Bold Folker spake to Dankwart:
+      "Great discomfiture have ye suffered to-day, therefore your brother bade
+      me hasten to your aid. Will ye stand without, so will I stand within."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase against
+      whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in the heroes' hands.
+      Folker of Burgundy land performed the same within. Across the press the
+      bold fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen, the hall is locked; forsooth King
+      Etzel's door is bolted well. The hands of two heroes guard it, as with a
+      thousand bars." When Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so well defended, the
+      famous hero and good slung his shield upon his back and gan avenge the
+      wrongs that had been done him there. His foes had now no sort of hope to
+      live.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld aright
+      that the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench he sprang and
+      spake: "Hagen poureth out the very worst of drinks."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life was
+      hardly safe from these his foes. O how many dear friends were snatched
+      away before his eyes! He sate full anxious; what booted it him that he was
+      king? Haughty Kriemhild now cried aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me hence
+      alive, most noble knight, by the virtues of all the princes of the Amelung
+      land. If Hagen reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich. "I fear for
+      myself in sooth. These men of Gunther be so passing wroth that at this
+      hour I cannot guard a soul."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good. Let thy chivalrous mood
+      appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die." Passing great cause had
+      Kriemhild for this fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I have soon
+      so many good knights so bitterly enraged. Of a truth I see blood spurting
+      through the helmets from the swords."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth as from a
+      bison's horn, until the broad castle resounded with his force. Sir
+      Dietrich's strength was passing great in truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he began to
+      heed. He spake: "Dietrich's voice hath reached mine ears, I ween our
+      champions have bereft him of some friend to-day. I see him on the table,
+      he doth beckon with his hand. Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian land,
+      give over the strife. Let's hear and see what here hath fortuned to the
+      knight from my men-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they sheathed
+      their swords. Passing great was his power, so that none struck a blow.
+      Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of Berne. He spake: "Most
+      noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you through these my friends? I am
+      minded to do you remedy and to make amends. If any had done you aught,
+      'twould grieve me sore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray you, let me
+      leave this hall and this fierce strife under your safe-guard, with my men.
+      For this favor I will serve you ever."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then. "Forsooth the
+      fiddler hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may open it enow
+      to let us pass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye ever
+      done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon. Lead from the hall as
+      few or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must remain within.
+      Right ill have they treated me in the Hunnish land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the high-born
+      queen, whose fear was passing great. On his other side he led King Etzel
+      with him hence; with Dietrich there also went six hundred stately men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would gladly
+      serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and lasting peace
+      shall well befit good friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and friendship be
+      granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your fealty. Ye and all your
+      men, ye may go hence fearlessly with these your friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told, five
+      hundred men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of Bechelaren, from
+      whom King Gunther later gained great scathe. Then a Hunnish champion spied
+      Etzel walking close by Dietrich. He, too, would take this chance, but the
+      fiddler dealt him such a blow that his head fell soon before King Etzel's
+      feet. When the lord of the land was come outside the house, he turned him
+      about and gazed on Folker. "Woe is me of these guests. This is a direful
+      need, that all my warriors should lie low in death before them. Alas for
+      the feasting," quoth the noble king. "Like a savage boar there fighteth
+      one within, hight Folker, who is a gleeman. I thank my stars that I
+      escaped this fiend. His glees have an evil sound, the strokes of his how
+      draw blood; forsooth his measures fell many a hero dead. I wot not, with
+      what this minstrel twitteth us, for I have never had such baleful guest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall. Then there arose
+      within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what there had happed
+      them. Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke! The noble King Gunther turned
+      him toward the sound. "Hear ye the measures, Hagen, which Folker yonder
+      fiddleth with the Huns, when any draweth near the towers? 'Tis a blood-red
+      stroke he useth with the bow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall I sate
+      me down to rest before the hero did. I was his comrade and he was mine;
+      and come we ever home again, we shall still be so, in loyal wise. Now
+      behold, most noble king, Folker is thy friend, he earneth gladly thy
+      silver and thy gold. His fiddle bow doth cut through the hardest steel, on
+      the helmets he breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4) Never have I
+      seen fiddler stand in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath
+      stood to-day. His glees resound through shield and helmet. Certes he shall
+      ride good steeds and wear lordly raiment."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these remained
+      alive. Thus the clash of arms died out, since none strove with them
+      longer. The lusty knights and bold now laid aside their swords.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" 'to drink
+        to the memory of a person', an old custom originating with
+        the idea of pouring out a libation to the gods.  Later it
+        assumed the form of drinking to the honor of God, of a
+        saint, or of an absent friend.  See Grimm, "Mythologie", p.
+        48.
+   (2)  "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.
+   (3)  "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.
+   (4)  "Gauds", ornaments.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0038">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The lordings sate them down for weariness. Folker and Hagen came forth
+      from the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors leaned. Wise words
+      were spoken by the twain. Then Knight Giselher of Burgundy spake:
+      "Forsooth, dear friends, ye may not ease you yet; ye must bear the dead
+      from out the hall. I'll tell you, of a truth, we shall be attacked again.
+      They must no longer lie here beneath our feet. Ere the Huns vanquish us by
+      storm, we'll yet how wounds, which shall ease my heart. For this," quoth
+      Giselher, "I have a steadfast mind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen. "This rede which my young
+      master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a knight. At this,
+      Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven thousand
+      dead, the which they cast outside. Down they fell before the stairway to
+      the hall, and from their kinsmen rose a full piteous wall. Some there were
+      with such slight wounds that, had they been more gently treated, they
+      would have waxed well again; but from the lofty fall, they must needs lie
+      dead. Their friends bewailed this, and forsooth they had good cause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the truth of
+      this, as hath been told me. The Huns be cravens, like women they wail;
+      they should rather nurse these sorely wounded men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A margrave weened, he spake through kindness. Seeing one of his kinsmen
+      lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would have borne him
+      hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the dead to death. The flight
+      began as the others saw this deed, and all fell to cursing this selfsame
+      minstrel. He snatched javelin, sharp and hard, the which had been hurled
+      at him by a Hun, and cast it with might across the court, far over the
+      folk. Thus he forced Etzel's warriors to take lodgement further from the
+      hall. On every side the people feared his mighty prowess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many thousand men now stood before the hall. Folker and Hagen gan speak to
+      Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold and good came thereafter
+      into danger. Quoth Hagen: "'Twould well beseem the people's hope, if the
+      lords would fight in the foremost ranks, as doth each of my lordings here.
+      They hew through the helmets, so that the blood doth follow the sword."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Etzel was brave; he seized his shield. "Now fare warily," spake Lady
+      Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. If Hagen doth
+      but reach you there, ye'll be hand in hand with death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now seldom
+      hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw him hence.
+      Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant kinship," quoth
+      Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He loved Kriemhild,
+      or ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost thou plot against
+      me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew
+      that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's liegemen. Therefore she
+      again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that
+      slayeth me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King
+      Etzel's shield with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many
+      goodly lands and castles."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I
+      seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such
+      goodly wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again. Many
+      of those who so basely eat the lording's bread, and now desert him in the
+      greatest need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass for
+      brave. May shame ever be their lot!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0039">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long
+      time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me my
+      harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights
+      stand further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I'll send
+      them back sore wounded down the steps."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I've tried before
+      such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter thee
+      alone. What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in words?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia, a
+      daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men. Whatever
+      Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the fiddler spied a
+      mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring. Upon their heads
+      they bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a deal full wroth of
+      mood. "See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder, who vowed to match you
+      with his sword alone? How doth lying beseem a hero? Much that misliketh
+      me. There walk with him full a thousand knights or more, well armed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Say not that I lie," spake Hawart's liegeman. "Gladly will I perform what
+      I have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through any fear. However
+      frightful Hagen be, I will meet him single-handed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him match the
+      knight alone. This they did unwillingly, for well they knew the haughty
+      Hagen from the Burgundian land. But Iring begged so long that at last it
+      happed. When the fellowship beheld his wish and that he strove for honor,
+      they let him go. Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain. Iring of
+      Denmark, the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and covered
+      him with his shield. Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall, while a
+      great shout arose from all the knights around. With might and main they
+      cast the spears with their hands through the sturdy shields upon their
+      shining armor, so that the shafts whirled high in air. Then the two brave
+      men and fierce reached for their swords. Bold Hagen's strength was mickle
+      and great, but Iring smote him, that the whole hall rang. Palace and
+      towers resounded from their blows, but the knight could not achieve his
+      wish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler. He
+      weened to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight wist how to
+      guard bin, well. Then the fiddler struck a blow, that the plates of mail
+      whirled high above the buckler's rim. An evil man he was, for to
+      encounter, so Iring let him stand and rushed at Gunther of the Burgundian
+      land. Here, too, either was strong enow in strife. The blows that Gunther
+      and Iring dealt each other drew no blood from wounds. This the harness
+      hindered, the which was both strong and good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of fire from
+      his armor rings. Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy nigh done brave
+      Iring unto death, but that he sprang away from the prince (nimble enow he
+      was), and slew eftsoon four noble henchmen of the Burgundians from Worms
+      across the Rhine. At this Giselher might never have waxed more wroth. "God
+      wot, Sir Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must pay me weregild (1)
+      for those who have fallen dead this hour before you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not stir a
+      step, but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that all did ween
+      the good knight would never deal a blow again in strife. But Iring lay
+      unwounded here before Sir Giselher. From the crashing of the helmet and
+      the ringing of the sword, his wits had grown so weak that the brave knight
+      no longer thought of life. Stalwart Giselher had done this with his might.
+      When now the ringing gan leave his head, the which he had suffered from
+      the mighty stroke, he thought: "I am still alive and nowhere wounded. Now
+      first wot I of Giselher's mighty strength." On either side he heard his
+      foes. Wist they the tale, still more had happed him. Giselher, too, he
+      marked hard by; he bethought him, how he might escape his foes. How madly
+      he sprang up from the blood! Well might he thank his nimbleness for this.
+      Out of the house he ran to where he again found Hagen, whom he dealt a
+      furious blow with his powerful hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed. Unless be that the foul fiend protect
+      thee, thou canst not escape alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest. This the hero wrought with
+      Waska, (2) a passing goodly sword. When Sir Hagen felt the wound, wildly
+      he brandished his weapon in his hand. Soon Hawart's liegeman was forced to
+      yield his ground, and Hagen gan pursue him down the stairs. Brave Iring
+      swung his shield above his head, but had the staircase been the length of
+      three, Hagen would not have let him strike a blow the while. Ho, what red
+      sparks did play above his helmet!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen. Then the tidings were brought
+      to Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife with Hagen of Troneg.
+      For this the queen gan thank him highly. "Now God requite thee, Iring,
+      thou peerless hero and good. Thou hast comforted well my heart and mind. I
+      see that Hagen's weeds be wet with blood." For very joy Kriemhild herself
+      relieved him of his shield.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "'Twould well befit a
+      knight to try again. A valiant man were he, if he then came back alive.
+      Little shall the wound profit you, which I have at his bands; for that ye
+      have seen the rings wet with blood from my wound doth urge me to the death
+      of many a man. Now first am I enraged at Hawart's liegeman. Small scathe
+      hath Knight Iring done me yet."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his harness and
+      doffed his casque. All the folk then praised his prowess, at which the
+      margrave was in passing lofty mood. Again Sir Iring spake: "My friends,
+      this know; arm me now quickly, for I would fain try again, if perchance I
+      may not conquer this overweening man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon the
+      champion was armed again. Through hate he seized a passing heavy spear
+      with which he would encounter Hagen yonder. Meantime the death-grim man
+      awaited him in hostile wise. But Knight Hagen would not abide his coming.
+      Hurling the javelin and brandishing his sword, he ran to meet him to the
+      very bottom of the stairs. Forsooth his rage was great. Little booted
+      Iring then his strength; through the shields they smote, so that the
+      flames rose high in fiery blasts. Hagen sorely wounded Hawart's liegeman
+      with his sword through shield and breastplate. Never waxed he well again.
+      When now Knight Iring felt the wound, higher above his helmet bands he
+      raised his shield. Great enow he thought the scathe he here received, but
+      thereafter King Gunther's liegeman did him more of harm. Hagen found a
+      spear lying now before his feet. With this he shot Iring, the Danish hero,
+      so that the shaft stood forth from his head. Champion Hagen had given him
+      a bitter end. Iring must needs retreat to those of Denmark. Or ever they
+      unbound his helmet and drew the spear-shaft from his head, death had
+      already drawn nigh him. At this his kinsmen wept, as forsooth they had
+      great need.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen came and bent above him. She gan bewail the stalwart Iring
+      and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was passing sharp. At this the
+      bold and lusty warrior spake before his kinsmen: "Let be this wail, most
+      royal queen. What availeth your weeping now? Certes, I must lose my life
+      from these wounds I have received. Death will no longer let me serve you
+      and Etzel." To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he spake:
+      "None of you must take from the queen her shining ruddy gold as meed, for
+      if ye encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death. Dole enow it gave
+      them, for no longer might Hawart's liegeman live. Then the men of Denmark
+      must needs renew the fray. Irnfried and Hawart with well a thousand
+      champions leaped toward the hall. On every side one heard a monstrous
+      uproar, mighty and strong. Ho, what sturdy javelins were cast at the
+      Burgundian men! Bold Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained great
+      damage at his hands. Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler smote the
+      landgrave. Certes, he was grim enow! Then Sir Irnfried dealt the valiant
+      gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open and his breastplate
+      was enveloped with a bright red flame. Yet the landgrave fell dead at the
+      minstrel's hands. Hawart and Hagen, too, had come together. Wonders would
+      he have seen, who beheld the fight. The swords fell thick and fast in the
+      heroes' hands. Through the knight from the Burgundian land Hawart needs
+      must die. When the Thuringians and the Danes espied their lordings dead,
+      there rose before the hall a fearful strife, before they gained the door
+      with mighty hand. Many a helm and shield was hacked and cut thereby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they have in
+      mind will not be ended. They must die in here in full short time. With
+      death they'll gain what the queen would give them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of many a one
+      sank down so low that he needs must die from their furious strokes. Well
+      fought the valiant Gernot, and the same did Giselher, the knight. A
+      thousand and four were come into the hall and many a whizzing stroke of
+      the swords was seen flash forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain
+      therein. Mickle wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men. The hall
+      grew still, as the uproar died away. On every side the dead men's blood
+      poured through the openings down to the drain-pipes. This the men from the
+      Rhine had wrought with their passing strength.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and laid aside
+      their swords and shields. But still the valiant minstrel stood guard
+      before the hall. He waited, if any would perchance draw near again in
+      strife. Sorely the king made wail, as did the queen. Maids and ladies were
+      distraught with grief. Death, I ween, had conspired against them,
+      wherefore many of the warriors perished through the guests.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", 'a man', "gild", 'payment of
+        money'), legal term for compensation paid for a man killed.
+   (2)  "Waska".  In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of
+        Walther of Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German
+        name, "Wasgenwald", for the Vosges.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0040">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      "Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen. "I and my comrade
+      will guard you well, and should Etzel's men be minded to try again, I'll
+      warn my lords as soon as I ever can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then many a good knight bared his head. They sate them down upon the
+      wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their hands. Evil
+      looks were cast upon the noble strangers. Before the eventide the king and
+      the queen brought it to pass that the Hunnish champions tried again. Men
+      saw full twenty thousand warriors stand before them, who must perforce
+      march to the fray. Straightway there rose a mighty storming towards the
+      strangers. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, the doughty knight, sprang from his
+      lordings' side to meet the foes without the door. All weened that he were
+      dead, yet forth he stood again unscathed. The furious strife did last till
+      nightfall brought it to a close. As befitted good knights, the strangers
+      warded off King Etzel's liegemen the livelong summer day. Ho, how many a
+      bold knight fell doomed before them! This great slaughter happed upon
+      midsummer's day, when Lady Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart upon her
+      nearest kin and upon many another man, so that King Etzel never again
+      gained joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear. They
+      thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than to be longer
+      racked with monstrous pain. A truce these proud and lusty knights now
+      craved; they begged that men would bring the king to see them. Forth from
+      the hall stepped the heroes, bloody of hue, and the three noble kings,
+      stained from their armor. They wist not to whom they should make plaint of
+      their mighty wounds. Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went; the land was
+      theirs and so their band waxed large. He spake to the strangers: "Pray
+      tell me, what ye will of me? Ye ween to gain here peace, but that may
+      hardly be. For damage as great as ye have done me, in my son and in my
+      many kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and pardon shall be denied you
+      quite; it shall not boot you aught, an' I remain alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my
+      men-at-arms lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel. How did I deserve
+      such pay? I came to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who still do
+      live, what do ye blame me with? What have I done to you, for I rode in
+      friendly wise into this land of yours."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with grief and
+      the land as well. We should not have taken it ill, in sooth, if thou hadst
+      never come from Worms beyond the Rhine. Thou and thy brothers have filled
+      this land with orphans."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside this
+      bitter hate and make your peace with us stranger knights, 'twere best for
+      either side. We have not merited at all what Etzel here doth do us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and yours. The
+      mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame, which I have taken
+      here, are such that none of you shall e'er go hence alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you act in
+      merciful wise. Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but let us first
+      descend to you into the open court. That will make to you for honor. Let
+      be done quickly whatever shall hap to us. Ye have still many men
+      unscathed, who dare well encounter us and bereave us storm-weary men of
+      life. How long must we warriors undergo these toils?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel's champions had nigh granted this boon and let them leave the
+      hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked her. Therefore the
+      wanderers were speedily denied the truce. "Not so, ye Hunnish men. I
+      counsel you in true fealty, that ye do not what ye have in mind, and let
+      these murderers leave the hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly
+      fall. Did none of them still live, save Uta's sons, my noble brothers, and
+      they came forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye would all
+      be lost. Bolder heroes were never born into the world."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my trust, when
+      thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to this land, to this
+      dire need. How have I merited death here from the Huns? I was aye true to
+      thee; never did I do thee wrong, and in the hope that thou wast still my
+      friend, dear sister mine, rode I hither to thy court. It cannot be but
+      that thou grant us mercy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood. Hagen of Troneg hath
+      done me such great wrongs that it may never be amended, the while I live.
+      Ye must all suffer for this deed," so spake King Etzel's wife. "And ye
+      will give me Hagen alone as hostage, I will not deny that I will let you
+      live, for ye be my brothers and children of one mother, and will counsel
+      peace with these heroes that be here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a thousand of
+      us, the clansmen of thy kin, we'd rather all lie dead, than give thee a
+      single man as hostage. Never shall this be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder that we
+      guard us in knightly wise. We be still here, if any list to fight us; for
+      never have I failed a friend in fealty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held his peace):
+      "Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone. It may yet rue those who
+      here refuse the truce. I'll tell you of a truth, we'll make you ware of
+      this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the stairs
+      and avenge my wrongs. For this I will ever serve you, as I should by
+      right. I'll pay Hagen well for his overweening pride. Let none at all
+      escape from the house, and I will bid the hall be set on fire at all four
+      ends. Thus all my wrongs shall be well avenged."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon were King Etzel's champions ready still stood without into the hall
+      with blows and shots. Mickle waxed the din, yet the lordings and their
+      liegemen would not part. For very fealty they could not leave each other.
+      Etzel's queen then bade the hall be set on fire, and thus they racked the
+      bodies of the knights with fire and flame. Fanned by the breeze, the whole
+      house burst into flames full soon. I ween, no folk did ever gain such
+      great distress. Enow within cried out: "Alack this plight! We would much
+      rather die in stress of battle. It might move God to pity, how we all are
+      lost! The queen now wreaketh monstrously on us her wrath."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead. What avail us now the
+      greetings which the king did send us? Thirst from this great heat giveth
+      me such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must ebb away in anguish."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him whom pangs
+      of thirst constrain, drink here this blood. In such great heat, 'tis
+      better still than wine. We can purvey us at this time none better."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and knelt
+      him down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and began to drink
+      the flowing blood. However little wont to such a drink, him thought it
+      passing good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite you," spake the weary man, "that
+      I have drunk so well at your advice; seldom hath better wine been
+      proffered me. And I live yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon there were
+      many more that drank the blood. From this the body of each gained much of
+      strength; but many a stately dame paid dear for this through the loss of
+      loving kin. Into the hall the fire fell thick and fast upon them, but with
+      their shields they turned it from them to the ground. Both the heat and
+      the smoke did hurt them sore; in sooth, I ween, that nevermore will such
+      anguish hap to heroes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. Let not the
+      firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp them with your feet down
+      deeper in the blood. Forsooth it is an evil feast which the queen doth
+      give us here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the brave
+      minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall, a-leaning on their
+      shields. More scathe they awaited from those of Etzel's band. Then spake
+      the fiddler: "Now go we into the hall. Then the Huns will ween, that we
+      all be dead from the torture that hath been done us here. They'll yet see
+      us go to meet them in the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day dawneth, a
+      cooling wind doth blow. May God in heaven let us live to see a liefer
+      time, for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here an evil feast."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again one spake: "I see the day. Sith we cannot hope for better things, so
+      arm you, heroes, think on your life. Certes, King Etzel's wife will come
+      to meet us soon again."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil and the
+      pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave men, as good as
+      any knight that king ever gained, were still alive. Those set to guard the
+      strangers had well seen that the guests still lived, despite the damage
+      and the dole that had been done both to the lordings and their men. In the
+      hall one saw them stand full safe and sound. They then told Kriemhild that
+      many were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could never be, that any
+      should have lived through such stress of fire. Rather will I believe that
+      all lie dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed to
+      do them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish land.
+      So with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same day,
+      towards morning, men proffered them a fierce attack as greeting, which
+      brought the champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was hurled upon
+      them, but the bold and lordly warriors warded them in knightly wise. High
+      rose the mood of Etzel's men at the thought that they should earn Queen
+      Kriemhild's gold. Thereto they were minded to perform whatso the King did
+      bid them. Many of them because of this must soon needs gaze on death. Of
+      pledges and of gifts one might tell wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be
+      carried forth on shields and gave it to whomsoever craved it and would
+      take it. Certes, greater wage was nevermore given against foes. To the
+      hall a mickle force of well-armed warriors marched.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes more
+      gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king's gold to do us
+      scathe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what
+      we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been thrown.
+      What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match them,
+      surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with wounds.
+      None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from mortal
+      wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for friends.
+      All the great king's doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen mourned
+      them passing sore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0041">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind's husband
+      came to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous
+      wounds on either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever
+      born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make for
+      peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more the
+      sufferings of his men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might
+      turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer: "Who
+      might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and many
+      tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth stand, that
+      hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and whom both lands and people
+      serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of which he doth
+      hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy stroke hath he dealt
+      in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it fare here at court,
+      sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be bolder than any other
+      wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous (1) days."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak.
+      Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and
+      hast told thy tale too loud at court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man so
+      mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King Etzel's
+      woe grew greater.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow of grief
+      and pain. How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here? Certes, I have
+      good cause to hate the strangers, and would have done all in my power
+      against them, had I not led the warriors hither. Of a truth I was their
+      safeguard to my master's land. Therefore the hand of me, wretched man, may
+      not strive against them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye helped us,
+      most noble Rudeger! We have so many fey (2) in the land, that we have no
+      need of more. Full evil have ye done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my mood and
+      twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of which I have
+      received from thy hand. This hath cost the liar dear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns through
+      the hero's wrath. Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes grew moist as she
+      spake to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye should increase the
+      sorrows of the king and me? Hitherto ye have told us, that for our sake ye
+      would risk both life and honor. I heard full many warriors accord to you
+      the palm. Let me mind you of your fealty and that ye swore, when that ye
+      counseled me to Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve me till
+      one of us should die. Never have I, poor woman, had such great need of
+      this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There's no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake I'd risk
+      both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would lose my soul. 'Twas
+      I that bade the high-born lordings to this feast."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy constancy,
+      and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine injuries and all my
+      woes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank before the
+      knight. Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad. Pitifully the faithful
+      warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched man, that I have lived to see
+      this day. I must give over all my honors, my fealty, and my courtesie,
+      that God did bid me use. Alas, great God of heaven, that death will not
+      turn this from me! I shall act basely and full evil, whatever I do or
+      leave undone. But if I give over both, then will all people blame me. Now
+      may he advise me, who hath given me life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly. Through this
+      warriors must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger's hands, when
+      the hero also died. Ye may well hear it now, that he deported him full
+      pitifully. He wist that it would bring him scathe and monstrous woe.
+      Gladly would he have refused the king and queen. He feared full sore that
+      if he slew but one of the strangers, the world would bear him hate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take back again
+      all that I have from you, my land with its castles, let not a whit remain
+      to me. On foot will I wander into other lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then? I'll give thee
+      the land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou mayst avenge me on
+      my foes. Thou shalt be a mighty king at Etzel's side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed? I bade them to my house
+      and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and drink and gave
+      them gifts. How may I counsel their death? People will lightly ween, that
+      I be craven. No service of mine have I refused these noble lordings and
+      their men. Now I rue the kinship I have gained with them. I gave my
+      daughter to Giselher, the knight; to none in all the world could she have
+      been better given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and wealth. Never
+      have I seen so young a prince of such right courteous mind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our griefs,
+      on mine and on the king's. Bethink thee well, that king did never gain
+      such baneful guests."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger's life must pay to-day for
+      whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me. Therefore must I die; no
+      longer may it be deferred. I know full well, that my castles and my lands
+      will be voided for you to-day through the hand of one of these men. To
+      your mercy I commend my wife and children and the strangers (3) who be at
+      Bechelaren."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and the queen
+      grew glad. "Thy people shall be well commended to our care. For mine own
+      weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Etzel's bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the
+      venture. He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my friends,
+      whom I am loth to fight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he found
+      his warriors standing. He spake: "Ye must arm you all, my men, for, alas,
+      I must needs encounter the bold Burgundians."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it were
+      helm or buckler, 'twas all brought forth to them by their meiny. Later the
+      proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rudeger was now armed, and with
+      him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve champions, who would fain
+      win renown in the stress of battle. They wist not that death drew nigh
+      them. Then Rudeger was seen to march with helmet donned. The margrave's
+      men bare keen-edged swords, and their bright shields and broad upon their
+      arms. This the fiddler saw; greatly he rued the sight. When young Giselher
+      beheld his lady's father walk with his helm upon his head, how might he
+      know what he meant thereby, save that it portended good? Therefore the
+      noble prince waxed passing merry of mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we have won
+      upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief it is
+      to me, that this betrothal hath taken place."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the minstrel; "when
+      have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand,
+      for the sake of peace? Rudeger doth think to win his castles and his lands
+      in fight with us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble Rudeger before
+      the house. At his feet he placed his trusty shield, and now both service
+      and greeting he must needs refuse his friends. Into the hall the noble
+      margrave called: "Ye doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well on every side.
+      Ye were to profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe. Aforetime we were
+      friends, but of this troth I now would fain be rid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained aught of
+      joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight them. From their foes
+      they had already suffered mickle stress of war. "Now God of heaven
+      forbid," spake Gunther, the knight, "that ye should give over your love of
+      us and your great fealty, on which we counted of a truth. Better things I
+      trow of you, than that ye should ever do this deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have vowed it. Now
+      ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life. King Etzel's wife would not
+      release me from mine oath."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye declare this feud too late," spake the high-born king. "Now may God
+      requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and fealty that ye have
+      shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at the end. I and my kinsmen,
+      we ought ever to serve you for the noble gifts ye gave us, when ye brought
+      us hither faithfully to Etzel's land. Now, noble Rudeger, think on this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I might weigh
+      out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly as I had hoped, if I
+      never should be blamed on that account."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did never give
+      his guests such loving cheer as ye did us. This shall profit you well, and
+      we remain alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were on the
+      Rhine and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now encounter you!
+      Never did friends act worse to heroes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your passing
+      rich gifts. Your death doth rue me, if such knightly virtues shall be lost
+      with you. Here I bear your sword that ye gave me, good knight and true. It
+      hath never failed me in all this need. Many a knight fell dead beneath its
+      edges. It is bright and steady, glorious and good; nevermore, I ween, will
+      warrior give so rich a gift. And will ye not turn back, but come to meet
+      us, and slay aught of the friends I still have here, with your own sword
+      will I take your life. Then will ye rue me, Rudeger, ye and your high-born
+      wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all your
+      will might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped unscathed! Then
+      both my daughter and my wife may trust you well, forsooth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta's son: "Why do ye so, Sir
+      Rudeger? Those that be come with us, do all like you well. Ye encounter us
+      in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair daughter a widow far too soon. If
+      ye and your warriors match me now with strife, how right unkindly do ye
+      let it appear, that I trust you well above all other men and therefore won
+      me your daughter to wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king. And God let you
+      escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for me. For your own
+      virtue's sake, vouchsafe her mercy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if my noble
+      kinsmen here within must die through you, then my steadfast friendship for
+      you and for your daughter must be parted."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man. Then they raised
+      their shields, as though they would hence to fight the guests in
+      Kriemhild's hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown the steps. "Pray tarry
+      awhile, most noble Rudeger," so spake Hagen; "I and my lords would fain
+      have further parley, as doth befit our need. What can the death of us
+      wanderers avail King Etzel? I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield
+      that Lady Gotelind gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns. I
+      brought it with friendly purpose into Etzel's land. O that God in heaven
+      would grant, that I might bear so good a shield as that thou hast in thy
+      hand, most noble Rudeger! Then I should no longer need a hauberk in the
+      fray."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it before
+      Kriemhild. Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm. Ho, if thou
+      couldst only wield it in the Burgundian land!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes grew red
+      with scalding tears. 'T was the last gift that ever Rudeger of Bechelaren
+      gave to any knight. However fierce Hagen, and however stern of mood, the
+      gift did touch him, which the good hero, so near to death, had given. Many
+      a noble knight gan mourn with him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger. Your like will
+      nevermore be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly gifts. God
+      grant that your courtesie may ever live." Again Hagen spake: "Woe is me of
+      these tales, we had so many other griefs to bear. Let complaint be made to
+      heaven, if we must fight with friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger. Howso these
+      high-born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall never touch you
+      in the fight, and ye slew them all from the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low. On every side they wept,
+      that none might soothe this pain of heart. That was a mighty grief. In
+      Rudeger would die the father of all knightly virtues.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my comrade Hagen
+      hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just as steadfastly from my
+      hand, for well ye earned it, when we came into this land. Most noble
+      margrave, ye shall be mine envoy, too. The margravine gave me these ruddy
+      arm rings, that I should wear them here at the feasting. These ye may
+      yourself behold, that ye may later be my witness."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine may give
+      you more! I'll gladly tell these tales to my dear love, if I see her in
+      health again. Of this ye shall not doubt."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield. No longer he
+      bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he rushed upon the guests.
+      Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker and
+      Hagen, stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still he
+      found standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the fight
+      with anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let him in,
+      good heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him sore, in
+      truth. He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then the
+      margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them follow
+      their lord. In their hands they bare their keen-edged swords, the which
+      cleft there many a helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors dealt the
+      men of Bechelaren many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep through the
+      shining mail, down to the very quick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight
+      Folker and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man alone.
+      Through the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from the helmets.
+      How grimly rang the many swords within! The shield plates sprang from
+      their fastenings, and the precious stones, cut from the shields, fell down
+      into the gore. So grimly they fought, that men will never do the like
+      again. The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as one who wotteth how to
+      use great prowess in the fray. Passing like to a worshipful champion and a
+      bold did Rudeger bear him on that day. Here stood the warriors, Gunther
+      and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in the fray. Giselher and Dankwart,
+      the twain, recked so little, that they brought full many a knight to his
+      last day of life. Full well did Rudeger make appear that he was strong
+      enow, brave and well-armed. Ho, what knights he slew! This a Burgundian
+      espied; perforce it angered him, and thus Sir Rudeger's death drew near.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake: "It
+      appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That irketh
+      me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may your present
+      work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of friends. Pray
+      address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift shall be paid for
+      as best I can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs
+      grow dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men.
+      Either gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords,
+      that naught might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote
+      Gernot a buffet through his helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so
+      that the blood gushed forth. But this the bold knight and good repaid
+      eftsoon. High in his hand he now poised Rudeger's gift, and though wounded
+      unto death, he smote him a stroke through his good and trusty shield down
+      to his helmet band. And so fair Gotelind's husband was done to death.
+      Certes, so rich a gift was never worse repaid. So fell alike both Gernot
+      and Rudeger, slain in the fray, through each other's hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe. Quoth the
+      hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us. In these two men we have
+      taken a loss so great that neither their land nor people will e'er recover
+      from the blow. Rudeger's champions must answer to us homeless men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death. What evil tales I
+      hear all time! Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue me. The loss and the
+      grievous wounds are felt on either side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed's father dead, those within the hall
+      were forced to suffer need. Fiercely death sought his fellowship; not one
+      of those of Bechelaren escaped with life. Gunther and Giselher and Hagen,
+      too, Dankwart and Folker, the right good knights, went to where they found
+      the two men lying. Then by these heroes tears of grief were shed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth. "Now give over your
+      weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed armor of us storm-weary
+      men may cool. Certes, I ween, that God in heaven vouchsafeth us no more to
+      live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall, but all
+      again were idle. Rudeger's heroes lay still in death. The din had died
+      away; the hush endured so long, it vexed King Etzel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack for such services," spake the queen. "They be not so true, that our
+      foes must pay with their life at Rudeger's hands. I trow, he doth wish to
+      lead them back to the Burgundian land. What booteth it, King Etzel, that
+      we have given him whatso he would? The knight hath done amiss, he who
+      should avenge us, doth make his peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not true,
+      alas, most noble queen. Durst I give the lie to such a high-born dame,
+      then had ye most foully lied against Rudeger. He and his champions be
+      cozened in this peace. So eagerly he did what the king commanded, that he
+      and all his fellowship lie here in death. Now look around you, Kriemhild,
+      to see whom ye may now command. The good Knight Rudeger hath served you to
+      his end. And ye will not believe the tale, we'll let you see."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To their great grief 'twas done; they bare the slain hero to where the
+      king might see him. Never had there happed to Etzel's men a grief so
+      great. When they saw the margrave borne forth dead, no scribe might write
+      or tell the frantic grief of men and women, which there gan show itself
+      from dole of heart. King Etzel's sorrow waxed so great that the mighty
+      king did voice his woe of heart, as with a lion's roar. Likewise did his
+      queen. Beyond all measure they bewailed the good Knight Rudeger's death.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Parlous", older English for 'perilous'.
+   (2)  "Fey", 'doomed to death', here in the sense of 'already
+        slain'.  See Adventure V, note 2.
+   (3)  "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from
+        home.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0042">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's Warriors Were Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the towers
+      rang with the wailing. Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard it, too. How
+      quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales! To the lording he spake:
+      "Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much I've lived to see till now, yet
+      heard I never such a monstrous wail, as now hath reached mine ears. I
+      ween, King Etzel himself hath come to grief. How else might all be so
+      distressed? One of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely been laid
+      low by the brave strangers in their wrath. Full many a dapper warrior
+      weepeth passing sore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye not too
+      fast. Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they be now in mickle
+      need. Let it profit them, that I did offer them my peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for tidings of
+      what they have done, and will tell you then, my most dear lord, just as I
+      find it, what the wail may be."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude questions
+      then are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood of warriors. In
+      truth, I will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these questions of them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade him find
+      from Etzel's men or from the guests themselves, what there had fortuned,
+      for men had never seen from folks so great a grief. The messenger gan ask:
+      "What hath here been done?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the Hunnish land
+      hath passed away. Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the Burgundians' hands; and
+      of those who were come with him, not one hath 'scaped alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole. Sorely weeping, the
+      envoy went to Dietrich. Never was he so loth to tell a tale. "What have ye
+      found for us?" quoth Dietrich. "Why weep ye so sore, Knight Helfrich?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail. The
+      Burgundians have slain the good Sir Rudeger."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid. That were a
+      fearful vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat. Wherewith hath
+      Rudeger deserved this at their hands? I know full well, forsooth, he is
+      the strangers' friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, 'twill cost them
+      all their lives. 'Twould be our shame, should we let this pass, for of a
+      truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger hath served us much and oft."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better. In bitter grief he sate him
+      at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the strangers, that he
+      might find from them what had been done. The storm-brave warrior, Master
+      Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield nor weapon in his hand. In courtly
+      wise he would hie him to the strangers; for this he was chided by his
+      sister's son. Grim Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so bare, ye
+      will never fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame. But if ye
+      go there armed, each will guard against that well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth. Or ever he was
+      ware, all Dietrich's warriors had donned their war-weeds and held in their
+      hands their swords. Loth it was to the hero, and he would have gladly
+      turned their mind. He asked whither they would go.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We will hence with you. Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will dare the less
+      to address him to you with scorn, which full well he knoweth how to use."
+      When he heard this, the knight vouchsafed them for to go.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of Dietrich,
+      march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in their hands they
+      bare their shields. He told it to his lords from out the Burgundian land.
+      The fiddler spake: "Yonder I see the men of Dietrich march along in right
+      hostile wise, armed cap-a-pie. They would encounter us; I ween 'twill go
+      full ill with us strangers."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come. Before his feet he placed his shield,
+      and gan ask Gunther's men: "Alas, good heroes, what had Rudeger done you?
+      My Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to say, that if the hand of
+      any among you hath slain the noble margrave, as we are told, we could
+      never stand such mighty dole."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true. How gladly could I wish,
+      that the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger's sake, and that he
+      still did live, for whom both man and wife may well ever weep."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail for him,
+      as their fealty bade them. Over the beards and chins of Dietrich's
+      champions the tears were seen to run. Great grief had happened to them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an end the
+      cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. The joy of all
+      wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw mine own
+      father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than for his death.
+      Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave's wife?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the warriors to
+      so many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done? Alas, most noble
+      Rudeger, that we should lose thee thus!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men bewailed
+      his death. For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a whit. He spake:
+      "Sir knights, now do what my lord hath sent you here to do. Give us the
+      corse of Rudeger from out the hall, in whom our joy hath turned to grief,
+      and let us repay to him the great fealty he hath shown to us and to many
+      another man. We, too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight. Why do ye
+      let us wait thus? Let us bear him away, that we may yet requite the knight
+      in death. More justly had we done it, when he was still alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as that, which
+      a friend doth do to a friend after his death. When any doeth that, I call
+      it faithful friendship. Ye repay him but rightly, for much love hath he
+      ever shown you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart. "Sith our best
+      hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no longer have him
+      with us, let us bear him hence to where the warrior may be buried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you. Fetch ye him from
+      the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood, with mortal wounds.
+      'Twill then be a perfect service, which ye render Rudeger."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us great dole
+      and should not rouse our ire. But that I durst not for fear of my lord, ye
+      should all fare ill. We must perforce abstain, sith he forbade us strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth abstain
+      from all that one forbiddeth him. That I call not a real hero's mood."
+      This speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I'll play such havoc with your
+      fiddle strings, that ye'll have cause to tell the tale, when ye ride
+      homeward to the Rhine. I cannot brook in honor your overweening pride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must the gleam
+      of your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however I ride to the
+      Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him firmly. "I
+      ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger. Then hadst thou lost forever
+      the favor of my lord."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the good knight
+      Folker. "Had he slain the whole world with his one hand, I'll smite him,
+      and he come within my reach, so that he may never sing the answer to my
+      song."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood. Wolfhart, a doughty
+      knight and a good, snatched up his shield. Like a wild lion he ran to meet
+      him, swiftly followed by all his friends. But howsoever great the strides
+      he took towards the hall, yet did old Hildebrand overtake him at the
+      steps. He would not let him reach the fray before him. At the hands of the
+      homeless knights they later found the strife they sought. Master
+      Hildebrand then sprang at Hagen. In the hands of both one heard the swords
+      ring out. That both were angry, might be plainly seen; from the swords of
+      the twain streamed forth a blast of fire-red sparks. Then they were parted
+      in the stress of battle by the men of Berne, as their strength did bid
+      them. At once Hildebrand turned him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart
+      addressed him to Folker the bold. Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon
+      his good helmet, that the sword's edge pierced to the very helmet bands.
+      This the bold gleeman repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the
+      sparks flew wide. Enow of fire they struck from the armor rings, for each
+      bare hatred to the other. Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne did part them—an'
+      he be not a hero, never was there one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of the Amelung
+      land. Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red and wet with blood.
+      Dankwart, Hagen's brother, a fierce man was he; whatever he had done
+      before to Etzel's warriors in strife was as a wind to the fury with which
+      bold Aldrian's son now fought. Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich and
+      Wichart had spared themselves full seldom in many battle storms; this they
+      now made Gunther's liegemen note full well. Wolfbrand, too, was seen in
+      the strife bearing him in lordly wise. Old Hildebrand fought as though he
+      raged. At Wolfhart's hands many good knights, struck by the sword, must
+      needs fall dead down into the blood. Thus the bold champions and good
+      avenged Knight Rudeger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him. Ho, what good helmets
+      of his foes this son of Dietrich's sister clove in the strife! Nor might
+      he ever do better in the fray. When sturdy Folker espied that bold
+      Siegstab hewed a bloody stream from the hard armor rings, wroth of mood
+      the hero grew. He sprang to meet him, and Siegstab lost his life full soon
+      at the fiddler's hands, for Folker gave him such a sample of his art, that
+      he soon lay dead, slain by his sword. This old Hildebrand avenged, as his
+      might did bid him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here dead at
+      Folker's hands. Now shall the fiddler no longer live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer? Folker he smote, so that on all
+      sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from helmet and shield of
+      the doughty gleeman. Thus stout Folker was done to death. At this the men
+      of Dietrich pressed forward to the strife. They smote so that the armor
+      rings whirled far and wide, and high through the air the sword-points wore
+      seen to fly. From the helmets they drew the warm gushing stream of blood.
+      When Hagen of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was the greatest sorrow, that
+      he had gained at the feasting in kinsman or in liegeman. Alas, how
+      fiercely Hagen gan venge the knight! "Now old Hildebrand shall not profit
+      by this deed. My helpmate lieth slain by the hero's hand, the best war
+      comrade that I did ever win." Higher he raised his helmet, and ran,
+      slashing as he went.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart. Loth enow it was to Gunther and Giselher,
+      when they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own hands he himself
+      had well avenged his death. Meanwhile Wolfhart raged back and forth,
+      hewing alway King Gunther's men. For the third time he was come through
+      the hall, and many a warrior fell, struck by his hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever gained
+      so grim a foe! Noble knight and brave, now address you unto me. I'll help
+      to make an end; this may be no longer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote other
+      many a gaping wound. He pressed so mightily toward the king, that the
+      blood beneath his feet spurted high above his head. With grim and fearful
+      blows the son of fair Uta then greeted the brave knight Wolfhart. However
+      strong the warrior, he might not save his life. Never could so young a
+      king have been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through his stout hauberk,
+      that his blood streamed down from the wound. Unto death he wounded
+      Dietrich's liegeman. None save a champion had done such deed. When brave
+      Wolfhart felt the wound, he let fall his shield and lifted higher in his
+      hand his mighty sword (sharp enow it was); through both helmet and armor
+      rings the hero smote Giselher. Thus each did other fiercely unto death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was none left of Dietrich's men. Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart fall;
+      never before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to him. The men of
+      Gunther all lay dead, and those of Dietrich, too. Hildebrand hied him to
+      where Wolfhart had fallen in the gore, and clasped in his arms the brave
+      knight and good. He would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a deal
+      too heavy, and so he must needs let him lie. Then the dying warrior looked
+      upward from the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his uncle would
+      fain help him hence. Though wounded unto death, he spake: "Dear uncle
+      mine, ye may not aid me now. 'Tis well, methinks, that ye should guard you
+      against Hagen. A fierce mood he beareth in his heart. And if perchance my
+      kinsmen would mourn me after I am dead; pray tell the nearest and the
+      best, that they weep not for me; there is no need of that. At the hands of
+      a king I have met a glorious death and have also avenged me, so that the
+      wives of the good knights may well bewail it. If any ask you of this, ye
+      may boldly say, that full a hundred lie slain by my hand alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold Hildebrand had
+      robbed of life. To the knight he spake: "Ye'll requite me now my sorrows.
+      Through your hatred ye have bereft us of many a lusty knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the which
+      bold Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the knight. Then the old
+      man warded him; in sooth he was brave enow. Dietrich's champion struck
+      with a broad sword, that cut full sore, at the hero of Troneg, but could
+      not wound King Gunther's liegeman. Hagen, however, smote him through his
+      well-wrought hauberk. When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he feared more
+      scathe at Hagen's hand; his shield he slung across his back and thus Sir
+      Dietrich's man escaped from Hagen, though sorely wounded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and Hagen
+      alone. Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he found Dietrich,
+      and told him the baleful tale. He saw him sitting sadly, but much more of
+      dole the prince now gained. He spied Hildebrand in his blood-red hauberk,
+      and asked him tidings, as his fears did prompt him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wet with your lifeblood?
+      Pray who hath done you this? I ween, ye have fought with the strangers in
+      the hall. I forbade it you so sorely, that ye should justly have avoided
+      it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then said he to his lord: "'Twas Hagen that did it. He dealt me this wound
+      in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the knight. I scarce
+      escaped the devil with my life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for that ye
+      have broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye did hear me vow
+      friendship to the knights. Were it not mine everlasting shame, ye should
+      lose your life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my friends and me
+      is all too great. Fain would we have carried Rudeger's corse away, but
+      King Gunther's liegemen would not grant it us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me of these sorrows! If Rudeger then be dead, 'twill bring me
+      greater dole, than all my woe. Noble Gotelind is the child of my father's
+      sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be now in Bechelaren."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger's death now minded him of ruth and dole. Mightily the hero gan
+      weep; in sooth he had good cause. "Alas for this faithful comrade whom I
+      have lost! In truth I shall ever mourn for King Etzel's liegeman. Can ye
+      tell me, Master Hildebrand, true tidings, who be the knight, that hath
+      slain him there?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the hero, too,
+      fell dead at Rudeger's hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm them
+      quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready my shining
+      battle weeds. I myself will question the heroes of the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you? Whatso of living
+      men ye have, ye see stand by you. 'Tis I alone; the others, they be dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never in his
+      life had he gained so great a grief. He spake: "And are my men all dead,
+      then hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich. Once I was a lordly king,
+      mighty, high, and rich." Again Sir Dietrich spake: "How could it hap, that
+      all the worshipful heroes died at the hands of the battle-weary, who were
+      themselves hard pressed? Were it not for mine ill-luck, death were still a
+      stranger to them. Sith then mine evil fortune would have it so, pray tell
+      me, are any of the strangers still alive?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only Hagen and
+      Gunther, the high-born king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well rue me,
+      that ever I was born. Siegstab and Wolfwin and Wolfbrand, too! Who then
+      shall help me to the Amelung land? Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been
+      slain, and Gerbart and Wichart? How shall I ever mourn for them in fitting
+      wise? This day doth forever end my joys. Alas, that none may die for very
+      grief!"
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330,
+        where we are told that he was the bravest and courtliest of
+        all knights.
+   (2)  "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.
+   (3)  "Siegstab" is Dietrich's nephew.  He also appears in the
+        "Thidreksaga", but in a different role.
+   (4)  "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich's
+        nephew.
+   (5)  "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.
+   (6)  "Ritschart".   With the exception of Helfrich (see Above
+        note 1), these names do not occur elsewhere, though one of
+        the sons of Haimon was called Wichart.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0043">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master Hildebrand
+      helped him arm. The mighty man made wail so sore, that the whole house
+      resounded with his voice. But then he gained again a real hero's mood. The
+      good knight was now armed and grim of mind; a stout shield he hung upon
+      his arm. Thus he and Master Hildebrand went boldly hence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming hither; he
+      would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that hath here befallen
+      him. To-day we shall see, to whom one must give the palm. However strong
+      of body and grim of mood the lord of Berne thinketh him to be, right well
+      dare I match him," so spake Hagen, "an' he will avenge on us that which
+      hath been done him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to where he
+      found the champion stand before the house, leaning against the wall.
+      Dietrich set his good shield upon the ground, and spake in grievous dole:
+      "Gunther, mighty king, why have ye so acted against me, banished man? What
+      have I done to you? I stand alone, bereft of all my comfort. Ye thought it
+      not enow of bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger, our friend. Now
+      ye have robbed me of all my men. Forsooth I never had wrought you heroes
+      sorrow such as this. Think on yourselves and on your wrongs. Doth not the
+      death of your kinsmen and all the hardship grieve the minds of you good
+      knights? Alas, what great dole Rudeger's death doth give me! Never in all
+      the world hath more of sorrow happed to any man. Ye thought but little on
+      me and on your pain. Whatsoever joy I had, that lieth slain by you.
+      Certes, I never can bewail my kin enow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen. "Your warriors came to
+      this hall in a large band, armed with care. Methinks the tale hath not
+      been told you rightly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What else should I believe? Hildebrand told me, that when my knights from
+      the Amelung land asked that ye should give up Rudeger's corse from out the
+      hall, ye did naught but mock the valiant heroes from above the steps."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would fain bear
+      Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex King Etzel, and not
+      thy men, until then Wolfhart began to rail about it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so. Gunther, most
+      noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of the wrongs, that have
+      happed to me from thee, and make such amends, brave knight, that I may
+      give thee credit for the deed. Give thyself and thy men to me as hostages,
+      and I will guard you, as best I may, that none here do thee aught among
+      the Huns. Thou shalt find me naught but good and true."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves up to
+      thee, that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and walk so
+      unfettered before their foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich. "Ye have
+      grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but right, and ye would
+      requite me. I give you my hand and troth as pledge, that I will ride with
+      you, home to your land. I'll lead you in all honor, or else lie dead, and
+      for your sakes I will forget my grievous wrongs."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Crave this no longer," answered Hagen. "'Twere fitting, that the tale be
+      told of us, that two men so brave had given themselves up to you. We see
+      none standing by you, save Hildebrand alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour will come,
+      when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer to keep it with
+      you. Ye might well content you with the truce my lord doth offer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth I'd take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I'd flee from out a
+      hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand. I weened, ye could stand
+      better against a foe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that? Who was it sate
+      upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter of Spain slew so many
+      of his kin? Ye, too, have faults enow of your own to show."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they should
+      scold like aged beldams. I forbid you, Hildebrand, to speak aught more.
+      Grievous wrongs constrain me, homeless warrior. Let's hear, Knight Hagen,
+      what ye twain did speak, ye doughty men, when ye saw me coming toward you
+      armed? Ye said, that ye alone would fain encounter me in strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay it here
+      with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung break in my hand.
+      Wroth am I, that we twain have here been craved as hostages."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Dietrich noted Hagen's raging mood, quickly the doughty knight and
+      good snatched up his shield. How swiftly Hagen sprang toward him from the
+      steps! Loudly the good sword of Nibelung rang on Dietrich's head. Then
+      wist Dietrich well, that the bold knight was grim of mood. The lord of
+      Berne gan guard him against the fearful blows, for well he knew Hagen, the
+      stately knight. Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow. Dietrich
+      returned the blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he conquered
+      Hagen in the strife. A wound he dealt him, the which was deep and long.
+      Then Lord Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out with strife; little
+      honor shall I have, and thou liest dead before me. I will try, if
+      perchance I can force thee to be my hostage."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This he wrought with danger. His shield he let fall, great was his
+      strength, and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms. Thus the brave knight
+      was overcome by Dietrich. Noble Gunther gan wail thereat. Dietrich now
+      bound Hagen and led him to where he found the high-born queen; into her
+      hand he gave the bravest warrior that ever bare a sword. Then merry enow
+      she grew after her great dole. For very joy King Etzel's wife bowed low
+      before the knight. "May thy heart and body be ever blest. Thou hast well
+      requited me of all my woes. For this will I ever serve thee, unless be,
+      that death doth hinder me therefrom."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen. And if
+      this still may be, how well will I requite you of that which he hath done
+      you! Let him not suffer, because ye see him stand here bound."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked in and
+      where none did see him. Gunther, the high-born king, began to call:
+      "Whither went the knight of Berne? He hath done me wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him. Gunther's might was worthy of
+      praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and from the clashing
+      of the swords of the twain a mighty din arose. However much and long Lord
+      Dietrich's prowess had been praised, yet Gunther was so sorely angered and
+      enraged, for because of the grievous dole, he was his deadly foe, that men
+      still tell it as a wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall. Great were both
+      their prowess and their strength. The palace and the towers resounded with
+      the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the sturdy helmets. King
+      Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of Berne overcame him, as
+      happed to Hagen afore. The hero's blood was seen to ooze through the armor
+      rings, drawn forth by a keen-edged sword, the which Sir Dietrich bare.
+      Though weary, Sir Gunther had guarded him most valiantly. The lord was now
+      bound by Dietrich's hands. Though kings should not endure such bonds, yet
+      Dietrich thought, if he set free the king and his liegeman, that all they
+      met must needs fall dead at their hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to where he
+      found Kriemhild. At sight of his sorrow much of her fear took flight. She
+      spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your greetings
+      were but kinder. I know you, queen, to be so wroth of mood that ye do give
+      me and Hagen meagre greetings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such good
+      knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted lady. For my
+      sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She vowed she'd do it gladly. Then Sir Dietrich left the worshipful
+      knights with weeping eyes. Later Etzel's wife avenged her grimly; she took
+      the life of both the chosen heroes. To make their duress worse she let
+      them lie apart, so that neither saw the other, till she bare her brother's
+      head to Hagen. Kriemhild's vengeance on both was great enow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen went to Hagen. In what right hostile wise she spake to the
+      knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken from me, then ye may
+      still go home alive to Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble queen.
+      Forsooth I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the hoard, the while
+      and any of my lords still live; so I shall give it to none."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife. Then she bade her
+      brother's life be taken. His head they struck off, and by the hair she
+      bare it to the knight of Troneg. Loth enow it was to him. When sad of mind
+      the warrior gazed upon his master's head, he spake to Kriemhild: "Thou
+      hast brought it to an end after thy will, and it hath happed, as I had
+      thought me. The noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher, the
+      youth, and Sir Gernot, too. None knoweth of the treasure now save God and
+      me, and it shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the sword of
+      Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw him, in whom dole
+      of heart hath happed to me through you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit. She planned
+      to rob the knight of life. With her hands she raised it and struck off his
+      head. This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it rued him. "Alack!" cried the
+      lording, "how lieth now dead at a woman's hands the very best of knights,
+      that ever came to battle or bare a shield! However much I was his foe, yet
+      it doth grieve me sorely."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught, that she
+      durst slay him. Whatso hap to me, and however much it may bring me to a
+      dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild. For fear of him she suffered
+      pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked so frightfully? He
+      dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the which did cut the high-born
+      dame in twain. Now all lay low in death whom fate had doomed. Dietrich and
+      Etzel then began to weep; sorely they mourned both kin and liegemen. Their
+      mickle honors lay there low in death; the courtiers all had grief and
+      drearihead. The king's high feast had ended now in woe, as joy doth ever
+      end in sorrow at the last. I cannot tell you, that which happed
+      thereafter, save that knights and ladies and noble squires were seen to
+      weep for the death of loving kinsmen. The tale hath here an end. This is
+      the Nibelungs' fall. (2) (3)
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.
+   (2)  "Fall".  The word "not", translated here "fall", means
+        really 'disaster', but as this word is not in keeping with
+        the style, "fall" has been chosen as preferable to 'need',
+        used by some translators.  The MS. C has here "liet" instead
+        of "not" of A and B.
+   (3)  The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage",
+        a poem written in short rhyming couplets.  As the name
+        indicates, it describes the lamentations of the survivors
+        over the dead.  The praises of each warrior are sung and a
+        messenger dispatched to acquaint Gotelind, Uta, and Brunhild
+        with the sad end of their kinsmen.  It closes with
+        Dietrich's departure from Etzel's court and his return home.
+        Although in one sense a continuation of our poem, the
+        "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being
+        excessively tedious with its constant repetitions.  A
+        reprint and a full account of it will be found in Piper's
+        edition of our poem, vol. I.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+  <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1151 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+
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+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #1151 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1151)
diff --git a/old/1151-0.txt b/old/1151-0.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nibelungenlied, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nibelungenlied
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Release Date: December, 1997 [EBook #1151]
+[Most recently updated: September 4, 2023]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NIBELUNGENLIED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Douglas B. Killings
+
+
+
+
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED
+
+By An Unknown Author
+
+Translated by Daniel B. Shumway
+
+
+Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime around 1200
+A.D., although this dating is by no means certain. Author unknown.
+
+The text of this edition is based on that published as "The
+Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
+New York, 1909).
+
+PREPARER'S NOTE: In order to make this electronic edition easier to use,
+the preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.
+Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves and
+substituting page references with footnote references. The preparer
+takes full responsibility for these changes.--DBK.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS--
+
+Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London, 1962).
+Prose translation.
+
+Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne State
+University Press, Detroit, 1962). Verse translation.
+
+RECOMMENDED READING--
+
+Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs & Sidney Johnson
+(Garland Pub., New York, 1992).
+
+Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and Eirikr
+Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).
+
+Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History",
+Translated by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation
+of as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the
+general reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has
+been stimulated by Wagner's operas and by the reading of such poems as
+William Morris' "Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the
+medium of translation, since it is hardly possible to give an accurate
+rendering and at the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme
+and metre; at least, none of the verse translations made thus far have
+succeeded in doing this. The prose translations, on the other hand,
+mostly err in being too continuous and in condensing too much, so that
+they retell the story instead of translating it. The present translator
+has tried to avoid these two extremes. He has endeavored to translate
+literally and accurately, and to reproduce the spirit of the original,
+as far as a prose translation will permit. To this end the language has
+been made as simple and as Saxon in character as possible. An exception
+has been made, however, in the case of such Romance words as were in use
+in England during the age of the romances of chivalry, and which would
+help to land a Romance coloring; these have been frequently employed.
+Very few obsolete words have been used, and these are explained in the
+notes, but the language has been made to some extent archaic, especially
+in dialogue, in order to give the impression of age. At the request of
+the publishers the Introduction Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus
+of scholarship and made as popular as a study of the poem and its
+sources would allow. The advanced student who may be interested in
+consulting authorities will find them given in the introduction to the
+parallel edition in the Riverside Literature Series. A short list of
+English works on the subject had, however, been added.
+
+In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G.
+Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting
+the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition
+of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the notes.
+
+--DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY.
+
+Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY SKETCH
+
+There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such
+universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as
+the "Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age
+of chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German
+antiquity, and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry,
+but also traits of ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic
+mythology. One of its earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad",
+for, like this great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and
+unites the monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical
+personages into a poem that is essentially national in character, and
+the embodiment of all that is great in the antiquity of the race. Though
+lacking to some extent the dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied"
+surpasses the former in the deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy
+of fate, the inevitable retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle
+between the powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.
+
+That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages
+is evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us.
+We possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved
+in thirty-one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and
+fourteenth centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved
+that, in spite of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of
+this number three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon
+as the most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them
+a fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled. (1) It
+is now generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later redaction
+with many additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to whether
+the priority should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that B
+is the more original, A merely a careless copy of B.
+
+In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was
+soon forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly
+chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and
+tastes lay in a different direction, this epic shared the fate of many
+others of its kind, and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery
+or ducal libraries, there to wait till a more cultured age, curious
+as to the literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from
+its hiding places. However, the figures of the old legend were not
+forgotten, but lived on among the people, and were finally embodied in a
+popular ballad, "Das Lied vom Hürnen Seyfrid", which has been preserved
+in a print of the sixteenth century, although the poem itself is thought
+to go back at least to the thirteenth. The legend was also dramatized by
+Hans Sachs, the shoemaker poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form
+in a chap book which still exists in prints of the eighteenth century.
+The story and the characters gradually became so vague and distorted,
+that only a trained eye could detect in the burlesque figures of the
+popular account the heroes of the ancient Germanic Legend.
+
+The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to
+the world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H.
+Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the
+Tirol on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with
+Karl Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany
+has ever produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin
+his epoch-making essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied".
+Believing that the poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads
+or lays, he sought by means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts
+which were, as he thought, later interpolations or emendations. As a
+result of this sifting and discarding process, he reduced the poem
+to what he considered to have been its original form, namely, twenty
+separate lays, which he thought had come down to us in practically the
+same form in which they had been sung by various minstrels.
+
+This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every
+reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of
+Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed
+in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They
+formed merely the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive
+the old heroic legends of the German past which were familiar to his
+hearers and to adapt them to the tastes of his time. In all probability
+we must assume two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the
+poem. There appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German
+account, quite simple and brief, the other a tradition of the Lower
+Rhine. The legend was perhaps developed by minstrels along the Rhine,
+until it was taken and worked up into its present form by some Austrian
+poet. Who this poet was we do not know, but we do know that he was
+perfectly familiar with all the details of courtly etiquette. He seems
+also to have been acquainted with the courtly epics of Heinrich von
+Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his poem is free from the tedious and
+often exaggerated descriptions of pomp, dress, and court ceremonies,
+that mar the beauty of even the best of the courtly epics. Many
+painstaking attempts have been made to discover the identity of the
+writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all these theories
+which considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the "Minnesingers",
+to be the author, because of the similarity of the strophic form of our
+poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute proof, and
+recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was indebted to
+the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric, and not the
+"Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe is presumably much
+older, and, having become popular in Austria through the poem, was
+adopted by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, in
+its present form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of
+the exactness of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later
+than 1204, because of certain allusions to it in the sixth book of
+"Parzival", which we know to have been written at this date. The two
+Low German poems which probably form the basis of our epic may have been
+united about 1150. It was revised and translated into High German and
+circulated at South German courts about 1170, and then received its
+present courtly form about 1190, this last version being the immediate
+source of our manuscripts.
+
+The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited
+upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the
+latter by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages
+prove by their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity
+with the German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the
+Danube and upon the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along
+the rocky fjords of Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new
+home across the channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the
+snow-covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires at
+night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles,
+each people and each generation telling it in its own fashion and adding
+new elements of its own invention. This great geographical distribution
+of the legend, and the variety of forms in which it appears, make it
+difficult to know where we must seek its origin. The northern version is
+in many respects older and simpler in form than the German, but still it
+is probable that Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took
+its rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient
+tribe of the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are
+reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried "spring"
+in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild "bed" near
+Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon's Rock, on the
+Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge
+of the story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the
+"Nibelungenlied" and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved
+almost no trace of the legend, and such as exist are too late and too
+corrupt to be of much use in determining the original features of the
+story.
+
+Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but
+certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the
+sixth century. It may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves
+captured by the Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or,
+as Mogk believes, may have been taken by the Heruli on their return
+to Norway after their defeat by the Langobardi. By whatever channel,
+however, the story reached the North, it became part and parcel of
+Skandinavian folklore, only certain names still pointing to the original
+home of the legend. In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed
+the ancient free constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated
+to Iceland, taking with them these acquired legends, which were better
+preserved in this remote island because of the peaceful introduction
+of Christianity, than on the Continent, where the Church was more
+antagonistic to the customs and legends of the heathen period.
+
+The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down
+to us in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or
+older "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was assigned to the
+celebrated Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in
+which it is preserved, dates from the middle of the thirteenth century,
+but is probably a copy of an older manuscript. The songs it contains
+were written at various times, the oldest probably in the first half of
+the ninth century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest
+manuscript. Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period, when
+Christianity was already beginning to influence the Norwegians, that
+is, between the years 800 and 1000. They are partly heroic, partly
+mythological in character, and are written in alliterative strophes
+interspersed with prose, and have the form of dialogues. Though the
+legends on which these songs are based were brought from Norway, most of
+them were probably composed in Iceland. Among these songs, now, we find
+a number which deal with the adventures of Siegfried and his tragic end.
+
+The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called
+"Volsungasaga", a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates
+from the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the account was
+probably written a century earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his
+ancestors are here related in great detail and his ancestry traced back
+to Wodan. Although a secondary source, as it is based on the "Edda", the
+"Volsungasaga" is nevertheless of great importance, since it supplies a
+portion of the "Codex Regius" which has been lost, and thus furnishes us
+with the contents of the missing songs.
+
+The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra
+Edda", after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241), to whom
+it was ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda"
+and the "Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger
+"Edda" is not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however,
+the Siegfried saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since
+it evidently made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially
+in the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told more
+in detail and with considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or
+"Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of
+the Siegfried story. It is really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains
+the story of Sigurd and Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and
+Gunther), which an old man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason,
+who converted the Norwegians to Christianity. The story was written
+about 1250 to illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian
+faith. It is based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is
+therefore of minor importance as a source.
+
+These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried
+legend into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the
+middle of the thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of
+the Hanseatic League, when the story was introduced together with other
+popular German epics. These poems are products of the age of chivalry,
+and are characterized by the romantic and courtly features of this
+movement. The one which concerns us here, as the fifth source of the
+Siegfried story, is the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates
+the adventures of the famous legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne,
+the historical Theodorich of Ravenna. In as far as it contains the
+adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also called the "Niflungasaga". The
+"Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a Norwegian who, as he himself
+tells us, heard the story from Germans in the neighborhood of Bremen
+and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon traditions, it can be
+considered an independent source of the legend, and, in fact, differs
+from the earlier Norse versions in many important details. The author
+was acquainted, however, with the older versions, and sought to
+compromise between them, but mostly followed his German authorities.
+
+The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects
+more original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of
+the treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of
+"Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for
+the killing of the former's son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form
+of an otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari",
+who in turn had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari
+pronounces a terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and
+this curse passes from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when
+asleep by his two sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is
+cheated out of the coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the
+"Gnita" heath, where he guards it in the form of a dragon.
+
+This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands
+of a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have
+seen), a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history
+back to Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of
+Siegfried's ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not
+especially concern us, as it has little or no influence on the later
+development of the story. It is sufficient for our purpose to know that
+Siegfried was the son of Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the
+birth of his son. Sigurd was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis"
+and the wise dwarf Regin, who taught him the knowledge of runes and
+of many languages. (2) At the suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and
+receives the steed "Grani" from the king, and is then urged by his tutor
+to help him obtain the treasure guarded by the latter's brother Fafnir.
+Sigurd promises, but first demands a sword. Two, that are given him by
+Regin, prove worthless, and he forges a new one from the pieces of his
+father's sword, which his mother had preserved. With this he easily
+splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of wool, floating down the
+Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father, and then sets off with
+Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of the former Sigurd
+digs a ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him from below with
+his sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the dragon warns
+Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin, who, he
+says, is planning Sigurd's death, intending to obtain the treasure for
+himself.
+
+When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of
+concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs
+Sigurd to roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers,
+and, putting them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the
+birds and hears them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and
+then he would be wiser than all other men. They also betray Regin's evil
+designs, and counsel the lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does,
+cutting off Regin's head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and
+eating Fafnir's heart. (3) On the further advice of the birds Sigurd
+first fetches the treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the
+mountain "Hindarfjall", where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie,
+"Sigrdrifa" ("Brynhild", "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep thorn
+of Wodan, and clad in full armor, lies asleep within a castle that is
+surrounded by a wall of flame. With the help of his steed Grani, Sigurd
+succeeds in penetrating through the fire to the castle. The sleeping
+maiden awakes when he cuts the armor from her with his sword, for it
+was as tight as if grown fast to the flesh. She hails her deliverer
+with great joy, for she had vowed never to marry a man who knew fear. At
+Sigurd's request she teaches him many wise precepts, and finally pledges
+her troth to him. He then departs, after promising to be faithful to her
+and to remember her teachings.
+
+On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the
+Norse form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on
+the lower Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Gutthorm",
+and a daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears
+the name of Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil
+heart. (4) Sigurd is received with great honor, for his coming had been
+announced to Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her
+by Brynhild. The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the latter,
+gives him a potion which produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer
+remembers his betrothed, and accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king
+offers him at the queen's request. The marriage is celebrated with
+great pomp, and Sigurd remains permanently attached to Giuki's court,
+performing with the others many deeds of valor.
+
+Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild.
+Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild's
+father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom
+he learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will
+marry no one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this
+answer they proceed to Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to
+pierce the flames, even when seated on Sigurd's steed. Finally Sigurd
+and Gunnar change forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through
+the wall of fire, announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of
+Giuki, and reminds her of her promise to marry the one who penetrated
+the fire. Brynhild consents with great reluctance, for she is busy
+carrying on a war with a neighboring king. Sigurd then passes three
+nights at her side, placing, however, his sword Gram between them, as
+a bar of separation. At parting he draws from her finger the ring, with
+which he had originally pledged his troth to her, and replaces it with
+another, taken from Fafnir's hoard. Soon after this the marriage of
+Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with great splendor, and all return to
+Giuki's court, where they live happily for some time.
+
+One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath,
+Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the
+water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her
+father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through
+the fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts
+that not Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from
+her the fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in
+proof of her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not
+a word. After a second conversation on the subject had increased the
+hatred of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill,
+she takes to her bed, and when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks
+him if he remembers the circumstances of the wooing and that not he but
+Sigurd had penetrated the flames. She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as
+she had pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains
+by Hogni. Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake her. Finally
+Sigurd succeeds in making her talk, and she tells him how cruelly she
+has been deceived, that the better man had been destined for her, but
+that she had received the poorer one. This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's
+son had killed the king of the Danes and also Budli's brother, a great
+warrior. Moreover, although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames,
+he had not become her husband. He begs her therefore not to harbor a
+grudge against Gunnar.
+
+Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and threatens
+Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd.
+After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs
+him that he must kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the
+Rhinegold. Hogni warns him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it
+occurs to Gunnar, that his brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might
+do the deed. Both now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him
+wolf's and snake meat to eat to make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes
+the attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's
+penetrating glance. The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and pierces
+him with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls his own sword
+after his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He then dies, protesting
+his innocence and designating Brynhild as the instigator of his murder.
+Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her
+joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share Sigurd's death. In
+vain they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces
+herself with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre. In
+dying she prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli"
+and of the death of the many men which will be caused thereby.
+
+After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King
+"Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild
+learns of the place of her daughter's concealment, and tries to bring
+about a reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much
+treasure, if she will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only
+of revenge, but finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in
+Atli's land. After a time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for
+the latter had taken possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his
+court. A man named "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes
+the runes of warning, which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too,
+read as an invitation. The brothers determine to accept the invitation,
+and, though warned by many dreams, they set out for Atli's court, which
+they reach in due time. Vingi now breaks forth into exultations, that he
+has lured them into a snare, and is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.
+
+As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for
+battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun.
+Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some
+exchange of taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the
+combatants, but, failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her
+brothers. The battle rages furiously with great loss on both sides,
+until nearly all of the Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni
+are forced to yield to the power of numbers and are captured and bound.
+Gunnar is asked, if he will purchase his life with the treasure. He
+replies that he first wishes to see Hogni's bleeding heart. At first the
+heart of a slave is cut out and brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it
+at once as that of a coward. Then they cut out Hogni's heart, who laughs
+at the pain. This Gunnar sees is the right one, and is jubilant, for now
+Atli shall never obtain the treasure, as Gunnar alone knows where it is
+hid. In a rage Atli orders Gunnar to be thrown to the snakes. Though
+his hands are bound, Gunnar plays so sweetly with his toes on the harp,
+which Gudrun has sent him, that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with
+the exception of an adder, which stings him to the heart, so that he
+dies.
+
+Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun
+that she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers
+of peace and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons
+"Erp" and "Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives
+for his retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had
+drunk their blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night
+when Atli is asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires
+to avenge his father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust a
+sword through his breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told
+by Gudrun that she is his murderess. When he reproaches her with thus
+killing her husband, she answers that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli
+now asks for a fitting burial, and on receiving the promise of this,
+expires. Gudrun carries out her promise, and burns the castle with
+Atli and all his dead retainers. Other Edda songs relate the further
+adventures of Gudrun, but they do not concern us here, as the
+"Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the Nibelungs.
+
+This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to
+us in the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that
+this version, though more original than the German tradition, does not
+represent the simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the
+original form was, has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two
+distinctly opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the
+personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the
+possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely human
+origin for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for the
+possession of treasure. The former view is the older, and obtained
+almost exclusively at one time. The latter has been gaining ground of
+recent years, and is held by many of the younger students of the legend.
+According to the mythological view, the maiden slumbering upon the
+lonely heights is the sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the
+morning red ("Morgenrote"). Siegfried is the youthful day who is
+destined to rouse the sun from her slumber. At the appointed time he
+ascends, and before his splendor the morning red disappears. He awakens
+the maiden; radiantly the sun rises from its couch and joyously greets
+the world of nature. But light and shade are indissolubly connected; day
+changes of itself into night. When at evening the sun sinks to rest
+and surrounds herself once more with a wall of flames, the day again
+approaches, but no longer in the youthful form of the morning to arouse
+her from her slumber, but in the sombre shape of Gunther, to rest at her
+side. Day has turned into night; this is the meaning of the change of
+forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day and sun descend into the realm of
+darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried story is a day myth; but under
+another it is a myth of the year. The dragon is the symbol of winter,
+the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes the bright summer, his sword
+the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in the dark days of winder.
+When its time has come, it goes forth triumphantly and destroys
+the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the symbolization the
+abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is thus not a mere
+allegory, but a personification of nature's forces. The treasure may
+have entered the saga through the widespread idea of the dragon as the
+guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of nature which
+unfolds when the season has conquered. In the last act of the saga,
+Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees again
+a symbolic representation of a process of nature. According to him it
+signifies the death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he
+kills the dragon, in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully
+slain by the hostile powers of darkness. Later, when this act was
+connected with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning
+was forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and
+jealousy of the insulted queen.
+
+Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already
+spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and
+does not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best
+exponent of this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt
+to resolve the story into its simplest constituents. According to him
+the nucleus of the legend is an old story of the murder of relatives
+("Verwandienmord"), the original form being perhaps as follows. Attila
+(i.e., the enemy of Hagen under any name) is married to Hagen's sister
+Grimhild or Gudrun. He invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks
+him in the hope of obtaining his treasure, and kills him. According
+to this view Hagen was originally the king, but later sinks to a
+subordinate position through the subsequent connection of the story with
+the Burgundians. It is of course useless to hunt for the date of such
+an episode in history. Such a murder could have frequently occurred, and
+can be localized anywhere. Very early we find this Hagen story united
+with the Siegfried legend. If the latter is mythological, then we have
+a heterogeneous combination, a mythical legend grafted on a purely human
+one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and presents a number of arguments to
+disprove the mythical character of the Siegfried story, into which
+we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to the conclusion, that the
+Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and consisted originally of the
+murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of the Hagen title. Siegfried
+is married to Hagen's sister, and is killed by his brother-in-law
+because of his treasure. The kernel of the legend is, therefore, the
+enmity between relatives, which exists in two forms, the one in which
+the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi" saga, the
+other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by him, too, as
+in the "Hilde" saga. The German tradition tries to combine the two by
+introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild causes the death of her
+relatives, in order to avenge her first husband. Boer is of the opinion
+that both the Norse and the German versions have forgotten the original
+connection between the two stories, and that this connection was nothing
+more nor less than the common motive of the treasure. The same treasure,
+which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in turn
+through the greed of Attila. There was originally, according to Boer, no
+question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the retribution which
+overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate was lost
+when the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his treasure,
+was replaced by the one that he does it at the request of Brunhild. This
+leads Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to
+the Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty
+("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. The type is
+that of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which may take
+the form of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of being
+sewed into a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm's fairy tales. By the union
+of the two stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping
+Beauty tale, Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand
+his relation to Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the
+rock, on the other his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent
+death. This twofold relation had to be disposed of, and since his
+connection with Grimhild was decisive for his fate, his relation to
+Brunhild had to be changed. It could not be entirely ignored, for it
+was too well known, therefore it was given a different interpretation.
+Siegfried still rescues a maiden from the rock, not for himself,
+however, but for another. The exchange of forms on the part of
+Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of the older form. It gives the
+impression, that Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the bride. This
+alteration probably took place when the Burgundians were introduced into
+the legend. With this introduction an unlocalized saga of unknown heroes
+of ancient times became one of events of world-wide importance; the fall
+of a mighty race was depicted as the result of Siegfried's death. To
+render this plausible, it was necessary on the one hand to idealize
+the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of horror demanding
+fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of the Burgundians
+an active participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise it would not
+seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for a crime
+committed by the king's brother or vassal. As the role of Brunhild's
+husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role, it was
+natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very ingeniously
+the gradual development of this exchange of roles through the various
+sources.
+
+Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two women is
+to identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the
+hero rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her,
+and then is later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As
+Brunhild and Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need
+of a wooing for the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild,
+accordingly the old motive of greed (here envy) reappears.
+
+As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not
+originally belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the
+popular ballad is the fight with the dragon connected with the release
+of Brunhild. If the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the
+dragon cannot have originally belonged to it, but was later introduced,
+because of the widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of
+treasure, and in order to answer the question as to the provenience of
+the hoard. This is, however, only one answer to the question. Another,
+widespread in German legends, is that the treasure comes from the
+Nibelungs, that is, from the dwarfs. Many identify the dwarfs and the
+dragon, but this finds no support in the sources, for here the dwarfs
+and Fafnir are never confused. The "Nibelungenlied" describes an
+adventure with each, but the treasure is only connected with the dwarfs.
+The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon fight but not the dwarfs, as is
+likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad. Only in the Norse sources
+do we find a contamination. The story of Hreithmar and his sons, who
+quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of Schilbung and Nibelung in
+the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same source. One of the sons,
+because of his guarding the treasure, is identified with the dragon,
+and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon, after gaining the treasure.
+Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but a dwarf. These two
+independent forms can be geographically localized. The dwarf legend is
+the more southern; it is told in detail in the "Nibelungenlied". The
+dragon legend probably originated in the Cimbrian peninsula, where the
+"Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon fight plays such an important part,
+likewise arose.
+
+There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing
+in the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other
+tracing it back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may
+be, that the true form of the original saga lies half way between
+these two views. The story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their
+killing at Etzel's court, may go back to the tale of the murder of
+relatives for money. On the other hand it is hard to believe that the
+Siegfried saga is nothing but a repetition of the Attila motive, for
+this is too brief a formula to which to reduce the long legend of
+Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if we discard the mythological
+interpretation, it is the tale of a daring hero, who is brought up in
+the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon and takes possession of
+his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon a mountain, as in the
+older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a tower, as in the
+"Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire, as in the
+Norse, or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied". After
+betrothing himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further
+adventures, and falls into the power of an evil race, who by their
+magic arts lure him to them, cause his destruction, and then obtain
+his treasure and the maiden for themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa
+belongs to Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong
+together, and it seems hardly possible that she should have entered the
+story later, as Boer would have us believe. After all, it is largely a
+matter of belief, for it is impossible to prove positively that mythical
+elements did or did not exist in the original.
+
+To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements
+were added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the
+Franks were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward.
+Further up the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had
+established a kingdom in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their
+capital being Worms and their king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the
+Romans called him. For twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms
+with the surrounding nations. Then, growing bolder, they suddenly
+rose against the Romans in the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly
+suppressed by the Roman general Aetius. Though defeated, the Burgundians
+were not subdued, and the very next year they broke their oaths and
+again sought to throw off the Roman yoke. This time the Romans called to
+their aid the hordes of Huns, who had been growing rapidly in power and
+were already pressing hard upon the German nations from the east. Only
+too glad for an excuse, the Huns poured into the land in great numbers
+and practically swept the Burgundian people from the face of the earth.
+According to the Roman historians, twenty thousand Burgundians were
+slain in this great battle of the Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this
+catastrophe, in which a whole German nation fell before the hordes of
+invading barbarians, produced a profound impression upon the Teutonic
+world. The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the "Nibelungenlied", who also
+fell in the battle, became the central figure of a new legend, namely,
+the story of the fall of the Burgundians.
+
+Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after
+his death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the
+slaughter of the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types,
+and as Attila was a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon
+as the type of a cruel tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural
+for him to play the rôle assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible
+is Boer's explanation of the entrance of Attila into the legend. The
+"Thidreksaga" locates him in Seest in Westphalia. Now this province once
+bore the name of "Hunaland", and by a natural confusion, because of
+the similarity of the names, "Huna" and "Huns", Attila, who is the
+chief representative of Hunnish power, was connected with the legend
+and located at Seest. This would show that the original extension of the
+legend was slight, as Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles
+from Seest. The original form would then be that Hagen was slain by a
+king of "Hunaland", then because history relates that the Burgundians
+were slain by the Huns, the similarity of the names led to the
+introduction of Attila and the identification of the Nibelungs with the
+Burgundians. The fact, too, that the Franks rapidly took possession
+of the district depopulated by the crushing defeat of the Burgundians
+likewise aided the confusion, and thus the Franks became the natural
+heirs of the legend concerning the death of Gunther, and so we read of
+the fall of the Nibelungs, a name that is wholly Frankish in character.
+This identification led also to Attila's being considered the avenger of
+Siegfried's death. Poetic justice, however, demands that the slaughter
+of the Burgundians at the hands of Attila be also avenged. The rumor,
+that Attila's death was not natural, but that he had been murdered by
+his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the necessary features to round out
+the story. As Kriemhild was the sister of the Burgundian kings, it was
+but natural to explain her killing of Attila, as described in the Norse
+versions, by her desire to avenge her brothers.
+
+In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild,
+who is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here,
+has sunk to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive
+observer of the fight raging around him. This change was brought about
+perhaps by the introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing
+figure of all Germanic heroic lore. The necessity of providing him
+with a role corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing
+repugnance on the part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat at the
+hands of the Huns, caused the person of Attila to dwindle in importance.
+Gradually, too, the role played by Kriemhild was totally changed.
+Instead of being the avenger of her brothers, as depicted in the Norse
+versions, she herself becomes the cause of their destruction. Etzel
+is not only innocent of any desire to harm the Nibelungs, but is even
+ignorant of the revenge planned by his wife. This change in her role was
+probably due to the feeling that it was incumbent upon her to avenge the
+murder of Siegfried.
+
+Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried's
+youth as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no
+longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic
+Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king
+of the Netherlands, and the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild.
+The poem has forgotten Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows
+nothing of his penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her,
+nothing of the betrothal of the two. In our poem Siegfried is carefully
+reared at his father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out with great
+pomp for the court of the Burgundians. In the Norse version he naturally
+remains at Gunther's court after his marriage, but in our poem he
+returns to the Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the
+introduction of several new scenes to depict his arrival home, the
+invitation to the feast at Worms, and the reception of the guests on the
+part of the Burgundians.
+
+In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the
+winning of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older
+Norse versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but
+Siegfried dons the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that
+while Gunther makes the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing
+which is rather difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is
+likewise very differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it
+is in the Norse version. In the latter it takes place while the
+ladies are bathing in the river, and is brought on by the arrogance of
+Brunhild, who refuses to stand lower down the stream and bathe in the
+water flowing from Gudrun to her. In the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the
+seclusion of the ladies' apartments, but in our poem it culminates in
+front of the cathedral before the assembled court, and requires as its
+background all the pomp and splendor of medieval chivalry. With a master
+hand and a wonderful knowledge of female character, the author depicts
+the gradual progress of the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent
+scene of wounded pride and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as usual, plays
+the more important part, and, while standing up for her rights, tries in
+every way to conciliate Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At
+last, however, stung by the taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her
+patience, bursts out with the whole story of the twofold deception to
+which Brunhild has been subjected, and then triumphantly sweeps into
+the church, leaving her rival stunned and humiliated by the news she
+has heard. In the Norse tradition the scene serves merely to enlighten
+Brunhild as to the deception played upon her. In the "Nibelungenlied" it
+becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death, for Brunhild plans to kill
+Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to her. She has no other
+reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no deception. Brunhild
+appeals to us much less in the "Nibelungenlied" than in the Norse
+version. In the latter she feels herself deeply wronged by Siegfried's
+faithlessness, and resolves on his death because she will not be the
+wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason for wishing his death
+except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she disappears
+from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse tradition she
+ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.
+
+The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally different
+in the two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while
+asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is
+killed by Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded
+by a scene in which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the
+one vulnerable spot on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting
+him. This deepens the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and
+self-reproaches the greater. After Siegfried's burial his father,
+who had also come to Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade
+Kriemhild to return with him to the Netherlands. Her refusal is
+unnatural in the extreme, for she had reigned there ten years or
+more with Siegfried, and had left her little son behind, and yet she
+relinquishes all this and remains with her brothers, whom she knows to
+be the murderers of her husband. This is evidently a reminiscence of
+an earlier form in which Siegfried was a homeless adventurer, as in the
+"Thidreksaga".
+
+The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs,
+is treated of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the
+"Nibelungenlied", which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has
+developed and enlarged upon the story, until it overshadows the first
+part in length and importance and gives the name to the whole poem.
+The main difference between the two versions is that in the older
+Norse tradition it is Attila who invites the Nibelungs to his court and
+attacks them in order to gain possession of the treasure, while Gudrun
+(Kriemhild) first tries to reconcile the warring parties, and, not
+succeeding in this, snatches up a sword and fights on the side of
+her brothers and later kills her husband as an act of revenge. In the
+"Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied", however, she is the instigator
+of the fight and the cause of her brothers' death, and finally suffers
+death herself at the hands of Master Hildebrand, who is furious that
+such noble heroes should fall at a woman's hand. The second part of
+the poem is grewsome reading at best, with its weltering corpses and
+torrents of blood. The horror is relieved only by the grim humor of
+Hagen and by the charming scene at Rudeger's court, where the young
+prince Giselher is betrothed to Rudeger's daughter. Rudeger is without
+doubt the most tragic figure of this part. He is bound on the one hand
+by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by ties of
+friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at the dilemma in which
+Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him is pitiful.
+Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must fulfill his
+vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he rushes to
+his death in combat with his dearest friends.
+
+Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of
+Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that
+he is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his
+companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism
+that would do honor to a Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of
+his crime, and to the last mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury
+knows no bounds. No character shows so little the refining influences of
+Christianity as does his. In all essential respects he is still the same
+old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms of the legend.
+
+As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the
+"Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here,
+although they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to
+say, that the "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective
+scenes for the purpose of bringing some of them, especially Folker and
+Dankwart, into prominence. Among the best of these are, first, the night
+watch, when Folker first plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin,
+and then stands guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned
+by Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following morning,
+when the men of both parties clash; and lastly the tournament between
+the Huns and the Burgundians, which gives the author an excellent chance
+to show the prowess of the various heroes.
+
+Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the
+"Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"
+("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of
+the Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the
+strophe is considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem,
+and that it was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back
+most probably to the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth
+century, although some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the
+French epic verse, may have been of influence. The direct derivation
+from Otfrid seems, however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the
+importance of the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the
+sense, as well as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending. The
+"Nibelungen" strophe consists of four long lines separated by a caesura
+into two distinct halves. The first half of each line contains four
+accents, the fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last stress,
+however, is not, as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being
+somewhat like that of a feminine ending. On this account some speak of
+three accents in the first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth
+stress is, however, too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of
+its lighter character is best marked with a grave accent. The second
+half of each line ends in a masculine rhyme. The first three lines have
+each three stresses in the second half, while the second half of the
+fourth line has four accents to mark the end of the strophe. This
+longer fourth line is one of the most marked characteristics of the
+"Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are arranged in the order of "a", "a",
+"b", "b", though in a few isolated cases near the end of the poem but
+one rhyme is used throughout the strophe.
+
+The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form
+and scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the
+Middle High German language in which the poem is written:
+
+     Uns ist in alten maeren   wunders vil geseit
+     von heleden lobebaeron,   von grozer arebeit,
+     von froude und hochgeziten,   von weinen und von klagen,
+     von kuener recken striten   muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.
+
+     Ez wuochs in Burgonden   ein edel magedin,
+     daz in allen landen   niht schoeners mohte sin,
+     Kriemhild geheizen;   si wart ein scoene wip,
+     darambe muosen degene   vil verliesen den lip.
+
+     Der minneclichen meide   triuten wol gezam,
+     ir muotten kuene recken,   niemen was ir gram,
+     ane ma zen schoene   so was ir edel lip;
+     der iunevrouwen tugende   zierten anderiu wip.
+
+     Ir pflagen drie künege   edel unde rich,
+     Gunther unde Gernot,   die recken lobelich,
+     und Giselher der iunge,   ein uz erwelter degen,
+     diu frouwe was ir swester,   die fu'rsten hetens in ir
+                                        pflegen.
+
+     Die herren waren milte,   von arde hohe erborn,
+     mit kraft unmazen kuene,   die recken uz erkorn,
+     dazen Burgonden   so was ir lant genant,
+     si framden starkiu wunder   sit in Etzelen lant.
+
+     Ze Wormze bidem Rine   si wenden mit ir kraft,
+     in diende von ir landen   stolziu ritterscaft
+     mit lobelichen eren   unz an ir endes zit,
+     sit sturben si inemerliche   von zweier edelen frouwen nit.
+
+Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene": "degene"
+(str. 84) or "Hagene": "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, but
+it is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in
+question shows that the three accents are not complete without this
+final "e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High
+German poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to
+die out in the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the
+period. The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure
+rhymes being mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed
+together, e.g. "mich": "rich" or "man": "han". Caesural rhymes are
+frequently met with, and were considered by Lachmann to be the marks of
+interpolated strophes, a view no longer held. A further peculiarity
+of the "Nibelungen" strophe is the frequent omission of the unaccented
+syllable in the second half of the last line of the strophe between the
+second and third stresses. Examples of this will be found in the second,
+third, and fifth strophes of the passage given above.
+
+The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High
+German, that is, the High German written and spoken in the period
+between 1100 and 1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry
+and of the "Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the
+Austrian dialect of the close of the twelfth century, but contains many
+archaisms, which point to the fact of its having undergone a number of
+revisions.
+
+In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or
+two further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in
+German literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue"
+(faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent
+portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his
+lord, as depicted in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband,
+as shown by Kriemhild, carried out with unhesitating consistency to the
+bitter end. This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors
+so largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the
+death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the
+masters of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled to bow.
+
+In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of
+the youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it
+is a torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of
+these integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of
+originally separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains
+not a few contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a
+close study reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle
+High German epic poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older
+German literature. It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in
+Gottfried von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often
+magnificent descriptions of armor and dress to be met with in the epics
+of Hartman von Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram
+von Eschenbach's "Parzival", and does not, as this latter, lead the
+reader into the realms of religious doubts and struggles. It is imposing
+through its very simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which
+it does not seek to adorn and decorate. It nowhere pauses to analyze
+motives nor to give us a picture of inner conflict as modern authors are
+fond of doing. Its characters are impulsive and prompt in action, and
+when they have once acted, waste no time in useless regret or remorse.
+
+It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the
+terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery,
+but it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the
+latter. It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp
+of courtly ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and
+beneath the outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and
+wildly as in the days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps
+greater poems in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so
+majestic in conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their
+execution, and so national in their character, as this great popular
+epic of German literature.
+
+
+  ENDNOTES:
+  (1)  A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth
+       century, now found in Munich.  It forms the basis of
+       Lachmann's edition.  It is a parchment MS. of the middle of
+       the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.
+       Gall.  It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker
+       des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-
+       Literatur", vol. 6.  C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth
+       century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen.  It is
+       the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by
+       Zarncke.
+  (2)  The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in
+       having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in
+       ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably
+       borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although
+       thought by some to have been an original feature of our
+       legend.
+  (3)  The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the
+       brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode
+       in somewhat different fashion.  The brothers plan to kill
+       Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while
+       burning charcoal in the forest.  After killing the monster
+       with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and
+       thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him
+       invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,
+       which he could not reach.  This bathing in the blood is also
+       related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",
+       with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a
+       linden leaf falling upon him.
+  (4)  The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
+       that the Norse version is here more original.  Gunnar is the
+       same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
+       (Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot.  In this
+       latter the father is called Dancrat, the mother Uote, and
+       the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
+       daughter.
+  (5)  In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
+       hair.
+
+
+
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE I (2)
+
+Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of
+praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold
+warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.
+
+In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer
+might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,
+for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the
+loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her
+hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues
+of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.
+
+Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and
+Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a
+chosen knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their
+care. The lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold
+of strength were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy.
+Great marvels they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8)
+upon the Rhine they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out
+their lands served them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter
+they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.
+
+Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,
+Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a
+mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full
+great. These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed
+allegiance the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong
+and brave, fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg,
+thereto his brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13);
+Gere (14) and Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16)
+endued with fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen,
+a chosen knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three
+kings, had rule of the court and of its honors. Thereto had they many
+a warrior whose name I cannot tell. Dankwart was marshal; his nephew,
+Ortwin, seneschal unto the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight;
+Hunolt served as chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty
+stations. Of the forces of the court and its far-reaching might, of
+the high worship (18) and of the chivalry these lords did ply with joy
+throughout their life, of this forsooth none might relate to you the
+end.
+
+In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she
+trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes,
+two eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all
+this world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not
+unfold it to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon
+which thou trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him
+soon, unless so be that God preserve him."
+
+"Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be
+without a warrior's love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I
+shall never gain woe from love of man."
+
+"Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever
+thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the
+love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right
+worthy knight."
+
+"I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it
+been seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall
+avoid them both, then can it ne'er go ill with me."
+
+Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day
+thereafter the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would
+care to love. In after days she became with worship a valiant here's
+bride. He was the selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her
+mother unfolded to her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest
+kin, who slew him after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a
+mother's son.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs.  The ordinary
+        etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'
+        ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have
+        belonged originally to the dwarfs.  Piper, I, 50, interprets
+        it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers
+        "Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it
+        as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.
+        "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".
+   (2)  "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.
+        "adventura").  The word meant originally a happening,
+        especially some great event, then the report of such an
+        event.  Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos
+        or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.
+        epics.  Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes
+        the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.
+   (3)  "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish
+        "Grimhild".  In the MSS., the name generally appears with a
+        further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial
+        consonant were Germanic "k".  On the various forms of the
+        name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,
+        see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and
+        Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.
+   (4)  "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the
+        Burgundians in the fifth century.
+   (5)  "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place
+        of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse
+        version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not
+        etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in
+        Old Norse.
+   (6)  "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius".  Although
+        mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian
+        kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in
+        other poems dealing with these persons, such as the
+        "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,
+        and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.
+        Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his
+        death is told.  He probably came from some independent
+        source.
+   (7)  "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"
+        (Norse "Atli").  A discussion of his connection with the
+        saga will be found in the introduction.
+   (8)  "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first
+        century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the
+        "Vangioni".  In the fifth century it was the capital of the
+        Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns.  The
+        Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it
+        became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his
+        court.  It was later noted as the meeting-place of many
+        imperial diets.  It remained a free city till 1801.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".
+   (9)  "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote").  The name means ancestress, and is
+        frequently used for the mother of heroes.  The modern German
+        form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced
+        with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.
+   (10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in
+        the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the
+        "Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse
+        "Giuki").
+   (11) "Hagen of Troneg".  Troneg is probably a corruption of the
+        name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower
+        Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as
+        "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were
+        descended from the ancient Trojans.  "Troja" was then
+        further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege".  Hagen was
+        therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the
+        Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to
+        show.  Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally
+        lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was
+        often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was
+        connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their
+        brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms
+        and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial
+        localization.  Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of
+        Troneg, as is Hagen.  Other attempts to explain Troneg will
+        be found in Piper, I, 48.
+   (12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that
+        belonged to the early form of the legend.  He may have come
+        from another saga, where he played the principal role as
+        Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks.  Boer considers him to be
+        Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally
+        fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the
+        moment.  In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a
+        word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,
+        because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'.  Its
+        original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although
+        the later meaning is already found in M.H.G.  In all such
+        doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless
+        the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen
+        to translate it.
+   (13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",
+        "Waltharius", and in "Biterolf".  He is most likely a late
+        introduction (but see Piper, I, 44).  Rieger thinks that he
+        belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis".  Though the "i" is
+        long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"
+        in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been
+        chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in
+        such names.
+   (14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction.  He is perhaps the
+        historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the
+        Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs.  See O. von
+        Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L
+        43.
+   (15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession.  He is perhaps the
+        historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the
+        name.  He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.
+   (16) "Folker of Alzei" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the
+        knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in
+        spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine
+        Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz.  The
+        town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also
+        the noble family of the same name.  It is most likely,
+        however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with
+        Alzei.  In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of
+        minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of
+        our poem developed the character and made it the
+        personification of himself.
+   (17) "Rumolt", "Sindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis
+        and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.
+   (18) "Worship".  This word has been frequently used here in its
+        older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to
+        translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried.
+
+In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had
+for name Siegmund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle,
+known far and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called
+it. Of this hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.
+Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great
+worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty
+knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
+mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What
+bold warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders
+might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors
+he received and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him
+in their love; with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of
+himself what virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored,
+that he was found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he
+become of the age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw
+him, many a maid wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow
+gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom
+was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and
+Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were
+acquaint with courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore
+might he win both folk and land.
+
+Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed
+thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;
+these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund
+have cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving
+kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings.
+To the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever
+any was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these
+noble youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the
+youthful prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell
+of this great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great
+worship with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store.
+Wherefore one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred
+sword-thanes (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a
+fair maid was aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them
+all. Many precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together
+with the edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young
+warriors, for this must needs be done.
+
+The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer
+festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then
+full many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to
+the minster. Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had
+been done to them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer.
+To the honor of God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people
+full great a press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise,
+with such great honors as might not ever lightly be again. Then they
+ran to where they found saddled many a steed. In Siegmund's court the
+hurtling (6) waxed so fierce that both palace (7) and hall were heard
+to ring; the high-mettled warriors clashed with mighty sound. From young
+and old one heard many a shock, so that the splintering of the shafts
+reechoed to the clouds. Truncheons (8) were seen flying out before
+the palace from the hand of many a knight. This was done with zeal. At
+length the host bade cease the tourney and the steeds were led away.
+Upon the turf one saw all to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and
+great store of precious stones from the bright spangles (10) of the
+shields. Through the hurtling this did hap.
+
+Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With
+good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which
+one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown
+worship enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of
+the strolling folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which
+men found there richly, whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with
+praise. Then bade the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land
+and castles, as he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the
+sword-companions. The journey liked them well, that to this land they
+were come. The feasting lasted until the seventh day. Siegelind,
+the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out ruddy gold in
+time-honored wise. Full well she wot how to make him beloved of the
+folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among the strolling mimes. Steeds
+and raiment were scattered by their hand, as if they were to live not
+one more day. I trow that never did serving folk use such great bounty.
+With worshipful honors the company departed hence. Of the mighty barons
+the tale doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of
+this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught. Forasmuch as both
+Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child of them twain
+wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he become a lord against all
+the deeds of force within his lands, whereof the bold and daring knight
+was sore adread.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
+        independent saga.  See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.
+   (2)  "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of
+        Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows.  The Early
+        Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi
+        saga".
+   (3)  "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at
+        present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of
+        Dusseldorf.  It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in
+        the Middle Ages.
+   (4)  "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires
+        who were to be made knights.  It was the custom for a
+        youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of
+        others.
+   (5)  "Midsummer festival".  The M.H.G. "sunewende" means
+        literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.
+        This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the
+        church later turned into St. John's Eve.  The bonfires still
+        burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old
+        heathen custom.
+   (6)  "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed
+        from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many
+        knights clashed together.  Hurtling was used in older
+        English in the same significance.
+   (7)  "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large
+        building standing alone and largely used as a reception
+        hall.
+   (8)  "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzûne", O.F. "tronçon)", 'lance
+        splinters', 'fragments of spears'.
+   (9)  "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older
+        English to-beat, to-break, etc.
+   (10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating
+        from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
+        with precious stones.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+
+It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales
+told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous
+fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too.
+Her beauty out of measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard
+of her noble mind, that it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's
+land. But however many were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never
+confessed within her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was
+still a stranger to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of
+Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to his but
+as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In later days the
+noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride. Kinsmen and liegemen enow
+advised him, since he would have hope of constant love, that he woo
+one who was his peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose
+Kriemhild, the fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure.
+This I know full well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a
+wife, that it would not beseem him to love this noble queen."
+
+Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the
+courtiers he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to
+the king, that his child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it
+too, the wife of the noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for
+full well she knew Gunther and his men. Therefore they sought to turn
+the hero from this venture. Up spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear
+father mine, I would fain ever be without the love of noble dames, if I
+may not woo her in whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may
+aver, it will avail but naught."
+
+"And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad
+of thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath
+this King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but
+Hagen, the doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it
+will repent us sore, if we woo this high-born maid."
+
+Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may
+not obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can
+gain. I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."
+
+To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this
+tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that
+land. Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may
+none win the maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride
+with warriors unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they
+shall be summoned soon."
+
+"It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should
+follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the
+noble maid. My single hand can win her well--with eleven (2) comrades
+I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father
+Siegmund." Then to his knights they gave for garments furs both gray and
+vair. (3)
+
+Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for
+her loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther's men. Sorely
+the noble queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where
+he saw her; to his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not
+weep for me; naught have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray
+you, speed me on my journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my
+warriors may have array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for
+this I will say you gramercy i' faith."
+
+"Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I
+speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that
+ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."
+
+Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake:
+"None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be
+made ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with
+Kriemhild."
+
+Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease
+them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist
+from faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his
+son should ride forth from Siegmund's land. The shining breastplates,
+too, were put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both
+fair and broad. Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near;
+man and wife began to fear lest they never should come home again. The
+heroes bade lade their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their
+steeds were fair and their trappings red with gold. No need were there
+to live more proudly than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave
+to journey to the land of Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully
+vouchsafed. Lovingly he comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he,
+"must ye not weep, nor have fear for me or for my life."
+
+The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts
+did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death
+because of this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in
+sooth.
+
+Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave
+warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings
+fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men.
+Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as
+Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such
+princely attire been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down
+to their spurs. Sharp javelins were borne by these chosen knights.
+Siegfried wielded one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut
+most dangerously. In their hands they held gold-colored bridles; their
+martingales were silken: so they came into the land. Everywhere the folk
+began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's men fared forth to meet them.
+High-mettled warriors, both knight and squire, betook them to the lords
+(as was but right), and received into the land of their lords these
+guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which bore the
+shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How
+boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of
+my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever
+knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of
+Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."
+
+Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,
+that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see
+him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly
+man."
+
+To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,
+who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the
+Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly
+warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and
+broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then
+Ortwin of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king:
+"Since we know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let
+him see them. To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so
+be he knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."
+
+Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with
+his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.
+
+"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.
+
+"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If
+ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."
+
+"That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the
+guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their
+array, but full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He
+spake: "From wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may
+well be princes or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and
+their garments passing good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth
+high-mettled warriors be they."
+
+"I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried,
+yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that
+strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to
+this land. By this here's hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung
+and Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought
+great marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone
+without all aid, he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been
+told, by Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to
+him, till he gained knowledge of them there.
+
+"The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear
+a wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it
+there. This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near
+was he now come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights
+espied him, too. One among them spake: 'Here cometh the mighty
+Siegfried, the hero of Netherland.' Passing strange were the tidings
+that, he found among the Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well
+the knight; with one accord these young and noble lordings bade the
+stately man divide the hoard. Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in
+turn gan vow it to them.
+
+"He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred
+wains might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from
+the Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should
+divide. As a guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were
+served full ill by the service which the good knight Siegfried should
+render them. Nor could he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew.
+Twelve bold men of their kith were there, mighty giants these. What
+might that avail them! Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and
+seven hundred warriors from the Nibelung land he vanquished with the
+good sword Balmung. (7) Because of the great fear that, many a young
+warrior had of the sword and of the valiant man, they made the land and
+its castles subject to his hand. Likewise both the mighty kings he
+slew, but soon he himself was sorely pressed by Alberich. (8) The
+latter weened to venge straightway his masters, till he then discovered
+Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match for him was the sturdy dwarf.
+Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where from Alberich he won the
+Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, become master
+of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there slain. Soon
+bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the men of
+Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the strong, warden of the
+hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his knave; and fit he
+was for work of every sort."
+
+So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win
+such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the
+hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became
+like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been
+seen. All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the
+youthful warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a
+friend, for he hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how
+valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring
+man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."
+
+"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son
+of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that
+it can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."
+
+"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both
+noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good
+stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried
+stood.
+
+The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full
+little was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they
+had greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,
+"whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at
+Worms upon the Rhine."
+
+Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from
+you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the
+boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and
+that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear
+boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This
+the folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn
+back, till it be known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a
+crown. Fain would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me: Rightly
+doth he rule both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be a
+pledge. Now be ye so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it
+lief or loth to any man, I will gain from you whatso ye have--land and
+castles shall be subject to my hand."
+
+The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard,
+that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed
+wroth, as they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther,
+the knight, "that we should lose by the force of any man that which my
+father hath rules so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that
+we, too, are used in knightly ways."
+
+"In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be
+that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And
+shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall
+be subject to thy sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike;
+whether of us twain can triumph over the other, him shall both land and
+people serve."
+
+Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish,"
+spake Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man
+lie dead at hero's hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is
+meet, nor hath any a better claim to them than we."
+
+There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz.
+"It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the
+mighty Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your
+brothers no meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well
+so to fight that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty
+mien."
+
+At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake: "Thy hand
+shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king's vassal thou.
+Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."
+
+Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be
+Hagen of Troneg's sister's son. It rued the king that he had held his
+peace so long. Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between.
+He spake to Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done
+us no such wrong, but that we may still part the strife in courteous
+wise. Be advised of me and hold him still as friend; far better will
+this beseem us."
+
+Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights
+that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over;
+my lordings never would have done such ill to him."
+
+To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir
+Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have
+dominion here in the Burgundian land."
+
+"I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights
+speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then
+bethought him of the noble maid.
+
+"How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However
+really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant
+honor therefrom and ye but little gain."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen,
+and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he
+hath so many here in Burgundy?"
+
+At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel. Then spake
+Queen Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who
+are come with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."
+
+Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine. The master
+of the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable
+wise, shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be
+shared."
+
+At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade
+that care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that
+men might find were sought for Siegfried's squires; great easement they
+gave them. Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day
+they offered him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell
+you. This his prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he
+saw who was his foe.
+
+Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games,
+Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one
+match him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or
+hurled the shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights
+made merry with the ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of
+Netherland, for upon high love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for
+whatso they undertook, but in his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he
+had never seen. She too, who in secret spake full well of him, cherished
+him alone. Whenever the pages, squires, and knights would play their
+games within the court, Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from
+the windows, for no other pastime she needed on such days. Had he known
+that she gazed on him thus, whom he bare within his heart, then had he
+had pastime enough, I trow, for well I wot that no greater joy in all
+this world could chance to him.
+
+Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to
+do, for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind's son,
+that many a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him
+many a day: "How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the
+noble maid, whom I do love with all my heart and so have done long time.
+Sadly must I stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."
+
+Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all
+must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady
+rued, and he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt
+with the lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther's land, and in all
+this time he saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there
+happed to him much joy and eke much woe.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may
+        mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often
+        difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference
+        should be given.
+   (2)  "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means
+        one of twelve.  The accounts are, however, contradictory, as
+        a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of
+        Siegfried.
+   (3)  "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the
+        fur of the squirrel.
+   (4)  "Known".  It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he
+        was acquainted with the customs and dress of various
+        countries and with the names and lineage of all important
+        personages.  Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks
+        Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou
+        tellest me the one, I shall know the other."
+   (5)  "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a
+        mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some
+        authorities, the original owners of the treasure.  Boer, ix,
+        199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was
+        transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in
+        the formation of the saga.
+   (6)  "Angry of mood".  The reason of this anger is apparent from
+        the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801.  The quarrel
+        arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
+        Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
+        born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
+   (7)  "Balmung".  In the older Norse version and in the
+        "Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
+   (8)  "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
+        legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".
+        Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
+        important role in modern literature.
+   (9)  "Cloak of Darkness".  This translates the M.H.G.
+        "tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators.  It is
+        formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
+        "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'.  It rendered the
+        wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)
+
+Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent
+them from afar--tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When they
+heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will
+I name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly
+prince, and then from Denmark Liudegast, the king. For their journey
+they had gathered many a lordly stranger.
+
+To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked
+the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court
+unto King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be
+ye welcome. I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be
+told." So spake the right good king. But they feared full sore King
+Gunther's warlike mood.
+
+"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall
+not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us
+hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye
+have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal
+hate. They would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of
+many a knight; that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the
+journey must befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help
+guard your castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be
+carved by them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let
+messengers be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will
+not ride so near you, to give you pain of heart, from which full many a
+lusty knight and a good must die."
+
+"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then
+ye shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold
+from them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my
+friends."
+
+To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare
+the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his
+men, and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of
+men that could be found. The king spake: "Men would seek us here in this
+our land with mighty armies, now make ye wail for that."
+
+To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we
+fend indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die;
+for their sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be
+welcome to us."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and
+Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such
+short time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the
+valiant knight.
+
+To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they
+bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but
+right, till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend
+him aid. Yet in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full
+blithe a knight, who wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and
+prayed King Gunther to tell him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me,"
+spake Siegfried, for he it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry
+wont, which ye have used thus far with us."
+
+To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell
+all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise.
+Only to trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."
+
+At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake:
+"I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your
+woes. And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport
+myself with honor until mine end."
+
+"Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and
+though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are
+friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will
+let you hear why I stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I
+have heard that they would visit me with war, a thing which knights have
+never done to us in all these lands."
+
+"Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do
+as I pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye
+command your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty
+foes be helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them,
+had I but a thousand; for that rely on me."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."
+
+"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have
+but twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of
+Siegfried serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart,
+and Sindolt, your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride
+along; he shall bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it.
+Let now the envoys ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to
+understand they soon shall see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
+
+Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers
+of Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should
+journey home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts
+and gave them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say
+unto my foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their
+journey and stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands,
+hardships shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
+
+Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to
+bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they
+took their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.
+
+Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had
+heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in
+sooth, their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full
+many a valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand,
+whose name was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it
+Liudegast when he heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark
+had heard these tidings told, they hasted all the more to call their
+friends; till Sir Liudegast had gathered for his journey full twenty
+thousand knights from among his valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also,
+of Saxon land, sent forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men
+and more, with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.
+
+Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the
+liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead
+thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon
+must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.
+When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such
+wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg
+was master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who
+wist well how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and
+Ortwin, too, well could they serve with honor in this war.
+
+"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your
+warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep
+your spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate.
+Well will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at
+Worms upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride
+so nigh unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to
+fear."
+
+From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon
+land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried
+all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire
+distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.
+Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"
+Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:
+"Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
+knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and
+Ortwin guard the rear."
+
+"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the
+outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors
+be." Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop
+he gave in charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the
+valiant man. Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a
+helmet band he cut to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host
+that lay encamped upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his
+men. Forty thousand or better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried
+saw this in lofty mood. Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted
+to the outlook 'gainst the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold
+man saw him, too. Each began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it
+was, who stood on guard, I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold
+lay by his hand. It was the good King Liudegast, who was guarding here
+his band. The noble stranger pricked along in lordly wise.
+
+Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of
+their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched
+the spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty
+king. After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal
+knights, as though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled
+in knightly wise and the two fierce champions encountered with their
+swords. Then smote Sir Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring.
+Through the hero's hand from out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew
+the bright red sparks. Each in the other found his match. Sir Liudegast,
+too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each broke full upon the
+shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men stood there on guard, but ere they
+could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with three groat
+wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming breastplate, the
+which was passing good. The blood from the wounds gushed forth along
+the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast stood in sorry mood. He
+begged for life and made offrance of his lands and said that his name
+was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had witnessed what there had
+happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he
+was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty blows the hero's hand
+guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then wrought worse scathe.
+In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one he left alive,
+who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had chanced. By his
+reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved the men of
+Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken captive.
+Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with monstrous
+wrath, for great woe it brought him.
+
+Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
+Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was
+the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden
+raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be
+done, ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame
+in Saxon land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed
+to me, for I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see
+helmets carved by the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they
+shall become acquaint with fear."
+
+To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart
+minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.
+Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor
+had they more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve
+men-at-arms. Now from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land
+they rode; many a lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst.
+There, too, were come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened
+swords, as I since have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes'
+hands, for they would fain guard both their castles and their land
+against the strangers. The lordings' marshals led on the troop.
+Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had brought from
+Netherland. In the storm of battle many a hand this day grew red with
+blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too, slew many a knight in the
+strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness of their foes. This many a
+stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too,
+dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these
+storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.
+
+The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield
+resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of
+which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but
+when the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide
+wound carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow.
+Thus they fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang
+the sharp weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed
+their lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way
+in Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.
+Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn
+forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his
+men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was
+Hagen come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before
+them many a good knight must needs die this day.
+
+When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in
+hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the
+lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of
+swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two
+champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;
+fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that
+his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it
+was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot,
+but later he learned the truth.
+
+So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled
+beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a
+frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise
+Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise
+Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side
+by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets
+many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
+shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the
+fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave,
+and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then
+off flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of
+Netherland thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous
+many of whom one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring
+Dankwart broke!
+
+Then Sir Liudeger espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's
+hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends
+the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have
+seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him
+well. The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land."
+The banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was
+later granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land.
+This was wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord
+they then gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets
+and the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the
+hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would,
+for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors,
+bade bear away the wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth
+captive to the Rhine. The worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had
+the Saxons fought so well that one could give them aught of praise, and
+this the heroes rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by
+friends.
+
+Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried,
+the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must
+needs confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his
+native land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him
+and to his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for
+honor. The squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had
+sorrowed, were blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come.
+Much questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with
+the liegemen of the mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to
+Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not), for she,
+too, had amongst them her own true love. When she saw the messenger
+coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me
+glad news, I pray. And thou dost so without deceit, I will give thee of
+my gold and will ever be thy friend. How fared forth from the battle my
+brother Gernot and others of my kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or
+who wrought there the best? This thou must tell me."
+
+Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell
+the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray,
+as did the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of
+valiant Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife,
+Dankwart and Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove
+for honor, 'tis but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of
+Siegmund, the king. They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none
+might tell you of the wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode
+into the fight. Great woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the
+field the love of many a dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so
+loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds they drew forth the blood
+in streams. In every knightly art he is a worthy knight and a brave.
+Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he whom he could reach with his
+good sword, fell sorely wounded, but mostly dead), yet your brother
+wrought the direst woe that could ever chance in battle. One must say of
+the chosen knights in truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted
+them so well that they can well preserve their honor from every taint
+of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field
+resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the warriors from
+the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been avoided. The
+valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great numbers the
+armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this full many
+stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt,
+Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well
+ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
+very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
+was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
+Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this
+King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon
+land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried
+the twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this
+land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing
+to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly
+wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men
+were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty
+pride sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
+Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."
+
+Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
+face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
+had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings
+could not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in
+duty bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
+therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have
+thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are
+gladly told to noble dames.
+
+They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
+fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
+high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
+came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
+the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
+guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he
+his vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty
+king in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
+because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
+Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but
+sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes.
+Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to
+Gunther's land. The men alighted from their steeds before the palace
+of the king. Loud was heard the joyous sound of the merry welcome;
+then order was given to lodge the warriors in the town. The king bade
+minister well unto his guests, attend the wounded and give them good
+easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to
+Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta'en because of you;
+for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God reward my kinsmen,
+for they have given me joy."
+
+"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath
+king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of
+wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
+
+"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety
+that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land
+against my will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
+
+Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded
+were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.
+Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields
+were borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which
+one bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight
+returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.
+His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the
+sorely wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men
+offered to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto
+shining gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To
+his guests the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to
+set out for home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king
+bethought him how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass
+his wish for fame and honor.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to
+them that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then
+will many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."
+
+Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther
+learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for
+the king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,
+though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the
+kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For
+the sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy
+her. Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He
+rode thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
+
+At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful
+knight did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon
+the sand before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the
+Burgundian land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard
+it said that the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear
+friends. Then comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which
+they were to don. The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors
+who were to come. Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To
+please her children she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and
+many maids might therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the
+Burgundian land. Also for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly
+robes.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Saxons".  This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
+        poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
+        later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
+        period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
+        to Brunhild's land.  (In our poem it is placed before the
+        marriage.)  It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
+        on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
+        Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
+        was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
+        in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
+        idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
+        role.  The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
+        Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark.  In "Biterolf"
+        Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
+        his brother.
+   (2)  "Fey".  This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
+        to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
+        etymologically the same word.  The ancient Germans were
+        fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
+        fate had so predestined.
+   (3)  "Thirty thousand".  The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
+        numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples.  They
+        will be found to occur very frequently in our poem.  See
+        Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
+   (4)  "Their".  The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
+        'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
+        haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
+   (5)  "Marks of gold".  A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
+        gold or silver.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
+
+One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the
+feasting. Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the
+land, were given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all,
+for the highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes
+at the feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire.
+Giselher, the youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their
+men received the friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights
+right courtly greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle
+of golden red, dainty shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the
+Rhine. Many a wounded man was seen full merry since. Even those who lay
+abed in stress of wounds, must needs forget the bitterness of death.
+Men ceased to mourn for the weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the
+festal day, and how well they would fare at the feasting of the king.
+Pleasure without stint and overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk
+which there were seen. Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the
+whole of Gunther's land.
+
+Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad
+attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they
+vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he
+already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his
+sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above
+all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full
+honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who
+live in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man,
+what else could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames?
+Pray let your sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a
+hero was this counsel given.
+
+"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were
+merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely
+daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the
+presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away.
+Of rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden
+decked herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was
+of the mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would
+not exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they
+gazed on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty
+king full a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort
+his sister and serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the
+Burgundian land and carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta
+coming with her child. Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken
+for her train, who wore rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter
+many a stately maid. When from out a bower men saw them come, there rose
+a mighty press of knights who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze
+with joy upon the noble maid. Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as
+doth the red of dawn from out the lowering clouds. He then was reft
+of many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw the
+lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How shone full many a precious
+stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her rose-red hue appeared. Whatever
+one might wish, he could not but confess that never in the world had
+he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon, whose sheen is thrown so
+brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the stars, so stood she now
+before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher rose the spirits of
+the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front,
+while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press where they might
+see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole. To
+himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should love thee?
+That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were I better
+dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood the son
+of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment by
+skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair a
+knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give
+way and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a
+wight, as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who
+offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite
+before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried
+now approach my sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be
+our gain. She who never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by
+this means we now may win the stately knight."
+
+Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion
+from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court;
+his sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."
+
+At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy
+without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely
+grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight
+stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir
+Siegfried, most good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this
+greeting his spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she
+took him by the hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon
+each other this lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly
+this happed. Was perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by
+heart-felt love? That know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was
+left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in
+summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his heart such lofty
+joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he walked with her whom he fain
+would call his love.
+
+Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk
+thus with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her,
+I'd bear it willingly."
+
+Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the
+guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was
+bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened
+in this world.
+
+Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a
+warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God
+grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."
+
+On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw
+her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately
+knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed
+by many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a
+daring wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight
+of many a knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well
+might he think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in
+heart. Cause enow he had to love the fair.
+
+When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight
+again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely
+maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many
+knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,
+"that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do
+love you with such fealty as I hear them say."
+
+Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve
+them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never
+will I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do,
+my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."
+
+A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid
+beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This
+service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure
+was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from
+many a daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever
+any wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they
+became well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land
+was decked with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming
+forth; they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard
+themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help
+them, for there was great store of men.
+
+At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He
+kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men
+saw him move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy
+knights, ere ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it
+of you ever. Do not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as
+I have great desire."
+
+Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we
+crave a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of
+our kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."
+
+Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had
+recovered from the fray, though many dead they left within this land.
+Then King Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake:
+"Now tell me what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for
+lasting peace of me and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what
+thinketh thee good to do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee;
+what of gold five hundred steeds can bear, that would they gladly give
+me, and I set them free again."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride
+hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his
+hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding
+hither to your land."
+
+"This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's
+foes was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their
+loved friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield
+full of treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out
+unweighed to his many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and
+to a few, still more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this.
+Then they all took leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests
+draw nigh to Kriemhild and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were
+knights dismissed in better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away,
+but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin and many a noble
+liegeman. Daily they were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good
+knight Siegfried now would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win
+that on which his mind was set. The king heard said that he would hence,
+but Giselher, the youth, quite won him from the journey.
+
+"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the
+knights, I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too,
+are many comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride
+hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I
+craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me
+from it."
+
+So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he
+have fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw
+Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording
+stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her
+love constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love
+in later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
+
+New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair
+maid dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high
+therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the
+sea, whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great
+her strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The
+stone she hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love
+must win without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the
+noble maid had done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by
+the Rhine. He turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes
+must needs later lose their lives.
+
+One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in
+many a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be
+their lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I
+will go down to the sea and hence to Brunhild, however it may go with
+me. For her love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become
+not my wife."
+
+"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say,
+the queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will
+pay full dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I
+might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
+
+"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
+
+"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to
+share with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so
+well how matters stand with Brunhild."
+
+The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely
+maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my
+love, for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and
+thou give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask
+no other meed."
+
+"I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if
+fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto
+wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."
+
+This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their
+hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account
+these brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take
+with him hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers
+from a dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made
+them ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness
+he had strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With
+cunning arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that
+whatsoever any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild,
+which brought him dole.
+
+"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we
+not take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with
+passing honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be
+called."
+
+"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so
+fierce a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give
+thee better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering
+knights adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the
+band. In all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo
+the lady, whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four
+comrades, the second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have
+we hope of life), Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand
+others durst not match us in the fight."
+
+"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would
+please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which
+would beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."
+
+"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
+Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel
+no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
+
+The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if
+perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments
+which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."
+
+Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your
+mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and
+she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."
+
+Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight
+Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing
+well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were
+her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when
+she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to
+greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.
+
+"Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the
+maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me
+hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
+
+Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty
+mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign
+lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."
+
+"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear
+aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other
+kings."
+
+By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she
+walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with
+dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime
+with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft
+between the twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as
+life. In after days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may
+not be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have
+need of princely garb to wear before the dames."
+
+Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,
+that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.
+Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble
+knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly
+air to do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a
+will." So spake the winsome maid.
+
+"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand
+shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there
+be no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye
+what I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon
+the shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too,
+gave glad assent.
+
+"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus
+clad to court?"
+
+He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and
+Hagen, shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say.
+Each of us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes
+of apparel and such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit
+Brunhild's land."
+
+In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the
+queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come
+forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the
+fair silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with
+precious stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the
+high-born maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought
+linings from the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they
+covered now with silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great
+marvels of these shining weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from
+Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest silks which the kith of
+any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore
+the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they had set their minds, they
+deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as
+coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.
+From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone. The
+ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought
+the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.
+
+When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste
+upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward
+to the sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the
+warriors were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now
+prepared; as they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no
+longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they sent a message to their
+war-companions, if perchance they should care to view their new attire,
+to see if it be too long or short. All was found in fitting measure,
+and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw them could not but
+aver that never in the world had they seen attire more fair. Therefore
+they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of better
+knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty
+knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise.
+Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.
+
+Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and
+pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then
+would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a
+birth."
+
+I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
+matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
+tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.
+
+She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended
+to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land."
+This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.
+
+The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
+every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
+Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.
+
+Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought
+them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would
+ride away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids
+stood at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the
+proud war fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?"
+
+"That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the
+flood. That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to
+me."
+
+So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly
+grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold
+Gunther took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy
+knights set forth from land. With them they took rich food and eke good
+wine, the best that could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood
+fair; they had good easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap
+them. Their stout sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues
+they sailed, or ever came the night, with a good wind, downward toward
+the sea. These hard toils later brought the high-mettled warriors pain.
+
+Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them
+far away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land. To none save Siegfried was
+this known; but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad
+marches, too, how soon he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it
+known to you whose are these castles and this lordly land?"
+
+Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild
+and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still
+see there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of
+one single mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day
+before Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When
+we behold the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes,
+must ye tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his
+man; then what he craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for
+whatever he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain.
+They promised what he would; wherefrom they all fared well, when King
+Gunther saw fair Brunhild. (6)
+
+"Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the comely
+maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to
+pass, that she become my wife."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,
+        however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the
+        agreement of the names in German.  "Isen lant", the reading
+        of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,
+        and partly to indicate its probable derivation from
+        "Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle.  Boer's
+        interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in
+        Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)
+        I, 1. 70.  Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea
+        Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",
+        referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.
+        Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.
+   (2)  "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a
+        few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the
+        name from this passage.  (See Bartsch, "Germanistische
+        Studien", ii, 129.)
+   (3)  "Wont to wear".  In the Middle Ages costly furs and
+        fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here
+        described, with silk or cloth.  By fish such amphibious
+        animals as otter and beaver were often meant.
+   (4)  "Well fit".  In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,
+        has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems
+        more appropriate to the sense.
+   (5)  "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.
+   (6)  "Brunhild".  The following words are evidently a late
+        interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been
+        translated for the sake of completeness.  They are spoken by
+        Siegfried.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild.
+
+Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many
+a comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther
+that he knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no
+knowledge of these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on
+the flood? Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."
+
+At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the
+high-born maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the
+power."
+
+"That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder
+window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair
+that mine eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she
+should become my wife."
+
+"Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild,
+the comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and
+mood." All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.
+
+When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it
+behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes. Each one obeyed.
+What next the ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their
+persons out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever
+had. To the narrow casements they came again, where they had seen the
+knights. Through love of gazing this was done.
+
+But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the
+stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby
+King Gunther felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed,
+so stately, good and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had
+sat him in the saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later
+quite forgot. Such service he had seldom done afore, that he should
+stand at any here's stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship.
+All this the comely dames of noble birth saw through the casements. The
+steeds and garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were
+right well matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed
+in the hands of the stately men. In lordly wise they rode to Brunhild's
+hall, their saddles set with precious stones, with narrow martingales,
+from which hung bells of bright and ruddy gold. So they came to the
+land, as well befit their prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with
+well-wrought swords, the which hung down to the spurs of these stately
+men. The swords the bold men bore were sharp and broad. All this
+Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.
+
+With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of
+how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their
+bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of
+India, the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they
+left their skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good
+rode to the castle. Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad
+palaces, (1) and one hall well wrought of costly marble, green as
+grass, wherein Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers. The castle was
+unlocked and the gates flung wide. Then ran Brunhild's men to meet them
+and welcomed the strangers into their mistress' land. One bade relieve
+them of their steeds and shields.
+
+Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining
+breastplates, too."
+
+"That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will
+bear them."
+
+Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let
+me say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken
+hence, then will all be well."
+
+Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade
+pour out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were
+seen walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were
+these heroes gazed upon.
+
+Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were
+come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid
+gan ask concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be
+these unknown knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose
+sake the heroes have journeyed hither?"
+
+Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never
+have I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among
+them. Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The
+second of their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily
+a mighty king over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and
+might possess them. One doth see him stand by the rest in such right
+lordly wise. The third of the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal
+so fair of body, most noble queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth
+east, I ween he be grim of thought and mood. The youngest among them
+is worshipful indeed. I see the noble knight stand so charmingly, with
+courtly bearing, in almost maiden modesty. We might all have cause
+for fear, had any done him aught. However blithely he doth practice
+chivalry, and howso fair of body he be, yet might he well make many a
+comely woman weep, should he e'er grow angry. He is so fashioned that in
+all knightly virtues he must be a bold knight and a brave."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried
+be come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I
+fear him not so sore, that I should become his wife."
+
+Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a
+comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately
+dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights
+from Isenland, Brunhild's men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore
+swords in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave
+and lusty heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear
+what the maid did speak.
+
+"Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey
+mean? That I fain would know."
+
+"Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most
+generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here
+before me, for he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By
+birth he's from the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we
+come hither. Fain would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now
+betimes, my lord will not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a
+lordly king. An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth
+this knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither. I would fain
+have given it over, could I have said him nay."
+
+She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games
+which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his wife; but
+should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."
+
+Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games.
+It must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He
+troweth well to win so fair a maid."
+
+"He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be
+ye not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as
+well. Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.
+
+Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen
+all that he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you well
+against her with my arts."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list,
+and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I'll
+gladly lose my head, and ye become not my wife."
+
+When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games,
+as was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a
+breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2)
+too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken
+cloth of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen
+to shine thereon.
+
+Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart
+and Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of
+how the king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us
+warriors aught of good."
+
+Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied
+him to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he
+quickly slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he
+found a great press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty
+games. Thither he went in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was
+he seen of any that were there. The ring had been marked out, where
+the games should be, afore many valiant warriors, who were to view them
+there. More than seven hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say
+who won the game.
+
+Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal
+lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her
+lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare
+along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel,
+beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there
+served a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and
+gleamed against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the
+maid would show her love. The shield the maid should bear was three
+spans thick beneath the studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of
+steel and eke of gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely carry.
+
+When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg
+spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our
+lives! She you would make your love is the devil's bride, in truth."
+
+Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat
+of silk of Azagouc, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in
+contrast to its color on the person of the queen.
+
+Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large,
+the which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad,
+which on its edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear's great weight
+hear wonders told. Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought
+therein, the which scarce three of Brunhild's men could bear. The noble
+Gunther gan be sore afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this
+mean? How could the devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe
+and sound in Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of
+mine."
+
+Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this
+court doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how
+must we lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in
+these lands? It doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country.
+Had but my brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should
+Brunhild's men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure,
+they'd guard against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand
+oaths, before I'd see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should
+lose her life."
+
+"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had
+we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then
+would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."
+
+What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she
+gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave,
+bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors' hands their
+sharp-edged swords."
+
+When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart
+blushed for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the
+doughty man. "Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."
+
+Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men bare a
+heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant
+men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when
+she had shot the spear. The Burgundians' fear now grew amain.
+
+"Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love?
+Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."
+
+Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands
+she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife
+began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's hate, and had Siegfried
+not come to Gunther's aid, she would have bereft the king of life.
+Secretly Siegfried went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther
+marked his wiles. "Who hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then
+he gazed around on every side, but saw none standing there.
+
+"'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the
+queen. Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark
+aright what thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the
+deeds."
+
+When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.
+
+Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then
+can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See
+how fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."
+
+Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield,
+mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm.
+The sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of
+the mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the
+fire flame forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered
+at the blow; but for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead.
+From the mouth of Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly
+the good knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had
+driven through his shield. Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it back
+again. He thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid." So he reversed
+the point and cast it at her armor with the butt, that it rang out
+loudly from his mighty hand. The sparks flew from the armor rings, as
+though driven by the wind. Siegmund's son had made the throw with might.
+With all her strength she could not stand before the blow. In faith King
+Gunther never could have done the deed.
+
+Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight,
+I cry you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with
+his strength. To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she
+quickly, angry was her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the
+stone and hurled it mightily far from her hand. After the cast she
+sprang, that all her armor rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve
+fathoms hence, but with her leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw.
+Then went Sir Siegfried to where lay the stone. Gunther poised it, while
+the hero made the throw. Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he threw
+the stone still further and made a broader jump. Through his fair arts
+he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him as he sprang. The
+leap was made, the stone lay on the ground; men saw none other save
+Gunther, the knight, alone. Siegfried had banished the fear of King
+Gunther's death. Brunhild, the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her
+courtiers she spake a deal too loud, when she spied the hero safe and
+sound at the border of the ring: "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and
+liegemen of mine, ye must now be subject to Gunther, the king."
+
+Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at
+the feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he
+had won the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving
+wise; in sooth he was most rich in virtues.
+
+Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him
+within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced
+him. She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace.
+When this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better
+cheer. With good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The
+doughty Siegfried was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he
+repaired to where the ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly
+did he this: "Why wait ye, good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of
+which the queen doth deal so great a store? Let us soon see how they be
+played." The crafty man did not as though he wist not a whit thereof.
+
+Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have
+seen naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"
+
+To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have
+made us sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the
+ship when the lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth
+naught thereof."
+
+"Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride
+hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath
+the power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us
+hence to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith
+and liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands;
+my dearest friends must first be fetched."
+
+Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends,
+her kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to
+Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily,
+early and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild's castle.
+
+"Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming
+of fair Brunhild's men. If now they come into this land in force, then
+hath the noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is
+unknown to us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"
+
+Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care. I'll not let
+hap that which ye fear. I'll bring you help hither to this land, from
+chosen knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask
+about me; I will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I'll
+return eftsoon and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights
+that I have ever known."
+
+"Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be
+justly glad."
+
+He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild,
+that ye've sent me hence."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Palaces".  See Adventure III, note 7.
+   (2)  "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is
+        a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.
+   (3)  "Azagouc".  See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2.  This
+        strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts
+        the description given above.
+   (4)  Weights.  The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "massa") is just as
+        indefinite as the English expression.  It was a mass or lump
+        of any metal, probably determined by the size of the
+        melting-pot.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.
+
+(1)
+
+Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the
+sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and
+drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the
+steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.
+They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed
+by Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and
+night with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away,
+or more. The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard.
+The hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached
+the boat and made it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which
+stood a castle, and sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He
+came first to a gateway that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded
+well their honor, as men still do. The stranger now gan knock upon
+the door, the which was closely guarded. There within he saw a giant
+standing, who kept the castle and at whose side lay at all times his
+arms. He spake: "Who is it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"
+
+Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up
+the door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer
+lie soft and take his ease."
+
+When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had
+donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty
+man snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he
+ran at Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge
+blows were dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend
+him, but with an iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then
+was the hero in dire need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the
+warder struck such mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for
+this cause. They strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound
+was heard in Nibelung's hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.
+
+The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land. Alberich, the
+bold, a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain.
+He armed him quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he
+bound the mighty giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his
+body he bare helmet and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of
+gold. Swift and hard he ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs
+(3) hung down in front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon
+the bold man's arm, that it brake in parts. The stately stranger came in
+danger of his life. From his hand he flung the broken shield and thrust
+into the sheath a sword, the which was long. He would not strike his
+servant dead, but showed his courtly breeding as his knightly virtue
+bade him. He rushed at Alberich and with his powerful hands he seized
+the gray-haired man by the beard. So roughly he pulled his beard, that
+he screamed aloud. The tugging of the youthful knight hurt Alberich
+sore.
+
+Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the
+vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own
+him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4)
+man.
+
+He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength
+of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"
+
+"My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I
+noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran
+of the land. I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of
+knights we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."
+
+Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich
+and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In
+fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: "Up now, ye heroes, ye must go
+to Siegfried."
+
+From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand
+doughty knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw
+Sir Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds.
+Great store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine.
+(5) He gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must
+away with me across the flood."
+
+Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty
+hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the
+best. Men brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead
+them to Brunhild's land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell
+you, ye must wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely
+dames shall gaze upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly
+weeds."
+
+Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey
+Siegfried won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and
+thus they came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land. The fair maids stood
+upon the battlements. Then spake the queen: "Knoweth any, who they be
+whom I see sailing yonder far out upon the sea? They have rich sails
+e'en whiter than the snow."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which I left
+hard by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my
+lady." All eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.
+
+Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly weeds
+and many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I
+receive the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"
+
+He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may
+well perceive how fain we be to see them here."
+
+Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried
+with her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took
+in charge their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land,
+that everywhere they jostled Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men
+fare home to Burgundy.
+
+Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out
+to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such
+store."
+
+To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble
+queen," spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to
+deal it out in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own."
+That he was bountiful, he made appear full well.
+
+When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's hand
+did proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such
+store that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds
+he gave, nor did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich
+attire, who never had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued
+the queen when this she heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have
+your aid, lest your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress;
+he squandereth eke my gold. If any would forfend this, I'd be his friend
+for aye. He giveth such royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth,
+that I have sent for death. I would fain use it longer and trow well
+myself to waste that which my father left me." No queen as yet hath ever
+had so bounteous a chamberlain.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of
+the Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we
+have no need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's weeds."
+
+"Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling
+chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we
+are come across to Gunther's land."
+
+Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains
+stood by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher's men. Gunther and
+Hagen began to laugh thereat.
+
+Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand
+and yours must first decree."
+
+Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will
+make him steward."
+
+The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother's
+brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my
+castles and my lands, till that King Gunther's hand rule here."
+
+Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence
+to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung
+land. They dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the
+sand. Six and eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids,
+their bodies passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were
+fain to get them hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they
+left at home! In courtly wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her
+nearest kinsmen who were found at court. After a fair leave-taking they
+journeyed to the sea. To her fatherland the lady nevermore returned.
+Many kinds of games were seen upon the way; pastimes they had galore.
+A real sea breeze did help them on their voyage. Thus they fared forth
+from the land fully merrily. She would not let her husband court her
+on the way; this pleasure was deferred until their wedding-tide in
+the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good time she came right
+joyfully with all her knights.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure VIII.  This whole episode, in which Siegfried
+        fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on
+        Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in
+        the older versions.  It is a further development of
+        Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung
+        and became the ruler of the Nibelung land.  The fight with
+        Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former
+        episode.
+   (2)  "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a
+        measure of distance, as here.
+   (3)  "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.
+   (4)  "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of
+        'knowing'.  The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,
+        denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a
+        standing epithet of dwarfs.
+   (5)  "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret
+        mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.
+   (6)  "Mark".  See Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+
+When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg
+spake: "Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for
+Worms upon the Rhine. Our messengers should be e'en now in Burgundy."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting
+for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can
+acquaint them better with our journey home to court."
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlain,
+I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until
+we bring them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he
+knoweth how to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the
+journey, then must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon
+for your sister's sake."
+
+Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake:
+"Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a
+messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw
+near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may
+requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.
+
+Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther
+gan beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for
+Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it,
+as well as I."
+
+When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me
+what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair
+maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye
+command for love of her, shall all be done."
+
+"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this
+voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye
+let our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her
+mine and Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men.
+How well I have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And
+tell Ortwin, the dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at
+Worms along the Rhine. Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to
+hold with Brunhild a mighty wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she
+hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she give fair
+greeting to my bride. For that I will ever render Kriemhild service."
+
+The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed
+him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might
+there be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty
+men-at-arms to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised
+about, the courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been
+slain.
+
+Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,
+the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother,
+too. How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's
+side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the
+king my brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from
+us. Great scathe had her haughty love then brought us."
+
+"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his
+kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his
+messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however
+that may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must
+let them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are
+in high estate."
+
+Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have
+brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll
+answer that the maid will see you gladly."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be
+gladly done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me
+thither?"
+
+Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight
+spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To
+us is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther
+hath sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth
+with the king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He'll tell you the
+right tidings straight from Isenland."
+
+As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds
+they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This
+he did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble
+maid, addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful
+knight. Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween
+that we have lost him through Brunhild's strength. Woe is me, poor maid,
+that ever I was born."
+
+Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye
+passing fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left
+him safe and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He
+and his bride do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble
+queen. Now leave off your weeping, they'll come full soon."
+
+In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white
+hem she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the
+messenger for the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow
+and her weeping were taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full
+ready he was for this. Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue
+it, should I give you as an envoy's meed my gold. For that ye are too
+rich, but I will be your friend in other ways."
+
+"And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive
+gifts from your fair hand."
+
+Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her
+chamberlain go fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings,
+set with goodly gold, she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero's mood
+that he would not retain them, but gave them straightway to her nearest
+maidens, he found within the bower. Full kindly her mother offered him
+her service. "I am to tell you the tale," then spake the valiant man,
+"of what the king doth pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine. If ye
+perform that, my lady, he'll ever hold you in his love. I heard him
+crave that ye should give fair greetings to his noble guests and grant
+him the boon, that ye ride to meet him out in front of Worms upon the
+strand. This ye are right truly admonished by the king to do."
+
+Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever
+wise I can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman's
+love it shall be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the
+messenger of any prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed
+him, had she but dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!
+
+The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt
+and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up
+the seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too,
+were found at work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch
+their friends on every side, and made known to them the feasting that
+was to be. The many comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast.
+Everywhere the palace and the walls were decked out for the guests.
+Gunther's hall was passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus
+began full merrily this splendid feast.
+
+From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen
+of these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon
+those who were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly
+weeds was taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild's
+kinsmen ride along. Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in
+the Burgundian land. Ho, what bold knights were found on either side!
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at
+the greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will
+praise and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors,
+too, and bade the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth,
+on which the ladies should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better
+trappings might there never be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on
+the jet-black palfreys! From their bridles there gleamed forth many a
+precious stone. The golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on
+shining carpets for the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said,
+the palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard for the noble maids. One
+saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best of silk, of which
+tale might be told. Six and eighty ladies who wore fillets (1) in their
+hair were seen come forth. The fair ones came to Kriemhild wearing
+glittering robes. Then followed many a comely maid in brave attire,
+fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They were eke the best that
+might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with their flaxen hair and
+shining ribbons. That which the king desired was done with zeal. They
+wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that
+could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample
+beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur. Many an
+arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken sleeves,
+which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring to the
+end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above
+gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of
+Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were
+sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good
+cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her
+weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely
+maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a
+mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they
+carried many an ashen spear.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
+   (2)  "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
+        "ferrandine".
+   (3)  "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
+        front.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.
+
+Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking
+to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the
+bridle. All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When
+those of Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in
+boats, they hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the
+kindred of the king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale,
+too, of the queen, the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the
+maidens from the castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint.
+Duke Gere led Kriemhild's palfrey by the bridle till just outside
+the castle gate. Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her
+further. A fair maid was she! Later the noble dame requited well this
+deed. Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and
+maidens rode in pairs. Well may we aver that so many dames were never
+seen together at such stately greeting. Many a splendid joust was
+ridden by worshipful knights (not well might it be left undone) afore
+Kriemhild, the fair, down to the ships. Then the fair-fashioned ladies
+were lifted from the palfreys. The king was come across and many a
+worthy guest. Ho, what stout lances brake before the ladies' eyes! One
+heard the clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what costly bucklers rang
+loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the shore as Gunther and
+his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led Brunhild by the hand.
+Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth in rivalry. Lady Kriemhild
+walked with courtly breeding to meet Dame Brunhild and her train.
+White hands removed the chaplets, (1) as these twain kissed each other;
+through deference this was done.
+
+Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in
+these lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we
+have."
+
+Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving
+greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her
+daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When
+now Brunhild's ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many
+a comely woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were
+seen to stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the
+greetings all were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth.
+Still side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well
+the doughty warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast afore that
+such beauty had ne'er been seen as these two dames possessed, spied now
+with all their eyes and must confess the truth. Nor did one see upon
+their persons cheats of any kind. Those who wot how to judge of women
+and lovely charms, praised Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had
+seen more clear and spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before
+Brunhild.
+
+Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen
+arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by,
+the which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came
+crowding around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames
+were bidden go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the
+Burgundian land escorted them.
+
+Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many
+royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land
+had burst forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as
+champion. Many a maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks,
+Sir Siegfried and his knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a
+thousand stately Nibelungs.
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in
+gentle wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the
+dust, the which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot:
+"Let stand the steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full
+ready when that the king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely
+dames before the spacious hall."
+
+When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on
+pastime bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the
+hope of lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded
+to ride away.
+
+Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no
+longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a
+comely maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store
+of clothes were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors,
+after the custom of the land, until the king dismounted by the hall.
+Valiant heroes helped the ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens
+then parted; Lady Uta and her daughter went with their train to a
+spacious hall, where great noise of merriment was heard on every side.
+
+The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his
+guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in
+the king's domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with
+full many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told.
+Little they lacked that they should have! At the king's table many a
+lordly guest was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in
+basins of ruddy gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were
+ever better served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you that.
+
+Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands,
+Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had
+promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake:
+"Ye must remember how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild
+came to this land, ye would give me your sister to wife. Where be now
+these oaths? I have suffered mickle hardship on our trip."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my
+hand shall not be perjured. I'll bring it to pass as best I can."
+
+Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came with her
+fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir Giselher sprang
+down the steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister
+alone shall be here by the king."
+
+Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood
+noble knights from many princes' lands; throughout the broad hall one
+bade them stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped
+to the table, too. Then spake King Gunther: "Sweet sister mine, by thy
+courtesie redeem my oath. I swore to give thee to a knight, and if he
+become thy husband, then hast thou done my will most loyally."
+
+Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me.
+Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done.
+I'll gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to
+husband."
+
+Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then
+proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand
+at each other's side within the ring and asked if she would take the
+stately man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was
+Siegfried's luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand.
+The noble king of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he
+and the maid had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon
+the winsome maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The
+courtiers parted, when that had happed; on the bench over against the
+king Siegfried was seen to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many
+a man accompanied him as servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at
+Siegfried's side.
+
+The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied
+Kriemhild (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's side.
+She began to weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord
+of the land: "What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow
+dim? Ye may well rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately
+vassal own your sway."
+
+"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore
+because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal's side. I
+must ever weep that she be so demeaned."
+
+Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At
+another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister
+unto wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."
+
+She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would
+flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by
+your side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried's
+bride."
+
+Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath castles
+and broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king,
+therefore did I give him the peerless maid to love."
+
+But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.
+
+Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so
+passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his
+guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady's side.
+As yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him
+through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the
+guests leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would
+go to bed. Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the
+hall, as yet without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble
+chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the
+liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either side and many of the
+knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.
+
+The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the
+twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe
+of mood. Siegfried's pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord
+Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and with his noble love caressed the
+high-born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not
+for a thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I'll
+tell how Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther
+lay by Lady Brunhild's side. The stately knight had often lain more
+soft by other dames. The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The
+chamber soon was locked; he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth
+the time was still far off, ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy
+linen she went to bed. Then thought the noble knight: "Now have I here
+all that I have ever craved in all my days." By rights she must needs
+please him through her comeliness. The noble king gan shroud the lights
+and then the bold knight hied him to where the lady lay. He laid him at
+her side, and great was his joy when in his arms he clasped the lovely
+fair. Many loving caresses he might have given, had but the noble dame
+allowed it. She waxed so wroth that he was sore a-troubled; he weened
+that they were lovers, but he found here hostile hate. She spake: "Sir
+Knight, pray give this over, which now ye hope. Forsooth this may not
+hap, for I will still remain a maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye
+that."
+
+Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her
+clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a
+stout band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king
+great wrong enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and
+hung him on the wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep.
+Of a truth he came full nigh to death through her great strength.
+
+Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my
+bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and
+full seldom will I lie so near your side."
+
+She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang
+all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the
+casements. Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him
+now.
+
+"Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid
+spake, "and your servants found you bound by a woman's hand?"
+
+Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it
+gain me honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me
+lie now by your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch
+your garment with my hands."
+
+Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady
+he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom
+touched her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.
+
+Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great
+store was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the
+lord of the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As
+was the usage which they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and
+Brunhild no longer tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was
+sung. Thither, too, Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the
+crowd. In keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all
+that they did need, their crowns and robes as well. Then they were
+consecrated. When this was done, all four were seen to stand joyful
+'neath their crowns. Many young squires, six hundred or better, were now
+girt with sword in honor of the kings, as ye must know. Great joy rose
+then in the Burgundian land; one heard spear-shafts clashing in the
+hands of the sworded knights. There at the windows the fair maids sat;
+they saw shining afore them the gleam of many a shield. But the king had
+sundered him from his liegemen; whatso others plied, men saw him stand
+full sad. Unlike stood his and Siegfried's mood. The noble knight and
+good would fain have known what ailed the king. He hasted to him and gan
+ask: "Pray let me know how ye have fared this night, Sir King."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won; I have
+brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her,
+she bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall.
+There I hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me.
+How softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to
+thee as friend to friend."
+
+Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I'll do you this to
+wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that she lie by you
+so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold from you her love."
+
+After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried
+spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike
+last night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady
+Brunhild must become thy wife to-night. I'll come to thy chamber this
+night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts.
+Then let the chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out
+the lights in the pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within
+and that I'll gladly serve thee. I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou
+mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."
+
+"Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be
+glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an'
+thou didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."
+
+"I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her.
+The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever
+seen."
+
+Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.
+
+From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade
+the hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to
+the hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court
+was cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they
+should go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior
+followed to the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well
+he thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought
+him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his
+lady's love. He could scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men
+let fair Brunhild and Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what
+doughty knights were seen to walk before the queens!
+
+The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss
+without alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he
+vanished from before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer
+spied him, as she toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this
+wondereth me, whither the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from
+mine?"
+
+She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms
+of the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages'
+hands. Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he
+would; he bade the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done,
+the mighty king himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place
+two sturdy bolts. Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of
+the bed. Stout Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there
+was no help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him
+close by the high-born maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and
+it be lief to you, that ye suffer not hardship as afore."
+
+Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered
+not a whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a
+bit, that they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon
+the bed. Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king.
+In his arms he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon
+a bench near by, so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up
+sprang the valiant man with all his might; fain would he try again. When
+he thought now to subdue her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween,
+might nevermore be made by any wife.
+
+When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus
+my shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore,
+I'll have you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she
+grasped the peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the
+king, that she might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full
+sore, that he had rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle
+force and his giant strength? She showed the knight her masterly
+strength of limb; she carried him by force (and that must needs be) and
+pressed him rudely 'twixt a clothes-press and the wall.
+
+"Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's
+hands, then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty
+mien, who would never do it else."
+
+The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried
+was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set
+himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful
+wise. It thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She
+pressed his hands, till from her strength the blood gushed forth from
+out the nails: this irked the hero. Therefore he brought the high-born
+maiden to the pass that she gave over her unruly will, which she
+asserted there afore. The king heard all, albeit not a word he spake.
+Siegfried pressed her against the bed, so that she shrieked aloud.
+Passing sore his strength did hurt her. She grasped the girdle around
+her waist and would fain have bound him, but his hand prevented it in
+such a wise that her limbs and all her body cracked. Thus the strife was
+parted and she became King Gunther's wife.
+
+She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I'll do thee remedy for
+whatso I have done thee. I'll no longer struggle against thy noble
+love, for I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over
+women."
+
+Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off
+his clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that
+she wist it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout
+band. I know not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his
+wife and rued it sore in after time.
+
+Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover,
+as beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From
+his embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed
+through love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed
+her lovely form in lover's wise. Had she tried her strength again, what
+had that availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How
+right lovingly she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!
+
+Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by
+a woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to
+put and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as
+queen within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!
+
+On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore.
+Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands,
+whom he had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of
+service. The wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that
+in all this while the sound never died away of the many joys which there
+they plied. The cost to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the
+noble host gave gifts in his honor to the strolling folk, as the king
+commanded: vesture and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too. Those who
+there craved gifts departed hence full merrily. Siegfried, the lord from
+Netherland, with a thousand of his men, gave quite away the garments
+they had brought with them to the Rhine and steeds and saddles, too.
+Full well they wot how to live in lordly wise. Those who would home
+again thought the time too long till the rich gifts had all been made.
+Nevermore have guests been better eased. Thus ended the wedding feast;
+Gunther, the knight, would have it so.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.
+        "schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress
+        especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.
+        It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of
+        gold and silver.  (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im
+        Mittelalter", i, 387.)
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.
+
+When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake to his
+fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."
+
+Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake
+to her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too
+sore. First must my brothers share their lands with me."
+
+It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The
+lordings hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir
+Siegfried, that our true service be ever at your bidding till our
+death."
+
+Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such
+kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both
+land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to
+our power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."
+
+The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the
+lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and
+the folk therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which
+ye would give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier
+than any one alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do
+command, I stand ready to your bidding."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is
+it not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might
+gladly lead them to his land. Forsooth my brothers' hands must share
+them with me."
+
+Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish. Thou
+wilt find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. We will
+give thee a thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court
+retainers."
+
+Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask
+if they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.
+
+At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not
+give us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know
+full well the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain
+here with the kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till
+now have followed."
+
+They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild
+gained for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble
+train. The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all
+took leave, both knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle
+right. Anon they parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's
+land. Their kinsmen bare them company far upon the way and bade them
+pitch their quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the
+princes' land.
+
+Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know,
+and Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's child,
+Kriemhild, the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might
+they never have. "Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have
+lived to see fair Kriemhild here as queen. My heritage will be thereby
+enhanced. My son, the noble Siegfried, shall himself be king."
+
+Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy gold;
+this was the envoy's meed. The tale well liked her, which then she
+heard. She clad her and her handmaids with care, as did beseem them. Men
+told who was to come with Siegfried to the land. Anon they bade seats be
+raised, where he should walk crowned before his friends. King Siegmund's
+liegemen then rode forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted
+than the famous hero in Siegmund's land, I know not. Siegelind, the
+fair, rode forth to meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty
+knights did follow on behind), a full day's journey, till one espied the
+guests. Home-folk and the strangers had little easement till they were
+come to a spacious castle, hight Xanten, (2) where they later reigned.
+
+Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and
+Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship
+received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund's
+hall, and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a
+knight gan serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting
+at the Rhine was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes
+than they had worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels
+might be told. When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all,
+what gold-hued clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well
+worked thereon! Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.
+
+Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's kin
+to wit, that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of
+Netherland heard full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the
+cognizance, (3) and lands, so that he then was master of them all. When
+that men went to law and Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in
+such a wise that men feared sore fair Kriemhild's husband.
+
+In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king,
+till the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was
+come to pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened
+to baptize and name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be
+ashamed of this. Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full
+well. They brought him up with care, as was but due. In these same times
+the Lady Siegelind died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them
+of her. Then the child of the noble Uta held withal the power over the
+lands, which well beseemed such high-born dames. (4)
+
+Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's court, in
+the Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero's
+sake they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend
+him! The noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him
+up to be a doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered
+through misfortune!
+
+Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty
+knights dwelt alway in Siegmund's land. Gunther dealt the same with his
+distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung's knights and the
+goods of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed
+mightier than he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man.
+The very greatest heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned
+it aforetime, the bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand
+hard by a hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death. He
+had honors to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one must
+rightly aver of the noble champion, that he was one of the best that
+ever mounted horse. Men feared his might and justly, too.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.
+   (2)  "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.
+   (3)  "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'
+   (4)  "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.
+
+Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild
+bear her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath
+he done us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her
+peace. It irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers
+and that men from Siegfried's land so seldom served her. Fain would she
+have known from whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap
+that she should see Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in
+mind. The speech like the king but moderately well. "How might we bring
+them," quoth he, "hither to our land? That were impossible, they live
+too far away; I dare not ask them this."
+
+To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty
+a king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord
+command him."
+
+King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried,
+yet did he not count it to him as service.
+
+She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy
+sister come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might
+ever hap to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister's courtesie and
+her well-bred mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I
+first became thy wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."
+
+She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have
+never seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send
+my envoys for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for
+them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me
+also to know whom ye will send thither."
+
+"That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride
+thither."
+
+He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's
+land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.
+
+Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to
+mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that
+no one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to
+us to the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At
+the next Midsummer's Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who
+would fain do them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings,
+and say that I and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister,
+too, that she fail not to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem
+her better."
+
+Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended
+their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in
+Siegfried's land. With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the
+messengers set forth. They rode as wandering knights; their horses and
+their trappings had now been brought them. Then they voided the land,
+for they had haste of the journey, whither they would fare. The king
+bade guard the messengers well with convoys. In three weeks they came
+riding into the land, to Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway,
+(1) whither they were sent. Here they found the knight. The mounts of
+the messengers were weary from the lengthy way.
+
+Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who
+wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang
+from a couch on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the
+window. In the court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship
+that had been sent thither. What joyful things she there found against
+her sorrow of heart! She spake to the king: "Now behold where they
+stand, who walk in the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother
+sendeth us adown the Rhine."
+
+Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."
+
+All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then
+spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord,
+was right blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and
+men bade take their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence
+to where Lord Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had
+leave to go to court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at
+once and greeted well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship,
+Gunther's liegemen. One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.
+
+"Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us
+way-worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which
+Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you,
+and also what Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and
+Sir Gernot, too, and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and
+commend their service to you from out the Burgundian land."
+
+"Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and
+good, as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same. Ye must
+tell us more, whether our dear friends at home be of good cheer? Since
+we have been parted from them, hath any done amiss to my lady's kinsmen?
+That ye must let me know. If so, I'll ever help them bear it in duty
+bound, until their foes must rue my service."
+
+Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every
+virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by
+the Rhine. They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg
+my lady that she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They
+would see you before the next Midsummer's Day."
+
+Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."
+
+Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot,
+and Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily
+wail, that ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids
+be fain of the tidings, if that might be that they should see you
+again; this would raise their spirits high." These tidings thought fair
+Kriemhild good.
+
+Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured
+out for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come
+to where he saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in
+friendly wise: "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now
+Siegfried, my son, hath won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more
+often here in this our land, if ye would show your kinship."
+
+They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their
+weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers
+be seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given
+great store. They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last
+the doughty knights made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their
+land.
+
+Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them
+what they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman
+Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would
+go full gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg
+Kriemhild, too, that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in
+what manner she shall ride thither. Though I must harry for them through
+thirty lands, yet would Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."
+
+Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting,
+we will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a
+thousand knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy
+land."
+
+Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why
+make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with
+you and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."
+
+"And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried,
+"glad shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."
+
+All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.
+
+Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good
+and speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife's kindred on
+the Rhine, that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and
+Kriemhild, as the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of
+gifts that their horses could not bear them to their native land. A
+wealthy man was he. They drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.
+
+Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that
+very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best that were at hand or
+might be found throughout all Siegfried's land. Men gan prepare the
+saddles and the shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with
+him was given whatso they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought
+to his kinsfolk many a lordly stranger.
+
+The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the
+knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from
+their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther's hall. Young and old
+did hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight:
+"When I tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."
+
+With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy
+the king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they
+were come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried,
+from whom so much of gladness hath happed to me?"
+
+Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer
+tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and
+his father, too, have sent to you."
+
+Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh
+Kriemhild to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how
+to use?"
+
+"She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.
+
+Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one
+might note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were
+well. He told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor
+were the gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them,
+gold and vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings
+to see. For their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.
+
+"He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not
+squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath
+closed upon the hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the
+Burgundian land!"
+
+All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the
+men of the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the
+folk. The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All
+time they had to oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a
+bench. Ortwin helped them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks.
+Rumolt, the master cook, how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many
+a broad kettle, pot, and pan they had! They made ready the vitaille for
+those who were coming to the land.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Norway".  The interpolated character of the Adventures XI
+        to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is
+        shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.
+        The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and
+        locates it in Norway.  No mention is made, however, of the
+        messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild
+        speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The Feasting.
+
+Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild
+and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine.
+Never did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for
+the way full many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the
+queen as well, rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of
+joys. Later it sped them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried's
+little child, Kriemhild's son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief
+befell him through their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his
+father and his mother more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund.
+Had he known aright how he would fare at the feasting, no whit of it
+would he have seen. No greater woe might ever hap to him in loving
+friends.
+
+Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band
+there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and Gunther's liegemen. The
+host gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and
+asked: "How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like
+manner must ye greet Siegfried's wife."
+
+"That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her
+friend."
+
+The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if
+ye would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within
+the castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."
+
+At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best
+they had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may
+lightly say, they did this gladly. Gunther's men hasted also for to
+serve them, and around him the host did gather all his knights. Then
+the queen rode forth in princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome
+guests was done. With what great joy did they receive them! It thought
+them as though Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in
+the Burgundian land. Those who had never seen her became acquaint with
+lofty mood.
+
+Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending
+to and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there
+against the jostling and the dust.
+
+When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how
+lovingly he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we
+shall be of good cheer because of this your journey to our court."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my
+son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go
+to see you."
+
+At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."
+
+Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none
+bare him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great
+courtesie. I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.
+
+Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many
+saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the
+sward. How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women
+now drew near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair
+greeting passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors
+standing by the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each
+other by the hand. Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from
+fair-fashioned dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen
+for to see. They bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host
+bade show his guests full well that all were fain to see them in the
+Burgundian land. Many a royal joust took place before the high-born
+maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too, proved full well their prowess.
+One durst not leave undone whatso they would command. Much service was
+rendered by them to the welcome guests. Many shields were heard resound
+from thrusts and blows before the castle gate. The host and his guests
+tarried long time without, or ever they came within. Forsooth the hours
+passed quickly for them with their sports. Merrily they rode before the
+royal palace. Many cunning housings (2) of good cloth and well cut
+were seen hanging on either side from the saddles of the fair-fashioned
+dames.
+
+Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to
+their easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who
+was passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam
+in lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout.
+Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then
+gan lodge the retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke
+without. Never were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them
+gladly all they craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there
+denied. Men served them in friendly wise without all hate. The host now
+took his seat at table with his guests. One bade Siegfried be seated
+where he sate afore. Then many a stately man went with him to the seats.
+Twelve hundred warriors in sooth did sit at his round table. Brunhild
+thought her that a vassal could not be mightier than he; yet she was
+still so friendly to him that she did not wish his death.
+
+On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes
+were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service
+was given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts,
+men bade the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever
+they were come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all
+enow with goodly honors.
+
+When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone
+from the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched
+by woman's hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had
+fully dawned, many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then
+rose a merry rout before the early mass, which was sung for the king.
+There young heroes rode so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many
+a trumpet rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did
+grow so great that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The
+high-mettled heroes horsed them everywhere. Then there rose in the land
+high knightly play from many a doughty champion; one saw a great rout
+of them whose youthful hearts beat high, and many a dapper knight and a
+good stood armed with shield. At the easements sate the high-born dames
+and many comely maids, decked out in brave attire. They watched the
+pastimes of the many valiant men. The host himself gan tilt there with
+his friends. Thus they passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.
+
+Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came,
+the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens.
+They alighted on the green before the minster; Brunhild was still
+friendly to her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the spacious
+church. Later their love was parted, which caused great hate. When they
+had heard the mass, they rode away again with many honors and were soon
+seen going merrily to table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag
+until the eleventh day.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving
+        folk'.
+   (2)  "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each Other.
+
+On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many
+knights made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for
+pastime's sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to
+gaze. The royal queens had sat them down together and talked of two
+worshipful knights.
+
+Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should
+rule over all these kingdoms."
+
+Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he
+and thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther
+liveth, this may never hap."
+
+Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right
+royally he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the
+stars? Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."
+
+Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and
+fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother
+of thine. Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not
+lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost
+thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther's peer."
+
+"Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not
+spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them
+first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when
+he won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king,
+and Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my
+vassal, sith I heard him speak thus himself."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble
+brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's bride?
+Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my
+sake thou kindly leave off this speech."
+
+"I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife. "Why should I give up so
+many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"
+
+Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego
+that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier than my brother
+Gunther, the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee
+say. Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so
+much power over us twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a
+time. By right I should be spared thy overweening pride."
+
+"Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife. "I would fain see
+whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."
+
+The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady
+Kriemhild: "This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for
+thy liegeman, now must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether
+I durst walk before the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am
+noble and free and that my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I
+myself be taxed therewith. Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman
+goeth to court before the knights of the Burgundian land. I myself
+shall be more worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a
+crown." Great hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.
+
+Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so
+must thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to
+church."
+
+To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."
+
+"Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife. "I must be here
+without reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds.
+Brunhild shall fain deny what she hath here averted."
+
+They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and
+maid attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with
+her train. Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty
+maidens with her, whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore
+bright vesture wrought in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids
+betook them to the minster. All Siegfried's men awaited them before the
+house. The folk had marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen
+thus sundered, so that they did not walk together as afore. From this
+did many a warrior later suffer dire distress. Here before the minster
+stood Gunther's wife, while many a good knight had pastime with the
+comely dames whom they there espied.
+
+Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind
+of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but
+the wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the
+wives of thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An' one
+would wish to, yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly
+dresses as at this time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild
+had not done it, save to anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious
+minster. Through her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise
+bade Kriemhild stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk before the
+queen."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held
+thy peace, 'twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair
+body of thine. How might a vassal's leman (1) ever be the wife of any
+king?"
+
+"Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.
+
+"That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed
+by Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy
+maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick.
+Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear
+thee make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.
+
+"I' faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."
+
+"What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee.
+With words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it
+will ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."
+
+Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster
+with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from
+which bright eyes grew dim and moist.
+
+Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed far
+too long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave
+knight and a good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now
+went forth and stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must
+tell me more of what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me.
+Hath Siegfried made boast of this, 'twill cost his life."
+
+Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild
+spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must
+ye let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I'll prove
+it by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought
+me when he first lay at your side."
+
+Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of
+gold was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in
+evil wise. I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it from me."
+
+Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.
+
+Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better
+to have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear. I'll prove it
+by the girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my
+Siegfried became thy lord."
+
+She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth
+'twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and
+all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I
+will let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly
+that I be Siegfried's wife."
+
+The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how
+gently he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"
+
+She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain
+part me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver
+that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."
+
+Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."
+
+"She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy
+gold. It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou
+clearest me of this passing great shame, for that I'll serve thee ever."
+
+King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if
+he hath made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of
+Netherland." One bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.
+
+When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how
+quickly then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for
+what cause the king hath had me fetched."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady
+Brunhild hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the
+first to clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy
+wife, doth say."
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue
+it sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with solemn oaths in
+front of all thy men, that I have not told her this."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost
+offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."
+
+They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold,
+stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy
+great innocence is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that
+of which my sister doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this
+thing."
+
+Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened
+Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."
+
+Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should
+so train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave
+haughty words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll do the same to
+mine. In truth, I do shame me of her great discourtesie."
+
+Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore,
+that it moved King Gunther's men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to
+his sovran lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had.
+She told him then the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild's lord
+should rue it sore, or he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot
+joined their parley and these heroes counseled Siegfried's death.
+Giselher, the son of the noble Uta, came hither too. When he heard the
+talk, he spake full true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this?
+Siegfried hath not merited forsooth such hate, that he should therefore
+lose his life. Certes, women oft grow angry over little things."
+
+"Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would
+gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege
+lady, I will rather die, an' it cost him not his life."
+
+Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and
+honor, so let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the
+knight? He was ever faithful to us and that right willingly."
+
+Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth
+avail him aught. If my lord permit, I'll do him every evil."
+
+So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this
+none followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the
+that if Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his
+sway. At this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.
+
+Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered
+before the minster in the presence of Siegfried's wife, even down to the
+hall! Enow of Gunther's men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be
+this murderous rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too,
+the wonderly bold man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match
+him, if he marked it."
+
+"No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring
+it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. Certes, Hagen hath
+broken with him for all time."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear. We'll bid messengers,
+that be not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon
+us openly. Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will
+take the field. When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and
+from this he shall lose his life, an' I learn the tale from the bold
+knight's wife."
+
+The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights
+gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women's
+quarreling full many a hero lost his life.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,
+        'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed.
+
+Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court
+and the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared.
+The very direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave
+to come before the king and say that they were Liudeger's men, whom
+Siegfried's hand had conquered afore and had brought as hostages to
+Gunther's land. He greeted then the messengers and bade them go and seat
+them. One among them spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have
+told the message we do bear you. This know, ye have of a truth many
+a mother's son as foe. Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave
+grievous sores, declare a feud against you and are minded to ride with
+an army to this land." The king waxed wroth when he heard This tale.
+
+Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or
+any else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles?
+This later brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering
+with his friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king's
+liegemen would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give
+up his plan. On a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of
+Netherland gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly? I'll help
+avenge it, hath any done you aught."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have
+challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."
+
+At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that with
+zeal, as beseemeth all your honors. I'll do yet to these knights as I
+did before; I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head
+your pledge of this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me
+ride to meet them with those I have. I'll let you see how fain I serve
+you. This know, through me it shall go evil with your foes."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were
+glad in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.
+
+Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."
+
+Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This
+was done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of
+Netherland get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike
+weeds. Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must
+stay here. We shall return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God
+give us luck. Ye must here make merry with the king."
+
+They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were
+enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout
+of men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their
+breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to
+quit the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for
+leave; sith they would void the land.
+
+"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare
+protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.
+Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend
+Hagen, think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear
+you hate. Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer,
+if I have done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble
+wife. "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero
+and a good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."
+
+"Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray
+tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do
+this for you than for any else."
+
+"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one
+would take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening
+mood; then the bold knight and a good were safe."
+
+"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him,
+pray let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot,
+on horse, will I ever be his guard."
+
+She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee
+trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well,
+mine own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been
+better left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow.
+When he slew the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of
+a truth in the blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in
+the fray. Yet am I in fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many
+javelins are cast by heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of
+mine. Alas, how oft I suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in
+the hope that thou wilt hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where
+men may wound the dear lord of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in
+faith. When the hot blood gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold
+hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt
+his shoulder blades. Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him
+there."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I
+may know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."
+
+She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:
+"With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,
+thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in
+the battle before his foes."
+
+"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
+
+The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband
+was thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence.
+The king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will
+warrior give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild
+trusted in his troth.
+
+Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He
+weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so
+near him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent
+in secret twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's
+land should still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the
+king. How loth Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his
+kinsmen's wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then
+to the king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will,
+friend Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this
+I'll ever serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my
+friends. Now that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting
+for bears and boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That
+Hagen, the faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my
+guests, that we ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make
+them ready. If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that
+liketh me as well."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd
+fain go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will
+ride to the pines."
+
+"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye
+will, four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is
+wont to go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
+
+Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told
+the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never
+use such faithlessness.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "bracke", used
+        here.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.
+
+Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry
+a-hunting in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars
+and bears and bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried
+in lordly guise; many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool
+spring he later lost his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife,
+had counseled. The bold knight then went to where he found Kriemhild.
+His costly hunting garb and those of his fellowship were already bound
+upon the sumpters, for they would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild
+have been more sorrowful. He kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let
+me see thee, lady, still in health and grant that thine eyes may see me
+too. Thou shalt have pastime with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at
+home."
+
+Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not
+say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord
+Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be
+your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did
+chase you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great
+cause to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we
+have not misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear
+my lord, that I counsel by my troth."
+
+He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here
+of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my
+friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."
+
+"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an
+evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It
+doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."
+
+In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then
+in a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw
+him in health again.
+
+Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many
+bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher
+stayed at home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the
+Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat
+and fish, and great store of other things, which so mighty a king might
+rightly have. They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green
+wood over against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade
+where they should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come.
+The hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the
+bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who
+shall lead us to the game within the wood?"
+
+"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords
+and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us
+divide the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He
+who doth hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen
+bided by another after that.
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath
+been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine
+woods." Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."
+
+Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space
+brought the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its
+lair the comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever
+the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his
+hand. His horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he
+gained the prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The
+beast which he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after
+which he found full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started
+this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a
+full sharp arrow. After the shot the lion ran the space of but three
+bounds. The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he
+speedily slew a bison and an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage
+shelk. (3) His horse bare him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor
+could hart or hind avoid him. Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar;
+when he began to flee, at once there came the master of the hunt and
+encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar did run against the
+valiant hero, but Kriemhild's husband slew him with his sword. Another
+huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he had felled
+him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well known
+to the Burgundian men.
+
+Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a
+deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."
+
+At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and
+the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise
+that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had
+let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must
+needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men
+should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the
+stalwart Siegfried was already standing by the fire. The chase was over,
+and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them
+thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's
+meiny bare then to the kitchen!
+
+Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A
+horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might
+find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen:
+"My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the
+quarters; I'll now give answer."
+
+Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake
+Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him
+smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started
+up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those
+behind: "I'll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach.
+Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he
+never so fast, he shall not escape us."
+
+The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would
+fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The
+mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the
+proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him.
+The bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught
+it and bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither
+scratch nor bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle
+and horsed him quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior
+and a good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise
+he rode to the quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A
+dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn
+of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him
+wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it
+was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was
+drawn over it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which
+any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend
+it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head to toe. From
+the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt
+many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good broad sword, that
+was so sharp that it never failed when 'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet;
+its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must
+tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the
+heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts. What he pierced therewith
+must needs die soon.
+
+Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
+him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
+saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
+loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly,
+that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had
+fear. Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he
+drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a
+firebrand scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!
+Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear
+grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had
+all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty
+men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such
+press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the
+whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could
+follow him but Kriemhild's husband, who caught and slew him with his
+sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it,
+averred he was a mighty man.
+
+Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon
+a fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they
+bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
+delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
+been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
+
+Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such
+great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the
+wine. Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your
+hunting-fellow. I have well deserved that they regard me, too."
+
+The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you
+remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die
+of thirst."
+
+Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the
+Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not
+drink to-day, how well will I avoid this in the future!"
+
+At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One
+should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled
+wine. (8) If that might not be, then men should have placed our benches
+nearer to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a
+good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."
+
+To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of
+thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne
+away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With
+false intent the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the
+game which Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever
+saw it gave him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth
+to Siegfried. When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It
+hath oft been told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband
+when he be minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
+
+Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that,
+and ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call
+give the prize to him who winneth."
+
+"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
+
+Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward
+at your feet." (9)
+
+How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold
+knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my
+trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he
+quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
+
+Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in
+two white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran,
+but men spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare
+away the prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid
+aside his quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough.
+The lordly stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was
+Siegfried's courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed
+forth, but the hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king
+had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the
+spring. Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream, and when he had
+drunken straightened up again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done
+the same, but now he paid for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from
+him both bow and sword and bounded then to where he found the spear;
+then he looked for the mark on bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried
+drank above the spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that
+his heart's blood spurted from the wounds almost on Hagen's clothes.
+Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed. Hagen left the spear a-sticking
+in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world had run from
+any man.
+
+When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started
+in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered.
+He weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid
+as he deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his
+sword, then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the
+spring and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit
+he was wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of
+precious stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst
+quite apart. Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was
+Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow
+the glade rang loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been
+Hagen's death, so sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good
+cause thereof. His hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of
+body melted quite away, for in bright colors he bore the signs of death.
+Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames enow.
+
+Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his
+blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause,
+at those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded
+spake: "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye
+have slain me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you.
+Alas, ye have acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born
+in after days will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore
+upon me. With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
+
+The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a
+hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and
+this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the
+Burgundians bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no
+need that he should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle
+blame. It had been better left undone."
+
+Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All
+our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who
+dare withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."
+
+"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your
+murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue
+me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I
+ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his
+kindred have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake
+Siegfried, "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the
+deadly wounded spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to
+any in the world, then let my dear love be commended to your grace and
+let it avail her that she be your sister. For the sake of your princely
+courtesie protect her faithfully. My father and my men must wait long
+time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
+
+The flowers on every side were wet with blood. With death he struggled,
+but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely.
+Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
+
+When the lordings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a
+shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen
+had done the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye
+must all hide it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as
+he rode alone a-hunting through the pine wood."
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be
+known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it
+trouble me however much she weep."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Lion."  It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
+        roam at large in the forests of Germany.  They were,
+        however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
+        poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
+        hunter.
+   (2)  "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
+        extinct.
+   (3)  "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
+        deer.
+   (4)  "Fragrance".  It was believed that the odor of the panther
+        attracted the game.  Compare the description of the panther
+        in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
+        surpass that of all ointments.
+   (5)  "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
+        connotation is not known.  Some interpret it to meau the
+        fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
+   (6)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (7)  "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
+        is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
+        did not disturb the poet.
+   (8)  "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
+   (9)  "Feet".  This was probably done as a handicap.  The time
+        consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
+        a start.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
+
+Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
+hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
+warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
+of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
+Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He
+bade place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when
+she went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild
+full seldom missed through sleep.
+
+Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild,
+the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
+vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
+him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord,
+but with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this
+Lady Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her
+ladies for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet,
+there doth lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
+
+Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it
+was her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
+protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure
+at his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they
+found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After
+her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:
+"Perchance it is a stranger knight."
+
+The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis
+Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen
+hath done the deed."
+
+The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand
+she raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him
+soon. There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The
+gracious queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is
+not carved with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done
+the deed, I'd ever plot his death."
+
+All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they
+grieved full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had
+cruelly avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
+
+Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all
+Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me
+bewail brave Siegfried."
+
+A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the
+Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could
+scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger
+came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I
+trow his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see
+his dear son alive.
+
+"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A
+wrong hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all
+other ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."
+
+Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which
+thou tellest me?"
+
+Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold
+Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
+
+Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales,
+that thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail
+him fully before my death."
+
+"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear
+yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."
+
+Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need. He and
+a hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands
+their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail.
+Then came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard
+the ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should
+dress them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great
+heaviness was buried in their hearts.
+
+Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas
+for the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my
+child and you of your husband among such good friends?"
+
+"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul
+would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin
+must ever weep because of me."
+
+Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow
+of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded
+from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's
+wife. They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his
+wounds and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty
+grief. Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be
+ever ready to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the
+deed."
+
+All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came
+with their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had
+in his troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he
+had great need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife,
+unless it be to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden
+to the hunt.
+
+Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief
+and how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the
+Nibelungs at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to
+hinder it. In kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin.
+The grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye
+wot naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye
+will all be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."
+
+With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The
+noble queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When
+they would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord
+Siegmund, ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my
+husband with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do
+him scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I
+will not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of
+ours. Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear
+with me my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights,
+to coffin the dear husband of mine."
+
+Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."
+
+None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were
+heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping.
+The noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they,
+too, were sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried,
+or for what cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the
+worthy burghers wept with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste
+to work a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it
+firm with strips of good hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.
+
+The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady
+bade them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster.
+Whatever friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells
+were ringing as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard
+the chant of many priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim
+Hagen also toward the sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs,
+clear sister, that we may not be free from this great scathe. We must
+ever lament for Siegfried's death."
+
+"That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth
+to you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on
+me, when I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth
+Kriemhild, "that it had happed to me."
+
+Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him
+guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all
+the folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."
+
+This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained
+murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's wounds do bleed, (1)
+as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen's. The wounds
+bled sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of
+those who wailed afore.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen
+did not do the deed."
+
+"I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends
+avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by you."
+
+Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again:
+"Now share with me this grief."
+
+Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where
+they found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild's
+men wept inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives,
+and children did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly
+bear his loss, wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake:
+"Sister mine, now comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We'll
+try to make it up to thee, the while we live."
+
+Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well
+towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The
+lady would not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle
+trouble. In a rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found
+none there that did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny
+mourned bitterly the stately man. When it was noised abroad that men
+sang in the minster and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of
+folk. What offerings they made for his soul's sake! He had good friends
+enow among these foes. Poor Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye
+must now be put to trouble for my sake, ye who wished him well and be my
+friends. For Siegfried's soul shall ye deal out his gold."
+
+No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or
+ever he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day.
+Great throng was there of Siegfried's friends.
+
+When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake:
+"Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone.
+With him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state
+three days and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God
+doth bid that death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of
+me, poor Kriemhild."
+
+The people of the town returned now to their lodgings. She begged the
+priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay.
+They spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained
+without all food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made
+known that men would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed.
+Then were the Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three
+days, as we hear tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a
+deal of work. What offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor,
+grew rich enow. Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught,
+these were bid go to mass with gold from Siegfried's treasure chamber.
+Since he might not live, many thousand marks of gold were given for his
+soul. She dealt out well-tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk
+were found. Enow of gold and silver was given to the poor. By her deeds
+she showed that she did love him fondly.
+
+Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the
+minster was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death,
+as one should do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told,
+full thirty thousand marks or better still were given to the poor for
+his soul's sake. Yet his great beauty and his life lay low. When God
+had been served and the chants were ended, much people fought 'gainst
+monstrous grief. Men bade bear him from the minster to the grave. Those
+were seen to weep and wail who missed him most. With loud laments the
+people followed hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man. They sang
+and read a service before they buried him. Ho, what good priests were
+present at his burial! Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the grave, her
+faithful heart was rung with grief, so that they must needs oft sprinkle
+her with water from the spring. Her pain was passing great; a mickle
+wonder it was that she ever lived. Many a lady helped her in her plaint.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye
+prove your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my
+woe, that I may see once more his comely head."
+
+She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break
+open the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With
+her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and
+good, thus dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then
+there happed a piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk,
+and soon they found the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the
+lovely fair have died of grief.
+
+When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him
+from the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men
+found Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three
+days would neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not
+so waste away their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows,
+as still happeneth oft enow.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Bleed".  This was not only a popular superstition, but also
+        a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had
+        not been discovered, or if any one was suspected.  The
+        suspected person was requested to approach the bier and
+        touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow
+        afresh if the one touching the body were guilty.  Our
+        passage is the first instance of its mention in German
+        literature.  A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364.
+        The usage was also known in France and England.  See the
+        instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",
+        930.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.
+
+Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her. Unto the queen
+he spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome
+guests. Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit
+treachery here in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet
+should ye not requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son's
+sake, of this shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the
+power which Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and
+also the crown shall be subject to you. All Siegfried's men shall serve
+you gladly."
+
+Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying
+for steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes.
+Men bade dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund
+would fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's mother gan beg her that she
+stay there with her kindred.
+
+The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the
+sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst
+stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have
+grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."
+
+To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of
+dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."
+
+"I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with
+thy brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of thy husband's
+death."
+
+Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."
+
+When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot
+and her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but
+little kith she had among Siegfried's men.
+
+"They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so
+strong but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and
+console your mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in
+truth."
+
+Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were
+brought for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land.
+Also all the trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters.
+Then the Lord Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild's side. To the lady he
+spake: "Siegfried's men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride
+away, for I be ill content in Burgundy."
+
+The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise
+me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."
+
+Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He
+spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear
+the crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not
+suffer, because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again,
+for the sake of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him
+orphaned. When your son groweth up, he will comfort your heart.
+Meanwhile many bold heroes and good shall serve you."
+
+"Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever
+fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."
+
+These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We
+might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would
+stay here with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more
+sorrowfully."
+
+"Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given
+safe-conduct to Siegmund's land, I'll bid them guard you well. To the
+care of you knights shall my dear child be given."
+
+When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of
+Siegmund's men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from
+Lady Kriemhild! He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly
+feasting," spake the noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to
+king or to his kinsmen, what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us
+nevermore in Burgundy."
+
+Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still
+take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his
+kinsmen be their deadly foes."
+
+He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright
+that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now
+first do I feel all my sorrow."
+
+Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were
+surely of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend
+them, should they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of
+none, but Gernot and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving
+wise. These brave and lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his
+loss. Courteously Prince Gernot spake: "God in heaven knoweth well that
+I be not to blame for Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was
+his foe. I mourn him justly."
+
+Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them
+from the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous
+then!
+
+How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild
+mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher
+alone; loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening
+pride. How Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her
+love or troth. Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest
+woe of heart.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.
+
+When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with
+his vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also
+often helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster,
+they built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and
+great, where, with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to
+go to church and did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither
+she went all time in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She
+prayed the good God to have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she
+bewept the knight full oft. Uta and her meiny comforted her all time,
+but so sorely wounded was her heart, that it booted naught, whatever
+comfort men did offer her. She had the greatest longing for her dear
+love, that ever wife did have for loving husband. One might see thereby
+her passing virtue; until her end she mourned, the while life lasted. In
+after days brave Siegfried's wife avenged herself with might.
+
+Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and this is
+true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther,
+nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister
+friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this
+might ye win great store, an' the queen would be our friend."
+
+The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will
+beg them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she
+might gladly see us win the hoard."
+
+"I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."
+
+Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was
+done, Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried
+it with the Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy
+spake: "Lady, ye mourn too long for Siegfried's death. The king will
+give you proof that he hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so
+greatly."
+
+She spake: "None chargeth him with this. 'Twas Hagen's hand that struck
+him, where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could
+I think that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full
+well," spake the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would
+I, poor wife, leave off my weeping. I'll never be a friend of him that
+did the deed." Then Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.
+
+When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand
+before her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her.
+Well he wot his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole. When now she would
+forego her hate of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted
+him better had she not been wronged by his advice; then might he have
+gone boldly unto Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought
+to pass with so many tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the
+one man alone, she pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the
+deed.
+
+Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained
+the hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was
+her marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot
+rode to fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should
+bring it from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight
+Alberich (2) and his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine
+coming for the hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught
+of the treasure dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth
+it to be her marriage morning gift. Yet should this never be done,"
+quoth Alberich, "but that with Siegfried we have foully lost the good
+Cloud Cloak, for fair Kriemhild's love did wear it alway. Now, alas,
+it hath fared ill with Siegfried, that the hero bereft us of the Cloud
+Cloak and that all this land did have to serve him."
+
+Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood
+Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the
+treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon
+the waves to the mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the
+hoard, the which twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear
+away from the hill in four days and nights and each must make the trip
+three times a day. There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men
+paid therewith the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been
+in worth. Forsooth Hagen did not crave it so without good cause. The
+greatest prize of all was a wishing-rod (3) of gold. He who knew its
+nature, might well be master over any man in all the world.
+
+Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they
+stored away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took charge of
+everything, chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men
+hear tales told of such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a
+thousand times as much, if the Lord Siegfried were but alive again,
+Kriemhild would fain have stood empty-handed at his side. No more
+faithful wife did hero ever win. Now that she had the hoard, she brought
+many unknown warriors to the land. In truth the lady's hand gave in
+such wise that men have never seen such bounty more. She used great
+courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the rich and the poor she
+began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she live yet a while,
+she would gain so many a man for her service that they would fare full
+ill.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I
+hinder that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed
+it, that she became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she
+deal out her silver and her gold."
+
+Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught
+of the heard. With her gifts she'll bring about the day when it well may
+rue the brave Burgundians sore."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her
+harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."
+
+Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."
+
+Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty
+store and Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother
+Gernot, when he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath
+done my sister much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his
+life, were he not my kin."
+
+Siegfried's wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Or ever
+we be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the
+Rhine, that it belong to none."
+
+Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake: "Dear
+brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life
+and goods."
+
+Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for
+now we think to ride."
+
+The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them
+that one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the
+hatred he bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was
+come again, Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at
+Loche, (4) in the Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The
+lordings came again and with them many men. With her maids and ladies
+Kriemhild gan bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly
+would Giselher have helped in all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath
+done wrong."
+
+Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor. They
+did him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate.
+Before Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty
+oaths that it should lie concealed as long as any one of them might
+live. Later they could not give it to themselves or any other.
+
+Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's end, and
+because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not
+in all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried's death, and
+this is true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she
+could not forget the warrior's death. She was true to him, as most folk
+owned.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary
+        for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after
+        the bridal night.  On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche
+        Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.
+   (2)  "Alberich", see Adventure III, note 8.  It is characteristic
+        of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.
+   (3)  "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried
+        treasure.  Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie," ii, 813.
+   (4)  "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the
+        Rhine province.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.
+
+That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought
+another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in
+the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead,
+they spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king
+ever won, then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her
+husband."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen
+and be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and
+therefore would not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that
+ever happed."
+
+The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the
+sake of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a
+trial for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."
+
+The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and
+the land by the Rhine?"
+
+Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known
+from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the
+noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use
+the highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always
+done."
+
+Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear
+the crown in this my land. An' she be so fair, as hath been told me, it
+shall never rue my dearest kin."
+
+"She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen.
+Certes, there might not be in all this world a king's bride more fair.
+He may well be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."
+
+He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if
+ever I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for it as best
+I may. Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure
+chambers I will bid thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and
+all thou wilt, that thou and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I'll
+bid full plenty of these things be made ready against thine errand."
+
+To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that
+were not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy
+hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May
+God keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune
+help me, that she look with favor on my suit."
+
+Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready
+arms and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will
+lead to the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I
+and mine be seen, all may say of thee: 'Never did any king send afar so
+many men in better wise than thou hast done to the Rhine.' If thou, O
+mighty king, wilt not turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that
+her noble love was subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son. Him thou hast
+seen here. (4) Men could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."
+
+Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was the
+noble prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh
+me well for her passing beauty."
+
+The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence
+in four and twenty days. I'll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that
+I myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."
+
+Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both
+sorrowful and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife.
+Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the
+message, a deal she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether
+she should gain a lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved
+her heart full sore.
+
+Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King
+Etzel was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their
+weeds. Then might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind
+awaited him; the young margravine, too, Rudeger's child, gladly saw her
+father and his men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble
+Rudeger rode from the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes
+were placed upon the sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a
+whit was taken from them.
+
+When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly
+bade lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw
+the host come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young
+margravine. To her his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to
+see the heroes from the Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden
+spake: "Now be my father and his men full welcome here."
+
+Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty
+knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger's mood. When at
+night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine
+put, whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady
+Gotelind, I'll gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another
+lady for my lord, sith that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for
+Kriemhild to the Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the
+Huns."
+
+"Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do hear
+such speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our
+lady for us in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear
+the crown in Hungary."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to
+ride with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel
+richly, then are they of lofty mood."
+
+She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I
+would not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part
+hence."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."
+
+Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers!
+With enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined
+from the neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that
+pleased him well.
+
+On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from
+Bechelaren. Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the
+Bavarian land. Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery's
+sake, and within twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the
+tidings not be hid; men told it to the king and to his liegemen, that
+stranger guests were come. The host gan say, if any knew them, he should
+tell him so. One saw their sumpters bear right heavy loads. 'Twas seen
+that they were passing rich.
+
+Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many
+strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft.
+The people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine.
+The host now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him.
+Then spake the knight of Troneg: "None of them have I ever seen, but
+when we now gaze upon them, I can tell you well from whence they ride
+hither to this land. They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not
+full soon." (5)
+
+Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship
+were come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good
+garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As
+well as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as
+if 'twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."
+
+"How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of
+Bechelaren be come to this land?"
+
+When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the
+good knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five
+hundred knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the
+men from Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes.
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord
+of Bechelaren and all his men, welcome in God's name."
+
+With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the
+king went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never
+have we seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."
+
+On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all
+their fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the
+king and with him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats;
+through their great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met
+the messengers! Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals
+warmly, as was his due. He took the good knight Rudeger by the hand
+and led him to the seat where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the
+guests (full gladly this was done) passing good mead and the best of
+wine that one might find in the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere
+both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had heard about the strangers.
+Merry they were of mood and greeted before the king the noble knights
+and good.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever
+requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the
+husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."
+
+King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare
+Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."
+
+To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know." He
+rose from his seat with all his men and spake to the king: "An' may that
+be that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the tidings that I
+bring, but will tell them willingly."
+
+Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these
+I'll let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my
+vassals hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."
+
+Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon
+the Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This
+message is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you
+his need. His folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master's
+wife, is dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned,
+daughters of noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth
+full piteously in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them
+faithfully. The king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."
+
+"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth
+his service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his
+greeting, and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."
+
+Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair
+Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."
+
+With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.
+
+Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me,
+O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent
+you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men
+told my lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be
+dead. If this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights,
+would ye but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."
+
+Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care
+to do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in
+these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her
+wish?"
+
+Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served
+so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunther's men.
+Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the
+third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full
+wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that
+Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save
+Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right
+wit, ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
+follow."
+
+"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure
+happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister.
+We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her
+honor."
+
+Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel
+as have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath
+danger happed to you by right."
+
+"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near
+him that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she become his
+wife."
+
+Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."
+
+For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords
+would think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble
+king. Hagen still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight
+Giselher of Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make
+her to forget the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune
+she may have, this ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister
+so many an ill," continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she
+hath good cause, if she be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady
+of greater joys."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and
+live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in whatever way she can.
+Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."
+
+To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to
+Etzel's land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that
+maketh for our honor."
+
+Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild wear
+the crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give
+it over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."
+
+Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all act as
+traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever
+ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."
+
+Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and
+Giselher, the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at
+last, if Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.
+
+Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor
+upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can
+well requite her of all the wrongs that have been done her."
+
+Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she
+received him. How quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly
+and give me a messenger's meed. Fortune is about to part you from all
+your woes. For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that
+ever gained a kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath
+sent envoys hither. Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me
+tell you."
+
+Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my
+kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man
+who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"
+
+Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher,
+the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in
+truth, could she but take the king.
+
+None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the
+knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to
+see the messengers."
+
+"I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see
+the Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither,
+whoever else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted
+with me. Pray bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I'll let him hear my
+will in full and tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake
+forth anew.
+
+The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the
+high-born queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but
+let the knight persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow
+when mass was sung, the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those
+who should go to court with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed.
+Full sad of mood, the high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and
+good. He found her in the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids
+wore rich clothes enow. She went to meet him to the door and greeted
+full kindly Etzel's liegeman. Only as one of twelve he went to meet her.
+Men offered him great worship, for never were come more lofty envoys.
+They bade the lording and his vassals seat them. Before her were seen to
+stand the two Margraves Eckewart and Gere, the noble knights and good.
+None they saw merry of mood, for the sake of the lady of the house. Many
+fair women were seen to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her
+grief; her dress upon her breast was wet with scalding tears. This the
+noble margrave noted well on Kriemhild.
+
+Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you,
+permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and
+tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."
+
+"Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear
+it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."
+
+The others noted well her unwilling mood.
+
+Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king,
+hath in good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers
+hither to this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your
+love. Great joy without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready
+to give you constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay
+within his heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full
+often joyless days."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my
+bitter sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the
+best of husbands that ever lady won."
+
+"What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy.
+When that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught
+availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble
+master, ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord
+will give you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand
+hath overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen,
+who were subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and
+princely race, who owned her sway." Thus spake the brave knight and
+bold. "Thereto my lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would
+deign to wear with him the crown, the very highest power which Helca
+ever won; this shall ye rule before all Etzel's men."
+
+Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero's
+bride? Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live
+joyless unto mine end."
+
+To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's court
+will be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an' it come to
+pass, for the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca's damosels
+and your maids shall together form one retinue, at sight of which
+warriors may well be blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare
+well in truth."
+
+With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow
+early, when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to
+what ye have in mind."
+
+The bold knights and good must needs obey.
+
+When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for
+Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping
+did beseem her and naught else better.
+
+Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I
+can well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish,
+and thou takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this
+thinketh me well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake
+Giselher again; "from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the
+sea, there be no other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice,
+an' he make thee his wife."
+
+She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping
+and wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his
+knights? Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."
+
+To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel
+thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with
+thee. I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."
+
+Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she
+might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband's side
+of yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never
+have again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall
+I give my body to a paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the
+world must I bear shame. An' he gave me all the kingdoms in the world
+still 1 would not do it."
+
+Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady
+lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the
+morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come
+and took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the
+king of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry.
+Then they bade fetch hither Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken
+their leave, whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost
+their suit. Rudeger came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn
+aright the noble prince's mind. To all it seemed well that this be done
+betimes, for long was the way back into their land. Men brought Rudeger
+to where Kriemhild was found. Winningly the knight gan beg the noble
+queen to let him hear what message she would send to Etzel's land. I
+ween, he heard from her naught else than no, that she nevermore would
+wed a man. The margrave spake: "That were ill done. Why would ye let
+such beauty wither? Still with honor may ye become the bride of a worthy
+man."
+
+Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in
+secret that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At
+this her great sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let
+be your weeping. If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful
+kin and liegemen, sore must he repent it who had ever done you aught."
+
+At this the lady's mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an
+oath, that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my
+wrongs."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."
+
+Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her
+faithfully and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel's
+land would ne'er refuse her aught.
+
+Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many
+friends, I'll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear
+husband's death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath
+so many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an' I command them. He is
+likewise so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen
+hath bereft me of my goods."
+
+To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly
+would I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many
+knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at his court.
+What if ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened?
+Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye
+should now give over your sadness."
+
+They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King
+Etzel's bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to
+the Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will
+take me to his land."
+
+Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more.
+'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine.
+No longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred
+vassals and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye
+bid, both here and there at home. I'll do by you the same whenever ye
+do mind me of the tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for
+your horses be made ready (Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and
+tell it to your maids, whom ye would take along, for many a chosen
+knight will meet us on the road."
+
+She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's time, so
+that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she
+would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames!
+Albeit they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready,
+for much had been told them of the king. They opened up the chests,
+which stood afore well locked. For four and one half days they were
+aught but idle; from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay
+therein. Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain
+would make all Rudeger's liegemen rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung
+land she still had such store that a hundred horses might not bear it;
+she weened her hand should deal it out among the Huns.
+
+This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will
+not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must stay behind. For why
+should I give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what
+Kriemhild will do with this hoard. I can well believe, an' she take it
+with her, that it will be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor
+have they steeds enow to bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it,
+pray tell Kriemhild that."
+
+When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told
+to all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not
+hap, the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye
+for the gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his
+eyes do light upon you, such store he'll give you that ye can never
+spend it all; this will I swear to you, my lady."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's daughter
+gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."
+
+Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the
+king in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild's gold was handed forth, a
+thousand marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased
+King Gunther.
+
+Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild
+all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it
+would mine or the queen's hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will
+none of it. Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can
+lightly do without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey
+in full lordly wise."
+
+Afore this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very
+best of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great
+store of women's trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her
+thought too great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she
+had still a thousand marks. For her dear husband's soul she dealt it
+out. This Rudeger thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the
+mournful lady: "Where be now my friends who for my sake would live in
+exile? Let those who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my
+treasure and purchase horses and trappings."
+
+Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first
+became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight,
+"and aye will do the same by you until mine end. I will take with
+me also five hundred of my men and place them in your service right
+loyally. Naught shall ever part us, save death alone."
+
+For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.
+
+Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many
+tears were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed
+that they were sad at Kriemhild's loss. A hundred high-born maids she
+took with her hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from
+bright eyes the tears fell down, but soon at Etzel's court they lived
+to see much joy. Then came Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their
+fellowship, as their courtesie demanded. Fain would they escort their
+dear sister hence; of their knights they took with them full a thousand
+stately men. Then came Ortwin and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master
+of the kitchen, must needs be with them, too. They purveyed them night
+quarters as far as the Danube's shore, but Gunther rode no further than
+a little from the town. Ere they fared hence from the Rhine, they had
+sent their messengers swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who
+should tell the king that Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble
+high-born queen.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.
+   (2)  "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the
+        daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the
+        "Thidreksaga" calls him.  In the latter work (chap. 73-80)
+        we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her
+        father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride.
+        On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see
+        Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.
+   (3)  "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the
+        "Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an
+        historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.
+        Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself
+        an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with
+        castles and lands in fief.  He may have been introduced, as
+        Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role
+        originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.
+        Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.
+        Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach
+        with the Danube.
+   (4)  "hast seen here".  "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich
+        had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's
+        court.
+   (5)  "full soon".  See Adventure III, note 4.
+   (6)  "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),
+        'heathen'.
+   (7)  "gold for offerings".  This was the gold to be used as
+        offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen
+journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from
+her. They had served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1)
+on the Danube they rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for
+they would ride again to the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen
+might not part. Doughty Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever,
+lady, thou shouldst need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but
+know, and I will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."
+
+Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took
+their leave of Margrave Rudeger's men. The queen had with her many a
+fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes
+of rich, gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the
+ladies on the road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.
+
+They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the
+tale was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where
+still a cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In
+the town of Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and
+the prince's court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers
+in the Bavarian land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild.
+The knights of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so
+many comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble
+knights. Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.
+
+With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the
+burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's sister's
+child, well was she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope
+that they would stay. Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must
+fare further down to Rudeger's land. Many knights await us, for all wot
+well the news."
+
+Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with
+care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should
+cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the
+Enns (3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw
+on every side the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet
+their guests. Now was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were
+from the Bavarian land who might perchance have done the guests much
+harm, had they robbed upon the roads, as was their wont. That had been
+forestalled by the lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or more.
+
+Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a
+noble knight in lordly vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5)
+upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests
+should have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to
+his guests. Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the
+road there trotted many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair
+was the welcome; right well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to
+meet them on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a
+knight. They practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor
+did the service of the knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger's
+liegemen met the guests, many truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high
+from the warriors' hands in knightly custom. As though for a prize they
+rode before the ladies there. This they soon gave over and many warriors
+greeted each other in friendly wise. Then they escorted fair Gotelind
+from thence to where she saw Kriemhild. Scant leisure had they who wot
+how to serve the ladies.
+
+The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble
+margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part
+her cares had given way to joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade
+her dismount with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a
+noble knight bestirred him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then
+Kriemhild spied the margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she
+drew, but checked the palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her
+quickly from the saddle. Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his
+sister's child to Gotelind. All stood aside at once. Then the exiled
+queen kissed Gotelind upon the mouth. Full lovingly spake Rudeger's
+wife: "Now well is me, dear lady, that I have ever seen with mine own
+eyes your charming self in these our lands. Naught liefer might hap to
+me in all these times."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I
+and Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that
+ye have seen me here."
+
+Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each
+other in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their
+service. After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With
+many they became acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As
+it was now high noon, men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The
+noble meiny no longer tarried, but rode to where they found many broad
+pavilions; there ample service stood ready for the guests.
+
+That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren
+made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned,
+that little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open,
+the castle at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men
+were fain to see; the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most
+lovingly Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.
+There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-born maid
+was greeted with delight. They took each other by the hand and hied
+them hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair, under which the Danube
+flowed along. Towards the breeze they sate and held great pastime. What
+more they did I cannot tell, save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were
+heard to grumble that they fared so slowly on their way, for much it
+irked them. Ho, what good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!
+
+Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind's
+daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she
+brought to Etzel's land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her,
+yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still
+might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In
+turn the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such
+friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not
+wear her jewels or her lordly robes.
+
+When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by
+the lady of the house to Etzel's bride. The fair young margravine, too,
+was much caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you
+good, I know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to
+the Hunnish land." How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her
+truly.
+
+The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren
+and the noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter. With
+a greeting many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each
+other since these days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands
+many a rich cup of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers
+on the highway. Thus they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight
+Astolt, (9) who showed them the road to the Austrian land, towards
+Mautern (10) down the Danube. There the noble queen was later served
+full well. From his niece the bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled
+her that she should bear her well and that she should purchase honor
+for herself, as Helca, too, had done! Ho, what great worship she later
+gained among the Huns!
+
+To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger's men
+purveyed them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land.
+Then the queen became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the
+king of the Hunnish land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer,
+(12) known far and wide. Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such
+great virtues that it might not lightly ever hap again, unless it be
+through Kriemhild. She wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow
+she had the joy that Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which
+she later won great store among the heroes. Etzel's rule was known far
+and wide, so that all time one found at his court the boldest warriors
+of whom men ever heard, among Christian or among paynim. They were all
+come with him. All time there were at his court, what may not so lightly
+hap again, Christian customs and also heathen faith. In whatsoever wise
+each lived, the bounty of the king bestowed on all enow.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt.  A ferry
+        across the river existed here from ancient times.
+   (2)  "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an
+        historical personage.  He was bishop of Passau from 971 to
+        991.  Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to
+        Boer between 1181 and 1185.  See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.
+        Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.
+   (3)  "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the
+        Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of
+        Linz.
+   (4)  "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,
+        about thirteen miles west of Linz.
+   (5)  "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,
+        forty-four miles southeast of Linz.
+   (6)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (7)  "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in
+        the "Klage", and in "Biterolf".  In the earlier Norse
+        version "Atli" is the son of "Budli".  (On this point see
+        Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and
+        Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the
+        names are shown to be identical.)
+   (8)  "Medelick" is the modern Mölk, or Melk, a town on the Danube
+        near the influx of the Bilach.  It lies at the foot of a
+        granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.
+   (9)  "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known
+        of him.
+   (10) "Mautern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite
+        Stein in Lower Austria.
+   (11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower
+        Austria, emptying near Traismauer.
+   (12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure").  All the MSS. but C and
+        D have this reading.  The latter have "Treysenmoure" and
+        "treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern
+        name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna.  It is
+        possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was
+        originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from
+        Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.
+        See Lachmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,
+        note to str. 1333.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.
+
+Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon
+the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were
+burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through Austria. Then the
+king was told aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at
+thought of this his sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the
+lovely Kriemhild. Men saw ride before King Etzel on the road many bold
+knights of many tongues and many mighty troops of Christians and of
+paynims. When they met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise. Of
+the Russians and the Greeks there rode there many a man. The right good
+steeds of the Poles and Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly, as they
+rode with might and main. Each did show the customs of his land.
+From the land of Kiev (1) there rode many a warrior and the savage
+Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they often shot at the birds which flew
+there; to the very head they drew the arrows on the bows.
+
+By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call
+Tulna. (3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the
+which size had never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came
+through her to grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and
+noble, courtly and lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of
+lofty birth. They would fain behold their lady and craved naught more.
+Duke Ramung (4) of Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up
+before her; like flying birds men saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeck
+with lordly bands. The doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men,
+wheeled from the king away towards the queen. Loudly they shouted after
+the custom of their land. Madly too rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then
+came brave Hawart (6) of Denmark and the doughty Iring, (7) free of
+guile was he, and Irnfried (8) of Thuringia, a stately man. With twelve
+hundred vassals, whom they had in their band, they greeted Kriemhild,
+so that she had therefrom great worship. Then came Sir Bloedel, (9)
+King Etzel's brother, from the Hunnish land, with three thousand men.
+In lordly wise he rode to where he found the queen. Then King Etzel
+came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his fellowship. There stood many
+worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good. At this Dame Kriemhild's
+spirits rose.
+
+Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the
+high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may
+not greet alike King Etzel's men."
+
+From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty,
+bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man.
+Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we
+are told, walked by the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went
+to meet her, where she greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious
+wise. She raised her veil and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy
+hue. Many a man stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have
+been more fair than she. Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the
+king. Him Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King Gibeck,
+too. There also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of the warriors the king's
+bride kissed. She greeted many knights in other ways.
+
+All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful
+warriors did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a
+royal joust. This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according
+to their custom. In what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made
+truncheons from the shafts fly through the air, high above the shields,
+from the hands of doughty knights! Many a buckler's edge was pierced
+through and through by the German strangers. Great crashing of breaking
+shafts was heard. All the warriors from the land were come and the
+king's guests, too, many a noble man.
+
+Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them
+a royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with
+booths, where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely
+maid was shown to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then
+sate with the queen on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well
+purveyed the seats for Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at
+this King Etzel grew blithe of mood. What the king there spake, I know
+not. In his right lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's
+wise, since Rudeger would not let the king make love to Kriemhild
+secretly.
+
+Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the
+great rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them
+lodgings stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they
+lay at ease, till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a
+man betook him to the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of
+the king! Etzel bade the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they
+rode from Tulna to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame
+adorned. With great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride. There was
+ready for them in great plenty whatever they should have. Many a lusty
+hero rejoiced at prospect of the rout.
+
+The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge
+the guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town.
+Rudeger therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in
+the country round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild,
+Sir Dietrich and many another knight. Their rest they had given over
+for toil, that they might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his
+friends had pastime good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide,
+when King Etzel lay by Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first
+husband, I trow, she did not win so many men for service. Through
+presents she made her known to those who had never seen her. Full many
+among them spake to the guests: "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had
+naught of goods, now hath she wrought many wonders with her gifts."
+
+The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any
+king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis hidden from us.
+All that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt
+before in Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was
+rich in goods, I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she
+saw stand 'fore Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast
+so many costly mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which
+all had here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake. Her friends and
+the strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any
+craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of the knights through
+bounty stood bereft of clothes. Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with
+her noble husband by the Rhine; her eyes grew moist, but she hid it full
+well, that none might see it. Great worship had been done her after
+many a grief. Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of
+Dietrich. What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite.
+Rudeger's lavish hand did also many wonders. Prince Bloedel of Hungary
+bade empty many traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all
+this was given away. The king's champions were seen to live right
+merrily. Werbel and Swemmel, (10) the minstrels of the king, each gained
+at the wedding feast, I ween, full thousand marks, or even better, when
+fair Kriemhild sate crowned at Etzel's side.
+
+On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were
+pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King
+Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient
+Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force
+they rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's
+native land! At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which
+men saw flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were
+solid earth. The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships
+were lashed together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm.
+Upon them many a goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land
+and plain.
+
+From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and
+wives therein were glad. Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their
+mistress, passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side. There
+many a noble maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca's
+death. Kriemhild found still seven royal princesses there, through whom
+all Etzel's land was graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat
+(14) cared, the daughter of Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly
+virtues, the betrothed of Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin's (15)
+daughter; much worship she later had. Blithe of heart she was at the
+coming of the guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared.
+Who might tell the tale of how the king held court? Never had men lived
+better among the Huns with any queen.
+
+When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble
+Kriemhild was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the
+better. Ho, how royally she ruled in Helca's stead! She became acquaint
+with much loyal service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk
+and precious stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to
+Hungary must needs be given all away. All the king's kinsmen and all
+his liegemen then owned her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so
+mightily as she, whom they now must serve till Kriemhild's death. The
+court and all the land lived in such high honors, that all time men
+found the pastimes which each heart desired, through the favor of the
+king and his good queen.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the
+        southwestern part of Russia.  Its capital of the same name,
+        situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known
+        cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an
+        important station of the Hanseatic league.
+   (2)  "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the
+        north of the Caspian.  By conquest they acquired a kingdom
+        extending from the Don to Transylvania.  They were feared
+        for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded
+        the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.
+   (3)  "Tulna" (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town
+        of Lower Austria, seventeen miles northwest of Vienna on the
+        Danube.
+   (4)  "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our
+        poem, nothing else is known of them.
+   (5)  "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but
+        nothing otherwise is known of him.
+   (6)  "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,
+        who is reputed to have played an important part in the
+        conquest of Thuringia.  He evidently comes from the Low
+        German version.
+   (7)  "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an
+        ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or
+        "Iringi".  He occurs in a legend of the fall of the
+        Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role
+        that the Milky Way was named after him.  See W. Grimm,
+        "Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the
+        connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a
+        confusion.
+   (8)  "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who
+        was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the
+        aid of the Saxons.  See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,
+        73-79.  He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.
+   (9)  "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he
+        reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445.  In our poem the
+        name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as
+        "Bloedelin".
+   (10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction
+        to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with
+        the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's
+        court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of
+        their rank.  Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form
+        "Swemmelin".
+   (11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.
+   (12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,
+        twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.
+   (13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of
+        Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of
+        Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no
+        definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics.  See
+        Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506.  The name occurs in
+        documents as late as the fifteenth century.
+   (14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently
+        mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed.  She
+        is spoken of as the exiled maid.
+   (15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else
+        is known of him.  See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.
+
+With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh
+year. In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel
+could not have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she
+brought it to pass that Etzel's child was christened after the Christian
+rite. Men named it Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of
+Etzel's lands. Whatever courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame
+Kriemhild practiced this full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who
+in secret grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was
+she known to the strangers and the home-folk. They vowed that never had
+a kingdom had a better or more bounteous queen. This they held for true.
+She bare this praise among the Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot
+she well, that none would thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a
+prince's wife, and that all time she saw twelve kings stand before
+her. Over many a wrong she brooded, that had happed to her at home. She
+thought likewise on the many honors in the Nibelung land, which she
+had there enjoyed and of which Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at
+Siegfried's death, and if perchance she might not make him suffer for
+his deed. "That would hap, if I might but bring him to this land." She
+dreamed that Giselher, her brother, walked often with her hand in hand.
+Alway she kissed him in her gentle slumber; later suffering came to
+both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel Kriemhild this, that she
+withdrew her friendship from Giselher, whom for forgiveness' sake she
+had kissed in the Burgundian land. At this hot tears again gan soil her
+robe. Early and late it lay within her heart, how without fault of hers
+they had made her wed a heathen man. Hagen and Gunther had brought her
+to this pass. This wish she seldom gave over in her heart. She thought:
+"I am so mighty and have such great wealth, that I can do my foes an
+injury yet. Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen of Troneg. My
+heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin. Might I be with those who
+did me wrong, my lover's death would be well avenged. Scarce can I abide
+this," spake Etzel's wife.
+
+All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty bound.
+Of the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might
+gainsay Dame Kriemhild's will. All time she thought: "I will beg the
+king, that he in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the
+Hunnish land." None marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when
+she lay by the king, and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont
+to love the noble dame, who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady
+thought her of her foes. To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would
+fain beseech you, by your grace, that ye would show me that ye did love
+my kinsfolk, if I have earned the favor."
+
+Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know however
+well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I
+won better kin through woman's love."
+
+Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have
+high-born kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me
+here. I hear the folk aver that I be banished."
+
+Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far,
+I'll bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to
+see."
+
+The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me
+your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through
+whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come
+hither to our land many a noble knight and a good."
+
+He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to
+see your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me
+sore, that they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please
+you, dear lady mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to
+the Burgundian land."
+
+He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted
+to where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be
+envoys to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready
+for them. Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the
+message was told them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his
+liegemen hither. Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then
+spake the mighty king: "I'll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my
+love and service, that it may please them to ride hither to my land. But
+few such welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill
+my wish, tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come this
+summer to my feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my
+wife."
+
+Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be
+in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"
+
+King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."
+
+"We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.
+
+The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she
+then talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a
+knight. To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in
+that ye do my pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send
+to my native land. I'll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly
+robes. And if ye see any of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not
+tell them that ye ever saw me sad of heart. Tender my service to the
+heroes brave and good. Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus
+part me from all my grief. The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin.
+Were I a knight, I'd visit them myself at times. And say to Gernot, too,
+the noble brother of mine, that none in the world doth love him more.
+Beg him to bring with him to this land our best of friends, that it may
+be to our honor. Say also to Giselher, that he remember well, I never
+gained grief through fault of his. Therefore would mine eyes fain sue
+him. For his great loyalty I would gladly have him here. Tell my mother
+also of the honors which I have, and if Hagen of Troneg be minded to
+stay at home, who then should lead them through the lands? From a child
+he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)
+
+The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of
+Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him
+many a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now
+been given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a
+sumptuous life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their
+persons adorned full well with goodly weeds.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"
+        Etzel's son is called Aldrian.  Bleyer, "Die germanischen
+        Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,
+        attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a
+        form "Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",
+        "Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".
+   (2)  "Hungary".  According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen
+        spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.
+
+When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew
+from land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to
+his high feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys
+rode away from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for
+three noble kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel;
+therefore all gan haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served
+them gladly. Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed
+not to send their service through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did
+they let them part hence without gifts, that Etzel's men might fare
+the better. To Uta and her sons Rudeger sent word that they had no more
+loyal margrave than he. To Brunhild, also, they tendered service and
+good wishes, constant fealty and a loving mind. When they heard the
+speech that the envoys would ride, the margravine begged God in heaven
+to keep them well.
+
+Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty
+Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin
+upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the
+messengers for love and let them ride.
+
+Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's sons, I
+should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the
+Rhine."
+
+What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them
+of their silver and their weeds; men feared their master's wrath. Certes
+the noble high-born king was a mighty lord.
+
+Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land
+of Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there
+came strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask:
+"Who will do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"
+
+This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to
+Gunther: "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen
+King Etzel's minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine;
+for their master's sake we must give them a kindly welcome."
+
+Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince's
+minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king's meiny
+bade them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their
+trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that
+with honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them
+longer there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them.
+At the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to
+these they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such
+as well befitted king's messengers for to wear.
+
+Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men
+saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and
+greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks.
+That he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his
+men. Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were
+the folk more merry; now know that of a truth."
+
+To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,
+as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of
+other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side.
+In courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns
+and all your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you
+hither to the Burgundian land?"
+
+To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also
+Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They
+have sent us to you knights in all good faith."
+
+Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so
+asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"
+
+Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never
+have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their
+kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we
+departed hence."
+
+"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of
+my sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in
+happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."
+
+The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard
+the tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to
+see the envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be
+very welcome to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine,
+ye would find friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm
+shall hap you in this land."
+
+"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to
+you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who
+live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth
+mind you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever
+hold her dear. But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye
+may deign to ride to Etzel's land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly
+to beg you this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not
+let your sister see you, he fain would know what he had done you that
+ye be so strange to him and to his lands. An' ye had never known the
+queen, yet would he fain bring it to pass that consent to come and see
+him. It would please him well if that might hap."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what
+I have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings
+and rest you well."
+
+Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the
+royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"
+
+The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that.
+An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother's wish, for she
+will gladly see you for my sister's sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will
+make you welcome."
+
+Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon
+the envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them
+gentle greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale.
+"My lady offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty.
+Might that be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no
+better joy in all the world."
+
+Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often
+see the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live,
+alas, too far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me
+know before ye leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have
+I seen messengers so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this
+should hap.
+
+Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the
+mighty king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his
+liegemen how they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king
+well might ride to Etzel's land. The very best among them advised him
+this, save Hagen alone; him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the
+king: "Ye fight against yourself; ye know full well what we have done.
+We may well be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand
+I slew her husband to death. How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss
+she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless
+be that the feud doth stand against you alone."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not,
+whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there
+both life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over,
+because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed
+not to go to see our sister."
+
+Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be
+guilty, friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let
+those who dare ride with us to my sister."
+
+At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye
+take any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I.
+Sith ye will not turn you, I will well show you that."
+
+Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well
+have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own
+desire, for ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given
+you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth
+you, for I be bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide
+here and leave King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more
+gently with you in all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your
+foes; so deck your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine,
+and pay court to stately ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of
+food that ever king did gain in the world. And were this not so, yet
+should ye tarry here for your fair wife's sake, before ye risk your life
+so childishly. Wherefore I do counsel you to stay at home. Your lands be
+rich, and one can redeem his pledges better at home than among the Huns.
+Who knoweth how it standeth there? Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is
+Rumolt's counsel."
+
+"We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel
+have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that
+liketh not to go may stay at home."
+
+To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare.
+In all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the
+Huns well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms,
+the best ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I'll
+choose a thousand doughty knights. Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring
+you naught of harm."
+
+"This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then
+bade messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand
+champions or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous
+woe. Full merrily they rode to Gunther's court. Men bade give all that
+were to ride forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king
+gained full many a one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his
+brother Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly
+guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and trappings
+into Gunther's land. Then came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he,
+with thirty of his men for the journey to Kriemhild's court. They had
+clothing such as a king might wear. Gunther bade make known, he would to
+the Hunnish land. I'll do you now to wit who Folker was. He was a noble
+lord, the liege of many doughty knights in Burgundy. A minstrel he was
+called, for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen chose a thousand whom
+he well knew; oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of
+battle, or in whatever else they did. None might aver aught else of them
+than doughtiness.
+
+The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their fear of
+their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant
+through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard
+against letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight
+later to Etzel's land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we
+wot it. Nor may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of
+hers, men do us harm. An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for
+many a chosen liegeman had we hence."
+
+Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them
+to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now
+men bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King Gunther. When they were
+come, Gernot spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly
+come to his high feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall
+be, or in what time we should go thither?"
+
+Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's day."
+
+The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would
+fain see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker
+hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not
+so well of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the
+morrow, and men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon
+her, it might not hap.
+
+Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own
+courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which
+he had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen
+Giselher and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were
+generous, too. They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for
+fear of their lord they durst not take them.
+
+Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay
+here at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take
+aught of gifts. Then too, there is but little need."
+
+Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse
+the gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold
+and weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's land. They would fain
+see the Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher
+brought the minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message,
+that whatever honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen
+bade give the minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of
+King Etzel and Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in
+good faith 'twas done.
+
+The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and
+men. Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights
+escort them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those
+who should have them in their care, Etzel's power did guard them on all
+their ways, so that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With
+great speed they hasted towards Etzel's land. To all the friends they
+wot of, they made known that in a short time the Burgundians would come
+hither from the Rhine to the Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too,
+the tale was told. As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren, men
+delayed not to tell Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's wife. Merry she
+grew that she should see them. Men saw the minstrels hasting with the
+tidings. They found King Etzel in the town of Gran. (2) Greeting after
+greeting they gave the king, of which full many had been sent him. He
+blushed for very joy.
+
+Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her
+brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts
+as meed. This was done for honor's sake. She spake: "Now tell me, both
+of you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to be at the
+feast? Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? Pray
+tell me what Hagen said when he heard the tale."
+
+The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council,
+and but little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the
+journey hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the
+wrathful Hagen. Your brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly
+mood. Whoever else may come, this tale I know not of a surety. The brave
+minstrel Folker vowed to ride along."
+
+"Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of
+Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may
+see him here."
+
+Then the queen went to where she saw the king. How lovingly Dame
+Kriemhild spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have
+ever craved, shall now be brought to pass."
+
+"Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe
+of mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the
+kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."
+
+King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with
+benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard
+from them mickle weeping.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.
+   (2)  "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the
+        Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles
+        northwest of Budapest.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. More
+high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any
+king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The
+ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1)
+as I have heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those
+they left at home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now
+borne across the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer
+to fair Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting. May God
+preserve their honor there."
+
+The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good
+knights. Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this
+land lay dead."
+
+"Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say
+the proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of honors. I wish
+that my lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to
+Etzel's land. The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full
+well, where we shall behold Kriemhild's feast."
+
+Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have
+advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude
+words. Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake:
+"Because of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."
+
+At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when
+it please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to
+Etzel's land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.
+
+The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men
+bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then
+full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised
+upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade
+his fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately
+knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they
+should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love
+caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.
+
+Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would
+hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must
+bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and
+was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and
+lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings
+from Kriemhild have never thought me good."
+
+"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well
+the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes
+King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."
+
+The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who
+lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many
+a stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were
+seen go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly
+there. Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them
+great harm. This doth never ease the heart.
+
+The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty
+turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and
+wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily
+along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong,
+who had left many comely dames at home whom they never saw again.
+Siegfried's wounds gave Kriemhild pain.
+
+Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up
+through Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot
+the way. Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As
+they rode away from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men
+could tell the princes and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their
+lordly bearing. On the twelfth morning the king came to the Danube.
+Hagen of Troneg rode foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs
+helpful cheer. On the sandy shore the bold knight dismounted and bound
+his steed full soon to a tree. The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden
+away. Great fear the Nibelungs had, as to how they might come across,
+for the stream was much too broad. Full many a lusty knight alighted on
+the ground.
+
+"Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the
+Rhine. Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is
+mighty. Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."
+
+"Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own
+prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the
+other bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."
+
+"Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown
+me in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel's
+lands. That will I well. Stay by the water's side, ye proud knights and
+good, and I will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall
+ferry us across to Gelfrat's (4) land."
+
+Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The
+shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it
+was. Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely
+it cut on either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the
+splash of water and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5)
+were bathing for to cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward
+them stealthily. When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to
+escape him; glad enow they were of this. The hero took their clothes,
+but did them naught else of harm.
+
+Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight
+Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds again, bold
+knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."
+
+Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought
+their senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell
+him. Well they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye
+may safely ride to Etzel's land. I'll stake my troth at once as pledge,
+that heroes never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now
+believe that in truth."
+
+In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their
+clothes and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they
+told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's land. The other mermaid spake
+(Siegelind she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For
+the sake of her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An' thou comest to
+the Huns, thou wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn
+again, for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land. Whose
+rideth hither, hath taken death by the hand."
+
+Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. How might it come to pass
+that we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"
+
+Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake
+again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king's
+chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to
+Gunther's land."
+
+Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my
+lords that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over
+the stream, thou wisest of all wives."
+
+She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder
+where an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and
+elsewhere none."
+
+At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior
+she called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in
+haste. List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank.
+The lord of these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is
+hight Knight Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. 'Twill go hard with
+you, an' ye will cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full
+wisely with the ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you
+live, unless be that ye have your wits about you with the knight. An'
+ye will that he guide you, then give him his meed. He guardeth this land
+and is liegeman unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across
+the flood and say, ye hight Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that;
+because of a feud did void this land. The ferryman will come when he
+heareth this name."
+
+Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his
+peace. Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore,
+to where he found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call
+across the flood: "Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good
+knight, "and I will give thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know,
+that of this passage I have great need in truth."
+
+So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore
+he full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty
+of mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood.
+He called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and
+great was the hero's strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's
+liegeman, that because of a great feud did void these lands."
+
+High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it
+was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat's land.
+The haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar
+in hand. As he would earn Hagen's gold so red, therefore he died the
+sword-grim death at the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods
+(10) doth give an evil end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the
+sandy bank. When he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he
+grew in earnest. When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the
+hero: "Ye may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom
+I weened here. By father and by mother he was my brother. Sith ye have
+bewrayed me, ye may stay on this hither shore."
+
+"No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and
+have warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me
+over. I am in truth your friend."
+
+The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes,
+wherefore I never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life,
+step out quickly on the sand."
+
+"Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from
+me as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just
+as many men."
+
+The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done." He raised a mighty
+rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew
+at this), so that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg
+had never met so fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the
+haughty stranger. He smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11)
+over Hagen's head (a man of might was he); from this the ferryman of
+Else took great harm. Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his
+sheath, wherein he found his sword. His head he struck off and cast
+it on the ground. Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the proud
+Burgundians. At the very moment that he slew the boatman, the skiff gan
+drifting down the stream. Enow that irked him. Weary he grew before he
+brought it back. King Gunther's liegeman pulled with might and main.
+With passing swift strokes the stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar
+snapped in his hand. He would hence to the knights out upon the shore.
+None other oar he had. Ho, how quickly he bound it with a shield strap,
+a narrow band! Towards a wood he floated down the stream, where he found
+his sovran standing by the shore.
+
+Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good
+received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the
+blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen
+was plied enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther
+spied the hot blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake:
+"Wherefore tell ye me not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween
+your prowess hath bereft him of his life."
+
+At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow
+tree, I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor
+hath harm happed to any one through fault of mine."
+
+Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear
+friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come
+over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."
+
+Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the
+grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one
+might find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to
+Gelfrat's land."
+
+They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the
+flood; passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not
+a one. Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their
+weariness. Then the knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith
+there was no help for the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so
+he ferried full many mighty warriors over to the sandy shore, into the
+unknown land. First he took across a thousand noble knights, then his
+own men-at-arms. Still there were more to come. Nine thousand footmen he
+ferried over to the land. Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day. When
+he had carried them all safe across the flood, the doughty knight and
+good bethought him of the strange tales which the wild mermaids had told
+him afore. For this cause the king's chaplain near lost his life. He
+found the priest close by the chapel luggage, leaning with his hand upon
+the relics. Little might that boot him. When Hagen spied him, ill fared
+it with the hapless priest; he threw him from the skiff in haste. Enow
+of them called out: "Hold on, Sir Hagen, hold!"
+
+Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then
+spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the
+chaplain's death? Had another done the deed, 'twould have irked you
+sore. For what cause have ye sworn enmity to the priest?"
+
+The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain
+save his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be,
+for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom,
+the which thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help,
+he turned him back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could
+not swim, yet did God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound
+to the land again. There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen
+marked thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which the
+wild mermaids told him. Him-thought: "These knights must lose their
+lives."
+
+When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne
+all away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it
+in the flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.
+
+"Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come
+over, when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"
+
+Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I
+do it in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through
+faint-heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a
+shameful death."
+
+They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which
+was named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did,
+it thought the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters
+laden well. On the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save
+the king's chaplain alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the
+Rhine again.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "a thousand and sixty".  This does not agree with the
+        account in Adventure XXIV, where we read of a thousand of
+        Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.
+        The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later
+        interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a
+        thousand all told.
+   (2)  "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient
+        province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east
+        of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,
+        Würzburg and Barnberg.  In _Biterolf_ Dietlieb journeys
+        through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.
+   (3)  "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of
+        "Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.
+   (4)  "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",
+        mentioned below.  Their father's name was also Else.
+   (5)  "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of
+        German mythology.  While it is not specifically mentioned,
+        it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are
+        also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an
+        important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift
+        of prophecy.  They appear in the form of swans, and the
+        strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to
+        the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled
+        Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings.  On bathing
+        they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession
+        of it has them in his power.  This explains their eagerness
+        to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments
+        to them.  For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",
+        355.
+   (6)  "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely
+        a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies
+        'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and
+        the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen
+        is the son of an elf by the same mother.
+   (7)  Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is
+        called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same
+        name.  See Adventure XXV, note 4.
+   (8)  "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.
+   (9)  "Spear".  It was the custom to offer presents on a spear
+        point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously
+        using his sword.  Compare the similar description in the
+        "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
+        be received with the spear.
+   (10) "Goods".  In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
+        for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
+        marriage and the desire for wealth.
+   (11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
+   (12) "Clerk", 'priest'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
+
+Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show
+us the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"
+
+Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."
+
+"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh
+right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll
+make you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land.
+Two mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back
+again. I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes,
+for we have mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike
+guise. I thought to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none
+of us would come home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore
+would I fain have drowned him to-day."
+
+These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from
+woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's
+court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering,
+(2) where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I
+have gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew
+this same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now
+lay on boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they
+match our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill
+not be left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we
+be a-fleeing on the road."
+
+"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but
+who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"
+
+They answered: "This let Folker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both
+road and path."
+
+Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing
+there well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was
+his fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was
+red. Later with the kings he fell into direst need.
+
+Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's
+ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they
+sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short
+time, as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who
+had wrought scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven
+hundred or more were come to Gelfrat. When they began to ride after
+their savage foes, their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too
+strong they hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their
+wrath. Therefore many of the lordings' friends were later lost.
+
+Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his
+kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen
+and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.
+
+The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared
+both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the
+Bavarian land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On
+either side of the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat
+of hoofs. Their foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart:
+"They purpose to attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be
+well to do."
+
+They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom
+they spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his
+peace; he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"
+
+To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria:
+"We seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew
+my ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his
+hands."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault
+was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I
+had great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I
+offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir
+Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar.
+At this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger
+with a grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as
+doth think thee best."
+
+"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode
+hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live;
+the knight must stand for the ferryman's life."
+
+Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;
+each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously;
+they tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever
+prove each other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by
+Gelfrat's hand. His martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall.
+The crash of shafts resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the
+thrust afore had come to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I
+trow, he was not gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their
+steeds, I know not; both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and
+rushed together. Their fellowship helped thereby and became acquaint
+with strife. Albeit Hagen sprang at Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave
+smote from his shield a mickle piece, so that the sparks flew wide. Full
+nigh did Gunther's liegeman die therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart:
+"O help, dear brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he
+will not spare my life."
+
+At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."
+
+The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a
+blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but
+he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had
+been slain, he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained
+with grim death behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in
+flight from Gunther's men.
+
+When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the
+savage blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes;
+they were in passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then
+spake Dankwart, the knight, in their pursuit: "Let us turn soon on this
+road and let them ride, for they be wet with blood. Haste we to our
+friends, this I advise you of a truth."
+
+When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg
+spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost
+in the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."
+
+Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid
+for dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were
+slain. From their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed
+and wet. Through the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining
+moon, as Hagen spake again: "Let none make known to my dear lords what
+we have wrought here to-day. Let them rest without care until the morn."
+
+When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was
+full weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a
+man.
+
+Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must
+all ride until the day be come."
+
+The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the
+marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest
+and our dear lords as well?"
+
+Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till
+it begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay us down upon
+the grass."
+
+How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained
+unmarked with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his
+gleaming light against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld
+that they had fought. Wrathfully the hero spake: "How now, friend Hagen?
+I ween, ye scorned to have me with you when your rings grew wet with
+blood? Who hath done this?"
+
+Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked
+because of his ferryman. Then my brother's hand smote Gelfrat down. Else
+soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them
+and but four of ours lay dead in the strife."
+
+We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the folk
+of the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode to court.
+Later they were well received at Passau. The uncle of the noble king,
+the Bishop Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his nephews came to his land
+with so many knights. That he bare them good will, they learned full
+soon. Well were they greeted, too, by friends along the way, sith men
+could not lodge them all at Passau. They had to cross the stream to
+where they found a field on which they set up pavilions and costly
+tents. All one day they must needs stay there, and a full night too.
+What good cheer men gave them! After that they had to ride to Rudeger's
+land, to whom the tidings were brought full soon. When the way-worn
+warriors had rested them and came nearer to the Hunnish land, they found
+a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen of Troneg won a sturdy
+sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart (3) in truth; sad of mood he
+grew, that he lost his weapon through the journey of the knights. They
+found Rudeger's marches guarded ill.
+
+"Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the
+Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight
+Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"
+
+When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his sword
+and six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art
+my friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the
+marches."
+
+"God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey
+to the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you
+here. I counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."
+
+"Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and
+their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement,
+where we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by
+the distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We
+find naught anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his
+courtesie would give us of his bread to-night."
+
+Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that full
+seldom have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an'
+ye will seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway
+and is the best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to
+courtesie, as the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry
+of mood, when he can serve good knights."
+
+At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my
+dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I
+will repay thee this, as best I ever can."
+
+"Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good
+will he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard,
+to whom none such pleasing news had come in many a day.
+
+At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried
+him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of
+Kriemhild."
+
+He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet
+the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The
+tales he brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were
+straightway told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of
+the Burgundian land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have
+sent me hither to you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service.
+Hagen and Folker, too, eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I'll
+tell you, that the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that
+the good knights have passing need of your lodgement."
+
+Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that
+the high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them.
+Merry and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my house."
+
+"Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your
+house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and
+nine thousand men-at-arms."
+
+Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests,
+that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as
+yet full seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my
+men."
+
+Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them
+right, which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their
+service. As yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXVI".  This adventure is a late interpolation,
+        as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga".  Originally the
+        river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's
+        kingdom.
+   (2)  "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and
+        Ingolstadt.  In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the
+        mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",
+        whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring.  This may be the
+        original form of the account and the form here contaminated.
+        See Boer, i, 134.
+   (3)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.  It will be remembered
+        that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then
+        stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and
+        finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court.  Originally he
+        must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.
+        Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in
+        the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side
+        of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,
+        he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to
+        Rudeger.  His sleeping here may, however, be thought to
+        indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+
+Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his
+daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard,
+that the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house.
+"My dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble
+high-born kings, when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye
+must give fair greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther's man. With them there
+cometh one also, hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen
+with courtesie. Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the
+knights with gentle breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they
+were to do it. From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which
+they would go to meet the warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on
+that day. Men saw but little of false colors on the ladies' cheeks;
+upon their heads they wore bright bands of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these
+were, that the winds might not dishevel their comely hair, and this is
+true i' faith.
+
+Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the
+plain was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the lordings,
+whom men then received well into the margrave's land. When the margrave,
+the doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake:
+"Be ye welcome, fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you
+in my land." Low obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without
+all hate. That he bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen
+he gave a special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker
+from Burgundy land he did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold
+knight spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for
+our men-at-arms whom we have brought?"
+
+Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship.
+I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds
+and trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not
+even a single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye
+lose I'll pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."
+
+Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made
+merry. When that was done, the lordings rode away and the footmen laid
+them everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had; I ween, they never
+fared so gently on the way. The noble margravine with her fair daughter
+was come out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the lovely
+ladies and many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely
+robes they wore. The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing
+costly weeds. Fair indeed were they fashioned.
+
+Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great
+courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and
+many other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could
+wish, went forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings
+were given there by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three
+kings, as did her mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father
+bade her kiss him, but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful
+that she had fain left it undone. Yet she must needs perform what the
+host now bade her do. Her color changed first pale then red. Dankwart,
+too, she kissed, and then the minstrel. For his great prowess was this
+greeting given. The young margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher
+of the Burgundian land. The same her mother did to Gunther, the valiant
+man. Full merrily they went hence with the heroes. The host walked at
+Gernot's side into a broad hall, where the knights and ladies sate them
+down. Soon they bade pour out for the guests good wine. Certes, heroes
+might never be better purveyed than they. Rudeger's daughter was gazed
+upon with loving glances, so fair she was. Forsooth many a good knight
+caressed her in his mind. And well did she deserve this, so high she was
+of mood. The knights thought what they would, but it might not come to
+pass. Back and forth shot the glances at maids and dames. Of them sate
+there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host good will.
+
+Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different
+sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers
+in lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went
+to table, but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by
+right. The guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.
+
+When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again
+into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake
+Folker, this brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel
+spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for
+he hath given you a passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An'
+I were a prince," quoth the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would
+fain have to wife your comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is
+lovely for to see, thereto noble and good."
+
+Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever
+crave the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth
+in such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"
+
+To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have a love
+after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."
+
+Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take
+a wife. The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen
+would gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."
+
+This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed
+it joyed their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble
+Giselher took her to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what
+shall be joined together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and
+swore to give him the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely
+fair. For the maiden they set castles and land aside, and this the hand
+of the noble king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that
+this should hap.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will
+ever serve you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my
+daughter, as an hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please
+the hero's kin in honor."
+
+After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a
+youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts,
+as young folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid
+whether she would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet
+she thought to take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as
+many another maid hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer
+yes, and gladly take him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and
+clasped her in his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy
+him.
+
+Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride
+again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child,
+that ye may take her with you."
+
+This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy.
+They bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep
+and rest them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the
+host purveyed them well.
+
+When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands.
+"I'll guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry
+still, for full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."
+
+To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find
+the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors
+another night?"
+
+When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech. My dear
+lords, ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I'd give you vittaile for a
+fortnight, with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King
+Etzel hath taken from me as yet full little of my goods."
+
+However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the
+fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that
+it was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer
+might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger
+wot how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could
+not but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before
+the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights.
+In their hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel's
+land. Before the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had
+proffered everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in
+mickle honors. To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther,
+the worshipful knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail,
+which the noble and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low
+over noble Rudeger's hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow,
+the which he later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the
+margrave's wife begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rudeger was
+forced to lose his life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well
+befit her. He took it, sith the king had taken one, that he should
+not fare forth from her to the feasting, without her present. Later he
+gainsayed it. "Of all that I have ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to
+bear naught else save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that
+with me into Etzel's land."
+
+When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her
+grief--tears became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung's (3)
+death, whom Wittich had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow.
+To the knight she spake: "I'll give you the shield. Would to God in
+heaven, that he still lived who bare it once in hand. He met his death
+in battle; for him must I ever weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire
+woe."
+
+The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she
+seized the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand.
+This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk
+concealed its colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the
+daylight never shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its
+cost, 'twere well worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be
+borne away.
+
+Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave's daughter gave great
+store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing
+lordly wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have
+come into the hands of any, save through the kindness of the host,
+who proffered them so fair. Later they became such foes that they were
+forced to strike him dead.
+
+Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before
+Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took
+his leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest.
+Now hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and
+placed them on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and
+wear them at court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell
+me how ye have served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he
+later carried out full well.
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier,
+for I myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm
+you on the road."
+
+Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five
+hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full
+merrily hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive
+to Bechelaren. With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did
+Giselher, as his gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they
+clasped fair wives. This many a high-born maid must needs bewail in
+later times. On every side they opened the casements, for the host with
+his liegemen would now mount their steeds. I ween their hearts did tell
+them of the bitter woes to come. Then wept many a dame and many a comely
+maid. They pined for their dear kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw in
+Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily across the sand, down along the
+Danube to the Hunnish land.
+
+Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians:
+"Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left
+unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."
+
+So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side
+'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine.
+Naught could have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before
+the envoys hasted with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in
+the Hunnish land.
+
+"Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be
+coming in great state to visit thee."
+
+Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see
+her kin, as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her
+fatherland. The king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very
+pleasure. "Now well is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen
+bring with them many a brand-new shield and white coat of mail. He who
+would have gold, let him bethink him of my sorrows, and I'll ever be his
+friend."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.
+   (2)  "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.
+   (3)  "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.
+        335, by "Vidga" (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of
+        Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport.  There,
+        chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and
+        the "Rosengarten" he is her son.
+   (4)  "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.
+
+When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne
+did hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him
+welcome well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade
+fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to
+where he thought to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full
+many a lordly tent. When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to
+his lords he spake in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise
+from your seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder
+cometh a fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights from
+the Amelung land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead--high-mettled
+warriors they. Scorn not the service that they proffer."
+
+Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right,
+many a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where
+they found the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the
+Burgundian land. Ye may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of
+Uta, as he saw them coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he
+weened that Rudeger wist it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome,
+fair sirs, Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and
+the doughty Dankwart. Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely
+for the hero of the Nibelung land?"
+
+"Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years,
+done to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not
+again, he hath long been buried."
+
+"Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still live,
+scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope
+of the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."
+
+"Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys
+(why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him,
+hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."
+
+"Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good
+knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady
+Kriemhild's mood."
+
+Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too,
+went and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne,
+what ye do know of the queen's mood?"
+
+Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I
+hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God
+of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."
+
+"That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be
+turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty
+knights among the Huns."
+
+The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after
+the fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what
+manner of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales,
+that he had slain Kriemhild's husband the mightiest of all heroes. For
+that cause alone much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The
+knight was fair of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the
+breast; his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his
+glance; lordly gait he had.
+
+Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship was
+placed apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and
+therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart,
+Hagen's brother, he was marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his
+followers, that he purvey them well and give them enow to eat; The hero
+of Burgundy bare them all good will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her
+maids-in-waiting to where, false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.
+Giselher alone she kissed and took by the hand. That Hagen of Troneg
+saw, and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,
+"doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth kings a greeting
+different from their men. We have not made a good journey to this
+feast." (4)
+
+She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not
+for your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the
+Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"
+
+"Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had
+bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to
+this land."
+
+"Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It
+was mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to
+Etzel's land."
+
+"I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care
+of the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it
+must verily lie till doomsday."
+
+Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of
+it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in
+my care. Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."
+
+"The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with
+my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand,
+therefore I bring you naught."
+
+Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring
+weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll have them taken
+in charge."
+
+"I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not
+the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other
+arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I
+myself will play the chamberlain."
+
+"Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my
+brother not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and
+wist I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."
+
+To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned the
+noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go
+to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."
+
+Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir
+Dietrich. At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with
+furious glance upon her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other
+quickly by the hand, the one was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With
+gentle breeding the lusty hero spake: "Forsooth I rue your coming to the
+Huns, because of what the queen hath said."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."
+
+Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and
+therefore he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty
+king, "who yonder warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such
+friendly wise. He carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is
+sure a doughty knight."
+
+A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from
+Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a
+grim man is he. I'll let you see full well that I have told no lie."
+
+"How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he
+wist not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her
+kin, so that she let none escape from the Huns alive.
+
+"Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court
+gained mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my
+gold. The faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known
+Hagen every whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther
+of Spain. (6) Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again,
+Walther ran away with Hildegund."
+
+He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied
+aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman
+service. Later in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich.
+        He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".
+   (2)  "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew.  In the "Thidreksaga" he
+        falls in the battle of Gronsport.
+   (3)  "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land
+        appears.  Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged
+        to the race of the Amali.
+   (4)  "Feast".  That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was
+        innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.
+   (5)  "Vassal".  No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at
+        Etzel's court.  He is probably confused here with his son,
+        for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in
+        our poem a few lines further down.
+   (6)  "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary
+        personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin
+        epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"
+        tell.  He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the
+        Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related
+        here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering
+        numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in
+        the other sources against the Burgundians.  In both cases
+        Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at
+        first, out of friendship for Walther.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.
+
+Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and
+Sir Dietrich. Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a
+comrade-at-arms, whom he then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning
+fiddler, stand by Giselher, and begged him to join him, for well he knew
+his savage mood. He was in all things a bold knight and a good. Still
+they let the lordings stand in the court, only these twain alone men saw
+walk hence far across the court before a spacious palace. These chosen
+warriors feared the hate of none. They sate them down upon a bench
+before the house over against a hall, the which belonged to Kriemhild.
+Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds. Enow who gazed upon them
+would than have known the knights; as wild beasts the haughty heroes
+were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too, gazed upon
+them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again. Of her
+sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered Etzel's
+men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen hath
+done, ye heroes brave and good."
+
+To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see
+you joyful? None there be so bold, an' he hath done you aught, but it
+will cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you."
+
+"Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all
+he craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen; "avenge me on Hagen,
+that he lose his life."
+
+Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake. They
+would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With
+forethought this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim
+of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give
+over. With so few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong
+and bold Hagen of Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the
+fiddler, is stronger still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not
+so lightly match these knights."
+
+When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them
+ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes
+later fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the
+queen spake to the doughty knights: "Now bide a while, ye must stand
+quite still in truth. Wearing my crown, I will go to meet my foes. List
+ye to the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me. I
+know him to be so haughty that he'll not deny a whit. Little I reek what
+hap to him on this account."
+
+Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the
+flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw
+this, to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how
+she walketh yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have
+never seen with a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such
+warlike guise. Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If
+so be, I counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. Certes,
+methinks this good. They be wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and
+some be so broad of chest that he who would guard himself should do so
+betimes. I ween there be those among them who wear bright breastplates.
+Whom they would attack, I cannot say."
+
+Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all
+this be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in
+hand. For aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land.
+Now tell me, friend Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance
+Kriemhild's men would fight me? Pray let me hear that, if so be ye hold
+me dear. I'll aid you evermore with faithful service."
+
+"I'll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the king
+with all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I yield from fear
+in aiding you, the while I live."
+
+"Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they strive
+against me, what need I more? Sith ye will help me, as I hear you say,
+let these warriors come on full-armed."
+
+"Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel. "Let us do her
+honor as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. We shall
+thereby honor ourselves as well."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "Should I go hence, these knights would
+think 'twas through fear. Not for one of them will I ever rise from my
+seat. It beseemeth us both better, forsooth, to leave this undone, for
+why should I honor one who doth bear me hatred? Nor will I do this, the
+while I live; I reck not how King Etzel's wife doth hate me."
+
+Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose pommel
+a sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine. Its hilt was golden,
+its sheath an edging of red. That it was Siegfried's, Kriemhild knew
+full well. She must needs grow sad when that she knew the sword, for it
+minded her of her wrongs; she began to weep. I ween bold Hagen had done
+it for this cause. Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle
+bow, strong, mickle, and long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there
+the two lusty knights sate undaunted. These two brave men did think
+themselves so lordly, that they would not leave their seats through fear
+of any man. The noble queen walked therefore to their very feet and gave
+them hostile greeting. She spake: "Now tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for
+you, that ye durst ride hither to this land, sith ye know full well what
+ye have done me? Had ye good wits, ye should have left it undone, by
+rights."
+
+"No one sent for me," quoth Hagen. "Men bade to this land three knights,
+who hight my lords. I am their liegeman, and full seldom have I stayed
+behind when they journeyed to any court."
+
+Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the which ye
+have earned my hate? Ye slew Siegfried, my dear husband, for which I
+have cause enow to weep until mine end."
+
+Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said. It is just I, Hagen,
+who slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands. How sorely did he atone that
+Lady Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild. 'Tis not to be denied, O
+mighty queen, I alone am to blame for this scathful scathe. (1) Let him
+avenge it who will, be he wife or man. Unless be I should lie to you, I
+have dons you much of harm."
+
+Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my wrongs.
+Men of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this cause."
+
+The proud warriors all gazed at one another. Had any began the fight,
+it would have come about that men must have given the honors to the two
+comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in the fray. What the Huns
+had weened to do must now needs be left undone through fear.
+
+Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me? What I afore
+vowed, I will now give over. I will lose my life for no man's gift.
+Forsooth King Etzel's wife would fain lead us into wrong."
+
+Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I. An' any give me
+towers of good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for his fearful
+glances, the which I have seen him cast. Hagen, too, I have known from
+his youthful days, wherefore men can tell me little of this knight.
+I have seen him fight in two and twenty battles, through which woe of
+heart hath happed to many a dame. He and the knight from Spain trod many
+a war path, when here at Etzel's court they waged so many wars in honor
+of the king. Much this happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen. At
+that time the warrior was of his years a lad. How gray are they who then
+were young! Now is he come to wit and is a man full grim. Balmung, (2)
+too, he beareth, the which he won in evil wise."
+
+Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which mightily
+rued the queen. The warriors turned them hence; in sooth they feared
+their death at the fiddler's hands, and surely they had need of this.
+Then spake the fiddler: "We have now well seen that we shall find foes
+here, as we heard tell afore. Let us go to court now to the kings, then
+dare none match our lords in fight. How oft a man doth leave a thing
+undone through fear, the which he would not do, when friend standeth by
+friend in friendly (3) wise, an' he have good wits. Scathe to many a man
+is lightly warded off by forethought."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."
+
+They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the court
+in a great press of welcoming knights.
+
+Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye stand and
+let yourselves be jostled? Ye must go to court and hear from the king of
+what mind he be."
+
+Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off. The prince of Berne
+took by the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land. Irnfried (4)
+took the brave knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen to go to court with
+Giselher. But however any paired, Folker and Hagen never parted, save
+in one fray, when their end was come, and this noble ladies must needs
+greatly bewail in after time. With the kings one saw go to court a
+thousand brave men of their fellowship, thereto sixty champions that
+were come with them, whom the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart
+and Iring, (5) two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the
+kings. Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their
+chivalry before all eyes.
+
+When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel
+delayed no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him
+come. Never did so fair a greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome,
+Sir Gunther, and Sir Gernot, too, and your brother Giselher. I sent
+you truly my faithful service to Worms beyond the Rhine. All your
+fellowship, too, I welcome. Now be ye passing welcome, ye two knights,
+Folker, the brave, and Sir Hagen likewise, to me and to my lady, here in
+this our land. She sent you many a messenger to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were I not
+come to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have ridden in your
+honor to this land."
+
+The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them to the
+settle where he sate himself. Busily they poured out for the guests in
+broad bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and bade those far from
+home be welcome. Then spake King Etzel: "Let me tell you this; it might
+not liefer hap to me in all this world, than through you heroes, that
+ye be come to see me. Through this much sadness is also taken from the
+queen. Me-wondereth greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that
+ye never recked to come into my land. My sadness is turned to joy, since
+now I see you here."
+
+To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be glad to
+see them. Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my lady wot how to use
+so well. They bring also to your house many a stately knight."
+
+Upon a midsummer's eve the lords were come to the court of the mighty
+Etzel. Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting as when he
+welcomed the heroes. When now the time to eat was come, the king went
+with them to the board. Never did host sit fairer with his guests. Men
+gave them meat and drink to the full. All that they craved stood ready
+for them, for mickle wonders had been told about these knights.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden
+        scedelich".
+   (2)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (3)  "friend... friendly".  This repetition occurs in the
+        original.
+   (4)  "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.
+   (5)  "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.
+   (6)  "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry
+        wine, is a beverage composed of honey flavored with
+        mulberry-juice.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch.
+
+The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh. Care beset the wayworn
+travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest them. This Hagen
+bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.
+
+Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to our
+sleep, pray give us leave. We will come early on the morrow, whensoever
+ye bid."
+
+Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests. Men pressed the
+strangers on every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns: "How
+dare ye crowd before the warriors' feet? An' ye will not leave this, ye
+will fare full ill. I'll smite some man so heavy a fiddle blow, that
+if he have a faithful friend he may well bewail it. Why give ye not way
+before us knights? Methinks 'twere well. All pass for knights, but be
+not of equal mettle."
+
+As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked behind him.
+He spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right, ye men of Kriemhild,
+ye should hie you to your lodgings. I ween none of you will do what ye
+are minded, but would ye begin aught, come early on the morrow, and
+let us wanderers have peace to-night. Certes, I ween that it hath never
+happed with such good will on the part of heroes."
+
+Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they found
+purveyed on every side with costly beds, long and broad, for the
+warriors. Lady Kriemhild planned the very greatest wrongs against them.
+One saw there many a cunningly wrought quilt from Arras (1) of shining
+silken cloth and many a coverlet of Arabian silk, the best that might be
+had; upon this ran a border that shone in princely wise. Many bed covers
+of ermine and of black sable were seen, beneath which they should have
+their ease at night, until the dawn of day. Never hath king lain so
+lordly with his meiny.
+
+"Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and alas
+for my friends, who be come with us. However kindly my sister greeted
+us, yet I do fear me that through her fault we must soon lie dead."
+
+"Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I'll stand watch
+myself to-night. I trow to guard us well, until the day doth come.
+Therefore have no fear; after that, let him survive who may."
+
+All bowed low and said him gramercy. Then went they to their beds. A
+short while after the stately men had laid them down, bold Hagen, the
+hero, began to arm him. Then the fiddler, Knight Folker, spake: "If it
+scorn you not, Hagen, I would fain hold the watch with you to-night,
+until the early morn."
+
+The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven requite
+you, dear Folker. In all my cares, I would crave none other than you
+alone, whenever I had need. I shall repay you well, and death hinder me
+not."
+
+Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield in hand,
+walked out of the house and stood before the door. Thus they cared for
+the guests in faithful wise. The doughty Folker leaned his good shield
+against the side of the hall, then turned him back and fetched his
+fiddle and served his friends as well befit the hero. Beneath the door
+of the house he sate him down upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there
+never. When the tones of the strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud
+wanderers gave Folker thanks. At first the strings twanged so that the
+whole house resounded; his strength and his skill were both passing
+great. Then sweeter and softer he began to play, and thus many a
+care-worn man he lulled to sleep. When he marked that all had fallen
+asleep, the knight took again his shield and left the room and took
+his stand before the tower, and there he guarded the wanderers against
+Kriemhild's men.
+
+'Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it happed a
+little earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a helmet afar in
+the darkness. Kriemhild's men would fain have harmed the guests. Then
+the fiddler spake: "Sir Hagen, my friend, it behooveth us to bear these
+cares together. Before the house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I
+ween, they would encounter us!"
+
+"Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be ware
+of us. Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the hands of us
+twain. They will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil plight."
+
+One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that the door
+was guarded. How quickly then he spake: "That which we have in mind may
+not now come to pass. I see the fiddler stand on guard. On his head he
+weareth a glittering helmet, shining and hard, strong and whole. His
+armor rings flash out like fire. By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the
+guests be guarded well."
+
+Straightway they turned again. When Folker saw this, wrathfully he spake
+to his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to the warriors. I
+would fain put some questions to Lady Kriemhild's men."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the doughty
+knights are like to bring you in such stress with their swords, that I
+must aid you even should it be the death of all my kin. As soon as we
+be come into the fray, twain of them, or four, would in a short time run
+into the house and would bring such scathe upon the sleepers, that we
+might never cease to mourn."
+
+Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note that I
+have seen them, so that Kriemhild's men may not deny that they would
+fain have acted faithlessly."
+
+Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus armed, ye
+doughty knights? Would ye ride to rob, ye men of Kriemhild? Then must ye
+have the help of me and my comrade-at-arms."
+
+To this none made reply. Angry grew his mood. "Fy! Ye evil cowards,"
+spake the good knight, "would ye have murdered us asleep? That hath been
+done full seldom to such good heroes."
+
+Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught.
+Rightly it did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another plan.
+Through this brave heroes and good must needs thereafter perish.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands.
+        In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXI. (1) How They Went To Church.
+
+"My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker. "I ween the night hath run
+its course. By the air I mark that day is near."
+
+Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping. The light of
+dawn shone into the hall upon the strangers. On all sides Hagen gan wake
+the warriors, if perchance they would fain go to the minster for
+mass. Men now loudly rang the bells in Christian fashion. Heathens and
+Christians did not sing alike, so that it was seen full well that they
+were not as one. Gunther's liegemen now would go to church, and all
+alike had risen from their beds. The champions laced them into such
+goodly garments, that never did hero bring better clothes to the land of
+any king. This vexed Hagen. He spake: "Heroes, ye should wear here other
+clothes. Certes, ye know full well the tales. Instead of roses, bear
+weapons in your hands; instead of jeweled chaplets, your bright helms
+and good, sith ye know full well the wicked Kriemhild's mood. Let
+me tell you, we must fight to-day, so instead of silken shirts, wear
+hauberks, and instead of rich cloaks, good shields and broad, so that if
+any grow angry with you, ye be full armed. Dear my lords, and all my kin
+and liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint to the mighty God
+of your fears and need, for know full sure that death draweth nigh us.
+Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done and stand full
+zealously before your God. Of this I warn you, noble knights, unless God
+in heaven so will, ye'll never more hear mass."
+
+So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster. In the holy
+churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not be parted.
+He spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to us from the Huns.
+Place, my friends, your shields before your feet, and if any proffer
+you cold greeting, repay it with deep and mortal wounds. That is Hagen's
+counsel, that ye may so be found as doth befit your honor."
+
+Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious minster.
+This was done that the queen might press upon them in the crowd. Certes,
+she was passing grim. Then came the lord of the land and his fair wife,
+her body adorned with rich apparel; Doughty warriors, too, were seen to
+walk beside her. One saw the dust rise high from Kriemhild's band. When
+mighty Etzel spied the kings and their fellowship thus armed, how quick
+he spake: "Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets? Upon my troth,
+it grieveth me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make
+amends, as doth think them good. Hath any made heavy their hearts or
+mood, I'll show them well, that it doth irk me much. I am ready for
+whatever they command me."
+
+To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the custom of my
+lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for full three days. We
+should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."
+
+Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake. How right hostilely she
+gazed into his eyes! She would not tell the custom of their land, albeit
+she had known it long in Burgundy. However grim and strong the hate
+she bare them, yet had any told Etzel the truth, he would have surely
+hindered what later happed. Because of their great haughtiness they
+scorned to tell him. When the great crowd went past with the queen,
+these twain, Hagen and Folker, would not step back more than two
+hand-breadths, the which irked the Huns. Forsooth they had to jostle
+with the lusty heroes. This thought King Etzel's chamberlains not good.
+Certes, they would have fain angered the champions, but that they durst
+not before the noble king. So there was much jostling, but nothing more.
+
+When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish
+warrior horsed him passing soon. At Kriemhild's side stood many a comely
+maid, and well seven thousand knights rode with the queen. Kriemhild
+with her ladies sate her down at the easements by the side of the mighty
+Etzel, which was him lief, for they would watch the lusty heroes joust.
+Ho, what stranger knights rode before them in the court! Then was come
+the marshal with the squires. Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord's
+retainers from the Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they
+found well saddled. When now the kings and their men were come to horse,
+stalwart Folker gan advise that they should ride a joust after the
+fashion of their land. At this the heroes rode in lordly wise; none it
+irked what the knight had counseled. The hurtling and the noise waxed
+loud, as the many men rode into the broad court. Etzel and Kriemhild
+themselves beheld the scene. To the jousts were come six hundred knights
+of Dietrich's men to match the strangers, for they would have pastime
+with the Burgundians. Fain would they have done it, had he given them
+leave. Ho, what good champions rode in their train! The tale was told to
+Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther's men; he feared for
+his liegemen, and well he might.
+
+When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of Rudeger
+from Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields, riding out before
+the hall. It would have been lief to the margrave, had they left it
+undone. Wisely he rode then to them through the press and said to his
+knights, that they were ware that Gunther's men were evil-minded toward
+them. If they would leave off the jousting, it would please him much.
+When now these lusty heroes parted from them, then came those of
+Thuringia, as we are told, and well a thousand brave men from Denmark.
+From the tilting one saw many truncheons (2) flying hence. Irnfried and
+Hawart now rode into the tourney. Proudly those from the Rhine awaited
+them and offered the men of Thuringia many a joust. Many a lordly shield
+was riddled by the thrusts. Thither came then Sir Bloedel with three
+thousand men. Well was he seen of Etzel and Kriemhild, for the knightly
+sports happed just before the twain. The queen saw it gladly, that the
+Burgundians might come to grief. Schrutan (3) and Gibecke, Ramung and
+Hornbog, (4) rode into the tourney in Hunnish wise. To the heroes from
+Burgundian land they addressed them. High above the roof of the royal
+hall the spear-shafts whirled. Whatever any there plied, 'twas but a
+friendly rout. Palace and hall were heard resounding loud through the
+clashing of the shields of Gunther's men. With great honor his meiny
+gained the meed. Their pastime was so mickle and so great, that from
+beneath the housings of the good steeds, which the heroes rode, there
+flowed the frothy sweat. In haughty wise they encountered with the Huns.
+
+Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these warriors
+dare not match us. I've aye heard the tale, that they bear us hate, and
+forsooth it might never fortune better for them than now." Again Folker
+spake: "Let our steeds be now led away to their lodgings and let us
+joust again toward eventide, and there be time. Perchance the queen may
+accord to the Burgundians the prize."
+
+Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the Huns
+could have done the like. Certes, he must have had a sweetheart on the
+battlements. As well attired he rode as the bride of any noble knight.
+At sight of him Folker spake again: "How could I give this over? This
+ladies' darling must have a buffet. None shall prevent me and it shall
+cost him dear. In truth I reck not, if it vex King Etzel's wife."
+
+"For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther. "The people will
+blame us, if we encounter them. 'Twill befit us better far, an' we let
+the Huns begin the strife."
+
+King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.
+
+"I'll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then. "Let the ladies and
+the knights behold how we can ride. That will be well, for they'll give
+no meed to King Gunther's men."
+
+The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave many a
+dame great dole. His spear he thrust through the body of the dapper Hun;
+this both maid and wife were seen thereafter to bewail. Full hard and
+fast gan Hagen and his liegemen and sixty of his knights ride towards
+the fiddler, where the play was on. This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly
+saw. The three kings would not leave their minstrel without guard amidst
+the foe. Cunningly a thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did
+whatso they would. When now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin
+cry out and wail. All the courtiers asked: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."
+
+The margrave's kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway for
+their swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to death. Fast
+the host gan hasten from the windows. Great rout arose from the folk on
+every side. The kings and their fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted
+before the hall and drove their horses to the rear. Then King Etzel came
+to part the strife. From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched
+a sturdy weapon and drove them all back again, for full great was his
+wrath. "Why should my courtesie to these knights go all for naught?
+Had ye slain this minstrel at my court," spake King Etzel, "'twere evil
+done. I saw full well how he rode, when he thrust through the Hun, that
+it happed through stumbling, without any fault of his. Ye must let my
+guests have peace."
+
+Thus he became their safe-guard. To the stalls men led away the steeds;
+many a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in every service.
+The host now hied him to his palace with his friends, nor would he let
+any man grow wroth again. Then men set up the tables and bare forth
+water for the guests. Forsooth the men from the Rhine had there enow of
+stalwart foes. 'Twas long before the lords were seated.
+
+Meanwhile Kriemhild's fears did trouble her passing sore. She spake: "My
+lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor, for mine affairs do
+stand in anxious wise."
+
+Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And any slay
+the Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it without my aid.
+It may well repent him, for they be still unconquered, these doughty and
+lusty knights."
+
+Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish, O
+mighty queen. Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I should
+crave to match these valiant knights in strife. Thy request honoreth
+thee little, most noble queen, that thou dost plot against the life of
+thy kinsfolk. They came in hope of friendship to this land. Siegfried
+will not be avenged by Dietrich's hand."
+
+When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne, quickly
+she promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5) owned aforetime.
+Later he was slain by Hagen, so that he quite forgot the gift. She
+spake: "Thou must help me, Sir Bloedel, forsooth my foes be in this
+house, who slew Siegfried, my dear husband. Ever will I serve him, that
+helpeth me avenge this deed."
+
+To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because of Etzel
+I dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for he is fain to
+see thy kinsmen at his court. The king would ne'er forget it of me, and
+I did them aught of wrong."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend. Certes, I'll give
+thee silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the wife of Nudung,
+whose lovely body thou mayst fain caress. I'll give thee his land and
+all his castles, too, so that thou mayst always live in joy, Sir knight,
+if thou dost now win the lands where Nudung dwelt. Faithfully will I
+keep, whatso I vow to thee to-day."
+
+When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her beauty
+would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen in strife.
+Because of this the champion must needs lose his life. To the queen
+he spake: "Betake you again to the hall, and before any be aware,
+I'll begin a fray and Hagen must atone for what he hath done you. I'll
+deliver to you King Gunther's liegeman bound. Now arm you, my men,"
+spake Bloedel. "We must hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King
+Etzel's wife doth crave of me this service, wherefore we heroes must
+risk our lives."
+
+When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table with
+King Etzel and his men. Evil counsels had she held against the guests.
+Since the strife could be started in no other wise (Kriemhild's ancient
+wrong still lay deep buried in her heart), she bade King Etzel's son
+be brought to table. How might a woman ever do more ghastly deed for
+vengeance' sake? Four of Etzel's men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb,
+(6) the young prince, to the lordings' table, where Hagen also sat.
+Because of this the child must needs die through Hagen's mortal hate.
+
+When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the kinsmen
+of his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son of me and of
+your sister. This may be of profit to you all, for if he take after
+his kinsmen, he'll become a valiant man, mighty and noble, strong and
+fashioned fair. Twelve lands will I give him, and I live yet a while.
+Thus may the hand of young Ortlieb serve you well. I do therefore
+beseech you, dear friends of mine, that when ye ride again to your
+lands upon the Rhine, ye take with you your sister's son and act full
+graciously toward the child, and bring him up in honor till he become
+a man. Hath any done you aught in all these lands, he'll help you to
+avenge it, when he groweth up."
+
+This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel's wife.
+
+"These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to be a
+man, but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall seldom be
+seen to ride to Ortlieb's court."
+
+The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and though
+the gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart and made him
+heavy of his mood. Nor was Hagen's mind now bent on pastime. But all the
+lordings and the king were hurt by what Hagen had spoken of the child;
+it vexed them sore, that they were forced to hear it. They wot not the
+things as yet, which should happen to them through this warrior.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXXI".  This adventure is of late origin, being
+        found only in our poem.  See the introduction.
+   (2)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (3)  "Schrutan".  This name does not occur elsewhere.  Piper
+        suggests, that perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan"
+        appears in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 28, as an ancient name
+        of Scotland.
+   (4)  "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes
+        4 and 5.
+   (5)  "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.
+   (6)  "Ortlieb".  In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel's son is called
+        Aldrian.  There, however, he is killed because he strikes
+        Hagen in the face, here in revenge for the killing of the
+        Burgundian footmen.
+   (7)  "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXII (1) How Bloedel Was Slain.
+
+Full ready were now Bloedel's warriors. A thousand hauberks strong, they
+hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the squires. Then the
+very greatest hate arose among the heroes. When Sir Bloedel drew near
+the tables, Dankwart, the marshal, greeted him in courteous wise.
+"Welcome, Sir Bloedel, in our house. In truth me-wondereth at thy
+coming. What doth it mean?"
+
+"Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this coming
+of mine doth mean thine end. Because of Hagen, thy brother, by whom
+Siegfried was slain, thou and many other knights must suffer here among
+the Huns."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your court
+might rue us sore. I was but a little child when Siegfried lost his
+life. I know not what blame King Etzel's wife could put on me."
+
+"Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy kinsmen,
+Gunther and Hagen, did the deed. Now ward you, ye wanderers, ye may not
+live. With your death must ye become Kriemhild's pledge."
+
+"And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my entreaties rue
+me; they had better far been spared."
+
+The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp weapon,
+mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a sword-stroke that
+his head lay straightway at his feet. "Let that be thy marriage morning
+gift," (2) spake Dankwart, the knight, "for Nudung's bride, whom thou
+wouldst cherish with thy love. They call betroth her to another man upon
+the morn. Should he crave the dowry, 'twill be given to him eftsoon."
+A faithful Hun had told him that the queen did plan against them such
+grievous wrongs.
+
+When Bloedel's men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would they
+stand this from the guests. With uplifted swords they rushed, grim of
+mood, upon the youthful squires. Many a one did rue this later. Loudly
+Dankwart called to all the fellowship: "Ye see well, noble squires, how
+matters stand. Now ward you, wanderers! Forsooth we have great need,
+though Kriemhild asked us here in right friendly wise."
+
+Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted
+many a long footstool by its legs. The Burgundian squires would now
+abide no longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt many bruises
+through the helmets. How fiercely the stranger youths did ward them!
+Out of the house they drove at last the men-at-arms, but five hundred
+of them, or better, stayed behind there dead. The fellowship was red and
+wet with blood.
+
+These grievous tales were told now to Etzel's knights; grim was their
+sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain. This Hagen's brother and
+his squires had done. Before the king had learned it, full two thousand
+Huns or more armed them through hatred and hied them to the squires
+(this must needs be), and of the fellowship they left not one alive.
+The faithless Huns brought a mickle band before the house. Well the
+strangers stood their ground, but what booted their doughty prowess?
+Dead they all must lie. Then in a few short hours there rose a fearful
+dole. Now ye may hear wonders of a monstrous thing. Nine thousand yeomen
+lay there slain and thereto twelve good knights of Dankwart's men. One
+saw him stand alone still by the foe. The noise was hushed, the din had
+died away, when Dankwart, the hero, gazed over his shoulders. He spake:
+"Woe is me, for the friends whom I have lost! Now must I stand, alas,
+alone among my foes."
+
+Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. The wife
+of many a hero must later mourn for this. Higher he raised his shield,
+the thong he lowered; the rings of many an armor he made to drip with
+blood. "Woe is me of all this sorrow," quoth Aldrian's son. (3) "Give
+way now, Hunnish warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air
+may cool me, fight-weary man."
+
+Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise. As the
+strife-weary man sprang from the house, how many added swords rang on
+his helmet! Those that had not seen what wonders his hand had wrought
+sprang towards the hero of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God,"
+quoth Dankwart, "that I might find a messenger who could let my brother
+Hagen know I stand in such a plight before these knights. He would help
+me hence, or lie dead at my side."
+
+Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself,
+when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time
+Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great
+scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."
+
+Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I'll
+wot the armor rings of some with blood. I'll tell the tale at court
+myself and make plaint to my lords of my great dole."
+
+So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not withstand
+him with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his
+shield that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then
+they weened to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what
+deep wounds he struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave
+man was forced to reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby
+great praise. From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many
+of them entered the fray too soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a
+boar to the woods before the dogs. How might he be more brave? His path
+was ever wet with reeking blood. Certes, no single champion might ever
+fight better with his foes than he had done. Men now saw Hagen's brother
+go to court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of
+swords, and full many a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever
+food he bare to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.
+
+"How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve
+well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the
+tidings to my dear masters."
+
+Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he
+dealt so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand
+further back. His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure XXXII.  The details of the following scenes differ
+        materially in the various sources.  A comparative study of
+        them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
+   (2)  "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
+        the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
+        wedding.  See Adventure XIX, note 1.
+   (3)  "Aldrian's son", i.e., Dankwart.
+   (4)  "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" 'one who sets the
+        table'; cf. F. "asseoir" 'to set', 'place', Lat. "ad
+        sedere"), older English for an upper servant who brought on
+        and removed the dishes from the table.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.
+
+When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel's meiny
+step aside. His garments dripped with blood and in his hand he bare
+unsheathed a mighty sword. Full loud he called out to the knight:
+"Brother Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth. To you and to God in
+heaven do I make plaint of our woe. Our knights and squires all lie dead
+within their lodgements."
+
+He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid for
+it dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I struck off his
+head."
+
+"It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a knight
+that he hath lost his life at a warrior's hands. Stately dames shall
+mourn him all the less. Now tell me, brother Dankwart, how comes it that
+ye be so red of hue? Ye suffer from wounds great dole, I ween. If there
+be any in the land that hath done you this, 'twill cost his life, and
+the foul fiend save him not."
+
+"Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wet with blood. This hath
+happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain so many a one
+to-day that, had I to swear it, I could not tell the tale."
+
+"Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a single
+Hun go forth. I will hold speech with the warriors, as our need
+constraineth us, for our meiny lieth dead before them, undeserved."
+
+"If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet how to
+serve such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as doth become mine
+honors." Naught could have been more loth to Kriemhild's knights.
+
+"Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be
+whispering in here. I ween, they'd gladly do without the one that
+standeth at the door, and who told the courtly tale to us Burgundians.
+Long since I have heard it said of Kriemhild, that she would not leave
+unavenged her dole of heart. Now let us drink to friendship (1) and pay
+for the royal wine. The young lord of the Huns shall be the first."
+
+Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the blood
+spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell into the lap of
+the queen. At this there began a murdering, grim and great, among
+the knights. Next he dealt the master who taught the child a fierce
+sword-stroke with both his hands, so that his head fell quickly beneath
+the table to the ground. A piteous meed it was, which he meted out to
+the master. Hagen then spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel's board.
+In his wrath he hied him thither and struck off his right hand upon the
+fiddle. "Take this as message to the Burgundian land."
+
+"Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel. "Sir Hagen of Troneg,
+what had I done to you? I came in good faith to your masters' land. How
+can I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost my hand?"
+
+Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore. In the hall he dealt out
+fierce deadly wounds to Etzel's warriors, passing many of whom he slew.
+Enow of folk in the house he did to death. The doughty Folker now sprang
+up from the board; loud rang in his hands his fiddle bow. Rudely did
+Gunther's minstrel play. Ho, what foes he made him among the valiant
+Huns! The three noble kings, too, sprang up from the table. Gladly would
+they have parted the fray, or ever greater scathe was done. With all
+their wit they could not hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so
+sore. When that the lord of the Rhine beheld the fray unparted, the
+prince dealt his foes many gaping wounds himself through the shining
+armor rings. That he was a hero of his hands, he gave great proof. Then
+the sturdy Gernot joined the strife. Certes, he did many a hero of
+the Huns to death with a sharp sword, the which Rudeger had given him.
+Mighty wounds he dealt King Etzel's warriors. Now the young son of Lady
+Uta rushed to the fray. Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of
+Etzel's warriors from the Hunnish land. Full mickle wonders were wrought
+by bold Giselher's hand. But how so doughty they all were, the kings and
+their liegemen, yet Folker was seen to stand before them all against
+the foe; a good hero he. Many a one he made to fall in his blood through
+wounds. Etzel's men did fend them, too, full well, yet one saw the
+strangers go hewing with their gleaming swords through the royal hall
+and on every side was heard great sound of wail. Those without would now
+fain be with their friends within, but at the entrance towers they found
+small gain. Those within had gladly been without the hall, but Dankwart
+let none go either up or down the steps. Therefore there rose before
+the towers a mighty press, and helmets rang loudly from the sword-blows.
+Bold Dankwart came into great stress thereby; this his brother feared,
+as his loyalty did bid him.
+
+Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my brother
+stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows? Friend, save my
+brother, or ever we lose the knight."
+
+"That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace he went
+a-fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand. Great thanks were
+tendered by the warriors from the Rhine. Bold Folker spake to Dankwart:
+"Great discomfiture have ye suffered to-day, therefore your brother bade
+me hasten to your aid. Will ye stand without, so will I stand within."
+
+Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase against
+whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in the heroes'
+hands. Folker of Burgundy land performed the same within. Across
+the press the bold fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen, the hall is locked;
+forsooth King Etzel's door is bolted well. The hands of two heroes guard
+it, as with a thousand bars." When Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so
+well defended, the famous hero and good slung his shield upon his back
+and gan avenge the wrongs that had been done him there. His foes had now
+no sort of hope to live.
+
+When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld aright
+that the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench he sprang and
+spake: "Hagen poureth out the very worst of drinks."
+
+The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life was
+hardly safe from these his foes. O how many dear friends were snatched
+away before his eyes! He sate full anxious; what booted it him that he
+was king? Haughty Kriemhild now cried aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me
+hence alive, most noble knight, by the virtues of all the princes of the
+Amelung land. If Hagen reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."
+
+"How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich. "I fear for
+myself in sooth. These men of Gunther be so passing wroth that at this
+hour I cannot guard a soul."
+
+"Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good. Let thy chivalrous
+mood appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die." Passing great
+cause had Kriemhild for this fear.
+
+"I'll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I have
+soon so many good knights so bitterly enraged. Of a truth I see blood
+spurting through the helmets from the swords."
+
+Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth as from
+a bison's horn, until the broad castle resounded with his force. Sir
+Dietrich's strength was passing great in truth.
+
+When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he began to
+heed. He spake: "Dietrich's voice hath reached mine ears, I ween our
+champions have bereft him of some friend to-day. I see him on the table,
+he doth beckon with his hand. Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian
+land, give over the strife. Let's hear and see what here hath fortuned
+to the knight from my men-at-arms."
+
+When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they
+sheathed their swords. Passing great was his power, so that none struck
+a blow. Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of Berne. He spake:
+"Most noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you through these my friends?
+I am minded to do you remedy and to make amends. If any had done you
+aught, 'twould grieve me sore."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray you, let
+me leave this hall and this fierce strife under your safe-guard, with my
+men. For this favor I will serve you ever."
+
+"How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then. "Forsooth the
+fiddler hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may open it enow
+to let us pass."
+
+"Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye ever
+done."
+
+Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon. Lead from the hall as
+few or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must remain within.
+Right ill have they treated me in the Hunnish land."
+
+When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the high-born
+queen, whose fear was passing great. On his other side he led King Etzel
+with him hence; with Dietrich there also went six hundred stately men.
+
+Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would gladly
+serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and lasting peace
+shall well befit good friends."
+
+To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and friendship
+be granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your fealty. Ye and all
+your men, ye may go hence fearlessly with these your friends."
+
+When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told, five
+hundred men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of Bechelaren, from
+whom King Gunther later gained great scathe. Then a Hunnish champion
+spied Etzel walking close by Dietrich. He, too, would take this chance,
+but the fiddler dealt him such a blow that his head fell soon before
+King Etzel's feet. When the lord of the land was come outside the house,
+he turned him about and gazed on Folker. "Woe is me of these guests.
+This is a direful need, that all my warriors should lie low in death
+before them. Alas for the feasting," quoth the noble king. "Like a
+savage boar there fighteth one within, hight Folker, who is a gleeman. I
+thank my stars that I escaped this fiend. His glees have an evil sound,
+the strokes of his how draw blood; forsooth his measures fell many a
+hero dead. I wot not, with what this minstrel twitteth us, for I have
+never had such baleful guest."
+
+They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall. Then there arose
+within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what there had happed
+them. Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke! The noble King Gunther turned
+him toward the sound. "Hear ye the measures, Hagen, which Folker
+yonder fiddleth with the Huns, when any draweth near the towers? 'Tis a
+blood-red stroke he useth with the bow."
+
+"It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall I sate
+me down to rest before the hero did. I was his comrade and he was mine;
+and come we ever home again, we shall still be so, in loyal wise. Now
+behold, most noble king, Folker is thy friend, he earneth gladly thy
+silver and thy gold. His fiddle bow doth cut through the hardest steel,
+on the helmets he breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4) Never have
+I seen fiddler stand in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath
+stood to-day. His glees resound through shield and helmet. Certes he
+shall ride good steeds and wear lordly raiment."
+
+Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these
+remained alive. Thus the clash of arms died out, since none strove with
+them longer. The lusty knights and bold now laid aside their swords.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" 'to drink
+        to the memory of a person', an old custom originating with
+        the idea of pouring out a libation to the gods.  Later it
+        assumed the form of drinking to the honor of God, of a
+        saint, or of an absent friend.  See Grimm, "Mythologie", p.
+        48.
+   (2)  "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.
+   (3)  "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.
+   (4)  "Gauds", ornaments.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+
+The lordings sate them down for weariness. Folker and Hagen came forth
+from the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors leaned. Wise
+words were spoken by the twain. Then Knight Giselher of Burgundy spake:
+"Forsooth, dear friends, ye may not ease you yet; ye must bear the
+dead from out the hall. I'll tell you, of a truth, we shall be attacked
+again. They must no longer lie here beneath our feet. Ere the Huns
+vanquish us by storm, we'll yet how wounds, which shall ease my heart.
+For this," quoth Giselher, "I have a steadfast mind."
+
+"Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen. "This rede which my young
+master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a knight. At this,
+Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."
+
+Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven thousand
+dead, the which they cast outside. Down they fell before the stairway
+to the hall, and from their kinsmen rose a full piteous wall. Some there
+were with such slight wounds that, had they been more gently treated,
+they would have waxed well again; but from the lofty fall, they must
+needs lie dead. Their friends bewailed this, and forsooth they had good
+cause.
+
+Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the truth of
+this, as hath been told me. The Huns be cravens, like women they wail;
+they should rather nurse these sorely wounded men."
+
+A margrave weened, he spake through kindness. Seeing one of his kinsmen
+lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would have borne
+him hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the dead to death. The
+flight began as the others saw this deed, and all fell to cursing this
+selfsame minstrel. He snatched javelin, sharp and hard, the which had
+been hurled at him by a Hun, and cast it with might across the court,
+far over the folk. Thus he forced Etzel's warriors to take lodgement
+further from the hall. On every side the people feared his mighty
+prowess.
+
+Many thousand men now stood before the hall. Folker and Hagen gan speak
+to Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold and good came
+thereafter into danger. Quoth Hagen: "'Twould well beseem the people's
+hope, if the lords would fight in the foremost ranks, as doth each of
+my lordings here. They hew through the helmets, so that the blood doth
+follow the sword."
+
+Etzel was brave; he seized his shield. "Now fare warily," spake Lady
+Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. If Hagen doth
+but reach you there, ye'll be hand in hand with death."
+
+The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now
+seldom hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw
+him hence. Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant
+kinship," quoth Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He
+loved Kriemhild, or ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost
+thou plot against me?"
+
+Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew
+that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's liegemen. Therefore
+she again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that
+slayeth me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King
+Etzel's shield with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many
+goodly lands and castles."
+
+"Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I
+seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such
+goodly wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again.
+Many of those who so basely eat the lording's bread, and now desert him
+in the greatest need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass
+for brave. May shame ever be their lot!"
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain.
+
+Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long
+time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me
+my harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."
+
+"I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights
+stand further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I'll
+send them back sore wounded down the steps."
+
+"Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I've tried
+before such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter
+thee alone. What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in
+words?"
+
+Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia,
+a daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men.
+Whatever Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the
+fiddler spied a mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring.
+Upon their heads they bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a
+deal full wroth of mood. "See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder,
+who vowed to match you with his sword alone? How doth lying beseem
+a hero? Much that misliketh me. There walk with him full a thousand
+knights or more, well armed."
+
+"Say not that I lie," spake Hawart's liegeman. "Gladly will I perform
+what I have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through any fear. However
+frightful Hagen be, I will meet him single-handed."
+
+On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him match the
+knight alone. This they did unwillingly, for well they knew the haughty
+Hagen from the Burgundian land. But Iring begged so long that at last
+it happed. When the fellowship beheld his wish and that he strove for
+honor, they let him go. Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain.
+Iring of Denmark, the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and
+covered him with his shield. Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall,
+while a great shout arose from all the knights around. With might and
+main they cast the spears with their hands through the sturdy shields
+upon their shining armor, so that the shafts whirled high in air. Then
+the two brave men and fierce reached for their swords. Bold Hagen's
+strength was mickle and great, but Iring smote him, that the whole hall
+rang. Palace and towers resounded from their blows, but the knight could
+not achieve his wish.
+
+Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler. He
+weened to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight wist how
+to guard bin, well. Then the fiddler struck a blow, that the plates of
+mail whirled high above the buckler's rim. An evil man he was, for
+to encounter, so Iring let him stand and rushed at Gunther of the
+Burgundian land. Here, too, either was strong enow in strife. The blows
+that Gunther and Iring dealt each other drew no blood from wounds. This
+the harness hindered, the which was both strong and good.
+
+He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of fire
+from his armor rings. Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy nigh done
+brave Iring unto death, but that he sprang away from the prince (nimble
+enow he was), and slew eftsoon four noble henchmen of the Burgundians
+from Worms across the Rhine. At this Giselher might never have waxed
+more wroth. "God wot, Sir Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must
+pay me weregild (1) for those who have fallen dead this hour before
+you."
+
+Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not stir a
+step, but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that all did ween
+the good knight would never deal a blow again in strife. But Iring lay
+unwounded here before Sir Giselher. From the crashing of the helmet
+and the ringing of the sword, his wits had grown so weak that the brave
+knight no longer thought of life. Stalwart Giselher had done this with
+his might. When now the ringing gan leave his head, the which he had
+suffered from the mighty stroke, he thought: "I am still alive and
+nowhere wounded. Now first wot I of Giselher's mighty strength." On
+either side he heard his foes. Wist they the tale, still more had happed
+him. Giselher, too, he marked hard by; he bethought him, how he might
+escape his foes. How madly he sprang up from the blood! Well might he
+thank his nimbleness for this. Out of the house he ran to where he again
+found Hagen, whom he dealt a furious blow with his powerful hand.
+
+Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed. Unless be that the foul fiend
+protect thee, thou canst not escape alive."
+
+Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest. This the hero wrought with
+Waska, (2) a passing goodly sword. When Sir Hagen felt the wound, wildly
+he brandished his weapon in his hand. Soon Hawart's liegeman was forced
+to yield his ground, and Hagen gan pursue him down the stairs. Brave
+Iring swung his shield above his head, but had the staircase been the
+length of three, Hagen would not have let him strike a blow the while.
+Ho, what red sparks did play above his helmet!
+
+Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen. Then the tidings were brought
+to Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife with Hagen of
+Troneg. For this the queen gan thank him highly. "Now God requite thee,
+Iring, thou peerless hero and good. Thou hast comforted well my heart
+and mind. I see that Hagen's weeds be wet with blood." For very joy
+Kriemhild herself relieved him of his shield.
+
+"Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "'Twould well befit a
+knight to try again. A valiant man were he, if he then came back alive.
+Little shall the wound profit you, which I have at his bands; for that
+ye have seen the rings wet with blood from my wound doth urge me to the
+death of many a man. Now first am I enraged at Hawart's liegeman. Small
+scathe hath Knight Iring done me yet."
+
+Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his harness
+and doffed his casque. All the folk then praised his prowess, at which
+the margrave was in passing lofty mood. Again Sir Iring spake: "My
+friends, this know; arm me now quickly, for I would fain try again, if
+perchance I may not conquer this overweening man."
+
+His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon the
+champion was armed again. Through hate he seized a passing heavy spear
+with which he would encounter Hagen yonder. Meantime the death-grim
+man awaited him in hostile wise. But Knight Hagen would not abide his
+coming. Hurling the javelin and brandishing his sword, he ran to meet
+him to the very bottom of the stairs. Forsooth his rage was great.
+Little booted Iring then his strength; through the shields they smote,
+so that the flames rose high in fiery blasts. Hagen sorely wounded
+Hawart's liegeman with his sword through shield and breastplate. Never
+waxed he well again. When now Knight Iring felt the wound, higher above
+his helmet bands he raised his shield. Great enow he thought the scathe
+he here received, but thereafter King Gunther's liegeman did him more of
+harm. Hagen found a spear lying now before his feet. With this he shot
+Iring, the Danish hero, so that the shaft stood forth from his head.
+Champion Hagen had given him a bitter end. Iring must needs retreat
+to those of Denmark. Or ever they unbound his helmet and drew the
+spear-shaft from his head, death had already drawn nigh him. At this his
+kinsmen wept, as forsooth they had great need.
+
+Then the queen came and bent above him. She gan bewail the stalwart
+Iring and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was passing sharp. At this
+the bold and lusty warrior spake before his kinsmen: "Let be this wail,
+most royal queen. What availeth your weeping now? Certes, I must lose
+my life from these wounds I have received. Death will no longer let me
+serve you and Etzel." To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he
+spake: "None of you must take from the queen her shining ruddy gold as
+meed, for if ye encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."
+
+Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death. Dole enow it
+gave them, for no longer might Hawart's liegeman live. Then the men
+of Denmark must needs renew the fray. Irnfried and Hawart with well a
+thousand champions leaped toward the hall. On every side one heard a
+monstrous uproar, mighty and strong. Ho, what sturdy javelins were cast
+at the Burgundian men! Bold Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained
+great damage at his hands. Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler
+smote the landgrave. Certes, he was grim enow! Then Sir Irnfried dealt
+the valiant gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open and
+his breastplate was enveloped with a bright red flame. Yet the landgrave
+fell dead at the minstrel's hands. Hawart and Hagen, too, had come
+together. Wonders would he have seen, who beheld the fight. The swords
+fell thick and fast in the heroes' hands. Through the knight from the
+Burgundian land Hawart needs must die. When the Thuringians and the
+Danes espied their lordings dead, there rose before the hall a fearful
+strife, before they gained the door with mighty hand. Many a helm and
+shield was hacked and cut thereby.
+
+"Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they have in
+mind will not be ended. They must die in here in full short time. With
+death they'll gain what the queen would give them."
+
+When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of many a
+one sank down so low that he needs must die from their furious strokes.
+Well fought the valiant Gernot, and the same did Giselher, the knight. A
+thousand and four were come into the hall and many a whizzing stroke
+of the swords was seen flash forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain
+therein. Mickle wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men. The hall
+grew still, as the uproar died away. On every side the dead men's blood
+poured through the openings down to the drain-pipes. This the men from
+the Rhine had wrought with their passing strength.
+
+Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and laid aside
+their swords and shields. But still the valiant minstrel stood guard
+before the hall. He waited, if any would perchance draw near again in
+strife. Sorely the king made wail, as did the queen. Maids and ladies
+were distraught with grief. Death, I ween, had conspired against them,
+wherefore many of the warriors perished through the guests.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", 'a man', "gild", 'payment of
+        money'), legal term for compensation paid for a man killed.
+   (2)  "Waska".  In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of
+        Walther of Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German
+        name, "Wasgenwald", for the Vosges.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.
+
+"Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen. "I and my
+comrade will guard you well, and should Etzel's men be minded to try
+again, I'll warn my lords as soon as I ever can."
+
+Then many a good knight bared his head. They sate them down upon the
+wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their hands. Evil
+looks were cast upon the noble strangers. Before the eventide the king
+and the queen brought it to pass that the Hunnish champions tried
+again. Men saw full twenty thousand warriors stand before them, who must
+perforce march to the fray. Straightway there rose a mighty storming
+towards the strangers. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, the doughty knight,
+sprang from his lordings' side to meet the foes without the door.
+All weened that he were dead, yet forth he stood again unscathed.
+The furious strife did last till nightfall brought it to a close. As
+befitted good knights, the strangers warded off King Etzel's liegemen
+the livelong summer day. Ho, how many a bold knight fell doomed before
+them! This great slaughter happed upon midsummer's day, when Lady
+Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart upon her nearest kin and upon many
+another man, so that King Etzel never again gained joy.
+
+The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear. They
+thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than to be
+longer racked with monstrous pain. A truce these proud and lusty knights
+now craved; they begged that men would bring the king to see them. Forth
+from the hall stepped the heroes, bloody of hue, and the three noble
+kings, stained from their armor. They wist not to whom they should make
+plaint of their mighty wounds. Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went;
+the land was theirs and so their band waxed large. He spake to the
+strangers: "Pray tell me, what ye will of me? Ye ween to gain here
+peace, but that may hardly be. For damage as great as ye have done me,
+in my son and in my many kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and pardon
+shall be denied you quite; it shall not boot you aught, an' I remain
+alive."
+
+To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my
+men-at-arms lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel. How did I deserve
+such pay? I came to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my friend."
+
+Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who still
+do live, what do ye blame me with? What have I done to you, for I rode
+in friendly wise into this land of yours."
+
+Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with grief and
+the land as well. We should not have taken it ill, in sooth, if thou
+hadst never come from Worms beyond the Rhine. Thou and thy brothers have
+filled this land with orphans."
+
+Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside this
+bitter hate and make your peace with us stranger knights, 'twere best
+for either side. We have not merited at all what Etzel here doth do us."
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and yours. The
+mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame, which I have taken
+here, are such that none of you shall e'er go hence alive."
+
+At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you act in
+merciful wise. Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but let us first
+descend to you into the open court. That will make to you for honor.
+Let be done quickly whatever shall hap to us. Ye have still many men
+unscathed, who dare well encounter us and bereave us storm-weary men of
+life. How long must we warriors undergo these toils?"
+
+King Etzel's champions had nigh granted this boon and let them leave the
+hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked her. Therefore the
+wanderers were speedily denied the truce. "Not so, ye Hunnish men. I
+counsel you in true fealty, that ye do not what ye have in mind, and let
+these murderers leave the hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly
+fall. Did none of them still live, save Uta's sons, my noble brothers,
+and they came forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye
+would all be lost. Bolder heroes were never born into the world."
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my trust,
+when thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to this land, to
+this dire need. How have I merited death here from the Huns? I was aye
+true to thee; never did I do thee wrong, and in the hope that thou wast
+still my friend, dear sister mine, rode I hither to thy court. It cannot
+be but that thou grant us mercy."
+
+"I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood. Hagen of Troneg hath
+done me such great wrongs that it may never be amended, the while I
+live. Ye must all suffer for this deed," so spake King Etzel's wife.
+"And ye will give me Hagen alone as hostage, I will not deny that I will
+let you live, for ye be my brothers and children of one mother, and will
+counsel peace with these heroes that be here."
+
+"Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a thousand of
+us, the clansmen of thy kin, we'd rather all lie dead, than give thee a
+single man as hostage. Never shall this be done."
+
+"We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder that we
+guard us in knightly wise. We be still here, if any list to fight us;
+for never have I failed a friend in fealty."
+
+Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held his
+peace): "Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone. It may yet rue
+those who here refuse the truce. I'll tell you of a truth, we'll make
+you ware of this."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the stairs
+and avenge my wrongs. For this I will ever serve you, as I should by
+right. I'll pay Hagen well for his overweening pride. Let none at all
+escape from the house, and I will bid the hall be set on fire at all
+four ends. Thus all my wrongs shall be well avenged."
+
+Soon were King Etzel's champions ready still stood without into the hall
+with blows and shots. Mickle waxed the din, yet the lordings and their
+liegemen would not part. For very fealty they could not leave each
+other. Etzel's queen then bade the hall be set on fire, and thus they
+racked the bodies of the knights with fire and flame. Fanned by the
+breeze, the whole house burst into flames full soon. I ween, no folk
+did ever gain such great distress. Enow within cried out: "Alack this
+plight! We would much rather die in stress of battle. It might move God
+to pity, how we all are lost! The queen now wreaketh monstrously on us
+her wrath."
+
+Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead. What avail us now the
+greetings which the king did send us? Thirst from this great heat giveth
+me such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must ebb away in anguish."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him whom
+pangs of thirst constrain, drink here this blood. In such great heat,
+'tis better still than wine. We can purvey us at this time none better."
+
+One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and knelt
+him down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and began to drink
+the flowing blood. However little wont to such a drink, him thought it
+passing good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite you," spake the weary man,
+"that I have drunk so well at your advice; seldom hath better wine been
+proffered me. And I live yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."
+
+When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon there
+were many more that drank the blood. From this the body of each gained
+much of strength; but many a stately dame paid dear for this through
+the loss of loving kin. Into the hall the fire fell thick and fast upon
+them, but with their shields they turned it from them to the ground.
+Both the heat and the smoke did hurt them sore; in sooth, I ween, that
+nevermore will such anguish hap to heroes.
+
+Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. Let not
+the firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp them with your
+feet down deeper in the blood. Forsooth it is an evil feast which the
+queen doth give us here."
+
+In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the brave
+minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall, a-leaning on their
+shields. More scathe they awaited from those of Etzel's band. Then spake
+the fiddler: "Now go we into the hall. Then the Huns will ween, that we
+all be dead from the torture that hath been done us here. They'll yet
+see us go to meet them in the strife."
+
+Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day dawneth, a
+cooling wind doth blow. May God in heaven let us live to see a liefer
+time, for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here an evil feast."
+
+Again one spake: "I see the day. Sith we cannot hope for better things,
+so arm you, heroes, think on your life. Certes, King Etzel's wife will
+come to meet us soon again."
+
+The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil and the
+pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave men, as good as
+any knight that king ever gained, were still alive. Those set to guard
+the strangers had well seen that the guests still lived, despite the
+damage and the dole that had been done both to the lordings and their
+men. In the hall one saw them stand full safe and sound. They then told
+Kriemhild that many were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could
+never be, that any should have lived through such stress of fire. Rather
+will I believe that all lie dead."
+
+The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed
+to do them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish
+land. So with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same
+day, towards morning, men proffered them a fierce attack as greeting,
+which brought the champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was
+hurled upon them, but the bold and lordly warriors warded them in
+knightly wise. High rose the mood of Etzel's men at the thought that
+they should earn Queen Kriemhild's gold. Thereto they were minded to
+perform whatso the King did bid them. Many of them because of this
+must soon needs gaze on death. Of pledges and of gifts one might tell
+wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be carried forth on shields and gave
+it to whomsoever craved it and would take it. Certes, greater wage was
+nevermore given against foes. To the hall a mickle force of well-armed
+warriors marched.
+
+Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes
+more gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king's gold to
+do us scathe."
+
+Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what
+we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."
+
+Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been
+thrown. What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match
+them, surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with
+wounds. None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from
+mortal wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for
+friends. All the great king's doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen
+mourned them passing sore.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.
+
+The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind's husband
+came to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous
+wounds on either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever
+born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make
+for peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more
+the sufferings of his men."
+
+Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might
+turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer:
+"Who might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."
+
+Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and
+many tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth
+stand, that hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and whom both lands
+and people serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of
+which he doth hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy
+stroke hath he dealt in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it
+fare here at court, sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be
+bolder than any other wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous
+(1) days."
+
+Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak.
+Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and
+hast told thy tale too loud at court."
+
+His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man
+so mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King
+Etzel's woe grew greater.
+
+"Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow of
+grief and pain. How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here? Certes,
+I have good cause to hate the strangers, and would have done all in my
+power against them, had I not led the warriors hither. Of a truth I was
+their safeguard to my master's land. Therefore the hand of me, wretched
+man, may not strive against them."
+
+Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye helped
+us, most noble Rudeger! We have so many fey (2) in the land, that we
+have no need of more. Full evil have ye done."
+
+At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my mood and
+twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of which I have
+received from thy hand. This hath cost the liar dear."
+
+The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns through
+the hero's wrath. Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes grew moist as
+she spake to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye should increase the
+sorrows of the king and me? Hitherto ye have told us, that for our sake
+ye would risk both life and honor. I heard full many warriors accord
+to you the palm. Let me mind you of your fealty and that ye swore, when
+that ye counseled me to Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve
+me till one of us should die. Never have I, poor woman, had such great
+need of this."
+
+"There's no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake I'd
+risk both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would lose my soul.
+'Twas I that bade the high-born lordings to this feast."
+
+Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy
+constancy, and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine
+injuries and all my woes."
+
+Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."
+
+Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank before
+the knight. Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad. Pitifully the
+faithful warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched man, that I have
+lived to see this day. I must give over all my honors, my fealty, and
+my courtesie, that God did bid me use. Alas, great God of heaven, that
+death will not turn this from me! I shall act basely and full evil,
+whatever I do or leave undone. But if I give over both, then will all
+people blame me. Now may he advise me, who hath given me life."
+
+Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly. Through this
+warriors must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger's hands, when
+the hero also died. Ye may well hear it now, that he deported him full
+pitifully. He wist that it would bring him scathe and monstrous woe.
+Gladly would he have refused the king and queen. He feared full sore
+that if he slew but one of the strangers, the world would bear him hate.
+
+Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take back
+again all that I have from you, my land with its castles, let not a whit
+remain to me. On foot will I wander into other lands."
+
+At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then? I'll give thee
+the land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou mayst avenge me on
+my foes. Thou shalt be a mighty king at Etzel's side."
+
+Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed? I bade them to my
+house and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and drink
+and gave them gifts. How may I counsel their death? People will lightly
+ween, that I be craven. No service of mine have I refused these noble
+lordings and their men. Now I rue the kinship I have gained with them. I
+gave my daughter to Giselher, the knight; to none in all the world could
+she have been better given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and
+wealth. Never have I seen so young a prince of such right courteous
+mind."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our
+griefs, on mine and on the king's. Bethink thee well, that king did
+never gain such baneful guests."
+
+To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger's life must pay to-day
+for whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me. Therefore must I
+die; no longer may it be deferred. I know full well, that my castles and
+my lands will be voided for you to-day through the hand of one of these
+men. To your mercy I commend my wife and children and the strangers (3)
+who be at Bechelaren."
+
+"Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and the
+queen grew glad. "Thy people shall be well commended to our care. For
+mine own weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."
+
+Etzel's bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the
+venture. He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my
+friends, whom I am loth to fight."
+
+Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he
+found his warriors standing. He spake: "Ye must arm you all, my men,
+for, alas, I must needs encounter the bold Burgundians."
+
+They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it
+were helm or buckler, 'twas all brought forth to them by their meiny.
+Later the proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rudeger was
+now armed, and with him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve
+champions, who would fain win renown in the stress of battle. They
+wist not that death drew nigh them. Then Rudeger was seen to march with
+helmet donned. The margrave's men bare keen-edged swords, and their
+bright shields and broad upon their arms. This the fiddler saw; greatly
+he rued the sight. When young Giselher beheld his lady's father walk
+with his helm upon his head, how might he know what he meant thereby,
+save that it portended good? Therefore the noble prince waxed passing
+merry of mood.
+
+"Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we have
+won upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief
+it is to me, that this betrothal hath taken place."
+
+"I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the minstrel; "when
+have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand,
+for the sake of peace? Rudeger doth think to win his castles and his
+lands in fight with us."
+
+Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble Rudeger
+before the house. At his feet he placed his trusty shield, and now both
+service and greeting he must needs refuse his friends. Into the hall
+the noble margrave called: "Ye doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well
+on every side. Ye were to profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe.
+Aforetime we were friends, but of this troth I now would fain be rid."
+
+The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained aught
+of joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight them. From their
+foes they had already suffered mickle stress of war. "Now God of heaven
+forbid," spake Gunther, the knight, "that ye should give over your love
+of us and your great fealty, on which we counted of a truth. Better
+things I trow of you, than that ye should ever do this deed."
+
+"Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have vowed it.
+Now ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life. King Etzel's wife
+would not release me from mine oath."
+
+"Ye declare this feud too late," spake the high-born king. "Now may God
+requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and fealty that ye
+have shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at the end. I and my
+kinsmen, we ought ever to serve you for the noble gifts ye gave us, when
+ye brought us hither faithfully to Etzel's land. Now, noble Rudeger,
+think on this."
+
+"How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I might
+weigh out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly as I had
+hoped, if I never should be blamed on that account."
+
+"Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did never give
+his guests such loving cheer as ye did us. This shall profit you well,
+and we remain alive."
+
+"Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were on the
+Rhine and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now encounter you!
+Never did friends act worse to heroes."
+
+"Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your passing
+rich gifts. Your death doth rue me, if such knightly virtues shall be
+lost with you. Here I bear your sword that ye gave me, good knight and
+true. It hath never failed me in all this need. Many a knight fell
+dead beneath its edges. It is bright and steady, glorious and good;
+nevermore, I ween, will warrior give so rich a gift. And will ye not
+turn back, but come to meet us, and slay aught of the friends I still
+have here, with your own sword will I take your life. Then will ye rue
+me, Rudeger, ye and your high-born wife."
+
+"Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all your
+will might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped unscathed! Then
+both my daughter and my wife may trust you well, forsooth."
+
+Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta's son: "Why do ye so, Sir
+Rudeger? Those that be come with us, do all like you well. Ye encounter
+us in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair daughter a widow far too
+soon. If ye and your warriors match me now with strife, how right
+unkindly do ye let it appear, that I trust you well above all other men
+and therefore won me your daughter to wife."
+
+"Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king. And God let you
+escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for me. For your
+own virtue's sake, vouchsafe her mercy."
+
+"That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if
+my noble kinsmen here within must die through you, then my steadfast
+friendship for you and for your daughter must be parted."
+
+"Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man. Then they
+raised their shields, as though they would hence to fight the guests in
+Kriemhild's hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown the steps. "Pray tarry
+awhile, most noble Rudeger," so spake Hagen; "I and my lords would fain
+have further parley, as doth befit our need. What can the death of us
+wanderers avail King Etzel? I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield
+that Lady Gotelind gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns.
+I brought it with friendly purpose into Etzel's land. O that God in
+heaven would grant, that I might bear so good a shield as that thou hast
+in thy hand, most noble Rudeger! Then I should no longer need a hauberk
+in the fray."
+
+"Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it before
+Kriemhild. Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm. Ho, if thou
+couldst only wield it in the Burgundian land!"
+
+When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes grew
+red with scalding tears. 'T was the last gift that ever Rudeger of
+Bechelaren gave to any knight. However fierce Hagen, and however stern
+of mood, the gift did touch him, which the good hero, so near to death,
+had given. Many a noble knight gan mourn with him.
+
+"Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger. Your like will
+nevermore be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly gifts. God
+grant that your courtesie may ever live." Again Hagen spake: "Woe is me
+of these tales, we had so many other griefs to bear. Let complaint be
+made to heaven, if we must fight with friends."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."
+
+"Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger. Howso these
+high-born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall never touch you
+in the fight, and ye slew them all from the Burgundian land."
+
+Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low. On every side they wept,
+that none might soothe this pain of heart. That was a mighty grief. In
+Rudeger would die the father of all knightly virtues.
+
+Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my comrade
+Hagen hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just as steadfastly
+from my hand, for well ye earned it, when we came into this land. Most
+noble margrave, ye shall be mine envoy, too. The margravine gave me
+these ruddy arm rings, that I should wear them here at the feasting.
+These ye may yourself behold, that ye may later be my witness."
+
+"Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine may give
+you more! I'll gladly tell these tales to my dear love, if I see her in
+health again. Of this ye shall not doubt."
+
+When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield. No longer
+he bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he rushed upon the
+guests. Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker
+and Hagen, stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still
+he found standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the
+fight with anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let
+him in, good heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him
+sore, in truth. He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then
+the margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them
+follow their lord. In their hands they bare their keen-edged swords,
+the which cleft there many a helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors
+dealt the men of Bechelaren many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep
+through the shining mail, down to the very quick.
+
+Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight
+Folker and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man
+alone. Through the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from
+the helmets. How grimly rang the many swords within! The shield plates
+sprang from their fastenings, and the precious stones, cut from the
+shields, fell down into the gore. So grimly they fought, that men will
+never do the like again. The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as
+one who wotteth how to use great prowess in the fray. Passing like to
+a worshipful champion and a bold did Rudeger bear him on that day. Here
+stood the warriors, Gunther and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in
+the fray. Giselher and Dankwart, the twain, recked so little, that
+they brought full many a knight to his last day of life. Full well did
+Rudeger make appear that he was strong enow, brave and well-armed. Ho,
+what knights he slew! This a Burgundian espied; perforce it angered him,
+and thus Sir Rudeger's death drew near.
+
+The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake: "It
+appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That
+irketh me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may
+your present work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of
+friends. Pray address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift
+shall be paid for as best I can."
+
+Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs
+grow dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men.
+Either gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords,
+that naught might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote
+Gernot a buffet through his helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so
+that the blood gushed forth. But this the bold knight and good repaid
+eftsoon. High in his hand he now poised Rudeger's gift, and though
+wounded unto death, he smote him a stroke through his good and trusty
+shield down to his helmet band. And so fair Gotelind's husband was done
+to death. Certes, so rich a gift was never worse repaid. So fell alike
+both Gernot and Rudeger, slain in the fray, through each other's hand.
+
+Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe. Quoth
+the hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us. In these two men we
+have taken a loss so great that neither their land nor people will e'er
+recover from the blow. Rudeger's champions must answer to us homeless
+men."
+
+"Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death. What evil tales
+I hear all time! Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue me. The loss and the
+grievous wounds are felt on either side."
+
+When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed's father dead, those within the
+hall were forced to suffer need. Fiercely death sought his fellowship;
+not one of those of Bechelaren escaped with life. Gunther and Giselher
+and Hagen, too, Dankwart and Folker, the right good knights, went to
+where they found the two men lying. Then by these heroes tears of grief
+were shed.
+
+"Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth. "Now give over
+your weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed armor of us
+storm-weary men may cool. Certes, I ween, that God in heaven vouchsafeth
+us no more to live."
+
+This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall, but all
+again were idle. Rudeger's heroes lay still in death. The din had died
+away; the hush endured so long, it vexed King Etzel.
+
+"Alack for such services," spake the queen. "They be not so true, that
+our foes must pay with their life at Rudeger's hands. I trow, he doth
+wish to lead them back to the Burgundian land. What booteth it, King
+Etzel, that we have given him whatso he would? The knight hath done
+amiss, he who should avenge us, doth make his peace."
+
+To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not true,
+alas, most noble queen. Durst I give the lie to such a high-born dame,
+then had ye most foully lied against Rudeger. He and his champions be
+cozened in this peace. So eagerly he did what the king commanded,
+that he and all his fellowship lie here in death. Now look around you,
+Kriemhild, to see whom ye may now command. The good Knight Rudeger hath
+served you to his end. And ye will not believe the tale, we'll let you
+see."
+
+To their great grief 'twas done; they bare the slain hero to where the
+king might see him. Never had there happed to Etzel's men a grief so
+great. When they saw the margrave borne forth dead, no scribe might
+write or tell the frantic grief of men and women, which there gan show
+itself from dole of heart. King Etzel's sorrow waxed so great that the
+mighty king did voice his woe of heart, as with a lion's roar. Likewise
+did his queen. Beyond all measure they bewailed the good Knight
+Rudeger's death.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Parlous", older English for 'perilous'.
+   (2)  "Fey", 'doomed to death', here in the sense of 'already
+        slain'.  See Adventure V, note 2.
+   (3)  "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from
+        home.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's Warriors Were Slain.
+
+On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the towers
+rang with the wailing. Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard it, too. How
+quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales! To the lording he
+spake: "Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much I've lived to see till
+now, yet heard I never such a monstrous wail, as now hath reached mine
+ears. I ween, King Etzel himself hath come to grief. How else might all
+be so distressed? One of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely
+been laid low by the brave strangers in their wrath. Full many a dapper
+warrior weepeth passing sore."
+
+Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye not
+too fast. Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they be now in
+mickle need. Let it profit them, that I did offer them my peace."
+
+At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for tidings
+of what they have done, and will tell you then, my most dear lord, just
+as I find it, what the wail may be."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude questions
+then are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood of warriors. In
+truth, I will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these questions of them."
+
+Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade him find
+from Etzel's men or from the guests themselves, what there had fortuned,
+for men had never seen from folks so great a grief. The messenger gan
+ask: "What hath here been done?"
+
+At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the Hunnish
+land hath passed away. Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the Burgundians'
+hands; and of those who were come with him, not one hath 'scaped
+alive."
+
+Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole. Sorely weeping, the
+envoy went to Dietrich. Never was he so loth to tell a tale. "What
+have ye found for us?" quoth Dietrich. "Why weep ye so sore, Knight
+Helfrich?"
+
+Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail. The
+Burgundians have slain the good Sir Rudeger."
+
+At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid. That were a
+fearful vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat. Wherewith hath
+Rudeger deserved this at their hands? I know full well, forsooth, he is
+the strangers' friend."
+
+To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, 'twill cost
+them all their lives. 'Twould be our shame, should we let this pass, for
+of a truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger hath served us much and
+oft."
+
+The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better. In bitter grief he sate
+him at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the strangers, that
+he might find from them what had been done. The storm-brave warrior,
+Master Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield nor weapon in his hand. In
+courtly wise he would hie him to the strangers; for this he was chided
+by his sister's son. Grim Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so
+bare, ye will never fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame.
+But if ye go there armed, each will guard against that well."
+
+Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth. Or ever he
+was ware, all Dietrich's warriors had donned their war-weeds and held
+in their hands their swords. Loth it was to the hero, and he would have
+gladly turned their mind. He asked whither they would go.
+
+"We will hence with you. Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will dare the
+less to address him to you with scorn, which full well he knoweth how to
+use." When he heard this, the knight vouchsafed them for to go.
+
+Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of Dietrich,
+march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in their hands they
+bare their shields. He told it to his lords from out the Burgundian
+land. The fiddler spake: "Yonder I see the men of Dietrich march along
+in right hostile wise, armed cap-a-pie. They would encounter us; I ween
+'twill go full ill with us strangers."
+
+Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come. Before his feet he placed his shield,
+and gan ask Gunther's men: "Alas, good heroes, what had Rudeger done
+you? My Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to say, that if the
+hand of any among you hath slain the noble margrave, as we are told, we
+could never stand such mighty dole."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true. How gladly could I wish,
+that the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger's sake, and that he
+still did live, for whom both man and wife may well ever weep."
+
+When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail for
+him, as their fealty bade them. Over the beards and chins of Dietrich's
+champions the tears were seen to run. Great grief had happened to them.
+
+Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an end
+the cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. The joy of
+all wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."
+
+Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw mine own
+father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than for his death.
+Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave's wife?"
+
+Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the warriors
+to so many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done? Alas, most noble
+Rudeger, that we should lose thee thus!"
+
+Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men bewailed
+his death. For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a whit. He spake:
+"Sir knights, now do what my lord hath sent you here to do. Give us
+the corse of Rudeger from out the hall, in whom our joy hath turned to
+grief, and let us repay to him the great fealty he hath shown to us and
+to many another man. We, too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight.
+Why do ye let us wait thus? Let us bear him away, that we may yet
+requite the knight in death. More justly had we done it, when he was
+still alive."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as that,
+which a friend doth do to a friend after his death. When any doeth that,
+I call it faithful friendship. Ye repay him but rightly, for much love
+hath he ever shown you."
+
+"How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart. "Sith our best
+hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no longer have him
+with us, let us bear him hence to where the warrior may be buried."
+
+To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you. Fetch ye him
+from the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood, with mortal
+wounds. 'Twill then be a perfect service, which ye render Rudeger."
+
+Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us great
+dole and should not rouse our ire. But that I durst not for fear of my
+lord, ye should all fare ill. We must perforce abstain, sith he forbade
+us strife."
+
+Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth abstain
+from all that one forbiddeth him. That I call not a real hero's mood."
+This speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.
+
+"Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I'll play such havoc with
+your fiddle strings, that ye'll have cause to tell the tale, when ye
+ride homeward to the Rhine. I cannot brook in honor your overweening
+pride."
+
+Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must the
+gleam of your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however I ride to
+the Burgundian land."
+
+Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him firmly.
+"I ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger. Then hadst thou lost
+forever the favor of my lord."
+
+"Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the good
+knight Folker. "Had he slain the whole world with his one hand, I'll
+smite him, and he come within my reach, so that he may never sing the
+answer to my song."
+
+At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood. Wolfhart, a
+doughty knight and a good, snatched up his shield. Like a wild lion
+he ran to meet him, swiftly followed by all his friends. But howsoever
+great the strides he took towards the hall, yet did old Hildebrand
+overtake him at the steps. He would not let him reach the fray before
+him. At the hands of the homeless knights they later found the strife
+they sought. Master Hildebrand then sprang at Hagen. In the hands of
+both one heard the swords ring out. That both were angry, might be
+plainly seen; from the swords of the twain streamed forth a blast of
+fire-red sparks. Then they were parted in the stress of battle by the
+men of Berne, as their strength did bid them. At once Hildebrand turned
+him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart addressed him to Folker the
+bold. Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon his good helmet, that the
+sword's edge pierced to the very helmet bands. This the bold gleeman
+repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the sparks flew wide. Enow
+of fire they struck from the armor rings, for each bare hatred to the
+other. Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne did part them--an' he be not a hero,
+never was there one.
+
+With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of the
+Amelung land. Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red and wet with
+blood. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, a fierce man was he; whatever he had
+done before to Etzel's warriors in strife was as a wind to the fury with
+which bold Aldrian's son now fought. Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich
+and Wichart had spared themselves full seldom in many battle storms;
+this they now made Gunther's liegemen note full well. Wolfbrand, too,
+was seen in the strife bearing him in lordly wise. Old Hildebrand fought
+as though he raged. At Wolfhart's hands many good knights, struck by the
+sword, must needs fall dead down into the blood. Thus the bold champions
+and good avenged Knight Rudeger.
+
+Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him. Ho, what good helmets
+of his foes this son of Dietrich's sister clove in the strife! Nor
+might he ever do better in the fray. When sturdy Folker espied that bold
+Siegstab hewed a bloody stream from the hard armor rings, wroth of mood
+the hero grew. He sprang to meet him, and Siegstab lost his life full
+soon at the fiddler's hands, for Folker gave him such a sample of his
+art, that he soon lay dead, slain by his sword. This old Hildebrand
+avenged, as his might did bid him.
+
+"Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here dead
+at Folker's hands. Now shall the fiddler no longer live."
+
+How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer? Folker he smote, so that
+on all sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from helmet and
+shield of the doughty gleeman. Thus stout Folker was done to death. At
+this the men of Dietrich pressed forward to the strife. They smote so
+that the armor rings whirled far and wide, and high through the air
+the sword-points wore seen to fly. From the helmets they drew the warm
+gushing stream of blood. When Hagen of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was
+the greatest sorrow, that he had gained at the feasting in kinsman or
+in liegeman. Alas, how fiercely Hagen gan venge the knight! "Now old
+Hildebrand shall not profit by this deed. My helpmate lieth slain by the
+hero's hand, the best war comrade that I did ever win." Higher he raised
+his helmet, and ran, slashing as he went.
+
+Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart. Loth enow it was to Gunther and Giselher,
+when they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own hands he himself
+had well avenged his death. Meanwhile Wolfhart raged back and forth,
+hewing alway King Gunther's men. For the third time he was come through
+the hall, and many a warrior fell, struck by his hands.
+
+Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever gained
+so grim a foe! Noble knight and brave, now address you unto me. I'll
+help to make an end; this may be no longer."
+
+At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote other
+many a gaping wound. He pressed so mightily toward the king, that
+the blood beneath his feet spurted high above his head. With grim
+and fearful blows the son of fair Uta then greeted the brave knight
+Wolfhart. However strong the warrior, he might not save his life. Never
+could so young a king have been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through
+his stout hauberk, that his blood streamed down from the wound. Unto
+death he wounded Dietrich's liegeman. None save a champion had done such
+deed. When brave Wolfhart felt the wound, he let fall his shield and
+lifted higher in his hand his mighty sword (sharp enow it was); through
+both helmet and armor rings the hero smote Giselher. Thus each did other
+fiercely unto death.
+
+Now was none left of Dietrich's men. Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart fall;
+never before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to him. The men of
+Gunther all lay dead, and those of Dietrich, too. Hildebrand hied him to
+where Wolfhart had fallen in the gore, and clasped in his arms the brave
+knight and good. He would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a
+deal too heavy, and so he must needs let him lie. Then the dying warrior
+looked upward from the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his
+uncle would fain help him hence. Though wounded unto death, he spake:
+"Dear uncle mine, ye may not aid me now. 'Tis well, methinks, that ye
+should guard you against Hagen. A fierce mood he beareth in his heart.
+And if perchance my kinsmen would mourn me after I am dead; pray tell
+the nearest and the best, that they weep not for me; there is no need of
+that. At the hands of a king I have met a glorious death and have also
+avenged me, so that the wives of the good knights may well bewail it. If
+any ask you of this, ye may boldly say, that full a hundred lie slain by
+my hand alone."
+
+Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold Hildebrand
+had robbed of life. To the knight he spake: "Ye'll requite me now my
+sorrows. Through your hatred ye have bereft us of many a lusty knight."
+
+He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the which
+bold Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the knight. Then the
+old man warded him; in sooth he was brave enow. Dietrich's champion
+struck with a broad sword, that cut full sore, at the hero of Troneg,
+but could not wound King Gunther's liegeman. Hagen, however, smote him
+through his well-wrought hauberk. When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he
+feared more scathe at Hagen's hand; his shield he slung across his back
+and thus Sir Dietrich's man escaped from Hagen, though sorely wounded.
+
+Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and
+Hagen alone. Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he found
+Dietrich, and told him the baleful tale. He saw him sitting sadly, but
+much more of dole the prince now gained. He spied Hildebrand in his
+blood-red hauberk, and asked him tidings, as his fears did prompt him.
+
+"Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wet with your lifeblood?
+Pray who hath done you this? I ween, ye have fought with the strangers
+in the hall. I forbade it you so sorely, that ye should justly have
+avoided it."
+
+Then said he to his lord: "'Twas Hagen that did it. He dealt me this
+wound in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the knight. I
+scarce escaped the devil with my life."
+
+Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for that ye
+have broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye did hear me vow
+friendship to the knights. Were it not mine everlasting shame, ye should
+lose your life."
+
+"My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my friends and
+me is all too great. Fain would we have carried Rudeger's corse away,
+but King Gunther's liegemen would not grant it us."
+
+"Woe is me of these sorrows! If Rudeger then be dead, 'twill bring
+me greater dole, than all my woe. Noble Gotelind is the child of my
+father's sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be now in Bechelaren."
+
+Rudeger's death now minded him of ruth and dole. Mightily the hero gan
+weep; in sooth he had good cause. "Alas for this faithful comrade whom I
+have lost! In truth I shall ever mourn for King Etzel's liegeman. Can ye
+tell me, Master Hildebrand, true tidings, who be the knight, that hath
+slain him there?"
+
+Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the hero,
+too, fell dead at Rudeger's hands."
+
+Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm them
+quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready my shining
+battle weeds. I myself will question the heroes of the Burgundian land."
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you? Whatso of living
+men ye have, ye see stand by you. 'Tis I alone; the others, they be
+dead."
+
+He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never in his
+life had he gained so great a grief. He spake: "And are my men all dead,
+then hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich. Once I was a lordly king,
+mighty, high, and rich." Again Sir Dietrich spake: "How could it hap,
+that all the worshipful heroes died at the hands of the battle-weary,
+who were themselves hard pressed? Were it not for mine ill-luck, death
+were still a stranger to them. Sith then mine evil fortune would have it
+so, pray tell me, are any of the strangers still alive?"
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only Hagen and
+Gunther, the high-born king."
+
+"Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well rue me,
+that ever I was born. Siegstab and Wolfwin and Wolfbrand, too! Who then
+shall help me to the Amelung land? Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been
+slain, and Gerbart and Wichart? How shall I ever mourn for them in
+fitting wise? This day doth forever end my joys. Alas, that none may die
+for very grief!"
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330,
+        where we are told that he was the bravest and courtliest of
+        all knights.
+   (2)  "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.
+   (3)  "Siegstab" is Dietrich's nephew.  He also appears in the
+        "Thidreksaga", but in a different role.
+   (4)  "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich's
+        nephew.
+   (5)  "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.
+   (6)  "Ritschart".   With the exception of Helfrich (see Above
+        note 1), these names do not occur elsewhere, though one of
+        the sons of Haimon was called Wichart.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.
+
+Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master
+Hildebrand helped him arm. The mighty man made wail so sore, that the
+whole house resounded with his voice. But then he gained again a real
+hero's mood. The good knight was now armed and grim of mind; a stout
+shield he hung upon his arm. Thus he and Master Hildebrand went boldly
+hence.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming hither; he
+would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that hath here befallen
+him. To-day we shall see, to whom one must give the palm. However strong
+of body and grim of mood the lord of Berne thinketh him to be, right
+well dare I match him," so spake Hagen, "an' he will avenge on us that
+which hath been done him."
+
+Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to where he
+found the champion stand before the house, leaning against the wall.
+Dietrich set his good shield upon the ground, and spake in grievous
+dole: "Gunther, mighty king, why have ye so acted against me, banished
+man? What have I done to you? I stand alone, bereft of all my comfort.
+Ye thought it not enow of bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger,
+our friend. Now ye have robbed me of all my men. Forsooth I never had
+wrought you heroes sorrow such as this. Think on yourselves and on your
+wrongs. Doth not the death of your kinsmen and all the hardship grieve
+the minds of you good knights? Alas, what great dole Rudeger's death
+doth give me! Never in all the world hath more of sorrow happed to any
+man. Ye thought but little on me and on your pain. Whatsoever joy I had,
+that lieth slain by you. Certes, I never can bewail my kin enow."
+
+"Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen. "Your warriors came to
+this hall in a large band, armed with care. Methinks the tale hath not
+been told you rightly."
+
+"What else should I believe? Hildebrand told me, that when my knights
+from the Amelung land asked that ye should give up Rudeger's corse from
+out the hall, ye did naught but mock the valiant heroes from above the
+steps."
+
+Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would fain
+bear Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex King Etzel,
+and not thy men, until then Wolfhart began to rail about it."
+
+Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so. Gunther,
+most noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of the wrongs,
+that have happed to me from thee, and make such amends, brave knight,
+that I may give thee credit for the deed. Give thyself and thy men to me
+as hostages, and I will guard you, as best I may, that none here do thee
+aught among the Huns. Thou shalt find me naught but good and true."
+
+"Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves up
+to thee, that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and walk so
+unfettered before their foes."
+
+"Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich. "Ye
+have grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but right, and ye
+would requite me. I give you my hand and troth as pledge, that I will
+ride with you, home to your land. I'll lead you in all honor, or else
+lie dead, and for your sakes I will forget my grievous wrongs."
+
+"Crave this no longer," answered Hagen. "'Twere fitting, that the tale
+be told of us, that two men so brave had given themselves up to you. We
+see none standing by you, save Hildebrand alone."
+
+Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour will
+come, when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer to keep it
+with you. Ye might well content you with the truce my lord doth offer."
+
+"Forsooth I'd take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I'd flee from out
+a hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand. I weened, ye could
+stand better against a foe."
+
+To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that? Who was it
+sate upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter of Spain slew
+so many of his kin? Ye, too, have faults enow of your own to show."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they should
+scold like aged beldams. I forbid you, Hildebrand, to speak aught more.
+Grievous wrongs constrain me, homeless warrior. Let's hear, Knight
+Hagen, what ye twain did speak, ye doughty men, when ye saw me coming
+toward you armed? Ye said, that ye alone would fain encounter me in
+strife."
+
+"Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay it here
+with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung break in my
+hand. Wroth am I, that we twain have here been craved as hostages."
+
+When Dietrich noted Hagen's raging mood, quickly the doughty knight and
+good snatched up his shield. How swiftly Hagen sprang toward him from
+the steps! Loudly the good sword of Nibelung rang on Dietrich's head.
+Then wist Dietrich well, that the bold knight was grim of mood. The
+lord of Berne gan guard him against the fearful blows, for well he knew
+Hagen, the stately knight. Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow.
+Dietrich returned the blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he
+conquered Hagen in the strife. A wound he dealt him, the which was
+deep and long. Then Lord Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out with
+strife; little honor shall I have, and thou liest dead before me. I will
+try, if perchance I can force thee to be my hostage."
+
+This he wrought with danger. His shield he let fall, great was his
+strength, and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms. Thus the brave knight
+was overcome by Dietrich. Noble Gunther gan wail thereat. Dietrich now
+bound Hagen and led him to where he found the high-born queen; into her
+hand he gave the bravest warrior that ever bare a sword. Then merry enow
+she grew after her great dole. For very joy King Etzel's wife bowed low
+before the knight. "May thy heart and body be ever blest. Thou hast well
+requited me of all my woes. For this will I ever serve thee, unless be,
+that death doth hinder me therefrom."
+
+Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen. And if
+this still may be, how well will I requite you of that which he hath
+done you! Let him not suffer, because ye see him stand here bound."
+
+She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked in and
+where none did see him. Gunther, the high-born king, began to call:
+"Whither went the knight of Berne? He hath done me wrong."
+
+At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him. Gunther's might was worthy
+of praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and from the
+clashing of the swords of the twain a mighty din arose. However much and
+long Lord Dietrich's prowess had been praised, yet Gunther was so sorely
+angered and enraged, for because of the grievous dole, he was his deadly
+foe, that men still tell it as a wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall.
+Great were both their prowess and their strength. The palace and the
+towers resounded with the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the
+sturdy helmets. King Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of Berne
+overcame him, as happed to Hagen afore. The hero's blood was seen to
+ooze through the armor rings, drawn forth by a keen-edged sword, the
+which Sir Dietrich bare. Though weary, Sir Gunther had guarded him most
+valiantly. The lord was now bound by Dietrich's hands. Though kings
+should not endure such bonds, yet Dietrich thought, if he set free the
+king and his liegeman, that all they met must needs fall dead at their
+hands.
+
+Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to where
+he found Kriemhild. At sight of his sorrow much of her fear took flight.
+She spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the Burgundian land."
+
+Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your greetings
+were but kinder. I know you, queen, to be so wroth of mood that ye do
+give me and Hagen meagre greetings."
+
+Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such good
+knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted lady. For my
+sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."
+
+She vowed she'd do it gladly. Then Sir Dietrich left the worshipful
+knights with weeping eyes. Later Etzel's wife avenged her grimly; she
+took the life of both the chosen heroes. To make their duress worse she
+let them lie apart, so that neither saw the other, till she bare her
+brother's head to Hagen. Kriemhild's vengeance on both was great enow.
+
+Then the queen went to Hagen. In what right hostile wise she spake to
+the knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken from me, then ye
+may still go home alive to Burgundy."
+
+Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble queen.
+Forsooth I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the hoard, the
+while and any of my lords still live; so I shall give it to none."
+
+"I'll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife. Then she bade her
+brother's life be taken. His head they struck off, and by the hair she
+bare it to the knight of Troneg. Loth enow it was to him. When sad of
+mind the warrior gazed upon his master's head, he spake to Kriemhild:
+"Thou hast brought it to an end after thy will, and it hath happed, as I
+had thought me. The noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher,
+the youth, and Sir Gernot, too. None knoweth of the treasure now save
+God and me, and it shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."
+
+Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the sword of
+Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw him, in whom
+dole of heart hath happed to me through you."
+
+From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit. She planned
+to rob the knight of life. With her hands she raised it and struck off
+his head. This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it rued him. "Alack!" cried
+the lording, "how lieth now dead at a woman's hands the very best of
+knights, that ever came to battle or bare a shield! However much I was
+his foe, yet it doth grieve me sorely."
+
+Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught, that
+she durst slay him. Whatso hap to me, and however much it may bring me
+to a dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg's death."
+
+Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild. For fear of him she
+suffered pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked so
+frightfully? He dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the which did
+cut the high-born dame in twain. Now all lay low in death whom fate had
+doomed. Dietrich and Etzel then began to weep; sorely they mourned
+both kin and liegemen. Their mickle honors lay there low in death; the
+courtiers all had grief and drearihead. The king's high feast had ended
+now in woe, as joy doth ever end in sorrow at the last. I cannot tell
+you, that which happed thereafter, save that knights and ladies and
+noble squires were seen to weep for the death of loving kinsmen. The
+tale hath here an end. This is the Nibelungs' fall. (2) (3)
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.
+   (2)  "Fall".  The word "not", translated here "fall", means
+        really 'disaster', but as this word is not in keeping with
+        the style, "fall" has been chosen as preferable to 'need',
+        used by some translators.  The MS. C has here "liet" instead
+        of "not" of A and B.
+   (3)  The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage",
+        a poem written in short rhyming couplets.  As the name
+        indicates, it describes the lamentations of the survivors
+        over the dead.  The praises of each warrior are sung and a
+        messenger dispatched to acquaint Gotelind, Uta, and Brunhild
+        with the sad end of their kinsmen.  It closes with
+        Dietrich's departure from Etzel's court and his return home.
+        Although in one sense a continuation of our poem, the
+        "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being
+        excessively tedious with its constant repetitions.  A
+        reprint and a full account of it will be found in Piper's
+        edition of our poem, vol. I.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nibelungenlied, by Unknown
+
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+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
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+
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+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
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+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nibelungenlied, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nibelungenlied
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Release Date: December, 1997 [EBook #1151]
+[Most recently updated: September 4, 2023]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NIBELUNGENLIED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Douglas B. Killings, and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      THE NIBELUNGENLIED
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      By An Unknown Author
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      Translated by Daniel B. Shumway
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime around 1200
+      A.D., although this dating is by no means certain. Author unknown.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The text of this edition is based on that published as "The
+      Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
+      New York, 1909).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      PREPARER'S NOTE: In order to make this electronic edition easier to use,
+      the preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.
+      Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves and
+      substituting page references with footnote references. The preparer takes
+      full responsibility for these changes.—DBK.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY: </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> INTRODUCTORY SKETCH </a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>THE NIBELUNGENLIED</b> </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ADVENTURE I. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw
+        Kriemhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland
+        (1) for Brunhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His
+        Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At
+        Worms. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward
+        With His Wife. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To
+        The Feasting. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The
+        Feasting. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each
+        Other. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her
+        Husband And How He Was Buried. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home
+        Again. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was
+        Brought to Worms. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To
+        Burgundy For Kriemhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The
+        Huns. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His
+        Bride. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To
+        Avenge Her Wrongs. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought
+        The Message. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To
+        The Huns. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> ADVENTURE XXVI. How Gelfrat Was Slain By
+        Dankwart. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To
+        Etzel's Castle. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For
+        Kriemhild. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> ADVENTURE XXXI. How They Went To Church. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> ADVENTURE XXXII How Bloedel Was Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought
+        The Huns. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+        </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To
+        Burn the Hall. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was
+        Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's
+        Warriors Were Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And
+        Kriemhild Were Slain. </a>
+      </p>
+
+<hr />
+
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      OTHER TRANSLATIONS—
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London, 1962).
+      Prose translation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne State
+      University Press, Detroit, 1962). Verse translation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      RECOMMENDED READING—
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs &amp; Sidney Johnson
+      (Garland Pub., New York, 1992).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and Eirikr
+      Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by the Online
+      Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History", Translated
+      by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online Medieval and
+      Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PREF">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PREFACE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation of
+      as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the
+      general reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has been
+      stimulated by Wagner's operas and by the reading of such poems as William
+      Morris' "Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the medium of
+      translation, since it is hardly possible to give an accurate rendering and
+      at the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme and metre; at least,
+      none of the verse translations made thus far have succeeded in doing this.
+      The prose translations, on the other hand, mostly err in being too
+      continuous and in condensing too much, so that they retell the story
+      instead of translating it. The present translator has tried to avoid these
+      two extremes. He has endeavored to translate literally and accurately, and
+      to reproduce the spirit of the original, as far as a prose translation
+      will permit. To this end the language has been made as simple and as Saxon
+      in character as possible. An exception has been made, however, in the case
+      of such Romance words as were in use in England during the age of the
+      romances of chivalry, and which would help to land a Romance coloring;
+      these have been frequently employed. Very few obsolete words have been
+      used, and these are explained in the notes, but the language has been made
+      to some extent archaic, especially in dialogue, in order to give the
+      impression of age. At the request of the publishers the Introduction
+      Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus of scholarship and made as popular
+      as a study of the poem and its sources would allow. The advanced student
+      who may be interested in consulting authorities will find them given in
+      the introduction to the parallel edition in the Riverside Literature
+      Series. A short list of English works on the subject had, however, been
+      added.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G.
+      Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting
+      the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition
+      of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the notes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      —DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0003">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      INTRODUCTORY SKETCH
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such
+      universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as the
+      "Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age of
+      chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German antiquity,
+      and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry, but also traits
+      of ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic mythology. One of
+      its earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad", for, like this
+      great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and unites the
+      monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical personages
+      into a poem that is essentially national in character, and the embodiment
+      of all that is great in the antiquity of the race. Though lacking to some
+      extent the dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied" surpasses the
+      former in the deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy of fate, the
+      inevitable retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle between the
+      powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages is
+      evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us. We
+      possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved in
+      thirty-one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and
+      fourteenth centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved
+      that, in spite of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of
+      this number three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon as
+      the most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them a
+      fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled. (1) It is now
+      generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later redaction with many
+      additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to whether the priority
+      should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that B is the more
+      original, A merely a careless copy of B.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was
+      soon forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly
+      chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and
+      tastes lay in a different direction, this epic shared the fate of many
+      others of its kind, and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery or
+      ducal libraries, there to wait till a more cultured age, curious as to the
+      literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from its hiding places.
+      However, the figures of the old legend were not forgotten, but lived on
+      among the people, and were finally embodied in a popular ballad, "Das Lied
+      vom Hürnen Seyfrid", which has been preserved in a print of the sixteenth
+      century, although the poem itself is thought to go back at least to the
+      thirteenth. The legend was also dramatized by Hans Sachs, the shoemaker
+      poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form in a chap book which still
+      exists in prints of the eighteenth century. The story and the characters
+      gradually became so vague and distorted, that only a trained eye could
+      detect in the burlesque figures of the popular account the heroes of the
+      ancient Germanic Legend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to the
+      world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H.
+      Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the Tirol
+      on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with Karl
+      Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany has ever
+      produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin his epoch-making
+      essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied". Believing that the
+      poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads or lays, he sought by
+      means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts which were, as he
+      thought, later interpolations or emendations. As a result of this sifting
+      and discarding process, he reduced the poem to what he considered to have
+      been its original form, namely, twenty separate lays, which he thought had
+      come down to us in practically the same form in which they had been sung
+      by various minstrels.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every
+      reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of
+      Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed
+      in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They
+      formed merely the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive the
+      old heroic legends of the German past which were familiar to his hearers
+      and to adapt them to the tastes of his time. In all probability we must
+      assume two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the poem. There
+      appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German account, quite
+      simple and brief, the other a tradition of the Lower Rhine. The legend was
+      perhaps developed by minstrels along the Rhine, until it was taken and
+      worked up into its present form by some Austrian poet. Who this poet was
+      we do not know, but we do know that he was perfectly familiar with all the
+      details of courtly etiquette. He seems also to have been acquainted with
+      the courtly epics of Heinrich von Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his
+      poem is free from the tedious and often exaggerated descriptions of pomp,
+      dress, and court ceremonies, that mar the beauty of even the best of the
+      courtly epics. Many painstaking attempts have been made to discover the
+      identity of the writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all
+      these theories which considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the
+      "Minnesingers", to be the author, because of the similarity of the
+      strophic form of our poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute
+      proof, and recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was indebted to
+      the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric, and not the
+      "Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe is presumably much
+      older, and, having become popular in Austria through the poem, was adopted
+      by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, in its present
+      form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of the exactness
+      of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later than 1204, because of
+      certain allusions to it in the sixth book of "Parzival", which we know to
+      have been written at this date. The two Low German poems which probably
+      form the basis of our epic may have been united about 1150. It was revised
+      and translated into High German and circulated at South German courts
+      about 1170, and then received its present courtly form about 1190, this
+      last version being the immediate source of our manuscripts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited
+      upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the
+      latter by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages
+      prove by their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity
+      with the German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the
+      Danube and upon the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along the
+      rocky fjords of Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new home
+      across the channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the
+      snow-covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires at
+      night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles,
+      each people and each generation telling it in its own fashion and adding
+      new elements of its own invention. This great geographical distribution of
+      the legend, and the variety of forms in which it appears, make it
+      difficult to know where we must seek its origin. The northern version is
+      in many respects older and simpler in form than the German, but still it
+      is probable that Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took its
+      rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient tribe of
+      the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are
+      reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried "spring"
+      in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild "bed" near
+      Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon's Rock, on the
+      Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge of the
+      story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the "Nibelungenlied"
+      and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved almost no trace of
+      the legend, and such as exist are too late and too corrupt to be of much
+      use in determining the original features of the story.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but
+      certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the sixth
+      century. It may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves captured
+      by the Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or, as Mogk
+      believes, may have been taken by the Heruli on their return to Norway
+      after their defeat by the Langobardi. By whatever channel, however, the
+      story reached the North, it became part and parcel of Skandinavian
+      folklore, only certain names still pointing to the original home of the
+      legend. In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed the ancient free
+      constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated to Iceland, taking
+      with them these acquired legends, which were better preserved in this
+      remote island because of the peaceful introduction of Christianity, than
+      on the Continent, where the Church was more antagonistic to the customs
+      and legends of the heathen period.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down to
+      us in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or older
+      "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was assigned to the celebrated
+      Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in which it is
+      preserved, dates from the middle of the thirteenth century, but is
+      probably a copy of an older manuscript. The songs it contains were written
+      at various times, the oldest probably in the first half of the ninth
+      century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest manuscript.
+      Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period, when Christianity was
+      already beginning to influence the Norwegians, that is, between the years
+      800 and 1000. They are partly heroic, partly mythological in character,
+      and are written in alliterative strophes interspersed with prose, and have
+      the form of dialogues. Though the legends on which these songs are based
+      were brought from Norway, most of them were probably composed in Iceland.
+      Among these songs, now, we find a number which deal with the adventures of
+      Siegfried and his tragic end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called "Volsungasaga",
+      a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates from the beginning
+      of the thirteenth century, but the account was probably written a century
+      earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his ancestors are here related in
+      great detail and his ancestry traced back to Wodan. Although a secondary
+      source, as it is based on the "Edda", the "Volsungasaga" is nevertheless
+      of great importance, since it supplies a portion of the "Codex Regius"
+      which has been lost, and thus furnishes us with the contents of the
+      missing songs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra Edda",
+      after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241), to whom it was
+      ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda" and the
+      "Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger "Edda" is
+      not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however, the
+      Siegfried saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since it
+      evidently made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially in
+      the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told more in
+      detail and with considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or
+      "Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of
+      the Siegfried story. It is really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains
+      the story of Sigurd and Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and Gunther),
+      which an old man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason, who converted
+      the Norwegians to Christianity. The story was written about 1250 to
+      illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian faith. It is
+      based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is therefore of minor
+      importance as a source.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried
+      legend into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the middle
+      of the thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of the Hanseatic
+      League, when the story was introduced together with other popular German
+      epics. These poems are products of the age of chivalry, and are
+      characterized by the romantic and courtly features of this movement. The
+      one which concerns us here, as the fifth source of the Siegfried story, is
+      the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates the adventures of the famous
+      legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne, the historical Theodorich of Ravenna.
+      In as far as it contains the adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also
+      called the "Niflungasaga". The "Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a
+      Norwegian who, as he himself tells us, heard the story from Germans in the
+      neighborhood of Bremen and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon
+      traditions, it can be considered an independent source of the legend, and,
+      in fact, differs from the earlier Norse versions in many important
+      details. The author was acquainted, however, with the older versions, and
+      sought to compromise between them, but mostly followed his German
+      authorities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects more
+      original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of the
+      treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of
+      "Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for the
+      killing of the former's son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form of an
+      otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari", who in turn
+      had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari pronounces a
+      terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and this curse passes
+      from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when asleep by his two
+      sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is cheated out of the
+      coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the "Gnita" heath, where
+      he guards it in the form of a dragon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands of
+      a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have seen),
+      a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history back to
+      Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of Siegfried's
+      ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not especially concern
+      us, as it has little or no influence on the later development of the
+      story. It is sufficient for our purpose to know that Siegfried was the son
+      of Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the birth of his son. Sigurd
+      was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis" and the wise dwarf Regin, who
+      taught him the knowledge of runes and of many languages. (2) At the
+      suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and receives the steed "Grani" from
+      the king, and is then urged by his tutor to help him obtain the treasure
+      guarded by the latter's brother Fafnir. Sigurd promises, but first demands
+      a sword. Two, that are given him by Regin, prove worthless, and he forges
+      a new one from the pieces of his father's sword, which his mother had
+      preserved. With this he easily splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of
+      wool, floating down the Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father,
+      and then sets off with Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of
+      the former Sigurd digs a ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him
+      from below with his sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the
+      dragon warns Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin,
+      who, he says, is planning Sigurd's death, intending to obtain the treasure
+      for himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of
+      concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs Sigurd
+      to roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers, and,
+      putting them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the birds
+      and hears them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and then he
+      would be wiser than all other men. They also betray Regin's evil designs,
+      and counsel the lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does, cutting off
+      Regin's head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and eating Fafnir's
+      heart. (3) On the further advice of the birds Sigurd first fetches the
+      treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the mountain "Hindarfjall",
+      where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie, "Sigrdrifa" ("Brynhild",
+      "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep thorn of Wodan, and clad in full
+      armor, lies asleep within a castle that is surrounded by a wall of flame.
+      With the help of his steed Grani, Sigurd succeeds in penetrating through
+      the fire to the castle. The sleeping maiden awakes when he cuts the armor
+      from her with his sword, for it was as tight as if grown fast to the
+      flesh. She hails her deliverer with great joy, for she had vowed never to
+      marry a man who knew fear. At Sigurd's request she teaches him many wise
+      precepts, and finally pledges her troth to him. He then departs, after
+      promising to be faithful to her and to remember her teachings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the Norse
+      form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on the
+      lower Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Gutthorm", and a
+      daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears the name of
+      Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil heart. (4)
+      Sigurd is received with great honor, for his coming had been announced to
+      Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her by Brynhild.
+      The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the latter, gives him a
+      potion which produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer remembers his
+      betrothed, and accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king offers him at
+      the queen's request. The marriage is celebrated with great pomp, and
+      Sigurd remains permanently attached to Giuki's court, performing with the
+      others many deeds of valor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild.
+      Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild's
+      father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom he
+      learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will marry
+      no one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this answer they
+      proceed to Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to pierce the flames,
+      even when seated on Sigurd's steed. Finally Sigurd and Gunnar change
+      forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through the wall of fire,
+      announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of Giuki, and reminds her
+      of her promise to marry the one who penetrated the fire. Brynhild consents
+      with great reluctance, for she is busy carrying on a war with a
+      neighboring king. Sigurd then passes three nights at her side, placing,
+      however, his sword Gram between them, as a bar of separation. At parting
+      he draws from her finger the ring, with which he had originally pledged
+      his troth to her, and replaces it with another, taken from Fafnir's hoard.
+      Soon after this the marriage of Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with
+      great splendor, and all return to Giuki's court, where they live happily
+      for some time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath,
+      Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the
+      water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her
+      father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through
+      the fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts
+      that not Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from
+      her the fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in
+      proof of her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not a
+      word. After a second conversation on the subject had increased the hatred
+      of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill, she takes
+      to her bed, and when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks him if he
+      remembers the circumstances of the wooing and that not he but Sigurd had
+      penetrated the flames. She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as she had
+      pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains by Hogni.
+      Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake her. Finally Sigurd
+      succeeds in making her talk, and she tells him how cruelly she has been
+      deceived, that the better man had been destined for her, but that she had
+      received the poorer one. This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's son had killed
+      the king of the Danes and also Budli's brother, a great warrior. Moreover,
+      although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames, he had not become her
+      husband. He begs her therefore not to harbor a grudge against Gunnar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and threatens
+      Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd.
+      After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs him
+      that he must kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the
+      Rhinegold. Hogni warns him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it
+      occurs to Gunnar, that his brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might do
+      the deed. Both now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him
+      wolf's and snake meat to eat to make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes the
+      attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's
+      penetrating glance. The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and pierces him
+      with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls his own sword after
+      his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He then dies, protesting his
+      innocence and designating Brynhild as the instigator of his murder.
+      Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her
+      joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share Sigurd's death. In vain
+      they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces herself
+      with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre. In dying she
+      prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli" and of the
+      death of the many men which will be caused thereby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King
+      "Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild learns
+      of the place of her daughter's concealment, and tries to bring about a
+      reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much treasure, if she
+      will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only of revenge, but
+      finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in Atli's land. After
+      a time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for the latter had taken
+      possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his court. A man named
+      "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes the runes of warning,
+      which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too, read as an invitation. The
+      brothers determine to accept the invitation, and, though warned by many
+      dreams, they set out for Atli's court, which they reach in due time. Vingi
+      now breaks forth into exultations, that he has lured them into a snare,
+      and is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for
+      battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun.
+      Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some exchange
+      of taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the combatants, but,
+      failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her brothers. The battle
+      rages furiously with great loss on both sides, until nearly all of the
+      Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni are forced to yield to the
+      power of numbers and are captured and bound. Gunnar is asked, if he will
+      purchase his life with the treasure. He replies that he first wishes to
+      see Hogni's bleeding heart. At first the heart of a slave is cut out and
+      brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it at once as that of a coward. Then
+      they cut out Hogni's heart, who laughs at the pain. This Gunnar sees is
+      the right one, and is jubilant, for now Atli shall never obtain the
+      treasure, as Gunnar alone knows where it is hid. In a rage Atli orders
+      Gunnar to be thrown to the snakes. Though his hands are bound, Gunnar
+      plays so sweetly with his toes on the harp, which Gudrun has sent him,
+      that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with the exception of an adder,
+      which stings him to the heart, so that he dies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun
+      that she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers
+      of peace and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons "Erp"
+      and "Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives for his
+      retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had drunk their
+      blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night when Atli is
+      asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires to avenge his
+      father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust a sword through his
+      breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told by Gudrun that she is
+      his murderess. When he reproaches her with thus killing her husband, she
+      answers that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli now asks for a fitting
+      burial, and on receiving the promise of this, expires. Gudrun carries out
+      her promise, and burns the castle with Atli and all his dead retainers.
+      Other Edda songs relate the further adventures of Gudrun, but they do not
+      concern us here, as the "Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the
+      Nibelungs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to us
+      in the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that this
+      version, though more original than the German tradition, does not
+      represent the simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the
+      original form was, has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two
+      distinctly opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the
+      personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the
+      possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely human origin
+      for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for the possession of
+      treasure. The former view is the older, and obtained almost exclusively at
+      one time. The latter has been gaining ground of recent years, and is held
+      by many of the younger students of the legend. According to the
+      mythological view, the maiden slumbering upon the lonely heights is the
+      sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the morning red ("Morgenrote").
+      Siegfried is the youthful day who is destined to rouse the sun from her
+      slumber. At the appointed time he ascends, and before his splendor the
+      morning red disappears. He awakens the maiden; radiantly the sun rises
+      from its couch and joyously greets the world of nature. But light and
+      shade are indissolubly connected; day changes of itself into night. When
+      at evening the sun sinks to rest and surrounds herself once more with a
+      wall of flames, the day again approaches, but no longer in the youthful
+      form of the morning to arouse her from her slumber, but in the sombre
+      shape of Gunther, to rest at her side. Day has turned into night; this is
+      the meaning of the change of forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day and
+      sun descend into the realm of darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried
+      story is a day myth; but under another it is a myth of the year. The
+      dragon is the symbol of winter, the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes
+      the bright summer, his sword the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in
+      the dark days of winder. When its time has come, it goes forth
+      triumphantly and destroys the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the
+      symbolization the abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is
+      thus not a mere allegory, but a personification of nature's forces. The
+      treasure may have entered the saga through the widespread idea of the
+      dragon as the guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of
+      nature which unfolds when the season has conquered. In the last act of the
+      saga, Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees
+      again a symbolic representation of a process of nature. According to him
+      it signifies the death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he
+      kills the dragon, in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully
+      slain by the hostile powers of darkness. Later, when this act was
+      connected with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning
+      was forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and
+      jealousy of the insulted queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already
+      spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and does
+      not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best exponent of
+      this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt to resolve the
+      story into its simplest constituents. According to him the nucleus of the
+      legend is an old story of the murder of relatives ("Verwandienmord"), the
+      original form being perhaps as follows. Attila (i.e., the enemy of Hagen
+      under any name) is married to Hagen's sister Grimhild or Gudrun. He
+      invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks him in the hope of
+      obtaining his treasure, and kills him. According to this view Hagen was
+      originally the king, but later sinks to a subordinate position through the
+      subsequent connection of the story with the Burgundians. It is of course
+      useless to hunt for the date of such an episode in history. Such a murder
+      could have frequently occurred, and can be localized anywhere. Very early
+      we find this Hagen story united with the Siegfried legend. If the latter
+      is mythological, then we have a heterogeneous combination, a mythical
+      legend grafted on a purely human one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and
+      presents a number of arguments to disprove the mythical character of the
+      Siegfried story, into which we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to
+      the conclusion, that the Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and
+      consisted originally of the murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of
+      the Hagen title. Siegfried is married to Hagen's sister, and is killed by
+      his brother-in-law because of his treasure. The kernel of the legend is,
+      therefore, the enmity between relatives, which exists in two forms, the
+      one in which the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi"
+      saga, the other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by him,
+      too, as in the "Hilde" saga. The German tradition tries to combine the two
+      by introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild causes the death of her
+      relatives, in order to avenge her first husband. Boer is of the opinion
+      that both the Norse and the German versions have forgotten the original
+      connection between the two stories, and that this connection was nothing
+      more nor less than the common motive of the treasure. The same treasure,
+      which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in turn
+      through the greed of Attila. There was originally, according to Boer, no
+      question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the retribution which
+      overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate was lost when
+      the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his treasure, was
+      replaced by the one that he does it at the request of Brunhild. This leads
+      Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to the
+      Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty
+      ("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. The type is that
+      of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which may take the form
+      of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of being sewed into
+      a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm's fairy tales. By the union of the two
+      stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping Beauty tale,
+      Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand his relation to
+      Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the rock, on the other
+      his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent death. This twofold
+      relation had to be disposed of, and since his connection with Grimhild was
+      decisive for his fate, his relation to Brunhild had to be changed. It
+      could not be entirely ignored, for it was too well known, therefore it was
+      given a different interpretation. Siegfried still rescues a maiden from
+      the rock, not for himself, however, but for another. The exchange of forms
+      on the part of Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of the older form.
+      It gives the impression, that Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the
+      bride. This alteration probably took place when the Burgundians were
+      introduced into the legend. With this introduction an unlocalized saga of
+      unknown heroes of ancient times became one of events of world-wide
+      importance; the fall of a mighty race was depicted as the result of
+      Siegfried's death. To render this plausible, it was necessary on the one
+      hand to idealize the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of
+      horror demanding fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of
+      the Burgundians an active participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise
+      it would not seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for
+      a crime committed by the king's brother or vassal. As the role of
+      Brunhild's husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role,
+      it was natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very
+      ingeniously the gradual development of this exchange of roles through the
+      various sources.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two women is to
+      identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the hero
+      rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her, and then is
+      later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As Brunhild and
+      Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need of a wooing for
+      the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild, accordingly the old
+      motive of greed (here envy) reappears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not originally
+      belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the popular ballad
+      is the fight with the dragon connected with the release of Brunhild. If
+      the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the dragon cannot have
+      originally belonged to it, but was later introduced, because of the
+      widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of treasure, and in order
+      to answer the question as to the provenience of the hoard. This is,
+      however, only one answer to the question. Another, widespread in German
+      legends, is that the treasure comes from the Nibelungs, that is, from the
+      dwarfs. Many identify the dwarfs and the dragon, but this finds no support
+      in the sources, for here the dwarfs and Fafnir are never confused. The
+      "Nibelungenlied" describes an adventure with each, but the treasure is
+      only connected with the dwarfs. The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon
+      fight but not the dwarfs, as is likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad.
+      Only in the Norse sources do we find a contamination. The story of
+      Hreithmar and his sons, who quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of
+      Schilbung and Nibelung in the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same
+      source. One of the sons, because of his guarding the treasure, is
+      identified with the dragon, and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon,
+      after gaining the treasure. Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but
+      a dwarf. These two independent forms can be geographically localized. The
+      dwarf legend is the more southern; it is told in detail in the
+      "Nibelungenlied". The dragon legend probably originated in the Cimbrian
+      peninsula, where the "Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon fight plays such
+      an important part, likewise arose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing in
+      the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other tracing
+      it back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may be, that
+      the true form of the original saga lies half way between these two views.
+      The story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their killing at Etzel's
+      court, may go back to the tale of the murder of relatives for money. On
+      the other hand it is hard to believe that the Siegfried saga is nothing
+      but a repetition of the Attila motive, for this is too brief a formula to
+      which to reduce the long legend of Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if
+      we discard the mythological interpretation, it is the tale of a daring
+      hero, who is brought up in the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon
+      and takes possession of his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon
+      a mountain, as in the older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a
+      tower, as in the "Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire,
+      as in the Norse, or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied".
+      After betrothing himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further
+      adventures, and falls into the power of an evil race, who by their magic
+      arts lure him to them, cause his destruction, and then obtain his treasure
+      and the maiden for themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa belongs to
+      Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong together, and it
+      seems hardly possible that she should have entered the story later, as
+      Boer would have us believe. After all, it is largely a matter of belief,
+      for it is impossible to prove positively that mythical elements did or did
+      not exist in the original.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements were
+      added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the Franks
+      were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward. Further
+      up the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had established a
+      kingdom in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their capital being Worms
+      and their king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the Romans called him. For
+      twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms with the surrounding
+      nations. Then, growing bolder, they suddenly rose against the Romans in
+      the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly suppressed by the Roman
+      general Aetius. Though defeated, the Burgundians were not subdued, and the
+      very next year they broke their oaths and again sought to throw off the
+      Roman yoke. This time the Romans called to their aid the hordes of Huns,
+      who had been growing rapidly in power and were already pressing hard upon
+      the German nations from the east. Only too glad for an excuse, the Huns
+      poured into the land in great numbers and practically swept the Burgundian
+      people from the face of the earth. According to the Roman historians,
+      twenty thousand Burgundians were slain in this great battle of the
+      Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this catastrophe, in which a whole German
+      nation fell before the hordes of invading barbarians, produced a profound
+      impression upon the Teutonic world. The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the
+      "Nibelungenlied", who also fell in the battle, became the central figure
+      of a new legend, namely, the story of the fall of the Burgundians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after his
+      death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the slaughter
+      of the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types, and as Attila
+      was a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon as the type of a
+      cruel tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural for him to play the
+      rôle assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible is Boer's explanation
+      of the entrance of Attila into the legend. The "Thidreksaga" locates him
+      in Seest in Westphalia. Now this province once bore the name of
+      "Hunaland", and by a natural confusion, because of the similarity of the
+      names, "Huna" and "Huns", Attila, who is the chief representative of
+      Hunnish power, was connected with the legend and located at Seest. This
+      would show that the original extension of the legend was slight, as
+      Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles from Seest. The original
+      form would then be that Hagen was slain by a king of "Hunaland", then
+      because history relates that the Burgundians were slain by the Huns, the
+      similarity of the names led to the introduction of Attila and the
+      identification of the Nibelungs with the Burgundians. The fact, too, that
+      the Franks rapidly took possession of the district depopulated by the
+      crushing defeat of the Burgundians likewise aided the confusion, and thus
+      the Franks became the natural heirs of the legend concerning the death of
+      Gunther, and so we read of the fall of the Nibelungs, a name that is
+      wholly Frankish in character. This identification led also to Attila's
+      being considered the avenger of Siegfried's death. Poetic justice,
+      however, demands that the slaughter of the Burgundians at the hands of
+      Attila be also avenged. The rumor, that Attila's death was not natural,
+      but that he had been murdered by his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the
+      necessary features to round out the story. As Kriemhild was the sister of
+      the Burgundian kings, it was but natural to explain her killing of Attila,
+      as described in the Norse versions, by her desire to avenge her brothers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild,
+      who is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here, has
+      sunk to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive
+      observer of the fight raging around him. This change was brought about
+      perhaps by the introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing figure
+      of all Germanic heroic lore. The necessity of providing him with a role
+      corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing repugnance on the
+      part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat at the hands of the Huns,
+      caused the person of Attila to dwindle in importance. Gradually, too, the
+      role played by Kriemhild was totally changed. Instead of being the avenger
+      of her brothers, as depicted in the Norse versions, she herself becomes
+      the cause of their destruction. Etzel is not only innocent of any desire
+      to harm the Nibelungs, but is even ignorant of the revenge planned by his
+      wife. This change in her role was probably due to the feeling that it was
+      incumbent upon her to avenge the murder of Siegfried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried's
+      youth as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no
+      longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic
+      Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king of
+      the Netherlands, and the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild. The poem
+      has forgotten Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows nothing of
+      his penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her, nothing of the
+      betrothal of the two. In our poem Siegfried is carefully reared at his
+      father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out with great pomp for the
+      court of the Burgundians. In the Norse version he naturally remains at
+      Gunther's court after his marriage, but in our poem he returns to the
+      Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the introduction of several
+      new scenes to depict his arrival home, the invitation to the feast at
+      Worms, and the reception of the guests on the part of the Burgundians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the winning
+      of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older Norse
+      versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but Siegfried dons
+      the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that while Gunther makes
+      the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing which is rather
+      difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is likewise very
+      differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it is in the Norse
+      version. In the latter it takes place while the ladies are bathing in the
+      river, and is brought on by the arrogance of Brunhild, who refuses to
+      stand lower down the stream and bathe in the water flowing from Gudrun to
+      her. In the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the seclusion of the ladies'
+      apartments, but in our poem it culminates in front of the cathedral before
+      the assembled court, and requires as its background all the pomp and
+      splendor of medieval chivalry. With a master hand and a wonderful
+      knowledge of female character, the author depicts the gradual progress of
+      the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent scene of wounded pride
+      and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as usual, plays the more important part,
+      and, while standing up for her rights, tries in every way to conciliate
+      Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At last, however, stung by the
+      taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her patience, bursts out with the
+      whole story of the twofold deception to which Brunhild has been subjected,
+      and then triumphantly sweeps into the church, leaving her rival stunned
+      and humiliated by the news she has heard. In the Norse tradition the scene
+      serves merely to enlighten Brunhild as to the deception played upon her.
+      In the "Nibelungenlied" it becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death,
+      for Brunhild plans to kill Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to
+      her. She has no other reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no
+      deception. Brunhild appeals to us much less in the "Nibelungenlied" than
+      in the Norse version. In the latter she feels herself deeply wronged by
+      Siegfried's faithlessness, and resolves on his death because she will not
+      be the wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason for wishing his
+      death except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she
+      disappears from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse
+      tradition she ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally different in
+      the two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while
+      asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is
+      killed by Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded by
+      a scene in which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the one
+      vulnerable spot on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting him. This
+      deepens the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and self-reproaches
+      the greater. After Siegfried's burial his father, who had also come to
+      Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade Kriemhild to return with
+      him to the Netherlands. Her refusal is unnatural in the extreme, for she
+      had reigned there ten years or more with Siegfried, and had left her
+      little son behind, and yet she relinquishes all this and remains with her
+      brothers, whom she knows to be the murderers of her husband. This is
+      evidently a reminiscence of an earlier form in which Siegfried was a
+      homeless adventurer, as in the "Thidreksaga".
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs, is treated
+      of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the "Nibelungenlied",
+      which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has developed and enlarged
+      upon the story, until it overshadows the first part in length and
+      importance and gives the name to the whole poem. The main difference
+      between the two versions is that in the older Norse tradition it is Attila
+      who invites the Nibelungs to his court and attacks them in order to gain
+      possession of the treasure, while Gudrun (Kriemhild) first tries to
+      reconcile the warring parties, and, not succeeding in this, snatches up a
+      sword and fights on the side of her brothers and later kills her husband
+      as an act of revenge. In the "Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied",
+      however, she is the instigator of the fight and the cause of her brothers'
+      death, and finally suffers death herself at the hands of Master
+      Hildebrand, who is furious that such noble heroes should fall at a woman's
+      hand. The second part of the poem is grewsome reading at best, with its
+      weltering corpses and torrents of blood. The horror is relieved only by
+      the grim humor of Hagen and by the charming scene at Rudeger's court,
+      where the young prince Giselher is betrothed to Rudeger's daughter.
+      Rudeger is without doubt the most tragic figure of this part. He is bound
+      on the one hand by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by
+      ties of friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at the dilemma in
+      which Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him is pitiful.
+      Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must fulfill his
+      vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he rushes to
+      his death in combat with his dearest friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of
+      Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that he
+      is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his
+      companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism
+      that would do honor to a Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of
+      his crime, and to the last mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury
+      knows no bounds. No character shows so little the refining influences of
+      Christianity as does his. In all essential respects he is still the same
+      old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms of the legend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the
+      "Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here, although
+      they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to say, that the
+      "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective scenes for the
+      purpose of bringing some of them, especially Folker and Dankwart, into
+      prominence. Among the best of these are, first, the night watch, when
+      Folker first plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin, and then
+      stands guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned by
+      Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following morning, when
+      the men of both parties clash; and lastly the tournament between the Huns
+      and the Burgundians, which gives the author an excellent chance to show
+      the prowess of the various heroes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the
+      "Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"
+      ("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of the
+      Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the
+      strophe is considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem,
+      and that it was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back most
+      probably to the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth
+      century, although some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the
+      French epic verse, may have been of influence. The direct derivation from
+      Otfrid seems, however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the
+      importance of the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the sense, as
+      well as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending. The "Nibelungen"
+      strophe consists of four long lines separated by a caesura into two
+      distinct halves. The first half of each line contains four accents, the
+      fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last stress, however, is not,
+      as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being somewhat like that of
+      a feminine ending. On this account some speak of three accents in the
+      first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth stress is, however,
+      too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of its lighter character is
+      best marked with a grave accent. The second half of each line ends in a
+      masculine rhyme. The first three lines have each three stresses in the
+      second half, while the second half of the fourth line has four accents to
+      mark the end of the strophe. This longer fourth line is one of the most
+      marked characteristics of the "Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are
+      arranged in the order of "a", "a", "b", "b", though in a few isolated
+      cases near the end of the poem but one rhyme is used throughout the
+      strophe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form
+      and scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the
+      Middle High German language in which the poem is written:
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+     Uns ist in alten maeren   wunders vil geseit
+     von heleden lobebaeron,   von grozer arebeit,
+     von froude und hochgeziten,   von weinen und von klagen,
+     von kuener recken striten   muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.
+
+     Ez wuochs in Burgonden   ein edel magedin,
+     daz in allen landen   niht schoeners mohte sin,
+     Kriemhild geheizen;   si wart ein scoene wip,
+     darambe muosen degene   vil verliesen den lip.
+
+     Der minneclichen meide   triuten wol gezam,
+     ir muotten kuene recken,   niemen was ir gram,
+     ane ma zen schoene   so was ir edel lip;
+     der iunevrouwen tugende   zierten anderiu wip.
+
+     Ir pflagen drie künege   edel unde rich,
+     Gunther unde Gernot,   die recken lobelich,
+     und Giselher der iunge,   ein uz erwelter degen,
+     diu frouwe was ir swester,   die fu'rsten hetens in ir
+                                        pflegen.
+
+     Die herren waren milte,   von arde hohe erborn,
+     mit kraft unmazen kuene,   die recken uz erkorn,
+     dazen Burgonden   so was ir lant genant,
+     si framden starkiu wunder   sit in Etzelen lant.
+
+     Ze Wormze bidem Rine   si wenden mit ir kraft,
+     in diende von ir landen   stolziu ritterscaft
+     mit lobelichen eren   unz an ir endes zit,
+     sit sturben si inemerliche   von zweier edelen frouwen nit.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene": "degene"
+      (str. 84) or "Hagene": "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, but it
+      is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in
+      question shows that the three accents are not complete without this final
+      "e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High German
+      poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to die out
+      in the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the period.
+      The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure rhymes
+      being mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed together,
+      e.g. "mich": "rich" or "man": "han". Caesural rhymes are frequently met
+      with, and were considered by Lachmann to be the marks of interpolated
+      strophes, a view no longer held. A further peculiarity of the "Nibelungen"
+      strophe is the frequent omission of the unaccented syllable in the second
+      half of the last line of the strophe between the second and third
+      stresses. Examples of this will be found in the second, third, and fifth
+      strophes of the passage given above.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High German,
+      that is, the High German written and spoken in the period between 1100 and
+      1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry and of the
+      "Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the Austrian dialect
+      of the close of the twelfth century, but contains many archaisms, which
+      point to the fact of its having undergone a number of revisions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or two
+      further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in German
+      literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue"
+      (faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent
+      portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his
+      lord, as depicted in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband, as
+      shown by Kriemhild, carried out with unhesitating consistency to the
+      bitter end. This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors
+      so largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the
+      death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the masters
+      of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled to bow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of the
+      youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it is a
+      torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of these
+      integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of originally
+      separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains not a few
+      contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a close study
+      reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle High German
+      epic poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older German
+      literature. It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in Gottfried
+      von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often magnificent
+      descriptions of armor and dress to be met with in the epics of Hartman von
+      Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram von Eschenbach's
+      "Parzival", and does not, as this latter, lead the reader into the realms
+      of religious doubts and struggles. It is imposing through its very
+      simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which it does not seek to
+      adorn and decorate. It nowhere pauses to analyze motives nor to give us a
+      picture of inner conflict as modern authors are fond of doing. Its
+      characters are impulsive and prompt in action, and when they have once
+      acted, waste no time in useless regret or remorse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the
+      terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery, but
+      it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the
+      latter. It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp of
+      courtly ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and beneath
+      the outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and wildly as
+      in the days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps greater
+      poems in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so majestic in
+      conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their execution, and
+      so national in their character, as this great popular epic of German
+      literature.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  ENDNOTES:
+  (1)  A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth
+       century, now found in Munich.  It forms the basis of
+       Lachmann's edition.  It is a parchment MS. of the middle of
+       the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.
+       Gall.  It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker
+       des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-
+       Literatur", vol. 6.  C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth
+       century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen.  It is
+       the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by
+       Zarncke.
+  (2)  The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in
+       having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in
+       ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably
+       borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although
+       thought by some to have been an original feature of our
+       legend.
+  (3)  The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the
+       brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode
+       in somewhat different fashion.  The brothers plan to kill
+       Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while
+       burning charcoal in the forest.  After killing the monster
+       with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and
+       thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him
+       invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,
+       which he could not reach.  This bathing in the blood is also
+       related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",
+       with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a
+       linden leaf falling upon him.
+  (4)  The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
+       that the Norse version is here more original.  Gunnar is the
+       same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
+       (Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot.  In this
+       latter the father is called Dancrat, the mother Uote, and
+       the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
+       daughter.
+  (5)  In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
+       hair.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0004">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0005">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE I (2)
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of praise,
+      of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold warriors,
+      of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer
+      might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,
+      for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the
+      loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her
+      hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues
+      of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and Gernot,
+      (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a chosen
+      knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their care. The
+      lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold of strength
+      were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy. Great marvels
+      they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8) upon the Rhine
+      they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out their lands served
+      them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter they died
+      grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,
+      Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a mighty
+      man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full great.
+      These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed allegiance
+      the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong and brave,
+      fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg, thereto his
+      brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13); Gere (14) and
+      Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16) endued with
+      fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen, a chosen
+      knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three kings, had
+      rule of the court and of its honors. Thereto had they many a warrior whose
+      name I cannot tell. Dankwart was marshal; his nephew, Ortwin, seneschal
+      unto the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight; Hunolt served as
+      chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty stations. Of the forces
+      of the court and its far-reaching might, of the high worship (18) and of
+      the chivalry these lords did ply with joy throughout their life, of this
+      forsooth none might relate to you the end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she
+      trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes, two
+      eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all this
+      world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not unfold it
+      to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon which thou
+      trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him soon, unless
+      so be that God preserve him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be
+      without a warrior's love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I
+      shall never gain woe from love of man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever
+      thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the
+      love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right
+      worthy knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it been
+      seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall avoid them
+      both, then can it ne'er go ill with me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day thereafter
+      the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would care to love. In
+      after days she became with worship a valiant here's bride. He was the
+      selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her mother unfolded to
+      her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest kin, who slew him
+      after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a mother's son.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs.  The ordinary
+        etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'
+        ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have
+        belonged originally to the dwarfs.  Piper, I, 50, interprets
+        it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers
+        "Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it
+        as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.
+        "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".
+   (2)  "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.
+        "adventura").  The word meant originally a happening,
+        especially some great event, then the report of such an
+        event.  Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos
+        or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.
+        epics.  Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes
+        the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.
+   (3)  "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish
+        "Grimhild".  In the MSS., the name generally appears with a
+        further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial
+        consonant were Germanic "k".  On the various forms of the
+        name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,
+        see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and
+        Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.
+   (4)  "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the
+        Burgundians in the fifth century.
+   (5)  "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place
+        of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse
+        version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not
+        etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in
+        Old Norse.
+   (6)  "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius".  Although
+        mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian
+        kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in
+        other poems dealing with these persons, such as the
+        "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,
+        and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.
+        Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his
+        death is told.  He probably came from some independent
+        source.
+   (7)  "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"
+        (Norse "Atli").  A discussion of his connection with the
+        saga will be found in the introduction.
+   (8)  "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first
+        century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the
+        "Vangioni".  In the fifth century it was the capital of the
+        Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns.  The
+        Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it
+        became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his
+        court.  It was later noted as the meeting-place of many
+        imperial diets.  It remained a free city till 1801.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".
+   (9)  "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote").  The name means ancestress, and is
+        frequently used for the mother of heroes.  The modern German
+        form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced
+        with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.
+   (10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in
+        the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the
+        "Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse
+        "Giuki").
+   (11) "Hagen of Troneg".  Troneg is probably a corruption of the
+        name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower
+        Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as
+        "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were
+        descended from the ancient Trojans.  "Troja" was then
+        further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege".  Hagen was
+        therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the
+        Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to
+        show.  Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally
+        lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was
+        often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was
+        connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their
+        brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms
+        and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial
+        localization.  Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of
+        Troneg, as is Hagen.  Other attempts to explain Troneg will
+        be found in Piper, I, 48.
+   (12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that
+        belonged to the early form of the legend.  He may have come
+        from another saga, where he played the principal role as
+        Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks.  Boer considers him to be
+        Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally
+        fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the
+        moment.  In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a
+        word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,
+        because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'.  Its
+        original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although
+        the later meaning is already found in M.H.G.  In all such
+        doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless
+        the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen
+        to translate it.
+   (13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",
+        "Waltharius", and in "Biterolf".  He is most likely a late
+        introduction (but see Piper, I, 44).  Rieger thinks that he
+        belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis".  Though the "i" is
+        long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"
+        in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been
+        chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in
+        such names.
+   (14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction.  He is perhaps the
+        historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the
+        Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs.  See O. von
+        Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L
+        43.
+   (15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession.  He is perhaps the
+        historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the
+        name.  He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.
+   (16) "Folker of Alzei" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the
+        knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in
+        spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine
+        Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz.  The
+        town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also
+        the noble family of the same name.  It is most likely,
+        however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with
+        Alzei.  In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of
+        minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of
+        our poem developed the character and made it the
+        personification of himself.
+   (17) "Rumolt", "Sindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis
+        and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.
+   (18) "Worship".  This word has been frequently used here in its
+        older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to
+        translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0006">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had
+      for name Siegmund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle,
+      known far and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called
+      it. Of this hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.
+      Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great
+      worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty
+      knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
+      mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What bold
+      warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders might one
+      tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors he received
+      and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him in their love;
+      with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of himself what
+      virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored, that he was
+      found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he become of the
+      age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw him, many a maid
+      wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow gazed on him with
+      favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom was the youth
+      allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and Siegelind bade
+      deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were acquaint with
+      courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore might he win both
+      folk and land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed
+      thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;
+      these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund have
+      cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving
+      kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings. To
+      the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever any
+      was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these noble
+      youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the youthful
+      prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell of this
+      great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great worship
+      with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store. Wherefore
+      one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred sword-thanes
+      (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a fair maid was
+      aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them all. Many
+      precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together with the
+      edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young warriors, for
+      this must needs be done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer
+      festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then full
+      many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to the
+      minster. Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had been
+      done to them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer. To the
+      honor of God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people full great a
+      press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise, with such great
+      honors as might not ever lightly be again. Then they ran to where they
+      found saddled many a steed. In Siegmund's court the hurtling (6) waxed so
+      fierce that both palace (7) and hall were heard to ring; the high-mettled
+      warriors clashed with mighty sound. From young and old one heard many a
+      shock, so that the splintering of the shafts reechoed to the clouds.
+      Truncheons (8) were seen flying out before the palace from the hand of
+      many a knight. This was done with zeal. At length the host bade cease the
+      tourney and the steeds were led away. Upon the turf one saw all
+      to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and great store of precious stones
+      from the bright spangles (10) of the shields. Through the hurtling this
+      did hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With
+      good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which
+      one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown
+      worship enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of the
+      strolling folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which men
+      found there richly, whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with praise.
+      Then bade the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land and castles, as
+      he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the sword-companions. The
+      journey liked them well, that to this land they were come. The feasting
+      lasted until the seventh day. Siegelind, the noble queen, for the love of
+      her son, dealt out ruddy gold in time-honored wise. Full well she wot how
+      to make him beloved of the folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among
+      the strolling mimes. Steeds and raiment were scattered by their hand, as
+      if they were to live not one more day. I trow that never did serving folk
+      use such great bounty. With worshipful honors the company departed hence.
+      Of the mighty barons the tale doth tell that they desired the youth unto
+      their lord, but of this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught.
+      Forasmuch as both Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child
+      of them twain wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he become a lord
+      against all the deeds of force within his lands, whereof the bold and
+      daring knight was sore adread.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
+        independent saga.  See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.
+   (2)  "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of
+        Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows.  The Early
+        Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi
+        saga".
+   (3)  "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at
+        present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of
+        Dusseldorf.  It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in
+        the Middle Ages.
+   (4)  "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires
+        who were to be made knights.  It was the custom for a
+        youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of
+        others.
+   (5)  "Midsummer festival".  The M.H.G. "sunewende" means
+        literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.
+        This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the
+        church later turned into St. John's Eve.  The bonfires still
+        burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old
+        heathen custom.
+   (6)  "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed
+        from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many
+        knights clashed together.  Hurtling was used in older
+        English in the same significance.
+   (7)  "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large
+        building standing alone and largely used as a reception
+        hall.
+   (8)  "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzûne", O.F. "tronçon)", 'lance
+        splinters', 'fragments of spears'.
+   (9)  "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older
+        English to-beat, to-break, etc.
+   (10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating
+        from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
+        with precious stones.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0007">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales
+      told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous
+      fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too. Her
+      beauty out of measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard of her
+      noble mind, that it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's land. But
+      however many were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never confessed
+      within her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was still a stranger
+      to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of Siegelind aspire
+      to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to his but as the wind, for
+      well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In later days the noble Kriemhild
+      became bold Siegfried's bride. Kinsmen and liegemen enow advised him,
+      since he would have hope of constant love, that he woo one who was his
+      peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose Kriemhild, the
+      fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure. This I know full
+      well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a wife, that it would
+      not beseem him to love this noble queen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the courtiers
+      he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to the king,
+      that his child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it too, the
+      wife of the noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for full well
+      she knew Gunther and his men. Therefore they sought to turn the hero from
+      this venture. Up spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear father mine, I
+      would fain ever be without the love of noble dames, if I may not woo her
+      in whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may aver, it will
+      avail but naught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad of
+      thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath this
+      King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but Hagen,
+      the doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it will
+      repent us sore, if we woo this high-born maid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may not
+      obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can gain.
+      I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this
+      tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that land.
+      Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may none win
+      the maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride with
+      warriors unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they shall be
+      summoned soon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should
+      follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the
+      noble maid. My single hand can win her well—with eleven (2) comrades
+      I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father
+      Siegmund." Then to his knights they gave for garments furs both gray and
+      vair. (3)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for
+      her loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther's men. Sorely the
+      noble queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where he saw
+      her; to his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not weep for
+      me; naught have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray you, speed me
+      on my journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my warriors may have
+      array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for this I will say you
+      gramercy i' faith."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I
+      speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that
+      ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake:
+      "None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be made
+      ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with
+      Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease
+      them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist
+      from faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his
+      son should ride forth from Siegmund's land. The shining breastplates, too,
+      were put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both fair and
+      broad. Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near; man and wife
+      began to fear lest they never should come home again. The heroes bade lade
+      their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their steeds were fair and
+      their trappings red with gold. No need were there to live more proudly
+      than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave to journey to the land
+      of Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully vouchsafed. Lovingly he
+      comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he, "must ye not weep, nor have
+      fear for me or for my life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts
+      did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death
+      because of this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in
+      sooth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave
+      warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings
+      fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men. Their
+      shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as Siegfried,
+      the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such princely attire
+      been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down to their spurs. Sharp
+      javelins were borne by these chosen knights. Siegfried wielded one full
+      two spans broad, which upon its edges cut most dangerously. In their hands
+      they held gold-colored bridles; their martingales were silken: so they
+      came into the land. Everywhere the folk began to gape amazed and many of
+      Gunther's men fared forth to meet them. High-mettled warriors, both knight
+      and squire, betook them to the lords (as was but right), and received into
+      the land of their lords these guests and took from their hands the black
+      sumpters which bore the shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away
+      for easement. How boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts
+      of me and of my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great
+      desire. Whosoever knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the
+      mighty, of Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,
+      that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see
+      him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly
+      man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,
+      who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the
+      Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly
+      warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and
+      broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then Ortwin
+      of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king: "Since we
+      know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let him see them.
+      To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so be he knoweth
+      these lords, he will tell us straightway."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with his
+      warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If
+      ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the
+      guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their
+      array, but full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He spake:
+      "From wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may well be
+      princes or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and their garments
+      passing good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth high-mettled warriors
+      be they."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried,
+      yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that
+      strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to
+      this land. By this here's hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung
+      and Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought great
+      marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone without all
+      aid, he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been told, by
+      Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to him, till
+      he gained knowledge of them there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear a
+      wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it there.
+      This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near was he now
+      come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights espied him, too.
+      One among them spake: 'Here cometh the mighty Siegfried, the hero of
+      Netherland.' Passing strange were the tidings that, he found among the
+      Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well the knight; with one accord
+      these young and noble lordings bade the stately man divide the hoard.
+      Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in turn gan vow it to them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred wains
+      might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from the
+      Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should divide. As
+      a guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were served full
+      ill by the service which the good knight Siegfried should render them. Nor
+      could he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew. Twelve bold men of
+      their kith were there, mighty giants these. What might that avail them!
+      Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and seven hundred warriors from
+      the Nibelung land he vanquished with the good sword Balmung. (7) Because
+      of the great fear that, many a young warrior had of the sword and of the
+      valiant man, they made the land and its castles subject to his hand.
+      Likewise both the mighty kings he slew, but soon he himself was sorely
+      pressed by Alberich. (8) The latter weened to venge straightway his
+      masters, till he then discovered Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match
+      for him was the sturdy dwarf. Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where
+      from Alberich he won the Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the
+      terrible, become master of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all
+      lay there slain. Soon bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from
+      whence the men of Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the
+      strong, warden of the hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his
+      knave; and fit he was for work of every sort."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win
+      such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the
+      hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became
+      like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been seen.
+      All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the youthful
+      warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a friend, for he
+      hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how
+      valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring
+      man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son
+      of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that it
+      can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both
+      noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good
+      stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried
+      stood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full little
+      was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they had
+      greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,
+      "whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at
+      Worms upon the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from
+      you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the
+      boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and
+      that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear
+      boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This the
+      folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn back,
+      till it be known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a crown. Fain
+      would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me: Rightly doth he rule
+      both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be a pledge. Now be ye
+      so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it lief or loth to any man, I
+      will gain from you whatso ye have—land and castles shall be subject
+      to my hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard,
+      that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed wroth,
+      as they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther, the
+      knight, "that we should lose by the force of any man that which my father
+      hath rules so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that we, too,
+      are used in knightly ways."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be
+      that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And
+      shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall be
+      subject to thy sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike; whether
+      of us twain can triumph over the other, him shall both land and people
+      serve."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish," spake
+      Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man lie dead
+      at hero's hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is meet, nor hath
+      any a better claim to them than we."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz.
+      "It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the mighty
+      Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your brothers no
+      meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well so to fight
+      that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty mien."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake: "Thy hand
+      shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king's vassal thou.
+      Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be Hagen
+      of Troneg's sister's son. It rued the king that he had held his peace so
+      long. Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between. He spake to
+      Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done us no such
+      wrong, but that we may still part the strife in courteous wise. Be advised
+      of me and hold him still as friend; far better will this beseem us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights
+      that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over;
+      my lordings never would have done such ill to him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir
+      Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have
+      dominion here in the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights
+      speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then
+      bethought him of the noble maid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However
+      really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant honor
+      therefrom and ye but little gain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen,
+      and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he
+      hath so many here in Burgundy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel. Then spake Queen
+      Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who are
+      come with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine. The master of
+      the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable wise,
+      shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be shared."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade that
+      care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that men
+      might find were sought for Siegfried's squires; great easement they gave
+      them. Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day they
+      offered him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell you. This
+      his prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he saw who was
+      his foe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games,
+      Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one match
+      him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or hurled
+      the shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights made merry with
+      the ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of Netherland, for upon
+      high love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for whatso they undertook,
+      but in his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he had never seen. She too,
+      who in secret spake full well of him, cherished him alone. Whenever the
+      pages, squires, and knights would play their games within the court,
+      Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from the windows, for no other
+      pastime she needed on such days. Had he known that she gazed on him thus,
+      whom he bare within his heart, then had he had pastime enough, I trow, for
+      well I wot that no greater joy in all this world could chance to him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to do,
+      for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind's son, that
+      many a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him many a
+      day: "How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the noble
+      maid, whom I do love with all my heart and so have done long time. Sadly
+      must I stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all
+      must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady rued,
+      and he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt with the
+      lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther's land, and in all this time
+      he saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there happed to
+      him much joy and eke much woe.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may
+        mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often
+        difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference
+        should be given.
+   (2)  "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means
+        one of twelve.  The accounts are, however, contradictory, as
+        a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of
+        Siegfried.
+   (3)  "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the
+        fur of the squirrel.
+   (4)  "Known".  It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he
+        was acquainted with the customs and dress of various
+        countries and with the names and lineage of all important
+        personages.  Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks
+        Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou
+        tellest me the one, I shall know the other."
+   (5)  "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a
+        mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some
+        authorities, the original owners of the treasure.  Boer, ix,
+        199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was
+        transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in
+        the formation of the saga.
+   (6)  "Angry of mood".  The reason of this anger is apparent from
+        the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801.  The quarrel
+        arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
+        Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
+        born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
+   (7)  "Balmung".  In the older Norse version and in the
+        "Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
+   (8)  "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
+        legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".
+        Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
+        important role in modern literature.
+   (9)  "Cloak of Darkness".  This translates the M.H.G.
+        "tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators.  It is
+        formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
+        "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'.  It rendered the
+        wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0008">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent
+      them from afar—tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When
+      they heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will I
+      name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly prince,
+      and then from Denmark Liudegast, the king. For their journey they had
+      gathered many a lordly stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked
+      the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court unto
+      King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be ye welcome.
+      I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be told." So spake
+      the right good king. But they feared full sore King Gunther's warlike
+      mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall
+      not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us hither:
+      Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye have earned
+      their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal hate. They
+      would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of many a knight;
+      that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the journey must
+      befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help guard your
+      castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be carved by
+      them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let messengers
+      be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will not ride so near
+      you, to give you pain of heart, from which full many a lusty knight and a
+      good must die."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then ye
+      shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold from
+      them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my
+      friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare
+      the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his men,
+      and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of men that
+      could be found. The king spake: "Men would seek us here in this our land
+      with mighty armies, now make ye wail for that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we fend
+      indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die; for their
+      sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be welcome to us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and
+      Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such short
+      time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the valiant
+      knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they
+      bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but
+      right, till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend him
+      aid. Yet in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full blithe a
+      knight, who wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and prayed King
+      Gunther to tell him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me," spake
+      Siegfried, for he it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry wont,
+      which ye have used thus far with us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell
+      all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise.
+      Only to trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake:
+      "I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your woes.
+      And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport myself
+      with honor until mine end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and
+      though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are
+      friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will let
+      you hear why I stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I have heard
+      that they would visit me with war, a thing which knights have never done
+      to us in all these lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do as I
+      pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye command
+      your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty foes be
+      helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them, had I but a
+      thousand; for that rely on me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have but
+      twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of Siegfried
+      serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart, and Sindolt,
+      your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride along; he shall
+      bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it. Let now the envoys
+      ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to understand they soon shall
+      see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers of
+      Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should journey
+      home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts and gave
+      them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say unto my
+      foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their journey and
+      stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands, hardships
+      shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to
+      bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they took
+      their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had heard
+      how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in sooth,
+      their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full many a
+      valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand, whose name
+      was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it Liudegast when he
+      heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark had heard these tidings
+      told, they hasted all the more to call their friends; till Sir Liudegast
+      had gathered for his journey full twenty thousand knights from among his
+      valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also, of Saxon land, sent forth his
+      summons, till they had forty thousand men and more, with whom they thought
+      to ride to the Burgundian land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the
+      liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead
+      thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon
+      must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.
+      When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such
+      wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg was
+      master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who wist well
+      how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and Ortwin, too,
+      well could they serve with honor in this war.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your
+      warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep your
+      spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate. Well
+      will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at Worms
+      upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride so nigh
+      unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to fear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon
+      land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried
+      all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire
+      distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.
+      Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"
+      Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:
+      "Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
+      knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and
+      Ortwin guard the rear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the
+      outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors be."
+      Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop he gave in
+      charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the valiant man.
+      Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a helmet band he cut
+      to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host that lay encamped
+      upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his men. Forty thousand or
+      better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried saw this in lofty mood.
+      Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted to the outlook 'gainst
+      the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold man saw him, too. Each
+      began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it was, who stood on guard,
+      I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold lay by his hand. It was the
+      good King Liudegast, who was guarding here his band. The noble stranger
+      pricked along in lordly wise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of
+      their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched the
+      spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty king.
+      After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal knights, as
+      though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled in knightly wise
+      and the two fierce champions encountered with their swords. Then smote Sir
+      Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring. Through the hero's hand from
+      out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew the bright red sparks. Each in
+      the other found his match. Sir Liudegast, too, struck many a savage blow;
+      the might of each broke full upon the shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men
+      stood there on guard, but ere they could come to his aid, Siegfried had
+      won the fight, with three groat wounds which he dealt the king through his
+      gleaming breastplate, the which was passing good. The blood from the
+      wounds gushed forth along the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast
+      stood in sorry mood. He begged for life and made offrance of his lands and
+      said that his name was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had
+      witnessed what there had happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead
+      his captive thence, he was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty
+      blows the hero's hand guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then
+      wrought worse scathe. In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one
+      he left alive, who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had
+      chanced. By his reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved
+      the men of Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken
+      captive. Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with
+      monstrous wrath, for great woe it brought him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
+      Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was
+      the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden
+      raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be done,
+      ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame in Saxon
+      land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed to me, for
+      I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see helmets carved by
+      the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they shall become acquaint
+      with fear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart
+      minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.
+      Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor had they
+      more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve men-at-arms. Now
+      from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land they rode; many a
+      lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst. There, too, were
+      come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened swords, as I since
+      have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes' hands, for they would
+      fain guard both their castles and their land against the strangers. The
+      lordings' marshals led on the troop. Siegfried, too, was come with his
+      men-at-arms, whom he had brought from Netherland. In the storm of battle
+      many a hand this day grew red with blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot,
+      too, slew many a knight in the strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness
+      of their foes. This many a stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and
+      Hagen and Ortwin, too, dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with
+      flowing blood, these storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were
+      done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield
+      resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of
+      which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but when
+      the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide wound
+      carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow. Thus they
+      fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang the sharp
+      weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed their
+      lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way in
+      Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.
+      Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn
+      forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his
+      men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was Hagen
+      come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before them many
+      a good knight must needs die this day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in
+      hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the
+      lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of
+      swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two
+      champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;
+      fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that
+      his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it
+      was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot, but
+      later he learned the truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled
+      beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a
+      frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise
+      Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise
+      Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side
+      by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets
+      many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
+      shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the
+      fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave, and
+      Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then off
+      flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of Netherland
+      thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous many of whom
+      one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring Dankwart broke!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Sir Liudeger espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's
+      hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends
+      the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have
+      seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him well.
+      The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land." The
+      banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was later
+      granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land. This was
+      wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord they then gave
+      over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets and the broad,
+      battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the hue of blood from
+      the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would, for this lay in
+      their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors, bade bear away the
+      wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth captive to the Rhine. The
+      worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had the Saxons fought so well
+      that one could give them aught of praise, and this the heroes rued full
+      sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried, the
+      warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must needs
+      confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his native
+      land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him and to
+      his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for honor. The
+      squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had sorrowed, were
+      blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come. Much questioning
+      was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with the liegemen of the
+      mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to Kriemhild; this happed
+      full secretly (openly she durst not), for she, too, had amongst them her
+      own true love. When she saw the messenger coming to her bower, fair
+      Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me glad news, I pray. And thou
+      dost so without deceit, I will give thee of my gold and will ever be thy
+      friend. How fared forth from the battle my brother Gernot and others of my
+      kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or who wrought there the best? This
+      thou must tell me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell
+      the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray, as did
+      the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of valiant
+      Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife, Dankwart and
+      Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove for honor, 'tis
+      but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, the king.
+      They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none might tell you of the
+      wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode into the fight. Great
+      woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the field the love of many a
+      dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so loud upon the helmets, that
+      from the wounds they drew forth the blood in streams. In every knightly
+      art he is a worthy knight and a brave. Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved
+      (and he whom he could reach with his good sword, fell sorely wounded, but
+      mostly dead), yet your brother wrought the direst woe that could ever
+      chance in battle. One must say of the chosen knights in truth, that these
+      proud Burgundians acquitted them so well that they can well preserve their
+      honor from every taint of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle
+      bare, while the field resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the
+      warriors from the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been
+      avoided. The valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great
+      numbers the armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this
+      full many stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and
+      Hunolt, Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may
+      well ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
+      very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
+      was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
+      Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this King
+      Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon land.
+      Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried the
+      twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this land,
+      as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing to our land
+      five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly wounded, my
+      lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men were mostly
+      wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty pride sent a
+      challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of Gunther, the
+      king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
+      face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
+      had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings could
+      not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in duty
+      bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
+      therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have thee
+      brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are gladly
+      told to noble dames.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
+      fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
+      high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
+      came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
+      the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
+      guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he his
+      vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty king
+      in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him, because in
+      the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor. Gunther bade his
+      kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but sixty had been lost,
+      whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes. Many a riven shield and
+      battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to Gunther's land. The men
+      alighted from their steeds before the palace of the king. Loud was heard
+      the joyous sound of the merry welcome; then order was given to lodge the
+      warriors in the town. The king bade minister well unto his guests, attend
+      the wounded and give them good easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen
+      upon his foes. He spake to Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have
+      I ta'en because of you; for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor.
+      God reward my kinsmen, for they have given me joy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath
+      king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of
+      wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety that
+      my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land against my
+      will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded
+      were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.
+      Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields were
+      borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which one
+      bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight
+      returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.
+      His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the sorely
+      wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men offered
+      to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto shining
+      gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To his guests
+      the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to set out for
+      home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king bethought him
+      how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass his wish for
+      fame and honor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to them
+      that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then will
+      many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther
+      learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for the
+      king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,
+      though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the
+      kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For the
+      sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy her.
+      Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He rode
+      thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful knight
+      did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon the sand
+      before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the Burgundian
+      land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard it said that
+      the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear friends. Then
+      comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which they were to don.
+      The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors who were to come.
+      Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To please her children
+      she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and many maids might
+      therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the Burgundian land. Also
+      for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly robes.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Saxons".  This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
+        poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
+        later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
+        period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
+        to Brunhild's land.  (In our poem it is placed before the
+        marriage.)  It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
+        on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
+        Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
+        was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
+        in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
+        idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
+        role.  The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
+        Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark.  In "Biterolf"
+        Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
+        his brother.
+   (2)  "Fey".  This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
+        to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
+        etymologically the same word.  The ancient Germans were
+        fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
+        fate had so predestined.
+   (3)  "Thirty thousand".  The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
+        numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples.  They
+        will be found to occur very frequently in our poem.  See
+        Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
+   (4)  "Their".  The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
+        'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
+        haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
+   (5)  "Marks of gold".  A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
+        gold or silver.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0009">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the feasting.
+      Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the land, were
+      given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all, for the
+      highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes at the
+      feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire. Giselher, the
+      youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their men received the
+      friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights right courtly
+      greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle of golden red, dainty
+      shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the Rhine. Many a wounded man
+      was seen full merry since. Even those who lay abed in stress of wounds,
+      must needs forget the bitterness of death. Men ceased to mourn for the
+      weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the festal day, and how well they
+      would fare at the feasting of the king. Pleasure without stint and
+      overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk which there were seen.
+      Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the whole of Gunther's land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad
+      attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they
+      vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he
+      already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his
+      sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above
+      all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full
+      honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who live
+      in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man, what else
+      could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames? Pray let your
+      sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a hero was this
+      counsel given.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were
+      merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely
+      daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the
+      presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away. Of
+      rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden decked
+      herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was of the
+      mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would not
+      exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they gazed
+      on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty king full
+      a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort his sister and
+      serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the Burgundian land and
+      carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta coming with her child.
+      Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken for her train, who wore
+      rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter many a stately maid. When
+      from out a bower men saw them come, there rose a mighty press of knights
+      who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze with joy upon the noble maid.
+      Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as doth the red of dawn from out the
+      lowering clouds. He then was reft of many woes who bore her in his heart
+      so long a time, when he saw the lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How
+      shone full many a precious stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her
+      rose-red hue appeared. Whatever one might wish, he could not but confess
+      that never in the world had he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon,
+      whose sheen is thrown so brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the
+      stars, so stood she now before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher
+      rose the spirits of the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains
+      marched on in front, while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press
+      where they might see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy
+      and dole. To himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should
+      love thee? That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were
+      I better dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood
+      the son of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment
+      by skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair
+      a knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give way
+      and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a wight,
+      as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who offered
+      service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite before these
+      knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried now approach my
+      sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be our gain. She who
+      never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by this means we now may
+      win the stately knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion from
+      Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court; his
+      sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy without
+      alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely grace she
+      greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight stand thus
+      before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most
+      good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this greeting his
+      spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she took him by the
+      hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon each other this
+      lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly this happed. Was
+      perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by heart-felt love? That
+      know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was left undone, for soon had
+      she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in summertide nor in the days of
+      May bare he within his heart such lofty joy as now he gained, when hand in
+      hand he walked with her whom he fain would call his love.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk thus
+      with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her, I'd bear
+      it willingly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the
+      guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was
+      bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened in
+      this world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a
+      warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God
+      grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw
+      her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately
+      knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed by
+      many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a daring
+      wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight of many a
+      knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well might he
+      think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in heart.
+      Cause enow he had to love the fair.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight
+      again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely
+      maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many
+      knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,
+      "that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do love
+      you with such fealty as I hear them say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve
+      them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never will
+      I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do, my Lady
+      Kriemhild, to win your love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid
+      beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This
+      service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure was
+      daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from many a
+      daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever any
+      wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they became
+      well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land was decked
+      with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming forth; they,
+      too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard themselves with
+      bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help them, for there was
+      great store of men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He kept
+      him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men saw him
+      move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy knights, ere
+      ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it of you ever. Do
+      not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as I have great
+      desire."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we crave
+      a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of our
+      kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had recovered
+      from the fray, though many dead they left within this land. Then King
+      Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake: "Now tell me
+      what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for lasting peace of me
+      and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what thinketh thee good to
+      do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee; what of gold five hundred
+      steeds can bear, that would they gladly give me, and I set them free
+      again."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride
+      hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his hand,
+      that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding hither to
+      your land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's foes
+      was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their loved
+      friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield full of
+      treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out unweighed to his
+      many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and to a few, still
+      more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this. Then they all took
+      leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests draw nigh to Kriemhild
+      and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were knights dismissed in
+      better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away, but still there stayed
+      at home the king and all his kin and many a noble liegeman. Daily they
+      were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good knight Siegfried now
+      would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win that on which his mind
+      was set. The king heard said that he would hence, but Giselher, the youth,
+      quite won him from the journey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the knights,
+      I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too, are many
+      comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride
+      hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I
+      craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me
+      from it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he have
+      fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw
+      Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording
+      stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her love
+      constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love in
+      later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0010">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair maid
+      dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high
+      therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the sea,
+      whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great her
+      strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The stone she
+      hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love must win
+      without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the noble maid had
+      done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by the Rhine. He
+      turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes must needs later
+      lose their lives.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in many
+      a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be their
+      lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I will go
+      down to the sea and hence to Brunhild, however it may go with me. For her
+      love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become not my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say, the
+      queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will pay full
+      dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I
+      might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to share
+      with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so well how
+      matters stand with Brunhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely
+      maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my love,
+      for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and thou
+      give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask no other
+      meed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if
+      fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto
+      wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their
+      hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account these
+      brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take with him
+      hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers from a
+      dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made them
+      ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness he had
+      strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With cunning
+      arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that whatsoever
+      any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild, which brought
+      him dole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we not
+      take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with passing
+      honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be called."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so fierce
+      a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give thee
+      better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering knights
+      adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the band. In
+      all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo the lady,
+      whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four comrades, the
+      second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have we hope of life),
+      Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand others durst not
+      match us in the fight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would
+      please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which would
+      beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
+      Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel
+      no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if
+      perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments
+      which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your
+      mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and
+      she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight
+      Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing
+      well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were
+      her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when
+      she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to
+      greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the
+      maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me
+      hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty
+      mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign
+      lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear
+      aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other
+      kings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she walked
+      to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with dainty
+      figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime with the
+      ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft between the
+      twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as life. In after
+      days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may not
+      be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have need of
+      princely garb to wear before the dames."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,
+      that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.
+      Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble
+      knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly air to
+      do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a will." So
+      spake the winsome maid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand
+      shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there be
+      no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye what
+      I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon the
+      shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too, gave
+      glad assent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus
+      clad to court?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and Hagen,
+      shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say. Each of
+      us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes of apparel and
+      such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit Brunhild's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the
+      queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come
+      forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the fair
+      silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with precious
+      stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the high-born
+      maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought linings from
+      the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they covered now with
+      silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great marvels of these shining
+      weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from Libya, too, they had great
+      store of the fairest silks which the kith of any king did ever win.
+      Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore the twain. Sith upon the
+      proud journey they had set their minds, they deemed ermine to be well fit.
+      (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as coal. This would still beseem all
+      doughty knights at high festal tides. From out a setting of Arabian gold
+      there shone forth many a stone. The ladies' zeal, it was not small,
+      forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought the robes. Ready, too, were the
+      weapons for the right good knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste upon
+      the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward to the
+      sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the warriors
+      were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now prepared; as
+      they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no longer would they tarry on
+      the Rhine; they sent a message to their war-companions, if perchance they
+      should care to view their new attire, to see if it be too long or short.
+      All was found in fitting measure, and for this they gave the ladies
+      thanks. All who saw them could not but aver that never in the world had
+      they seen attire more fair. Therefore they wore it gladly at the court.
+      None wist how to tell of better knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give
+      great thanks. Then the lusty knights craved leave to go, and this the
+      lordings did in courtly wise. Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from
+      weeping.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and pay
+      court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then would I
+      say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a birth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
+      matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
+      tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended to
+      your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land." This
+      the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
+      every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
+      Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought
+      them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would ride
+      away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids stood
+      at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the proud war
+      fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the flood.
+      That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly
+      grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold Gunther
+      took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy knights set
+      forth from land. With them they took rich food and eke good wine, the best
+      that could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood fair; they had
+      good easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap them. Their stout
+      sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues they sailed, or
+      ever came the night, with a good wind, downward toward the sea. These hard
+      toils later brought the high-mettled warriors pain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them far
+      away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land. To none save Siegfried was this
+      known; but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad marches, too,
+      how soon he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it known to you
+      whose are these castles and this lordly land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild
+      and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still
+      see there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of one
+      single mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day
+      before Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When we
+      behold the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes, must
+      ye tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his man;
+      then what he craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for whatever
+      he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain. They promised
+      what he would; wherefrom they all fared well, when King Gunther saw fair
+      Brunhild. (6)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the comely
+      maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to
+      pass, that she become my wife."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,
+        however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the
+        agreement of the names in German.  "Isen lant", the reading
+        of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,
+        and partly to indicate its probable derivation from
+        "Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle.  Boer's
+        interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in
+        Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)
+        I, 1. 70.  Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea
+        Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",
+        referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.
+        Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.
+   (2)  "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a
+        few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the
+        name from this passage.  (See Bartsch, "Germanistische
+        Studien", ii, 129.)
+   (3)  "Wont to wear".  In the Middle Ages costly furs and
+        fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here
+        described, with silk or cloth.  By fish such amphibious
+        animals as otter and beaver were often meant.
+   (4)  "Well fit".  In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,
+        has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems
+        more appropriate to the sense.
+   (5)  "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.
+   (6)  "Brunhild".  The following words are evidently a late
+        interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been
+        translated for the sake of completeness.  They are spoken by
+        Siegfried.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0011">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many a
+      comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther that
+      he knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no knowledge
+      of these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on the flood?
+      Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the high-born
+      maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the power."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder
+      window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair
+      that mine eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she
+      should become my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild, the
+      comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and mood."
+      All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it
+      behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes. Each one obeyed. What
+      next the ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their persons
+      out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever had. To the
+      narrow casements they came again, where they had seen the knights. Through
+      love of gazing this was done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the
+      stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby King
+      Gunther felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed, so
+      stately, good and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had sat
+      him in the saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later quite
+      forgot. Such service he had seldom done afore, that he should stand at any
+      here's stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship. All this the
+      comely dames of noble birth saw through the casements. The steeds and
+      garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were right well
+      matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed in the hands
+      of the stately men. In lordly wise they rode to Brunhild's hall, their
+      saddles set with precious stones, with narrow martingales, from which hung
+      bells of bright and ruddy gold. So they came to the land, as well befit
+      their prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with well-wrought swords, the
+      which hung down to the spurs of these stately men. The swords the bold men
+      bore were sharp and broad. All this Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of
+      how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their
+      bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of India,
+      the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they left
+      their skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good rode to the
+      castle. Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad palaces, (1)
+      and one hall well wrought of costly marble, green as grass, wherein
+      Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers. The castle was unlocked and the
+      gates flung wide. Then ran Brunhild's men to meet them and welcomed the
+      strangers into their mistress' land. One bade relieve them of their steeds
+      and shields.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining
+      breastplates, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will bear
+      them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let me
+      say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken
+      hence, then will all be well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade pour
+      out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were seen
+      walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were these
+      heroes gazed upon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were
+      come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid gan
+      ask concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be these
+      unknown knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose sake the
+      heroes have journeyed hither?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never have
+      I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among them.
+      Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The second
+      of their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily a mighty
+      king over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and might possess
+      them. One doth see him stand by the rest in such right lordly wise. The
+      third of the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal so fair of body, most
+      noble queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth east, I ween he be grim
+      of thought and mood. The youngest among them is worshipful indeed. I see
+      the noble knight stand so charmingly, with courtly bearing, in almost
+      maiden modesty. We might all have cause for fear, had any done him aught.
+      However blithely he doth practice chivalry, and howso fair of body he be,
+      yet might he well make many a comely woman weep, should he e'er grow
+      angry. He is so fashioned that in all knightly virtues he must be a bold
+      knight and a brave."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried be
+      come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I fear
+      him not so sore, that I should become his wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a
+      comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately
+      dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights
+      from Isenland, Brunhild's men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore
+      swords in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave
+      and lusty heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear what
+      the maid did speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey
+      mean? That I fain would know."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most
+      generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here
+      before me, for he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By
+      birth he's from the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we
+      come hither. Fain would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now
+      betimes, my lord will not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a lordly
+      king. An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth this
+      knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither. I would fain have given
+      it over, could I have said him nay."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games
+      which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his wife; but
+      should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games. It
+      must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He
+      troweth well to win so fair a maid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be ye
+      not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as well.
+      Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen all that
+      he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you well against her
+      with my arts."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list,
+      and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I'll gladly
+      lose my head, and ye become not my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games, as
+      was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a
+      breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2)
+      too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken
+      cloth of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen to
+      shine thereon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart and
+      Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of how
+      the king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us
+      warriors aught of good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied him
+      to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he quickly
+      slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he found a
+      great press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty games. Thither
+      he went in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was he seen of any
+      that were there. The ring had been marked out, where the games should be,
+      afore many valiant warriors, who were to view them there. More than seven
+      hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say who won the game.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal
+      lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her
+      lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare
+      along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel,
+      beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there
+      served a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and
+      gleamed against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the maid
+      would show her love. The shield the maid should bear was three spans thick
+      beneath the studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of steel and eke of
+      gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely carry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg
+      spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our
+      lives! She you would make your love is the devil's bride, in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat of
+      silk of Azagouc, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in
+      contrast to its color on the person of the queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large, the
+      which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad, which on
+      its edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear's great weight hear wonders
+      told. Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought therein, the
+      which scarce three of Brunhild's men could bear. The noble Gunther gan be
+      sore afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this mean? How could
+      the devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe and sound in
+      Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of mine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this
+      court doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how
+      must we lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in these
+      lands? It doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country. Had but my
+      brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should Brunhild's
+      men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure, they'd guard
+      against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand oaths, before I'd
+      see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should lose her life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had
+      we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then
+      would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she
+      gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave, bring
+      them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors' hands their
+      sharp-edged swords."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart blushed
+      for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the doughty man.
+      "Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men bare a
+      heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant
+      men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when she
+      had shot the spear. The Burgundians' fear now grew amain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love?
+      Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands
+      she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife
+      began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's hate, and had Siegfried not
+      come to Gunther's aid, she would have bereft the king of life. Secretly
+      Siegfried went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther marked his
+      wiles. "Who hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then he gazed
+      around on every side, but saw none standing there.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the
+      queen. Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark
+      aright what thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the
+      deeds."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then
+      can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See
+      how fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield,
+      mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm. The
+      sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of the
+      mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the fire
+      flame forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered at the
+      blow; but for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead. From the
+      mouth of Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly the good
+      knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had driven
+      through his shield. Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it back again. He
+      thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid." So he reversed the point and
+      cast it at her armor with the butt, that it rang out loudly from his
+      mighty hand. The sparks flew from the armor rings, as though driven by the
+      wind. Siegmund's son had made the throw with might. With all her strength
+      she could not stand before the blow. In faith King Gunther never could
+      have done the deed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight, I
+      cry you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with his
+      strength. To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she quickly,
+      angry was her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the stone and
+      hurled it mightily far from her hand. After the cast she sprang, that all
+      her armor rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve fathoms hence, but
+      with her leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw. Then went Sir
+      Siegfried to where lay the stone. Gunther poised it, while the hero made
+      the throw. Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he threw the stone still
+      further and made a broader jump. Through his fair arts he had strength
+      enow to bear King Gunther with him as he sprang. The leap was made, the
+      stone lay on the ground; men saw none other save Gunther, the knight,
+      alone. Siegfried had banished the fear of King Gunther's death. Brunhild,
+      the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her courtiers she spake a deal too
+      loud, when she spied the hero safe and sound at the border of the ring:
+      "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and liegemen of mine, ye must now be
+      subject to Gunther, the king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at the
+      feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he had
+      won the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving wise;
+      in sooth he was most rich in virtues.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him
+      within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced him.
+      She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace. When
+      this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better cheer.
+      With good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The doughty
+      Siegfried was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he repaired to
+      where the ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly did he this: "Why
+      wait ye, good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of which the queen doth
+      deal so great a store? Let us soon see how they be played." The crafty man
+      did not as though he wist not a whit thereof.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have
+      seen naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have made
+      us sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the ship when
+      the lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth naught
+      thereof."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride
+      hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath the
+      power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us hence to
+      the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith
+      and liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands; my
+      dearest friends must first be fetched."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends, her
+      kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to
+      Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily,
+      early and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild's castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming of
+      fair Brunhild's men. If now they come into this land in force, then hath
+      the noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is
+      unknown to us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care. I'll not let
+      hap that which ye fear. I'll bring you help hither to this land, from
+      chosen knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask about
+      me; I will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I'll return
+      eftsoon and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights that I have
+      ever known."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be justly
+      glad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild,
+      that ye've sent me hence."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Palaces".  See Adventure III, note 7.
+   (2)  "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is
+        a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.
+   (3)  "Azagouc".  See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2.  This
+        strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts
+        the description given above.
+   (4)  Weights.  The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "massa") is just as
+        indefinite as the English expression.  It was a mass or lump
+        of any metal, probably determined by the size of the
+        melting-pot.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0012">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.(1)
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the
+      sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and
+      drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the
+      steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.
+      They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed by
+      Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and night
+      with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away, or
+      more. The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard. The
+      hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached the
+      boat and made it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which stood a
+      castle, and sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He came first
+      to a gateway that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded well their
+      honor, as men still do. The stranger now gan knock upon the door, the
+      which was closely guarded. There within he saw a giant standing, who kept
+      the castle and at whose side lay at all times his arms. He spake: "Who is
+      it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up the
+      door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer lie
+      soft and take his ease."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had
+      donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty man
+      snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he ran at
+      Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge blows
+      were dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend him, but
+      with an iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then was the hero
+      in dire need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the warder struck
+      such mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for this cause.
+      They strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound was heard in
+      Nibelung's hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land. Alberich, the bold,
+      a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain. He armed
+      him quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he bound the
+      mighty giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his body he bare
+      helmet and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of gold. Swift
+      and hard he ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs (3) hung down
+      in front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon the bold man's
+      arm, that it brake in parts. The stately stranger came in danger of his
+      life. From his hand he flung the broken shield and thrust into the sheath
+      a sword, the which was long. He would not strike his servant dead, but
+      showed his courtly breeding as his knightly virtue bade him. He rushed at
+      Alberich and with his powerful hands he seized the gray-haired man by the
+      beard. So roughly he pulled his beard, that he screamed aloud. The tugging
+      of the youthful knight hurt Alberich sore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the
+      vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own
+      him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4)
+      man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength
+      of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I
+      noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran of
+      the land. I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of knights
+      we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich
+      and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In
+      fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: "Up now, ye heroes, ye must go
+      to Siegfried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand doughty
+      knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw Sir
+      Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds. Great
+      store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine. (5) He
+      gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must away with
+      me across the flood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty
+      hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the best.
+      Men brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead them to
+      Brunhild's land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell you, ye must
+      wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely dames shall gaze
+      upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly weeds."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey Siegfried
+      won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and thus they
+      came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land. The fair maids stood upon the
+      battlements. Then spake the queen: "Knoweth any, who they be whom I see
+      sailing yonder far out upon the sea? They have rich sails e'en whiter than
+      the snow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which I left
+      hard by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my
+      lady." All eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly weeds and
+      many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I receive
+      the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may
+      well perceive how fain we be to see them here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried with
+      her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took in charge
+      their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land, that
+      everywhere they jostled Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men fare
+      home to Burgundy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out
+      to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such
+      store."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble queen,"
+      spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to deal it out
+      in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own." That he was
+      bountiful, he made appear full well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's hand did
+      proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such store
+      that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds he gave,
+      nor did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich attire, who
+      never had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued the queen when
+      this she heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have your aid, lest
+      your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress; he squandereth eke
+      my gold. If any would forfend this, I'd be his friend for aye. He giveth
+      such royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth, that I have sent for
+      death. I would fain use it longer and trow well myself to waste that which
+      my father left me." No queen as yet hath ever had so bounteous a
+      chamberlain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of the
+      Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we have no
+      need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's weeds."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling
+      chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we
+      are come across to Gunther's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains
+      stood by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher's men. Gunther and
+      Hagen began to laugh thereat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand and
+      yours must first decree."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will make
+      him steward."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother's
+      brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my
+      castles and my lands, till that King Gunther's hand rule here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence
+      to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung land.
+      They dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the sand. Six
+      and eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids, their bodies
+      passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were fain to get them
+      hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they left at home! In courtly
+      wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her nearest kinsmen who were
+      found at court. After a fair leave-taking they journeyed to the sea. To
+      her fatherland the lady nevermore returned. Many kinds of games were seen
+      upon the way; pastimes they had galore. A real sea breeze did help them on
+      their voyage. Thus they fared forth from the land fully merrily. She would
+      not let her husband court her on the way; this pleasure was deferred until
+      their wedding-tide in the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good
+      time she came right joyfully with all her knights.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure VIII.  This whole episode, in which Siegfried
+        fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on
+        Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in
+        the older versions.  It is a further development of
+        Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung
+        and became the ruler of the Nibelung land.  The fight with
+        Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former
+        episode.
+   (2)  "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a
+        measure of distance, as here.
+   (3)  "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.
+   (4)  "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of
+        'knowing'.  The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,
+        denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a
+        standing epithet of dwarfs.
+   (5)  "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret
+        mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.
+   (6)  "Mark".  See Adventure V, note 5.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0013">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg
+      spake: "Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for
+      Worms upon the Rhine. Our messengers should be e'en now in Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting
+      for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can
+      acquaint them better with our journey home to court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlain,
+      I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until we
+      bring them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he
+      knoweth how to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the
+      journey, then must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon for
+      your sister's sake."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake:
+      "Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a
+      messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw
+      near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may
+      requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther gan
+      beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for Kriemhild's
+      too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it, as well as I."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me
+      what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair
+      maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye
+      command for love of her, shall all be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this
+      voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye let
+      our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her mine and
+      Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men. How well I
+      have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And tell Ortwin, the
+      dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at Worms along the Rhine.
+      Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to hold with Brunhild a mighty
+      wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she hath heard that I be come with
+      my guests to the land, that she give fair greeting to my bride. For that I
+      will ever render Kriemhild service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed him
+      well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might there
+      be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty men-at-arms
+      to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised about, the
+      courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been slain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,
+      the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother, too.
+      How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's side:
+      "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the king my
+      brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from us. Great
+      scathe had her haughty love then brought us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his
+      kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his
+      messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however that
+      may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must let
+      them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are in
+      high estate."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have
+      brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll answer
+      that the maid will see you gladly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be gladly
+      done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me thither?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight
+      spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To us
+      is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther hath
+      sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth with the
+      king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He'll tell you the right
+      tidings straight from Isenland."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds
+      they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This he
+      did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble maid,
+      addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful knight.
+      Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween that we
+      have lost him through Brunhild's strength. Woe is me, poor maid, that ever
+      I was born."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye passing
+      fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left him safe
+      and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He and his
+      bride do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble queen.
+      Now leave off your weeping, they'll come full soon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white hem
+      she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the messenger
+      for the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow and her
+      weeping were taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full ready he
+      was for this. Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue it, should I
+      give you as an envoy's meed my gold. For that ye are too rich, but I will
+      be your friend in other ways."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive
+      gifts from your fair hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her chamberlain
+      go fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings, set with goodly
+      gold, she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero's mood that he would not
+      retain them, but gave them straightway to her nearest maidens, he found
+      within the bower. Full kindly her mother offered him her service. "I am to
+      tell you the tale," then spake the valiant man, "of what the king doth
+      pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine. If ye perform that, my lady, he'll
+      ever hold you in his love. I heard him crave that ye should give fair
+      greetings to his noble guests and grant him the boon, that ye ride to meet
+      him out in front of Worms upon the strand. This ye are right truly
+      admonished by the king to do."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever wise
+      I can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman's love it
+      shall be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the messenger
+      of any prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed him, had she
+      but dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt
+      and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up the
+      seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too, were
+      found at work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch their
+      friends on every side, and made known to them the feasting that was to be.
+      The many comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast. Everywhere the
+      palace and the walls were decked out for the guests. Gunther's hall was
+      passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus began full merrily this
+      splendid feast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen of
+      these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon those who
+      were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly weeds was
+      taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild's kinsmen ride
+      along. Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in the Burgundian
+      land. Ho, what bold knights were found on either side!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at the
+      greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will
+      praise and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors, too,
+      and bade the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth, on which
+      the ladies should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better trappings
+      might there never be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on the jet-black
+      palfreys! From their bridles there gleamed forth many a precious stone.
+      The golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on shining carpets for
+      the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said, the palfreys now stood
+      ready in the courtyard for the noble maids. One saw the steeds wear narrow
+      martingales of the best of silk, of which tale might be told. Six and
+      eighty ladies who wore fillets (1) in their hair were seen come forth. The
+      fair ones came to Kriemhild wearing glittering robes. Then followed many a
+      comely maid in brave attire, fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They
+      were eke the best that might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with
+      their flaxen hair and shining ribbons. That which the king desired was
+      done with zeal. They wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk,
+      the best that could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit
+      their ample beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur.
+      Many an arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken
+      sleeves, which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring
+      to the end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long,
+      above gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of
+      Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were
+      sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good
+      cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her
+      weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely
+      maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a
+      mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they
+      carried many an ashen spear.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
+   (2)  "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
+        "ferrandine".
+   (3)  "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
+        front.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0014">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking
+      to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the bridle.
+      All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When those of
+      Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in boats, they
+      hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the kindred of the
+      king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale, too, of the queen,
+      the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the maidens from the
+      castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint. Duke Gere led
+      Kriemhild's palfrey by the bridle till just outside the castle gate.
+      Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her further. A fair maid
+      was she! Later the noble dame requited well this deed. Ortwin, the bold,
+      rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and maidens rode in pairs. Well
+      may we aver that so many dames were never seen together at such stately
+      greeting. Many a splendid joust was ridden by worshipful knights (not well
+      might it be left undone) afore Kriemhild, the fair, down to the ships.
+      Then the fair-fashioned ladies were lifted from the palfreys. The king was
+      come across and many a worthy guest. Ho, what stout lances brake before
+      the ladies' eyes! One heard the clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what
+      costly bucklers rang loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the
+      shore as Gunther and his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led
+      Brunhild by the hand. Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth in
+      rivalry. Lady Kriemhild walked with courtly breeding to meet Dame Brunhild
+      and her train. White hands removed the chaplets, (1) as these twain kissed
+      each other; through deference this was done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in these
+      lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we have."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving
+      greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her
+      daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When
+      now Brunhild's ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many a
+      comely woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were
+      seen to stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the
+      greetings all were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth. Still
+      side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well the doughty
+      warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast afore that such beauty
+      had ne'er been seen as these two dames possessed, spied now with all their
+      eyes and must confess the truth. Nor did one see upon their persons cheats
+      of any kind. Those who wot how to judge of women and lovely charms,
+      praised Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had seen more clear and
+      spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before Brunhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen
+      arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by, the
+      which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came
+      crowding around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames
+      were bidden go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the
+      Burgundian land escorted them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many
+      royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land
+      had burst forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as
+      champion. Many a maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks, Sir
+      Siegfried and his knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a
+      thousand stately Nibelungs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in gentle
+      wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the dust, the
+      which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot: "Let stand
+      the steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full ready when that
+      the king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely dames before the
+      spacious hall."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on pastime
+      bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the hope of
+      lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded to ride
+      away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no
+      longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a
+      comely maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store of
+      clothes were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors, after the
+      custom of the land, until the king dismounted by the hall. Valiant heroes
+      helped the ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens then parted; Lady
+      Uta and her daughter went with their train to a spacious hall, where great
+      noise of merriment was heard on every side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his
+      guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in the
+      king's domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with full
+      many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told. Little
+      they lacked that they should have! At the king's table many a lordly guest
+      was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in basins of ruddy
+      gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were ever better
+      served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands,
+      Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had
+      promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake: "Ye
+      must remember how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild came
+      to this land, ye would give me your sister to wife. Where be now these
+      oaths? I have suffered mickle hardship on our trip."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my
+      hand shall not be perjured. I'll bring it to pass as best I can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came with her
+      fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir Giselher sprang down
+      the steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister alone
+      shall be here by the king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood noble
+      knights from many princes' lands; throughout the broad hall one bade them
+      stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped to the table,
+      too. Then spake King Gunther: "Sweet sister mine, by thy courtesie redeem
+      my oath. I swore to give thee to a knight, and if he become thy husband,
+      then hast thou done my will most loyally."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me.
+      Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done. I'll
+      gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to husband."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then
+      proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand at
+      each other's side within the ring and asked if she would take the stately
+      man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was Siegfried's
+      luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand. The noble
+      king of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he and the maid
+      had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon the winsome
+      maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The courtiers
+      parted, when that had happed; on the bench over against the king Siegfried
+      was seen to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many a man accompanied
+      him as servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at Siegfried's side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied Kriemhild
+      (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's side. She began to
+      weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord of the land:
+      "What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow dim? Ye may well
+      rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately vassal own your sway."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore
+      because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal's side. I
+      must ever weep that she be so demeaned."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At
+      another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister
+      unto wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would
+      flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by your
+      side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried's
+      bride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath castles and
+      broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king,
+      therefore did I give him the peerless maid to love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so
+      passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his
+      guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady's side.
+      As yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him
+      through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the
+      guests leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would go
+      to bed. Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the hall,
+      as yet without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble
+      chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the
+      liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either side and many of the
+      knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the
+      twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe
+      of mood. Siegfried's pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord
+      Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and with his noble love caressed the
+      high-born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not
+      for a thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I'll
+      tell how Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther
+      lay by Lady Brunhild's side. The stately knight had often lain more soft
+      by other dames. The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The chamber
+      soon was locked; he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth the time
+      was still far off, ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy linen she
+      went to bed. Then thought the noble knight: "Now have I here all that I
+      have ever craved in all my days." By rights she must needs please him
+      through her comeliness. The noble king gan shroud the lights and then the
+      bold knight hied him to where the lady lay. He laid him at her side, and
+      great was his joy when in his arms he clasped the lovely fair. Many loving
+      caresses he might have given, had but the noble dame allowed it. She waxed
+      so wroth that he was sore a-troubled; he weened that they were lovers, but
+      he found here hostile hate. She spake: "Sir Knight, pray give this over,
+      which now ye hope. Forsooth this may not hap, for I will still remain a
+      maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her
+      clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a stout
+      band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king great
+      wrong enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and hung
+      him on the wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep. Of a
+      truth he came full nigh to death through her great strength.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my
+      bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and
+      full seldom will I lie so near your side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang
+      all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the
+      casements. Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him
+      now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid spake,
+      "and your servants found you bound by a woman's hand?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it gain
+      me honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me lie now
+      by your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch your
+      garment with my hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady
+      he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom
+      touched her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great store
+      was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the lord of
+      the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As was the usage
+      which they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and Brunhild no
+      longer tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was sung.
+      Thither, too, Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the crowd.
+      In keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all that they
+      did need, their crowns and robes as well. Then they were consecrated. When
+      this was done, all four were seen to stand joyful 'neath their crowns.
+      Many young squires, six hundred or better, were now girt with sword in
+      honor of the kings, as ye must know. Great joy rose then in the Burgundian
+      land; one heard spear-shafts clashing in the hands of the sworded knights.
+      There at the windows the fair maids sat; they saw shining afore them the
+      gleam of many a shield. But the king had sundered him from his liegemen;
+      whatso others plied, men saw him stand full sad. Unlike stood his and
+      Siegfried's mood. The noble knight and good would fain have known what
+      ailed the king. He hasted to him and gan ask: "Pray let me know how ye
+      have fared this night, Sir King."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won; I have
+      brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her, she
+      bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall. There I
+      hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me. How
+      softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to thee
+      as friend to friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I'll do you this to
+      wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that she lie by you
+      so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold from you her love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried
+      spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike
+      last night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady
+      Brunhild must become thy wife to-night. I'll come to thy chamber this
+      night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts.
+      Then let the chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out
+      the lights in the pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within
+      and that I'll gladly serve thee. I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou
+      mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be
+      glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an'
+      thou didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her.
+      The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever
+      seen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade the
+      hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to the
+      hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court was
+      cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they
+      should go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior
+      followed to the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well
+      he thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought
+      him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his lady's
+      love. He could scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men let fair
+      Brunhild and Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what doughty
+      knights were seen to walk before the queens!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss without
+      alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he vanished
+      from before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer spied him,
+      as she toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this wondereth me,
+      whither the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from mine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms of
+      the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages' hands.
+      Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he would; he
+      bade the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done, the mighty
+      king himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place two sturdy
+      bolts. Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of the bed.
+      Stout Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there was no
+      help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him close by
+      the high-born maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and it be lief
+      to you, that ye suffer not hardship as afore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered not
+      a whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a bit, that
+      they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon the bed.
+      Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king. In his arms
+      he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon a bench near
+      by, so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up sprang the
+      valiant man with all his might; fain would he try again. When he thought
+      now to subdue her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween, might
+      nevermore be made by any wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus my
+      shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore, I'll have
+      you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she grasped the
+      peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the king, that
+      she might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full sore, that he
+      had rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle force and his giant
+      strength? She showed the knight her masterly strength of limb; she carried
+      him by force (and that must needs be) and pressed him rudely 'twixt a
+      clothes-press and the wall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's hands,
+      then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty mien, who
+      would never do it else."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried
+      was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set
+      himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful wise.
+      It thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She pressed his
+      hands, till from her strength the blood gushed forth from out the nails:
+      this irked the hero. Therefore he brought the high-born maiden to the pass
+      that she gave over her unruly will, which she asserted there afore. The
+      king heard all, albeit not a word he spake. Siegfried pressed her against
+      the bed, so that she shrieked aloud. Passing sore his strength did hurt
+      her. She grasped the girdle around her waist and would fain have bound
+      him, but his hand prevented it in such a wise that her limbs and all her
+      body cracked. Thus the strife was parted and she became King Gunther's
+      wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I'll do thee remedy for
+      whatso I have done thee. I'll no longer struggle against thy noble love,
+      for I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over women."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off
+      his clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that she
+      wist it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout band. I
+      know not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his wife and
+      rued it sore in after time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover, as
+      beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From his
+      embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed through
+      love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed her lovely
+      form in lover's wise. Had she tried her strength again, what had that
+      availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How right
+      lovingly she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by a
+      woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to put
+      and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as queen
+      within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore.
+      Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands, whom
+      he had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of service. The
+      wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that in all this
+      while the sound never died away of the many joys which there they plied.
+      The cost to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the noble host gave
+      gifts in his honor to the strolling folk, as the king commanded: vesture
+      and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too. Those who there craved gifts
+      departed hence full merrily. Siegfried, the lord from Netherland, with a
+      thousand of his men, gave quite away the garments they had brought with
+      them to the Rhine and steeds and saddles, too. Full well they wot how to
+      live in lordly wise. Those who would home again thought the time too long
+      till the rich gifts had all been made. Nevermore have guests been better
+      eased. Thus ended the wedding feast; Gunther, the knight, would have it
+      so.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.
+        "schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress
+        especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.
+        It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of
+        gold and silver.  (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im
+        Mittelalter", i, 387.)
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0015">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake to his
+      fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake to
+      her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too sore.
+      First must my brothers share their lands with me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The lordings
+      hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir Siegfried,
+      that our true service be ever at your bidding till our death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such
+      kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both
+      land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to
+      our power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the
+      lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and
+      the folk therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which
+      ye would give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier
+      than any one alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do
+      command, I stand ready to your bidding."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is it
+      not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might gladly
+      lead them to his land. Forsooth my brothers' hands must share them with
+      me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish. Thou wilt
+      find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. We will give thee a
+      thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court retainers."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask if
+      they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not
+      give us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know full
+      well the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain here
+      with the kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till now have
+      followed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild
+      gained for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble
+      train. The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all took
+      leave, both knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle right.
+      Anon they parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's land. Their
+      kinsmen bare them company far upon the way and bade them pitch their
+      quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the princes' land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know, and
+      Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's child, Kriemhild,
+      the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might they never
+      have. "Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have lived to see fair
+      Kriemhild here as queen. My heritage will be thereby enhanced. My son, the
+      noble Siegfried, shall himself be king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy gold; this
+      was the envoy's meed. The tale well liked her, which then she heard. She
+      clad her and her handmaids with care, as did beseem them. Men told who was
+      to come with Siegfried to the land. Anon they bade seats be raised, where
+      he should walk crowned before his friends. King Siegmund's liegemen then
+      rode forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted than the famous
+      hero in Siegmund's land, I know not. Siegelind, the fair, rode forth to
+      meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty knights did follow on
+      behind), a full day's journey, till one espied the guests. Home-folk and
+      the strangers had little easement till they were come to a spacious
+      castle, hight Xanten, (2) where they later reigned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and
+      Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship
+      received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund's hall,
+      and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a knight gan
+      serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting at the Rhine
+      was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes than they had
+      worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels might be told.
+      When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all, what gold-hued
+      clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well worked thereon!
+      Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's kin to wit,
+      that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of Netherland
+      heard full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the cognizance, (3)
+      and lands, so that he then was master of them all. When that men went to
+      law and Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in such a wise that men
+      feared sore fair Kriemhild's husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king, till
+      the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was come to
+      pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened to baptize
+      and name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be ashamed of this.
+      Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full well. They brought
+      him up with care, as was but due. In these same times the Lady Siegelind
+      died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them of her. Then the child
+      of the noble Uta held withal the power over the lands, which well beseemed
+      such high-born dames. (4)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's court, in the
+      Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero's sake
+      they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend him! The
+      noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him up to be a
+      doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered through
+      misfortune!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty knights
+      dwelt alway in Siegmund's land. Gunther dealt the same with his
+      distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung's knights and the goods
+      of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed mightier
+      than he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man. The very
+      greatest heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned it
+      aforetime, the bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand hard by
+      a hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death. He had honors
+      to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one must rightly aver
+      of the noble champion, that he was one of the best that ever mounted
+      horse. Men feared his might and justly, too.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.
+   (2)  "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.
+   (3)  "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'
+   (4)  "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild bear
+      her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath he done
+      us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her peace. It
+      irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers and that men
+      from Siegfried's land so seldom served her. Fain would she have known from
+      whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap that she should see
+      Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in mind. The speech like
+      the king but moderately well. "How might we bring them," quoth he, "hither
+      to our land? That were impossible, they live too far away; I dare not ask
+      them this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty a
+      king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord
+      command him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried, yet
+      did he not count it to him as service.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy
+      sister come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might
+      ever hap to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister's courtesie and her
+      well-bred mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I first
+      became thy wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have never
+      seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send my envoys
+      for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for
+      them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me
+      also to know whom ye will send thither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride
+      thither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's
+      land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to
+      mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that no
+      one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to us to
+      the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At the
+      next Midsummer's Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who would
+      fain do them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings, and say
+      that I and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister, too, that
+      she fail not to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem her
+      better."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended
+      their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in Siegfried's
+      land. With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the messengers set
+      forth. They rode as wandering knights; their horses and their trappings
+      had now been brought them. Then they voided the land, for they had haste
+      of the journey, whither they would fare. The king bade guard the
+      messengers well with convoys. In three weeks they came riding into the
+      land, to Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway, (1) whither they
+      were sent. Here they found the knight. The mounts of the messengers were
+      weary from the lengthy way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who
+      wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang from a
+      couch on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the window. In
+      the court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship that had been
+      sent thither. What joyful things she there found against her sorrow of
+      heart! She spake to the king: "Now behold where they stand, who walk in
+      the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother sendeth us adown the
+      Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then
+      spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord, was
+      right blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and men
+      bade take their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence to where
+      Lord Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had leave to go
+      to court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at once and greeted
+      well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship, Gunther's liegemen.
+      One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us
+      way-worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which
+      Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you, and
+      also what Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and Sir
+      Gernot, too, and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and commend
+      their service to you from out the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and good,
+      as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same. Ye must tell us
+      more, whether our dear friends at home be of good cheer? Since we have
+      been parted from them, hath any done amiss to my lady's kinsmen? That ye
+      must let me know. If so, I'll ever help them bear it in duty bound, until
+      their foes must rue my service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every
+      virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by the
+      Rhine. They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg my
+      lady that she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They would
+      see you before the next Midsummer's Day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot, and
+      Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily wail,
+      that ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids be fain of
+      the tidings, if that might be that they should see you again; this would
+      raise their spirits high." These tidings thought fair Kriemhild good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured out
+      for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come to where
+      he saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in friendly wise:
+      "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now Siegfried, my son,
+      hath won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more often here in this our
+      land, if ye would show your kinship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their
+      weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers be
+      seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given great
+      store. They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last the doughty
+      knights made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them what
+      they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman
+      Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would go
+      full gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg Kriemhild,
+      too, that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in what manner
+      she shall ride thither. Though I must harry for them through thirty lands,
+      yet would Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting, we
+      will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a thousand
+      knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why
+      make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with
+      you and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried, "glad
+      shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good and
+      speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife's kindred on the Rhine,
+      that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and Kriemhild, as
+      the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of gifts that their
+      horses could not bear them to their native land. A wealthy man was he.
+      They drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that
+      very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best that were at hand or might
+      be found throughout all Siegfried's land. Men gan prepare the saddles and
+      the shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with him was given
+      whatso they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought to his kinsfolk
+      many a lordly stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the
+      knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from
+      their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther's hall. Young and old
+      did hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight:
+      "When I tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy
+      the king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they
+      were come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried,
+      from whom so much of gladness hath happed to me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer
+      tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and his
+      father, too, have sent to you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh Kriemhild
+      to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how to use?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one might
+      note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were well. He
+      told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor were the
+      gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them, gold and
+      vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings to see. For
+      their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not
+      squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath closed
+      upon the hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the Burgundian
+      land!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the men
+      of the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the folk.
+      The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All time they
+      had to oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a bench. Ortwin
+      helped them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks. Rumolt, the
+      master cook, how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many a broad
+      kettle, pot, and pan they had! They made ready the vitaille for those who
+      were coming to the land.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Norway".  The interpolated character of the Adventures XI
+        to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is
+        shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.
+        The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and
+        locates it in Norway.  No mention is made, however, of the
+        messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild
+        speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0017">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The Feasting.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild
+      and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine.
+      Never did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for the
+      way full many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the queen
+      as well, rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of joys.
+      Later it sped them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried's little
+      child, Kriemhild's son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief befell
+      him through their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his father and
+      his mother more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund. Had he known
+      aright how he would fare at the feasting, no whit of it would he have
+      seen. No greater woe might ever hap to him in loving friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band
+      there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and Gunther's liegemen. The
+      host gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and
+      asked: "How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like
+      manner must ye greet Siegfried's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if ye
+      would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within the
+      castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best
+      they had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may
+      lightly say, they did this gladly. Gunther's men hasted also for to serve
+      them, and around him the host did gather all his knights. Then the queen
+      rode forth in princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome guests was
+      done. With what great joy did they receive them! It thought them as though
+      Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in the Burgundian
+      land. Those who had never seen her became acquaint with lofty mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending to
+      and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there
+      against the jostling and the dust.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how lovingly
+      he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we shall be of
+      good cheer because of this your journey to our court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my son
+      Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go to see
+      you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none bare
+      him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great courtesie.
+      I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many
+      saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the sward.
+      How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women now drew
+      near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair greeting
+      passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors standing by
+      the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each other by the hand.
+      Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from fair-fashioned
+      dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen for to see. They
+      bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host bade show his guests full
+      well that all were fain to see them in the Burgundian land. Many a royal
+      joust took place before the high-born maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin,
+      too, proved full well their prowess. One durst not leave undone whatso
+      they would command. Much service was rendered by them to the welcome
+      guests. Many shields were heard resound from thrusts and blows before the
+      castle gate. The host and his guests tarried long time without, or ever
+      they came within. Forsooth the hours passed quickly for them with their
+      sports. Merrily they rode before the royal palace. Many cunning housings
+      (2) of good cloth and well cut were seen hanging on either side from the
+      saddles of the fair-fashioned dames.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to their
+      easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who was
+      passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam in
+      lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout. Gunther
+      bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then gan lodge the
+      retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke without. Never
+      were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them gladly all they
+      craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there denied. Men served
+      them in friendly wise without all hate. The host now took his seat at
+      table with his guests. One bade Siegfried be seated where he sate afore.
+      Then many a stately man went with him to the seats. Twelve hundred
+      warriors in sooth did sit at his round table. Brunhild thought her that a
+      vassal could not be mightier than he; yet she was still so friendly to him
+      that she did not wish his death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes
+      were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service
+      was given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts,
+      men bade the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever
+      they were come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all enow
+      with goodly honors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone from
+      the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched by
+      woman's hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had
+      fully dawned, many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then rose
+      a merry rout before the early mass, which was sung for the king. There
+      young heroes rode so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many a trumpet
+      rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did grow so great
+      that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The high-mettled
+      heroes horsed them everywhere. Then there rose in the land high knightly
+      play from many a doughty champion; one saw a great rout of them whose
+      youthful hearts beat high, and many a dapper knight and a good stood armed
+      with shield. At the easements sate the high-born dames and many comely
+      maids, decked out in brave attire. They watched the pastimes of the many
+      valiant men. The host himself gan tilt there with his friends. Thus they
+      passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came,
+      the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens. They
+      alighted on the green before the minster; Brunhild was still friendly to
+      her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the spacious church. Later their
+      love was parted, which caused great hate. When they had heard the mass,
+      they rode away again with many honors and were soon seen going merrily to
+      table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag until the eleventh day.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving
+        folk'.
+   (2)  "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0018">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each Other.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many knights
+      made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for pastime's
+      sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to gaze. The royal
+      queens had sat them down together and talked of two worshipful knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should rule
+      over all these kingdoms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he and
+      thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther
+      liveth, this may never hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right royally
+      he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the stars?
+      Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and
+      fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother of
+      thine. Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not
+      lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost
+      thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther's peer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not
+      spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them
+      first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when he
+      won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king, and
+      Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my vassal,
+      sith I heard him speak thus himself."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble
+      brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's bride?
+      Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my sake
+      thou kindly leave off this speech."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife. "Why should I give up so
+      many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego
+      that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier than my brother
+      Gunther, the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee say.
+      Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so much power
+      over us twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a time. By
+      right I should be spared thy overweening pride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife. "I would fain see
+      whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady
+      Kriemhild: "This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for thy
+      liegeman, now must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether I
+      durst walk before the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am
+      noble and free and that my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I
+      myself be taxed therewith. Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman goeth
+      to court before the knights of the Burgundian land. I myself shall be more
+      worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a crown." Great
+      hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so must
+      thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to church."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife. "I must be here without
+      reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds. Brunhild
+      shall fain deny what she hath here averted."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and
+      maid attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with her
+      train. Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty maidens
+      with her, whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore bright
+      vesture wrought in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids betook them to
+      the minster. All Siegfried's men awaited them before the house. The folk
+      had marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen thus sundered, so
+      that they did not walk together as afore. From this did many a warrior
+      later suffer dire distress. Here before the minster stood Gunther's wife,
+      while many a good knight had pastime with the comely dames whom they there
+      espied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind
+      of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but
+      the wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the
+      wives of thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An' one would
+      wish to, yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly dresses
+      as at this time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild had not done
+      it, save to anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious minster. Through
+      her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise bade Kriemhild
+      stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk before the queen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held
+      thy peace, 'twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair
+      body of thine. How might a vassal's leman (1) ever be the wife of any
+      king?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed
+      by Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy
+      maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick.
+      Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear thee
+      make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I' faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee. With
+      words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it will
+      ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster
+      with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from which
+      bright eyes grew dim and moist.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed far too
+      long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave knight
+      and a good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now went
+      forth and stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must tell me
+      more of what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me. Hath
+      Siegfried made boast of this, 'twill cost his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild
+      spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must ye
+      let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I'll prove it
+      by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought me
+      when he first lay at your side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of gold
+      was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in evil
+      wise. I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it from me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better to
+      have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear. I'll prove it by the
+      girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my Siegfried
+      became thy lord."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth
+      'twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and
+      all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I will
+      let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly that I
+      be Siegfried's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how gently
+      he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain
+      part me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver
+      that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy gold.
+      It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou clearest me of
+      this passing great shame, for that I'll serve thee ever."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if he hath
+      made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of Netherland." One
+      bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how quickly
+      then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for what cause
+      the king hath had me fetched."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady Brunhild
+      hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the first to
+      clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy wife, doth
+      say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue it
+      sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with solemn oaths in front of
+      all thy men, that I have not told her this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost
+      offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold,
+      stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy
+      great innocence is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that of
+      which my sister doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this
+      thing."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened
+      Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should so
+      train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave haughty
+      words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll do the same to mine. In
+      truth, I do shame me of her great discourtesie."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore, that
+      it moved King Gunther's men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to his
+      sovran lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had. She told
+      him then the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild's lord should rue
+      it sore, or he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot joined their
+      parley and these heroes counseled Siegfried's death. Giselher, the son of
+      the noble Uta, came hither too. When he heard the talk, he spake full
+      true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this? Siegfried hath not merited
+      forsooth such hate, that he should therefore lose his life. Certes, women
+      oft grow angry over little things."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would
+      gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege lady,
+      I will rather die, an' it cost him not his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and honor,
+      so let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the knight? He was
+      ever faithful to us and that right willingly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth
+      avail him aught. If my lord permit, I'll do him every evil."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this none
+      followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the that if
+      Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his sway. At
+      this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered before
+      the minster in the presence of Siegfried's wife, even down to the hall!
+      Enow of Gunther's men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be this
+      murderous rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too, the
+      wonderly bold man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match him, if
+      he marked it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring
+      it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. Certes, Hagen hath
+      broken with him for all time."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear. We'll bid messengers, that
+      be not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon us
+      openly. Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will take
+      the field. When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and from this
+      he shall lose his life, an' I learn the tale from the bold knight's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights
+      gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women's
+      quarreling full many a hero lost his life.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,
+        'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0019">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court and
+      the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared. The
+      very direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave to come
+      before the king and say that they were Liudeger's men, whom Siegfried's
+      hand had conquered afore and had brought as hostages to Gunther's land. He
+      greeted then the messengers and bade them go and seat them. One among them
+      spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have told the message we do
+      bear you. This know, ye have of a truth many a mother's son as foe.
+      Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave grievous sores, declare a
+      feud against you and are minded to ride with an army to this land." The
+      king waxed wroth when he heard This tale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or any
+      else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles? This
+      later brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering with
+      his friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king's
+      liegemen would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give up
+      his plan. On a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of Netherland
+      gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly? I'll help avenge it, hath
+      any done you aught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have
+      challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that with
+      zeal, as beseemeth all your honors. I'll do yet to these knights as I did
+      before; I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head your
+      pledge of this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me ride to
+      meet them with those I have. I'll let you see how fain I serve you. This
+      know, through me it shall go evil with your foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were glad
+      in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This was
+      done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of Netherland
+      get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike weeds. Then the
+      stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must stay here. We shall
+      return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God give us luck. Ye must
+      here make merry with the king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were
+      enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout of
+      men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their
+      breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to quit
+      the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for leave;
+      sith they would void the land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare
+      protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.
+      Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend Hagen,
+      think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear you hate.
+      Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer, if I have
+      done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble wife.
+      "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero and a
+      good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray
+      tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do
+      this for you than for any else."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one would
+      take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening mood;
+      then the bold knight and a good were safe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him, pray
+      let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot, on
+      horse, will I ever be his guard."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee
+      trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well, mine
+      own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been better
+      left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow. When he slew
+      the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of a truth in the
+      blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in the fray. Yet am I in
+      fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many javelins are cast by
+      heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of mine. Alas, how oft I
+      suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in the hope that thou wilt
+      hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where men may wound the dear lord
+      of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in faith. When the hot blood
+      gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold hero and a good bathed him
+      therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt his shoulder blades.
+      Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I may
+      know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:
+      "With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,
+      thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in
+      the battle before his foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband was
+      thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence. The
+      king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will warrior
+      give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild trusted in his
+      troth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He
+      weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so near
+      him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent in secret
+      twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's land should
+      still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the king. How loth
+      Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his kinsmen's
+      wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then to the
+      king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will, friend
+      Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this I'll ever
+      serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my friends. Now
+      that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting for bears and
+      boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That Hagen, the
+      faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my guests, that we
+      ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make them ready. If any
+      choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that liketh me as well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd fain
+      go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will ride
+      to the pines."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye will,
+      four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is wont to
+      go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told
+      the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never use
+      such faithlessness.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "bracke", used
+        here.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0020">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry a-hunting
+      in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars and bears and
+      bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried in lordly guise;
+      many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool spring he later lost
+      his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife, had counseled. The bold
+      knight then went to where he found Kriemhild. His costly hunting garb and
+      those of his fellowship were already bound upon the sumpters, for they
+      would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild have been more sorrowful. He
+      kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let me see thee, lady, still in
+      health and grant that thine eyes may see me too. Thou shalt have pastime
+      with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at home."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not
+      say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord
+      Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be
+      your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did chase
+      you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great cause
+      to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we have not
+      misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear my lord,
+      that I counsel by my troth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here
+      of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my
+      friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an evil
+      dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It doth cut
+      me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then in
+      a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw him
+      in health again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many bold
+      knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher stayed at
+      home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the Rhine, the
+      which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat and fish, and
+      great store of other things, which so mighty a king might rightly have.
+      They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green wood over
+      against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade where they
+      should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come. The hunting
+      fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the bold knight, the
+      sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who shall lead us to
+      the game within the wood?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords and
+      I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us divide
+      the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He who doth
+      hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen bided by
+      another after that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath been
+      trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine woods."
+      Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space brought
+      the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its lair the
+      comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever the brach
+      started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his hand. His
+      horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he gained the
+      prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The beast which
+      he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after which he found
+      full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started this from its lair,
+      he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a full sharp arrow. After
+      the shot the lion ran the space of but three bounds. The hunting
+      fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he speedily slew a bison and
+      an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage shelk. (3) His horse bare
+      him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor could hart or hind avoid him.
+      Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar; when he began to flee, at once
+      there came the master of the hunt and encountered him upon his path.
+      Wrathfully the boar did run against the valiant hero, but Kriemhild's
+      husband slew him with his sword. Another huntsman might not have done this
+      deed so lightly. When he had felled him, they leashed the sleuth-hound;
+      his rich booty was soon well known to the Burgundian men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a
+      deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and
+      the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise that
+      both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had let loose
+      full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must needs lose their
+      lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men should give him the
+      prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the stalwart Siegfried was
+      already standing by the fire. The chase was over, and yet not quite. Those
+      who would to the camp-fire brought with them thither hides of many beasts
+      and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's meiny bare then to the
+      kitchen!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A horn
+      was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might find the
+      noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen: "My lord, I
+      heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the quarters; I'll
+      now give answer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake Sir
+      Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him smoothly
+      and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started up a savage
+      beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those behind: "I'll
+      give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach. Forsooth I spy
+      a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he never so fast, he
+      shall not escape us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would
+      fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The
+      mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the
+      proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him. The
+      bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught it and
+      bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither scratch nor
+      bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle and horsed him
+      quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior and a good brought
+      it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise he rode to the
+      quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A dainty sword hung
+      downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn of ruddy gold. Never
+      heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him wear a coat of black and
+      silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it was. Ho, what costly bands he
+      wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was drawn over it for its sweet
+      fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which any but the hero must needs draw
+      back with a windlass, and he would bend it. His vesture was befurred with
+      otter skin (5) from head to toe. From the bright fur shone out on both
+      sides of the bold master of the hunt many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he
+      also bare, a good broad sword, that was so sharp that it never failed when
+      'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet; its edge was good. In high spirits was the
+      lordly huntsman. Sith I must tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was
+      full of goodly darts, the heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts.
+      What he pierced therewith must needs die soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
+      him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
+      saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
+      loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly, that
+      spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had fear.
+      Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he drove the
+      scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a firebrand
+      scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes! Then the
+      lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear grew furious
+      and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had all sped well,
+      they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty men delayed, but
+      ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such press of dogs that
+      none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the whole hill rang. The
+      bear began to flee before the dogs; none could follow him but Kriemhild's
+      husband, who caught and slew him with his sword. Then they bore the bear
+      again to the fire. Those that saw it, averred he was a mighty man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon a
+      fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they bare
+      there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
+      delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
+      been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such
+      great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the wine.
+      Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your hunting-fellow.
+      I have well deserved that they regard me, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you
+      remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die
+      of thirst."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the
+      Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not
+      drink to-day, how well will I avoid this in the future!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One should
+      have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled wine. (8) If
+      that might not be, then men should have placed our benches nearer to the
+      Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a
+      good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of thirst
+      now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne away the
+      sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With false intent
+      the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the game which
+      Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever saw it gave
+      him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth to Siegfried.
+      When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It hath oft been
+      told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband when he be
+      minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that, and
+      ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call give
+      the prize to him who winneth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward at
+      your feet." (9)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold
+      knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my
+      trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he
+      quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in two
+      white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran, but men
+      spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare away the
+      prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid aside his
+      quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough. The lordly
+      stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was Siegfried's
+      courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed forth, but the
+      hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king had drunk, who gave
+      him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the spring. Gunther stooped
+      down then to the flowing stream, and when he had drunken straightened up
+      again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done the same, but now he paid
+      for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from him both bow and sword and
+      bounded then to where he found the spear; then he looked for the mark on
+      bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried drank above the spring, he
+      pierced him through the cross, so that his heart's blood spurted from the
+      wounds almost on Hagen's clothes. Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed.
+      Hagen left the spear a-sticking in his heart and fled more madly than he
+      ever in the world had run from any man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started
+      in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered. He
+      weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid as he
+      deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his sword,
+      then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the spring
+      and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit he was
+      wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of precious
+      stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst quite apart.
+      Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was Hagen fallen to
+      the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow the glade rang
+      loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been Hagen's death, so
+      sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good cause thereof. His
+      hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of body melted quite away,
+      for in bright colors he bore the signs of death. Thereafter he was
+      bewailed by fair dames enow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his
+      blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause, at
+      those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded spake:
+      "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye have slain
+      me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you. Alas, ye have
+      acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born in after days
+      will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore upon me. With shame
+      shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a
+      hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and this
+      the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the Burgundians
+      bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no need that he
+      should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle blame. It had
+      been better left undone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All
+      our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who dare
+      withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your
+      murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue me
+      so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I ever had
+      a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his kindred
+      have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake Siegfried,
+      "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the deadly wounded
+      spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to any in the world,
+      then let my dear love be commended to your grace and let it avail her that
+      she be your sister. For the sake of your princely courtesie protect her
+      faithfully. My father and my men must wait long time for me. Never was
+      woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The flowers on every side were wet with blood. With death he struggled,
+      but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely. Then
+      the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the lordings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a shield
+      of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen had done
+      the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye must all hide
+      it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as he rode alone
+      a-hunting through the pine wood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be
+      known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it
+      trouble me however much she weep."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Lion."  It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
+        roam at large in the forests of Germany.  They were,
+        however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
+        poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
+        hunter.
+   (2)  "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
+        extinct.
+   (3)  "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
+        deer.
+   (4)  "Fragrance".  It was believed that the odor of the panther
+        attracted the game.  Compare the description of the panther
+        in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
+        surpass that of all ointments.
+   (5)  "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
+        connotation is not known.  Some interpret it to meau the
+        fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
+   (6)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (7)  "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
+        is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
+        did not disturb the poet.
+   (8)  "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
+   (9)  "Feet".  This was probably done as a handicap.  The time
+        consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
+        a start.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0021">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
+      hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
+      warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
+      of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
+      Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He bade
+      place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when she
+      went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild full
+      seldom missed through sleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild, the
+      fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
+      vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
+      him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord, but
+      with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this Lady
+      Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her ladies
+      for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet, there doth
+      lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it was
+      her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
+      protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure at
+      his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they
+      found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After
+      her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:
+      "Perchance it is a stranger knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis
+      Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen
+      hath done the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand she
+      raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him soon.
+      There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The gracious
+      queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is not carved
+      with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done the deed, I'd
+      ever plot his death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they grieved
+      full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had cruelly
+      avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all
+      Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me
+      bewail brave Siegfried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the
+      Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could
+      scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger
+      came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I trow
+      his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see his dear
+      son alive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A wrong
+      hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all other
+      ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which thou
+      tellest me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold
+      Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales, that
+      thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail him fully
+      before my death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear
+      yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need. He and a
+      hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands
+      their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail. Then
+      came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard the
+      ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should dress
+      them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great heaviness was
+      buried in their hearts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas for
+      the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my child
+      and you of your husband among such good friends?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul
+      would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin
+      must ever weep because of me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow
+      of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded
+      from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's wife.
+      They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his wounds
+      and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty grief.
+      Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be ever ready
+      to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came with
+      their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had in his
+      troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he had great
+      need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife, unless it be
+      to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden to the hunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief and
+      how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the Nibelungs
+      at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to hinder it. In
+      kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin. The
+      grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye wot
+      naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye will all
+      be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The noble
+      queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When they
+      would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord Siegmund,
+      ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my husband
+      with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do him
+      scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I will
+      not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of ours.
+      Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear with me
+      my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights, to coffin
+      the dear husband of mine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were
+      heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping.
+      The noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they,
+      too, were sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried, or
+      for what cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the worthy
+      burghers wept with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste to work
+      a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it firm with
+      strips of good hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady bade
+      them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster. Whatever
+      friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells were
+      ringing as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard the
+      chant of many priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim Hagen
+      also toward the sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs, clear
+      sister, that we may not be free from this great scathe. We must ever
+      lament for Siegfried's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth
+      to you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on me,
+      when I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth
+      Kriemhild, "that it had happed to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him
+      guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all the
+      folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained
+      murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's wounds do bleed, (1)
+      as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen's. The wounds
+      bled sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of
+      those who wailed afore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen
+      did not do the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends
+      avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again:
+      "Now share with me this grief."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where
+      they found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild's
+      men wept inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives, and
+      children did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly bear
+      his loss, wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake: "Sister
+      mine, now comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We'll try to
+      make it up to thee, the while we live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well
+      towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The lady
+      would not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle trouble.
+      In a rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found none there
+      that did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny mourned bitterly
+      the stately man. When it was noised abroad that men sang in the minster
+      and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of folk. What offerings
+      they made for his soul's sake! He had good friends enow among these foes.
+      Poor Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye must now be put to trouble
+      for my sake, ye who wished him well and be my friends. For Siegfried's
+      soul shall ye deal out his gold."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or
+      ever he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day. Great
+      throng was there of Siegfried's friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake:
+      "Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone. With
+      him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state three days
+      and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God doth bid that
+      death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of me, poor
+      Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The people of the town returned now to their lodgings. She begged the
+      priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay.
+      They spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained without
+      all food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made known that
+      men would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed. Then were the
+      Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three days, as we
+      hear tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a deal of work.
+      What offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor, grew rich enow.
+      Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught, these were bid go
+      to mass with gold from Siegfried's treasure chamber. Since he might not
+      live, many thousand marks of gold were given for his soul. She dealt out
+      well-tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk were found. Enow of
+      gold and silver was given to the poor. By her deeds she showed that she
+      did love him fondly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the
+      minster was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death, as
+      one should do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told, full
+      thirty thousand marks or better still were given to the poor for his
+      soul's sake. Yet his great beauty and his life lay low. When God had been
+      served and the chants were ended, much people fought 'gainst monstrous
+      grief. Men bade bear him from the minster to the grave. Those were seen to
+      weep and wail who missed him most. With loud laments the people followed
+      hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man. They sang and read a service
+      before they buried him. Ho, what good priests were present at his burial!
+      Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the grave, her faithful heart was rung
+      with grief, so that they must needs oft sprinkle her with water from the
+      spring. Her pain was passing great; a mickle wonder it was that she ever
+      lived. Many a lady helped her in her plaint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye prove
+      your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my woe, that I
+      may see once more his comely head."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break
+      open the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With
+      her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and
+      good, thus dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then
+      there happed a piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk,
+      and soon they found the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the
+      lovely fair have died of grief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him from
+      the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men found
+      Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three days
+      would neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not so waste
+      away their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows, as still
+      happeneth oft enow.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Bleed".  This was not only a popular superstition, but also
+        a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had
+        not been discovered, or if any one was suspected.  The
+        suspected person was requested to approach the bier and
+        touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow
+        afresh if the one touching the body were guilty.  Our
+        passage is the first instance of its mention in German
+        literature.  A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364.
+        The usage was also known in France and England.  See the
+        instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",
+        930.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0022">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her. Unto the queen he
+      spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome
+      guests. Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit
+      treachery here in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet
+      should ye not requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son's
+      sake, of this shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the
+      power which Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and
+      also the crown shall be subject to you. All Siegfried's men shall serve
+      you gladly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying for
+      steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes. Men
+      bade dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund would
+      fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's mother gan beg her that she stay there
+      with her kindred.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the
+      sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst
+      stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have
+      grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of
+      dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with thy
+      brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of thy husband's
+      death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot and
+      her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but little
+      kith she had among Siegfried's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so
+      strong but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and
+      console your mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were brought
+      for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land. Also all
+      the trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters. Then the Lord
+      Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild's side. To the lady he spake: "Siegfried's
+      men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride away, for I be ill content
+      in Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise
+      me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He
+      spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear the
+      crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not suffer,
+      because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again, for the
+      sake of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him orphaned. When
+      your son groweth up, he will comfort your heart. Meanwhile many bold
+      heroes and good shall serve you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever
+      fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We
+      might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would stay here
+      with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more sorrowfully."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given
+      safe-conduct to Siegmund's land, I'll bid them guard you well. To the care
+      of you knights shall my dear child be given."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of Siegmund's
+      men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from Lady Kriemhild!
+      He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly feasting," spake
+      the noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to king or to his
+      kinsmen, what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us nevermore in
+      Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still
+      take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his
+      kinsmen be their deadly foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright
+      that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now
+      first do I feel all my sorrow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were surely
+      of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend them, should
+      they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of none, but Gernot
+      and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving wise. These brave and
+      lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his loss. Courteously Prince
+      Gernot spake: "God in heaven knoweth well that I be not to blame for
+      Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was his foe. I mourn him
+      justly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them
+      from the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous then!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild
+      mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher alone;
+      loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening pride. How
+      Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her love or troth.
+      Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest woe of heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0023">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with his
+      vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also often
+      helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster, they
+      built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and great,
+      where, with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to go to
+      church and did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither she went
+      all time in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She prayed the
+      good God to have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she bewept the
+      knight full oft. Uta and her meiny comforted her all time, but so sorely
+      wounded was her heart, that it booted naught, whatever comfort men did
+      offer her. She had the greatest longing for her dear love, that ever wife
+      did have for loving husband. One might see thereby her passing virtue;
+      until her end she mourned, the while life lasted. In after days brave
+      Siegfried's wife avenged herself with might.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and this is
+      true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther,
+      nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister
+      friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this
+      might ye win great store, an' the queen would be our friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will beg
+      them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she might
+      gladly see us win the hoard."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was done,
+      Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried it with the
+      Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy spake: "Lady, ye
+      mourn too long for Siegfried's death. The king will give you proof that he
+      hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so greatly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "None chargeth him with this. 'Twas Hagen's hand that struck
+      him, where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could I
+      think that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full
+      well," spake the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would
+      I, poor wife, leave off my weeping. I'll never be a friend of him that did
+      the deed." Then Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand before
+      her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her. Well he wot
+      his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole. When now she would forego her
+      hate of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted him better had
+      she not been wronged by his advice; then might he have gone boldly unto
+      Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought to pass with so
+      many tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the one man alone, she
+      pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the deed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained the
+      hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was her
+      marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot rode
+      to fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should bring
+      it from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight Alberich (2)
+      and his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine coming for the
+      hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught of the treasure
+      dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth it to be her
+      marriage morning gift. Yet should this never be done," quoth Alberich,
+      "but that with Siegfried we have foully lost the good Cloud Cloak, for
+      fair Kriemhild's love did wear it alway. Now, alas, it hath fared ill with
+      Siegfried, that the hero bereft us of the Cloud Cloak and that all this
+      land did have to serve him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood
+      Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the
+      treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon the
+      waves to the mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the hoard,
+      the which twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear away from
+      the hill in four days and nights and each must make the trip three times a
+      day. There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men paid therewith
+      the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been in worth. Forsooth
+      Hagen did not crave it so without good cause. The greatest prize of all
+      was a wishing-rod (3) of gold. He who knew its nature, might well be
+      master over any man in all the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they stored
+      away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took charge of everything,
+      chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men hear tales told
+      of such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a thousand times as much,
+      if the Lord Siegfried were but alive again, Kriemhild would fain have
+      stood empty-handed at his side. No more faithful wife did hero ever win.
+      Now that she had the hoard, she brought many unknown warriors to the land.
+      In truth the lady's hand gave in such wise that men have never seen such
+      bounty more. She used great courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the
+      rich and the poor she began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she
+      live yet a while, she would gain so many a man for her service that they
+      would fare full ill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I
+      hinder that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed it,
+      that she became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she deal out
+      her silver and her gold."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught of
+      the heard. With her gifts she'll bring about the day when it well may rue
+      the brave Burgundians sore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her
+      harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty store
+      and Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother Gernot,
+      when he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath done my
+      sister much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his life, were
+      he not my kin."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegfried's wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Or ever we
+      be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the Rhine,
+      that it belong to none."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake: "Dear
+      brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life and
+      goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for
+      now we think to ride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them
+      that one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the hatred
+      he bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was come
+      again, Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at Loche, (4) in
+      the Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The lordings came
+      again and with them many men. With her maids and ladies Kriemhild gan
+      bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly would Giselher
+      have helped in all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath done wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor. They did
+      him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate. Before
+      Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty oaths
+      that it should lie concealed as long as any one of them might live. Later
+      they could not give it to themselves or any other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's end, and
+      because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not in
+      all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried's death, and this is
+      true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she could not
+      forget the warrior's death. She was true to him, as most folk owned.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary
+        for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after
+        the bridal night.  On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche
+        Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.
+   (2)  "Alberich", see Adventure III, note 8.  It is characteristic
+        of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.
+   (3)  "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried
+        treasure.  Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie," ii, 813.
+   (4)  "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the
+        Rhine province.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0024">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought
+      another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in
+      the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead, they
+      spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king ever
+      won, then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her husband."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen and
+      be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and therefore
+      would not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that ever happed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the sake
+      of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a trial
+      for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and
+      the land by the Rhine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known
+      from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the
+      noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use
+      the highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always
+      done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear
+      the crown in this my land. An' she be so fair, as hath been told me, it
+      shall never rue my dearest kin."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen. Certes,
+      there might not be in all this world a king's bride more fair. He may well
+      be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if ever
+      I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for it as best I may.
+      Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure chambers I
+      will bid thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and all thou wilt,
+      that thou and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I'll bid full plenty
+      of these things be made ready against thine errand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that
+      were not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy
+      hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May God
+      keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune help me,
+      that she look with favor on my suit."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready arms
+      and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will lead to
+      the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I and mine
+      be seen, all may say of thee: 'Never did any king send afar so many men in
+      better wise than thou hast done to the Rhine.' If thou, O mighty king,
+      wilt not turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that her noble love was
+      subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son. Him thou hast seen here. (4) Men
+      could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was the noble
+      prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh me well
+      for her passing beauty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence in
+      four and twenty days. I'll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that I
+      myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both
+      sorrowful and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife.
+      Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the
+      message, a deal she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether
+      she should gain a lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved her
+      heart full sore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King Etzel
+      was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their weeds. Then
+      might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind awaited him;
+      the young margravine, too, Rudeger's child, gladly saw her father and his
+      men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble Rudeger rode
+      from the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes were placed upon
+      the sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a whit was taken from
+      them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly bade
+      lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw the host
+      come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young margravine. To
+      her his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to see the heroes
+      from the Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden spake: "Now be
+      my father and his men full welcome here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty
+      knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger's mood. When at
+      night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine put,
+      whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady Gotelind,
+      I'll gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another lady for my lord,
+      sith that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for Kriemhild to the
+      Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the Huns."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do hear such
+      speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our lady for
+      us in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear the crown in
+      Hungary."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to ride
+      with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel
+      richly, then are they of lofty mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I would
+      not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part hence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers! With
+      enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined from the
+      neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that pleased him
+      well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from
+      Bechelaren. Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the
+      Bavarian land. Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery's
+      sake, and within twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the
+      tidings not be hid; men told it to the king and to his liegemen, that
+      stranger guests were come. The host gan say, if any knew them, he should
+      tell him so. One saw their sumpters bear right heavy loads. 'Twas seen
+      that they were passing rich.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many
+      strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft. The
+      people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine. The
+      host now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him. Then
+      spake the knight of Troneg: "None of them have I ever seen, but when we
+      now gaze upon them, I can tell you well from whence they ride hither to
+      this land. They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not full soon."
+      (5)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship were
+      come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good
+      garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As well
+      as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as if
+      'twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of Bechelaren
+      be come to this land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the good
+      knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five hundred
+      knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the men from
+      Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes. Then Hagen
+      of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord of Bechelaren
+      and all his men, welcome in God's name."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the king
+      went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never have we
+      seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all their
+      fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the king and with
+      him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats; through their
+      great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met the messengers!
+      Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals warmly, as was his
+      due. He took the good knight Rudeger by the hand and led him to the seat
+      where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the guests (full gladly this
+      was done) passing good mead and the best of wine that one might find in
+      the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere both were come; Dankwart and
+      Folker, too, had heard about the strangers. Merry they were of mood and
+      greeted before the king the noble knights and good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever
+      requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the
+      husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare
+      Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know." He rose
+      from his seat with all his men and spake to the king: "An' may that be
+      that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the tidings that I
+      bring, but will tell them willingly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these
+      I'll let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my vassals
+      hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon the
+      Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This
+      message is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you his
+      need. His folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master's wife, is
+      dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned, daughters of
+      noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth full piteously
+      in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them faithfully. The
+      king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth his
+      service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his greeting,
+      and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair
+      Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me, O
+      king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent you,
+      sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men told my
+      lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be dead. If
+      this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights, would ye
+      but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care to
+      do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in
+      these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her
+      wish?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served
+      so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunther's men.
+      Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the
+      third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full
+      wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that
+      Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save
+      Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right wit,
+      ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
+      follow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure happen
+      to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister. We
+      ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel as
+      have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath
+      danger happed to you by right."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near him
+      that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she become his wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords would
+      think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble king. Hagen
+      still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight Giselher of
+      Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make her to forget
+      the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune she may have, this
+      ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister so many an ill,"
+      continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she hath good cause, if
+      she be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady of greater joys."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and
+      live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in whatever way she can.
+      Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to
+      Etzel's land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that
+      maketh for our honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild wear the
+      crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give it
+      over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all act as
+      traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever
+      ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and Giselher,
+      the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at last, if
+      Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor
+      upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can well
+      requite her of all the wrongs that have been done her."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she
+      received him. How quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly and
+      give me a messenger's meed. Fortune is about to part you from all your
+      woes. For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that ever
+      gained a kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath sent
+      envoys hither. Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me tell you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my
+      kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man
+      who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher,
+      the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in
+      truth, could she but take the king.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the
+      knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to
+      see the messengers."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see the
+      Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither,
+      whoever else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted
+      with me. Pray bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I'll let him hear my
+      will in full and tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake
+      forth anew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the
+      high-born queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but let
+      the knight persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow when
+      mass was sung, the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those who
+      should go to court with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed. Full
+      sad of mood, the high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and good. He
+      found her in the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids wore rich
+      clothes enow. She went to meet him to the door and greeted full kindly
+      Etzel's liegeman. Only as one of twelve he went to meet her. Men offered
+      him great worship, for never were come more lofty envoys. They bade the
+      lording and his vassals seat them. Before her were seen to stand the two
+      Margraves Eckewart and Gere, the noble knights and good. None they saw
+      merry of mood, for the sake of the lady of the house. Many fair women were
+      seen to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her grief; her dress
+      upon her breast was wet with scalding tears. This the noble margrave noted
+      well on Kriemhild.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you,
+      permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and
+      tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear
+      it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The others noted well her unwilling mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king, hath in
+      good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers hither to
+      this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your love. Great joy
+      without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready to give you
+      constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay within his
+      heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full often joyless
+      days."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my bitter
+      sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the best of
+      husbands that ever lady won."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy. When
+      that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught
+      availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble master,
+      ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord will give
+      you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand hath
+      overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen, who were
+      subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and princely race,
+      who owned her sway." Thus spake the brave knight and bold. "Thereto my
+      lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would deign to wear with
+      him the crown, the very highest power which Helca ever won; this shall ye
+      rule before all Etzel's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero's bride?
+      Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live joyless
+      unto mine end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's court will
+      be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an' it come to pass, for
+      the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca's damosels and your
+      maids shall together form one retinue, at sight of which warriors may well
+      be blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare well in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow early,
+      when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to what ye have
+      in mind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bold knights and good must needs obey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for
+      Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping did
+      beseem her and naught else better.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I can
+      well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish, and
+      thou takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this
+      thinketh me well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake
+      Giselher again; "from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the
+      sea, there be no other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice, an'
+      he make thee his wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping and
+      wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his knights?
+      Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel
+      thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with thee.
+      I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she
+      might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband's side of
+      yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never have
+      again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall I give my
+      body to a paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the world must I
+      bear shame. An' he gave me all the kingdoms in the world still 1 would not
+      do it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady
+      lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the
+      morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come and
+      took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the king
+      of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry. Then they
+      bade fetch hither Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken their leave,
+      whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost their suit. Rudeger
+      came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn aright the noble prince's
+      mind. To all it seemed well that this be done betimes, for long was the
+      way back into their land. Men brought Rudeger to where Kriemhild was
+      found. Winningly the knight gan beg the noble queen to let him hear what
+      message she would send to Etzel's land. I ween, he heard from her naught
+      else than no, that she nevermore would wed a man. The margrave spake:
+      "That were ill done. Why would ye let such beauty wither? Still with honor
+      may ye become the bride of a worthy man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in secret
+      that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At this her
+      great sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let be your
+      weeping. If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful kin and
+      liegemen, sore must he repent it who had ever done you aught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the lady's mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an oath,
+      that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my wrongs."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her faithfully
+      and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel's land would ne'er
+      refuse her aught.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many
+      friends, I'll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear
+      husband's death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath so
+      many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an' I command them. He is
+      likewise so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen
+      hath bereft me of my goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly would
+      I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many
+      knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at his court. What
+      if ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened?
+      Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye
+      should now give over your sadness."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King
+      Etzel's bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to the
+      Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will take me
+      to his land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more.
+      'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine. No
+      longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred vassals
+      and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye bid, both
+      here and there at home. I'll do by you the same whenever ye do mind me of
+      the tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for your horses be
+      made ready (Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and tell it to your
+      maids, whom ye would take along, for many a chosen knight will meet us on
+      the road."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's time, so
+      that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she
+      would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames!
+      Albeit they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready, for
+      much had been told them of the king. They opened up the chests, which
+      stood afore well locked. For four and one half days they were aught but
+      idle; from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay therein.
+      Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain would make all
+      Rudeger's liegemen rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung land she still had
+      such store that a hundred horses might not bear it; she weened her hand
+      should deal it out among the Huns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will
+      not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must stay behind. For why should
+      I give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what Kriemhild
+      will do with this hoard. I can well believe, an' she take it with her,
+      that it will be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor have they
+      steeds enow to bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it, pray tell
+      Kriemhild that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told to
+      all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not hap,
+      the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye for the
+      gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his eyes do
+      light upon you, such store he'll give you that ye can never spend it all;
+      this will I swear to you, my lady."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's daughter
+      gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the king
+      in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild's gold was handed forth, a
+      thousand marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased
+      King Gunther.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild
+      all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it would
+      mine or the queen's hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will none of
+      it. Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can lightly do
+      without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey in full
+      lordly wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Afore this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very
+      best of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great
+      store of women's trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her
+      thought too great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she
+      had still a thousand marks. For her dear husband's soul she dealt it out.
+      This Rudeger thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the mournful
+      lady: "Where be now my friends who for my sake would live in exile? Let
+      those who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my treasure and
+      purchase horses and trappings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first
+      became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight, "and
+      aye will do the same by you until mine end. I will take with me also five
+      hundred of my men and place them in your service right loyally. Naught
+      shall ever part us, save death alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many tears
+      were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed that they
+      were sad at Kriemhild's loss. A hundred high-born maids she took with her
+      hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from bright eyes the
+      tears fell down, but soon at Etzel's court they lived to see much joy.
+      Then came Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their fellowship, as their
+      courtesie demanded. Fain would they escort their dear sister hence; of
+      their knights they took with them full a thousand stately men. Then came
+      Ortwin and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master of the kitchen, must needs
+      be with them, too. They purveyed them night quarters as far as the
+      Danube's shore, but Gunther rode no further than a little from the town.
+      Ere they fared hence from the Rhine, they had sent their messengers
+      swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who should tell the king that
+      Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble high-born queen.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.
+   (2)  "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the
+        daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the
+        "Thidreksaga" calls him.  In the latter work (chap. 73-80)
+        we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her
+        father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride.
+        On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see
+        Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.
+   (3)  "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the
+        "Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an
+        historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.
+        Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself
+        an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with
+        castles and lands in fief.  He may have been introduced, as
+        Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role
+        originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.
+        Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.
+        Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach
+        with the Danube.
+   (4)  "hast seen here".  "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich
+        had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's
+        court.
+   (5)  "full soon".  See Adventure III, note 4.
+   (6)  "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),
+        'heathen'.
+   (7)  "gold for offerings".  This was the gold to be used as
+        offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0025">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen
+      journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from her.
+      They had served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1) on the
+      Danube they rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for they would
+      ride again to the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen might not
+      part. Doughty Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever, lady, thou
+      shouldst need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but know, and I
+      will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took their
+      leave of Margrave Rudeger's men. The queen had with her many a
+      fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes of
+      rich, gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the ladies
+      on the road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the tale
+      was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where still a
+      cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In the town
+      of Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and the
+      prince's court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers in the
+      Bavarian land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild. The
+      knights of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so many
+      comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble knights.
+      Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the
+      burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's sister's
+      child, well was she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope that
+      they would stay. Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must fare
+      further down to Rudeger's land. Many knights await us, for all wot well
+      the news."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with
+      care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should
+      cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the Enns
+      (3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw on every
+      side the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet their
+      guests. Now was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were from the
+      Bavarian land who might perchance have done the guests much harm, had they
+      robbed upon the roads, as was their wont. That had been forestalled by the
+      lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a
+      noble knight in lordly vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5)
+      upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests
+      should have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to his
+      guests. Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the road
+      there trotted many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair was the
+      welcome; right well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to meet them
+      on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a knight. They
+      practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor did the service
+      of the knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger's liegemen met the
+      guests, many truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high from the warriors'
+      hands in knightly custom. As though for a prize they rode before the
+      ladies there. This they soon gave over and many warriors greeted each
+      other in friendly wise. Then they escorted fair Gotelind from thence to
+      where she saw Kriemhild. Scant leisure had they who wot how to serve the
+      ladies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble
+      margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part her
+      cares had given way to joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade her
+      dismount with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a noble knight
+      bestirred him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then Kriemhild spied
+      the margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she drew, but checked
+      the palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her quickly from the
+      saddle. Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his sister's child to
+      Gotelind. All stood aside at once. Then the exiled queen kissed Gotelind
+      upon the mouth. Full lovingly spake Rudeger's wife: "Now well is me, dear
+      lady, that I have ever seen with mine own eyes your charming self in these
+      our lands. Naught liefer might hap to me in all these times."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I and
+      Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that ye
+      have seen me here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each
+      other in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their
+      service. After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With many
+      they became acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As it was
+      now high noon, men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The noble meiny no
+      longer tarried, but rode to where they found many broad pavilions; there
+      ample service stood ready for the guests.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren
+      made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned,
+      that little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open, the
+      castle at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men were
+      fain to see; the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most
+      lovingly Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.
+      There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-born maid
+      was greeted with delight. They took each other by the hand and hied them
+      hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair, under which the Danube flowed
+      along. Towards the breeze they sate and held great pastime. What more they
+      did I cannot tell, save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were heard to grumble
+      that they fared so slowly on their way, for much it irked them. Ho, what
+      good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind's
+      daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she
+      brought to Etzel's land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her,
+      yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still
+      might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In turn
+      the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such
+      friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not
+      wear her jewels or her lordly robes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by
+      the lady of the house to Etzel's bride. The fair young margravine, too,
+      was much caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you good, I
+      know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to the Hunnish
+      land." How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her truly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren and the
+      noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter. With a greeting
+      many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each other since
+      these days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands many a rich cup
+      of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers on the highway. Thus
+      they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight Astolt, (9) who showed
+      them the road to the Austrian land, towards Mautern (10) down the Danube.
+      There the noble queen was later served full well. From his niece the
+      bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled her that she should bear her well
+      and that she should purchase honor for herself, as Helca, too, had done!
+      Ho, what great worship she later gained among the Huns!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger's men purveyed
+      them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land. Then the queen
+      became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the king of the
+      Hunnish land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer, (12) known far
+      and wide. Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such great virtues
+      that it might not lightly ever hap again, unless it be through Kriemhild.
+      She wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow she had the joy that
+      Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which she later won great
+      store among the heroes. Etzel's rule was known far and wide, so that all
+      time one found at his court the boldest warriors of whom men ever heard,
+      among Christian or among paynim. They were all come with him. All time
+      there were at his court, what may not so lightly hap again, Christian
+      customs and also heathen faith. In whatsoever wise each lived, the bounty
+      of the king bestowed on all enow.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt.  A ferry
+        across the river existed here from ancient times.
+   (2)  "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an
+        historical personage.  He was bishop of Passau from 971 to
+        991.  Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to
+        Boer between 1181 and 1185.  See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.
+        Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.
+   (3)  "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the
+        Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of
+        Linz.
+   (4)  "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,
+        about thirteen miles west of Linz.
+   (5)  "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,
+        forty-four miles southeast of Linz.
+   (6)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (7)  "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in
+        the "Klage", and in "Biterolf".  In the earlier Norse
+        version "Atli" is the son of "Budli".  (On this point see
+        Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and
+        Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the
+        names are shown to be identical.)
+   (8)  "Medelick" is the modern Mölk, or Melk, a town on the Danube
+        near the influx of the Bilach.  It lies at the foot of a
+        granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.
+   (9)  "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known
+        of him.
+   (10) "Mautern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite
+        Stein in Lower Austria.
+   (11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower
+        Austria, emptying near Traismauer.
+   (12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure").  All the MSS. but C and
+        D have this reading.  The latter have "Treysenmoure" and
+        "treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern
+        name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna.  It is
+        possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was
+        originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from
+        Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.
+        See Lachmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,
+        note to str. 1333.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0026">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon
+      the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were
+      burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through Austria. Then the king
+      was told aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at thought
+      of this his sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the lovely
+      Kriemhild. Men saw ride before King Etzel on the road many bold knights of
+      many tongues and many mighty troops of Christians and of paynims. When
+      they met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise. Of the Russians and the
+      Greeks there rode there many a man. The right good steeds of the Poles and
+      Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly, as they rode with might and main.
+      Each did show the customs of his land. From the land of Kiev (1) there
+      rode many a warrior and the savage Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they
+      often shot at the birds which flew there; to the very head they drew the
+      arrows on the bows.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call Tulna.
+      (3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the which size
+      had never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came through her to
+      grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and noble, courtly and
+      lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of lofty birth. They would
+      fain behold their lady and craved naught more. Duke Ramung (4) of
+      Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up before her; like flying
+      birds men saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeck with lordly bands. The
+      doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men, wheeled from the king away
+      towards the queen. Loudly they shouted after the custom of their land.
+      Madly too rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then came brave Hawart (6) of
+      Denmark and the doughty Iring, (7) free of guile was he, and Irnfried (8)
+      of Thuringia, a stately man. With twelve hundred vassals, whom they had in
+      their band, they greeted Kriemhild, so that she had therefrom great
+      worship. Then came Sir Bloedel, (9) King Etzel's brother, from the Hunnish
+      land, with three thousand men. In lordly wise he rode to where he found
+      the queen. Then King Etzel came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his
+      fellowship. There stood many worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good.
+      At this Dame Kriemhild's spirits rose.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the
+      high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may
+      not greet alike King Etzel's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty,
+      bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man.
+      Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we are
+      told, walked by the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went to meet
+      her, where she greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious wise. She
+      raised her veil and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy hue. Many a
+      man stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have been more fair
+      than she. Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the king. Him
+      Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King Gibeck, too. There
+      also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of the warriors the king's bride kissed.
+      She greeted many knights in other ways.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful warriors
+      did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a royal
+      joust. This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according to their
+      custom. In what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made truncheons
+      from the shafts fly through the air, high above the shields, from the
+      hands of doughty knights! Many a buckler's edge was pierced through and
+      through by the German strangers. Great crashing of breaking shafts was
+      heard. All the warriors from the land were come and the king's guests,
+      too, many a noble man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them a
+      royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with
+      booths, where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely maid
+      was shown to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then sate with
+      the queen on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well purveyed the
+      seats for Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at this King Etzel
+      grew blithe of mood. What the king there spake, I know not. In his right
+      lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's wise, since Rudeger
+      would not let the king make love to Kriemhild secretly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the great
+      rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them lodgings
+      stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they lay at
+      ease, till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a man betook
+      him to the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of the king!
+      Etzel bade the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they rode from
+      Tulna to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame adorned. With
+      great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride. There was ready for them
+      in great plenty whatever they should have. Many a lusty hero rejoiced at
+      prospect of the rout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge the
+      guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town. Rudeger
+      therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in the
+      country round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild, Sir
+      Dietrich and many another knight. Their rest they had given over for toil,
+      that they might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his friends had
+      pastime good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide, when King Etzel lay
+      by Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first husband, I trow, she
+      did not win so many men for service. Through presents she made her known
+      to those who had never seen her. Full many among them spake to the guests:
+      "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had naught of goods, now hath she wrought
+      many wonders with her gifts."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any
+      king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis hidden from us. All
+      that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt before
+      in Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was rich in
+      goods, I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she saw stand
+      'fore Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast so many
+      costly mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which all had
+      here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake. Her friends and the
+      strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any
+      craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of the knights through
+      bounty stood bereft of clothes. Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with
+      her noble husband by the Rhine; her eyes grew moist, but she hid it full
+      well, that none might see it. Great worship had been done her after many a
+      grief. Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of Dietrich.
+      What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite. Rudeger's lavish
+      hand did also many wonders. Prince Bloedel of Hungary bade empty many
+      traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all this was given away.
+      The king's champions were seen to live right merrily. Werbel and Swemmel,
+      (10) the minstrels of the king, each gained at the wedding feast, I ween,
+      full thousand marks, or even better, when fair Kriemhild sate crowned at
+      Etzel's side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were
+      pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King
+      Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient
+      Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force
+      they rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's
+      native land! At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which
+      men saw flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were solid
+      earth. The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships were
+      lashed together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm. Upon
+      them many a goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land and
+      plain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and wives
+      therein were glad. Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their mistress,
+      passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side. There many a noble
+      maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca's death. Kriemhild
+      found still seven royal princesses there, through whom all Etzel's land
+      was graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat (14) cared, the
+      daughter of Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly virtues, the
+      betrothed of Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin's (15) daughter; much
+      worship she later had. Blithe of heart she was at the coming of the
+      guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared. Who might tell the
+      tale of how the king held court? Never had men lived better among the Huns
+      with any queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble Kriemhild
+      was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the better. Ho, how
+      royally she ruled in Helca's stead! She became acquaint with much loyal
+      service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk and precious
+      stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to Hungary must
+      needs be given all away. All the king's kinsmen and all his liegemen then
+      owned her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so mightily as she, whom
+      they now must serve till Kriemhild's death. The court and all the land
+      lived in such high honors, that all time men found the pastimes which each
+      heart desired, through the favor of the king and his good queen.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the
+        southwestern part of Russia.  Its capital of the same name,
+        situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known
+        cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an
+        important station of the Hanseatic league.
+   (2)  "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the
+        north of the Caspian.  By conquest they acquired a kingdom
+        extending from the Don to Transylvania.  They were feared
+        for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded
+        the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.
+   (3)  "Tulna" (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town
+        of Lower Austria, seventeen miles northwest of Vienna on the
+        Danube.
+   (4)  "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our
+        poem, nothing else is known of them.
+   (5)  "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but
+        nothing otherwise is known of him.
+   (6)  "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,
+        who is reputed to have played an important part in the
+        conquest of Thuringia.  He evidently comes from the Low
+        German version.
+   (7)  "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an
+        ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or
+        "Iringi".  He occurs in a legend of the fall of the
+        Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role
+        that the Milky Way was named after him.  See W. Grimm,
+        "Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the
+        connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a
+        confusion.
+   (8)  "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who
+        was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the
+        aid of the Saxons.  See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,
+        73-79.  He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.
+   (9)  "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he
+        reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445.  In our poem the
+        name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as
+        "Bloedelin".
+   (10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction
+        to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with
+        the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's
+        court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of
+        their rank.  Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form
+        "Swemmelin".
+   (11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.
+   (12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,
+        twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.
+   (13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of
+        Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of
+        Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no
+        definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics.  See
+        Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506.  The name occurs in
+        documents as late as the fifteenth century.
+   (14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently
+        mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed.  She
+        is spoken of as the exiled maid.
+   (15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else
+        is known of him.  See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0027">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh year.
+      In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel could
+      not have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she brought it
+      to pass that Etzel's child was christened after the Christian rite. Men
+      named it Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of Etzel's lands.
+      Whatever courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame Kriemhild
+      practiced this full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who in secret
+      grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was she known to
+      the strangers and the home-folk. They vowed that never had a kingdom had a
+      better or more bounteous queen. This they held for true. She bare this
+      praise among the Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot she well, that
+      none would thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a prince's wife,
+      and that all time she saw twelve kings stand before her. Over many a wrong
+      she brooded, that had happed to her at home. She thought likewise on the
+      many honors in the Nibelung land, which she had there enjoyed and of which
+      Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at Siegfried's death, and if perchance
+      she might not make him suffer for his deed. "That would hap, if I might
+      but bring him to this land." She dreamed that Giselher, her brother,
+      walked often with her hand in hand. Alway she kissed him in her gentle
+      slumber; later suffering came to both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel
+      Kriemhild this, that she withdrew her friendship from Giselher, whom for
+      forgiveness' sake she had kissed in the Burgundian land. At this hot tears
+      again gan soil her robe. Early and late it lay within her heart, how
+      without fault of hers they had made her wed a heathen man. Hagen and
+      Gunther had brought her to this pass. This wish she seldom gave over in
+      her heart. She thought: "I am so mighty and have such great wealth, that I
+      can do my foes an injury yet. Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen
+      of Troneg. My heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin. Might I be with
+      those who did me wrong, my lover's death would be well avenged. Scarce can
+      I abide this," spake Etzel's wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty bound. Of
+      the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might gainsay
+      Dame Kriemhild's will. All time she thought: "I will beg the king, that he
+      in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the Hunnish land." None
+      marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when she lay by the king,
+      and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont to love the noble dame,
+      who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady thought her of her foes.
+      To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would fain beseech you, by your
+      grace, that ye would show me that ye did love my kinsfolk, if I have
+      earned the favor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know however
+      well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I
+      won better kin through woman's love."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have high-born
+      kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me here. I hear
+      the folk aver that I be banished."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far, I'll
+      bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to see."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me
+      your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through
+      whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come
+      hither to our land many a noble knight and a good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to see
+      your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me sore,
+      that they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please you, dear
+      lady mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to the
+      Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted to
+      where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be envoys
+      to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready for them.
+      Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the message was
+      told them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his liegemen
+      hither. Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then spake the
+      mighty king: "I'll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my love and
+      service, that it may please them to ride hither to my land. But few such
+      welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill my wish,
+      tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come this summer to my
+      feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be
+      in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she then
+      talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a knight.
+      To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in that ye do
+      my pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send to my native
+      land. I'll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly robes. And if ye
+      see any of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not tell them that ye
+      ever saw me sad of heart. Tender my service to the heroes brave and good.
+      Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus part me from all my grief.
+      The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin. Were I a knight, I'd visit them
+      myself at times. And say to Gernot, too, the noble brother of mine, that
+      none in the world doth love him more. Beg him to bring with him to this
+      land our best of friends, that it may be to our honor. Say also to
+      Giselher, that he remember well, I never gained grief through fault of
+      his. Therefore would mine eyes fain sue him. For his great loyalty I would
+      gladly have him here. Tell my mother also of the honors which I have, and
+      if Hagen of Troneg be minded to stay at home, who then should lead them
+      through the lands? From a child he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of
+      Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him
+      many a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now
+      been given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a
+      sumptuous life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their
+      persons adorned full well with goodly weeds.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"
+        Etzel's son is called Aldrian.  Bleyer, "Die germanischen
+        Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,
+        attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a
+        form "Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",
+        "Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".
+   (2)  "Hungary".  According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen
+        spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0028">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew from
+      land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to his
+      high feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys rode
+      away from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for three
+      noble kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel; therefore
+      all gan haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served them gladly.
+      Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed not to send their
+      service through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did they let them part hence
+      without gifts, that Etzel's men might fare the better. To Uta and her sons
+      Rudeger sent word that they had no more loyal margrave than he. To
+      Brunhild, also, they tendered service and good wishes, constant fealty and
+      a loving mind. When they heard the speech that the envoys would ride, the
+      margravine begged God in heaven to keep them well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty
+      Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin
+      upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the
+      messengers for love and let them ride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's sons, I
+      should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the
+      Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them of
+      their silver and their weeds; men feared their master's wrath. Certes the
+      noble high-born king was a mighty lord.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land
+      of Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there
+      came strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask: "Who
+      will do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to Gunther:
+      "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen King Etzel's
+      minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine; for their
+      master's sake we must give them a kindly welcome."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince's
+      minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king's meiny bade
+      them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their
+      trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that
+      with honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them
+      longer there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them. At
+      the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to these
+      they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such as well
+      befitted king's messengers for to wear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men
+      saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and
+      greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks. That
+      he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his men.
+      Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were the
+      folk more merry; now know that of a truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,
+      as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of
+      other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side. In
+      courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns and all
+      your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you hither to
+      the Burgundian land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also
+      Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They have
+      sent us to you knights in all good faith."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so
+      asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never
+      have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their
+      kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we departed
+      hence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of my
+      sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in
+      happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard the
+      tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to see the
+      envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be very welcome
+      to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine, ye would find
+      friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm shall hap you in
+      this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to
+      you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who
+      live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth mind
+      you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever hold
+      her dear. But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye may deign
+      to ride to Etzel's land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly to beg you
+      this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not let your sister
+      see you, he fain would know what he had done you that ye be so strange to
+      him and to his lands. An' ye had never known the queen, yet would he fain
+      bring it to pass that consent to come and see him. It would please him
+      well if that might hap."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what I
+      have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings and
+      rest you well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the
+      royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that.
+      An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother's wish, for she
+      will gladly see you for my sister's sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will
+      make you welcome."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon the
+      envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them gentle
+      greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale. "My lady
+      offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty. Might that
+      be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no better joy
+      in all the world."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often see
+      the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live, alas,
+      too far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me know
+      before ye leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have I seen
+      messengers so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this should
+      hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the
+      mighty king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his
+      liegemen how they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king well
+      might ride to Etzel's land. The very best among them advised him this,
+      save Hagen alone; him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the king: "Ye
+      fight against yourself; ye know full well what we have done. We may well
+      be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand I slew her
+      husband to death. How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss
+      she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless
+      be that the feud doth stand against you alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not,
+      whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there
+      both life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over,
+      because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed
+      not to go to see our sister."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be guilty,
+      friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let those who
+      dare ride with us to my sister."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye take
+      any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I. Sith ye
+      will not turn you, I will well show you that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well
+      have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own
+      desire, for ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given
+      you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth you,
+      for I be bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide here
+      and leave King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more gently
+      with you in all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your foes; so
+      deck your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine, and pay
+      court to stately ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of food that
+      ever king did gain in the world. And were this not so, yet should ye tarry
+      here for your fair wife's sake, before ye risk your life so childishly.
+      Wherefore I do counsel you to stay at home. Your lands be rich, and one
+      can redeem his pledges better at home than among the Huns. Who knoweth how
+      it standeth there? Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is Rumolt's
+      counsel."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel
+      have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that
+      liketh not to go may stay at home."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare. In
+      all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the Huns
+      well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms, the best
+      ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I'll choose a
+      thousand doughty knights. Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring you naught
+      of harm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then bade
+      messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand
+      champions or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous
+      woe. Full merrily they rode to Gunther's court. Men bade give all that
+      were to ride forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king
+      gained full many a one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his
+      brother Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly
+      guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and trappings
+      into Gunther's land. Then came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he, with
+      thirty of his men for the journey to Kriemhild's court. They had clothing
+      such as a king might wear. Gunther bade make known, he would to the
+      Hunnish land. I'll do you now to wit who Folker was. He was a noble lord,
+      the liege of many doughty knights in Burgundy. A minstrel he was called,
+      for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen chose a thousand whom he well knew;
+      oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of battle, or in
+      whatever else they did. None might aver aught else of them than
+      doughtiness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their fear of
+      their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant
+      through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard against
+      letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight later to
+      Etzel's land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we wot it. Nor
+      may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of hers, men do
+      us harm. An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for many a chosen
+      liegeman had we hence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them
+      to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now men
+      bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King Gunther. When they were come,
+      Gernot spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly come to
+      his high feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall
+      be, or in what time we should go thither?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would fain
+      see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker
+      hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not so
+      well of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the
+      morrow, and men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon her,
+      it might not hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own
+      courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which he
+      had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen Giselher
+      and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were generous,
+      too. They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for fear of their
+      lord they durst not take them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay
+      here at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take aught
+      of gifts. Then too, there is but little need."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse the
+      gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold and
+      weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's land. They would fain see the
+      Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher brought the
+      minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message, that whatever
+      honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen bade give the
+      minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of King Etzel and
+      Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in good faith 'twas
+      done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and men.
+      Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights escort
+      them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those who should
+      have them in their care, Etzel's power did guard them on all their ways,
+      so that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With great speed
+      they hasted towards Etzel's land. To all the friends they wot of, they
+      made known that in a short time the Burgundians would come hither from the
+      Rhine to the Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too, the tale was told.
+      As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren, men delayed not to tell
+      Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's wife. Merry she grew that she should
+      see them. Men saw the minstrels hasting with the tidings. They found King
+      Etzel in the town of Gran. (2) Greeting after greeting they gave the king,
+      of which full many had been sent him. He blushed for very joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her
+      brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts as
+      meed. This was done for honor's sake. She spake: "Now tell me, both of
+      you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to be at the feast?
+      Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? Pray tell me what
+      Hagen said when he heard the tale."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council, and but
+      little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the journey
+      hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the wrathful
+      Hagen. Your brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly mood. Whoever
+      else may come, this tale I know not of a surety. The brave minstrel Folker
+      vowed to ride along."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of
+      Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may
+      see him here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen went to where she saw the king. How lovingly Dame Kriemhild
+      spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have ever craved,
+      shall now be brought to pass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe of
+      mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the
+      kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with
+      benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard from
+      them mickle weeping.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.
+   (2)  "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the
+        Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles
+        northwest of Budapest.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0029">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. More
+      high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any
+      king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The
+      ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1) as
+      I have heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those they
+      left at home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now borne
+      across the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer to fair
+      Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting. May God preserve their
+      honor there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good knights.
+      Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this land lay
+      dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say the
+      proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of honors. I wish that my
+      lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to Etzel's land.
+      The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full well, where we shall
+      behold Kriemhild's feast."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have
+      advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude words.
+      Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake: "Because
+      of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when it
+      please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to Etzel's
+      land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men
+      bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then
+      full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised
+      upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade his
+      fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately
+      knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they
+      should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love
+      caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would
+      hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must
+      bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and
+      was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and
+      lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings
+      from Kriemhild have never thought me good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well
+      the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes
+      King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who
+      lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many a
+      stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were seen
+      go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly there.
+      Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them great harm.
+      This doth never ease the heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty
+      turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and
+      wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily
+      along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong, who
+      had left many comely dames at home whom they never saw again. Siegfried's
+      wounds gave Kriemhild pain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up through
+      Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot the way.
+      Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As they rode
+      away from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men could tell the
+      princes and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their lordly bearing. On
+      the twelfth morning the king came to the Danube. Hagen of Troneg rode
+      foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs helpful cheer. On the sandy
+      shore the bold knight dismounted and bound his steed full soon to a tree.
+      The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden away. Great fear the Nibelungs
+      had, as to how they might come across, for the stream was much too broad.
+      Full many a lusty knight alighted on the ground.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the
+      Rhine. Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is
+      mighty. Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own
+      prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the
+      other bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown me
+      in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel's lands.
+      That will I well. Stay by the water's side, ye proud knights and good, and
+      I will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall ferry us
+      across to Gelfrat's (4) land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The
+      shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it was.
+      Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely it cut
+      on either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the splash of
+      water and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5) were bathing
+      for to cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward them
+      stealthily. When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to escape him;
+      glad enow they were of this. The hero took their clothes, but did them
+      naught else of harm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight
+      Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds again, bold
+      knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought
+      their senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell
+      him. Well they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye
+      may safely ride to Etzel's land. I'll stake my troth at once as pledge,
+      that heroes never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now
+      believe that in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their
+      clothes and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they
+      told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's land. The other mermaid spake
+      (Siegelind she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For
+      the sake of her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An' thou comest to the
+      Huns, thou wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn again,
+      for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land. Whose rideth
+      hither, hath taken death by the hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. How might it come to pass that
+      we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake
+      again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king's
+      chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to
+      Gunther's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my lords
+      that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over the
+      stream, thou wisest of all wives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder where
+      an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and elsewhere
+      none."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior she
+      called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in haste.
+      List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank. The lord
+      of these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is hight Knight
+      Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. 'Twill go hard with you, an' ye will
+      cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full wisely with the
+      ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you live, unless be
+      that ye have your wits about you with the knight. An' ye will that he
+      guide you, then give him his meed. He guardeth this land and is liegeman
+      unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across the flood and say,
+      ye hight Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that; because of a feud did
+      void this land. The ferryman will come when he heareth this name."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his
+      peace. Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore, to
+      where he found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call across
+      the flood: "Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good knight, "and
+      I will give thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know, that of this
+      passage I have great need in truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore he
+      full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty of
+      mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood. He
+      called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and great
+      was the hero's strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's liegeman,
+      that because of a great feud did void these lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it
+      was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat's land. The
+      haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar in
+      hand. As he would earn Hagen's gold so red, therefore he died the
+      sword-grim death at the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods
+      (10) doth give an evil end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the sandy
+      bank. When he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he grew in
+      earnest. When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the hero: "Ye
+      may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom I weened here.
+      By father and by mother he was my brother. Sith ye have bewrayed me, ye
+      may stay on this hither shore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and
+      have warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me
+      over. I am in truth your friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes, wherefore
+      I never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life, step out
+      quickly on the sand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from me
+      as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just as
+      many men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done." He raised a mighty
+      rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew at
+      this), so that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg had
+      never met so fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the
+      haughty stranger. He smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11)
+      over Hagen's head (a man of might was he); from this the ferryman of Else
+      took great harm. Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his sheath,
+      wherein he found his sword. His head he struck off and cast it on the
+      ground. Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the proud Burgundians. At
+      the very moment that he slew the boatman, the skiff gan drifting down the
+      stream. Enow that irked him. Weary he grew before he brought it back. King
+      Gunther's liegeman pulled with might and main. With passing swift strokes
+      the stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar snapped in his hand. He would
+      hence to the knights out upon the shore. None other oar he had. Ho, how
+      quickly he bound it with a shield strap, a narrow band! Towards a wood he
+      floated down the stream, where he found his sovran standing by the shore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good
+      received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the
+      blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen
+      was plied enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther spied
+      the hot blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake: "Wherefore tell
+      ye me not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween your prowess hath
+      bereft him of his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow
+      tree, I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor
+      hath harm happed to any one through fault of mine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear
+      friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come
+      over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the
+      grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one
+      might find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to
+      Gelfrat's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the flood;
+      passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not a one.
+      Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their weariness. Then
+      the knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith there was no help
+      for the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so he ferried full many
+      mighty warriors over to the sandy shore, into the unknown land. First he
+      took across a thousand noble knights, then his own men-at-arms. Still
+      there were more to come. Nine thousand footmen he ferried over to the
+      land. Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day. When he had carried them
+      all safe across the flood, the doughty knight and good bethought him of
+      the strange tales which the wild mermaids had told him afore. For this
+      cause the king's chaplain near lost his life. He found the priest close by
+      the chapel luggage, leaning with his hand upon the relics. Little might
+      that boot him. When Hagen spied him, ill fared it with the hapless priest;
+      he threw him from the skiff in haste. Enow of them called out: "Hold on,
+      Sir Hagen, hold!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then spake
+      Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the chaplain's
+      death? Had another done the deed, 'twould have irked you sore. For what
+      cause have ye sworn enmity to the priest?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain
+      save his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be,
+      for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom, the
+      which thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help, he
+      turned him back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could not
+      swim, yet did God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound to the
+      land again. There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen marked
+      thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which the wild
+      mermaids told him. Him-thought: "These knights must lose their lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne all
+      away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it in the
+      flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come over,
+      when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I do it
+      in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through
+      faint-heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a
+      shameful death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which was
+      named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did, it thought
+      the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters laden well. On
+      the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save the king's
+      chaplain alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the Rhine again.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "a thousand and sixty".  This does not agree with the
+        account in Adventure XXIV, where we read of a thousand of
+        Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.
+        The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later
+        interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a
+        thousand all told.
+   (2)  "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient
+        province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east
+        of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,
+        Würzburg and Barnberg.  In <i>Biterolf</i> Dietlieb journeys
+        through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.
+   (3)  "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of
+        "Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.
+   (4)  "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",
+        mentioned below.  Their father's name was also Else.
+   (5)  "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of
+        German mythology.  While it is not specifically mentioned,
+        it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are
+        also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an
+        important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift
+        of prophecy.  They appear in the form of swans, and the
+        strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to
+        the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled
+        Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings.  On bathing
+        they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession
+        of it has them in his power.  This explains their eagerness
+        to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments
+        to them.  For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",
+        355.
+   (6)  "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely
+        a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies
+        'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and
+        the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen
+        is the son of an elf by the same mother.
+   (7)  Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is
+        called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same
+        name.  See Adventure XXV, note 4.
+   (8)  "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.
+   (9)  "Spear".  It was the custom to offer presents on a spear
+        point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously
+        using his sword.  Compare the similar description in the
+        "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
+        be received with the spear.
+   (10) "Goods".  In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
+        for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
+        marriage and the desire for wealth.
+   (11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
+   (12) "Clerk", 'priest'.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0030">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show us
+      the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh
+      right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll make
+      you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land. Two
+      mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back again.
+      I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes, for we have
+      mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike guise. I thought
+      to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none of us would come
+      home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore would I fain have
+      drowned him to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from
+      woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's
+      court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering, (2)
+      where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I have
+      gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew this
+      same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now lay on
+      boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they match
+      our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill not be
+      left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we be
+      a-fleeing on the road."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but who
+      shall guide the fellowship across the land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They answered: "This let Folker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both road
+      and path."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing there
+      well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was his
+      fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was red.
+      Later with the kings he fell into direst need.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's
+      ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they
+      sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short time,
+      as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who had wrought
+      scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven hundred or more
+      were come to Gelfrat. When they began to ride after their savage foes,
+      their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too strong they hasted after
+      the valiant strangers; they would avenge their wrath. Therefore many of
+      the lordings' friends were later lost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his
+      kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen
+      and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared
+      both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the Bavarian
+      land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On either side of
+      the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat of hoofs. Their
+      foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart: "They purpose to
+      attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be well to do."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom they
+      spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his peace;
+      he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria: "We
+      seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew my
+      ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault
+      was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I had
+      great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I
+      offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir
+      Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar. At
+      this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger with a
+      grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as doth
+      think thee best."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode
+      hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live; the
+      knight must stand for the ferryman's life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;
+      each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously; they
+      tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever prove
+      each other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by Gelfrat's
+      hand. His martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall. The crash of
+      shafts resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the thrust afore
+      had come to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I trow, he was not
+      gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their steeds, I know not;
+      both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and rushed together. Their
+      fellowship helped thereby and became acquaint with strife. Albeit Hagen
+      sprang at Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave smote from his shield a
+      mickle piece, so that the sparks flew wide. Full nigh did Gunther's
+      liegeman die therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart: "O help, dear
+      brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he will not spare my
+      life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a
+      blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but
+      he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had
+      been slain, he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained
+      with grim death behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in
+      flight from Gunther's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the savage
+      blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes; they were in
+      passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then spake Dankwart, the
+      knight, in their pursuit: "Let us turn soon on this road and let them
+      ride, for they be wet with blood. Haste we to our friends, this I advise
+      you of a truth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg
+      spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost in
+      the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid for
+      dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were slain.
+      From their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed and wet.
+      Through the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining moon, as
+      Hagen spake again: "Let none make known to my dear lords what we have
+      wrought here to-day. Let them rest without care until the morn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was
+      full weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must all
+      ride until the day be come."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the
+      marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest
+      and our dear lords as well?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till it
+      begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay us down upon the
+      grass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained unmarked
+      with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his gleaming light
+      against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld that they had
+      fought. Wrathfully the hero spake: "How now, friend Hagen? I ween, ye
+      scorned to have me with you when your rings grew wet with blood? Who hath
+      done this?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked
+      because of his ferryman. Then my brother's hand smote Gelfrat down. Else
+      soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them and
+      but four of ours lay dead in the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the folk of
+      the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode to court. Later
+      they were well received at Passau. The uncle of the noble king, the Bishop
+      Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his nephews came to his land with so many
+      knights. That he bare them good will, they learned full soon. Well were
+      they greeted, too, by friends along the way, sith men could not lodge them
+      all at Passau. They had to cross the stream to where they found a field on
+      which they set up pavilions and costly tents. All one day they must needs
+      stay there, and a full night too. What good cheer men gave them! After
+      that they had to ride to Rudeger's land, to whom the tidings were brought
+      full soon. When the way-worn warriors had rested them and came nearer to
+      the Hunnish land, they found a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen
+      of Troneg won a sturdy sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart (3) in
+      truth; sad of mood he grew, that he lost his weapon through the journey of
+      the knights. They found Rudeger's marches guarded ill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the
+      Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight
+      Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his sword
+      and six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art
+      my friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the
+      marches."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey to
+      the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you here. I
+      counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and
+      their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement,
+      where we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by
+      the distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We find
+      naught anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his
+      courtesie would give us of his bread to-night."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that full seldom
+      have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an' ye will
+      seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway and is
+      the best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to
+      courtesie, as the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry of
+      mood, when he can serve good knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my
+      dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I
+      will repay thee this, as best I ever can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good will
+      he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard, to whom
+      none such pleasing news had come in many a day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried
+      him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of
+      Kriemhild."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet
+      the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The tales
+      he brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were
+      straightway told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of the
+      Burgundian land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have sent me
+      hither to you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service. Hagen and
+      Folker, too, eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I'll tell you, that
+      the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that the good knights
+      have passing need of your lodgement."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that the
+      high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them. Merry
+      and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my house."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your
+      house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and
+      nine thousand men-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests,
+      that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as yet
+      full seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them right,
+      which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their service. As
+      yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXVI".  This adventure is a late interpolation,
+        as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga".  Originally the
+        river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's
+        kingdom.
+   (2)  "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and
+        Ingolstadt.  In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the
+        mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",
+        whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring.  This may be the
+        original form of the account and the form here contaminated.
+        See Boer, i, 134.
+   (3)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.  It will be remembered
+        that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then
+        stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and
+        finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court.  Originally he
+        must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.
+        Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in
+        the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side
+        of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,
+        he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to
+        Rudeger.  His sleeping here may, however, be thought to
+        indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0031">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his
+      daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard,
+      that the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house. "My
+      dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble
+      high-born kings, when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye
+      must give fair greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther's man. With them there
+      cometh one also, hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen
+      with courtesie. Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the
+      knights with gentle breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they
+      were to do it. From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which
+      they would go to meet the warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on that
+      day. Men saw but little of false colors on the ladies' cheeks; upon their
+      heads they wore bright bands of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these were, that
+      the winds might not dishevel their comely hair, and this is true i' faith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the plain
+      was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the lordings, whom men
+      then received well into the margrave's land. When the margrave, the
+      doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake: "Be ye
+      welcome, fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you in my
+      land." Low obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without all
+      hate. That he bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen he gave
+      a special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker from
+      Burgundy land he did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold knight
+      spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for our
+      men-at-arms whom we have brought?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship.
+      I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds
+      and trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not
+      even a single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye
+      lose I'll pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made merry.
+      When that was done, the lordings rode away and the footmen laid them
+      everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had; I ween, they never fared so
+      gently on the way. The noble margravine with her fair daughter was come
+      out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the lovely ladies and
+      many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely robes they wore.
+      The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing costly weeds. Fair
+      indeed were they fashioned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great
+      courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and
+      many other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could wish,
+      went forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings were given
+      there by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three kings, as did
+      her mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father bade her kiss him,
+      but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful that she had fain left
+      it undone. Yet she must needs perform what the host now bade her do. Her
+      color changed first pale then red. Dankwart, too, she kissed, and then the
+      minstrel. For his great prowess was this greeting given. The young
+      margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher of the Burgundian land. The
+      same her mother did to Gunther, the valiant man. Full merrily they went
+      hence with the heroes. The host walked at Gernot's side into a broad hall,
+      where the knights and ladies sate them down. Soon they bade pour out for
+      the guests good wine. Certes, heroes might never be better purveyed than
+      they. Rudeger's daughter was gazed upon with loving glances, so fair she
+      was. Forsooth many a good knight caressed her in his mind. And well did
+      she deserve this, so high she was of mood. The knights thought what they
+      would, but it might not come to pass. Back and forth shot the glances at
+      maids and dames. Of them sate there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host
+      good will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different
+      sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers
+      in lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went to
+      table, but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by
+      right. The guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again
+      into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake
+      Folker, this brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel
+      spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for he
+      hath given you a passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An' I were
+      a prince," quoth the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would fain have
+      to wife your comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is lovely for
+      to see, thereto noble and good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever
+      crave the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth in
+      such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have a love
+      after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take a
+      wife. The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen would
+      gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed it
+      joyed their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble Giselher
+      took her to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what shall be
+      joined together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and swore to
+      give him the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely fair. For the
+      maiden they set castles and land aside, and this the hand of the noble
+      king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that this should hap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will ever serve
+      you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my daughter, as an
+      hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please the hero's kin in
+      honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a
+      youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts, as
+      young folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid whether
+      she would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet she thought
+      to take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as many another
+      maid hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer yes, and gladly
+      take him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and clasped her in
+      his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride
+      again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child,
+      that ye may take her with you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy. They
+      bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep and
+      rest them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the host
+      purveyed them well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands. "I'll
+      guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry still, for
+      full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find
+      the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors
+      another night?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech. My dear lords,
+      ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I'd give you vittaile for a fortnight,
+      with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King Etzel hath
+      taken from me as yet full little of my goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the
+      fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that
+      it was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer
+      might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger wot
+      how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could not
+      but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before the gate
+      the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights. In their
+      hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel's land. Before
+      the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had proffered
+      everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in mickle honors.
+      To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther, the worshipful
+      knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail, which the noble
+      and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low over noble
+      Rudeger's hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow, the which he
+      later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the margrave's wife
+      begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rudeger was forced to lose his
+      life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well befit her. He took it,
+      sith the king had taken one, that he should not fare forth from her to the
+      feasting, without her present. Later he gainsayed it. "Of all that I have
+      ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to bear naught else save that shield on
+      yonder wall; fain would I take that with me into Etzel's land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her grief—tears
+      became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung's (3) death, whom
+      Wittich had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow. To the knight
+      she spake: "I'll give you the shield. Would to God in heaven, that he
+      still lived who bare it once in hand. He met his death in battle; for him
+      must I ever weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire woe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she
+      seized the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand.
+      This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk
+      concealed its colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the
+      daylight never shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its
+      cost, 'twere well worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be
+      borne away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave's daughter gave great
+      store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing
+      lordly wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have come
+      into the hands of any, save through the kindness of the host, who
+      proffered them so fair. Later they became such foes that they were forced
+      to strike him dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before
+      Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took
+      his leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest.
+      Now hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and placed
+      them on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and wear them
+      at court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell me how ye
+      have served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he later
+      carried out full well.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier, for
+      I myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm you on
+      the road."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five
+      hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full merrily
+      hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive to Bechelaren.
+      With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did Giselher, as his
+      gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they clasped fair wives. This
+      many a high-born maid must needs bewail in later times. On every side they
+      opened the casements, for the host with his liegemen would now mount their
+      steeds. I ween their hearts did tell them of the bitter woes to come. Then
+      wept many a dame and many a comely maid. They pined for their dear
+      kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw in Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily
+      across the sand, down along the Danube to the Hunnish land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians:
+      "Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left
+      unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side
+      'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine. Naught
+      could have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before the envoys
+      hasted with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in the Hunnish
+      land.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be
+      coming in great state to visit thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see her
+      kin, as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her fatherland.
+      The king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very pleasure. "Now well
+      is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen bring with them many a
+      brand-new shield and white coat of mail. He who would have gold, let him
+      bethink him of my sorrows, and I'll ever be his friend."
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.
+   (2)  "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.
+   (3)  "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.
+        335, by "Vidga" (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of
+        Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport.  There,
+        chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and
+        the "Rosengarten" he is her son.
+   (4)  "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0032">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne
+      did hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him
+      welcome well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade
+      fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to where
+      he thought to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full many a
+      lordly tent. When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to his lords
+      he spake in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise from your
+      seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder cometh a
+      fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights from the Amelung
+      land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead—high-mettled warriors
+      they. Scorn not the service that they proffer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right,
+      many a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where they
+      found the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the Burgundian
+      land. Ye may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of Uta, as he saw
+      them coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he weened that
+      Rudeger wist it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome, fair sirs,
+      Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and the doughty
+      Dankwart. Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely for the hero of
+      the Nibelung land?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years,
+      done to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not
+      again, he hath long been buried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still live,
+      scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope of
+      the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys
+      (why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him,
+      hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good
+      knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady
+      Kriemhild's mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too,
+      went and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne, what
+      ye do know of the queen's mood?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I
+      hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God
+      of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be
+      turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty
+      knights among the Huns."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after
+      the fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what
+      manner of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales, that
+      he had slain Kriemhild's husband the mightiest of all heroes. For that
+      cause alone much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The knight
+      was fair of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the breast;
+      his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his glance;
+      lordly gait he had.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship was
+      placed apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and
+      therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart, Hagen's
+      brother, he was marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his
+      followers, that he purvey them well and give them enow to eat; The hero of
+      Burgundy bare them all good will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her
+      maids-in-waiting to where, false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.
+      Giselher alone she kissed and took by the hand. That Hagen of Troneg saw,
+      and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,
+      "doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth kings a greeting
+      different from their men. We have not made a good journey to this feast."
+      (4)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not for
+      your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the
+      Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had
+      bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to
+      this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It was
+      mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to Etzel's
+      land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care of
+      the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it must
+      verily lie till doomsday."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of
+      it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in my
+      care. Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with
+      my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand,
+      therefore I bring you naught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring
+      weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll have them taken in
+      charge."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not
+      the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other
+      arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I
+      myself will play the chamberlain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my
+      brother not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and wist
+      I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned the
+      noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go
+      to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir Dietrich.
+      At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with furious glance
+      upon her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other quickly by the hand,
+      the one was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With gentle breeding the lusty
+      hero spake: "Forsooth I rue your coming to the Huns, because of what the
+      queen hath said."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and therefore
+      he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty king, "who yonder
+      warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such friendly wise. He
+      carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is sure a doughty
+      knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from
+      Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a grim
+      man is he. I'll let you see full well that I have told no lie."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he wist
+      not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her kin, so
+      that she let none escape from the Huns alive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court gained
+      mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my gold. The
+      faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known Hagen every
+      whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther of Spain. (6)
+      Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again, Walther ran away with
+      Hildegund."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied
+      aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman
+      service. Later in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich.
+        He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".
+   (2)  "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew.  In the "Thidreksaga" he
+        falls in the battle of Gronsport.
+   (3)  "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land
+        appears.  Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged
+        to the race of the Amali.
+   (4)  "Feast".  That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was
+        innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.
+   (5)  "Vassal".  No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at
+        Etzel's court.  He is probably confused here with his son,
+        for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in
+        our poem a few lines further down.
+   (6)  "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary
+        personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin
+        epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"
+        tell.  He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the
+        Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related
+        here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering
+        numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in
+        the other sources against the Burgundians.  In both cases
+        Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at
+        first, out of friendship for Walther.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0033">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and Sir Dietrich.
+      Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a comrade-at-arms, whom he
+      then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning fiddler, stand by Giselher,
+      and begged him to join him, for well he knew his savage mood. He was in
+      all things a bold knight and a good. Still they let the lordings stand in
+      the court, only these twain alone men saw walk hence far across the court
+      before a spacious palace. These chosen warriors feared the hate of none.
+      They sate them down upon a bench before the house over against a hall, the
+      which belonged to Kriemhild. Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds.
+      Enow who gazed upon them would than have known the knights; as wild beasts
+      the haughty heroes were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too,
+      gazed upon them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again.
+      Of her sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered
+      Etzel's men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen
+      hath done, ye heroes brave and good."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see
+      you joyful? None there be so bold, an' he hath done you aught, but it will
+      cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all
+      he craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen; "avenge me on Hagen,
+      that he lose his life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake. They
+      would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With
+      forethought this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim
+      of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give
+      over. With so few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong and
+      bold Hagen of Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the fiddler,
+      is stronger still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not so lightly
+      match these knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them
+      ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes
+      later fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the
+      queen spake to the doughty knights: "Now bide a while, ye must stand quite
+      still in truth. Wearing my crown, I will go to meet my foes. List ye to
+      the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me. I know him
+      to be so haughty that he'll not deny a whit. Little I reek what hap to him
+      on this account."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the
+      flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw this,
+      to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how she
+      walketh yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have never
+      seen with a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such warlike
+      guise. Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If so be, I
+      counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. Certes, methinks this
+      good. They be wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and some be so broad of
+      chest that he who would guard himself should do so betimes. I ween there
+      be those among them who wear bright breastplates. Whom they would attack,
+      I cannot say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all
+      this be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in
+      hand. For aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land. Now tell
+      me, friend Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance Kriemhild's
+      men would fight me? Pray let me hear that, if so be ye hold me dear. I'll
+      aid you evermore with faithful service."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the king
+      with all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I yield from fear in
+      aiding you, the while I live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they strive
+      against me, what need I more? Sith ye will help me, as I hear you say, let
+      these warriors come on full-armed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel. "Let us do her honor
+      as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. We shall thereby
+      honor ourselves as well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "Should I go hence, these knights would
+      think 'twas through fear. Not for one of them will I ever rise from my
+      seat. It beseemeth us both better, forsooth, to leave this undone, for why
+      should I honor one who doth bear me hatred? Nor will I do this, the while
+      I live; I reck not how King Etzel's wife doth hate me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose pommel a
+      sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine. Its hilt was golden, its
+      sheath an edging of red. That it was Siegfried's, Kriemhild knew full
+      well. She must needs grow sad when that she knew the sword, for it minded
+      her of her wrongs; she began to weep. I ween bold Hagen had done it for
+      this cause. Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle bow,
+      strong, mickle, and long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there the
+      two lusty knights sate undaunted. These two brave men did think themselves
+      so lordly, that they would not leave their seats through fear of any man.
+      The noble queen walked therefore to their very feet and gave them hostile
+      greeting. She spake: "Now tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for you, that ye
+      durst ride hither to this land, sith ye know full well what ye have done
+      me? Had ye good wits, ye should have left it undone, by rights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No one sent for me," quoth Hagen. "Men bade to this land three knights,
+      who hight my lords. I am their liegeman, and full seldom have I stayed
+      behind when they journeyed to any court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the which ye
+      have earned my hate? Ye slew Siegfried, my dear husband, for which I have
+      cause enow to weep until mine end."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said. It is just I, Hagen,
+      who slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands. How sorely did he atone that Lady
+      Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild. 'Tis not to be denied, O mighty
+      queen, I alone am to blame for this scathful scathe. (1) Let him avenge it
+      who will, be he wife or man. Unless be I should lie to you, I have dons
+      you much of harm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my wrongs. Men
+      of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this cause."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The proud warriors all gazed at one another. Had any began the fight, it
+      would have come about that men must have given the honors to the two
+      comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in the fray. What the Huns had
+      weened to do must now needs be left undone through fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me? What I afore
+      vowed, I will now give over. I will lose my life for no man's gift.
+      Forsooth King Etzel's wife would fain lead us into wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I. An' any give me towers
+      of good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for his fearful glances,
+      the which I have seen him cast. Hagen, too, I have known from his youthful
+      days, wherefore men can tell me little of this knight. I have seen him
+      fight in two and twenty battles, through which woe of heart hath happed to
+      many a dame. He and the knight from Spain trod many a war path, when here
+      at Etzel's court they waged so many wars in honor of the king. Much this
+      happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen. At that time the warrior
+      was of his years a lad. How gray are they who then were young! Now is he
+      come to wit and is a man full grim. Balmung, (2) too, he beareth, the
+      which he won in evil wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which mightily
+      rued the queen. The warriors turned them hence; in sooth they feared their
+      death at the fiddler's hands, and surely they had need of this. Then spake
+      the fiddler: "We have now well seen that we shall find foes here, as we
+      heard tell afore. Let us go to court now to the kings, then dare none
+      match our lords in fight. How oft a man doth leave a thing undone through
+      fear, the which he would not do, when friend standeth by friend in
+      friendly (3) wise, an' he have good wits. Scathe to many a man is lightly
+      warded off by forethought."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the court in
+      a great press of welcoming knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye stand and let
+      yourselves be jostled? Ye must go to court and hear from the king of what
+      mind he be."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off. The prince of Berne took
+      by the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land. Irnfried (4) took the
+      brave knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen to go to court with Giselher.
+      But however any paired, Folker and Hagen never parted, save in one fray,
+      when their end was come, and this noble ladies must needs greatly bewail
+      in after time. With the kings one saw go to court a thousand brave men of
+      their fellowship, thereto sixty champions that were come with them, whom
+      the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart and Iring, (5) two chosen
+      men, were seen to walk together near the kings. Men saw Dankwart and
+      Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their chivalry before all eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel delayed
+      no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him come. Never did so
+      fair a greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome, Sir Gunther, and Sir
+      Gernot, too, and your brother Giselher. I sent you truly my faithful
+      service to Worms beyond the Rhine. All your fellowship, too, I welcome.
+      Now be ye passing welcome, ye two knights, Folker, the brave, and Sir
+      Hagen likewise, to me and to my lady, here in this our land. She sent you
+      many a messenger to the Rhine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were I not
+      come to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have ridden in your
+      honor to this land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them to the
+      settle where he sate himself. Busily they poured out for the guests in
+      broad bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and bade those far from
+      home be welcome. Then spake King Etzel: "Let me tell you this; it might
+      not liefer hap to me in all this world, than through you heroes, that ye
+      be come to see me. Through this much sadness is also taken from the queen.
+      Me-wondereth greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that ye never
+      recked to come into my land. My sadness is turned to joy, since now I see
+      you here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be glad to
+      see them. Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my lady wot how to use
+      so well. They bring also to your house many a stately knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon a midsummer's eve the lords were come to the court of the mighty
+      Etzel. Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting as when he
+      welcomed the heroes. When now the time to eat was come, the king went with
+      them to the board. Never did host sit fairer with his guests. Men gave
+      them meat and drink to the full. All that they craved stood ready for
+      them, for mickle wonders had been told about these knights.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden
+        scedelich".
+   (2)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (3)  "friend... friendly".  This repetition occurs in the
+        original.
+   (4)  "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.
+   (5)  "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.
+   (6)  "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry
+        wine, is a beverage composed of honey flavored with
+        mulberry-juice.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0034">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh. Care beset the wayworn
+      travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest them. This Hagen
+      bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to our
+      sleep, pray give us leave. We will come early on the morrow, whensoever ye
+      bid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests. Men pressed the strangers
+      on every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns: "How dare ye crowd
+      before the warriors' feet? An' ye will not leave this, ye will fare full
+      ill. I'll smite some man so heavy a fiddle blow, that if he have a
+      faithful friend he may well bewail it. Why give ye not way before us
+      knights? Methinks 'twere well. All pass for knights, but be not of equal
+      mettle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked behind him.
+      He spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right, ye men of Kriemhild, ye
+      should hie you to your lodgings. I ween none of you will do what ye are
+      minded, but would ye begin aught, come early on the morrow, and let us
+      wanderers have peace to-night. Certes, I ween that it hath never happed
+      with such good will on the part of heroes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they found
+      purveyed on every side with costly beds, long and broad, for the warriors.
+      Lady Kriemhild planned the very greatest wrongs against them. One saw
+      there many a cunningly wrought quilt from Arras (1) of shining silken
+      cloth and many a coverlet of Arabian silk, the best that might be had;
+      upon this ran a border that shone in princely wise. Many bed covers of
+      ermine and of black sable were seen, beneath which they should have their
+      ease at night, until the dawn of day. Never hath king lain so lordly with
+      his meiny.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and alas for
+      my friends, who be come with us. However kindly my sister greeted us, yet
+      I do fear me that through her fault we must soon lie dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I'll stand watch
+      myself to-night. I trow to guard us well, until the day doth come.
+      Therefore have no fear; after that, let him survive who may."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All bowed low and said him gramercy. Then went they to their beds. A short
+      while after the stately men had laid them down, bold Hagen, the hero,
+      began to arm him. Then the fiddler, Knight Folker, spake: "If it scorn you
+      not, Hagen, I would fain hold the watch with you to-night, until the early
+      morn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven requite
+      you, dear Folker. In all my cares, I would crave none other than you
+      alone, whenever I had need. I shall repay you well, and death hinder me
+      not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield in hand,
+      walked out of the house and stood before the door. Thus they cared for the
+      guests in faithful wise. The doughty Folker leaned his good shield against
+      the side of the hall, then turned him back and fetched his fiddle and
+      served his friends as well befit the hero. Beneath the door of the house
+      he sate him down upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there never. When the
+      tones of the strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud wanderers gave
+      Folker thanks. At first the strings twanged so that the whole house
+      resounded; his strength and his skill were both passing great. Then
+      sweeter and softer he began to play, and thus many a care-worn man he
+      lulled to sleep. When he marked that all had fallen asleep, the knight
+      took again his shield and left the room and took his stand before the
+      tower, and there he guarded the wanderers against Kriemhild's men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      'Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it happed a
+      little earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a helmet afar in the
+      darkness. Kriemhild's men would fain have harmed the guests. Then the
+      fiddler spake: "Sir Hagen, my friend, it behooveth us to bear these cares
+      together. Before the house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I ween,
+      they would encounter us!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be ware of us.
+      Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the hands of us twain.
+      They will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil plight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that the door
+      was guarded. How quickly then he spake: "That which we have in mind may
+      not now come to pass. I see the fiddler stand on guard. On his head he
+      weareth a glittering helmet, shining and hard, strong and whole. His armor
+      rings flash out like fire. By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the guests be
+      guarded well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Straightway they turned again. When Folker saw this, wrathfully he spake
+      to his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to the warriors. I
+      would fain put some questions to Lady Kriemhild's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the doughty
+      knights are like to bring you in such stress with their swords, that I
+      must aid you even should it be the death of all my kin. As soon as we be
+      come into the fray, twain of them, or four, would in a short time run into
+      the house and would bring such scathe upon the sleepers, that we might
+      never cease to mourn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note that I have
+      seen them, so that Kriemhild's men may not deny that they would fain have
+      acted faithlessly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus armed, ye
+      doughty knights? Would ye ride to rob, ye men of Kriemhild? Then must ye
+      have the help of me and my comrade-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this none made reply. Angry grew his mood. "Fy! Ye evil cowards," spake
+      the good knight, "would ye have murdered us asleep? That hath been done
+      full seldom to such good heroes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught. Rightly
+      it did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another plan. Through this
+      brave heroes and good must needs thereafter perish.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands.
+        In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0035">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXI. (1) How They Went To Church.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      "My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker. "I ween the night hath run
+      its course. By the air I mark that day is near."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping. The light of dawn
+      shone into the hall upon the strangers. On all sides Hagen gan wake the
+      warriors, if perchance they would fain go to the minster for mass. Men now
+      loudly rang the bells in Christian fashion. Heathens and Christians did
+      not sing alike, so that it was seen full well that they were not as one.
+      Gunther's liegemen now would go to church, and all alike had risen from
+      their beds. The champions laced them into such goodly garments, that never
+      did hero bring better clothes to the land of any king. This vexed Hagen.
+      He spake: "Heroes, ye should wear here other clothes. Certes, ye know full
+      well the tales. Instead of roses, bear weapons in your hands; instead of
+      jeweled chaplets, your bright helms and good, sith ye know full well the
+      wicked Kriemhild's mood. Let me tell you, we must fight to-day, so instead
+      of silken shirts, wear hauberks, and instead of rich cloaks, good shields
+      and broad, so that if any grow angry with you, ye be full armed. Dear my
+      lords, and all my kin and liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint
+      to the mighty God of your fears and need, for know full sure that death
+      draweth nigh us. Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done and
+      stand full zealously before your God. Of this I warn you, noble knights,
+      unless God in heaven so will, ye'll never more hear mass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster. In the holy
+      churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not be parted. He
+      spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to us from the Huns. Place,
+      my friends, your shields before your feet, and if any proffer you cold
+      greeting, repay it with deep and mortal wounds. That is Hagen's counsel,
+      that ye may so be found as doth befit your honor."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious minster. This
+      was done that the queen might press upon them in the crowd. Certes, she
+      was passing grim. Then came the lord of the land and his fair wife, her
+      body adorned with rich apparel; Doughty warriors, too, were seen to walk
+      beside her. One saw the dust rise high from Kriemhild's band. When mighty
+      Etzel spied the kings and their fellowship thus armed, how quick he spake:
+      "Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets? Upon my troth, it grieveth
+      me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make amends, as doth
+      think them good. Hath any made heavy their hearts or mood, I'll show them
+      well, that it doth irk me much. I am ready for whatever they command me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the custom of my
+      lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for full three days. We
+      should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake. How right hostilely she gazed
+      into his eyes! She would not tell the custom of their land, albeit she had
+      known it long in Burgundy. However grim and strong the hate she bare them,
+      yet had any told Etzel the truth, he would have surely hindered what later
+      happed. Because of their great haughtiness they scorned to tell him. When
+      the great crowd went past with the queen, these twain, Hagen and Folker,
+      would not step back more than two hand-breadths, the which irked the Huns.
+      Forsooth they had to jostle with the lusty heroes. This thought King
+      Etzel's chamberlains not good. Certes, they would have fain angered the
+      champions, but that they durst not before the noble king. So there was
+      much jostling, but nothing more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish warrior
+      horsed him passing soon. At Kriemhild's side stood many a comely maid, and
+      well seven thousand knights rode with the queen. Kriemhild with her ladies
+      sate her down at the easements by the side of the mighty Etzel, which was
+      him lief, for they would watch the lusty heroes joust. Ho, what stranger
+      knights rode before them in the court! Then was come the marshal with the
+      squires. Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord's retainers from the
+      Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they found well saddled. When
+      now the kings and their men were come to horse, stalwart Folker gan advise
+      that they should ride a joust after the fashion of their land. At this the
+      heroes rode in lordly wise; none it irked what the knight had counseled.
+      The hurtling and the noise waxed loud, as the many men rode into the broad
+      court. Etzel and Kriemhild themselves beheld the scene. To the jousts were
+      come six hundred knights of Dietrich's men to match the strangers, for
+      they would have pastime with the Burgundians. Fain would they have done
+      it, had he given them leave. Ho, what good champions rode in their train!
+      The tale was told to Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther's
+      men; he feared for his liegemen, and well he might.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of Rudeger
+      from Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields, riding out before the
+      hall. It would have been lief to the margrave, had they left it undone.
+      Wisely he rode then to them through the press and said to his knights,
+      that they were ware that Gunther's men were evil-minded toward them. If
+      they would leave off the jousting, it would please him much. When now
+      these lusty heroes parted from them, then came those of Thuringia, as we
+      are told, and well a thousand brave men from Denmark. From the tilting one
+      saw many truncheons (2) flying hence. Irnfried and Hawart now rode into
+      the tourney. Proudly those from the Rhine awaited them and offered the men
+      of Thuringia many a joust. Many a lordly shield was riddled by the
+      thrusts. Thither came then Sir Bloedel with three thousand men. Well was
+      he seen of Etzel and Kriemhild, for the knightly sports happed just before
+      the twain. The queen saw it gladly, that the Burgundians might come to
+      grief. Schrutan (3) and Gibecke, Ramung and Hornbog, (4) rode into the
+      tourney in Hunnish wise. To the heroes from Burgundian land they addressed
+      them. High above the roof of the royal hall the spear-shafts whirled.
+      Whatever any there plied, 'twas but a friendly rout. Palace and hall were
+      heard resounding loud through the clashing of the shields of Gunther's
+      men. With great honor his meiny gained the meed. Their pastime was so
+      mickle and so great, that from beneath the housings of the good steeds,
+      which the heroes rode, there flowed the frothy sweat. In haughty wise they
+      encountered with the Huns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these warriors dare
+      not match us. I've aye heard the tale, that they bear us hate, and
+      forsooth it might never fortune better for them than now." Again Folker
+      spake: "Let our steeds be now led away to their lodgings and let us joust
+      again toward eventide, and there be time. Perchance the queen may accord
+      to the Burgundians the prize."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the Huns
+      could have done the like. Certes, he must have had a sweetheart on the
+      battlements. As well attired he rode as the bride of any noble knight. At
+      sight of him Folker spake again: "How could I give this over? This ladies'
+      darling must have a buffet. None shall prevent me and it shall cost him
+      dear. In truth I reck not, if it vex King Etzel's wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther. "The people will blame
+      us, if we encounter them. 'Twill befit us better far, an' we let the Huns
+      begin the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then. "Let the ladies and the
+      knights behold how we can ride. That will be well, for they'll give no
+      meed to King Gunther's men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave many a dame
+      great dole. His spear he thrust through the body of the dapper Hun; this
+      both maid and wife were seen thereafter to bewail. Full hard and fast gan
+      Hagen and his liegemen and sixty of his knights ride towards the fiddler,
+      where the play was on. This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly saw. The three
+      kings would not leave their minstrel without guard amidst the foe.
+      Cunningly a thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did whatso
+      they would. When now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin cry out
+      and wail. All the courtiers asked: "Who hath done this deed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The margrave's kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway for their
+      swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to death. Fast the
+      host gan hasten from the windows. Great rout arose from the folk on every
+      side. The kings and their fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted before
+      the hall and drove their horses to the rear. Then King Etzel came to part
+      the strife. From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched a sturdy
+      weapon and drove them all back again, for full great was his wrath. "Why
+      should my courtesie to these knights go all for naught? Had ye slain this
+      minstrel at my court," spake King Etzel, "'twere evil done. I saw full
+      well how he rode, when he thrust through the Hun, that it happed through
+      stumbling, without any fault of his. Ye must let my guests have peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus he became their safe-guard. To the stalls men led away the steeds;
+      many a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in every service.
+      The host now hied him to his palace with his friends, nor would he let any
+      man grow wroth again. Then men set up the tables and bare forth water for
+      the guests. Forsooth the men from the Rhine had there enow of stalwart
+      foes. 'Twas long before the lords were seated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Kriemhild's fears did trouble her passing sore. She spake: "My
+      lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor, for mine affairs do
+      stand in anxious wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And any slay
+      the Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it without my aid. It
+      may well repent him, for they be still unconquered, these doughty and
+      lusty knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish, O mighty
+      queen. Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I should crave to
+      match these valiant knights in strife. Thy request honoreth thee little,
+      most noble queen, that thou dost plot against the life of thy kinsfolk.
+      They came in hope of friendship to this land. Siegfried will not be
+      avenged by Dietrich's hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne, quickly she
+      promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5) owned aforetime. Later he
+      was slain by Hagen, so that he quite forgot the gift. She spake: "Thou
+      must help me, Sir Bloedel, forsooth my foes be in this house, who slew
+      Siegfried, my dear husband. Ever will I serve him, that helpeth me avenge
+      this deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because of Etzel I
+      dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for he is fain to see
+      thy kinsmen at his court. The king would ne'er forget it of me, and I did
+      them aught of wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend. Certes, I'll give
+      thee silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the wife of Nudung,
+      whose lovely body thou mayst fain caress. I'll give thee his land and all
+      his castles, too, so that thou mayst always live in joy, Sir knight, if
+      thou dost now win the lands where Nudung dwelt. Faithfully will I keep,
+      whatso I vow to thee to-day."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her beauty
+      would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen in strife.
+      Because of this the champion must needs lose his life. To the queen he
+      spake: "Betake you again to the hall, and before any be aware, I'll begin
+      a fray and Hagen must atone for what he hath done you. I'll deliver to you
+      King Gunther's liegeman bound. Now arm you, my men," spake Bloedel. "We
+      must hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King Etzel's wife doth crave
+      of me this service, wherefore we heroes must risk our lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table with King
+      Etzel and his men. Evil counsels had she held against the guests. Since
+      the strife could be started in no other wise (Kriemhild's ancient wrong
+      still lay deep buried in her heart), she bade King Etzel's son be brought
+      to table. How might a woman ever do more ghastly deed for vengeance' sake?
+      Four of Etzel's men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb, (6) the young
+      prince, to the lordings' table, where Hagen also sat. Because of this the
+      child must needs die through Hagen's mortal hate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the kinsmen of
+      his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son of me and of your
+      sister. This may be of profit to you all, for if he take after his
+      kinsmen, he'll become a valiant man, mighty and noble, strong and
+      fashioned fair. Twelve lands will I give him, and I live yet a while. Thus
+      may the hand of young Ortlieb serve you well. I do therefore beseech you,
+      dear friends of mine, that when ye ride again to your lands upon the
+      Rhine, ye take with you your sister's son and act full graciously toward
+      the child, and bring him up in honor till he become a man. Hath any done
+      you aught in all these lands, he'll help you to avenge it, when he groweth
+      up."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel's wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to be a
+      man, but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall seldom be
+      seen to ride to Ortlieb's court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and though the
+      gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart and made him heavy of
+      his mood. Nor was Hagen's mind now bent on pastime. But all the lordings
+      and the king were hurt by what Hagen had spoken of the child; it vexed
+      them sore, that they were forced to hear it. They wot not the things as
+      yet, which should happen to them through this warrior.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXXI".  This adventure is of late origin, being
+        found only in our poem.  See the introduction.
+   (2)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (3)  "Schrutan".  This name does not occur elsewhere.  Piper
+        suggests, that perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan"
+        appears in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 28, as an ancient name
+        of Scotland.
+   (4)  "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes
+        4 and 5.
+   (5)  "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.
+   (6)  "Ortlieb".  In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel's son is called
+        Aldrian.  There, however, he is killed because he strikes
+        Hagen in the face, here in revenge for the killing of the
+        Burgundian footmen.
+   (7)  "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0036">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXII (1) How Bloedel Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Full ready were now Bloedel's warriors. A thousand hauberks strong, they
+      hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the squires. Then the very
+      greatest hate arose among the heroes. When Sir Bloedel drew near the
+      tables, Dankwart, the marshal, greeted him in courteous wise. "Welcome,
+      Sir Bloedel, in our house. In truth me-wondereth at thy coming. What doth
+      it mean?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this coming
+      of mine doth mean thine end. Because of Hagen, thy brother, by whom
+      Siegfried was slain, thou and many other knights must suffer here among
+      the Huns."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your court
+      might rue us sore. I was but a little child when Siegfried lost his life.
+      I know not what blame King Etzel's wife could put on me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy kinsmen,
+      Gunther and Hagen, did the deed. Now ward you, ye wanderers, ye may not
+      live. With your death must ye become Kriemhild's pledge."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my entreaties rue me;
+      they had better far been spared."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp weapon,
+      mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a sword-stroke that
+      his head lay straightway at his feet. "Let that be thy marriage morning
+      gift," (2) spake Dankwart, the knight, "for Nudung's bride, whom thou
+      wouldst cherish with thy love. They call betroth her to another man upon
+      the morn. Should he crave the dowry, 'twill be given to him eftsoon." A
+      faithful Hun had told him that the queen did plan against them such
+      grievous wrongs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Bloedel's men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would they stand
+      this from the guests. With uplifted swords they rushed, grim of mood, upon
+      the youthful squires. Many a one did rue this later. Loudly Dankwart
+      called to all the fellowship: "Ye see well, noble squires, how matters
+      stand. Now ward you, wanderers! Forsooth we have great need, though
+      Kriemhild asked us here in right friendly wise."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted
+      many a long footstool by its legs. The Burgundian squires would now abide
+      no longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt many bruises through the
+      helmets. How fiercely the stranger youths did ward them! Out of the house
+      they drove at last the men-at-arms, but five hundred of them, or better,
+      stayed behind there dead. The fellowship was red and wet with blood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These grievous tales were told now to Etzel's knights; grim was their
+      sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain. This Hagen's brother and his
+      squires had done. Before the king had learned it, full two thousand Huns
+      or more armed them through hatred and hied them to the squires (this must
+      needs be), and of the fellowship they left not one alive. The faithless
+      Huns brought a mickle band before the house. Well the strangers stood
+      their ground, but what booted their doughty prowess? Dead they all must
+      lie. Then in a few short hours there rose a fearful dole. Now ye may hear
+      wonders of a monstrous thing. Nine thousand yeomen lay there slain and
+      thereto twelve good knights of Dankwart's men. One saw him stand alone
+      still by the foe. The noise was hushed, the din had died away, when
+      Dankwart, the hero, gazed over his shoulders. He spake: "Woe is me, for
+      the friends whom I have lost! Now must I stand, alas, alone among my
+      foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. The wife of
+      many a hero must later mourn for this. Higher he raised his shield, the
+      thong he lowered; the rings of many an armor he made to drip with blood.
+      "Woe is me of all this sorrow," quoth Aldrian's son. (3) "Give way now,
+      Hunnish warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air may cool
+      me, fight-weary man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise. As the
+      strife-weary man sprang from the house, how many added swords rang on his
+      helmet! Those that had not seen what wonders his hand had wrought sprang
+      towards the hero of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God," quoth
+      Dankwart, "that I might find a messenger who could let my brother Hagen
+      know I stand in such a plight before these knights. He would help me
+      hence, or lie dead at my side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself,
+      when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time
+      Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great
+      scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I'll wot
+      the armor rings of some with blood. I'll tell the tale at court myself and
+      make plaint to my lords of my great dole."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not withstand him
+      with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his shield
+      that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then they
+      weened to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what deep
+      wounds he struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave man
+      was forced to reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby great
+      praise. From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many of them
+      entered the fray too soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a boar to
+      the woods before the dogs. How might he be more brave? His path was ever
+      wet with reeking blood. Certes, no single champion might ever fight
+      better with his foes than he had done. Men now saw Hagen's brother go to
+      court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of swords,
+      and full many a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever food he bare
+      to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve
+      well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the
+      tidings to my dear masters."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he dealt
+      so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand further back.
+      His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure XXXII.  The details of the following scenes differ
+        materially in the various sources.  A comparative study of
+        them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
+   (2)  "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
+        the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
+        wedding.  See Adventure XIX, note 1.
+   (3)  "Aldrian's son", i.e., Dankwart.
+   (4)  "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" 'one who sets the
+        table'; cf. F. "asseoir" 'to set', 'place', Lat. "ad
+        sedere"), older English for an upper servant who brought on
+        and removed the dishes from the table.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0037">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel's meiny
+      step aside. His garments dripped with blood and in his hand he bare
+      unsheathed a mighty sword. Full loud he called out to the knight: "Brother
+      Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth. To you and to God in heaven do I
+      make plaint of our woe. Our knights and squires all lie dead within their
+      lodgements."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid for it
+      dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I struck off his head."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a knight
+      that he hath lost his life at a warrior's hands. Stately dames shall mourn
+      him all the less. Now tell me, brother Dankwart, how comes it that ye be
+      so red of hue? Ye suffer from wounds great dole, I ween. If there be any
+      in the land that hath done you this, 'twill cost his life, and the foul
+      fiend save him not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wet with blood. This hath
+      happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain so many a one to-day
+      that, had I to swear it, I could not tell the tale."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a single Hun
+      go forth. I will hold speech with the warriors, as our need constraineth
+      us, for our meiny lieth dead before them, undeserved."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet how to
+      serve such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as doth become mine
+      honors." Naught could have been more loth to Kriemhild's knights.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be
+      whispering in here. I ween, they'd gladly do without the one that standeth
+      at the door, and who told the courtly tale to us Burgundians. Long since I
+      have heard it said of Kriemhild, that she would not leave unavenged her
+      dole of heart. Now let us drink to friendship (1) and pay for the royal
+      wine. The young lord of the Huns shall be the first."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the blood
+      spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell into the lap of
+      the queen. At this there began a murdering, grim and great, among the
+      knights. Next he dealt the master who taught the child a fierce
+      sword-stroke with both his hands, so that his head fell quickly beneath
+      the table to the ground. A piteous meed it was, which he meted out to the
+      master. Hagen then spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel's board. In his
+      wrath he hied him thither and struck off his right hand upon the fiddle.
+      "Take this as message to the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel. "Sir Hagen of Troneg,
+      what had I done to you? I came in good faith to your masters' land. How
+      can I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost my hand?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore. In the hall he dealt out fierce
+      deadly wounds to Etzel's warriors, passing many of whom he slew. Enow of
+      folk in the house he did to death. The doughty Folker now sprang up from
+      the board; loud rang in his hands his fiddle bow. Rudely did Gunther's
+      minstrel play. Ho, what foes he made him among the valiant Huns! The three
+      noble kings, too, sprang up from the table. Gladly would they have parted
+      the fray, or ever greater scathe was done. With all their wit they could
+      not hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so sore. When that the lord
+      of the Rhine beheld the fray unparted, the prince dealt his foes many
+      gaping wounds himself through the shining armor rings. That he was a hero
+      of his hands, he gave great proof. Then the sturdy Gernot joined the
+      strife. Certes, he did many a hero of the Huns to death with a sharp
+      sword, the which Rudeger had given him. Mighty wounds he dealt King
+      Etzel's warriors. Now the young son of Lady Uta rushed to the fray.
+      Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of Etzel's warriors from the
+      Hunnish land. Full mickle wonders were wrought by bold Giselher's hand.
+      But how so doughty they all were, the kings and their liegemen, yet Folker
+      was seen to stand before them all against the foe; a good hero he. Many a
+      one he made to fall in his blood through wounds. Etzel's men did fend
+      them, too, full well, yet one saw the strangers go hewing with their
+      gleaming swords through the royal hall and on every side was heard great
+      sound of wail. Those without would now fain be with their friends within,
+      but at the entrance towers they found small gain. Those within had gladly
+      been without the hall, but Dankwart let none go either up or down the
+      steps. Therefore there rose before the towers a mighty press, and helmets
+      rang loudly from the sword-blows. Bold Dankwart came into great stress
+      thereby; this his brother feared, as his loyalty did bid him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my brother
+      stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows? Friend, save my
+      brother, or ever we lose the knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace he went
+      a-fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand. Great thanks were
+      tendered by the warriors from the Rhine. Bold Folker spake to Dankwart:
+      "Great discomfiture have ye suffered to-day, therefore your brother bade
+      me hasten to your aid. Will ye stand without, so will I stand within."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase against
+      whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in the heroes' hands.
+      Folker of Burgundy land performed the same within. Across the press the
+      bold fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen, the hall is locked; forsooth King
+      Etzel's door is bolted well. The hands of two heroes guard it, as with a
+      thousand bars." When Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so well defended, the
+      famous hero and good slung his shield upon his back and gan avenge the
+      wrongs that had been done him there. His foes had now no sort of hope to
+      live.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld aright
+      that the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench he sprang and
+      spake: "Hagen poureth out the very worst of drinks."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life was
+      hardly safe from these his foes. O how many dear friends were snatched
+      away before his eyes! He sate full anxious; what booted it him that he was
+      king? Haughty Kriemhild now cried aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me hence
+      alive, most noble knight, by the virtues of all the princes of the Amelung
+      land. If Hagen reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich. "I fear for
+      myself in sooth. These men of Gunther be so passing wroth that at this
+      hour I cannot guard a soul."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good. Let thy chivalrous mood
+      appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die." Passing great cause had
+      Kriemhild for this fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I have soon
+      so many good knights so bitterly enraged. Of a truth I see blood spurting
+      through the helmets from the swords."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth as from a
+      bison's horn, until the broad castle resounded with his force. Sir
+      Dietrich's strength was passing great in truth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he began to
+      heed. He spake: "Dietrich's voice hath reached mine ears, I ween our
+      champions have bereft him of some friend to-day. I see him on the table,
+      he doth beckon with his hand. Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian land,
+      give over the strife. Let's hear and see what here hath fortuned to the
+      knight from my men-at-arms."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they sheathed
+      their swords. Passing great was his power, so that none struck a blow.
+      Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of Berne. He spake: "Most
+      noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you through these my friends? I am
+      minded to do you remedy and to make amends. If any had done you aught,
+      'twould grieve me sore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray you, let me
+      leave this hall and this fierce strife under your safe-guard, with my men.
+      For this favor I will serve you ever."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then. "Forsooth the
+      fiddler hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may open it enow
+      to let us pass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye ever
+      done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon. Lead from the hall as
+      few or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must remain within.
+      Right ill have they treated me in the Hunnish land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the high-born
+      queen, whose fear was passing great. On his other side he led King Etzel
+      with him hence; with Dietrich there also went six hundred stately men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would gladly
+      serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and lasting peace
+      shall well befit good friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and friendship be
+      granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your fealty. Ye and all your
+      men, ye may go hence fearlessly with these your friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told, five
+      hundred men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of Bechelaren, from
+      whom King Gunther later gained great scathe. Then a Hunnish champion spied
+      Etzel walking close by Dietrich. He, too, would take this chance, but the
+      fiddler dealt him such a blow that his head fell soon before King Etzel's
+      feet. When the lord of the land was come outside the house, he turned him
+      about and gazed on Folker. "Woe is me of these guests. This is a direful
+      need, that all my warriors should lie low in death before them. Alas for
+      the feasting," quoth the noble king. "Like a savage boar there fighteth
+      one within, hight Folker, who is a gleeman. I thank my stars that I
+      escaped this fiend. His glees have an evil sound, the strokes of his how
+      draw blood; forsooth his measures fell many a hero dead. I wot not, with
+      what this minstrel twitteth us, for I have never had such baleful guest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall. Then there arose
+      within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what there had happed
+      them. Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke! The noble King Gunther turned
+      him toward the sound. "Hear ye the measures, Hagen, which Folker yonder
+      fiddleth with the Huns, when any draweth near the towers? 'Tis a blood-red
+      stroke he useth with the bow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall I sate
+      me down to rest before the hero did. I was his comrade and he was mine;
+      and come we ever home again, we shall still be so, in loyal wise. Now
+      behold, most noble king, Folker is thy friend, he earneth gladly thy
+      silver and thy gold. His fiddle bow doth cut through the hardest steel, on
+      the helmets he breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4) Never have I
+      seen fiddler stand in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath
+      stood to-day. His glees resound through shield and helmet. Certes he shall
+      ride good steeds and wear lordly raiment."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these remained
+      alive. Thus the clash of arms died out, since none strove with them
+      longer. The lusty knights and bold now laid aside their swords.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" 'to drink
+        to the memory of a person', an old custom originating with
+        the idea of pouring out a libation to the gods.  Later it
+        assumed the form of drinking to the honor of God, of a
+        saint, or of an absent friend.  See Grimm, "Mythologie", p.
+        48.
+   (2)  "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.
+   (3)  "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.
+   (4)  "Gauds", ornaments.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0038">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The lordings sate them down for weariness. Folker and Hagen came forth
+      from the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors leaned. Wise words
+      were spoken by the twain. Then Knight Giselher of Burgundy spake:
+      "Forsooth, dear friends, ye may not ease you yet; ye must bear the dead
+      from out the hall. I'll tell you, of a truth, we shall be attacked again.
+      They must no longer lie here beneath our feet. Ere the Huns vanquish us by
+      storm, we'll yet how wounds, which shall ease my heart. For this," quoth
+      Giselher, "I have a steadfast mind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen. "This rede which my young
+      master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a knight. At this,
+      Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven thousand
+      dead, the which they cast outside. Down they fell before the stairway to
+      the hall, and from their kinsmen rose a full piteous wall. Some there were
+      with such slight wounds that, had they been more gently treated, they
+      would have waxed well again; but from the lofty fall, they must needs lie
+      dead. Their friends bewailed this, and forsooth they had good cause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the truth of
+      this, as hath been told me. The Huns be cravens, like women they wail;
+      they should rather nurse these sorely wounded men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A margrave weened, he spake through kindness. Seeing one of his kinsmen
+      lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would have borne him
+      hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the dead to death. The flight
+      began as the others saw this deed, and all fell to cursing this selfsame
+      minstrel. He snatched javelin, sharp and hard, the which had been hurled
+      at him by a Hun, and cast it with might across the court, far over the
+      folk. Thus he forced Etzel's warriors to take lodgement further from the
+      hall. On every side the people feared his mighty prowess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Many thousand men now stood before the hall. Folker and Hagen gan speak to
+      Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold and good came thereafter
+      into danger. Quoth Hagen: "'Twould well beseem the people's hope, if the
+      lords would fight in the foremost ranks, as doth each of my lordings here.
+      They hew through the helmets, so that the blood doth follow the sword."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Etzel was brave; he seized his shield. "Now fare warily," spake Lady
+      Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. If Hagen doth
+      but reach you there, ye'll be hand in hand with death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now seldom
+      hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw him hence.
+      Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant kinship," quoth
+      Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He loved Kriemhild,
+      or ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost thou plot against
+      me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew
+      that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's liegemen. Therefore she
+      again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that
+      slayeth me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King
+      Etzel's shield with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many
+      goodly lands and castles."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I
+      seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such
+      goodly wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again. Many
+      of those who so basely eat the lording's bread, and now desert him in the
+      greatest need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass for
+      brave. May shame ever be their lot!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0039">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long
+      time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me my
+      harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights
+      stand further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I'll send
+      them back sore wounded down the steps."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I've tried before
+      such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter thee
+      alone. What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in words?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia, a
+      daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men. Whatever
+      Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the fiddler spied a
+      mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring. Upon their heads
+      they bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a deal full wroth of
+      mood. "See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder, who vowed to match you
+      with his sword alone? How doth lying beseem a hero? Much that misliketh
+      me. There walk with him full a thousand knights or more, well armed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Say not that I lie," spake Hawart's liegeman. "Gladly will I perform what
+      I have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through any fear. However
+      frightful Hagen be, I will meet him single-handed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him match the
+      knight alone. This they did unwillingly, for well they knew the haughty
+      Hagen from the Burgundian land. But Iring begged so long that at last it
+      happed. When the fellowship beheld his wish and that he strove for honor,
+      they let him go. Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain. Iring of
+      Denmark, the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and covered
+      him with his shield. Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall, while a
+      great shout arose from all the knights around. With might and main they
+      cast the spears with their hands through the sturdy shields upon their
+      shining armor, so that the shafts whirled high in air. Then the two brave
+      men and fierce reached for their swords. Bold Hagen's strength was mickle
+      and great, but Iring smote him, that the whole hall rang. Palace and
+      towers resounded from their blows, but the knight could not achieve his
+      wish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler. He
+      weened to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight wist how to
+      guard bin, well. Then the fiddler struck a blow, that the plates of mail
+      whirled high above the buckler's rim. An evil man he was, for to
+      encounter, so Iring let him stand and rushed at Gunther of the Burgundian
+      land. Here, too, either was strong enow in strife. The blows that Gunther
+      and Iring dealt each other drew no blood from wounds. This the harness
+      hindered, the which was both strong and good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of fire from
+      his armor rings. Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy nigh done brave
+      Iring unto death, but that he sprang away from the prince (nimble enow he
+      was), and slew eftsoon four noble henchmen of the Burgundians from Worms
+      across the Rhine. At this Giselher might never have waxed more wroth. "God
+      wot, Sir Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must pay me weregild (1)
+      for those who have fallen dead this hour before you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not stir a
+      step, but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that all did ween
+      the good knight would never deal a blow again in strife. But Iring lay
+      unwounded here before Sir Giselher. From the crashing of the helmet and
+      the ringing of the sword, his wits had grown so weak that the brave knight
+      no longer thought of life. Stalwart Giselher had done this with his might.
+      When now the ringing gan leave his head, the which he had suffered from
+      the mighty stroke, he thought: "I am still alive and nowhere wounded. Now
+      first wot I of Giselher's mighty strength." On either side he heard his
+      foes. Wist they the tale, still more had happed him. Giselher, too, he
+      marked hard by; he bethought him, how he might escape his foes. How madly
+      he sprang up from the blood! Well might he thank his nimbleness for this.
+      Out of the house he ran to where he again found Hagen, whom he dealt a
+      furious blow with his powerful hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed. Unless be that the foul fiend protect
+      thee, thou canst not escape alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest. This the hero wrought with
+      Waska, (2) a passing goodly sword. When Sir Hagen felt the wound, wildly
+      he brandished his weapon in his hand. Soon Hawart's liegeman was forced to
+      yield his ground, and Hagen gan pursue him down the stairs. Brave Iring
+      swung his shield above his head, but had the staircase been the length of
+      three, Hagen would not have let him strike a blow the while. Ho, what red
+      sparks did play above his helmet!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen. Then the tidings were brought
+      to Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife with Hagen of Troneg.
+      For this the queen gan thank him highly. "Now God requite thee, Iring,
+      thou peerless hero and good. Thou hast comforted well my heart and mind. I
+      see that Hagen's weeds be wet with blood." For very joy Kriemhild herself
+      relieved him of his shield.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "'Twould well befit a
+      knight to try again. A valiant man were he, if he then came back alive.
+      Little shall the wound profit you, which I have at his bands; for that ye
+      have seen the rings wet with blood from my wound doth urge me to the death
+      of many a man. Now first am I enraged at Hawart's liegeman. Small scathe
+      hath Knight Iring done me yet."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his harness and
+      doffed his casque. All the folk then praised his prowess, at which the
+      margrave was in passing lofty mood. Again Sir Iring spake: "My friends,
+      this know; arm me now quickly, for I would fain try again, if perchance I
+      may not conquer this overweening man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon the
+      champion was armed again. Through hate he seized a passing heavy spear
+      with which he would encounter Hagen yonder. Meantime the death-grim man
+      awaited him in hostile wise. But Knight Hagen would not abide his coming.
+      Hurling the javelin and brandishing his sword, he ran to meet him to the
+      very bottom of the stairs. Forsooth his rage was great. Little booted
+      Iring then his strength; through the shields they smote, so that the
+      flames rose high in fiery blasts. Hagen sorely wounded Hawart's liegeman
+      with his sword through shield and breastplate. Never waxed he well again.
+      When now Knight Iring felt the wound, higher above his helmet bands he
+      raised his shield. Great enow he thought the scathe he here received, but
+      thereafter King Gunther's liegeman did him more of harm. Hagen found a
+      spear lying now before his feet. With this he shot Iring, the Danish hero,
+      so that the shaft stood forth from his head. Champion Hagen had given him
+      a bitter end. Iring must needs retreat to those of Denmark. Or ever they
+      unbound his helmet and drew the spear-shaft from his head, death had
+      already drawn nigh him. At this his kinsmen wept, as forsooth they had
+      great need.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen came and bent above him. She gan bewail the stalwart Iring
+      and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was passing sharp. At this the
+      bold and lusty warrior spake before his kinsmen: "Let be this wail, most
+      royal queen. What availeth your weeping now? Certes, I must lose my life
+      from these wounds I have received. Death will no longer let me serve you
+      and Etzel." To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he spake:
+      "None of you must take from the queen her shining ruddy gold as meed, for
+      if ye encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death. Dole enow it gave
+      them, for no longer might Hawart's liegeman live. Then the men of Denmark
+      must needs renew the fray. Irnfried and Hawart with well a thousand
+      champions leaped toward the hall. On every side one heard a monstrous
+      uproar, mighty and strong. Ho, what sturdy javelins were cast at the
+      Burgundian men! Bold Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained great
+      damage at his hands. Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler smote the
+      landgrave. Certes, he was grim enow! Then Sir Irnfried dealt the valiant
+      gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open and his breastplate
+      was enveloped with a bright red flame. Yet the landgrave fell dead at the
+      minstrel's hands. Hawart and Hagen, too, had come together. Wonders would
+      he have seen, who beheld the fight. The swords fell thick and fast in the
+      heroes' hands. Through the knight from the Burgundian land Hawart needs
+      must die. When the Thuringians and the Danes espied their lordings dead,
+      there rose before the hall a fearful strife, before they gained the door
+      with mighty hand. Many a helm and shield was hacked and cut thereby.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they have in
+      mind will not be ended. They must die in here in full short time. With
+      death they'll gain what the queen would give them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of many a one
+      sank down so low that he needs must die from their furious strokes. Well
+      fought the valiant Gernot, and the same did Giselher, the knight. A
+      thousand and four were come into the hall and many a whizzing stroke of
+      the swords was seen flash forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain
+      therein. Mickle wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men. The hall
+      grew still, as the uproar died away. On every side the dead men's blood
+      poured through the openings down to the drain-pipes. This the men from the
+      Rhine had wrought with their passing strength.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and laid aside
+      their swords and shields. But still the valiant minstrel stood guard
+      before the hall. He waited, if any would perchance draw near again in
+      strife. Sorely the king made wail, as did the queen. Maids and ladies were
+      distraught with grief. Death, I ween, had conspired against them,
+      wherefore many of the warriors perished through the guests.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", 'a man', "gild", 'payment of
+        money'), legal term for compensation paid for a man killed.
+   (2)  "Waska".  In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of
+        Walther of Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German
+        name, "Wasgenwald", for the Vosges.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0040">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      "Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen. "I and my comrade
+      will guard you well, and should Etzel's men be minded to try again, I'll
+      warn my lords as soon as I ever can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then many a good knight bared his head. They sate them down upon the
+      wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their hands. Evil
+      looks were cast upon the noble strangers. Before the eventide the king and
+      the queen brought it to pass that the Hunnish champions tried again. Men
+      saw full twenty thousand warriors stand before them, who must perforce
+      march to the fray. Straightway there rose a mighty storming towards the
+      strangers. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, the doughty knight, sprang from his
+      lordings' side to meet the foes without the door. All weened that he were
+      dead, yet forth he stood again unscathed. The furious strife did last till
+      nightfall brought it to a close. As befitted good knights, the strangers
+      warded off King Etzel's liegemen the livelong summer day. Ho, how many a
+      bold knight fell doomed before them! This great slaughter happed upon
+      midsummer's day, when Lady Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart upon her
+      nearest kin and upon many another man, so that King Etzel never again
+      gained joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear. They
+      thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than to be longer
+      racked with monstrous pain. A truce these proud and lusty knights now
+      craved; they begged that men would bring the king to see them. Forth from
+      the hall stepped the heroes, bloody of hue, and the three noble kings,
+      stained from their armor. They wist not to whom they should make plaint of
+      their mighty wounds. Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went; the land was
+      theirs and so their band waxed large. He spake to the strangers: "Pray
+      tell me, what ye will of me? Ye ween to gain here peace, but that may
+      hardly be. For damage as great as ye have done me, in my son and in my
+      many kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and pardon shall be denied you
+      quite; it shall not boot you aught, an' I remain alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my
+      men-at-arms lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel. How did I deserve
+      such pay? I came to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who still do
+      live, what do ye blame me with? What have I done to you, for I rode in
+      friendly wise into this land of yours."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with grief and
+      the land as well. We should not have taken it ill, in sooth, if thou hadst
+      never come from Worms beyond the Rhine. Thou and thy brothers have filled
+      this land with orphans."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside this
+      bitter hate and make your peace with us stranger knights, 'twere best for
+      either side. We have not merited at all what Etzel here doth do us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and yours. The
+      mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame, which I have taken
+      here, are such that none of you shall e'er go hence alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you act in
+      merciful wise. Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but let us first
+      descend to you into the open court. That will make to you for honor. Let
+      be done quickly whatever shall hap to us. Ye have still many men
+      unscathed, who dare well encounter us and bereave us storm-weary men of
+      life. How long must we warriors undergo these toils?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      King Etzel's champions had nigh granted this boon and let them leave the
+      hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked her. Therefore the
+      wanderers were speedily denied the truce. "Not so, ye Hunnish men. I
+      counsel you in true fealty, that ye do not what ye have in mind, and let
+      these murderers leave the hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly
+      fall. Did none of them still live, save Uta's sons, my noble brothers, and
+      they came forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye would all
+      be lost. Bolder heroes were never born into the world."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my trust, when
+      thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to this land, to this
+      dire need. How have I merited death here from the Huns? I was aye true to
+      thee; never did I do thee wrong, and in the hope that thou wast still my
+      friend, dear sister mine, rode I hither to thy court. It cannot be but
+      that thou grant us mercy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood. Hagen of Troneg hath
+      done me such great wrongs that it may never be amended, the while I live.
+      Ye must all suffer for this deed," so spake King Etzel's wife. "And ye
+      will give me Hagen alone as hostage, I will not deny that I will let you
+      live, for ye be my brothers and children of one mother, and will counsel
+      peace with these heroes that be here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a thousand of
+      us, the clansmen of thy kin, we'd rather all lie dead, than give thee a
+      single man as hostage. Never shall this be done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder that we
+      guard us in knightly wise. We be still here, if any list to fight us; for
+      never have I failed a friend in fealty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held his peace):
+      "Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone. It may yet rue those who
+      here refuse the truce. I'll tell you of a truth, we'll make you ware of
+      this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the stairs
+      and avenge my wrongs. For this I will ever serve you, as I should by
+      right. I'll pay Hagen well for his overweening pride. Let none at all
+      escape from the house, and I will bid the hall be set on fire at all four
+      ends. Thus all my wrongs shall be well avenged."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon were King Etzel's champions ready still stood without into the hall
+      with blows and shots. Mickle waxed the din, yet the lordings and their
+      liegemen would not part. For very fealty they could not leave each other.
+      Etzel's queen then bade the hall be set on fire, and thus they racked the
+      bodies of the knights with fire and flame. Fanned by the breeze, the whole
+      house burst into flames full soon. I ween, no folk did ever gain such
+      great distress. Enow within cried out: "Alack this plight! We would much
+      rather die in stress of battle. It might move God to pity, how we all are
+      lost! The queen now wreaketh monstrously on us her wrath."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead. What avail us now the
+      greetings which the king did send us? Thirst from this great heat giveth
+      me such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must ebb away in anguish."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him whom pangs
+      of thirst constrain, drink here this blood. In such great heat, 'tis
+      better still than wine. We can purvey us at this time none better."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and knelt
+      him down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and began to drink
+      the flowing blood. However little wont to such a drink, him thought it
+      passing good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite you," spake the weary man, "that
+      I have drunk so well at your advice; seldom hath better wine been
+      proffered me. And I live yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon there were
+      many more that drank the blood. From this the body of each gained much of
+      strength; but many a stately dame paid dear for this through the loss of
+      loving kin. Into the hall the fire fell thick and fast upon them, but with
+      their shields they turned it from them to the ground. Both the heat and
+      the smoke did hurt them sore; in sooth, I ween, that nevermore will such
+      anguish hap to heroes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. Let not the
+      firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp them with your feet down
+      deeper in the blood. Forsooth it is an evil feast which the queen doth
+      give us here."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the brave
+      minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall, a-leaning on their
+      shields. More scathe they awaited from those of Etzel's band. Then spake
+      the fiddler: "Now go we into the hall. Then the Huns will ween, that we
+      all be dead from the torture that hath been done us here. They'll yet see
+      us go to meet them in the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day dawneth, a
+      cooling wind doth blow. May God in heaven let us live to see a liefer
+      time, for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here an evil feast."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again one spake: "I see the day. Sith we cannot hope for better things, so
+      arm you, heroes, think on your life. Certes, King Etzel's wife will come
+      to meet us soon again."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil and the
+      pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave men, as good as
+      any knight that king ever gained, were still alive. Those set to guard the
+      strangers had well seen that the guests still lived, despite the damage
+      and the dole that had been done both to the lordings and their men. In the
+      hall one saw them stand full safe and sound. They then told Kriemhild that
+      many were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could never be, that any
+      should have lived through such stress of fire. Rather will I believe that
+      all lie dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed to
+      do them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish land.
+      So with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same day,
+      towards morning, men proffered them a fierce attack as greeting, which
+      brought the champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was hurled upon
+      them, but the bold and lordly warriors warded them in knightly wise. High
+      rose the mood of Etzel's men at the thought that they should earn Queen
+      Kriemhild's gold. Thereto they were minded to perform whatso the King did
+      bid them. Many of them because of this must soon needs gaze on death. Of
+      pledges and of gifts one might tell wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be
+      carried forth on shields and gave it to whomsoever craved it and would
+      take it. Certes, greater wage was nevermore given against foes. To the
+      hall a mickle force of well-armed warriors marched.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes more
+      gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king's gold to do us
+      scathe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what
+      we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been thrown.
+      What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match them,
+      surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with wounds.
+      None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from mortal
+      wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for friends.
+      All the great king's doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen mourned
+      them passing sore.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0041">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind's husband
+      came to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous
+      wounds on either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever
+      born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make for
+      peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more the
+      sufferings of his men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might
+      turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer: "Who
+      might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and many
+      tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth stand, that
+      hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and whom both lands and people
+      serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of which he doth
+      hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy stroke hath he dealt
+      in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it fare here at court,
+      sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be bolder than any other
+      wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous (1) days."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak.
+      Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and
+      hast told thy tale too loud at court."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man so
+      mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King Etzel's
+      woe grew greater.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow of grief
+      and pain. How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here? Certes, I have
+      good cause to hate the strangers, and would have done all in my power
+      against them, had I not led the warriors hither. Of a truth I was their
+      safeguard to my master's land. Therefore the hand of me, wretched man, may
+      not strive against them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye helped us,
+      most noble Rudeger! We have so many fey (2) in the land, that we have no
+      need of more. Full evil have ye done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my mood and
+      twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of which I have
+      received from thy hand. This hath cost the liar dear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns through
+      the hero's wrath. Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes grew moist as she
+      spake to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye should increase the
+      sorrows of the king and me? Hitherto ye have told us, that for our sake ye
+      would risk both life and honor. I heard full many warriors accord to you
+      the palm. Let me mind you of your fealty and that ye swore, when that ye
+      counseled me to Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve me till
+      one of us should die. Never have I, poor woman, had such great need of
+      this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There's no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake I'd risk
+      both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would lose my soul. 'Twas
+      I that bade the high-born lordings to this feast."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy constancy,
+      and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine injuries and all my
+      woes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank before the
+      knight. Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad. Pitifully the faithful
+      warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched man, that I have lived to see
+      this day. I must give over all my honors, my fealty, and my courtesie,
+      that God did bid me use. Alas, great God of heaven, that death will not
+      turn this from me! I shall act basely and full evil, whatever I do or
+      leave undone. But if I give over both, then will all people blame me. Now
+      may he advise me, who hath given me life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly. Through this
+      warriors must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger's hands, when
+      the hero also died. Ye may well hear it now, that he deported him full
+      pitifully. He wist that it would bring him scathe and monstrous woe.
+      Gladly would he have refused the king and queen. He feared full sore that
+      if he slew but one of the strangers, the world would bear him hate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take back again
+      all that I have from you, my land with its castles, let not a whit remain
+      to me. On foot will I wander into other lands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then? I'll give thee
+      the land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou mayst avenge me on
+      my foes. Thou shalt be a mighty king at Etzel's side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed? I bade them to my house
+      and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and drink and gave
+      them gifts. How may I counsel their death? People will lightly ween, that
+      I be craven. No service of mine have I refused these noble lordings and
+      their men. Now I rue the kinship I have gained with them. I gave my
+      daughter to Giselher, the knight; to none in all the world could she have
+      been better given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and wealth. Never
+      have I seen so young a prince of such right courteous mind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our griefs,
+      on mine and on the king's. Bethink thee well, that king did never gain
+      such baneful guests."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger's life must pay to-day for
+      whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me. Therefore must I die; no
+      longer may it be deferred. I know full well, that my castles and my lands
+      will be voided for you to-day through the hand of one of these men. To
+      your mercy I commend my wife and children and the strangers (3) who be at
+      Bechelaren."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and the queen
+      grew glad. "Thy people shall be well commended to our care. For mine own
+      weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Etzel's bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the
+      venture. He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my friends,
+      whom I am loth to fight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he found
+      his warriors standing. He spake: "Ye must arm you all, my men, for, alas,
+      I must needs encounter the bold Burgundians."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it were
+      helm or buckler, 'twas all brought forth to them by their meiny. Later the
+      proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rudeger was now armed, and with
+      him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve champions, who would fain
+      win renown in the stress of battle. They wist not that death drew nigh
+      them. Then Rudeger was seen to march with helmet donned. The margrave's
+      men bare keen-edged swords, and their bright shields and broad upon their
+      arms. This the fiddler saw; greatly he rued the sight. When young Giselher
+      beheld his lady's father walk with his helm upon his head, how might he
+      know what he meant thereby, save that it portended good? Therefore the
+      noble prince waxed passing merry of mood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we have won
+      upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief it is
+      to me, that this betrothal hath taken place."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the minstrel; "when
+      have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand,
+      for the sake of peace? Rudeger doth think to win his castles and his lands
+      in fight with us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble Rudeger before
+      the house. At his feet he placed his trusty shield, and now both service
+      and greeting he must needs refuse his friends. Into the hall the noble
+      margrave called: "Ye doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well on every side.
+      Ye were to profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe. Aforetime we were
+      friends, but of this troth I now would fain be rid."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained aught of
+      joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight them. From their foes
+      they had already suffered mickle stress of war. "Now God of heaven
+      forbid," spake Gunther, the knight, "that ye should give over your love of
+      us and your great fealty, on which we counted of a truth. Better things I
+      trow of you, than that ye should ever do this deed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have vowed it. Now
+      ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life. King Etzel's wife would not
+      release me from mine oath."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye declare this feud too late," spake the high-born king. "Now may God
+      requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and fealty that ye have
+      shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at the end. I and my kinsmen,
+      we ought ever to serve you for the noble gifts ye gave us, when ye brought
+      us hither faithfully to Etzel's land. Now, noble Rudeger, think on this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I might weigh
+      out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly as I had hoped, if I
+      never should be blamed on that account."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did never give
+      his guests such loving cheer as ye did us. This shall profit you well, and
+      we remain alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were on the
+      Rhine and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now encounter you!
+      Never did friends act worse to heroes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your passing
+      rich gifts. Your death doth rue me, if such knightly virtues shall be lost
+      with you. Here I bear your sword that ye gave me, good knight and true. It
+      hath never failed me in all this need. Many a knight fell dead beneath its
+      edges. It is bright and steady, glorious and good; nevermore, I ween, will
+      warrior give so rich a gift. And will ye not turn back, but come to meet
+      us, and slay aught of the friends I still have here, with your own sword
+      will I take your life. Then will ye rue me, Rudeger, ye and your high-born
+      wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all your
+      will might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped unscathed! Then
+      both my daughter and my wife may trust you well, forsooth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta's son: "Why do ye so, Sir
+      Rudeger? Those that be come with us, do all like you well. Ye encounter us
+      in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair daughter a widow far too soon. If
+      ye and your warriors match me now with strife, how right unkindly do ye
+      let it appear, that I trust you well above all other men and therefore won
+      me your daughter to wife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king. And God let you
+      escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for me. For your own
+      virtue's sake, vouchsafe her mercy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if my noble
+      kinsmen here within must die through you, then my steadfast friendship for
+      you and for your daughter must be parted."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man. Then they raised
+      their shields, as though they would hence to fight the guests in
+      Kriemhild's hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown the steps. "Pray tarry
+      awhile, most noble Rudeger," so spake Hagen; "I and my lords would fain
+      have further parley, as doth befit our need. What can the death of us
+      wanderers avail King Etzel? I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield
+      that Lady Gotelind gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns. I
+      brought it with friendly purpose into Etzel's land. O that God in heaven
+      would grant, that I might bear so good a shield as that thou hast in thy
+      hand, most noble Rudeger! Then I should no longer need a hauberk in the
+      fray."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it before
+      Kriemhild. Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm. Ho, if thou
+      couldst only wield it in the Burgundian land!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes grew red
+      with scalding tears. 'T was the last gift that ever Rudeger of Bechelaren
+      gave to any knight. However fierce Hagen, and however stern of mood, the
+      gift did touch him, which the good hero, so near to death, had given. Many
+      a noble knight gan mourn with him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger. Your like will
+      nevermore be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly gifts. God
+      grant that your courtesie may ever live." Again Hagen spake: "Woe is me of
+      these tales, we had so many other griefs to bear. Let complaint be made to
+      heaven, if we must fight with friends."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger. Howso these
+      high-born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall never touch you
+      in the fight, and ye slew them all from the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low. On every side they wept,
+      that none might soothe this pain of heart. That was a mighty grief. In
+      Rudeger would die the father of all knightly virtues.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my comrade Hagen
+      hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just as steadfastly from my
+      hand, for well ye earned it, when we came into this land. Most noble
+      margrave, ye shall be mine envoy, too. The margravine gave me these ruddy
+      arm rings, that I should wear them here at the feasting. These ye may
+      yourself behold, that ye may later be my witness."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine may give
+      you more! I'll gladly tell these tales to my dear love, if I see her in
+      health again. Of this ye shall not doubt."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield. No longer he
+      bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he rushed upon the guests.
+      Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker and
+      Hagen, stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still he
+      found standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the fight
+      with anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let him in,
+      good heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him sore, in
+      truth. He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then the
+      margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them follow
+      their lord. In their hands they bare their keen-edged swords, the which
+      cleft there many a helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors dealt the
+      men of Bechelaren many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep through the
+      shining mail, down to the very quick.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight
+      Folker and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man alone.
+      Through the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from the helmets.
+      How grimly rang the many swords within! The shield plates sprang from
+      their fastenings, and the precious stones, cut from the shields, fell down
+      into the gore. So grimly they fought, that men will never do the like
+      again. The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as one who wotteth how to
+      use great prowess in the fray. Passing like to a worshipful champion and a
+      bold did Rudeger bear him on that day. Here stood the warriors, Gunther
+      and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in the fray. Giselher and Dankwart,
+      the twain, recked so little, that they brought full many a knight to his
+      last day of life. Full well did Rudeger make appear that he was strong
+      enow, brave and well-armed. Ho, what knights he slew! This a Burgundian
+      espied; perforce it angered him, and thus Sir Rudeger's death drew near.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake: "It
+      appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That irketh
+      me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may your present
+      work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of friends. Pray
+      address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift shall be paid for
+      as best I can."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs
+      grow dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men.
+      Either gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords,
+      that naught might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote
+      Gernot a buffet through his helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so
+      that the blood gushed forth. But this the bold knight and good repaid
+      eftsoon. High in his hand he now poised Rudeger's gift, and though wounded
+      unto death, he smote him a stroke through his good and trusty shield down
+      to his helmet band. And so fair Gotelind's husband was done to death.
+      Certes, so rich a gift was never worse repaid. So fell alike both Gernot
+      and Rudeger, slain in the fray, through each other's hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe. Quoth the
+      hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us. In these two men we have
+      taken a loss so great that neither their land nor people will e'er recover
+      from the blow. Rudeger's champions must answer to us homeless men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death. What evil tales I
+      hear all time! Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue me. The loss and the
+      grievous wounds are felt on either side."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed's father dead, those within the hall
+      were forced to suffer need. Fiercely death sought his fellowship; not one
+      of those of Bechelaren escaped with life. Gunther and Giselher and Hagen,
+      too, Dankwart and Folker, the right good knights, went to where they found
+      the two men lying. Then by these heroes tears of grief were shed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth. "Now give over your
+      weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed armor of us storm-weary
+      men may cool. Certes, I ween, that God in heaven vouchsafeth us no more to
+      live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall, but all
+      again were idle. Rudeger's heroes lay still in death. The din had died
+      away; the hush endured so long, it vexed King Etzel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack for such services," spake the queen. "They be not so true, that our
+      foes must pay with their life at Rudeger's hands. I trow, he doth wish to
+      lead them back to the Burgundian land. What booteth it, King Etzel, that
+      we have given him whatso he would? The knight hath done amiss, he who
+      should avenge us, doth make his peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not true,
+      alas, most noble queen. Durst I give the lie to such a high-born dame,
+      then had ye most foully lied against Rudeger. He and his champions be
+      cozened in this peace. So eagerly he did what the king commanded, that he
+      and all his fellowship lie here in death. Now look around you, Kriemhild,
+      to see whom ye may now command. The good Knight Rudeger hath served you to
+      his end. And ye will not believe the tale, we'll let you see."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To their great grief 'twas done; they bare the slain hero to where the
+      king might see him. Never had there happed to Etzel's men a grief so
+      great. When they saw the margrave borne forth dead, no scribe might write
+      or tell the frantic grief of men and women, which there gan show itself
+      from dole of heart. King Etzel's sorrow waxed so great that the mighty
+      king did voice his woe of heart, as with a lion's roar. Likewise did his
+      queen. Beyond all measure they bewailed the good Knight Rudeger's death.
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Parlous", older English for 'perilous'.
+   (2)  "Fey", 'doomed to death', here in the sense of 'already
+        slain'.  See Adventure V, note 2.
+   (3)  "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from
+        home.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0042">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's Warriors Were Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the towers
+      rang with the wailing. Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard it, too. How
+      quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales! To the lording he spake:
+      "Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much I've lived to see till now, yet
+      heard I never such a monstrous wail, as now hath reached mine ears. I
+      ween, King Etzel himself hath come to grief. How else might all be so
+      distressed? One of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely been laid
+      low by the brave strangers in their wrath. Full many a dapper warrior
+      weepeth passing sore."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye not too
+      fast. Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they be now in mickle
+      need. Let it profit them, that I did offer them my peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for tidings of
+      what they have done, and will tell you then, my most dear lord, just as I
+      find it, what the wail may be."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude questions
+      then are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood of warriors. In
+      truth, I will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these questions of them."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade him find
+      from Etzel's men or from the guests themselves, what there had fortuned,
+      for men had never seen from folks so great a grief. The messenger gan ask:
+      "What hath here been done?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the Hunnish land
+      hath passed away. Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the Burgundians' hands; and
+      of those who were come with him, not one hath 'scaped alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole. Sorely weeping, the
+      envoy went to Dietrich. Never was he so loth to tell a tale. "What have ye
+      found for us?" quoth Dietrich. "Why weep ye so sore, Knight Helfrich?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail. The
+      Burgundians have slain the good Sir Rudeger."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid. That were a
+      fearful vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat. Wherewith hath
+      Rudeger deserved this at their hands? I know full well, forsooth, he is
+      the strangers' friend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, 'twill cost them
+      all their lives. 'Twould be our shame, should we let this pass, for of a
+      truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger hath served us much and oft."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better. In bitter grief he sate him
+      at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the strangers, that he
+      might find from them what had been done. The storm-brave warrior, Master
+      Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield nor weapon in his hand. In courtly
+      wise he would hie him to the strangers; for this he was chided by his
+      sister's son. Grim Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so bare, ye
+      will never fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame. But if ye
+      go there armed, each will guard against that well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth. Or ever he was
+      ware, all Dietrich's warriors had donned their war-weeds and held in their
+      hands their swords. Loth it was to the hero, and he would have gladly
+      turned their mind. He asked whither they would go.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We will hence with you. Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will dare the less
+      to address him to you with scorn, which full well he knoweth how to use."
+      When he heard this, the knight vouchsafed them for to go.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of Dietrich,
+      march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in their hands they
+      bare their shields. He told it to his lords from out the Burgundian land.
+      The fiddler spake: "Yonder I see the men of Dietrich march along in right
+      hostile wise, armed cap-a-pie. They would encounter us; I ween 'twill go
+      full ill with us strangers."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come. Before his feet he placed his shield,
+      and gan ask Gunther's men: "Alas, good heroes, what had Rudeger done you?
+      My Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to say, that if the hand of
+      any among you hath slain the noble margrave, as we are told, we could
+      never stand such mighty dole."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true. How gladly could I wish,
+      that the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger's sake, and that he
+      still did live, for whom both man and wife may well ever weep."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail for him,
+      as their fealty bade them. Over the beards and chins of Dietrich's
+      champions the tears were seen to run. Great grief had happened to them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an end the
+      cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. The joy of all
+      wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw mine own
+      father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than for his death.
+      Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave's wife?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the warriors to
+      so many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done? Alas, most noble
+      Rudeger, that we should lose thee thus!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men bewailed
+      his death. For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a whit. He spake:
+      "Sir knights, now do what my lord hath sent you here to do. Give us the
+      corse of Rudeger from out the hall, in whom our joy hath turned to grief,
+      and let us repay to him the great fealty he hath shown to us and to many
+      another man. We, too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight. Why do ye
+      let us wait thus? Let us bear him away, that we may yet requite the knight
+      in death. More justly had we done it, when he was still alive."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as that, which
+      a friend doth do to a friend after his death. When any doeth that, I call
+      it faithful friendship. Ye repay him but rightly, for much love hath he
+      ever shown you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart. "Sith our best
+      hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no longer have him
+      with us, let us bear him hence to where the warrior may be buried."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you. Fetch ye him from
+      the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood, with mortal wounds.
+      'Twill then be a perfect service, which ye render Rudeger."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us great dole
+      and should not rouse our ire. But that I durst not for fear of my lord, ye
+      should all fare ill. We must perforce abstain, sith he forbade us strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth abstain
+      from all that one forbiddeth him. That I call not a real hero's mood."
+      This speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I'll play such havoc with your
+      fiddle strings, that ye'll have cause to tell the tale, when ye ride
+      homeward to the Rhine. I cannot brook in honor your overweening pride."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must the gleam
+      of your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however I ride to the
+      Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him firmly. "I
+      ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger. Then hadst thou lost forever
+      the favor of my lord."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the good knight
+      Folker. "Had he slain the whole world with his one hand, I'll smite him,
+      and he come within my reach, so that he may never sing the answer to my
+      song."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood. Wolfhart, a doughty
+      knight and a good, snatched up his shield. Like a wild lion he ran to meet
+      him, swiftly followed by all his friends. But howsoever great the strides
+      he took towards the hall, yet did old Hildebrand overtake him at the
+      steps. He would not let him reach the fray before him. At the hands of the
+      homeless knights they later found the strife they sought. Master
+      Hildebrand then sprang at Hagen. In the hands of both one heard the swords
+      ring out. That both were angry, might be plainly seen; from the swords of
+      the twain streamed forth a blast of fire-red sparks. Then they were parted
+      in the stress of battle by the men of Berne, as their strength did bid
+      them. At once Hildebrand turned him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart
+      addressed him to Folker the bold. Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon
+      his good helmet, that the sword's edge pierced to the very helmet bands.
+      This the bold gleeman repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the
+      sparks flew wide. Enow of fire they struck from the armor rings, for each
+      bare hatred to the other. Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne did part them—an'
+      he be not a hero, never was there one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of the Amelung
+      land. Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red and wet with blood.
+      Dankwart, Hagen's brother, a fierce man was he; whatever he had done
+      before to Etzel's warriors in strife was as a wind to the fury with which
+      bold Aldrian's son now fought. Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich and
+      Wichart had spared themselves full seldom in many battle storms; this they
+      now made Gunther's liegemen note full well. Wolfbrand, too, was seen in
+      the strife bearing him in lordly wise. Old Hildebrand fought as though he
+      raged. At Wolfhart's hands many good knights, struck by the sword, must
+      needs fall dead down into the blood. Thus the bold champions and good
+      avenged Knight Rudeger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him. Ho, what good helmets
+      of his foes this son of Dietrich's sister clove in the strife! Nor might
+      he ever do better in the fray. When sturdy Folker espied that bold
+      Siegstab hewed a bloody stream from the hard armor rings, wroth of mood
+      the hero grew. He sprang to meet him, and Siegstab lost his life full soon
+      at the fiddler's hands, for Folker gave him such a sample of his art, that
+      he soon lay dead, slain by his sword. This old Hildebrand avenged, as his
+      might did bid him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here dead at
+      Folker's hands. Now shall the fiddler no longer live."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer? Folker he smote, so that on all
+      sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from helmet and shield of
+      the doughty gleeman. Thus stout Folker was done to death. At this the men
+      of Dietrich pressed forward to the strife. They smote so that the armor
+      rings whirled far and wide, and high through the air the sword-points wore
+      seen to fly. From the helmets they drew the warm gushing stream of blood.
+      When Hagen of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was the greatest sorrow, that
+      he had gained at the feasting in kinsman or in liegeman. Alas, how
+      fiercely Hagen gan venge the knight! "Now old Hildebrand shall not profit
+      by this deed. My helpmate lieth slain by the hero's hand, the best war
+      comrade that I did ever win." Higher he raised his helmet, and ran,
+      slashing as he went.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart. Loth enow it was to Gunther and Giselher,
+      when they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own hands he himself
+      had well avenged his death. Meanwhile Wolfhart raged back and forth,
+      hewing alway King Gunther's men. For the third time he was come through
+      the hall, and many a warrior fell, struck by his hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever gained
+      so grim a foe! Noble knight and brave, now address you unto me. I'll help
+      to make an end; this may be no longer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote other
+      many a gaping wound. He pressed so mightily toward the king, that the
+      blood beneath his feet spurted high above his head. With grim and fearful
+      blows the son of fair Uta then greeted the brave knight Wolfhart. However
+      strong the warrior, he might not save his life. Never could so young a
+      king have been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through his stout hauberk,
+      that his blood streamed down from the wound. Unto death he wounded
+      Dietrich's liegeman. None save a champion had done such deed. When brave
+      Wolfhart felt the wound, he let fall his shield and lifted higher in his
+      hand his mighty sword (sharp enow it was); through both helmet and armor
+      rings the hero smote Giselher. Thus each did other fiercely unto death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now was none left of Dietrich's men. Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart fall;
+      never before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to him. The men of
+      Gunther all lay dead, and those of Dietrich, too. Hildebrand hied him to
+      where Wolfhart had fallen in the gore, and clasped in his arms the brave
+      knight and good. He would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a deal
+      too heavy, and so he must needs let him lie. Then the dying warrior looked
+      upward from the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his uncle would
+      fain help him hence. Though wounded unto death, he spake: "Dear uncle
+      mine, ye may not aid me now. 'Tis well, methinks, that ye should guard you
+      against Hagen. A fierce mood he beareth in his heart. And if perchance my
+      kinsmen would mourn me after I am dead; pray tell the nearest and the
+      best, that they weep not for me; there is no need of that. At the hands of
+      a king I have met a glorious death and have also avenged me, so that the
+      wives of the good knights may well bewail it. If any ask you of this, ye
+      may boldly say, that full a hundred lie slain by my hand alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold Hildebrand had
+      robbed of life. To the knight he spake: "Ye'll requite me now my sorrows.
+      Through your hatred ye have bereft us of many a lusty knight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the which
+      bold Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the knight. Then the old
+      man warded him; in sooth he was brave enow. Dietrich's champion struck
+      with a broad sword, that cut full sore, at the hero of Troneg, but could
+      not wound King Gunther's liegeman. Hagen, however, smote him through his
+      well-wrought hauberk. When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he feared more
+      scathe at Hagen's hand; his shield he slung across his back and thus Sir
+      Dietrich's man escaped from Hagen, though sorely wounded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and Hagen
+      alone. Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he found Dietrich,
+      and told him the baleful tale. He saw him sitting sadly, but much more of
+      dole the prince now gained. He spied Hildebrand in his blood-red hauberk,
+      and asked him tidings, as his fears did prompt him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wet with your lifeblood?
+      Pray who hath done you this? I ween, ye have fought with the strangers in
+      the hall. I forbade it you so sorely, that ye should justly have avoided
+      it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then said he to his lord: "'Twas Hagen that did it. He dealt me this wound
+      in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the knight. I scarce
+      escaped the devil with my life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for that ye
+      have broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye did hear me vow
+      friendship to the knights. Were it not mine everlasting shame, ye should
+      lose your life."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my friends and me
+      is all too great. Fain would we have carried Rudeger's corse away, but
+      King Gunther's liegemen would not grant it us."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Woe is me of these sorrows! If Rudeger then be dead, 'twill bring me
+      greater dole, than all my woe. Noble Gotelind is the child of my father's
+      sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be now in Bechelaren."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Rudeger's death now minded him of ruth and dole. Mightily the hero gan
+      weep; in sooth he had good cause. "Alas for this faithful comrade whom I
+      have lost! In truth I shall ever mourn for King Etzel's liegeman. Can ye
+      tell me, Master Hildebrand, true tidings, who be the knight, that hath
+      slain him there?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the hero, too,
+      fell dead at Rudeger's hands."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm them
+      quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready my shining
+      battle weeds. I myself will question the heroes of the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you? Whatso of living
+      men ye have, ye see stand by you. 'Tis I alone; the others, they be dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never in his
+      life had he gained so great a grief. He spake: "And are my men all dead,
+      then hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich. Once I was a lordly king,
+      mighty, high, and rich." Again Sir Dietrich spake: "How could it hap, that
+      all the worshipful heroes died at the hands of the battle-weary, who were
+      themselves hard pressed? Were it not for mine ill-luck, death were still a
+      stranger to them. Sith then mine evil fortune would have it so, pray tell
+      me, are any of the strangers still alive?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only Hagen and
+      Gunther, the high-born king."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well rue me,
+      that ever I was born. Siegstab and Wolfwin and Wolfbrand, too! Who then
+      shall help me to the Amelung land? Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been
+      slain, and Gerbart and Wichart? How shall I ever mourn for them in fitting
+      wise? This day doth forever end my joys. Alas, that none may die for very
+      grief!"
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330,
+        where we are told that he was the bravest and courtliest of
+        all knights.
+   (2)  "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.
+   (3)  "Siegstab" is Dietrich's nephew.  He also appears in the
+        "Thidreksaga", but in a different role.
+   (4)  "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich's
+        nephew.
+   (5)  "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.
+   (6)  "Ritschart".   With the exception of Helfrich (see Above
+        note 1), these names do not occur elsewhere, though one of
+        the sons of Haimon was called Wichart.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0043">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master Hildebrand
+      helped him arm. The mighty man made wail so sore, that the whole house
+      resounded with his voice. But then he gained again a real hero's mood. The
+      good knight was now armed and grim of mind; a stout shield he hung upon
+      his arm. Thus he and Master Hildebrand went boldly hence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming hither; he
+      would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that hath here befallen
+      him. To-day we shall see, to whom one must give the palm. However strong
+      of body and grim of mood the lord of Berne thinketh him to be, right well
+      dare I match him," so spake Hagen, "an' he will avenge on us that which
+      hath been done him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to where he
+      found the champion stand before the house, leaning against the wall.
+      Dietrich set his good shield upon the ground, and spake in grievous dole:
+      "Gunther, mighty king, why have ye so acted against me, banished man? What
+      have I done to you? I stand alone, bereft of all my comfort. Ye thought it
+      not enow of bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger, our friend. Now
+      ye have robbed me of all my men. Forsooth I never had wrought you heroes
+      sorrow such as this. Think on yourselves and on your wrongs. Doth not the
+      death of your kinsmen and all the hardship grieve the minds of you good
+      knights? Alas, what great dole Rudeger's death doth give me! Never in all
+      the world hath more of sorrow happed to any man. Ye thought but little on
+      me and on your pain. Whatsoever joy I had, that lieth slain by you.
+      Certes, I never can bewail my kin enow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen. "Your warriors came to
+      this hall in a large band, armed with care. Methinks the tale hath not
+      been told you rightly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What else should I believe? Hildebrand told me, that when my knights from
+      the Amelung land asked that ye should give up Rudeger's corse from out the
+      hall, ye did naught but mock the valiant heroes from above the steps."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would fain bear
+      Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex King Etzel, and not
+      thy men, until then Wolfhart began to rail about it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so. Gunther, most
+      noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of the wrongs, that have
+      happed to me from thee, and make such amends, brave knight, that I may
+      give thee credit for the deed. Give thyself and thy men to me as hostages,
+      and I will guard you, as best I may, that none here do thee aught among
+      the Huns. Thou shalt find me naught but good and true."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves up to
+      thee, that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and walk so
+      unfettered before their foes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich. "Ye have
+      grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but right, and ye would
+      requite me. I give you my hand and troth as pledge, that I will ride with
+      you, home to your land. I'll lead you in all honor, or else lie dead, and
+      for your sakes I will forget my grievous wrongs."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Crave this no longer," answered Hagen. "'Twere fitting, that the tale be
+      told of us, that two men so brave had given themselves up to you. We see
+      none standing by you, save Hildebrand alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour will come,
+      when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer to keep it with
+      you. Ye might well content you with the truce my lord doth offer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forsooth I'd take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I'd flee from out a
+      hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand. I weened, ye could stand
+      better against a foe."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that? Who was it sate
+      upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter of Spain slew so many
+      of his kin? Ye, too, have faults enow of your own to show."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they should
+      scold like aged beldams. I forbid you, Hildebrand, to speak aught more.
+      Grievous wrongs constrain me, homeless warrior. Let's hear, Knight Hagen,
+      what ye twain did speak, ye doughty men, when ye saw me coming toward you
+      armed? Ye said, that ye alone would fain encounter me in strife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay it here
+      with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung break in my hand.
+      Wroth am I, that we twain have here been craved as hostages."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Dietrich noted Hagen's raging mood, quickly the doughty knight and
+      good snatched up his shield. How swiftly Hagen sprang toward him from the
+      steps! Loudly the good sword of Nibelung rang on Dietrich's head. Then
+      wist Dietrich well, that the bold knight was grim of mood. The lord of
+      Berne gan guard him against the fearful blows, for well he knew Hagen, the
+      stately knight. Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow. Dietrich
+      returned the blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he conquered
+      Hagen in the strife. A wound he dealt him, the which was deep and long.
+      Then Lord Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out with strife; little
+      honor shall I have, and thou liest dead before me. I will try, if
+      perchance I can force thee to be my hostage."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This he wrought with danger. His shield he let fall, great was his
+      strength, and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms. Thus the brave knight
+      was overcome by Dietrich. Noble Gunther gan wail thereat. Dietrich now
+      bound Hagen and led him to where he found the high-born queen; into her
+      hand he gave the bravest warrior that ever bare a sword. Then merry enow
+      she grew after her great dole. For very joy King Etzel's wife bowed low
+      before the knight. "May thy heart and body be ever blest. Thou hast well
+      requited me of all my woes. For this will I ever serve thee, unless be,
+      that death doth hinder me therefrom."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen. And if
+      this still may be, how well will I requite you of that which he hath done
+      you! Let him not suffer, because ye see him stand here bound."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked in and
+      where none did see him. Gunther, the high-born king, began to call:
+      "Whither went the knight of Berne? He hath done me wrong."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him. Gunther's might was worthy of
+      praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and from the clashing
+      of the swords of the twain a mighty din arose. However much and long Lord
+      Dietrich's prowess had been praised, yet Gunther was so sorely angered and
+      enraged, for because of the grievous dole, he was his deadly foe, that men
+      still tell it as a wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall. Great were both
+      their prowess and their strength. The palace and the towers resounded with
+      the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the sturdy helmets. King
+      Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of Berne overcame him, as
+      happed to Hagen afore. The hero's blood was seen to ooze through the armor
+      rings, drawn forth by a keen-edged sword, the which Sir Dietrich bare.
+      Though weary, Sir Gunther had guarded him most valiantly. The lord was now
+      bound by Dietrich's hands. Though kings should not endure such bonds, yet
+      Dietrich thought, if he set free the king and his liegeman, that all they
+      met must needs fall dead at their hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to where he
+      found Kriemhild. At sight of his sorrow much of her fear took flight. She
+      spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the Burgundian land."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your greetings
+      were but kinder. I know you, queen, to be so wroth of mood that ye do give
+      me and Hagen meagre greetings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such good
+      knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted lady. For my
+      sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She vowed she'd do it gladly. Then Sir Dietrich left the worshipful
+      knights with weeping eyes. Later Etzel's wife avenged her grimly; she took
+      the life of both the chosen heroes. To make their duress worse she let
+      them lie apart, so that neither saw the other, till she bare her brother's
+      head to Hagen. Kriemhild's vengeance on both was great enow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the queen went to Hagen. In what right hostile wise she spake to the
+      knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken from me, then ye may
+      still go home alive to Burgundy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble queen.
+      Forsooth I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the hoard, the while
+      and any of my lords still live; so I shall give it to none."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I'll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife. Then she bade her
+      brother's life be taken. His head they struck off, and by the hair she
+      bare it to the knight of Troneg. Loth enow it was to him. When sad of mind
+      the warrior gazed upon his master's head, he spake to Kriemhild: "Thou
+      hast brought it to an end after thy will, and it hath happed, as I had
+      thought me. The noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher, the
+      youth, and Sir Gernot, too. None knoweth of the treasure now save God and
+      me, and it shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the sword of
+      Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw him, in whom dole
+      of heart hath happed to me through you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit. She planned
+      to rob the knight of life. With her hands she raised it and struck off his
+      head. This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it rued him. "Alack!" cried the
+      lording, "how lieth now dead at a woman's hands the very best of knights,
+      that ever came to battle or bare a shield! However much I was his foe, yet
+      it doth grieve me sorely."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught, that she
+      durst slay him. Whatso hap to me, and however much it may bring me to a
+      dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg's death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild. For fear of him she suffered
+      pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked so frightfully? He
+      dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the which did cut the high-born
+      dame in twain. Now all lay low in death whom fate had doomed. Dietrich and
+      Etzel then began to weep; sorely they mourned both kin and liegemen. Their
+      mickle honors lay there low in death; the courtiers all had grief and
+      drearihead. The king's high feast had ended now in woe, as joy doth ever
+      end in sorrow at the last. I cannot tell you, that which happed
+      thereafter, save that knights and ladies and noble squires were seen to
+      weep for the death of loving kinsmen. The tale hath here an end. This is
+      the Nibelungs' fall. (2) (3)
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.
+   (2)  "Fall".  The word "not", translated here "fall", means
+        really 'disaster', but as this word is not in keeping with
+        the style, "fall" has been chosen as preferable to 'need',
+        used by some translators.  The MS. C has here "liet" instead
+        of "not" of A and B.
+   (3)  The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage",
+        a poem written in short rhyming couplets.  As the name
+        indicates, it describes the lamentations of the survivors
+        over the dead.  The praises of each warrior are sung and a
+        messenger dispatched to acquaint Gotelind, Uta, and Brunhild
+        with the sad end of their kinsmen.  It closes with
+        Dietrich's departure from Etzel's court and his return home.
+        Although in one sense a continuation of our poem, the
+        "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being
+        excessively tedious with its constant repetitions.  A
+        reprint and a full account of it will be found in Piper's
+        edition of our poem, vol. I.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nibelungenlied, by Unknown
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+</pre>
+  </body>
+</html>
diff --git a/old/old/1151.txt b/old/old/1151.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8390d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/old/1151.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,10665 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nibelungenlied, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nibelungenlied
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Posting Date: July 31, 2008 [EBook #1151]
+Release Date: December, 1997
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NIBELUNGENLIED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Douglas B. Killings
+
+
+
+
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED
+
+By An Unknown Author
+
+Translated by Daniel B. Shumway
+
+
+Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime around 1200
+A.D., although this dating is by no means certain. Author unknown.
+
+The text of this edition is based on that published as "The
+Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
+New York, 1909).
+
+PREPARER'S NOTE: In order to make this electronic edition easier to use,
+the preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.
+Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves and
+substituting page references with footnote references. The preparer
+takes full responsibility for these changes.--DBK.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS--
+
+Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London, 1962).
+Prose translation.
+
+Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne State
+University Press, Detroit, 1962). Verse translation.
+
+RECOMMENDED READING--
+
+Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs & Sidney Johnson
+(Garland Pub., New York, 1992).
+
+Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and Eirikr
+Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).
+
+Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History",
+Translated by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation
+of as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the
+general reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has
+been stimulated by Wagner's operas and by the reading of such poems as
+William Morris' "Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the
+medium of translation, since it is hardly possible to give an accurate
+rendering and at the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme
+and metre; at least, none of the verse translations made thus far have
+succeeded in doing this. The prose translations, on the other hand,
+mostly err in being too continuous and in condensing too much, so that
+they retell the story instead of translating it. The present translator
+has tried to avoid these two extremes. He has endeavored to translate
+literally and accurately, and to reproduce the spirit of the original,
+as far as a prose translation will permit. To this end the language has
+been made as simple and as Saxon in character as possible. An exception
+has been made, however, in the case of such Romance words as were in use
+in England during the age of the romances of chivalry, and which would
+help to land a Romance coloring; these have been frequently employed.
+Very few obsolete words have been used, and these are explained in the
+notes, but the language has been made to some extent archaic, especially
+in dialogue, in order to give the impression of age. At the request of
+the publishers the Introduction Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus
+of scholarship and made as popular as a study of the poem and its
+sources would allow. The advanced student who may be interested in
+consulting authorities will find them given in the introduction to the
+parallel edition in the Riverside Literature Series. A short list of
+English works on the subject had, however, been added.
+
+In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G.
+Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting
+the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition
+of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the notes. --DANIEL BUSSIER
+SHUMWAY,
+
+Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY SKETCH
+
+There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such
+universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as
+the "Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age
+of chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German
+antiquity, and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry,
+but also traits of ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic
+mythology. One of its earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad",
+for, like this great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and
+unites the monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical
+personages into a poem that is essentially national in character, and
+the embodiment of all that is great in the antiquity of the race. Though
+lacking to some extent the dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied"
+surpasses the former in the deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy
+of fate, the inevitable retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle
+between the powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.
+
+That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages
+is evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us.
+We possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved
+in thirty-one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and
+fourteenth centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved
+that, in spite of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of
+this number three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon
+as the most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them
+a fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled. (1) It
+is now generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later redaction
+with many additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to whether
+the priority should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that B
+is the more original, A merely a careless copy of B.
+
+In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was
+soon forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly
+chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and
+tastes lay in a different direction, this epic shared the fate of many
+others of its kind, and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery
+or ducal libraries, there to wait till a more cultured age, curious
+as to the literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from
+its hiding places. However, the figures of the old legend were not
+forgotten, but lived on among the people, and were finally embodied in a
+popular ballad, "Das Lied vom Hurnen Segfrid", which has been preserved
+in a print of the sixteenth century, although the poem itself is thought
+to go back at least to the thirteenth. The legend was also dramatized by
+Hans Sachs, the shoemaker poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form
+in a chap book which still exists in prints of the eighteenth century.
+The story and the characters gradually became so vague and distorted,
+that only a trained eye could detect in the burlesque figures of the
+popular account the heroes of the ancient Germanic Legend.
+
+The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to
+the world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H.
+Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the
+Tirol on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with
+Karl Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany
+has ever produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin
+his epoch-making essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied".
+Believing that the poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads
+or lays, he sought by means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts
+which were, as he thought, later interpolations or emendations. As a
+result of this sifting and discarding process, he reduced the poem
+to what he considered to have been its original form, namely, twenty
+separate lays, which he thought had come down to us in practically the
+same form in which they had been sung by various minstrels.
+
+This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every
+reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of
+Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed
+in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They
+formed merely the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive
+the old heroic legends of the German past which were familiar to his
+hearers and to adapt them to the tastes of his time. In all probability
+we must assume two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the
+poem. There appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German
+account, quite simple and brief, the other a tradition of the Lower
+Rhine. The legend was perhaps developed by minstrels along the Rhine,
+until it was taken and worked up into its present form by some Austrian
+poet. Who this poet was we do not know, but we do know that he was
+perfectly familiar with all the details of courtly etiquette. He seems
+also to have been acquainted with the courtly epics of Heinrich von
+Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his poem is free from the tedious and
+often exaggerated descriptions of pomp, dress, and court ceremonies,
+that mar the beauty of even the best of the courtly epics. Many
+painstaking attempts have been made to discover the identity of the
+writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all these theories
+which considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the "Minnesingers",
+to be the author, because of the similarity of the strophic form of our
+poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute proof, and
+recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was indebted to
+the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric, and not the
+"Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe is presumably much
+older, and, having become popular in Austria through the poem, was
+adopted by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, in
+its present form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of
+the exactness of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later
+than 1204, because of certain allusions to it in the sixth book of
+"Parzival", which we know to have been written at this date. The two
+Low German poems which probably form the basis of our epic may have been
+united about 1150. It was revised and translated into High German and
+circulated at South German courts about 1170, and then received its
+present courtly form about 1190, this last version being the immediate
+source of our manuscripts.
+
+The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited
+upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the
+latter by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages
+prove by their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity
+with the German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the
+Danube and upon the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along
+the rocky fjords of Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new
+home across the channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the
+snow-covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires at
+night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles,
+each people and each generation telling it in its own fashion and adding
+new elements of its own invention. This great geographical distribution
+of the legend, and the variety of forms in which it appears, make it
+difficult to know where we must seek its origin. The northern version is
+in many respects older and simpler in form than the German, but still it
+is probable that Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took
+its rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient
+tribe of the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are
+reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried "spring"
+in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild "bed" near
+Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon's Rock, on the
+Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge
+of the story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the
+"Nibelungenlied" and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved
+almost no trace of the legend, and such as exist are too late and too
+corrupt to be of much use in determining the original features of the
+story.
+
+Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but
+certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the
+sixth century. It may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves
+captured by the Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or,
+as Mogk believes, may have been taken by the Heruli on their return
+to Norway after their defeat by the Langobardi. By whatever channel,
+however, the story reached the North, it became part and parcel of
+Skandinavian folklore, only certain names still pointing to the original
+home of the legend. In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed
+the ancient free constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated
+to Iceland, taking with them these acquired legends, which were better
+preserved in this remote island because of the peaceful introduction
+of Christianity, than on the Continent, where the Church was more
+antagonistic to the customs and legends of the heathen period.
+
+The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down
+to us in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or
+older "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was assigned to the
+celebrated Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in
+which it is preserved, dates from the middle of the thirteenth century,
+but is probably a copy of an older manuscript. The songs it contains
+were written at various times, the oldest probably in the first half of
+the ninth century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest
+manuscript. Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period, when
+Christianity was already beginning to influence the Norwegians, that
+is, between the years 800 and 1000. They are partly heroic, partly
+mythological in character, and are written in alliterative strophes
+interspersed with prose, and have the form of dialogues. Though the
+legends on which these songs are based were brought from Norway, most of
+them were probably composed in Iceland. Among these songs, now, we find
+a number which deal with the adventures of Siegfried and his tragic end.
+
+The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called
+"Volsungasaga", a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates
+from the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the account was
+probably written a century earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his
+ancestors are here related in great detail and his ancestry traced back
+to Wodan. Although a secondary source, as it is based on the "Edda", the
+"Volsungasaga" is nevertheless of great importance, since it supplies a
+portion of the "Codex Regius" which has been lost, and thus furnishes us
+with the contents of the missing songs.
+
+The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra
+Edda", after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241),to whom
+it was ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda"
+and the "Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger
+"Edda" is not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however,
+the Siegfried saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since
+it evidently made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially
+in the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told more
+in detail and with considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or
+"Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of
+the Siegfried story. It is really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains
+the story of Sigurd and Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and
+Gunther), which an old man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason,
+who converted the Norwegians to Christianity. The story was written
+about 1250 to illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian
+faith. It is based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is
+therefore of minor importance as a source.
+
+These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried
+legend into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the
+middle of the thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of
+the Hanseatic League, when the story was introduced together with other
+popular German epics. These poems are products of the age of chivalry,
+and are characterized by the romantic and courtly features of this
+movement. The one which concerns us here, as the fifth source of the
+Siegfried story, is the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates
+the adventures of the famous legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne,
+the historical Theodorich of Ravenna. In as far as it contains the
+adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also called the "Niflungasaga". The
+"Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a Norwegian who, as he himself
+tells us, heard the story from Germans in the neighborhood of Bremen
+and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon traditions, it can be
+considered an independent source of the legend, and, in fact, differs
+from the earlier Norse versions in many important details. The author
+was acquainted, however, with the older versions, and sought to
+compromise between them, but mostly followed his German authorities.
+
+The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects
+more original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of
+the treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of
+"Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for
+the killing of the former's son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form
+of an otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari",
+who in turn had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari
+pronounces a terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and
+this curse passes from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when
+asleep by his two sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is
+cheated out of the coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the
+"Gnita" heath, where he guards it in the form of a dragon.
+
+This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands
+of a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have
+seen), a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history
+back to Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of
+Siegfried's ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not
+especially concern us, as it has little or no influence on the later
+development of the story. It is sufficient for our purpose to know that
+Siegfried was the son of Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the
+birth of his son. Sigurd was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis"
+and the wise dwarf Regin, who taught him the knowledge of runes and
+of many languages. (2) At the suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and
+receives the steed "Grani" from the king, and is then urged by his tutor
+to help him obtain the treasure guarded by the latter's brother Fafnir.
+Sigurd promises, but first demands a sword. Two, that are given him by
+Regin, prove worthless, and he forges a new one from the pieces of his
+father's sword, which his mother had preserved. With this he easily
+splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of wool, floating down the
+Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father, and then sets off with
+Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of the former Sigurd
+digs a ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him from below with
+his sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the dragon warns
+Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin, who, he
+says, is planning Sigurd's death, intending to obtain the treasure for
+himself.
+
+When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of
+concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs
+Sigurd to roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers,
+and, putting them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the
+birds and hears them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and
+then he would be wiser than all other men. They also betray Regin's evil
+designs, and counsel the lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does,
+cutting off Regin's head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and
+eating Fafnir's heart. (3) On the further advice of the birds Sigurd
+first fetches the treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the
+mountain "Hindarfjall", where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie,
+"Sigrdrifu" ("Brynhild", "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep thorn
+of Wodan, and clad in full armor, lies asleep within a castle that is
+surrounded by a wall of flame. With the help of his steed Grani, Sigurd
+succeeds in penetrating through the fire to the castle. The sleeping
+maiden awakes when he cuts the armor from her with his sword, for it
+was as tight as if grown fast to the flesh. She hails her deliverer
+with great joy, for she had vowed never to marry a man who knew fear. At
+Sigurd's request she teaches him many wise precepts, and finally pledges
+her troth to him. He then departs, after promising to be faithful to her
+and to remember her teachings.
+
+On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the
+Norse form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on
+the lower Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Guthorm",
+and a daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears
+the name of Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil
+heart. (4) Sigurd is received with great honor, for his coming had been
+announced to Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her
+by Brynhild. The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the latter,
+gives him a potion which produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer
+remembers his betrothed, and accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king
+offers him at the queen's request. The marriage is celebrated with
+great pomp, and Sigurd remains permanently attached to Giuki's court,
+performing with the others many deeds of valor.
+
+Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild.
+Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild's
+father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom
+he learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will
+marry no one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this
+answer they proceed to Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to
+pierce the flames, even when seated on Sigurd's steed. Finally Sigurd
+and Gunnar change forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through
+the wall of fire, announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of
+Giuki, and reminds her of her promise to marry the one who penetrated
+the fire. Brynhild consents with great reluctance, for she is busy
+carrying on a war with a neighboring king. Sigurd then passes three
+nights at her side, placing, however, his sword Gram between them, as
+a bar of separation. At parting he draws from her finger the ring, with
+which he had originally pledged his troth to her, and replaces it with
+another, taken from Fafnir's hoard. Soon after this the marriage of
+Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with great splendor, and all return to
+Giuki's court, where they live happily for some time.
+
+One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath,
+Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the
+water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her
+father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through
+the fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts
+that not Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from
+her the fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in
+proof of her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not
+a word. After a second conversation on the subject had increased the
+hatred of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill,
+she takes to her bed, and when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks
+him if he remembers the circumstances of the wooing and that not he but
+Sigurd had penetrated the flames. She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as
+she had pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains
+by Hogni. Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake her. Finally
+Sigurd succeeds in making her talk, and she tells him how cruelly she
+has been deceived, that the better man had been destined for her, but
+that she had received the poorer one. This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's
+son had killed the king of the Danes and also Budli's brother, a great
+warrior. Moreover, although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames,
+he had not become her husband. He begs her therefore not to harbor a
+grudge against Gunnar.
+
+Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and threatens
+Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd.
+After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs
+him that he must kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the
+Rhinegold. Hogni warns him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it
+occurs to Gunnar, that his brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might
+do the deed. Both now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him
+wolf's and snake meat to eat to make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes
+the attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's
+penetrating glance. The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and pierces
+him with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls his own sword
+after his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He then dies, protesting
+his innocence and designating Brynhild as the instigator of his murder.
+Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her
+joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share Sigurd's death. In
+vain they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces
+herself with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre. In
+dying she prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli"
+and of the death of the many men which will be caused thereby.
+
+After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King
+"Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild
+learns of the place of her daughter's concealment, and tries to bring
+about a reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much
+treasure, if she will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only
+of revenge, but finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in
+Atli's land. After a time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for
+the latter had taken possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his
+court. A man named "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes
+the runes of warning, which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too,
+read as an invitation. The brothers determine to accept the invitation,
+and, though warned by many dreams, they set out for Atli's court, which
+they reach in due time. Vingi now breaks forth into exultations, that he
+has lured them into a snare, and is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.
+
+As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for
+battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun.
+Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some
+exchange of taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the
+combatants, but, failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her
+brothers. The battle rages furiously with great loss on both sides,
+until nearly all of the Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni
+are forced to yield to the power of numbers and are captured and bound.
+Gunnar is asked, if he will purchase his life with the treasure. He
+replies that he first wishes to see Hogni's bleeding heart. At first the
+heart of a slave is cut out and brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it
+at once as that of a coward. Then they cut out Hogni's heart, who laughs
+at the pain. This Gunnar sees is the right one, and is jubilant, for now
+Atli shall never obtain the treasure, as Gunnar alone knows where it is
+hid. In a rage Atli orders Gunnar to be thrown to the snakes. Though
+his hands are bound, Gunnar plays so sweetly with his toes on the harp,
+which Gudrun has sent him, that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with
+the exception of an adder, which stings him to the heart, so that he
+dies.
+
+Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun
+that she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers
+of peace and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons
+"Erp" and "Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives
+for his retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had
+drunk their blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night
+when Atli is asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires
+to avenge his father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust a
+sword through his breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told
+by Gudrun that she is his murderess. When he reproaches her with thus
+killing her husband, she answers that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli
+now asks for a fitting burial, and on receiving the promise of this,
+expires. Gudrun carries out her promise, and burns the castle with
+Atli and all his dead retainers. Other Edda songs relate the further
+adventures of Gudrun, but they do not concern us here, as the
+"Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the Nibelungs.
+
+This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to
+us in the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that
+this version, though more original than the Gorman tradition, does not
+represent the simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the
+original form was, has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two
+distinctly opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the
+personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the
+possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely human
+origin for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for the
+possession of treasure. The former view is the older, and obtained
+almost exclusively at one time. The latter has been gaining ground of
+recent years, and is held by many of the younger students of the legend.
+According to the mythological view, the maiden slumbering upon the
+lonely heights is the sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the
+morning red ("Morgenrote"). Siegfried is the youthful day who is
+destined to rouse the sun from her slumber. At the appointed time he
+ascends, and before his splendor the morning red disappears. He awakens
+the maiden; radiantly the sun rises from its couch and joyously greets
+the world of nature. But light and shade are indissolubly connected; day
+changes of itself into night. When at evening the sun sinks to rest
+and surrounds herself once more with a wall of flames, the day again
+approaches, but no longer in the youthful form of the morning to arouse
+her from her slumber, but in the sombre shape of Gunther, to rest at her
+side. Day has turned into night; this is the meaning of the change of
+forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day and sun descend into the realm of
+darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried story is a day myth; but under
+another it is a myth of the year. The dragon is the symbol of winter,
+the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes the bright summer, his sword
+the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in the dark days of winder.
+When its time has come, it goes forth triumphantly and destroys
+the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the symbolization the
+abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is thus not a mere
+allegory, but a personification of nature's forces. The treasure may
+have entered the saga through the widespread idea of the dragon as the
+guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of nature which
+unfolds when the season has conquered. In the last act of the saga,
+Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees again
+a symbolic representation of a process of nature. According to him it
+signifies the death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he
+kills the dragon, in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully
+slain by the hostile powers of darkness. Later, when this act was
+connected with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning
+was forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and
+jealousy of the insulted queen.
+
+Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already
+spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and
+does not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best
+exponent of this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt
+to resolve the story into its simplest constituents. According to him
+the nucleus of the legend is an old story of the murder of relatives
+("Verwandienmord"), the original form being perhaps as follows. Attila
+(i.e., the enemy of Hagen under any name) is married to Hagen's sister
+Grimhild or Gudrun. He invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks
+him in the hope of obtaining his treasure, and kills him. According
+to this view Hagen was originally the king, but later sinks to a
+subordinate position through the subsequent connection of the story with
+the Burgundians. It is of course useless to hunt for the date of such
+an episode in history. Such a murder could have frequently occurred, and
+can be localized anywhere. Very early we find this Hagen story united
+with the Siegfried legend. If the latter is mythological, then we have
+a heterogeneous combination, a mythical legend grafted on a purely human
+one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and presents a number of arguments to
+disprove the mythical character of the Siegfried story, into which
+we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to the conclusion, that the
+Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and consisted originally of the
+murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of the Hagen title. Siegfried
+is married to Hagen's sister, and is killed by his brother-in-law
+because of his treasure. The kernel of the legend is, therefore, the
+enmity between relatives, which exists in two forms, the one in which
+the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi" saga, the
+other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by him, too, as
+in the "Hilde" saga. The German tradition tries to combine the two by
+introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild causes the death of her
+relatives, in order to avenge her first husband. Boer is of the opinion
+that both the Norse and the German versions have forgotten the original
+connection between the two stories, and that this connection was nothing
+more nor less than the common motive of the treasure. The same treasure,
+which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in turn
+through the greed of Attila. There was originally, according to Boer, no
+question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the retribution which
+overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate was lost
+when the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his treasure,
+was replaced by the one that he does it at the request of Brunhild. This
+leads Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to
+the Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty
+("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. The type is
+that of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which may take
+the form of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of being
+sewed into a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm's fairy tales. By the union
+of the two stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping
+Beauty tale, Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand
+his relation to Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the
+rock, on the other his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent
+death. This twofold relation had to be disposed of, and since his
+connection with Grimhild was decisive for his fate, his relation to
+Brunhild had to be changed. It could not be entirely ignored, for it
+was too well known, therefore it was given a different interpretation.
+Siegfried still rescues a maiden from the rock, not for himself,
+however, but for another. The exchange of forms on the part of
+Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of the older form. It gives the
+impression, that Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the bride. This
+alteration probably took place when the Burgundians were introduced into
+the legend. With this introduction an unlocalized saga of unknown heroes
+of ancient times became one of events of world-wide importance; the fall
+of a mighty race was depicted as the result of Siegfried's death. To
+render this plausible, it was necessary on the one hand to idealize
+the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of horror demanding
+fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of the Burgundians
+an active participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise it would not
+seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for a crime
+committed by the king's brother or vassal. As the role of Brunhild's
+husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role, it was
+natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very ingeniously
+the gradual development of this exchange of roles through the various
+sources.
+
+Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two women is
+to identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the
+hero rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her,
+and then is later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As
+Brunhild and Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need
+of a wooing for the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild,
+accordingly the old motive of greed (here envy) reappears.
+
+As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not
+originally belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the
+popular ballad is the fight with the dragon connected with the release
+of Brunhild. If the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the
+dragon cannot have originally belonged to it, but was later introduced,
+because of the widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of
+treasure, and in order to answer the question as to the provenience of
+the hoard. This is, however, only one answer to the question. Another,
+widespread in German legends, is that the treasure comes from the
+Nibelungs, that is, from the dwarfs. Many identify the dwarfs and the
+dragon, but this finds no support in the sources, for here the dwarfs
+and Fafnir are never confused. The "Nibelungenlied" describes an
+adventure with each, but the treasure is only connected with the dwarfs.
+The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon fight but not the dwarfs, as is
+likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad. Only in the Norse sources
+do we find a contamination. The story of Hreithmar and his sons, who
+quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of Schilbung and Nibelung in
+the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same source. One of the sons,
+because of his guarding the treasure, is identified with the dragon,
+and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon, after gaining the treasure.
+Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but a dwarf. These two
+independent forms can be geographically localized. The dwarf legend is
+the more southern; it is told in detail in the "Nibelungenlied". The
+dragon legend probably originated in the Cimbrian peninsula, where the
+"Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon fight plays such an important part,
+likewise arose.
+
+There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing
+in the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other
+tracing it back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may
+be, that the true form of the original saga lies half way between
+these two views. The story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their
+killing at Etzel's court, may go back to the tale of the murder of
+relatives for money. On the other hand it is hard to believe that the
+Siegfried saga is nothing but a repetition of the Attila motive, for
+this is too brief a formula to which to reduce the long legend of
+Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if we discard the mythological
+interpretation, it is the tale of a daring hero, who is brought up in
+the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon and takes possession of
+his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon a mountain, as in the
+older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a tower, as in the
+"Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire, as in the
+Norse, or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied". After
+betrothing himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further
+adventures, and falls into the power of an evil race, who by their
+magic arts lure him to them, cause his destruction, and then obtain
+his treasure and the maiden for themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa
+belongs to Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong
+together, and it seems hardly possible that she should have entered the
+story later, as Boer would have us believe. After all, it is largely a
+matter of belief, for it is impossible to prove positively that mythical
+elements did or did not exist in the original.
+
+To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements
+were added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the
+Franks were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward.
+Further up the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had
+established a kingdom in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their
+capital being Worms and their king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the
+Romans called him. For twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms
+with the surrounding nations. Then, growing bolder, they suddenly
+rose against the Romans in the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly
+suppressed by the Roman general Aetius. Though defeated, the Burgundians
+were not subdued, and the very next year they broke their oaths and
+again sought to throw off the Roman yoke. This time the Romans called to
+their aid the hordes of Huns, who had been growing rapidly in power and
+were already pressing hard upon the German nations from the east. Only
+too glad for an excuse, the Huns poured into the land in great numbers
+and practically swept the Burgundian people from the face of the earth.
+According to the Roman historians, twenty thousand Burgundians were
+slain in this great battle of the Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this
+catastrophe, in which a whole German nation fell before the hordes of
+invading barbarians, produced a profound impression upon the Teutonic
+world. The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the "Nibelungenlied", who also
+fell in the battle, became the central figure of a new legend, namely,
+the story of the fall of the Burgundians.
+
+Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after
+his death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the
+slaughter of the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types,
+and as Attila was a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon
+as the type of a cruel tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural
+for him to play the role assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible
+is Boer's explanation of the entrance of Attila into the legend. The
+"Thidreksaga" locates him in Seest in Westphalia. Now this province once
+bore the haute of "Hunaland", and by a natural confusion, because of
+the similarity of the names, "Huna" and "Huns", Attila, who is the
+chief representative of Hunnish power, was connected with the legend
+and located at Seest. This would show that the original extension of the
+legend was slight, as Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles
+from Seest. The original form would then be that Hagen was slain by a
+king of "Hunaland", then because history relates that the Burgundians
+were slain by the Huns, the similarity of the names led to the
+introduction of Attila and the identification of the Nibelungs with the
+Burgundians. The fact, too, that the Franks rapidly took possession
+of the district depopulated by the crushing defeat of the Burgundians
+likewise aided the confusion, and thus the Franks became the natural
+heirs of the legend concerning the death of Gunther, and so we read of
+the fall of the Nibelungs, a name that is wholly Frankish in character.
+This identification led also to Attila's being considered the avenger of
+Siegfried's death. Poetic justice, however, demands that the slaughter
+of the Burgundians at the hands of Attila be also avenged. The rumor,
+that Attila's death was not natural, but that he had been murdered by
+his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the necessary features to round out
+the story. As Kriemhild was the sister of the Burgundian kings, it was
+but natural to explain her killing of Attila, as described in the Norse
+versions, by her desire to avenge her brothers.
+
+In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild,
+who is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here,
+has sunk to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive
+observer of the fight raging around him. This change was brought about
+perhaps by the introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing
+figure of all Germanic heroic lore. The necessity of providing him
+with a role corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing
+repugnance on the part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat at the
+hands of the Huns, caused the person of Attila to dwindle in importance.
+Gradually, too, the role played by Kriemhild was totally changed.
+Instead of being the avenger of her brothers, as depicted in the Norse
+versions, she herself becomes the cause of their destruction. Etzel
+is not only innocent of any desire to harm the Nibelungs, but is even
+ignorant of the revenge planned by his wife. This change in her role was
+probably due to the feeling that it was incumbent upon her to avenge the
+murder of Siegfried.
+
+Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried's
+youth as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no
+longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic
+Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king
+of the Netherlands, and the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild.
+The poem has forgotten Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows
+nothing of his penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her,
+nothing of the betrothal of the two. In our poem Siegfried is carefully
+reared at his father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out with great
+pomp for the court of the Burgundians. In the Norse version he naturally
+remains at Gunther's court after his marriage, but in our poem he
+returns to the Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the
+introduction of several new scenes to depict his arrival home, the
+invitation to the feast at Worms, and the reception of the guests on the
+part of the Burgundians.
+
+In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the
+winning of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older
+Norse versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but
+Siegfried dons the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that
+while Gunther makes the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing
+which is rather difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is
+likewise very differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it
+is in the Norse version. In the latter it takes place while the
+ladies are bathing in the river, and is brought on by the arrogance of
+Brunhild, who refuses to stand lower down the stream and bathe in the
+water flowing from Gudrun to her. In the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the
+seclusion of the ladies' apartments, but in our poem it culminates in
+front of the cathedral before the assembled court, and requires as its
+background all the pomp and splendor of medieval chivalry. With a master
+hand and a wonderful knowledge of female character, the author depicts
+the gradual progress of the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent
+scene of wounded pride and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as usual, plays
+the more important part, and, while standing up for her rights, tries in
+every way to conciliate Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At
+last, however, stung by the taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her
+patience, bursts out with the whole story of the twofold deception to
+which Brunhild has been subjected, and then triumphantly sweeps into
+the church, leaving her rival stunned and humiliated by the news she
+has heard. In the Norse tradition the scene serves merely to enlighten
+Brunhild as to the deception played upon her. In the "Nibelungenlied" it
+becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death, for Brunhild plans to kill
+Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to her. She has no other
+reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no deception. Brunhild
+appeals to us much less in the "Nibelungenlied" than in the Norse
+version. In the latter she feels herself deeply wronged by Siegfried's
+faithlessness, and resolves on his death because she will not be the
+wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason for wishing his death
+except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she disappears
+from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse tradition she
+ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.
+
+The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally different
+in the two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while
+asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is
+killed by Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded
+by a scene in which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the
+one vulnerable spot on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting
+him. This deepens the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and
+self-reproaches the greater. After Siegfried's burial his father,
+who had also come to Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade
+Kriemhild to return with him to the Netherlands. Her refusal is
+unnatural in the extreme, for she had reigned there ten years or
+more with Siegfried, and had left her little son behind, and yet she
+relinquishes all this and remains with her brothers, whom she knows to
+be the murderers of her husband. This is evidently a reminiscence of
+an earlier form in which Siegfried was a homeless adventurer, as in the
+"Thidreksaga".
+
+The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs,
+is treated of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the
+"Nibelungenlied", which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has
+developed and enlarged upon the story, until it overshadows the first
+part in length and importance and gives the name to the whole poem.
+The main difference between the two versions is that in the older
+Norse tradition it is Attila who invites the Nibelungs to his court and
+attacks them in order to gain possession of the treasure, while Gudrun
+(Kriemhild) first tries to reconcile the warring parties, and, not
+succeeding in this, snatches up a sword and fights on the side of
+her brothers and later kills her husband as an act of revenge. In the
+"Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied", however, she is the instigator
+of the fight and the cause of her brothers' death, and finally suffers
+death herself at the hands of Master Hildebrand, who is furious that
+such noble heroes should fall at a woman's hand. The second part of
+the poem is grewsome reading at best, with its weltering corpses and
+torrents of blood. The horror is relieved only by the grim humor of
+Hagen and by the charming scene at Rudeger's court, where the young
+prince Giselher is betrothed to Rudeger's daughter. Rudeger is without
+doubt the most tragic figure of this part. He is bound on the one hand
+by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by ties of
+friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at the dilemma in which
+Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him is pitiful.
+Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must fulfill his
+vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he rushes to
+his death in combat with his dearest friends.
+
+Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of
+Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that
+he is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his
+companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism
+that would do honor to a Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of
+his crime, and to the last mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury
+knows no bounds. No character shows so little the refining influences of
+Christianity as does his. In all essential respects he is still the same
+old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms of the legend.
+
+As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the
+"Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here,
+although they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to
+say, that the "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective
+scenes for the purpose of bringing some of them, especially Folker and
+Dankwart, into prominence. Among the best of these are, first, the night
+watch, when Folker first plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin,
+and then stands guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned
+by Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following morning,
+when the men of both parties clash; and lastly the tournament between
+the Huns and the Burgundians, which gives the author an excellent chance
+to show the prowess of the various heroes.
+
+Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the
+"Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"
+("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of
+the Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the
+strophe is considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem,
+and that it was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back
+most probably to the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth
+century, although some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the
+French epic verse, may have been of influence. The direct derivation
+from Otfrid seems, however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the
+importance of the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the
+sense, as well as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending. The
+"Nibelungen" strophe consists of four long lines separated by a caesura
+into two distinct halves. The first half of each line contains four
+accents, the fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last stress,
+however, is not, as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being
+somewhat like that of a feminine ending. On this account some speak of
+three accents in the first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth
+stress is, however, too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of
+its lighter character is best marked with a grave accent. The second
+half of each line ends in a masculine rhyme. The first three lines have
+each three stresses in the second half, while the second half of the
+fourth line has four accents to mark the end of the strophe. This
+longer fourth line is one of the most marked characteristics of the
+"Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are arranged in the order of "a", "a",
+"b", "b", though in a few isolated cases near the end of the poem but
+one rhyme is used throughout the strophe.
+
+The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form
+and scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the
+Middle High German language in which the poem is written:
+
+     Uns ist in alten maeren   wunders vil geseit
+     von heleden lobebaeron,   von grozer arebeit,
+     von froude und hochgeziten,   von weinen und von klagen,
+     von kuener recken striten   muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.
+
+     Ez wuochs in Burgonden   ein edel magedin,
+     daz in allen landen   niht schoeners mohte sin,
+     Kriemhild geheizen;   si wart ein scoene wip,
+     darambe muosen degene   vil verliesen den lip.
+
+     Der minneclichen meide   triuten wol gezam,
+     ir muotten kuene recken,   niemen was ir gram,
+     ane ma zen schoene   so was ir edel lip;
+     der iunevrouwen tugende   zierten anderiu wip.
+
+     Ir pilagen drie kilnege   edel unde rich,
+     Ganther ande Geruot,   die recken lobelieh,
+     und Giselher der iunge,   ein uz erwelter degen,
+     diu frouwe was ir swester,   die fu'rsten hetens in ir
+                                        pflegen.
+
+     Die herren waren milte,   von arde hohe erborn,
+     mit kraft unmazen kuene,   die recken uz erkorn,
+     dazen Burgonden   so was ir lant genant,
+     si framden starkiu wunder   sit in Etzelen lant.
+
+     Ze Wormze bidem Rine   si wenden mit ir kraft,
+     in diende von ir landen   stolziu ritterscaft
+     mit lobelichen eren   unz an ir endes zit,
+     sit sturben si inemerliche   von zweier edelen frouwen nit.
+
+Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene": "degene"
+(str. 84) or "Hagene": "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, but
+it is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in
+question shows that the three accents are not complete without this
+final "e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High
+German poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to
+die out in the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the
+period. The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure
+rhymes being mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed
+together, e.g. "mich": "rich" or "man": "han". Caesural rhymes are
+frequently met with, and were considered by Lachmann to be the marks of
+interpolated strophes, a view no longer held. A further peculiarity
+of the "Nibelungen" strophe is the frequent omission of the unaccented
+syllable in the second half of the last line of the strophe between the
+second and third stresses. Examples of this will be found in the second,
+third, and fifth strophes of the passage given above.
+
+The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High
+German, that is, the High German written and spoken in the period
+between 1100 and 1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry
+and of the "Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the
+Austrian dialect of the close of the twelfth century, but contains many
+archaisms, which point to the fact of its having undergone a number of
+revisions.
+
+In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or
+two further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in
+German literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue"
+(faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent
+portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his
+lord, as depicted in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband,
+as shown by Kriemhild, carried out with unhesitating consistency to the
+bitter end. This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors
+so largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the
+death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the
+masters of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled to bow.
+
+In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of
+the youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it
+is a torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of
+these integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of
+originally separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains
+not a few contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a
+close study reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle
+High German epic poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older
+German literature. It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in
+Gottfried von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often
+magnificent descriptions of armor and dress to be met with in the epics
+of Hartman von Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram
+von Eschenbach's "Parzival", and does not, as this latter, lead the
+reader into the realms of religious doubts and struggles. It is imposing
+through its very simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which
+it does not seek to adorn and decorate. It nowhere pauses to analyze
+motives nor to give us a picture of inner conflict as modern authors are
+fond of doing. Its characters are impulsive and prompt in action, and
+when they have once acted, waste no time in useless regret or remorse.
+
+It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the
+terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery,
+but it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the
+latter. It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp
+of courtly ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and
+beneath the outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and
+wildly as in the days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps
+greater poems in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so
+majestic in conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their
+execution, and so national in their character, as this great popular
+epic of German literature.
+
+
+  ENDNOTES:
+  (1)  A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth
+       century, now found in Munich.  It forms the basis of
+       Lachmann's edition.  It is a parchment MS. of the middle of
+       the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.
+       Gall.  It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker
+       des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-
+       Literatur", vol. 6.  C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth
+       century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen.  It is
+       the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by
+       Zarncke.
+  (2)  The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in
+       having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in
+       ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably
+       borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although
+       thought by some to have been an original feature of our
+       legend.
+  (3)  The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the
+       brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode
+       in somewhat different fashion.  The brothers plan to kill
+       Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while
+       burning charcoal in the forest.  After killing the monster
+       with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and
+       thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him
+       invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,
+       which he could not reach.  This bathing in the blood is also
+       related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",
+       with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a
+       linden leaf falling upon him.
+  (4)  The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
+       that the Norse version is here more original.  Gunnar is the
+       same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
+       (Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot.  In this
+       latter the father is called Danerat, the mother Uote, and
+       the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
+       daughter.
+  (5)  In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
+       hair.
+
+
+
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE I (2)
+
+Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of
+praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold
+warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.
+
+In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer
+might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,
+for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the
+loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her
+hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues
+of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.
+
+Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and
+Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a
+chosen knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their
+care. The lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold
+of strength were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy.
+Great marvels they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8)
+upon the Rhine they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out
+their lands served them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter
+they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.
+
+Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,
+Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a
+mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full
+great. These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed
+allegiance the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong
+and brave, fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg,
+thereto his brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13);
+Gere (14) and Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16)
+endued with fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen,
+a chosen knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three
+kings, had rule of the court and of its honors. Thereto had they many
+a warrior whose name I cannot tell. Dankwart was marshal; his nephew,
+Ortwin, seneschal unto the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight;
+Hunolt served as chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty
+stations. Of the forces of the court and its far-reaching might, of
+the high worship (18) and of the chivalry these lords did ply with joy
+throughout their life, of this forsooth none might relate to you the
+end.
+
+In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she
+trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes,
+two eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all
+this world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not
+unfold it to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon
+which thou trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him
+soon, unless so be that God preserve him."
+
+"Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be
+without a warrior's love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I
+shall never gain woe from love of man."
+
+"Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever
+thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the
+love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right
+worthy knight."
+
+"I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it
+been seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall
+avoid them both, then can it ne'er go ill with me."
+
+Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day
+thereafter the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would
+care to love. In after days she became with worship a valiant here's
+bride. He was the selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her
+mother unfolded to her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest
+kin, who slew him after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a
+mother's son.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs.  The ordinary
+        etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'
+        ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have
+        belonged originally to the dwarfs.  Piper, I, 50, interprets
+        it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers
+        "Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it
+        as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.
+        "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".
+   (2)  "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.
+        "adventura").  The word meant originally a happening,
+        especially some great event, then the report of such an
+        event.  Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos
+        or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.
+        epics.  Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes
+        the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.
+   (3)  "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish
+        "Grimhild".  In the MSS., the name generally appears with a
+        further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial
+        consonant were Germanic "k".  On the various forms of the
+        name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,
+        see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and
+        Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.
+   (4)  "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the
+        Burgundians in the fifth century.
+   (5)  "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place
+        of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse
+        version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not
+        etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in
+        Old Norse.
+   (6)  "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius".  Although
+        mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian
+        kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in
+        other poems dealing with these persons, such as the
+        "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,
+        and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.
+        Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his
+        death is told.  He probably came from some independent
+        source.
+   (7)  "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"
+        (Norse "Atli").  A discussion of his connection with the
+        saga will be found in the introduction.
+   (8)  "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first
+        century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the
+        "Vangioni".  In the fifth century it was the capital of the
+        Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns.  The
+        Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it
+        became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his
+        court.  It was later noted as the meeting-place of many
+        imperial diets.  It remained a free city till 1801.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".
+   (9)  "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote").  The name means ancestress, and is
+        frequently used for the mother of heroes.  The modern German
+        form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced
+        with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.
+   (10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in
+        the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the
+        "Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse
+        "Giuki").
+   (11) "Hagen of Troneg".  Troneg is probably a corruption of the
+        name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower
+        Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as
+        "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were
+        descended from the ancient Trojans.  "Troja" was then
+        further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege".  Hagen was
+        therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the
+        Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to
+        show.  Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally
+        lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was
+        often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was
+        connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their
+        brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms
+        and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial
+        localization.  Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of
+        Troneg, as is Hagen.  Other attempts to explain Troneg will
+        be found in Piper, I, 48.
+   (12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that
+        belonged to the early form of the legend.  He may have come
+        from another saga, where he played the principal role as
+        Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks.  Boer considers him to be
+        Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally
+        fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the
+        moment.  In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a
+        word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,
+        because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'.  Its
+        original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although
+        the later meaning is already found in M.H.G.  In all such
+        doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless
+        the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen
+        to translate it.
+   (13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",
+        "Waltharius", and in "Biterolf".  He is most likely a late
+        introduction (but see Piper, I, 44).  Rieger thinks that he
+        belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis".  Though the "i" is
+        long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"
+        in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been
+        chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in
+        such names.
+   (14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction.  He is perhaps the
+        historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the
+        Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs.  See O. von
+        Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L
+        43.
+   (15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession.  He is perhaps the
+        historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the
+        name.  He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.
+   (16) "Folker of Alzet" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the
+        knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in
+        spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine
+        Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz.  The
+        town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also
+        the noble family of the same name.  It is most likely,
+        however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with
+        Alzei.  In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of
+        minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of
+        our poem developed the character and made it the
+        personification of himself.
+   (17) "Rumolt", "Bindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis
+        and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.
+   (18) "Worship".  This word has been frequently used here in its
+        older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to
+        translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried.
+
+In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had
+for name Siegemund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle,
+known far and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called
+it. Of this hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.
+Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great
+worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty
+knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
+mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What
+bold warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders
+might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors
+he received and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him
+in their love; with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of
+himself what virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored,
+that he was found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he
+become of the age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw
+him, many a maid wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow
+gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom
+was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and
+Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were
+acquaint with courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore
+might he win both folk and land.
+
+Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed
+thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;
+these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund
+have cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving
+kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings.
+To the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever
+any was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these
+noble youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the
+youthful prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell
+of this great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great
+worship with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store.
+Wherefore one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred
+sword-thanes (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a
+fair maid was aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them
+all. Many precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together
+with the edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young
+warriors, for this must needs be done.
+
+The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer
+festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then
+full many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to
+the minster. Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had
+been done to them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer.
+To the honor of God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people
+full great a press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise,
+with such great honors as might not ever lightly be again. Then they
+ran to where they found saddled many a steed. In Siegmund's court the
+hurtling (6) waxed so fierce that both palace (7) and hall were heard
+to ring; the high-mettled warriors clashed with mighty sound. From young
+and old one heard many a shock, so that the splintering of the shafts
+reechoed to the clouds. Truncheons (8) were seen flying out before
+the palace from the hand of many a knight. This was done with zeal. At
+length the host bade cease the tourney and the steeds were led away.
+Upon the turf one saw all to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and
+great store of precious stones from the bright spangles (10) of the
+shields. Through the hurtling this did hap.
+
+Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With
+good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which
+one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown
+worship enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of
+the strolling folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which
+men found there richly, whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with
+praise. Then bade the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land
+and castles, as he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the
+sword-companions. The journey liked them well, that to this land they
+were come. The feasting lasted until the seventh day. Siegelind,
+the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out ruddy gold in
+time-honored wise. Full well she wot how to make him beloved of the
+folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among the strolling mimes. Steeds
+and raiment were scattered by their hand, as if they were to live not
+one more day. I trow that never did serving folk use such great bounty.
+With worshipful honors the company departed hence. Of the mighty barons
+the tale doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of
+this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught. Forasmuch as both
+Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child of them twain
+wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he become a lord against all
+the deeds of force within his lands, whereof the bold and daring knight
+was sore adread.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
+        independent saga.  See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.
+   (2)  "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of
+        Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows.  The Early
+        Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi
+        saga".
+   (3)  "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at
+        present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of
+        Dusseldorf.  It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in
+        the Middle Ages.
+   (4)  "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires
+        who were to be made knights.  It was the custom for a
+        youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of
+        others.
+   (5)  "Midsummer festival".  The M.H.G. "sunewende" means
+        literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.
+        This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the
+        church later turned into St. John's Eve.  The bonfires still
+        burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old
+        heathen custom.
+   (6)  "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed
+        from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many
+        knights clashed together.  Hurtling was used in older
+        English in the same significance.
+   (7)  "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large
+        building standing alone and largely used as a reception
+        hall.
+   (8)  "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzune", O.F. "troncon", 'lance
+        splinters', 'fragments of spears'.
+   (9)  "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older
+        English to-beat, to-break, etc.
+   (10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating
+        from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
+        with precious stones.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+
+It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales
+told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous
+fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too.
+Her beauty out of measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard
+of her noble mind, that it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's
+land. But however many were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never
+confessed within her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was
+still a stranger to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of
+Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to his but
+as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In later days the
+noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride. Kinsmen and liegemen enow
+advised him, since he would have hope of constant love, that he woo
+one who was his peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose
+Kriemhild, the fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure.
+This I know full well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a
+wife, that it would not beseem him to love this noble queen."
+
+Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the
+courtiers he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to
+the king, that his child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it
+too, the wife of the noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for
+full well she knew Gunther and his men. Therefore they sought to turn
+the hero from this venture. Up spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear
+father mine, I would fain ever be without the love of noble dames, if I
+may not woo her in whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may
+aver, it will avail but naught."
+
+"And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad
+of thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath
+this King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but
+Hagen, the doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it
+will repent us sore, if we woo this high-born maid."
+
+Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may
+not obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can
+gain. I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."
+
+To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this
+tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that
+land. Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may
+none win the maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride
+with warriors unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they
+shall be summoned soon."
+
+"It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should
+follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the
+noble maid. My single hand can win her well--with eleven (2) comrades
+I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father
+Siegmund." Then to his knights they gave for garments furs both gray and
+vair. (3)
+
+Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for
+her loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther's men. Sorely
+the noble queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where
+he saw her; to his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not
+weep for me; naught have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray
+you, speed me on my journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my
+warriors may have array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for
+this I will say you gramercy i' faith."
+
+"Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I
+speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that
+ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."
+
+Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake:
+"None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be
+made ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with
+Kriemhild."
+
+Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease
+them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist
+from faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his
+son should ride forth from Siegmund's land. The shining breastplates,
+too, were put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both
+fair and broad. Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near;
+man and wife began to fear lest they never should come home again. The
+heroes bade lade their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their
+steeds were fair and their trappings red with gold. No need were there
+to live more proudly than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave
+to journey to the land of Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully
+vouchsafed. Lovingly he comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he,
+"must ye not weep, nor have fear for me or for my life."
+
+The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts
+did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death
+because of this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in
+sooth.
+
+Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave
+warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings
+fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men.
+Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as
+Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such
+princely attire been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down
+to their spurs. Sharp javelins were borne by these chosen knights.
+Siegfried wielded one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut
+most dangerously. In their hands they held gold-colored bridles; their
+martingales were silken: so they came into the land. Everywhere the folk
+began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's men fared forth to meet them.
+High-mettled warriors, both knight and squire, betook them to the lords
+(as was but right), and received into the land of their lords these
+guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which bore the
+shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How
+boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of
+my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever
+knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of
+Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."
+
+Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,
+that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see
+him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly
+man."
+
+To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,
+who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the
+Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly
+warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and
+broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then
+Ortwin of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king:
+"Since we know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let
+him see them. To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so
+be he knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."
+
+Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with
+his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.
+
+"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.
+
+"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If
+ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."
+
+"That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the
+guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their
+array, but full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He
+spake: "From wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may
+well be princes or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and
+their garments passing good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth
+high-mettled warriors be they."
+
+"I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried,
+yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that
+strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to
+this land. By this here's hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung
+and Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought
+great marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone
+without all aid, he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been
+told, by Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to
+him, till he gained knowledge of them there.
+
+"The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear
+a wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it
+there. This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near
+was he now come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights
+espied him, too. One among them spake: `Here cometh the mighty
+Siegfried, the hero of Netherland.' Passing strange were the tidings
+that, he found among the Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well
+the knight; with one accord these young and noble lordings bade the
+stately man divide the hoard. Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in
+turn gan vow it to them.
+
+"He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred
+wains might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from
+the Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should
+divide. As a guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were
+served full ill by the service which the good knight Siegfried should
+render them. Nor could he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew.
+Twelve bold men of their kith were there, mighty giants these. What
+might that avail them! Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and
+seven hundred warriors from the Nibelung land he vanquished with the
+good sword Balmung. (7) Because of the great fear that, many a young
+warrior had of the sword and of the valiant man, they made the land and
+its castles subject to his hand. Likewise both the mighty kings he
+slew, but soon he himself was sorely pressed by Alberich. (8) The
+latter weened to venge straightway his masters, till he then discovered
+Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match for him was the sturdy dwarf.
+Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where from Alberich he won the
+Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, become master
+of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there slain. Soon
+bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the men of
+Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the strong, warden of the
+hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his knave; and fit he
+was for work of every sort."
+
+So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win
+such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the
+hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became
+like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been
+seen. All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the
+youthful warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a
+friend, for he hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how
+valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring
+man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."
+
+"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son
+of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that
+it can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."
+
+"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both
+noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good
+stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried
+stood.
+
+The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full
+little was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they
+had greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,
+"whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at
+Worms upon the Rhine."
+
+Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from
+you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the
+boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and
+that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear
+boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This
+the folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn
+back, till it be known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a
+crown. Fain would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me: Rightly
+doth he rule both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be a
+pledge. Now be ye so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it
+lief or loth to any man, I will gain from you whatso ye have--land and
+castles shall be subject to my hand."
+
+The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard,
+that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed
+wroth, as they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther,
+the knight, "that we should lose by the force of any man that which my
+father hath rules so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that
+we, too, are used in knightly ways."
+
+"In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be
+that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And
+shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall
+be subject to thy sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike;
+whether of us twain can triumph over the other, him shall both land and
+people serve."
+
+Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish,"
+spake Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man
+lie dead at hero's hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is
+meet, nor hath any a better claim to them than we."
+
+There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz.
+"It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the
+mighty Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your
+brothers no meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well
+so to fight that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty
+mien."
+
+At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake: "Thy hand
+shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king's vassal thou.
+Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."
+
+Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be
+Hagen of Troneg's sister's son. It rued the king that he had held his
+peace so long. Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between.
+He spake to Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done
+us no such wrong, but that we may still part the strife in courteous
+wise. Be advised of me and hold him still as friend; far better will
+this beseem us."
+
+Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights
+that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over;
+my lordings never would have done such ill to him."
+
+To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir
+Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have
+dominion here in the Burgundian land."
+
+"I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights
+speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then
+bethought him of the noble maid.
+
+"How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However
+really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant
+honor therefrom and ye but little gain."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen,
+and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he
+hath so many here in Burgundy?"
+
+At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel. Then spake
+Queen Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who
+are come with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."
+
+Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine. The master
+of the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable
+wise, shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be
+shared."
+
+At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade
+that care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that
+men might find were sought for Siegfried's squires; great easement they
+gave them. Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day
+they offered him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell
+you. This his prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he
+saw who was his foe.
+
+Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games,
+Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one
+match him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or
+hurled the shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights
+made merry with the ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of
+Netherland, for upon high love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for
+whatso they undertook, but in his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he
+had never seen. She too, who in secret spake full well of him, cherished
+him alone. Whenever the pages, squires, and knights would play their
+games within the court, Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from
+the windows, for no other pastime she needed on such days. Had he known
+that she gazed on him thus, whom he bare within his heart, then had he
+had pastime enough, I trow, for well I wot that no greater joy in all
+this world could chance to him.
+
+Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to
+do, for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind's son,
+that many a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him
+many a day: "How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the
+noble maid, whom I do love with all my heart and so have done long time.
+Sadly must I stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."
+
+Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all
+must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady
+rued, and he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt
+with the lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther's land, and in all
+this time he saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there
+happed to him much joy and eke much woe.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may
+        mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often
+        difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference
+        should be given.
+   (2)  "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means
+        one of twelve.  The accounts are, however, contradictory, as
+        a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of
+        Siegfried.
+   (3)  "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the
+        fur of the squirrel.
+   (4)  "Known".  It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he
+        was acquainted with the customs and dress of various
+        countries and with the names and lineage of all important
+        personages.  Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks
+        Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou
+        tellest me the one, I shall know the other."
+   (5)  "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a
+        mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some
+        authorities, the original owners of the treasure.  Boer, ix,
+        199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was
+        transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in
+        the formation of the saga.
+   (6)  "Angry of mood".  The reason of this anger is apparent from
+        the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801.  The quarrel
+        arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
+        Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
+        born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
+   (7)  "Balmung".  In the older Norse version and in the
+        "Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
+   (8)  "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
+        legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".
+        Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
+        important role in modern literature.
+   (9)  "Cloak of Darkness".  This translates the M.H.G.
+        "tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators.  It is
+        formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
+        "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'.  It rendered the
+        wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)
+
+Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent
+them from afar--tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When they
+heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will
+I name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly
+prince, and then from Denmark Lindegast, the king. For their journey
+they had gathered many a lordly stranger.
+
+To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked
+the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court
+unto King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be
+ye welcome. I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be
+told." So spake the right good king. But they feared full sore King
+Gunther's warlike mood.
+
+"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall
+not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us
+hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye
+have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal
+hate. They would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of
+many a knight; that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the
+journey must befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help
+guard your castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be
+carved by them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let
+messengers be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will
+not ride so near you, to give you pain of heart, from which full many a
+lusty knight and a good must die."
+
+"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then
+ye shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold
+from them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my
+friends."
+
+To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare
+the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his
+men, and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of
+men that could be found. The king spake: "Men would seek us here in this
+our land with mighty armies, now make ye wail for that."
+
+To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we
+fend indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die;
+for their sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be
+welcome to us."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and
+Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such
+short time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the
+valiant knight.
+
+To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they
+bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but
+right, till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend
+him aid. Yet in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full
+blithe a knight, who wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and
+prayed King Gunther to tell him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me,"
+spake Siegfried, for he it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry
+wont, which ye have used thus far with us."
+
+To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell
+all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise.
+Only to trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."
+
+At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake:
+"I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your
+woes. And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport
+myself with honor until mine end."
+
+"Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and
+though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are
+friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will
+let you hear why I stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I
+have heard that they would visit me with war, a thing which knights have
+never done to us in all these lands."
+
+"Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do
+as I pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye
+command your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty
+foes be helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them,
+had I but a thousand; for that rely on me."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."
+
+"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have
+but twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of
+Siegfried serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart,
+and Sindolt, your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride
+along; he shall bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it.
+Let now the envoys ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to
+understand they soon shall see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
+
+Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers
+of Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should
+journey home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts
+and gave them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say
+unto my foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their
+journey and stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands,
+hardships shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
+
+Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to
+bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they
+took their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.
+
+Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had
+heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in
+sooth, their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full
+many a valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand,
+whose name was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it
+Liudegast when he heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark
+had heard these tidings told, they hasted all the more to call their
+friends; till Sir Liudegast had gathered for his journey full twenty
+thousand knights from among his valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also,
+of Saxon land, sent forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men
+and more, with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.
+
+Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the
+liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead
+thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon
+must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.
+When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such
+wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg
+was master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who
+wist well how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and
+Ortwin, too, well could they serve with honor in this war.
+
+"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your
+warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep
+your spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate.
+Well will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at
+Worms upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride
+so nigh unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to
+fear."
+
+From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon
+land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried
+all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire
+distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.
+Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"
+Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:
+"Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
+knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and
+Ortwin guard the rear."
+
+"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the
+outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors
+be." Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop
+he gave in charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the
+valiant man. Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a
+helmet band he cut to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host
+that lay encamped upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his
+men. Forty thousand or better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried
+saw this in lofty mood. Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted
+to the outlook 'gainst the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold
+man saw him, too. Each began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it
+was, who stood on guard, I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold
+lay by his hand. It was the good King Liudegast, who was guarding here
+his band. The noble stranger pricked along in lordly wise.
+
+Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of
+their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched
+the spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty
+king. After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal
+knights, as though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled
+in knightly wise and the two fierce champions encountered with their
+swords. Then smote Sir Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring.
+Through the hero's hand from out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew
+the bright red sparks. Each in the other found his match. Sir Liudegast,
+too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each broke full upon the
+shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men stood there on guard, but ere they
+could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with three groat
+wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming breastplate, the
+which was passing good. The blood from the wounds gushed forth along
+the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast stood in sorry mood. He
+begged for life and made offrance of his lands and said that his name
+was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had witnessed what there had
+happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he
+was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty blows the hero's hand
+guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then wrought worse scathe.
+In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one he left alive,
+who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had chanced. By his
+reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved the men of
+Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken captive.
+Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with monstrous
+wrath, for great woe it brought him.
+
+Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
+Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was
+the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden
+raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be
+done, ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame
+in Saxon land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed
+to me, for I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see
+helmets carved by the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they
+shall become acquaint with fear."
+
+To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart
+minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.
+Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor
+had they more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve
+men-at-arms. Now from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land
+they rode; many a lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst.
+There, too, were come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened
+swords, as I since have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes'
+hands, for they would fain guard both their castles and their land
+against the strangers. The lordings' marshals led on the troop.
+Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had brought from
+Netherland. In the storm of battle many a hand this day grew red with
+blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too, slew many a knight in the
+strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness of their foes. This many a
+stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too,
+dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these
+storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.
+
+The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield
+resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of
+which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but
+when the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide
+wound carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow.
+Thus they fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang
+the sharp weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed
+their lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way
+in Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.
+Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn
+forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his
+men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was
+Hagen come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before
+them many a good knight must needs die this day.
+
+When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in
+hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the
+lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of
+swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two
+champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;
+fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that
+his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it
+was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot,
+but later he learned the truth.
+
+So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled
+beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a
+frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise
+Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise
+Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side
+by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets
+many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
+shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the
+fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave,
+and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then
+off flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of
+Netherland thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous
+many of whom one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring
+Dankwart broke!
+
+Then Sir Liudegor espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's
+hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends
+the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have
+seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him
+well. The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land."
+The banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was
+later granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land.
+This was wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord
+they then gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets
+and the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the
+hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would,
+for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors,
+bade bear away the wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth
+captive to the Rhine. The worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had
+the Saxons fought so well that one could give them aught of praise, and
+this the heroes rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by
+friends.
+
+Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried,
+the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must
+needs confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his
+native land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him
+and to his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for
+honor. The squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had
+sorrowed, were blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come.
+Much questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with
+the liegemen of the mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to
+Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not), for she,
+too, had amongst them her own true love. When she saw the messenger
+coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me
+glad news, I pray. And thou dost so without deceit, I will give thee of
+my gold and will ever be thy friend. How fared forth from the battle my
+brother Gernot and others of my kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or
+who wrought there the best? This thou must tell me."
+
+Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell
+the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray,
+as did the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of
+valiant Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife,
+Dankwart and Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove
+for honor, 'tis but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of
+Siegmund, the king. They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none
+might tell you of the wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode
+into the fight. Great woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the
+field the love of many a dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so
+loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds they drew forth the blood
+in streams. In every knightly art he is a worthy knight and a brave.
+Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he whom he could reach with his
+good sword, fell sorely wounded, but mostly dead), yet your brother
+wrought the direst woe that could ever chance in battle. One must say of
+the chosen knights in truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted
+them so well that they can well preserve their honor from every taint
+of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field
+resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the warriors from
+the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been avoided. The
+valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great numbers the
+armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this full many
+stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt,
+Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well
+ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
+very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
+was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
+Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this
+King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon
+land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried
+the twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this
+land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing
+to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly
+wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men
+were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty
+pride sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
+Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."
+
+Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
+face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
+had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings
+could not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in
+duty bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
+therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have
+thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are
+gladly told to noble dames.
+
+They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
+fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
+high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
+came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
+the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
+guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he
+his vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty
+king in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
+because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
+Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but
+sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes.
+Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to
+Gunther's land. The men alighted from their steeds before the palace
+of the king. Loud was heard the joyous sound of the merry welcome;
+then order was given to lodge the warriors in the town. The king bade
+minister well unto his guests, attend the wounded and give them good
+easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to
+Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta'en because of you;
+for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God reward my kinsmen,
+for they have given me joy."
+
+"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath
+king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of
+wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
+
+"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety
+that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land
+against my will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
+
+Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded
+were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.
+Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields
+were borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which
+one bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight
+returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.
+His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the
+sorely wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men
+offered to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto
+shining gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To
+his guests the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to
+set out for home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king
+bethought him how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass
+his wish for fame and honor.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to
+them that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then
+will many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."
+
+Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther
+learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for
+the king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,
+though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the
+kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For
+the sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy
+her. Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He
+rode thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
+
+At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful
+knight did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon
+the sand before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the
+Burgundian land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard
+it said that the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear
+friends. Then comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which
+they were to don. The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors
+who were to come. Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To
+please her children she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and
+many maids might therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the
+Burgundian land. Also for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly
+robes.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Saxons".  This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
+        poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
+        later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
+        period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
+        to Brunhild's land.  (In our poem it is placed before the
+        marriage.)  It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
+        on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
+        Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
+        was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
+        in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
+        idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
+        role.  The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
+        Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark.  In "Biterolf"
+        Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
+        his brother.
+   (2)  "Fey".  This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
+        to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
+        etymologically the same word.  The ancient Germans were
+        fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
+        fate had so predestined.
+   (3)  "Thirty thousand".  The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
+        numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples.  They
+        will be found to occur very frequently in our poem.  See
+        Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
+   (4)  "Their".  The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
+        'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
+        haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
+   (5)  "Marks of gold".  A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
+        gold or silver.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
+
+One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the
+feasting. Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the
+land, were given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all,
+for the highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes
+at the feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire.
+Giselher, the youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their
+men received the friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights
+right courtly greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle
+of golden red, dainty shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the
+Rhine. Many a wounded man was seen full merry since. Even those who lay
+abed in stress of wounds, must needs forget the bitterness of death.
+Men ceased to mourn for the weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the
+festal day, and how well they would fare at the feasting of the king.
+Pleasure without stint and overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk
+which there were seen. Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the
+whole of Gunther's land.
+
+Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad
+attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they
+vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he
+already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his
+sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above
+all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full
+honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who
+live in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man,
+what else could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames?
+Pray let your sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a
+hero was this counsel given.
+
+"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were
+merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely
+daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the
+presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away.
+Of rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden
+decked herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was
+of the mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would
+not exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they
+gazed on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty
+king full a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort
+his sister and serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the
+Burgundian land and carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta
+coming with her child. Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken
+for her train, who wore rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter
+many a stately maid. When from out a bower men saw them come, there rose
+a mighty press of knights who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze
+with joy upon the noble maid. Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as
+doth the red of dawn from out the lowering clouds. He then was reft
+of many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw the
+lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How shone full many a precious
+stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her rose-red hue appeared. Whatever
+one might wish, he could not but confess that never in the world had
+he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon, whose sheen is thrown so
+brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the stars, so stood she now
+before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher rose the spirits of
+the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front,
+while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press where they might
+see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole. To
+himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should love thee?
+That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were I better
+dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood the son
+of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment by
+skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair a
+knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give
+way and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a
+wight, as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who
+offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite
+before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried
+now approach my sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be
+our gain. She who never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by
+this means we now may win the stately knight."
+
+Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion
+from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court;
+his sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."
+
+At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy
+without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely
+grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight
+stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir
+Siegfried, most good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this
+greeting his spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she
+took him by the hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon
+each other this lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly
+this happed. Was perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by
+heart-felt love? That know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was
+left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in
+summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his heart such lofty
+joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he walked with her whom he fain
+would call his love.
+
+Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk
+thus with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her,
+I'd bear it willingly."
+
+Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the
+guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was
+bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened
+in this world.
+
+Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a
+warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God
+grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."
+
+On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw
+her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately
+knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed
+by many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a
+daring wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight
+of many a knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well
+might he think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in
+heart. Cause enow he had to love the fair.
+
+When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight
+again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely
+maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many
+knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,
+"that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do
+love you with such fealty as I hear them say."
+
+Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve
+them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never
+will I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do,
+my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."
+
+A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid
+beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This
+service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure
+was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from
+many a daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever
+any wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they
+became well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land
+was decked with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming
+forth; they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard
+themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help
+them, for there was great store of men.
+
+At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He
+kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men
+saw him move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy
+knights, ere ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it
+of you ever. Do not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as
+I have great desire."
+
+Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we
+crave a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of
+our kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."
+
+Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had
+recovered from the fray, though many dead they left within this land.
+Then King Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake:
+"Now tell me what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for
+lasting peace of me and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what
+thinketh thee good to do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee;
+what of gold five hundred steeds can bear, that would they gladly give
+me, and I set them free again."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride
+hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his
+hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding
+hither to your land."
+
+"This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's
+foes was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their
+loved friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield
+full of treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out
+unweighed to his many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and
+to a few, still more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this.
+Then they all took leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests
+draw nigh to Kriemhild and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were
+knights dismissed in better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away,
+but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin and many a noble
+liegeman. Daily they were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good
+knight Siegfried now would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win
+that on which his mind was set. The king heard said that he would hence,
+but Giselher, the youth, quite won him from the journey.
+
+"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the
+knights, I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too,
+are many comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride
+hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I
+craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me
+from it."
+
+So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he
+have fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw
+Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording
+stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her
+love constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love
+in later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
+
+New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair
+maid dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high
+therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the
+sea, whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great
+her strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The
+stone she hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love
+must win without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the
+noble maid had done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by
+the Rhine. He turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes
+must needs later lose their lives.
+
+One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in
+many a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be
+their lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I
+will go down to the sea and hence to Brunhlld, however it may go with
+me. For her love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become
+not my wife."
+
+"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say,
+the queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will
+pay full dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I
+might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
+
+"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
+
+"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to
+share with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so
+well how matters stand with Brunhild."
+
+The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely
+maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my
+love, for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and
+thou give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask
+no other meed."
+
+"I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if
+fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto
+wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."
+
+This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their
+hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account
+these brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take
+with him hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers
+from a dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made
+them ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness
+he had strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With
+cunning arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that
+whatsoever any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild,
+which brought him dole.
+
+"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we
+not take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with
+passing honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be
+called."
+
+"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so
+fierce a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give
+thee better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering
+knights adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the
+band. In all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo
+the lady, whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four
+comrades, the second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have
+we hope of life), Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand
+others durst not match us in the fight."
+
+"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would
+please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which
+would beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."
+
+"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
+Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel
+no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
+
+The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if
+perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments
+which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."
+
+Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your
+mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and
+she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."
+
+Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight
+Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing
+well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were
+her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when
+she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to
+greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.
+
+"Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the
+maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me
+hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
+
+Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty
+mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign
+lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."
+
+"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear
+aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other
+kings."
+
+By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she
+walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with
+dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime
+with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft
+between the twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as
+life. In after days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may
+not be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have
+need of princely garb to wear before the dames."
+
+Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,
+that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.
+Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble
+knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly
+air to do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a
+will." So spake the winsome maid.
+
+"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand
+shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there
+be no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye
+what I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon
+the shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too,
+gave glad assent.
+
+"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus
+clad to court?"
+
+He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and
+Hagen, shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say.
+Each of us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes
+of apparel and such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit
+Brunhild's land."
+
+In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the
+queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come
+forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the
+fair silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with
+precious stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the
+high-born maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought
+linings from the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they
+covered now with silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great
+marvels of these shining weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from
+Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest silks which the kith of
+any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore
+the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they had set their minds, they
+deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as
+coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.
+From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone. The
+ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought
+the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.
+
+When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste
+upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward
+to the sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the
+warriors were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now
+prepared; as they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no
+longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they sent a message to their
+war-companions, if perchance they should care to view their new attire,
+to see if it be too long or short. All was found in fitting measure,
+and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw them could not but
+aver that never in the world had they seen attire more fair. Therefore
+they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of better
+knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty
+knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise.
+Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.
+
+Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and
+pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then
+would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a
+birth."
+
+I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no
+matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their
+tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.
+
+She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended
+to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land."
+This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.
+
+The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from
+every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the
+Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.
+
+Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought
+them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would
+ride away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids
+stood at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the
+proud war fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?"
+
+"That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the
+flood. That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to
+me."
+
+So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly
+grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold
+Gunther took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy
+knights set forth from land. With them they took rich food and eke good
+wine, the best that could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood
+fair; they had good easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap
+them. Their stout sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues
+they sailed, or ever came the night, with a good wind, downward toward
+the sea. These hard toils later brought the high-mettled warriors pain.
+
+Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them
+far away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land. To none save Siegfried was
+this known; but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad
+marches, too, how soon he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it
+known to you whose are these castles and this lordly land?"
+
+Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild
+and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still
+see there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of
+one single mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day
+before Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When
+we behold the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes,
+must ye tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his
+man; then what he craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for
+whatever he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain.
+They promised what he would; wherefrom they all fared well, when King
+Gunther saw fair Brunhild. (6)
+
+"Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the comely
+maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to
+pass, that she become my wife."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,
+        however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the
+        agreement of the names in German.  "Isen lant", the reading
+        of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,
+        and partly to indicate its probable derivation from
+        "Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle.  Boer's
+        interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in
+        Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)
+        I, 1. 70.  Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea
+        Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",
+        referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.
+        Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.
+   (2)  "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a
+        few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the
+        name from this passage.  (See Bartsch, "Germanistische
+        Studien", ii, 129.)
+   (3)  "Wont to wear".  In the Middle Ages costly furs and
+        fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here
+        described, with silk or cloth.  By fish such amphibious
+        animals as otter and beaver were often meant.
+   (4)  "Well fit".  In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,
+        has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems
+        more appropriate to the sense.
+   (5)  "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.
+   (6)  "Brunhild".  The following words are evidently a late
+        interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been
+        translated for the sake of completeness.  They are spoken by
+        Siegfried.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild.
+
+Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many
+a comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther
+that he knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no
+knowledge of these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on
+the flood? Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."
+
+At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the
+high-born maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the
+power."
+
+"That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder
+window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair
+that mine eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she
+should become my wife."
+
+"Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild,
+the comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and
+mood." All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.
+
+When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it
+behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes. Each one obeyed.
+What next the ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their
+persons out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever
+had. To the narrow casements they came again, where they had seen the
+knights. Through love of gazing this was done.
+
+But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the
+stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby
+King Gunther felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed,
+so stately, good and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had
+sat him in the saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later
+quite forgot. Such service he had seldom done afore, that he should
+stand at any here's stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship.
+All this the comely dames of noble birth saw through the casements. The
+steeds and garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were
+right well matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed
+in the hands of the stately men. In lordly wise they rode to Brunhild's
+hall, their saddles set with precious stones, with narrow martingales,
+from which hung bells of bright and ruddy gold. So they came to the
+land, as well befit their prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with
+well-wrought swords, the which hung down to the spurs of these stately
+men. The swords the bold men bore were sharp and broad. All this
+Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.
+
+With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of
+how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their
+bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of
+India, the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they
+left their skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good
+rode to the castle. Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad
+palaces, (1) and one hall well wrought of costly marble, green as
+grass, wherein Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers. The castle was
+unlocked and the gates flung wide. Then ran Brunhild's men to meet them
+and welcomed the strangers into their mistress' land. One bade relieve
+them of their steeds and shields.
+
+Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining
+breastplates, too."
+
+"That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will
+bear them."
+
+Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let
+me say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken
+hence, then will all be well."
+
+Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade
+pour out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were
+seen walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were
+these heroes gazed upon.
+
+Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were
+come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid
+gan ask concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be
+these unknown knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose
+sake the heroes have journeyed hither?"
+
+Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never
+have I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among
+them. Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The
+second of their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily
+a mighty king over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and
+might possess them. One doth see him stand by the rest in such right
+lordly wise. The third of the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal
+so fair of body, most noble queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth
+east, I ween he be grim of thought and mood. The youngest among them
+is worshipful indeed. I see the noble knight stand so charmingly, with
+courtly bearing, in almost maiden modesty. We might all have cause
+for fear, had any done him aught. However blithely he doth practice
+chivalry, and howso fair of body he be, yet might he well make many a
+comely woman weep, should he e'er grow angry. He is so fashioned that in
+all knightly virtues he must be a bold knight and a brave."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried
+be come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I
+fear him not so sore, that I should become his wife."
+
+Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a
+comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately
+dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights
+from Isenland, Brunhild's men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore
+swords in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave
+and lusty heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear
+what the maid did speak.
+
+"Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey
+mean? That I fain would know."
+
+"Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most
+generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here
+before me, for he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By
+birth he's from the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we
+come hither. Fain would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now
+betimes, my lord will not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a
+lordly king. An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth
+this knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither. I would fain
+have given it over, could I have said him nay."
+
+She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games
+which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his wife; but
+should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."
+
+Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games.
+It must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He
+troweth well to win so fair a maid."
+
+"He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be
+ye not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as
+well. Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.
+
+Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen
+all that he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you well
+against her with my arts."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list,
+and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I'll
+gladly lose my head, and ye become not my wife."
+
+When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games,
+as was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a
+breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2)
+too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken
+cloth of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen
+to shine thereon.
+
+Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart
+and Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of
+how the king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us
+warriors aught of good."
+
+Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied
+him to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he
+quickly slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he
+found a great press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty
+games. Thither he went in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was
+he seen of any that were there. The ring had been marked out, where
+the games should be, afore many valiant warriors, who were to view them
+there. More than seven hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say
+who won the game.
+
+Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal
+lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her
+lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare
+along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel,
+beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there
+served a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and
+gleamed against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the
+maid would show her love. The shield the maid should bear was three
+spans thick beneath the studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of
+steel and eke of gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely carry.
+
+When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg
+spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our
+lives! She you would make your love is the devil's bride, in truth."
+
+Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat
+of silk of Azagoue, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in
+contrast to its color on the person of the queen.
+
+Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large,
+the which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad,
+which on its edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear's great weight
+hear wonders told. Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought
+therein, the which scarce three of Brunhild's men could bear. The noble
+Gunther gan be sore afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this
+mean? How could the devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe
+and sound in Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of
+mine."
+
+Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this
+court doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how
+must we lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in
+these lands? It doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country.
+Had but my brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should
+Brunhild's men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure,
+they'd guard against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand
+oaths, before I'd see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should
+lose her life."
+
+"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had
+we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then
+would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."
+
+What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she
+gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave,
+bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors' hands their
+sharp-edged swords."
+
+When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart
+blushed for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the
+doughty man. "Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."
+
+Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men bare a
+heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant
+men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when
+she had shot the spear. The Burgundians' fear now grew amain.
+
+"Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love?
+Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."
+
+Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands
+she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife
+began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's hate, and had Siegfried
+not come to Gunther's aid, she would have bereft the king of life.
+Secretly Siegfried went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther
+marked his wiles. "Who hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then
+he gazed around on every side, but saw none standing there.
+
+"'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the
+queen. Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark
+aright what thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the
+deeds."
+
+When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.
+
+Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then
+can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See
+how fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."
+
+Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield,
+mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm.
+The sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of
+the mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the
+fire flame forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered
+at the blow; but for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead.
+From the mouth of Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly
+the good knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had
+driven through his shield. Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it back
+again. He thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid." So he reversed
+the point and cast it at her armor with the butt, that it rang out
+loudly from his mighty hand. The sparks flew from the armor rings, as
+though driven by the wind. Siegmund's son had made the throw with might.
+With all her strength she could not stand before the blow. In faith King
+Gunther never could have done the deed.
+
+Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight,
+I cry you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with
+his strength. To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she
+quickly, angry was her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the
+stone and hurled it mightily far from her hand. After the cast she
+sprang, that all her armor rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve
+fathoms hence, but with her leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw.
+Then went Sir Siegfried to where lay the stone. Gunther poised it, while
+the hero made the throw. Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he threw
+the stone still further and made a broader jump. Through his fair arts
+he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him as he sprang. The
+leap was made, the stone lay on the ground; men saw none other save
+Gunther, the knight, alone. Siegfried had banished the fear of King
+Gunther's death. Brunhild, the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her
+courtiers she spake a deal too loud, when she spied the hero safe and
+sound at the border of the ring: "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and
+liegemen of mine, ye must now be subject to Gunther, the king."
+
+Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at
+the feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he
+had won the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving
+wise; in sooth he was most rich in virtues.
+
+Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him
+within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced
+him. She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace.
+When this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better
+cheer. With good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The
+doughty Siegfried was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he
+repaired to where the ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly
+did he this: "Why wait ye, good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of
+which the queen doth deal so great a store? Let us soon see how they be
+played." The crafty man did not as though he wist not a whit thereof.
+
+Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have
+seen naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"
+
+To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have
+made us sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the
+ship when the lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth
+naught thereof."
+
+"Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride
+hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath
+the power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us
+hence to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith
+and liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands;
+my dearest friends must first be fetched."
+
+Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends,
+her kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to
+Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily,
+early and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild's castle.
+
+"Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming
+of fair Brunhild's men. If now they come into this land in force, then
+hath the noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is
+unknown to us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"
+
+Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care. I'll not let
+hap that which ye fear. I'll bring you help hither to this land, from
+chosen knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask
+about me; I will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I'll
+return eftsoon and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights
+that I have ever known."
+
+"Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be
+justly glad."
+
+He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild,
+that ye've sent me hence."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Palaces".  See Adventure III, note 7.
+   (2)  "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is
+        a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.
+   (3)  "Azagouc".  See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2.  This
+        strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts
+        the description given above.
+   (4)  Weights.  The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "masse") is just as
+        indefinite as the English expression.  It was a mass or lump
+        of any metal, probably determined by the size of the
+        melting-pot.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.
+
+(1)
+
+Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the
+sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and
+drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the
+steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.
+They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed
+by Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and
+night with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away,
+or more. The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard.
+The hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached
+the boat and made it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which
+stood a castle, and sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He
+came first to a gateway that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded
+well their honor, as men still do. The stranger now gan knock upon
+the door, the which was closely guarded. There within he saw a giant
+standing, who kept the castle and at whose side lay at all times his
+arms. He spake: "Who is it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"
+
+Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up
+the door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer
+lie soft and take his ease."
+
+When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had
+donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty
+man snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he
+ran at Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge
+blows were dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend
+him, but with an iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then
+was the hero in dire need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the
+warder struck such mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for
+this cause. They strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound
+was heard in Nibelung's hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.
+
+The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land. Alberich, the
+bold, a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain.
+He armed him quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he
+bound the mighty giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his
+body he bare helmet and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of
+gold. Swift and hard he ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs
+(3) hung down in front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon
+the bold man's arm, that it brake in parts. The stately stranger came in
+danger of his life. From his hand he flung the broken shield and thrust
+into the sheath a sword, the which was long. He would not strike his
+servant dead, but showed his courtly breeding as his knightly virtue
+bade him. He rushed at Alberich and with his powerful hands he seized
+the gray-haired man by the beard. So roughly he pulled his beard, that
+he screamed aloud. The tugging of the youthful knight hurt Alberich
+sore.
+
+Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the
+vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own
+him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4)
+man.
+
+He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength
+of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"
+
+"My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I
+noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran
+of the land. I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of
+knights we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."
+
+Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich
+and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In
+fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: "Up now, ye heroes, ye must go
+to Siegfried."
+
+From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand
+doughty knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw
+Sir Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds.
+Great store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine.
+(5) He gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must
+away with me across the flood."
+
+Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty
+hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the
+best. Men brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead
+them to Brunhild's land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell
+you, ye must wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely
+dames shall gaze upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly
+weeds."
+
+Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey
+Siegfried won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and
+thus they came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land. The fair maids stood
+upon the battlements. Then spake the queen: "Knoweth any, who they be
+whom I see sailing yonder far out upon the sea? They have rich sails
+e'en whiter than the snow."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which I left
+hard by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my
+lady." All eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.
+
+Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly weeds
+and many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I
+receive the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"
+
+He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may
+well perceive how fain we be to see them here."
+
+Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried
+with her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took
+in charge their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land,
+that everywhere they jostled Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men
+fare home to Burgundy.
+
+Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out
+to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such
+store."
+
+To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble
+queen," spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to
+deal it out in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own."
+That he was bountiful, he made appear full well.
+
+When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's hand
+did proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such
+store that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds
+he gave, nor did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich
+attire, who never had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued
+the queen when this she heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have
+your aid, lest your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress;
+he squandereth eke my gold. If any would forfend this, I'd be his friend
+for aye. He giveth such royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth,
+that I have sent for death. I would fain use it longer and trow well
+myself to waste that which my father left me." No queen as yet hath ever
+had so bounteous a chamberlain.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of
+the Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we
+have no need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's weeds."
+
+"Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling
+chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we
+are come across to Gunther's land."
+
+Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains
+stood by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher's men. Gunther and
+Hagen began to laugh thereat.
+
+Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand
+and yours must first decree."
+
+Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will
+make him steward."
+
+The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother's
+brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my
+castles and my lands, till that King Gunther's hand rule here."
+
+Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence
+to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung
+land. They dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the
+sand. Six and eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids,
+their bodies passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were
+fain to get them hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they
+left at home! In courtly wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her
+nearest kinsmen who were found at court. After a fair leave-taking they
+journeyed to the sea. To her fatherland the lady nevermore returned.
+Many kinds of games were seen upon the way; pastimes they had galore.
+A real sea breeze did help them on their voyage. Thus they fared forth
+from the land fully merrily. She would not let her husband court her
+on the way; this pleasure was deferred until their wedding-tide in
+the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good time she came right
+joyfully with all her knights.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure VIII.  This whole episode, in which Siegfried
+        fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on
+        Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in
+        the older versions.  It is a further development of
+        Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung
+        and became the ruler of the Nibelung land.  The fight with
+        Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former
+        episode.
+   (2)  "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a
+        measure of distance, as here.
+   (3)  "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.
+   (4)  "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of
+        'knowing'.  The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,
+        denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a
+        standing epithet of dwarfs.
+   (5)  "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret
+        mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.
+   (6)  "Mark".  See Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+
+When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg
+spake: "Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for
+Worms upon the Rhine. Our messengers should be e'en now in Burgundy."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting
+for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can
+acquaint them better with our journey home to court."
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlan,
+I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until
+we bring them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he
+knoweth how to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the
+journey, then must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon
+for your sister's sake."
+
+Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake:
+"Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a
+messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw
+near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may
+requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.
+
+Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther
+gan beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for
+Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it,
+as well as I."
+
+When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me
+what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair
+maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye
+command for love of her, shall all be done."
+
+"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this
+voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye
+let our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her
+mine and Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men.
+How well I have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And
+tell Ortwin, the dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at
+Worms along the Rhine. Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to
+hold with Brunhild a mighty wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she
+hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she give fair
+greeting to my bride. For that I will ever render Kriemhild service."
+
+The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed
+him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might
+there be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty
+men-at-arms to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised
+about, the courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been
+slain.
+
+Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,
+the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother,
+too. How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's
+side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the
+king my brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from
+us. Great scathe had her haughty love then brought us."
+
+"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his
+kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his
+messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however
+that may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must
+let them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are
+in high estate."
+
+Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have
+brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll
+answer that the maid will see you gladly."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be
+gladly done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me
+thither?"
+
+Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight
+spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To
+us is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther
+hath sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth
+with the king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He'll tell you the
+right tidings straight from Isenland."
+
+As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds
+they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This
+he did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble
+maid, addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful
+knight. Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween
+that we have lost him through Brunhild's strength. Woe is me, poor maid,
+that ever I was born."
+
+Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye
+passing fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left
+him safe and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He
+and his bride do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble
+queen. Now leave off your weeping, they'll come full soon."
+
+In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white
+hem she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the
+messenger for the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow
+and her weeping were taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full
+ready he was for this. Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue
+it, should I give you as an envoy's meed my gold. For that ye are too
+rich, but I will be your friend in other ways."
+
+"And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive
+gifts from your fair hand."
+
+Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her
+chamberlain go fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings,
+set with goodly gold, she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero's mood
+that he would not retain them, but gave them straightway to her nearest
+maidens, he found within the bower. Full kindly her mother offered him
+her service. "I am to tell you the tale," then spake the valiant man,
+"of what the king doth pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine. If ye
+perform that, my lady, he'll ever hold you in his love. I heard him
+crave that ye should give fair greetings to his noble guests and grant
+him the boon, that ye ride to meet him out in front of Worms upon the
+strand. This ye are right truly admonished by the king to do."
+
+Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever
+wise I can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman's
+love it shall be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the
+messenger of any prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed
+him, had she but dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!
+
+The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt
+and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up
+the seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too,
+were found at work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch
+their friends on every side, and made known to them the feasting that
+was to be. The many comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast.
+Everywhere the palace and the walls were decked out for the guests.
+Gunther's hall was passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus
+began full merrily this splendid feast.
+
+From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen
+of these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon
+those who were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly
+weeds was taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild's
+kinsmen ride along. Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in
+the Burgundian land. Ho, what bold knights were found on either side!
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at
+the greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will
+praise and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors,
+too, and bade the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth,
+on which the ladies should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better
+trappings might there never be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on
+the jet-black palfreys! From their bridles there gleamed forth many a
+precious stone. The golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on
+shining carpets for the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said,
+the palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard for the noble maids. One
+saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best of silk, of which
+tale might be told. Six and eighty ladies who wore fillets (1) in their
+hair were seen come forth. The fair ones came to Kriemhild wearing
+glittering robes. Then followed many a comely maid in brave attire,
+fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They were eke the best that
+might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with their flaxen hair and
+shining ribbons. That which the king desired was done with zeal. They
+wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that
+could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample
+beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur. Many an
+arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken sleeves,
+which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring to the
+end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above
+gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of
+Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were
+sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good
+cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her
+weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely
+maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a
+mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they
+carried many an ashen spear.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
+   (2)  "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
+        "ferrandine".
+   (3)  "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
+        front.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.
+
+Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking
+to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the
+bridle. All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When
+those of Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in
+boats, they hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the
+kindred of the king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale,
+too, of the queen, the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the
+maidens from the castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint.
+Duke Gere led Kriemhild's palfroy by the bridle till just outside
+the castle gate. Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her
+further. A fair maid was she! Later the noble dame requited well this
+deed. Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and
+maidens rode in pairs. Well may we aver that so many dames were never
+seen together at such stately greeting. Many a splendid joust was
+ridden by worshipful knights (not well might it be left undone) afore
+Kriemhild, the fair, down to the ships. Then the fair-fashioned ladies
+were lifted from the palfreys. The king was come across and many a
+worthy guest. Ho, what stout lances brake before the ladies' eyes! One
+heard the clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what costly bucklers rang
+loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the shore as Gunther and
+his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led Brunhild by the hand.
+Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth in rivalry. Lady Kriemhild
+walked with courtly breeding to meet Dame Brunhild and her train.
+White hands removed the chaplets, (1) as these twain kissed each other;
+through deference this was done.
+
+Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in
+these lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we
+have."
+
+Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving
+greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her
+daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When
+now Brunhild's ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many
+a comely woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were
+seen to stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the
+greetings all were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth.
+Still side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well
+the doughty warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast afore that
+such beauty had ne'er been seen as these two dames possessed, spied now
+with all their eyes and must confess the truth. Nor did one see upon
+their persons cheats of any kind. Those who wot how to judge of women
+and lovely charms, praised Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had
+seen more clear and spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before
+Brunhild.
+
+Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen
+arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by,
+the which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came
+crowding around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames
+were bidden go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the
+Burgundian land escorted them.
+
+Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many
+royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land
+had burst forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as
+champion. Many a maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks,
+Sir Siegfried and his knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a
+thousand stately Nibelungs.
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in
+gentle wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the
+dust, the which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot:
+"Let stand the steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full
+ready when that the king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely
+dames before the spacious hall."
+
+When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on
+pastime bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the
+hope of lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded
+to ride away.
+
+Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no
+longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a
+comely maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store
+of clothes were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors,
+after the custom of the land, until the king dismounted by the hall.
+Valiant heroes helped the ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens
+then parted; Lady Uta and her daughter went with their train to a
+spacious hall, where great noise of merriment was heard on every side.
+
+The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his
+guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in
+the king's domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with
+full many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told.
+Little they lacked that they should have! At the king's table many a
+lordly guest was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in
+basins of ruddy gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were
+ever better served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you that.
+
+Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands,
+Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had
+promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake:
+"Ye must remember how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild
+came to this land, ye would give me your sister to wife. Where be now
+these oaths? I have suffered mickle hardship on our trip."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my
+hand shall not be perjured. I'll bring it to pass as best I can."
+
+Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came with her
+fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir Giselher sprang
+down the steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister
+alone shall be here by the king."
+
+Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood
+noble knights from many princes' lands; throughout the broad hall one
+bade them stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped
+to the table, too. Then spake King Gunther: "Sweet sister mine, by thy
+courtesie redeem my oath. I swore to give thee to a knight, and if he
+become thy husband, then hast thou done my will most loyally."
+
+Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me.
+Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done.
+I'll gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to
+husband."
+
+Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then
+proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand
+at each other's side within the ring and asked if she would take the
+stately man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was
+Siegfried's luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand.
+The noble king of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he
+and the maid had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon
+the winsome maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The
+courtiers parted, when that had happed; on the bench over against the
+king Siegfried was seen to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many
+a man accompanied him as servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at
+Siegfried's side.
+
+The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied
+Kriemhild (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's side.
+She began to weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord
+of the land: "What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow
+dim? Ye may well rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately
+vassal own your sway."
+
+"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore
+because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal's side. I
+must ever weep that she be so demeaned."
+
+Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At
+another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister
+unto wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."
+
+She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would
+flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by
+your side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried's
+bride."
+
+Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath castles
+and broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king,
+therefore did I give him the peerless maid to love."
+
+But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.
+
+Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so
+passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his
+guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady's side.
+As yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him
+through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the
+guests leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would
+go to bed. Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the
+hall, as yet without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble
+chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the
+liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either side and many of the
+knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.
+
+The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the
+twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe
+of mood. Siegfried's pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord
+Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and with his noble love caressed the
+high-born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not
+for a thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I'll
+tell how Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther
+lay by Lady Brunhild's side. The stately knight had often lain more
+soft by other dames. The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The
+chamber soon was locked; he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth
+the time was still far off, ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy
+linen she went to bed. Then thought the noble knight: "Now have I here
+all that I have ever craved in all my days." By rights she must needs
+please him through her comeliness. The noble king gan shroud the lights
+and then the bold knight hied him to where the lady lay. He laid him at
+her side, and great was his joy when in his arms he clasped the lovely
+fair. Many loving caresses he might have given, had but the noble dame
+allowed it. She waxed so wroth that he was sore a-troubled; he weened
+that they were lovers, but he found here hostile hate. She spake: "Sir
+Knight, pray give this over, which now ye hope. Forsooth this may not
+hap, for I will still remain a maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye
+that."
+
+Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her
+clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a
+stout band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king
+great wrong enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and
+hung him on the wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep.
+Of a truth he came full nigh to death through her great strength.
+
+Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my
+bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and
+full seldom will I lie so near your side."
+
+She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang
+all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the
+casements. Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him
+now.
+
+"Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid
+spake, "and your servants found you bound by a woman's hand?"
+
+Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it
+gain me honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me
+lie now by your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch
+your garment with my hands."
+
+Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady
+he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom
+touched her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.
+
+Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great
+store was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the
+lord of the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As
+was the usage which they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and
+Brunhild no longer tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was
+sung. Thither, too, Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the
+crowd. In keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all
+that they did need, their crowns and robes as well. Then they were
+consecrated. When this was done, all four were seen to stand joyful
+'neath their crowns. Many young squires, six hundred or better, were now
+girt with sword in honor of the kings, as ye must know. Great joy rose
+then in the Burgundian land; one heard spear-shafts clashing in the
+hands of the sworded knights. There at the windows the fair maids sat;
+they saw shining afore them the gleam of many a shield. But the king had
+sundered him from his liegemen; whatso others plied, men saw him stand
+full sad. Unlike stood his and Siegfried's mood. The noble knight and
+good would fain have known what ailed the king. He hasted to him and gan
+ask: "Pray let me know how ye have fared this night, Sir King."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won; I have
+brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her,
+she bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall.
+There I hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me.
+How softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to
+thee as friend to friend."
+
+Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I'll do you this to
+wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that she lie by you
+so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold from you her love."
+
+After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried
+spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike
+last night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady
+Brunhild must become thy wife to-night. I'll come to thy chamber this
+night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts.
+Then let the chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out
+the lights in the pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within
+and that I'll gladly serve thee. I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou
+mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."
+
+"Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be
+glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an'
+thou didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."
+
+"I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her.
+The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever
+seen."
+
+Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.
+
+From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade
+the hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to
+the hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court
+was cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they
+should go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior
+followed to the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well
+he thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought
+him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his
+lady's love. He could scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men
+let fair Brunhild and Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what
+doughty knights were seen to walk before the queens!
+
+The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss
+without alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he
+vanished from before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer
+spied him, as she toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this
+wondereth me, whither the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from
+mine?"
+
+She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms
+of the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages'
+hands. Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he
+would; he bade the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done,
+the mighty king himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place
+two sturdy bolts. Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of
+the bed. Stout Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there
+was no help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him
+close by the high-born maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and
+it be lief to you, that ye suffer not hardship as afore."
+
+Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered
+not a whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a
+bit, that they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon
+the bed. Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king.
+In his arms he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon
+a bench near by, so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up
+sprang the valiant man with all his might; fain would he try again. When
+he thought now to subdue her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween,
+might nevermore be made by any wife.
+
+When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus
+my shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore,
+I'll have you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she
+grasped the peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the
+king, that she might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full
+sore, that he had rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle
+force and his giant strength? She showed the knight her masterly
+strength of limb; she carried him by force (and that must needs be) and
+pressed him rudely 'twixt a clothes-press and the wall.
+
+"Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's
+hands, then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty
+mien, who would never do it else."
+
+The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried
+was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set
+himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful
+wise. It thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She
+pressed his hands, till from her strength the blood gushed forth from
+out the nails: this irked the hero. Therefore he brought the highborn
+maiden to the pass that she gave over her unruly will, which she
+asserted there afore. The king heard all, albeit not a word he spake.
+Siegfried pressed her against the bed, so that she shrieked aloud.
+Passing sore his strength did hurt her. She grasped the girdle around
+her waist and would fain have bound him, but his hand prevented it in
+such a wise that her limbs and all her body cracked. Thus the strife was
+parted and she became King Gunther's wife.
+
+She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I'll do thee remedy for
+whatso I have done thee. I'll no longer struggle against thy noble
+love, for I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over
+women."
+
+Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off
+his clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that
+she wist it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout
+band. I know not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his
+wife and rued it sore in after time.
+
+Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover,
+as beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From
+his embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed
+through love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed
+her lovely form in lover's wise. Had she tried her strength again, what
+had that availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How
+right lovingly she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!
+
+Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by
+a woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to
+put and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as
+queen within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!
+
+On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore.
+Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands,
+whom he had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of
+service. The wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that
+in all this while the sound never died away of the many joys which there
+they plied. The cost to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the
+noble host gave gifts in his honor to the strolling folk, as the king
+commanded: vesture and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too. Those who
+there craved gifts departed hence full merrily. Siegfried, the lord from
+Netherland, with a thousand of his men, gave quite away the garments
+they had brought with them to the Rhine and steeds and saddles, too.
+Full well they wot how to live in lordly wise. Those who would home
+again thought the time too long till the rich gifts had all been made.
+Nevermore have guests been better eased. Thus ended the wedding feast;
+Gunther, the knight, would have it so.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.
+        "schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress
+        especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.
+        It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of
+        gold and silver.  (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im
+        Mittelalter", i, 387.)
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.
+
+When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake to his
+fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."
+
+Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake
+to her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too
+sore. First must my brothers share their lands with me."
+
+It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The
+lordings hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir
+Siegfried, that our true service be ever at your bidding till our
+death."
+
+Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such
+kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both
+land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to
+our power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."
+
+The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the
+lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and
+the folk therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which
+ye would give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier
+than any one alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do
+command, I stand ready to your bidding."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is
+it not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might
+gladly lead them to his land. Forsooth my brothers' hands must share
+them with me."
+
+Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish. Thou
+wilt find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. We will
+give thee a thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court
+retainers."
+
+Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask
+if they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.
+
+At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not
+give us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know
+full well the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain
+here with the kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till
+now have followed."
+
+They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild
+gained for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble
+train. The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all
+took leave, both knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle
+right. Anon they parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's
+land. Their kinsmen bare them company far upon the way and bade them
+pitch their quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the
+princes' land.
+
+Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know,
+and Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's child,
+Kriemhild, the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might
+they never have. "Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have
+lived to see fair Kriemhild here as queen. My heritage will be thereby
+enhanced. My son, the noble Siegfried, shall himself be king."
+
+Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy gold;
+this was the envoy's meed. The tale well liked her, which then she
+heard. She clad her and her handmaids with care, as did beseem them. Men
+told who was to come with Siegfried to the land. Anon they bade seats be
+raised, where he should walk crowned before his friends. King Siegmund's
+liegemen then rode forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted
+than the famous hero in Siegmund's land, I know not. Siegelind, the
+fair, rode forth to meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty
+knights did follow on behind), a full day's journey, till one espied the
+guests. Home-folk and the strangers had little easement till they were
+come to a spacious castle, hight Xanten, (2) where they later reigned.
+
+Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and
+Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship
+received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund's
+hall, and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a
+knight gan serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting
+at the Rhine was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes
+than they had worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels
+might be told. When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all,
+what gold-hued clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well
+worked thereon! Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.
+
+Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's kin
+to wit, that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of
+Netherland heard full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the
+cognizance, (3) and lands, so that he then was master of them all. When
+that men went to law and Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in
+such a wise that men feared sore fair Kriemhild's husband.
+
+In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king,
+till the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was
+come to pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened
+to baptize and name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be
+ashamed of this. Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full
+well. They brought him up with care, as was but due. In these same times
+the Lady Siegelind died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them
+of her. Then the child of the noble Uta held withal the power over the
+lands, which well beseemed such high-born dames. (4)
+
+Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's court, in
+the Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero's
+sake they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend
+him! The noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him
+up to be a doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered
+through misfortune!
+
+Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty
+knights dwelt alway in Siegmund's land. Gunther dealt the same with his
+distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung's knights and the
+goods of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed
+mightier than he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man.
+The very greatest heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned
+it aforetime, the bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand
+hard by a hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death. He
+had honors to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one must
+rightly aver of the noble champion, that he was one of the best that
+ever mounted horse. Men feared his might and justly, too.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.
+   (2)  "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.
+   (3)  "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'
+   (4)  "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.
+
+Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild
+bear her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath
+he done us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her
+peace. It irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers
+and that men from Siegfried's land so seldom served her. Fain would she
+have known from whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap
+that she should see Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in
+mind. The speech like the king but moderately well. "How might we bring
+them," quoth he, "hither to our land? That were impossible, they live
+too far away; I dare not ask them this."
+
+To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty
+a king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord
+command him."
+
+King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried,
+yet did he not count it to him as service.
+
+She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy
+sister come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might
+ever hap to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister's courtesie and
+her well-bred mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I
+first became thy wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."
+
+She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have
+never seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send
+my envoys for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for
+them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me
+also to know whom ye will send thither."
+
+"That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride
+thither."
+
+He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's
+land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.
+
+Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to
+mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that
+no one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to
+us to the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At
+the next Midsummer's Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who
+would fain do them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings,
+and say that I and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister,
+too, that she fail not to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem
+her better."
+
+Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended
+their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in
+Siegfried's land. With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the
+messengers set forth. They rode as wandering knights; their horses and
+their trappings had now been brought them. Then they voided the land,
+for they had haste of the journey, whither they would fare. The king
+bade guard the messengers well with convoys. In three weeks they came
+riding into the land, to Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway,
+(1) whither they were sent. Here they found the knight. The mounts of
+the messengers were weary from the lengthy way.
+
+Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who
+wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang
+from a couch on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the
+window. In the court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship
+that had been sent thither. What joyful things she there found against
+her sorrow of heart! She spake to the king: "Now behold where they
+stand, who walk in the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother
+sendeth us adown the Rhine."
+
+Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."
+
+All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then
+spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord,
+was right blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and
+men bade take their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence
+to where Lord Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had
+leave to go to court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at
+once and greeted well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship,
+Gunther's liegemen. One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.
+
+"Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us
+way-worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which
+Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you,
+and also what Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and
+Sir Gernot, too, and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and
+commend their service to you from out the Burgundian land."
+
+"Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and
+good, as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same. Ye must
+tell us more, whether our dear friends at home be of good cheer? Since
+we have been parted from them, hath any done amiss to my lady's kinsmen?
+That ye must let me know. If so, I'll ever help them bear it in duty
+bound, until their foes must rue my service."
+
+Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every
+virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by
+the Rhine. They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg
+my lady that she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They
+would see you before the next Midsummer's Day."
+
+Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."
+
+Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot,
+and Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily
+wail, that ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids
+be fain of the tidings, if that might be that they should see you
+again; this would raise their spirits high." These tidings thought fair
+Kriemhild good.
+
+Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured
+out for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come
+to where he saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in
+friendly wise: "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now
+Siegfried, my son, hath won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more
+often here in this our land, if ye would show your kinship."
+
+They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their
+weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers
+be seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given
+great store. They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last
+the doughty knights made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their
+land.
+
+Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them
+what they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman
+Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would
+go full gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg
+Kriemhild, too, that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in
+what manner she shall ride thither. Though I must harry for them through
+thirty lands, yet would Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."
+
+Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting,
+we will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a
+thousand knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy
+land."
+
+Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why
+make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with
+you and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."
+
+"And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried,
+"glad shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."
+
+All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.
+
+Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good
+and speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife's kindred on
+the Rhine, that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and
+Kriemhild, as the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of
+gifts that their horses could not bear them to their native land. A
+wealthy man was he. They drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.
+
+Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that
+very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best that were at hand or
+might be found throughout all Siegfried's land. Men gan prepare the
+saddles and the shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with
+him was given whatso they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought
+to his kinsfolk many a lordly stranger.
+
+The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the
+knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from
+their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther's hall. Young and old
+did hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight:
+"When I tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."
+
+With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy
+the king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they
+were come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried,
+from whom so much of gladness hath happed to me?"
+
+Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer
+tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and
+his father, too, have sent to you."
+
+Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh
+Kriemhild to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how
+to use?"
+
+"She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.
+
+Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one
+might note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were
+well. He told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor
+were the gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them,
+gold and vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings
+to see. For their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.
+
+"He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not
+squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath
+closed upon the hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the
+Burgundian land!"
+
+All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the
+men of the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the
+folk. The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All
+time they had to oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a
+bench. Ortwin helped them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks.
+Rumolt, the master cook, how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many
+a broad kettle, pot, and pan they had! They made ready the vitaille for
+those who were coming to the land.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Norway".  The interpolated character of the Adventures XI
+        to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is
+        shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.
+        The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and
+        locates it in Norway.  No mention is made, however, of the
+        messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild
+        speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The Feasting.
+
+Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild
+and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine.
+Never did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for
+the way full many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the
+queen as well, rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of
+joys. Later it sped them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried's
+little child, Kriemhild's son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief
+befell him through their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his
+father and his mother more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund.
+Had he known aright how he would fare at the feasting, no whit of it
+would he have seen. No greater woe might ever hap to him in loving
+friends.
+
+Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band
+there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and Gunther's liegemen. The
+host gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and
+asked: "How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like
+manner must ye greet Siegfried's wife."
+
+"That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her
+friend."
+
+The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if
+ye would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within
+the castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."
+
+At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best
+they had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may
+lightly say, they did this gladly. Gunther's men hasted also for to
+serve them, and around him the host did gather all his knights. Then
+the queen rode forth in princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome
+guests was done. With what great joy did they receive them! It thought
+them as though Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in
+the Burgundian land. Those who had never seen her became acquaint with
+lofty mood.
+
+Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending
+to and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there
+against the jostling and the dust.
+
+When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how
+lovingly he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we
+shall be of good cheer because of this your journey to our court."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my
+son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go
+to see you."
+
+At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."
+
+Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none
+bare him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great
+courtesie. I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.
+
+Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many
+saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the
+sward. How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women
+now drew near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair
+greeting passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors
+standing by the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each
+other by the hand. Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from
+fair-fashioned dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen
+for to see. They bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host
+bade show his guests full well that all were fain to see them in the
+Burgundian land. Many a royal joust took place before the high-born
+maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too, proved full well their prowess.
+One durst not leave undone whatso they would command. Much service was
+rendered by them to the welcome guests. Many shields were heard resound
+from thrusts and blows before the castle gate. The host and his guests
+tarried long time without, or ever they came within. Forsooth the hours
+passed quickly for them with their sports. Merrily they rode before the
+royal palace. Many cunning housings (2) of good cloth and well cut
+were seen hanging on either side from the saddles of the fair-fashioned
+dames.
+
+Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to
+their easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who
+was passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam
+in lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout.
+Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then
+gan lodge the retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke
+without. Never were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them
+gladly all they craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there
+denied. Men served them in friendly wise without all hate. The host now
+took his seat at table with his guests. One bade Siegfried be seated
+where he sate afore. Then many a stately man went with him to the seats.
+Twelve hundred warriors in sooth did sit at his round table. Brunhild
+thought her that a vassal could not be mightier than he; yet she was
+still so friendly to him that she did not wish his death.
+
+On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes
+were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service
+was given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts,
+men bade the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever
+they were come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all
+enow with goodly honors.
+
+When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone
+from the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched
+by woman's hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had
+fully dawned, many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then
+rose a merry rout before the early mass, which was sung for the king.
+There young heroes rode so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many
+a trumpet rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did
+grow so great that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The
+high-mettled heroes horsed them everywhere. Then there rose in the land
+high knightly play from many a doughty champion; one saw a great rout
+of them whose youthful hearts beat high, and many a dapper knight and a
+good stood armed with shield. At the easements sate the high-born dames
+and many comely maids, decked out in brave attire. They watched the
+pastimes of the many valiant men. The host himself gan tilt there with
+his friends. Thus they passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.
+
+Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came,
+the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens.
+They alighted on the green before the minster; Brunhild was still
+friendly to her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the spacious
+church. Later their love was parted, which caused great hate. When they
+had heard the mass, they rode away again with many honors and were soon
+seen going merrily to table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag
+until the eleventh day.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving
+        folk'.
+   (2)  "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each Other.
+
+On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many
+knights made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for
+pastime's sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to
+gaze. The royal queens had sat them down together and talked of two
+worshipful knights.
+
+Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should
+rule over all these kingdoms."
+
+Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he
+and thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther
+liveth, this may never hap."
+
+Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right
+royally he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the
+stars? Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."
+
+Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and
+fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother
+of thine. Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not
+lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost
+thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther's peer."
+
+"Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not
+spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them
+first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when
+he won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king,
+and Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my
+vassal, sith I heard him speak thus himself."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble
+brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's bride?
+Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my
+sake thou kindly leave off this speech."
+
+"I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife. "Why should I give up so
+many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"
+
+Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego
+that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier than my brother
+Gunther, the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee
+say. Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so
+much power over us twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a
+time. By right I should be spared thy overweening pride."
+
+"Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife. "I would fain see
+whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."
+
+The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady
+Kriemhild: "This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for
+thy liegeman, now must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether
+I durst walk before the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am
+noble and free and that my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I
+myself be taxed therewith. Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman
+goeth to court before the knights of the Burgundian land. I myself
+shall be more worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a
+crown." Great hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.
+
+Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so
+must thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to
+church."
+
+To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."
+
+"Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife. "I must be here
+without reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds.
+Brunhild shall fain deny what she hath here averted."
+
+They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and
+maid attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with
+her train. Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty
+maidens with her, whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore
+bright vesture wrought in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids
+betook them to the minster. All Siegfried's men awaited them before the
+house. The folk had marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen
+thus sundered, so that they did not walk together as afore. From this
+did many a warrior later suffer dire distress. Here before the minster
+stood Gunther's wife, while many a good knight had pastime with the
+comely dames whom they there espied.
+
+Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind
+of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but
+the wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the
+wives of thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An' one
+would wish to, yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly
+dresses as at this time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild
+had not done it, save to anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious
+minster. Through her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise
+bade Kriemhild stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk before the
+queen."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held
+thy peace, 'twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair
+body of thine. How might a vassal's leman (1) ever be the wife of any
+king?"
+
+"Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.
+
+"That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed
+by Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy
+maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick.
+Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear
+thee make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.
+
+"I' faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."
+
+"What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee.
+With words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it
+will ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."
+
+Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster
+with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from
+which bright eyes grew dim and moist.
+
+Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed far
+too long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave
+knight and a good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now
+went forth and stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must
+tell me more of what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me.
+Hath Siegfried made boast of this, 'twill cost his life."
+
+Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild
+spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must
+ye let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I'll prove
+it by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought
+me when he first lay at your side."
+
+Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of
+gold was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in
+evil wise. I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it from me."
+
+Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.
+
+Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better
+to have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear. I'll prove it
+by the girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my
+Siegfried became thy lord."
+
+She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth
+'twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and
+all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I
+will let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly
+that I be Siegfried's wife."
+
+The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how
+gently he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"
+
+She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain
+part me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver
+that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."
+
+Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."
+
+"She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy
+gold. It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou
+clearest me of this passing great shame, for that I'll serve thee ever."
+
+King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if
+he hath made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of
+Netherland." One bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.
+
+When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how
+quickly then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for
+what cause the king hath had me fetched."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady
+Brunhild hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the
+first to clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy
+wife, doth say."
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue
+it sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with solemn oaths in
+front of all thy men, that I have not told her this."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost
+offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."
+
+They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold,
+stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy
+great innocence is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that
+of which my sister doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this
+thing."
+
+Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened
+Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."
+
+Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should
+so train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave
+haughty words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll do the same to
+mine. In truth, I do shame me of her great discourtesie."
+
+Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore,
+that it moved King Gunther's men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to
+his sovran lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had.
+She told him then the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild's lord
+should rue it sore, or he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot
+joined their parley and these heroes counseled Siegfried's death.
+Giselher, the son of the noble Uta, came hither too. When he heard the
+talk, he spake full true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this?
+Siegfried hath not merited forsooth such hate, that he should therefore
+lose his life. Certes, women oft grow angry over little things."
+
+"Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would
+gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege
+lady, I will rather die, an' it cost him not his life."
+
+Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and
+honor, so let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the
+knight? He was ever faithful to us and that right willingly."
+
+Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth
+avail him aught. If my lord permit, I'll do him every evil."
+
+So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this
+none followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the
+that if Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his
+sway. At this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.
+
+Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered
+before the minster in the presence of Siegfried's wife, even down to the
+hall! Enow of Gunther's men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be
+this murderous rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too,
+the wonderly bold man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match
+him, if he marked it."
+
+"No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring
+it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. Certes, Hagen hath
+broken with him for all time."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear. We'll bid messengers,
+that be not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon
+us openly. Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will
+take the field. When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and
+from this he shall lose his life, an' I learn the tale from the bold
+knight's wife."
+
+The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights
+gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women's
+quarreling full many a hero lost his life.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,
+        'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed.
+
+Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court
+and the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared.
+The very direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave
+to come before the king and say that they were Liudeger's men, whom
+Siegfried's hand had conquered afore and had brought as hostages to
+Gunther's land. He greeted then the messengers and bade them go and seat
+them. One among them spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have
+told the message we do bear you. This know, ye have of a truth many
+a mother's son as foe. Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave
+grievous sores, declare a feud against you and are minded to ride with
+an army to this land." The king waxed wroth when he heard This tale.
+
+Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or
+any else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles?
+This later brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering
+with his friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king's
+liegemen would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give
+up his plan. On a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of
+Netherland gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly? I'll help
+avenge it, hath any done you aught."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have
+challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."
+
+At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that with
+zeal, as beseemeth all your honors. I'll do yet to these knights as I
+did before; I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head
+your pledge of this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me
+ride to meet them with those I have. I'll let you see how fain I serve
+you. This know, through me it shall go evil with your foes."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were
+glad in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.
+
+Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."
+
+Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This
+was done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of
+Netherland get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike
+weeds. Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must
+stay here. We shall return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God
+give us luck. Ye must here make merry with the king."
+
+They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were
+enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout
+of men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their
+breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to
+quit the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for
+leave; sith they would void the land.
+
+"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare
+protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.
+Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend
+Hagen, think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear
+you hate. Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer,
+if I have done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble
+wife. "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero
+and a good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."
+
+"Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray
+tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do
+this for you than for any else."
+
+"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one
+would take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening
+mood; then the bold knight and a good were safe."
+
+"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him,
+pray let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot,
+on horse, will I ever be his guard."
+
+She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee
+trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well,
+mine own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been
+better left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow.
+When he slew the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of
+a truth in the blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in
+the fray. Yet am I in fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many
+javelins are cast by heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of
+mine. Alas, how oft I suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in
+the hope that thou wilt hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where
+men may wound the dear lord of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in
+faith. When the hot blood gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold
+hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt
+his shoulder blades. Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him
+there."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I
+may know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."
+
+She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:
+"With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,
+thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in
+the battle before his foes."
+
+"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
+
+The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband
+was thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence.
+The king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will
+warrior give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild
+trusted in his troth.
+
+Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He
+weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so
+near him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent
+in secret twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's
+land should still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the
+king. How loth Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his
+kinsmen's wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then
+to the king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will,
+friend Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this
+I'll ever serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my
+friends. Now that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting
+for bears and boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That
+Hagen, the faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my
+guests, that we ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make
+them ready. If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that
+liketh me as well."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd
+fain go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will
+ride to the pines."
+
+"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye
+will, four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is
+wont to go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
+
+Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told
+the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never
+use such faithlessness.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "braeke", used
+        here.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.
+
+Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry
+a-hunting in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars
+and bears and bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried
+in lordly guise; many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool
+spring he later lost his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife,
+had counseled. The bold knight then went to where he found Kriemhild.
+His costly hunting garb and those of his fellowship were already bound
+upon the sumpters, for they would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild
+have been more sorrowful. He kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let
+me see thee, lady, still in health and grant that thine eyes may see me
+too. Thou shalt have pastime with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at
+home."
+
+Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not
+say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord
+Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be
+your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did
+chase you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great
+cause to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we
+have not misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear
+my lord, that I counsel by my troth."
+
+He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here
+of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my
+friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."
+
+"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an
+evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It
+doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."
+
+In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then
+in a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw
+him in health again.
+
+Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many
+bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher
+stayed at home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the
+Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat
+and fish, and great store of other things, which so mighty a king might
+rightly have. They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green
+wood over against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade
+where they should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come.
+The hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the
+bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who
+shall lead us to the game within the wood?"
+
+"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords
+and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us
+divide the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He
+who doth hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen
+bided by another after that.
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath
+been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine
+woods." Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."
+
+Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space
+brought the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its
+lair the comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever
+the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his
+hand. His horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he
+gained the prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The
+beast which he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after
+which he found full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started
+this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a
+full sharp arrow. After the shot the lion ran the space of but three
+bounds. The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he
+speedily slew a bison and an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage
+shelk. (3) His horse bare him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor
+could hart or hind avoid him. Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar;
+when he began to flee, at once there came the master of the hunt and
+encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar did run against the
+valiant hero, but Kriemhild's husband slew him with his sword. Another
+huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he had felled
+him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well known
+to the Burgundian men.
+
+Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a
+deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."
+
+At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and
+the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise
+that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had
+let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must
+needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men
+should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the
+stalwart Siegfried was already standing by the fire. The chase was over,
+and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them
+thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's
+meiny bare then to the kitchen!
+
+Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A
+horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might
+find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen:
+"My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the
+quarters; I'll now give answer."
+
+Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake
+Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him
+smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started
+up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those
+behind: "I'll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach.
+Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he
+never so fast, he shall not escape us."
+
+The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would
+fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The
+mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the
+proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him.
+The bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught
+it and bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither
+scratch nor bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle
+and horsed him quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior
+and a good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise
+he rode to the quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A
+dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn
+of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him
+wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it
+was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was
+drawn over it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which
+any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend
+it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head to toe. From
+the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt
+many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good broad sword, that
+was so sharp that it never failed when 'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet;
+its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must
+tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the
+heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts. What he pierced therewith
+must needs die soon.
+
+Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied
+him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his
+saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he
+loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly,
+that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had
+fear. Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he
+drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a
+firebrand scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!
+Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear
+grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had
+all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty
+men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such
+press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the
+whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could
+follow him but Kriemhild's husband, who caught and slew him with his
+sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it,
+averred he was a mighty man.
+
+Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon
+a fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they
+bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine
+delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not
+been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
+
+Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such
+great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the
+wine. Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your
+hunting-fellow. I have well deserved that they regard me, too."
+
+The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you
+remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die
+of thirst."
+
+Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the
+Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not
+drink today, how well will I avoid this in the future!"
+
+At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One
+should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled
+wine. (8) If that might not be, then men should have placed our benches
+nearer to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a
+good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."
+
+To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of
+thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne
+away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With
+false intent the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the
+game which Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever
+saw it gave him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth
+to Siegfried. When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It
+hath oft been told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband
+when he be minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
+
+Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that,
+and ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call
+give the prize to him who winneth."
+
+"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
+
+Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward
+at your feet." (9)
+
+How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold
+knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my
+trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he
+quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
+
+Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in
+two white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran,
+but men spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare
+away the prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid
+aside his quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough.
+The lordly stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was
+Siegfried's courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed
+forth, but the hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king
+had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the
+spring. Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream, and when he had
+drunken straightened up again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done
+the same, but now he paid for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from
+him both bow and sword and bounded then to where he found the spear;
+then he looked for the mark on bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried
+drank above the spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that
+his heart's blood spurted from the wounds almost on Hagen's clothes.
+Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed. Hagen left the spear a-sticking
+in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world had run from
+any man.
+
+When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started
+in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered.
+He weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid
+as he deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his
+sword, then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the
+spring and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit
+he was wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of
+precious stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst
+quite apart. Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was
+Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow
+the glade rang loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been
+Hagen's death, so sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good
+cause thereof. His hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of
+body melted quite away, for in bright colors he bore the signs of death.
+Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames enow.
+
+Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his
+blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause,
+at those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded
+spake: "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye
+have slain me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you.
+Alas, ye have acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born
+in after days will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore
+upon me. With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
+
+The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a
+hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and
+this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the
+Burgundians bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no
+need that he should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle
+blame. It had been better left undone."
+
+Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All
+our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who
+dare withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."
+
+"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your
+murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue
+me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I
+ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his
+kindred have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake
+Siegfried, "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the
+deadly wounded spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to
+any in the world, then let my dear love be commended to your grace and
+let it avail her that she be your sister. For the sake of your princely
+courtesie protect her faithfully. My father and my men must wait long
+time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
+
+The flowers on every side were wot with blood. With death he struggled,
+but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely.
+Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
+
+When the lordlings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a
+shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen
+had done the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye
+must all hide it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as
+he rode alone a-hunting through the pine wood."
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be
+known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it
+trouble me however much she weep."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Lion."  It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
+        roam at large in the forests of Germany.  They were,
+        however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
+        poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
+        hunter.
+   (2)  "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
+        extinct.
+   (3)  "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
+        deer.
+   (4)  "Fragrance".  It was believed that the odor of the panther
+        attracted the game.  Compare the description of the panther
+        in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
+        surpass that of all ointments.
+   (5)  "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
+        connotation is not known.  Some interpret it to meau the
+        fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
+   (6)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (7)  "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
+        is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
+        did not disturb the poet.
+   (8)  "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
+   (9)  "Feet".  This was probably done as a handicap.  The time
+        consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
+        a start.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
+
+Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
+hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
+warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
+of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
+Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He
+bade place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when
+she went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild
+full seldom missed through sleep.
+
+Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild,
+the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
+vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
+him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord,
+but with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this
+Lady Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her
+ladies for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet,
+there doth lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
+
+Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it
+was her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
+protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure
+at his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they
+found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After
+her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:
+"Perchance it is a stranger knight."
+
+The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis
+Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen
+hath done the deed."
+
+The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand
+she raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him
+soon. There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The
+gracious queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is
+not carved with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done
+the deed, I'd ever plot his death."
+
+All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they
+grieved full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had
+cruelly avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
+
+Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all
+Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me
+bewail brave Siegfried."
+
+A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the
+Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could
+scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger
+came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I
+trow his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see
+his dear son alive.
+
+"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A
+wrong hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all
+other ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."
+
+Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which
+thou tellest me?"
+
+Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold
+Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
+
+Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales,
+that thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail
+him fully before my death."
+
+"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear
+yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."
+
+Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need, He and
+a hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands
+their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail.
+Then came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard
+the ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should
+dress them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great
+heaviness was buried in their hearts.
+
+Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas
+for the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my
+child and you of your husband among such good friends?"
+
+"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul
+would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin
+must ever weep because of me."
+
+Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow
+of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded
+from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's
+wife. They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his
+wounds and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty
+grief. Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be
+ever ready to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the
+deed."
+
+All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came
+with their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had
+in his troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he
+had great need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife,
+unless it be to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden
+to the hunt.
+
+Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief
+and how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the
+Nibelungs at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to
+hinder it. In kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin.
+The grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye
+wot naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye
+will all be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."
+
+With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The
+noble queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When
+they would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord
+Siegmund, ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my
+husband with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do
+him scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I
+will not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of
+ours. Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear
+with me my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights,
+to coffin the dear husband of mine."
+
+Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."
+
+None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were
+heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping.
+The noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they,
+too, were sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried,
+or for what cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the
+worthy burghers wept with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste
+to work a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it
+firm with strips of good hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.
+
+The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady
+bade them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster.
+Whatever friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells
+were ringing as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard
+the chant of many priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim
+Hagen also toward the sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs,
+clear sister, that we may not be free from this great scathe. We must
+ever lament for Siegfried's death."
+
+"That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth
+to you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on
+me, when I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth
+Kriemhild, "that it had happed to me."
+
+Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him
+guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all
+the folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."
+
+This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained
+murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's wounds do bleed, (1)
+as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen's. The wounds
+bled sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of
+those who wailed afore.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen
+did not do the deed."
+
+"I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends
+avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by you."
+
+Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again:
+"Now share with me this grief."
+
+Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where
+they found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild's
+men wept inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives,
+and children did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly
+bear his loss, wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake:
+"Sister mine, now comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We'll
+try to make it up to thee, the while we live."
+
+Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well
+towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The
+lady would not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle
+trouble. In a rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found
+none there that did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny
+mourned bitterly the stately man. When it was noised abroad that men
+sang in the minster and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of
+folk. What offerings they made for his soul's sake! He had good friends
+enow among these foes. Poor Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye
+must now be put to trouble for my sake, ye who wished him well and be my
+friends. For Siegfried's soul shall ye deal out his gold."
+
+No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or
+ever he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day.
+Great throng was there of Siegfried's friends.
+
+When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake:
+"Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone.
+With him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state
+three days and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God
+doth bid that death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of
+me, poor Kriemhild."
+
+The people of the town returned now to their lodgeings. She begged the
+priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay.
+They spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained
+without all food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made
+known that men would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed.
+Then were the Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three
+days, as we hear tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a
+deal of work. What offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor,
+grew rich enow. Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught,
+these were bid go to mass with gold from Siegfried's treasure chamber.
+Since he might not live, many thousand marks of gold were given for his
+soul. She dealt out well-tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk
+were found. Enow of gold and silver was given to the poor. By her deeds
+she showed that she did love him fondly.
+
+Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the
+minster was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death,
+as one should do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told,
+full thirty thousand marks or better still were given to the poor for
+his soul's sake. Yet his great beauty and his life lay low. When God
+had been served and the chants were ended, much people fought 'gainst
+monstrous grief. Men bade bear him from the minster to the grave. Those
+were seen to weep and wail who missed him most. With loud laments the
+people followed hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man. They sang
+and read a service before they buried him. Ho, what good priests were
+present at his burial! Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the grave, her
+faithful heart was rung with grief, so that they must needs oft sprinkle
+her with water from the spring. Her pain was passing great; a mickle
+wonder it was that she ever lived. Many a lady helped her in her plaint.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye
+prove your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my
+woe, that I may see once more his comely head."
+
+She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break
+open the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With
+her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and
+good, thus dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then
+there happed a piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk,
+and soon they found the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the
+lovely fair have died of grief.
+
+When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him
+from the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men
+found Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three
+days would neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not
+so waste away their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows,
+as still happeneth oft enow.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Bleed".  This was not only a popular superstition, but also
+        a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had
+        not been discovered, or if any one was suspected.  The
+        suspected person was requested to approach the bier and
+        touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow
+        afresh if the one touching the body were guilty.  Our
+        passage is the first instance of its mention in German
+        literature.  A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364.
+        The usage was also known in France and England.  See the
+        instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",
+        930.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.
+
+Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her. Unto the queen
+he spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome
+guests. Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit
+treachery here in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet
+should ye not requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son's
+sake, of this shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the
+power which Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and
+also the crown shall be subject to you. All Siegfried's men shall serve
+you gladly."
+
+Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying
+for steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes.
+Men bade dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund
+would fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's mother gan beg her that she
+stay there with her kindred.
+
+The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the
+sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst
+stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have
+grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."
+
+To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of
+dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."
+
+"I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with
+thy brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of thy husband's
+death."
+
+Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."
+
+When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot
+and her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but
+little kith she had among Siegfried's men.
+
+"They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so
+strong but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and
+console your mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in
+truth."
+
+Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were
+brought for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land.
+Also all the trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters.
+Then the Lord Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild's side. To the lady he
+spake: "Siegfried's men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride
+away, for I be ill content in Burgundy."
+
+The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise
+me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."
+
+Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He
+spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear
+the crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not
+suffer, because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again,
+for the sake of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him
+orphaned. When your son groweth up, he will comfort your heart.
+Meanwhile many bold heroes and good shall serve you."
+
+"Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever
+fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."
+
+These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We
+might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would
+stay here with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more
+sorrowfully."
+
+"Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given
+safe-conduct to Siegmund's land, I'll bid them guard you well. To the
+care of you knights shall my dear child be given."
+
+When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of
+Siegmund's men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from
+Lady Kriemhild! He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly
+feasting," spake the noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to
+king or to his kinsmen, what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us
+nevermore in Burgundy."
+
+Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still
+take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his
+kinsmen be their deadly foes."
+
+He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright
+that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now
+first do I feel all my sorrow."
+
+Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were
+surely of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend
+them, should they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of
+none, but Gernot and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving
+wise. These brave and lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his
+loss. Courteously Prince Gernot spake: "God in heaven knoweth well that
+I be not to blame for Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was
+his foe. I mourn him justly."
+
+Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them
+from the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous
+then!
+
+How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild
+mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher
+alone; loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening
+pride. How Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her
+love or troth. Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest
+woe of heart.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.
+
+When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with
+his vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also
+often helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster,
+they built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and
+great, where, with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to
+go to church and did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither
+she went all time in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She
+prayed the good God to have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she
+bewept the knight full oft. Uta and her meiny comforted her all time,
+but so sorely wounded was her heart, that it booted naught, whatever
+comfort men did offer her. She had the greatest longing for her dear
+love, that ever wife did have for loving husband. One might see thereby
+her passing virtue; until her end she mourned, the while life lasted. In
+after days brave Siegfried's wife avenged herself with might.
+
+Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and this is
+true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther,
+nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister
+friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this
+might ye win great store, an' the queen would be our friend."
+
+The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will
+beg them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she
+might gladly see us win the hoard."
+
+"I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."
+
+Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was
+done, Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried
+it with the Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy
+spake: "Lady, ye mourn too long for Siegfried's death. The king will
+give you proof that he hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so
+greatly."
+
+She spake: "None chargeth him with this. 'Twas Hagen's hand that struck
+him, where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could
+I think that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full
+well," spake the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would
+I, poor wife, leave off my weeping. I'll never be a friend of him that
+did the deed." Then Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.
+
+When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand
+before her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her.
+Well he wot his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole. When now she would
+forego her hate of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted
+him better had she not been wronged by his advice; then might he have
+gone boldly unto Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought
+to pass with so many tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the
+one man alone, she pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the
+deed.
+
+Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained
+the hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was
+her marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot
+rode to fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should
+bring it from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight
+Alberich (2) and his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine
+coming for the hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught
+of the treasure dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth
+it to be her marriage morning gift. Yet should this never be done,"
+quoth Alberich, "but that with Siegfried we have foully lost the good
+Cloud Cloak, for fair Kriemhild's love did wear it alway. Now, alas,
+it hath fared ill with Siegfried, that the hero bereft us of the Cloud
+Cloak and that all this land did have to serve him."
+
+Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood
+Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the
+treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon
+the waves to the mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the
+hoard, the which twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear
+away from the hill in four days and nights and each must make the trip
+three times a day. There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men
+paid therewith the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been
+in worth. Forsooth Hagen did not crave it so without good cause. The
+greatest prize of all was a wishing-rod (3) of gold. He who knew its
+nature, might well be master over any man in all the world.
+
+Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they
+stored away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took charge of
+everything, chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men
+hear tales told of such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a
+thousand times as much, if the Lord Siegfried were but alive again,
+Kriemhild would fain have stood empty-handed at his side. No more
+faithful wife did hero ever win. Now that she had the hoard, she brought
+many unknown warriors to the land. In truth the lady's hand gave in
+such wise that men have never seen such bounty more. She used great
+courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the rich and the poor she
+began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she live yet a while,
+she would gain so many a man for her service that they would fare full
+ill.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I
+hinder that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed
+it, that she became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she
+deal out her silver and her gold."
+
+Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught
+of the heard. With her gifts she'll bring about the day when it well may
+rue the brave Burgundians sore."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her
+harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."
+
+Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."
+
+Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty
+store and Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother
+Gernot, when he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath
+done my sister much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his
+life, were he not my kin."
+
+Siegfried's wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Or ever
+we be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the
+Rhine, that it belong to none."
+
+Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake: "Dear
+brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life
+and goods."
+
+Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for
+now we think to ride."
+
+The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them
+that one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the
+hatred he bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was
+come again, Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at
+Loche, (4) in the Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The
+lordings came again and with them many men. With her maids and ladies
+Kriemhild gan bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly
+would Giselher have helped in all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath
+done wrong."
+
+Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor. They
+did him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate.
+Before Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty
+oaths that it should lie concealed as long as any one of them might
+live. Later they could not give it to themselves or any other.
+
+Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's end, and
+because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not
+in all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried's death, and
+this is true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she
+could not forget the warrior's death. She was true to him, as most folk
+owned.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary
+        for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after
+        the bridal night.  On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche
+        Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.
+   (2)  "A1berich", see Adventure III, note 8.  It is characteristic
+        of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.
+   (3)  "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried
+        treasure.  Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie," ii, 813.
+   (4)  "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the
+        Rhine province.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.
+
+That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought
+another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in
+the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead,
+they spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king
+ever won, then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her
+husband."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen
+and be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and
+therefore would not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that
+ever happed."
+
+The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the
+sake of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a
+trial for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."
+
+The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and
+the land by the Rhine?"
+
+Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known
+from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the
+noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use
+the highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always
+done."
+
+Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear
+the crown in this my land. An' she be so fair, as hath been told me, it
+shall never rue my dearest kin."
+
+"She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen.
+Certes, there might not be in all this world a king's bride more fair.
+He may well be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."
+
+He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if
+ever I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for it as best
+I may. Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure
+chambers I will bid thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and
+all thou wilt, that thou and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I'll
+bid full plenty of these things be made ready against thine errand."
+
+To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that
+were not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy
+hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May
+God keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune
+help me, that she look with favor on my suit."
+
+Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready
+arms and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will
+lead to the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I
+and mine be seen, all may say of thee: `Never did any king send afar so
+many men in better wise than thou hast done to the Rhine.' If thou, O
+mighty king, wilt not turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that
+her noble love was subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son. Him thou hast
+seen here. (4) Men could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."
+
+Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was the
+noble prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh
+me well for her passing beauty."
+
+The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence
+in four and twenty days. I'll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that
+I myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."
+
+Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both
+sorrowful and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife.
+Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the
+message, a deal she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether
+she should gain a lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved
+her heart full sore.
+
+Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King
+Etzel was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their
+weeds. Then might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind
+awaited him; the young margravine, too, Rudeger's child, gladly saw her
+father and his men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble
+Rudeger rode from the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes
+were placed upon the sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a
+whit was taken from them.
+
+When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly
+bade lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw
+the host come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young
+margravine. To her his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to
+see the heroes from the Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden
+spake: "Now be my father and his men full welcome here."
+
+Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty
+knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger's mood. When at
+night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine
+put, whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady
+Gotelind, I'll gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another
+lady for my lord, sith that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for
+Kriemhild to the Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the
+Huns."
+
+"Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do hear
+such speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our
+lady for us in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear
+the crown in Hungary."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to
+ride with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel
+richly, then are they of lofty mood."
+
+She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I
+would not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part
+hence."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."
+
+Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers!
+With enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined
+from the neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that
+pleased him well.
+
+On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from
+Bechelaren. Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the
+Bavarian land. Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery's
+sake, and within twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the
+tidings not be hid; men told it to the king and to his liegemen, that
+stranger guests were come. The host gan say, if any knew them, he should
+tell him so. One saw their sumpters bear right heavy loads. 'Twas seen
+that they were passing rich.
+
+Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many
+strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft.
+The people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine.
+The host now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him.
+Then spake the knight of Troneg: "None of them have I ever seen, but
+when we now gaze upon them, I can tell you well from whence they ride
+hither to this land. They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not
+full soon." (5)
+
+Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship
+were come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good
+garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As
+well as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as
+if 'twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."
+
+"How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of
+Bechelaren be come to this land?"
+
+When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the
+good knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five
+hundred knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the
+men from Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes.
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord
+of Bechelaren and all his men, welcome in God's name."
+
+With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the
+king went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never
+have we seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."
+
+On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all
+their fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the
+king and with him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats;
+through their great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met
+the messengers! Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals
+warmly, as was his due. He took the good knight Rudeger by the hand
+and led him to the seat where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the
+guests (full gladly this was done) passing good mead and the best of
+wine that one might find in the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere
+both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had heard about the strangers.
+Merry they were of mood and greeted before the king the noble knights
+and good.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever
+requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the
+husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."
+
+King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare
+Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."
+
+To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know." He
+rose from his seat with all his men and spake to the king: "An' may that
+be that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the tidings that I
+bring, but will tell them willingly."
+
+Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these
+I'll let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my
+vassals hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."
+
+Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon
+the Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This
+message is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you
+his need. His folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master's
+wife, is dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned,
+daughters of noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth
+full piteously in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them
+faithfully. The king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."
+
+"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth
+his service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his
+greeting, and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."
+
+Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair
+Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."
+
+With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.
+
+Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me,
+O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent
+you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men
+told my lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be
+dead. If this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights,
+would ye but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."
+
+Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care
+to do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in
+these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her
+wish?"
+
+Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served
+so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunthers men.
+Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the
+third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full
+wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that
+Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save
+Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right
+wit, ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
+follow."
+
+"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure
+happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister.
+We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her
+honor."
+
+Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel
+as have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath
+danger happed to you by right."
+
+"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near
+him that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she become his
+wife."
+
+Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."
+
+For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords
+would think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble
+king. Hagen still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight
+Giselher of Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make
+her to forget the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune
+she may have, this ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister
+so many an ill," continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she
+hath good cause, if she be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady
+of greater joys."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and
+live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in whatever way she can.
+Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."
+
+To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to
+Etzel's land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that
+maketh for our honor."
+
+Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild wear
+the crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give
+it over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."
+
+Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all act as
+traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever
+ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."
+
+Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and
+Giselher, the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at
+last, if Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.
+
+Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor
+upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can
+well requite her of all the wrongs that have been done her."
+
+Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she
+received him. How quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly
+and give me a messenger's meed. Fortune is about to part you from all
+your woes. For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that
+ever gained a kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath
+sent envoys hither. Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me
+tell you."
+
+Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my
+kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man
+who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"
+
+Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher,
+the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in
+truth, could she but take the king.
+
+None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the
+knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to
+see the messengers."
+
+"I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see
+the Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither,
+whoever else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted
+with me. Pray bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I'll let him hear my
+will in full and tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake
+forth anew.
+
+The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the
+high-born queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but
+let the knight persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow
+when mass was sung, the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those
+who should go to court with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed.
+Full sad of mood, the high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and
+good. He found her in the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids
+wore rich clothes enow. She went to meet him to the door and greeted
+full kindly Etzel's liegeman. Only as one of twelve he went to meet her.
+Men offered him great worship, for never were come more lofty envoys.
+They bade the lording and his vassals seat them. Before her were seen to
+stand the two Margraves Eckewart and Gere, the noble knights and good.
+None they saw merry of mood, for the sake of the lady of the house. Many
+fair women were seen to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her
+grief; her dress upon her breast was wot with scalding tears. This the
+noble margrave noted well on Kriemhild.
+
+Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you,
+permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and
+tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."
+
+"Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear
+it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."
+
+The others noted well her unwilling mood.
+
+Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king,
+hath in good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers
+hither to this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your
+love. Great joy without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready
+to give you constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay
+within his heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full
+often joyless days."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my
+bitter sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the
+best of husbands that ever lady won."
+
+"What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy.
+When that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught
+availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble
+master, ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord
+will give you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand
+hath overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen,
+who were subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and
+princely race, who owned her sway." Thus spake the brave knight and
+bold. "Thereto my lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would
+deign to wear with him the crown, the very highest power which Helca
+ever won; this shall ye rule before all Etzel's men."
+
+Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero's
+bride? Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live
+joyless unto mine end."
+
+To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's court
+will be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an' it come to
+pass, for the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca's damosels
+and your maids shall together form one retinue, at sight of which
+warriors may well be blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare
+well in truth."
+
+With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow
+early, when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to
+what ye have in mind."
+
+The bold knights and good must needs obey.
+
+When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for
+Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping
+did beseem her and naught else better.
+
+Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I
+can well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish,
+and thou takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this
+thinketh me well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake
+Giselher again; "from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the
+sea, there be no other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice,
+an' he make thee his wife."
+
+She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping
+and wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his
+knights? Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."
+
+To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel
+thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with
+thee. I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."
+
+Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she
+might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband's side
+of yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never
+have again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall
+I give my body to a paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the
+world must I bear shame. An' he gave me all the kingdoms in the world
+still 1 would not do it."
+
+Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady
+lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the
+morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come
+and took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the
+king of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry.
+Then they bade fetch hither Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken
+their leave, whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost
+their suit. Rudeger came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn
+aright the noble prince's mind. To all it seemed well that this be done
+betimes, for long was the way back into their land. Men brought Rudeger
+to where Kriemhild was found. Winningly the knight gan beg the noble
+queen to let him hear what message she would send to Etzel's land. I
+ween, he heard from her naught else than no, that she nevermore would
+wed a man. The margrave spake: "That were ill done. Why would ye let
+such beauty wither? Still with honor may ye become the bride of a worthy
+man."
+
+Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in
+secret that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At
+this her great sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let
+be your weeping. If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful
+kin and liegemen, sore must he repent it who had ever done you aught."
+
+At this the lady's mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an
+oath, that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my
+wrongs."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."
+
+Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her
+faithfully and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel's
+land would ne'er refuse her aught.
+
+Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many
+friends, I'll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear
+husband's death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath
+so many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an' I command them. He is
+likewise so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen
+hath bereft me of my goods."
+
+To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly
+would I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many
+knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at his court.
+What if ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened?
+Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye
+should now give over your sadness."
+
+They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King
+Etzel's bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to
+the Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will
+take me to his land."
+
+Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more.
+'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine.
+No longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred
+vassals and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye
+bid, both here and there at home. I'll do by you the same whenever ye
+do mind me of the tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for
+your horses be made ready (Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and
+tell it to your maids, whom ye would take along, for many a chosen
+knight will meet us on the road."
+
+She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's time, so
+that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she
+would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames!
+Albeit they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready,
+for much had been told them of the king. They opened up the chests,
+which stood afore well locked. For four and one half days they were
+aught but idle; from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay
+therein. Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain
+would make all Rudeger's liegemen rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung
+land she still had such store that a hundred horses might not bear it;
+she weened her hand should deal it out among the Huns.
+
+This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will
+not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must stay behind. For why
+should I give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what
+Kriemhild will do with this hoard. I can well believe, an' she take it
+with her, that it will be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor
+have they steeds enow to bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it,
+pray tell Kriemhild that."
+
+When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told
+to all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not
+hap, the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye
+for the gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his
+eyes do light upon you, such store he'll give you that ye can never
+spend it all; this will I swear to you, my lady."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's daughter
+gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."
+
+Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the
+king in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild's gold was handed forth, a
+thousand marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased
+King Gunther.
+
+Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild
+all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it
+would mine or the queen's hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will
+none of it. Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can
+lightly do without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey
+in full lordly wise."
+
+Aforr this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very
+best of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great
+store of women's trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her
+thought too great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she
+had still a thousand marks. For her dear husband's soul she dealt it
+out. This Rudeger thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the
+mournful lady: "Where be now my friends who for my sake would live in
+exile? Let those who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my
+treasure and purchase horses and trappings."
+
+Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first
+became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight,
+"and aye will do the same by you until mine end. I will take with
+me also five hundred of my men and place them in your service right
+loyally. Naught shall ever part us, save death alone."
+
+For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.
+
+Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many
+tears were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed
+that they were sad at Kriemhild's loss. A hundred high-born maids she
+took with her hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from
+bright eyes the tears fell down, but soon at Etzel's court they lived
+to see much joy. Then came Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their
+fellowship, as their courtesie demanded. Fain would they escort their
+dear sister hence; of their knights they took with them full a thousand
+stately men. Then came Orwin and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master
+of the kitchen, must needs be with them, too. They purveyed them night
+quarters as far as the Danube's shore, but Gunther rode no further than
+a little from the town. Ere they fared hence from the Rhine, they had
+sent their messengers swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who
+should tell the king that Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble
+high-born queen.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.
+   (2)  "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the
+        daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the
+        "Thidreksaga" calls him.  In the latter work (chap. 73-80)
+        we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her
+        father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride.
+        On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see
+        Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.
+   (3)  "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the
+        "Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an
+        historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.
+        Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself
+        an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with
+        castles and lands in fief.  He may have been introduced, as
+        Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role
+        originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.
+        Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.
+        Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach
+        with the Danube.
+   (4)  "hast seen here".  "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich
+        had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's
+        court.
+   (5)  "full soon".  See Adventure III, note 4.
+   (6)  "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),
+        'heathen'.
+   (7)  "gold for offerings".  This was the gold to be used as
+        offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen
+journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from
+her. They had served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1)
+on the Danube they rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for
+they would ride again to the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen
+might not part. Doughty Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever,
+lady, thou shouldst need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but
+know, and I will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."
+
+Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took
+their leave of Margrave Rudeger's men. The queen had with her many a
+fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes
+of rich, gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the
+ladies on the road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.
+
+They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the
+tale was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where
+still a cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In
+the town of Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and
+the prince's court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers
+in the Bavarian land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild.
+The knights of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so
+many comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble
+knights. Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.
+
+With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the
+burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's sister's
+child, well was she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope
+that they would stay. Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must
+fare further down to Rudeger's land. Many knights await us, for all wot
+well the news."
+
+Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with
+care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should
+cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the
+Enns (3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw
+on every side the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet
+their guests. Now was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were
+from the Bavarian land who might perchance have done the guests much
+harm, had they robbed upon the roads, as was their wont. That had been
+forestalled by the lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or more.
+
+Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a
+noble knight in lordly vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5)
+upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests
+should have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to
+his guests. Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the
+road there trotted many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair
+was the welcome; right well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to
+meet them on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a
+knight. They practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor
+did the service of the knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger's
+liegemen met the guests, many truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high
+from the warriors' hands in knightly custom. As though for a prize they
+rode before the ladies there. This they soon gave over and many warriors
+greeted each other in friendly wise. Then they escorted fair Gotelind
+from thence to where she saw Kriemhild. Scant leisure had they who wot
+how to serve the ladies.
+
+The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble
+margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part
+her cares had given way to joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade
+her dismount with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a
+noble knight bestirred him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then
+Kriemhild spied the margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she
+drew, but checked the palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her
+quickly from the saddle. Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his
+sister's child to Gotelind. All stood aside at once. Then the exiled
+queen kissed Gotelind upon the mouth. Full lovingly spake Rudeger's
+wife: "Now well is me, dear lady, that I have ever seen with mine own
+eyes your charming self in these our lands. Naught liefer might hap to
+me in all these times."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I
+and Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that
+ye have seen me here."
+
+Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each
+other in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their
+service. After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With
+many they became acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As
+it was now high noon, men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The
+noble meiny no longer tarried, but rode to where they found many broad
+pavilions; there ample service stood ready for the guests.
+
+That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren
+made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned,
+that little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open,
+the castle at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men
+were fain to see; the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most
+lovingly Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.
+There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-born maid
+was greeted with delight. They took each other by the hand and hied
+them hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair, under which the Danube
+flowed along. Towards the breeze they sate and held great pastime. What
+more they did I cannot tell, save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were
+heard to grumble that they fared so slowly on their way, for much it
+irked them. Ho, what good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!
+
+Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind's
+daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she
+brought to Etzel's land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her,
+yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still
+might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In
+turn the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such
+friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not
+wear her jewels or her lordly robes.
+
+When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by
+the lady of the house to Etzel's bride. The fair young margravine, too,
+was much caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you
+good, I know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to
+the Hunnish land." How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her
+truly.
+
+The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren
+and the noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter. With
+a greeting many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each
+other since these days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands
+many a rich cup of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers
+on the highway. Thus they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight
+Astolt, (9) who showed them the road to the Austrian land, towards
+Mautern (10) down the Danube. There the noble queen was later served
+full well. From his niece the bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled
+her that she should bear her well and that she should purchase honor
+for herself, as Helca, too, had done! Ho, what great worship she later
+gained among the Huns!
+
+To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger's men
+purveyed them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land.
+Then the queen became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the
+king of the Hunnish land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer,
+(12) known far and wide. Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such
+great virtues that it might not lightly ever hap again, unless it be
+through Kriemhild. She wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow
+she had the joy that Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which
+she later won great store among the heroes. Etzel's rule was known far
+and wide, so that all time one found at his court the boldest warriors
+of whom men ever heard, among Christian or among paynim. They were all
+come with him. All time there were at his court, what may not so lightly
+hap again, Christian customs and also heathen faith. In whatsoever wise
+each lived, the bounty of the king bestowed on all enow.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt.  A ferry
+        across the river existed here from ancient times.
+   (2)  "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an
+        historical personage.  He was bishop of Passau from 971 to
+        991.  Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to
+        Boer between 1181 and 1185.  See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.
+        Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.
+   (3)  "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the
+        Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of
+        Linz.
+   (4)  "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,
+        about thirteen miles west of Linz.
+   (5)  "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,
+        forty-four miles southeast of Linz.
+   (6)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (7)  "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in
+        the "Klage", and in "Biterolf".  In the earlier Norse
+        version "Atli" is the son of "Budli".  (On this point see
+        Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and
+        Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the
+        names are shown to be identical.
+   (8)  "Medelick" is the modern Molk, or Melk, a town on the Danube
+        near the influx of the Bilach.  It lies at the foot of a
+        granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.
+   (9)  "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known
+        of him.
+   (10) "Mantern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite
+        Stein in Lower Austria.
+   (11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower
+        Austria, emptying near Traismauer.
+   (12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure").  All the MSS. but C and
+        D have this reading.  The latter have "Treysenmoure" and
+        "treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern
+        name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna.  It is
+        possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was
+        originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from
+        Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.
+        See Laehmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,
+        note to str. 1333.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.
+
+Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon
+the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were
+burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through Austria. Then the
+king was told aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at
+thought of this his sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the
+lovely Kriemhild. Men saw ride before King Etzel on the road many bold
+knights of many tongues and many mighty troops of Christians and of
+paynims. When they met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise. Of
+the Russians and the Greeks there rode there many a man. The right good
+steeds of the Poles and Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly, as they
+rode with might and main. Each did show the customs of his land.
+From the land of Kiev (1) there rode many a warrior and the savage
+Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they often shot at the birds which flew
+there; to the very head they drew the arrows on the bows.
+
+By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call
+Tulna. (3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the
+which size had never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came
+through her to grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and
+noble, courtly and lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of
+lofty birth. They would fain behold their lady and craved naught more.
+Duke Ramung (4) of Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up
+before her; like flying birds men saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeek
+with lordly bands. The doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men,
+wheeled from the king away towards the queen. Loudly they shouted after
+the custom of their land. Madly too rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then
+came brave Hawart (6) of Denmark and the doughty Iring, (7) free of
+guile was he, and Irnfried (8) of Thuringia, a stately man. With twelve
+hundred vassals, whom they had in their band, they greeted Kriemhild,
+so that she had therefrom great worship. Then came Sir Bloedel, (9)
+King Etzel's brother, from the Hunnish land, with three thousand men.
+In lordly wise he rode to where he found the queen. Then King Etzel
+came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his fellowship. There stood many
+worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good. At this Dame Kriemhild's
+spirits rose.
+
+Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the
+high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may
+not greet alike King Etzel's men."
+
+From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty,
+bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man.
+Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we
+are told, walked by the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went
+to meet her, where she greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious
+wise. She raised her veil and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy
+hue. Many a man stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have
+been more fair than she. Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the
+king. Him Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King Gibeek,
+too. There also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of the warriors the king's
+bride kissed. She greeted many knights in other ways.
+
+All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful
+warriors did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a
+royal joust. This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according
+to their custom. In what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made
+truncheons from the shafts fly through the air, high above the shields,
+from the hands of doughty knights! Many a buckler's edge was pierced
+through and through by the German strangers. Great crashing of breaking
+shafts was heard. All the warriors from the land were come and the
+king's guests, too, many a noble man.
+
+Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them
+a royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with
+booths, where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely
+maid was shown to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then
+sate with the queen on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well
+purveyed the seats for Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at
+this King Etzel grew blithe of mood. What the king there spake, I know
+not. In his right lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's
+wise, since Rudeger would not let the king make love to Kriemhild
+secretly.
+
+Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the
+great rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them
+lodgings stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they
+lay at ease, till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a
+man betook him to the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of
+the king! Etzel bade the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they
+rode from Tulna to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame
+adorned. With great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride. There was
+ready for them in great plenty whatever they should have. Many a lusty
+hero rejoiced at prospect of the rout.
+
+The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge
+the guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town.
+Rudeger therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in
+the country round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild,
+Sir Dietrich and many another knight. Their rest they had given over
+for toil, that they might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his
+friends had pastime good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide,
+when King Etzel lay by Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first
+husband, I trow, she did not win so many men for service. Through
+presents she made her known to those who had never seen her. Full many
+among them spake to the guests: "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had
+naught of goods, now hath she wrought many wonders with her gifts."
+
+The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any
+king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis hidden from us.
+All that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt
+before in Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was
+rich in goods, I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she
+saw stand 'fore Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast
+so many costly mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which
+all had here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake. Her friends and
+the strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any
+craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of the knights through
+bounty stood bereft of clothes. Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with
+her noble husband by the Rhine; her eyes grew moist, but she hid it full
+well, that none might see it. Great worship had been done her after
+many a grief. Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of
+Dietrich. What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite.
+Rudeger's lavish hand did also many wonders. Prince Bleedel of Hungary
+bade empty many traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all
+this was given away. The king's champions were seen to live right
+merrily. Werbel and Swemmel, (10) the minstrels of the king, each gained
+at the wedding feast, I ween, full thousand marks, or even better, when
+fair Kriemhild sate crowned at Etzel's side.
+
+On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were
+pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King
+Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient
+Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force
+they rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's
+native land! At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which
+men saw flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were
+solid earth. The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships
+were lashed together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm.
+Upon them many a goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land
+and plain.
+
+From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and
+wives therein were glad. Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their
+mistress, passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side. There
+many a noble maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca's
+death. Kriemhild found still seven royal princesses there, through whom
+all Etzel's land was graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat
+(14) cared, the daughter of Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly
+virtues, the betrothed of Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin's (15)
+daughter; much worship she later had. Blithe of heart she was at the
+coming of the guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared.
+Who might tell the tale of how the king held court? Never had men lived
+better among the Huns with any queen.
+
+When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble
+Kriemhild was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the
+better. Ho, how royally she ruled in Helca's stead! She became acquaint
+with much loyal service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk
+and precious stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to
+Hungary must needs be given all away. All the king's kinsmen and all
+his liegemen then owned her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so
+mightily as she, whom they now must serve till Kriemhild's death. The
+court and all the land lived in such high honors, that all time men
+found the pastimes which each heart desired, through the favor of the
+king and his good queen.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the
+        southwestern part of Russia.  Its capital of the same name,
+        situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known
+        cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an
+        important station of the Hanseatic league.
+   (2)  "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the
+        north of the Caspian.  By conquest they acquired a kingdom
+        extending from the Don to Transylvania.  They were feared
+        for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded
+        the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.
+   (3)  "Tulna" (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town
+        of Lower Austria, seventeen milos northwest of Vienna on the
+        Danube.
+   (4)  "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our
+        poem, nothing else is known of them.
+   (5)  "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but
+        nothing otherwise is known of him.
+   (6)  "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,
+        who is reputed to have played an important part in the
+        conquest of Thuringia.  He evidently comes from the Low
+        German version.
+   (7)  "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an
+        ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or
+        "Iringi".  He occurs in a legend of the fall of the
+        Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role
+        that the Milky Way was named after him.  See W. Grimm,
+        "Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the
+        connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a
+        confusion.
+   (8)  "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who
+        was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the
+        aid of the Saxons.  See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,
+        73-79.  He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.
+   (9)  "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he
+        reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445.  In our poem the
+        name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as
+        "Bloedelin".
+   (10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction
+        to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with
+        the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's
+        court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of
+        their rank.  Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form
+        "Swemmelin".
+   (11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.
+   (12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,
+        twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.
+   (13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of
+        Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of
+        Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no
+        definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics.  See
+        Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506.  The name occurs in
+        documents as late as the fifteenth century.
+   (14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently
+        mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed.  She
+        is spoken of as the exiled maid.
+   (15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else
+        is known of him.  See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.
+
+With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh
+year. In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel
+could not have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she
+brought it to pass that Etzel's child was christened after the Christian
+rite. Men named it Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of
+Etzel's lands. Whatever courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame
+Kriemhild practiced this full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who
+in secret grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was
+she known to the strangers and the home-folk. They vowed that never had
+a kingdom had a better or more bounteous queen. This they held for true.
+She bare this praise among the Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot
+she well, that none would thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a
+prince's wife, and that all time she saw twelve kings stand before
+her. Over many a wrong she brooded, that had happed to her at home. She
+thought likewise on the many honors in the Nibelung land, which she
+had there enjoyed and of which Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at
+Siegfried's death, and if perchance she might not make him suffer for
+his deed. "That would hap, if I might but bring him to this land." She
+dreamed that Giselher, her brother, walked often with her hand in hand.
+Alway she kissed him in her gentle slumber; later suffering came to
+both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel Kriemhild this, that she
+withdrew her friendship from Giselher, whom for forgiveness' sake she
+had kissed in the Burgundian land. At this hot tears again gan soil her
+robe. Early and late it lay within her heart, how without fault of hers
+they had made her wed a heathen man. Hagen and Gunther had brought her
+to this pass. This wish she seldom gave over in her heart. She thought:
+"I am so mighty and have such great wealth, that I can do my foes an
+injury yet. Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen of Troneg. My
+heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin. Might I be with those who
+did me wrong, my lover's death would be well avenged. Scarce can I abide
+this," spake Etzel's wife.
+
+All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty bound.
+Of the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might
+gainsay Dame Kriemhild's will. All time she thought: "I will beg the
+king, that he in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the
+Hunnish land." None marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when
+she lay by the king, and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont
+to love the noble dame, who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady
+thought her of her foes. To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would
+fain beseech you, by your grace, that ye would show me that ye did love
+my kinsfolk, if I have earned the favor."
+
+Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know however
+well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I
+won better kin through woman's love."
+
+Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have
+high-born kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me
+here. I hear the folk aver that I be banished."
+
+Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far,
+I'll bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to
+see."
+
+The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me
+your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through
+whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come
+hither to our land many a noble knight and a good."
+
+He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to
+see your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me
+sore, that they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please
+you, dear lady mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to
+the Burgundian land."
+
+He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted
+to where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be
+envoys to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready
+for them. Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the
+message was told them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his
+liegemen hither. Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then
+spake the mighty king: "I'll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my
+love and service, that it may please them to ride hither to my land. But
+few such welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill
+my wish, tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come this
+summer to my feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my
+wife."
+
+Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be
+in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"
+
+King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."
+
+"We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.
+
+The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she
+then talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a
+knight. To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in
+that ye do my pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send
+to my native land. I'll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly
+robes. And if ye see any of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not
+tell them that ye ever saw me sad of heart. Tender my service to the
+heroes brave and good. Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus
+part me from all my grief. The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin.
+Were I a knight, I'd visit them myself at times. And say to Gernot, too,
+the noble brother of mine, that none in the world doth love him more.
+Beg him to bring with him to this land our best of friends, that it may
+be to our honor. Say also to Giselher, that he remember well, I never
+gained grief through fault of his. Therefore would mine eyes fain sue
+him. For his great loyalty I would gladly have him here. Tell my mother
+also of the honors which I have, and if Hagen of Troneg be minded to
+stay at home, who then should lead them through the lands? From a child
+he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)
+
+The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of
+Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him
+many a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now
+been given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a
+sumptuous life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their
+persons adorned full well with goodly weeds.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"
+        Etzel's son is called Aldrian.  Bleyer, "Die germanischen
+        Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,
+        attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a
+        form "Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",
+        "Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".
+   (2)  "Hungary".  According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen
+        spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.
+
+When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew
+from land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to
+his high feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys
+rode away from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for
+three noble kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel;
+therefore all gan haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served
+them gladly. Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed
+not to send their service through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did
+they let them part hence without gifts, that Etzel's men might fare
+the better. To Uta and her sons Rudeger sent word that they had no more
+loyal margrave than he. To Brunhild, also, they tendered service and
+good wishes, constant fealty and a loving mind. When they heard the
+speech that the envoys would ride, the margravine begged God in heaven
+to keep them well.
+
+Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty
+Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin
+upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the
+messengers for love and let them ride.
+
+Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's sons, I
+should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the
+Rhine."
+
+What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them
+of their silver and their weeds; men feared their master's wrath. Certes
+the noble high-born king was a mighty lord.
+
+Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land
+of Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there
+came strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask:
+"Who will do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"
+
+This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to
+Gunther: "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen
+King Etzel's minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine;
+for their master's sake we must give them a kindly welcome."
+
+Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince's
+minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king's meiny
+bade them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their
+trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that
+with honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them
+longer there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them.
+At the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to
+these they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such
+as well befitted king's messengers for to wear.
+
+Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men
+saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and
+greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks.
+That he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his
+men. Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were
+the folk more merry; now know that of a truth."
+
+To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,
+as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of
+other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side.
+In courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns
+and all your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you
+hither to the Burgundian land?"
+
+To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also
+Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They
+have sent us to you knights in all good faith."
+
+Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so
+asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"
+
+Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never
+have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their
+kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we
+departed hence."
+
+"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of
+my sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in
+happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."
+
+The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard
+the tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to
+see the envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be
+very welcome to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine,
+ye would find friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm
+shall hap you in this land."
+
+"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to
+you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who
+live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth
+mind you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever
+hold her dear. But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye
+may deign to ride to Etzel's land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly
+to beg you this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not
+let your sister see you, he fain would know what he had done you that
+ye be so strange to him and to his lands. An' ye had never known the
+queen, yet would he fain bring it to pass that consent to come and see
+him. It would please him well if that might hap."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what
+I have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings
+and rest you well."
+
+Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the
+royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"
+
+The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that.
+An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother's wish, for she
+will gladly see you for my sister's sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will
+make you welcome."
+
+Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon
+the envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them
+gentle greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale.
+"My lady offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty.
+Might that be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no
+better joy in all the world."
+
+Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often
+see the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live,
+alas, too far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me
+know before ye leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have
+I seen messengers so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this
+should hap.
+
+Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the
+mighty king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his
+liegemen how they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king
+well might ride to Etzel's land. The very best among them advised him
+this, save Hagen alone; him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the
+king: "Ye fight against yourself; ye know full well what we have done.
+We may well be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand
+I slew her husband to death. How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss
+she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless
+be that the feud doth stand against you alone."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not,
+whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there
+both life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over,
+because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed
+not to go to see our sister."
+
+Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be
+guilty, friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let
+those who dare ride with us to my sister."
+
+At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye
+take any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I.
+Sith ye will not turn you, I will well show you that."
+
+Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well
+have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own
+desire, for ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given
+you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth
+you, for I be bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide
+here and leave King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more
+gently with you in all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your
+foes; so deck your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine,
+and pay court to stately ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of
+food that ever king did gain in the world. And were this not so, yet
+should ye tarry here for your fair wife's sake, before ye risk your life
+so childishly. Wherefore I do counsel you to stay at home. Your lands be
+rich, and one can redeem his pledges better at home than among the Huns.
+Who knoweth how it standeth there? Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is
+Rumolt's counsel."
+
+"We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel
+have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that
+liketh not to go may stay at home."
+
+To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare.
+In all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the
+Huns well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms,
+the best ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I'll
+choose a thousand doughty knights. Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring
+you naught of harm."
+
+"This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then
+bade messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand
+champions or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous
+woe. Full merrily they rode to Gunther's court. Men bade give all that
+were to ride forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king
+gained full many a one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his
+brother Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly
+guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and trappings
+into Gunther's land. Then came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he,
+with thirty of his men for the journey to Kriemhild's court. They had
+clothing such as a king might wear. Gunther bade make known, he would to
+the Hunnish land. I'll do you now to wit who Folker was. He was a noble
+lord, the liege of many doughty knights in Burgundy. A minstrel he was
+called, for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen chose a thousand whom
+he well knew; oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of
+battle, or in whatever else they did. None might aver aught else of them
+than doughtiness.
+
+The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their fear of
+their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant
+through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard
+against letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight
+later to Etzel's land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we
+wot it. Nor may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of
+hers, men do us harm. An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for
+many a chosen liegeman had we hence."
+
+Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them
+to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now
+men bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King Gunther. When they were
+come, Gernot spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly
+come to his high feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall
+be, or in what time we should go thither?"
+
+Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's day."
+
+The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would
+fain see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker
+hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not
+so well of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the
+morrow, and men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon
+her, it might not hap.
+
+Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own
+courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which
+he had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen
+Giselher and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were
+generous, too. They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for
+fear of their lord they durst not take them.
+
+Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay
+here at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take
+aught of gifts. Then too, there is but little need."
+
+Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse
+the gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold
+and weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's land. They would fain
+see the Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher
+brought the minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message,
+that whatever honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen
+bade give the minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of
+King Etzel and Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in
+good faith 'twas done.
+
+The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and
+men. Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights
+escort them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those
+who should have them in their care, Etzel's power did guard them on all
+their ways, so that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With
+great speed they hasted towards Etzel's land. To all the friends they
+wot of, they made known that in a short time the Burgundians would come
+hither from the Rhine to the Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too,
+the tale was told. As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren, men
+delayed not to tell Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's wife. Merry she
+grew that she should see them. Men saw the minstrels hasting with the
+tidings. They found King Etzel in the town of Gran. (2) Greeting after
+greeting they gave the king, of which full many had been sent him. He
+blushed for very joy.
+
+Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her
+brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts
+as meed. This was done for honor's sake. She spake: "Now tell me, both
+of you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to be at the
+feast? Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? Pray
+tell me what Hagen said when he heard the tale."
+
+The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council,
+and but little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the
+journey hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the
+wrathful Hagen. Your brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly
+mood. Whoever else may come, this tale I know not of a surety. The brave
+minstrel Folker vowed to ride along."
+
+"Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of
+Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may
+see him here."
+
+Then the queen went to where she saw the king. How lovingly Dame
+Kriemhild spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have
+ever craved, shall now be brought to pass."
+
+"Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe
+of mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the
+kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."
+
+King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with
+benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard
+from them mickle weeping.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.
+   (2)  "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the
+        Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles
+        northwest of Budapest.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. More
+high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any
+king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The
+ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1)
+as I have heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those
+they left at home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now
+borne across the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer
+to fair Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting. May God
+preserve their honor there."
+
+The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good
+knights. Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this
+land lay dead."
+
+"Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say
+the proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of honors. I wish
+that my lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to
+Etzel's land. The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full
+well, where we shall behold Kriemhild's feast."
+
+Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have
+advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude
+words. Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake:
+"Because of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."
+
+At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when
+it please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to
+Etzel's land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.
+
+The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men
+bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then
+full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised
+upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade
+his fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately
+knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they
+should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love
+caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.
+
+Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would
+hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must
+bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and
+was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and
+lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings
+from Kriemhild have never thought me good."
+
+"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well
+the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes
+King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."
+
+The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who
+lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many
+a stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were
+seen go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly
+there. Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them
+great harm. This doth never ease the heart.
+
+The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty
+turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and
+wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily
+along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong,
+who had left many comely dames at home whom they never saw again.
+Siegfried's wounds gave Kriemhild pain.
+
+Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up
+through Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot
+the way. Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As
+they rode away from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men
+could tell the princes and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their
+lordly bearing. On the twelfth morning the king came to the Danube.
+Hagen of Troneg rode foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs
+helpful cheer. On the sandy shore the bold knight dismounted and bound
+his steed full soon to a tree. The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden
+away. Great fear the Nibelungs had, as to how they might come across,
+for the stream was much too broad. Full many a lusty knight alighted on
+the ground.
+
+"Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the
+Rhine. Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is
+mighty. Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."
+
+"Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own
+prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the
+other bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."
+
+"Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown
+me in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel's
+lands. That will I well. Stay by the water's side, ye proud knights and
+good, and I will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall
+ferry us across to Gelfrat's (4) land."
+
+Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The
+shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it
+was. Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely
+it cut on either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the
+splash of water and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5)
+were bathing for to cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward
+them stealthily. When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to
+escape him; glad enow they were of this. The hero took their clothes,
+but did them naught else of harm.
+
+Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight
+Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds again, bold
+knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."
+
+Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought
+their senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell
+him. Well they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye
+may safely ride to Etzel's land. I'll stake my troth at once as pledge,
+that heroes never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now
+believe that in truth."
+
+In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their
+clothes and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they
+told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's land. The other mermaid spake
+(Siegelind she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For
+the sake of her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An' thou comest to
+the Huns, thou wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn
+again, for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land. Whose
+rideth hither, hath taken death by the hand."
+
+Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. How might it come to pass
+that we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"
+
+Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake
+again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king's
+chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to
+Gunther's land."
+
+Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my
+lords that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over
+the stream, thou wisest of all wives."
+
+She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder
+where an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and
+elsewhere none."
+
+At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior
+she called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in
+haste. List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank.
+The lord of these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is
+hight Knight Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. 'Twill go hard with
+you, an' ye will cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full
+wisely with the ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you
+live, unless be that ye have your wits about you with the knight. An'
+ye will that he guide you, then give him his meed. He guardeth this land
+and is liegeman unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across
+the flood and say, ye hight Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that;
+because of a feud did void this land. The ferryman will come when he
+heareth this name."
+
+Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his
+peace. Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore,
+to where he found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call
+across the flood: "Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good
+knight, "and I will give thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know,
+that of this passage I have great need in truth."
+
+So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore
+he full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty
+of mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood.
+He called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and
+great was the hero's strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's
+liegeman, that because of a great feud did void these lands."
+
+High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it
+was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat's land.
+The haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar
+in hand. As he would earn Hagen's gold so red, therefore he died the
+sword-grim death at the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods
+(10) doth give an evil end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the
+sandy bank. When he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he
+grew in earnest. When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the
+hero: "Ye may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom
+I weened here. By father and by mother he was my brother. Sith ye have
+bewrayed me, ye may stay on this hither shore."
+
+"No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and
+have warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me
+over. I am in truth your friend."
+
+The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes,
+wherefore I never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life,
+step out quickly on the sand."
+
+"Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from
+me as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just
+as many men."
+
+The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done." He raised a mighty
+rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew
+at this), so that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg
+had never met so fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the
+haughty stranger. He smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11)
+over Hagen's head (a man of might was he); from this the ferryman of
+Else took great harm. Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his
+sheath, wherein he found his sword. His head he struck off and cast
+it on the ground. Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the proud
+Burgundians. At the very moment that he slew the boatman, the skiff gan
+drifting down the stream. Enow that irked him. Weary he grew before he
+brought it back. King Gunther's liegeman pulled with might and main.
+With passing swift strokes the stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar
+snapped in his hand. He would hence to the knights out upon the shore.
+None other oar he had. Ho, how quickly he bound it with a shield strap,
+a narrow band! Towards a wood he floated down the stream, where he found
+his sovran standing by the shore.
+
+Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good
+received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the
+blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen
+was plied enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther
+spied the hot blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake:
+"Wherefore tell ye me not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween
+your prowess hath bereft him of his life."
+
+At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow
+tree, I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor
+hath harm happed to any one through fault of mine."
+
+Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear
+friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come
+over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."
+
+Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the
+grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one
+might find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to
+Gelfrat's land."
+
+They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the
+flood; passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not
+a one. Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their
+weariness. Then the knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith
+there was no help for the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so
+he ferried full many mighty warriors over to the sandy shore, into the
+unknown land. First he took across a thousand noble knights, then his
+own men-at-arms. Still there were more to come. Nine thousand footmen he
+ferried over to the land. Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day. When
+he had carried them all safe across the flood, the doughty knight and
+good bethought him of the strange tales which the wild mermaids had told
+him afore. For this cause the king's chaplain near lost his life. He
+found the priest close by the chapel luggage, leaning with his hand upon
+the relics. Little might that boot him. When Hagen spied him, ill fared
+it with the hapless priest; he threw him from the skiff in haste. Enow
+of them called out: "Hold on, Sir Hagen, hold!"
+
+Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then
+spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the
+chaplain's death? Had another done the deed, 'twould have irked you
+sore. For what cause have ye sworn enmity to the priest?"
+
+The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain
+save his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be,
+for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom,
+the which thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help,
+he turned him back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could
+not swim, yet did God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound
+to the land again. There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen
+marked thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which the
+wild mermaids told him. Him-thought: "These knights must lose their
+lives."
+
+When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne
+all away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it
+in the flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.
+
+"Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come
+over, when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"
+
+Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I
+do it in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through
+faint-heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a
+shameful death."
+
+They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which
+was named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did,
+it thought the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters
+laden well. On the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save
+the king's chaplain alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the
+Rhine again.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "a thousand and sixty".  This does not agree with the
+        account in Adventure XXIV, witere we read of a thousand of
+        Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.
+        The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later
+        interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a
+        thousand all told.
+   (2)  "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient
+        province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east
+        of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,
+        Wurzburg and Barnberg.  In "Biterolf" Dietlich journeys
+        through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.
+   (3)  "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of
+        "Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.
+   (4)  "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",
+        mentioned below.  Their father's name was also Else.
+   (5)  "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of
+        German mythology.  While it is not specifically mentioned,
+        it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are
+        also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an
+        important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift
+        of prophecy.  They appear in the form of swans, and the
+        strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to
+        the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled
+        Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings.  On bathing
+        they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession
+        of it has them in his power.  This explains their eagerness
+        to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments
+        to them.  For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",
+        355.
+   (6)  "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely
+        a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies
+        'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'.  In the
+        "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and
+        the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen
+        is the son of an elf by the same mother.
+   (7)  Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is
+        called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same
+        name.  See Adventure XXV, note 4.
+   (8)  "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.
+   (9)  "Spear".  It was the custom to offer presents on a spear
+        point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously
+        using his sword.  Compare the similar description in the
+        "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
+        be received with the spear.
+   (10) "Goods".  In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
+        for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
+        marriage and the desire for wealth.
+   (11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
+   (12) "Clerk", 'priest'.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
+
+Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show
+us the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"
+
+Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."
+
+"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh
+right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll
+make you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land.
+Two mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back
+again. I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes,
+for we have mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike
+guise. I thought to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none
+of us would come home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore
+would I fain have drowned him to-day."
+
+These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from
+woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's
+court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering,
+(2) where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I
+have gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew
+this same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now
+lay on boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they
+match our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill
+not be left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we
+be a-fleeing on the road."
+
+"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but
+who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"
+
+They answered: "This let Felker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both
+road and path."
+
+Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing
+there well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was
+his fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was
+red. Later with the kings he fell into direst need.
+
+Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's
+ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they
+sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short
+time, as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who
+had wrought scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven
+hundred or more were come to Gelfret. When they began to ride after
+their savage foes, their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too
+strong they hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their
+wrath. Therefore many of the lordings' friends were later lost.
+
+Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his
+kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen
+and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.
+
+The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared
+both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the
+Bavarian land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On
+either side of the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat
+of hoofs. Their foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart:
+"They purpose to attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be
+well to do."
+
+They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom
+they spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his
+peace; he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"
+
+To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria:
+"We seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew
+my ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his
+hands."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault
+was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I
+had great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I
+offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir
+Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar.
+At this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger
+with a grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as
+doth think thee best."
+
+"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode
+hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live;
+the knight must stand for the ferryman's life."
+
+Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;
+each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously;
+they tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever
+prove each other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by
+Gelfrat's hand. His martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall.
+The crash of shafts resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the
+thrust afore had come to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I
+trow, he was not gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their
+steeds, I know not; both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and
+rushed together. Their fellowship helped thereby and became acquaint
+with strife. Albeit Hagen sprang at Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave
+smote from his shield a mickle piece, so that the sparks flew wide. Full
+nigh did Gunther's liegeman die therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart:
+"O help, dear brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he
+will not spare my life."
+
+At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."
+
+The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a
+blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but
+he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had
+been slain, he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained
+with grim death behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in
+flight from Gunther's men.
+
+When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the
+savage blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes;
+they were in passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then
+spake Dankwart, the knight, in their pursuit: "Let us turn soon on this
+road and let them ride, for they be wot with blood. Haste we to our
+friends, this I advise you of a truth."
+
+When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg
+spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost
+in the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."
+
+Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid
+for dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were
+slain. From their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed
+and wet. Through the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining
+moon, as Hagen spake again: "Let none make known to my dear lords what
+we have wrought here to-day. Let them rest without care until the morn."
+
+When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was
+full weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a
+man.
+
+Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must
+all ride until the day be come."
+
+The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the
+marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest
+and our dear lords as well?"
+
+Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till
+it begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay us down upon
+the grass."
+
+How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained
+unmarked with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his
+gleaming light against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld
+that they had fought. Wrathfully the hero spake: "How now, friend Hagen?
+I ween, ye scorned to have me with you when your rings grew wet with
+blood? Who hath done this?"
+
+Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked
+because of his ferryman. Then my brother's hand smote Gelfrat down. Else
+soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them
+and but four of ours lay dead in the strife."
+
+We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the folk
+of the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode to court.
+Later they were well received at Passau. The uncle of the noble king,
+the Bishop Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his nephews came to his land
+with so many knights. That he bare them good will, they learned full
+soon. Well were they greeted, too, by friends along the way, sith men
+could not lodge them all at Passau. They had to cross the stream to
+where they found a field on which they set up pavilions and costly
+tents. All one day they must needs stay there, and a full night too.
+What good cheer men gave them! After that they had to ride to Rudeger's
+land, to whom the tidings were brought full soon. When the way-worn
+warriors had rested them and came nearer to the Hunnish land, they found
+a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen of Troneg won a sturdy
+sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart (3) in truth; sad of mood he
+grew, that he lost his weapon through the journey of the knights. They
+found Rudeger's marches guarded ill.
+
+"Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the
+Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight
+Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"
+
+When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his sword
+and six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art
+my friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the
+marches."
+
+"God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey
+to the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you
+here. I counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."
+
+"Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and
+their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement,
+where we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by
+the distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We
+find naught anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his
+courtesie would give us of his bread to-night."
+
+Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that full
+seldom have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an'
+ye will seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway
+and is the best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to
+courtesie, as the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry
+of mood, when he can serve good knights."
+
+At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my
+dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I
+will repay thee this, as best I ever can."
+
+"Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good
+will he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard,
+to whom none such pleasing news had come in many a day.
+
+At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried
+him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of
+Kriemhild."
+
+He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet
+the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The
+tales he brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were
+straightway told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of
+the Burgundian land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have
+sent me hither to you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service.
+Hagen and Folker, too, eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I'll
+tell you, that the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that
+the good knights have passing need of your lodgement."
+
+Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that
+the high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them.
+Merry and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my house."
+
+"Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your
+house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and
+nine thousand men-at-arms."
+
+Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests,
+that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as
+yet full seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my
+men."
+
+Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them
+right, which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their
+service. As yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXVI".  This adventure is a late interpolation,
+        as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga".  Originally the
+        river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's
+        kingdom.
+   (2)  "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and
+        Ingolstadt.  In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the
+        mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",
+        whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring.  This may be the
+        original form of the account and the form here contaminated.
+        See Boer, i, 134.
+   (3)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.  It will be remembered
+        that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then
+        stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and
+        finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court.  Originally he
+        must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.
+        Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in
+        the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side
+        of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,
+        he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to
+        Rudeger.  His sleeping here may, however, be thought to
+        indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.
+
+Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his
+daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard,
+that the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house.
+"My dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble
+high-born kings, when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye
+must give fair greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther's man. With them there
+cometh one also, hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen
+with courtesie. Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the
+knights with gentle breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they
+were to do it. From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which
+they would go to meet the warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on
+that day. Men saw but little of false colors on the ladies' cheeks;
+upon their heads they wore bright bands of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these
+were, that the winds might not dishevel their comely hair, and this is
+true i' faith.
+
+Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the
+plain was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the lordings,
+whom men then received well into the margrave's land. When the margrave,
+the doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake:
+"Be ye welcome, fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you
+in my land." Low obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without
+all hate. That he bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen
+he gave a special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker
+from Burgundy land he did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold
+knight spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for
+our men-at-arms whom we have brought?"
+
+Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship.
+I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds
+and trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not
+even a single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye
+lose I'll pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."
+
+Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made
+merry. When that was done, the lordlings rode away and the footmen laid
+them everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had; I ween, they never
+fared so gently on the way. The noble margravine with her fair daughter
+was come out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the lovely
+ladies and many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely
+robes they wore. The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing
+costly weeds. Fair indeed were they fashioned.
+
+Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great
+courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and
+many other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could
+wish, went forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings
+were given there by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three
+kings, as did her mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father
+bade her kiss him, but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful
+that she had fain left it undone. Yet she must needs perform what the
+host now bade her do. Her color changed first pale then red. Dankwart,
+too, she kissed, and then the minstrel. For his great prowess was this
+greeting given. The young margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher
+of the Burgundian land. The same her mother did to Gunther, the valiant
+man. Full merrily they went hence with the heroes. The host walked at
+Gernot's side into a broad hall, where the knights and ladies sate them
+down. Soon they bade pour out for the guests good wine. Certes, heroes
+might never be better purveyed than they. Rudeger's daughter was gazed
+upon with loving glances, so fair she was. Forsooth many a good knight
+caressed her in his mind. And well did she deserve this, so high she was
+of mood. The knights thought what they would, but it might not come to
+pass. Back and forth shot the glances at maids and dames. Of them sate
+there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host good will.
+
+Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different
+sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers
+in lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went
+to table, but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by
+right. The guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.
+
+When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again
+into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake
+Folker, this brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel
+spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for
+he hath given you a passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An'
+I were a prince," quoth the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would
+fain have to wife your comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is
+lovely for to see, thereto noble and good."
+
+Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever
+crave the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth
+in such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"
+
+To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have a love
+after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."
+
+Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take
+a wife. The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen
+would gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."
+
+This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed
+it joyed their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble
+Giselher took her to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what
+shall be joined together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and
+swore to give him the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely
+fair. For the maiden they set castles and land aside, and this the hand
+of the noble king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that
+this should hap.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will
+ever serve you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my
+daughter, as an hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please
+the hero's kin in honor."
+
+After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a
+youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts,
+as young folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid
+whether she would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet
+she thought to take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as
+many another maid hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer
+yes, and gladly take him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and
+clasped her in his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy
+him.
+
+Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride
+again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child,
+that ye may take her with you."
+
+This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy.
+They bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep
+and rest them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the
+host purveyed them well.
+
+When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands.
+"I'll guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry
+still, for full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."
+
+To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find
+the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors
+another night?"
+
+When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech. My dear
+lords, ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I'd give you vittaile for a
+fortnight, with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King
+Etzel hath taken from me as yet full little of my goods."
+
+However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the
+fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that
+it was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer
+might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger
+wot how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could
+not but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before
+the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights.
+In their hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel's
+land. Before the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had
+proffered everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in
+mickle honors. To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther,
+the worshipful knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail,
+which the noble and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low
+over noble Rudeger's hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow,
+the which he later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the
+margrave's wife begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rudeger was
+forced to lose his life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well
+befit her. He took it, sith the king had taken one, that he should
+not fare forth from her to the feasting, without her present. Later he
+gainsayed it. "Of all that I have ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to
+bear naught else save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that
+with me into Etzel's land."
+
+When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her
+grief--tears became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung's (3)
+death, whom Wittich had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow.
+To the knight she spake: "I'll give you the shield. Would to God in
+heaven, that he still lived who bare it once in hand. He met his death
+in battle; for him must I ever weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire
+woe."
+
+The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she
+seized the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand.
+This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk
+concealed its colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the
+daylight never shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its
+cost, 'twere well worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be
+borne away.
+
+Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave's daughter gave great
+store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing
+lordly wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have
+come into the hands of any, save through the kindness of the host,
+who proffered them so fair. Later they became such foes that they were
+forced to strike him dead.
+
+Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before
+Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took
+his leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest.
+Now hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and
+placed them on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and
+wear them at court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell
+me how ye have served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he
+later carried out full well.
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier,
+for I myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm
+you on the road."
+
+Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five
+hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full
+merrily hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive
+to Bechlaren. With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did
+Giselher, as his gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they
+clasped fair wives. This many a high-born maid must needs bewail in
+later times. On every side they opened the casements, for the host with
+his liegemen would now mount their steeds. I ween their hearts did tell
+them of the bitter woes to come. Then wept many a dame and many a comely
+maid. They pined for their dear kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw in
+Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily across the sand, down along the
+Danube to the Hunnish land.
+
+Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians:
+"Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left
+unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."
+
+So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side
+'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine.
+Naught could have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before
+the envoys hasted with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in
+the Hunnish land.
+
+"Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be
+coming in great state to visit thee."
+
+Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see
+her kin, as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her
+fatherland. The king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very
+pleasure. "Now well is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen
+bring with them many a brand-new shield and white coat of mail. He who
+would have gold, let him bethink him of my sorrows, and I'll ever be his
+friend."
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.
+   (2)  "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.
+   (3)  "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.
+        335, by "Vidg"a (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of
+        Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport.  There,
+        chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and
+        the "Rosengarten" he is her son.
+   (4)  "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.
+
+When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne
+did hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him
+welcome well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade
+fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to
+where he thought to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full
+many a lordly tent. When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to
+his lords he spake in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise
+from your seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder
+cometh a fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights from
+the Amelung land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead--high-mettled
+warriors they. Scorn not the service that they proffer."
+
+Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right,
+many a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where
+they found the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the
+Burgundian land. Ye may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of
+Uta, as he saw them coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he
+weened that Rudeger wist it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome,
+fair sirs, Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and
+the doughty Dankwart. Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely
+for the hero of the Nibelung land?"
+
+"Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years,
+done to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not
+again, he hath long been buried."
+
+"Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still live,
+scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope
+of the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."
+
+"Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys
+(why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him,
+hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."
+
+"Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good
+knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady
+Kriemhild's mood."
+
+Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too,
+went and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne,
+what ye do know of the queen's mood?"
+
+Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I
+hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God
+of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."
+
+"That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be
+turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty
+knights among the Huns."
+
+The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after
+the fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what
+manner of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales,
+that he had slain Kriemhild's husband the mightiest of all heroes. For
+that cause alone much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The
+knight was fair of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the
+breast; his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his
+glance; lordly gait he had.
+
+Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship was
+placed apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and
+therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart,
+Hagen's brother, he was marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his
+followers, that he purvey them well and give them enow to eat; The hero
+of Burgundy bare them all good will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her
+maids-in-waiting to where, false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.
+Giselher alone she kissed and took by the hand. That Hagen of Troneg
+saw, and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,
+"doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth kings a greeting
+different from their men. We have not made a good journey to this
+feast." (4)
+
+She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not
+for your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the
+Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"
+
+"Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had
+bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to
+this land."
+
+"Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It
+was mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to
+Etzel's land."
+
+"I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care
+of the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it
+must verily lie till doomsday."
+
+Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of
+it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in
+my care. Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."
+
+"The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with
+my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand,
+therefore I bring you naught."
+
+Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring
+weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll have them taken
+in charge."
+
+"I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not
+the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other
+arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I
+myself will play the chamberlain."
+
+"Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my
+brother not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and
+wist I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."
+
+To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned the
+noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go
+to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."
+
+Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir
+Dietrich. At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with
+furious glance upon her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other
+quickly by the hand, the one was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With
+gentle breeding the lusty hero spake: "Forsooth I rue your coming to the
+Huns, because of what the queen hath said."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."
+
+Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and
+therefore he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty
+king, "who yonder warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such
+friendly wise. He carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is
+sure a doughty knight."
+
+A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from
+Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a
+grim man is he. I'll let you see full well that I have told no lie."
+
+"How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he
+wist not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her
+kin, so that she let none escape from the Huns alive.
+
+"Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court
+gained mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my
+gold. The faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known
+Hagen every whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther
+of Spain. (6) Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again,
+Walther ran away with Hildegund."
+
+He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied
+aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman
+service. Later in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich.
+        He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".
+   (2)  "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew.  In the "Thidreksaga" he
+        falls in the battle of Gronsport.
+   (3)  "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land
+        appears.  Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged
+        to the race of the Amali.
+   (4)  "Feast".  That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was
+        innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.
+   (5)  "Vassal".  No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at
+        Etzel's court.  He is probably confused here with his son,
+        for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in
+        our poem a few lines further down.
+   (6)  "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary
+        personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin
+        epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"
+        tell.  He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the
+        Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related
+        here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering
+        numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in
+        the other sources against the Burgundians.  In both cases
+        Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at
+        first, out of friendship for Walther.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.
+
+Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and
+Sir Dietrich. Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a
+comrade-at-arms, whom he then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning
+fiddler, stand by Giselher, and begged him to join him, for well he knew
+his savage mood. He was in all things a bold knight and a good. Still
+they let the lordings stand in the court, only these twain alone men saw
+walk hence far across the court before a spacious palace. These chosen
+warriors feared the hate of none. They sate them down upon a bench
+before the house over against a hall, the which belonged to Kriemhild.
+Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds. Enow who gazed upon them
+would than have known the knights; as wild beasts the haughty heroes
+were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too, gazed upon
+them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again. Of her
+sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered Etzel's
+men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen hath
+done, ye heroes brave and good."
+
+To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see
+you joyful? None there be so bold, an' he hath done you aught, but it
+will cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you."
+
+"Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all
+he craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen; "avenge me on Hagen,
+that he lose his life."
+
+Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake. They
+would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With
+forethought this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim
+of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give
+over. With so few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong
+and bold Hagen of Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the
+fiddler, is stronger still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not
+so lightly match these knights."
+
+When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them
+ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes
+later fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the
+queen spake to the doughty knights: "Now bide a while, ye must stand
+quite still in truth. Wearing my crown, I will go to meet my foes. List
+ye to the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me. I
+know him to be so haughty that he'll not deny a whit. Little I reek what
+hap to him on this account."
+
+Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the
+flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw
+this, to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how
+she walketh yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have
+never seen with a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such
+warlike guise. Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If
+so be, I counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. Certes,
+methinks this good. They be wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and
+some be so broad of chest that he who would guard himself should do so
+betimes. I ween there be those among them who wear bright breastplates.
+Whom they would attack, I cannot say."
+
+Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all
+this be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in
+hand. For aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land.
+Now tell me, friend Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance
+Kriemhild's men would fight me? Pray let me hear that, if so be ye hold
+me dear. I'll aid you evermore with faithful service."
+
+"I'll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the king
+with all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I yield from fear
+in aiding you, the while I live."
+
+"Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they strive
+against me, what need I more? Sith ye will help me, as I hear you say,
+let these warriors come on full-armed."
+
+"Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel. "Let us do her
+honor as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. We shall
+thereby honor ourselves as well."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "Should I go hence, these knights would
+think 'twas through fear. Not for one of them will I ever rise from my
+seat. It beseemeth us both better, forsooth, to leave this undone, for
+why should I honor one who doth bear me hatred? Nor will I do this, the
+while I live; I reck not how King Etzel's wife doth hate me."
+
+Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose pommel
+a sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine. Its hilt was golden,
+its sheath an edging of red. That it was Siegfried's, Kriemhild knew
+full well. She must needs grow sad when that she knew the sword, for it
+minded her of her wrongs; she began to weep. I ween bold Hagen had done
+it for this cause. Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle
+bow, strong, mickle, and long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there
+the two lusty knights sate undaunted. These two brave men did think
+themselves so lordly, that they would not leave their seats through fear
+of any man. The noble queen walked therefore to their very feet and gave
+them hostile greeting. She spake: "Now tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for
+you, that ye durst ride hither to this land, sith ye know full well what
+ye have done me? Had ye good wits, ye should have left it undone, by
+rights."
+
+"No one sent for me," quoth Hagen. "Men bade to this land three knights,
+who hight my lords. I am their liegeman, and full seldom have I stayed
+behind when they journeyed to any court."
+
+Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the which ye
+have earned my hate? Ye slew Siegfried, my dear husband, for which I
+have cause enow to weep until mine end."
+
+Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said. It is just I, Hagen,
+who slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands. How sorely did he atone that
+Lady Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild. 'Tis not to be denied, O
+mighty queen, I alone am to blame for this scathful scathe. (1) Let him
+avenge it who will, be he wife or man. Unless be I should lie to you, I
+have dons you much of harm."
+
+Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my wrongs.
+Men of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this cause."
+
+The proud warriors all gazed at one another. Had any began the fight,
+it would have come about that men must have given the honors to the two
+comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in the fray. What the Huns
+had weened to do must now needs be left undone through fear.
+
+Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me? What I afore
+vowed, I will now give over. I will lose my life for no man's gift.
+Forsooth King Etzel's wife would fain lead us into wrong."
+
+Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I. An' any give me
+towers of good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for his fearful
+glances, the which I have seen him cast. Hagen, too, I have known from
+his youthful days, wherefore men can tell me little of this knight.
+I have seen him fight in two and twenty battles, through which woe of
+heart hath happed to many a dame. He and the knight from Spain trod many
+a war path, when here at Etzel's court they waged so many wars in honor
+of the king. Much this happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen. At
+that time the warrior was of his years a lad. How gray are they who then
+were young! Now is he come to wit and is a man full grim. Balmung, (2)
+too, he beareth, the which he won in evil wise."
+
+Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which mightily
+rued the queen. The warriors turned them hence; in sooth they feared
+their death at the fiddler's hands, and surely they had need of this.
+Then spake the fiddler: "We have now well seen that we shall find foes
+here, as we heard tell afore. Let us go to court now to the kings, then
+dare none match our lords in fight. How oft a man doth leave a thing
+undone through fear, the which he would not do, when friend standeth by
+friend in friendly (3) wise, an' he have good wits. Scathe to many a man
+is lightly warded off by forethought."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."
+
+They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the court
+in a great press of welcoming knights.
+
+Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye stand and
+let yourselves be jostled? Ye must go to court and hear from the king of
+what mind he be."
+
+Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off. The prince of Berne
+took by the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land. Irnfried (4)
+took the brave knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen to go to court with
+Giselher. But however any paired, Folker and Hagen never parted, save
+in one fray, when their end was come, and this noble ladies must needs
+greatly bewail in after time. With the kings one saw go to court a
+thousand brave men of their fellowship, thereto sixty champions that
+were come with them, whom the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart
+and Iring, (5) two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the
+kings. Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their
+chivalry before all eyes.
+
+When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel
+delayed no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him
+come. Never did so fair a greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome,
+Sir Gunther, and Sir Gernot, too, and your brother Giselher. I sent
+you truly my faithful service to Worms beyond the Rhine. All your
+fellowship, too, I welcome. Now be ye passing welcome, ye two knights,
+Folker, the brave, and Sir Hagen likewise, to me and to my lady, here in
+this our land. She sent you many a messenger to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were I not
+come to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have ridden in your
+honor to this land."
+
+The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them to the
+settle where he sate himself. Busily they poured out for the guests in
+broad bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and bade those far from
+home be welcome. Then spake King Etzel: "Let me tell you this; it might
+not liefer hap to me in all this world, than through you heroes, that
+ye be come to see me. Through this much sadness is also taken from the
+queen. Me-wondereth greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that
+ye never recked to come into my land. My sadness is turned to joy, since
+now I see you here."
+
+To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be glad to
+see them. Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my lady wot how to use
+so well. They bring also to your house many a stately knight."
+
+Upon a midsummer's eve the lords were come to the court of the mighty
+Etzel. Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting as when he
+welcomed the heroes. When now the time to eat was come, the king went
+with them to the board. Never did host sit fairer with his guests. Men
+gave them meat and drink to the full. All that they craved stood ready
+for them, for mickle wonders had been told about these knights.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden
+        scedelich".
+   (2)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+   (3)  "friend... friendly".  This repetition occurs in the
+        original.
+   (4)  "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.
+   (5)  "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.
+   (6)  "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry
+        wine, is a beverage composed of honey flavored with
+        mulberry-juice.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXX. How They Kept The Watch.
+
+The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh. Care beset the wayworn
+travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest them. This Hagen
+bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.
+
+Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to our
+sleep, pray give us leave. We will come early on the morrow, whensoever
+ye bid."
+
+Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests. Men pressed the
+strangers on every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns: "How
+dare ye crowd before the warriors' feet? An' ye will not leave this, ye
+will fare full ill. I'll smite some man so heavy a fiddle blow, that
+if he have a faithful friend he may well bewail it. Why give ye not way
+before us knights? Methinks 'twere well. All pass for knights, but be
+not of equal mettle."
+
+As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked behind him.
+He spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right, ye men of Kriemhild,
+ye should hie you to your lodgings. I ween none of you will do what ye
+are minded, but would ye begin aught, come early on the morrow, and
+let us wanderers have peace to-night. Certes, I ween that it hath never
+happed with such good will on the part of heroes."
+
+Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they found
+purveyed on every side with costly beds, long and broad, for the
+warriors. Lady Kriemhild planned the very greatest wrongs against them.
+One saw there many a cunningly wrought quilt from Arras (1) of shining
+silken cloth and many a coverlet of Arabian silk, the best that might be
+had; upon this ran a border that shone in princely wise. Many bed covers
+of ermine and of black sable were seen, beneath which they should have
+their ease at night, until the dawn of day. Never hath king lain so
+lordly with his meiny.
+
+"Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and alas
+for my friends, who be come with us. However kindly my sister greeted
+us, yet I do fear me that through her fault we must soon lie dead."
+
+"Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I'll stand watch
+myself to-night. I trow to guard us well, until the day doth come.
+Therefore have no fear; after that, let him survive who may."
+
+All bowed low and said him gramercy. Then went they to their beds. A
+short while after the stately men had laid them down, bold Hagen, the
+hero, began to arm him. Then the fiddler, Knight Folker, spake: "If it
+scorn you not, Hagen, I would fain hold the watch with you to-night,
+until the early morn."
+
+The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven requite
+you, dear Folker. In all my cares, I would crave none other than you
+alone, whenever I had need. I shall repay you well, and death hinder me
+not."
+
+Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield in hand,
+walked out of the house and stood before the door. Thus they cared for
+the guests in faithful wise. The doughty Folker leaned his good shield
+against the side of the hall, then turned him back and fetched his
+fiddle and served his friends as well befit the hero. Beneath the door
+of the house he sate him down upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there
+never. When the tones of the strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud
+wanderers gave Folker thanks. At first the strings twanged so that the
+whole house resounded; his strength and his skill were both passing
+great. Then sweeter and softer he began to play, and thus many a
+care-worn man he lulled to sleep. When he marked that all had fallen
+asleep, the knight took again his shield and left the room and took
+his stand before the tower, and there he guarded the wanderers against
+Kriemhild's men.
+
+'Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it happed a
+little earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a helmet afar in
+the darkness. Kriemhild's men would fain have harmed the guests. Then
+the fiddler spake: "Sir Hagen, my friend, it behooveth us to bear these
+cares together. Before the house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I
+ween, they would encounter us!"
+
+"Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be ware
+of us. Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the hands of us
+twain. They will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil plight."
+
+One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that the door
+was guarded. How quickly then he spake: "That which we have in mind may
+not now come to pass. I see the fiddler stand on guard. On his head he
+weareth a glittering helmet, shining and hard, strong and whole. His
+armor rings flash out like fire. By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the
+guests be guarded well."
+
+Straightway they turned again. When Folker saw this, wrathfully he spake
+to his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to the warriors. I
+would fain put some questions to Lady Kriemhild's men."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the doughty
+knights are like to bring you in such stress with their swords, that I
+must aid you even should it be the death of all my kin. As soon as we
+be come into the fray, twain of them, or four, would in a short time run
+into the house and would bring such scathe upon the sleepers, that we
+might never cease to mourn."
+
+Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note that I
+have seen them, so that Kriemhild's men may not deny that they would
+fain have acted faithlessly."
+
+Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus armed, ye
+doughty knights? Would ye ride to rob, ye men of Kriemhild? Then must ye
+have the help of me and my comrade-at-arms."
+
+To this none made reply. Angry grew his mood. "Fy! Ye evil cowards,"
+spake the good knight, "would ye have murdered us asleep? That hath been
+done full seldom to such good heroes."
+
+Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught.
+Rightly it did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another plan.
+Through this brave heroes and good must needs thereafter perish.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands.
+        In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXI. (1) How They Went To Church.
+
+"My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker. "I ween the night hath run
+its course. By the air I mark that day is near."
+
+Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping. The light of
+dawn shone into the hall upon the strangers. On all sides Hagen gan wake
+the warriors, if perchance they would fain go to the minster for
+mass. Men now loudly rang the bells in Christian fashion. Heathens and
+Christians did not sing alike, so that it was seen full well that they
+were not as one. Gunther's liegemen now would go to church, and all
+alike had risen from their beds. The champions laced them into such
+goodly garments, that never did hero bring better clothes to the land of
+any king. This vexed Hagen. He spake: "Heroes, ye should wear here other
+clothes. Certes, ye know full well the tales. Instead of roses, bear
+weapons in your hands; instead of jeweled chaplets, your bright helms
+and good, sith ye know full well the wicked Kriemhild's mood. Let
+me tell you, we must fight to-day, so instead of silken shirts, wear
+hauberks, and instead of rich cloaks, good shields and broad, so that if
+any grow angry with you, ye be full armed. Dear my lords, and all my kin
+and liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint to the mighty God
+of your fears and need, for know full sure that death draweth nigh us.
+Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done and stand full
+zealously before your God. Of this I warn you, noble knights, unless God
+in heaven so will, ye'll never more hear mass."
+
+So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster. In the holy
+churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not be parted.
+He spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to us from the Huns.
+Place, my friends, your shields before your feet, and if any proffer
+you cold greeting, repay it with deep and mortal wounds. That is Hagen's
+counsel, that ye may so be found as doth befit your honor."
+
+Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious minster.
+This was done that the queen might press upon them in the crowd. Certes,
+she was passing grim. Then came the lord of the land and his fair wife,
+her body adorned with rich apparel; Doughty warriors, too, were seen to
+walk beside her. One saw the dust rise high from Kriemhild's band. When
+mighty Etzel spied the kings and their fellowship thus armed, how quick
+he spake: "Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets? Upon my troth,
+it grieveth me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make
+amends, as doth think them good. Hath any made heavy their hearts or
+mood, I'll show them well, that it doth irk me much. I am ready for
+whatever they command me."
+
+To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the custom of my
+lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for full three days. We
+should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."
+
+Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake. How right hostilely she
+gazed into his eyes! She would not tell the custom of their land, albeit
+she had known it long in Burgundy. However grim and strong the hate
+she bare them, yet had any told Etzel the truth, he would have surely
+hindered what later happed. Because of their great haughtiness they
+scorned to tell him. When the great crowd went past with the queen,
+these twain, Hagen and Folker, would not step back more than two
+hand-breadths, the which irked the Huns. Forsooth they had to jostle
+with the lusty heroes. This thought King Etzel's chamberlains not good.
+Certes, they would have fain angered the champions, but that they durst
+not before the noble king. So there was much jostling, but nothing more.
+
+When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish
+warrior horsed him passing soon, At Kriemhild's side stood many a comely
+maid, and well seven thousand knights rode with the queen. Kriemhild
+with her ladies sate her down at the easements by the side of the mighty
+Etzel, which was him lief, for they would watch the lusty heroes joust.
+Ho, what stranger knights rode before them in the court! Then was come
+the marshal with the squires. Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord's
+retainers from the Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they
+found well saddled. When now the kings and their men were come to horse,
+stalwart Folker gan advise that they should ride a joust after the
+fashion of their land. At this the heroes rode in lordly wise; none it
+irked what the knight had counseled. The hurtling and the noise waxed
+loud, as the many men rode into the broad court. Etzel and Kriemhild
+themselves beheld the scene. To the jousts were come six hundred knights
+of Dietrich's men to match the strangers, for they would have pastime
+with the Burgundians. Fain would they have done it, had he given them
+leave. Ho, what good champions rode in their train! The tale was told to
+Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther's men; he feared for
+his liegemen, and well he might.
+
+When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of Rudeger
+from Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields, riding out before
+the hall. It would have been lief to the margrave, had they left it
+undone. Wisely he rode then to them through the press and said to his
+knights, that they were ware that Gunther's men were evil-minded toward
+them. If they would leave off the jousting, it would please him much.
+When now these lusty heroes parted from them, then came those of
+Thuringia, as we are told, and well a thousand brave men from Denmark.
+From the tilting one saw many truncheons (2) flying hence. Irnfried and
+Hawart now rode into the tourney. Proudly those from the Rhine awaited
+them and offered the men of Thuringia many a joust. Many a lordly shield
+was riddled by the thrusts. Thither came then Sir Bloedel with three
+thousand men. Well was he seen of Etzel and Kriemhild, for the knightly
+sports happed just before the twain. The queen saw it gladly, that the
+Burgundians might come to grief. Schrutan (3) and Gibecke, Ramung and
+Hornbog, (4) rode into the tourney in Hunnish wise. To the heroes from
+Burgundian land they addressed them. High above the roof of the royal
+hall the spear-shafts whirled. Whatever any there plied, 'twas but a
+friendly rout. Palace and hall were heard resounding loud through the
+clashing of the shields of Gunther's men. With great honor his meiny
+gained the meed. Their pastime was so mickle and so great, that from
+beneath the housings of the good steeds, which the heroes rode, there
+flowed the frothy sweat. In haughty wise they encountered with the Huns.
+
+Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these warriors
+dare not match us. I've aye heard the tale, that they bear us hate, and
+forsooth it might never fortune better for them than now." Again Folker
+spake: "Let our steeds be now led away to their lodgings and let us
+joust again toward eventide, and there be time. Perchance the queen may
+accord to the Burgundians the prize."
+
+Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the Huns
+could have done the like. Certes, he must have had a sweetheart on the
+battlements. As well attired he rode as the bride of any noble knight.
+At sight of him Folker spake again: "How could I give this over? This
+ladies' darling must have a buffet. None shall prevent me and it shall
+cost him dear. In truth I reck not, if it vex King Etzel's wife."
+
+"For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther. "The people will
+blame us, if we encounter them. 'Twill befit us better far, an' we let
+the Huns begin the strife."
+
+King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.
+
+"I'll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then. "Let the ladies and
+the knights behold how we can ride. That will be well, for they'll give
+no meed to King Gunther's men."
+
+The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave many a
+dame great dole. His spear he thrust through the body of the dapper Hun;
+this both maid and wife were seen thereafter to bewail. Full hard and
+fast gan Hagen and his liegemen and sixty of his knights ride towards
+the fiddler, where the play was on. This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly
+saw. The three kings would not leave their minstrel without guard amidst
+the foe. Cunningly a thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did
+whatso they would. When now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin
+cry out and wail. All the courtiers asked: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."
+
+The margrave's kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway for
+their swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to death. Fast
+the host gan hasten from the windows. Great rout arose from the folk on
+every side. The kings and their fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted
+before the hall and drove their horses to the rear. Then King Etzel came
+to part the strife. From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched
+a sturdy weapon and drove them all back again, for full great was his
+wrath. "Why should my courtesie to these knights go all for naught?
+Had ye slain this minstrel at my court," spake King Etzel, "'twere evil
+done. I saw full well how he rode, when he thrust through the Hun, that
+it happed through stumbling, without any fault of his. Ye must let my
+guests have peace."
+
+Thus he became their safe-guard. To the stalls men led away the steeds;
+many a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in every service.
+The host now hied him to his palace with his friends, nor would he let
+any man grow wroth again. Then men set up the tables and bare forth
+water for the guests. Forsooth the men from the Rhine had there enow of
+stalwart foes. 'Twas long before the lords were seated.
+
+Meanwhile Kriemhild's fears did trouble her passing sore. She spake: "My
+lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor, for mine affairs do
+stand in anxious wise."
+
+Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And any slay
+the Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it without my aid.
+It may well repent him, for they be still unconquered, these doughty and
+lusty knights."
+
+Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish, O
+mighty queen. Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I should
+crave to match these valiant knights in strife. Thy request honoreth
+thee little, most noble queen, that thou dost plot against the life of
+thy kinsfolk. They came in hope of friendship to this land. Siegfried
+will not be avenged by Dietrich's hand."
+
+When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne, quickly
+she promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5) owned aforetime.
+Later he was slain by Hagen, so that he quite forgot the gift. She
+spake: "Thou must help me, Sir Bloedel, forsooth my foes be in this
+house, who slew Siegfried, my dear husband. Ever will I serve him, that
+helpeth me avenge this deed."
+
+To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because of Etzel
+I dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for he is fain to
+see thy kinsmen at his court. The king would ne'er forget it of me, and
+I did them aught of wrong."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend. Certes, I'll give
+thee silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the wife of Nudung,
+whose lovely body thou mayst fain caress. I'll give thee his land and
+all his castles, too, so that thou mayst always live in joy, Sir knight,
+if thou dost now win the lands where Nudung dwelt. Faithfully will I
+keep, whatso I vow to thee to-day."
+
+When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her beauty
+would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen in strife.
+Because of this the champion must needs lose his life. To the queen
+he spake: "Betake you again to the hall, and before any be aware,
+I'll begin a fray and Hagen must atone for what he hath done you. I'll
+deliver to you King Gunther's liegeman bound. Now arm you, my men,"
+spake Bloedel. "We must hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King
+Etzel's wife doth crave of me this service, wherefore we heroes must
+risk our lives."
+
+When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table with
+King Etzel and his men. Evil counsels had she held against the guests.
+Since the strife could be started in no other wise (Kriemhild's ancient
+wrong still lay deep buried in her heart), she bade King Etzel's son
+be brought to table. How might a woman ever do more ghastly deed for
+vengeance' sake? Four of Etzel's men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb,
+(6) the young prince, to the lordings' table, where Hagen also sat.
+Because of this the child must needs die through Hagen's mortal hate.
+
+When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the kinsmen
+of his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son of me and of
+your sister. This may be of profit to you all, for if he take after
+his kinsmen, he'll become a valiant man, mighty and noble, strong and
+fashioned fair. Twelve lands will I give him, and I live yet a while.
+Thus may the hand of young Ortlieb serve you well. I do therefore
+beseech you, dear friends of mine, that when ye ride again to your
+lands upon the Rhine, ye take with you your sister's son and act full
+graciously toward the child, and bring him up in honor till he become
+a man. Hath any done you aught in all these lands, he'll help you to
+avenge it, when he groweth up."
+
+This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel's wife.
+
+"These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to be a
+man, but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall seldom be
+seen to ride to Ortlieb's court."
+
+The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and though
+the gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart and made him
+heavy of his mood. Nor was Hagen's mind now bent on pastime. But all the
+lordings and the king were hurt by what Hagen had spoken of the child;
+it vexed them sore, that they were forced to hear it. They wot not the
+things as yet, which should happen to them through this warrior.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Adventure XXXI".  This adventure is of late origin, being
+        found only in our poem.  See the introduction.
+   (2)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+   (3)  "Schrutan".  This name does not occur elsewhere.  Piper
+        suggests, that perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan"
+        appears in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 28, as an ancient name
+        of Scotland.
+   (4)  "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes
+        4 and 5.
+   (5)  "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.
+   (6)  "Ortlieb".  In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel's son is called
+        Aldrian.  There, however, he is killed because he strikes
+        Hagen in the face, here in revenge for the killing of the
+        Burgundian footmen.
+   (7)  "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXII (1) How Bloedel Was Slain.
+
+Full ready were now Bloedel's warriors. A thousand hauberks strong, they
+hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the squires. Then the
+very greatest hate arose among the heroes. When Sir Bloedel drew near
+the tables, Dankwart, the marshal, greeted him in courteous wise.
+"Welcome, Sir Bloedel, in our house. In truth me-wondereth at thy
+coming. What doth it mean?"
+
+"Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this coming
+of mine doth mean thine end. Because of Hagen, thy brother, by whom
+Siegfried was slain, thou and many other knights must suffer here among
+the Huns."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your court
+might rue us sore. I was but a little child when Siegfried lost his
+life. I know not what blame King Etzel's wife could put on me."
+
+"Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy kinsmen,
+Gunther and Hagen, did the deed. Now ward you, ye wanderers, ye may not
+live. With your death must ye become Kriemhild's pledge."
+
+"And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my entreaties rue
+me; they had better far been spared."
+
+The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp weapon,
+mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a sword-stroke that
+his head lay straightway at his feet. "Let that be thy marriage morning
+gift," (2) spake Dankwart, the knight, "for Nudung's bride, whom thou
+wouldst cherish with thy love. They call betroth her to another man upon
+the morn. Should he crave the dowry, 'twill be given to him eftsoon."
+A faithful Hun had told him that the queen did plan against them such
+grievous wrongs.
+
+When Bloedel's men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would they
+stand this from the guests. With uplifted swords they rushed, grim of
+mood, upon the youthful squires. Many a one did rue this later. Loudly
+Dankwart called to all the fellowship: "Ye see well, noble squires, how
+matters stand. Now ward you, wanderers! Forsooth we have great need,
+though Kriemhild asked us here in right friendly wise."
+
+Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted
+many a long footstool by its legs. The Burgundian squires would now
+abide no longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt many bruises
+through the helmets. How fiercely the stranger youths did ward them!
+Out of the house they drove at last the men-at-arms, but five hundred
+of them, or better, stayed behind there dead. The fellowship was red and
+wot with blood.
+
+These grievous tales were told now to Etzel's knights; grim was their
+sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain. This Hagen's brother and
+his squires had done. Before the king had learned it, full two thousand
+Huns or more armed them through hatred and hied them to the squires
+(this must needs be), and of the fellowship they left not one alive.
+The faithless Huns brought a mickle band before the house. Well the
+strangers stood their ground, but what booted their doughty prowess?
+Dead they all must lie. Then in a few short hours there rose a fearful
+dole. Now ye may hear wonders of a monstrous thing. Nine thousand yeomen
+lay there slain and thereto twelve good knights of Dankwart's men. One
+saw him stand alone still by the foe. The noise was hushed, the din had
+died away, when Dankwart, the hero, gazed over his shoulders. He spake:
+"Woe is me, for the friends whom I have lost! Now must I stand, alas,
+alone among my foes."
+
+Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. The wife
+of many a hero must later mourn for this. Higher he raised his shield,
+the thong he lowered; the rings of many an armor he made to drip with
+blood. "Woe is me of all this sorrow," quoth Aldrian's son. (3) "Give
+way now, Hunnish warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air
+may cool me, fight-weary man."
+
+Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise. As the
+strife-weary man sprang from the house, how many added swords rang on
+his helmet! Those that had not seen what wonders his hand had wrought
+sprang towards the hero of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God,"
+quoth Dankwart, "that I might find a messenger who could let my brother
+Hagen know I stand in such a plight before these knights. He would help
+me hence, or lie dead at my side."
+
+Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself,
+when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time
+Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great
+scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."
+
+Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I'll
+wot the armor rings of some with blood. I'll tell the tale at court
+myself and make plaint to my lords of my great dole."
+
+So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not withstand
+him with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his
+shield that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then
+they weened to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what
+deep wounds he struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave
+man was forced to reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby
+great praise. From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many
+of them entered the fray too soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a
+boar to the woods before the dogs. How might he be more brave? His path
+was ever wot with recking' blood. Certes, no single champion might ever
+fight better with his foes than he had done. Men now saw Hagen's brother
+go to court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of
+swords, and full many a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever
+food he bare to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.
+
+"How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve
+well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the
+tidings to my dear masters."
+
+Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he
+dealt so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand
+further back. His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  Adventure XXXII.  The details of the following scenes differ
+        materially in the various sources.  A comparative study of
+        them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
+   (2)  "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
+        the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
+        wedding.  See Adventure XIX, note 1.
+   (3)  "Aldrian's son", i.e., Dankwart.
+   (4)  "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" 'one who sets the
+        table'; cf. F. "asseoir" 'to set', 'place', Lat. "ad
+        sedere"), older English for an upper servant who brought on
+        and removed the dishes from the table.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIII. How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.
+
+When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel's meiny
+step aside. His garments dripped with blood and in his hand he bare
+unsheathed a mighty sword. Full loud he called out to the knight:
+"Brother Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth. To you and to God in
+heaven do I make plaint of our woe. Our knights and squires all lie dead
+within their lodgements."
+
+He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid for
+it dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I struck off his
+head."
+
+"It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a knight
+that he hath lost his life at a warrior's hands. Stately dames shall
+mourn him all the less. Now tell me, brother Dankwart, how comes it that
+ye be so red of hue? Ye suffer from wounds great dole, I ween. If there
+be any in the land that hath done you this, 'twill cost his life, and
+the foul fiend save him not."
+
+"Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wot with blood. This hath
+happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain so many a one
+to-day that, had I to swear it, I could not tell the tale."
+
+"Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a single
+Hun go forth. I will hold speech with the warriors, as our need
+constraineth us, for our meiny lieth dead before them, undeserved."
+
+"If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet how to
+serve such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as doth become mine
+honors." Naught could have been more loth to Kriemhild's knights.
+
+"Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be
+whispering in here. I ween, they'd gladly do without the one that
+standeth at the door, and who told the courtly tale to us Burgundians.
+Long since I have heard it said of Kriemhild, that she would not leave
+unavenged her dole of heart. Now let us drink to friendship (1) and pay
+for the royal wine. The young lord of the Huns shall be the first."
+
+Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the blood
+spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell into the lap of
+the queen. At this there began a murdering, grim and great, among
+the knights. Next he dealt the master who taught the child a fierce
+sword-stroke with both his hands, so that his head fell quickly beneath
+the table to the ground. A piteous meed it was, which he meted out to
+the master. Hagen then spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel's board.
+In his wrath he hied him thither and struck off his right hand upon the
+fiddle. "Take this as message to the Burgundian land."
+
+"Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel. "Sir Hagen of Troneg,
+what had I done to you? I came in good faith to your masters' land. How
+can I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost my hand?"
+
+Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore. In the hall he dealt out
+fierce deadly wounds to Etzel's warriors, passing many of whom he slew.
+Enow of folk in the house he did to death. The doughty Folker now sprang
+up from the board; loud rang in his hands his fiddle bow. Rudely did
+Gunther's minstrel play. Ho, what foes he made him among the valiant
+Huns! The three noble kings, too, sprang up from the table. Gladly would
+they have parted the fray, or ever greater scathe was done. With all
+their wit they could not hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so
+sore. When that the lord of the Rhine beheld the fray unparted, the
+prince dealt his foes many gaping wounds himself through the shining
+armor rings. That he was a hero of his hands, he gave great proof. Then
+the sturdy Gernot joined the strife. Certes, he did many a hero of
+the Huns to death with a sharp sword, the which Rudeger had given him.
+Mighty wounds he dealt King Etzel's warriors. Now the young son of Lady
+Uta rushed to the fray. Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of
+Etzel's warriors from the Hunnish land. Full mickle wonders were wrought
+by bold Giselher's hand. But how so doughty they all were, the kings and
+their liegemen, yet Folker was seen to stand before them all against
+the foe; a good hero he. Many a one he made to fall in his blood through
+wounds. Etzel's men did fend them, too, full well, yet one saw the
+strangers go hewing with their gleaming swords through the royal hall
+and on every side was heard great sound of wail. Those without would now
+fain be with their friends within, but at the entrance towers they found
+small gain. Those within had gladly been without the hall, but Dankwart
+let none go either up or down the steps. Therefore there rose before
+the towers a mighty press, and helmets rang loudly from the sword-blows.
+Bold Dankwart came into great stress thereby; this his brother feared,
+as his loyalty did bid him.
+
+Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my brother
+stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows? Friend, save my
+brother, or ever we lose the knight."
+
+"That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace he went
+a-fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand. Great thanks were
+tendered by the warriors from the Rhine. Bold Folker spake to Dankwart:
+"Great discomfiture have ye suffered to-day, therefore your brother bade
+me hasten to your aid. Will ye stand without, so will I stand within."
+
+Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase against
+whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in the heroes'
+hands. Folker of Burgundy land performed the same within. Across
+the press the bold fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen, the hall is locked;
+forsooth King Etzel's door is bolted well. The hands of two heroes guard
+it, as with a thousand bars." When Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so
+well defended, the famous hero and good slung his shield upon his back
+and gan avenge the wrongs that had been done him there. His foes had now
+no sort of hope to live.
+
+When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld aright
+that the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench he sprang and
+spake: "Hagen poureth out the very worst of drinks."
+
+The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life was
+hardly safe from these his foes. O how many dear friends were snatched
+away before his eyes! He sate full anxious; what booted it him that he
+was king? Haughty Kriemhild now cried aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me
+hence alive, most noble knight, by the virtues of all the princes of the
+Amelung land. If Hagen reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."
+
+"How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich. "I fear for
+myself in sooth. These men of Gunther be so passing wroth that at this
+hour I cannot guard a soul."
+
+"Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good. Let thy chivalrous
+mood appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die." Passing great
+cause had Kriemhild for this fear.
+
+"I'll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I have
+soon so many good knights so bitterly enraged. Of a truth I see blood
+spurting through the helmets from the swords."
+
+Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth as from
+a bison's horn, until the broad castle resounded with his force. Sir
+Dietrich's strength was passing great in truth.
+
+When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he began to
+heed. He spake: "Dietrich's voice hath reached mine ears, I ween our
+champions have bereft him of some friend to-day. I see him on the table,
+he doth beckon with his hand. Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian
+land, give over the strife. Let's hear and see what here hath fortuned
+to the knight from my men-at-arms."
+
+When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they
+sheathed their swords. Passing great was his power, so that none struck
+a blow. Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of Berne. He spake:
+"Most noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you through these my friends?
+I am minded to do you remedy and to make amends. If any had done you
+aught, 'twould grieve me sore."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray you, let
+me leave this hall and this fierce strife under your safe-guard, with my
+men. For this favor I will serve you ever."
+
+"How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then. "Forsooth the
+fiddler hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may open it enow
+to let us pass."
+
+"Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye ever
+done."
+
+Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon. Lead from the hall as
+few or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must remain within.
+Right ill have they treated me in the Hunnish land."
+
+When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the high-born
+queen, whose fear was passing great. On his other side he led King Etzel
+with him hence; with Dietrich there also went six hundred stately men.
+
+Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would gladly
+serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and lasting peace
+shall well befit good friends."
+
+To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and friendship
+be granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your fealty. Ye and all
+your men, ye may go hence fearlessly with these your friends."
+
+When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told, five
+hundred men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of Bechelaren, from
+whom King Gunther later gained great scathe. Then a Hunnish champion
+spied Etzel walking close by Dietrich. He, too, would take this chance,
+but the fiddler dealt him such a blow that his head fell soon before
+King Etzel's feet. When the lord of the land was come outside the house,
+he turned him about and gazed on Folker. "Woe is me of these guests.
+This is a direful need, that all my warriors should lie low in death
+before them. Alas for the feasting," quoth the noble king. "Like a
+savage boar there fighteth one within, hight Folker, who is a gleeman. I
+thank my stars that I escaped this fiend. His glees have an evil sound,
+the strokes of his how draw blood; forsooth his measures fell many a
+hero dead. I wot not, with what this minstrel twitteth us, for I have
+never had such baleful guest."
+
+They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall. Then there arose
+within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what there had happed
+them. Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke! The noble King Gunther turned
+him toward the sound. "Hear ye the measures, Hagen, which Folker
+yonder fiddleth with the Huns, when any draweth near the towers? 'Tis a
+blood-red stroke he useth with the bow."
+
+"It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall I sate
+me down to rest before the hero did. I was his comrade and he was mine;
+and come we ever home again, we shall still be so, in loyal wise. Now
+behold, most noble king, Folker is thy friend, he earneth gladly thy
+silver and thy gold. His fiddle bow doth cut through the hardest steel,
+on the helmets he breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4) Never have
+I seen fiddler stand in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath
+stood to-day. His glees resound through shield and helmet. Certes he
+shall ride good steeds and wear lordly raiment."
+
+Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these
+remained alive. Thus the clash of arms died out, since none strove with
+them longer. The lusty knights and bold now laid aside their swords.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" 'to drink
+        to the memory of a person', an old custom originating with
+        the idea of pouring out a libation to the gods.  Later it
+        assumed the form of drinking to the honor of God, of a
+        saint, or of an absent friend.  See Grimm, "Mythologie", p.
+        48.
+   (2)  "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.
+   (3)  "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.
+   (4)  "Gauds", ornaments.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIV. How They Cast Out The Dead.
+
+The lordings sate them down for weariness. Folker and Hagen came forth
+from the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors leaned. Wise
+words were spoken by the twain. Then Knight Giselher of Burgundy spake:
+"Forsooth, dear friends, ye may not ease you yet; ye must bear the
+dead from out the hall. I'll tell you, of a truth, we shall be attacked
+again. They must no longer lie here beneath our feet. Ere the Huns
+vanquish us by storm, we'll yet how wounds, which shall ease my heart.
+For this," quoth Giselher, "I have a steadfast mind."
+
+"Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen. "This rede which my young
+master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a knight. At this,
+Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."
+
+Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven thousand
+dead, the which they cast outside. Down they fell before the stairway
+to the hall, and from their kinsmen rose a full piteous wall. Some there
+were with such slight wounds that, had they been more gently treated,
+they would have waxed well again; but from the lofty fall, they must
+needs lie dead. Their friends bewailed this, and forsooth they had good
+cause.
+
+Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the truth of
+this, as hath been told me. The Huns be cravens, like women they wail;
+they should rather nurse these sorely wounded men."
+
+A margrave weened, he spake through kindness. Seeing one of his kinsmen
+lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would have borne
+him hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the dead to death. The
+flight began as the others saw this deed, and all fell to cursing this
+selfsame minstrel. He snatched javelin, sharp and hard, the which had
+been hurled at him by a Hun, and cast it with might across the court,
+far over the folk. Thus he forced Etzel's warriors to take lodgement
+further from the hall. On every side the people feared his mighty
+prowess.
+
+Many thousand men now stood before the hall. Folker and Hagen gan speak
+to Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold and good came
+thereafter into danger. Quoth Hagen: "'Twould well beseem the people's
+hope, if the lords would fight in the foremost ranks, as doth each of
+my lordings here. They hew through the helmets, so that the blood doth
+follow the sword."
+
+Etzel was brave; he seized his shield. "Now fare warily," spake Lady
+Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. If Hagen doth
+but reach you there, ye'll be hand in hand with death."
+
+The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now
+seldom hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw
+him hence. Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant
+kinship," quoth Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He
+loved Kriemhild, or ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost
+thou plot against me?"
+
+Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew
+that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's liegemen. Therefore
+she again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that
+slayeth me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King
+Etzel's shield with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many
+goodly lands and castles."
+
+"Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I
+seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such
+goodly wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again.
+Many of those who so basely eat the lording's bread, and now desert him
+in the greatest need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass
+for brave. May shame ever be their lot!"
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXV. How Iring Was Slain.
+
+Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long
+time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me
+my harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."
+
+"I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights
+stand further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I'll
+send them back sore wounded down the steps."
+
+"Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I've tried
+before such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter
+thee alone. What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in
+words?"
+
+Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia,
+a daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men.
+Whatever Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the
+fiddler spied a mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring.
+Upon their heads they bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a
+deal full wroth of mood. "See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder,
+who vowed to match you with his sword alone? How doth lying beseem
+a hero? Much that misliketh me. There walk with him full a thousand
+knights or more, well armed."
+
+"Say not that I lie," spake Hawart's liegeman. "Gladly will I perform
+what I have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through any fear. However
+frightful Hagen be, I will meet him single-handed."
+
+On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him match the
+knight alone. This they did unwillingly, for well they knew the haughty
+Hagen from the Burgundian land. But Iring begged so long that at last
+it happed. When the fellowship beheld his wish and that he strove for
+honor, they let him go. Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain.
+Iring of Denmark, the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and
+covered him with his shield. Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall,
+while a great shout arose from all the knights around. With might and
+main they cast the spears with their hands through the sturdy shields
+upon their shining armor, so that the shafts whirled high in air. Then
+the two brave men and fierce reached for their swords. Bold Hagen's
+strength was mickle and great, but Iring smote him, that the whole hall
+rang. Palace and towers resounded from their blows, but the knight could
+not achieve his wish.
+
+Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler. He
+weened to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight wist how
+to guard bin, well. Then the fiddler struck a blow, that the plates of
+mail whirled high above the buckler's rim. An evil man he was, for
+to encounter, so Iring let him stand and rushed at Gunther of the
+Burgundian land. Here, too, either was strong enow in strife. The blows
+that Gunther and Iring dealt each other drew no blood from wounds. This
+the harness hindered, the which was both strong and good.
+
+He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of fire
+from his armor rings. Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy nigh done
+brave Iring unto death, but that he sprang away from the prince (nimble
+enow he was), and slew eftsoon four noble henchmen of the Burgundians
+from Worms across the Rhine. At this Giselher might never have waxed
+more wroth. "God wot, Sir Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must
+pay me weregild (1) for those who have fallen dead this hour before
+you."
+
+Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not stir a
+step, but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that all did ween
+the good knight would never deal a blow again in strife. But Iring lay
+unwounded here before Sir Giselher. From the crashing of the helmet
+and the ringing of the sword, his wits had grown so weak that the brave
+knight no longer thought of life. Stalwart Giselher had done this with
+his might. When now the ringing gan leave his head, the which he had
+suffered from the mighty stroke, he thought: "I am still alive and
+nowhere wounded. Now first wot I of Giselher's mighty strength." On
+either side he heard his foes. Wist they the tale, still more had happed
+him. Giselher, too, he marked hard by; he bethought him, how he might
+escape his foes. How madly he sprang up from the blood! Well might he
+thank his nimbleness for this. Out of the house he ran to where he again
+found Hagen, whom he dealt a furious blow with his powerful hand.
+
+Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed. Unless be that the foul fiend
+protect thee, thou canst not escape alive."
+
+Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest. This the hero wrought with
+Waska, (2) a passing goodly sword. When Sir Hagen felt the wound, wildly
+he brandished his weapon in his hand. Soon Hawart's liegeman was forced
+to yield his ground, and Hagen gan pursue him down the stairs. Brave
+Iring swung his shield above his head, but had the staircase been the
+length of three, Hagen would not have let him strike a blow the while.
+Ho, what red sparks did play above his helmet!
+
+Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen. Then the tidings were brought
+to Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife with Hagen of
+Troneg. For this the queen gan thank him highly. "Now God requite thee,
+Iring, thou peerless hero and good. Thou hast comforted well my heart
+and mind. I see that Hagen's weeds be wot with blood." For very joy
+Kriemhild herself relieved him of his shield.
+
+"Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "'Twould well befit a
+knight to try again. A valiant man were he, if he then came back alive.
+Little shall the wound profit you, which I have at his bands; for that
+ye have seen the rings wot with blood from my wound doth urge me to the
+death of many a man. Now first am I enraged at Hawart's liegeman. Small
+scathe hath Knight Iring done me yet."
+
+Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his harness
+and doffed his casque. All the folk then praised his prowess, at which
+the margrave was in passing lofty mood. Again Sir Iring spake: "My
+friends, this know; arm me now quickly, for I would fain try again, if
+perchance I may not conquer this overweening man."
+
+His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon the
+champion was armed again. Through hate he seized a passing heavy spear
+with which he would encounter Hagen yonder. Meantime the death-grim
+man awaited him in hostile wise. But Knight Hagen would not abide his
+coming. Hurling the javelin and brandishing his sword, he ran to meet
+him to the very bottom of the stairs. Forsooth his rage was great.
+Little booted Iring then his strength; through the shields they smote,
+so that the flames rose high in fiery blasts. Hagen sorely wounded
+Hawart's liegeman with his sword through shield and breastplate. Never
+waxed he well again. When now Knight Iring felt the wound, higher above
+his helmet bands he raised his shield. Great enow he thought the scathe
+he here received, but thereafter King Gunther's liegeman did him more of
+harm. Hagen found a spear lying now before his feet. With this he shot
+Iring, the Danish hero, so that the shaft stood forth from his head.
+Champion Hagen had given him a bitter end. Iring must needs retreat
+to those of Denmark. Or ever they unbound his helmet and drew the
+spear-shaft from his head, death had already drawn nigh him. At this his
+kinsmen wept, as forsooth they had great need.
+
+Then the queen came and bent above him. She gan bewail the stalwart
+Iring and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was passing sharp. At this
+the bold and lusty warrior spake before his kinsmen: "Let be this wail,
+most royal queen. What availeth your weeping now? Certes, I must lose
+my life from these wounds I have received. Death will no longer let me
+serve you and Etzel." To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he
+spake: "None of you must take from the queen her shining ruddy gold as
+meed, for if ye encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."
+
+Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death. Dole enow it
+gave them, for no longer might Hawart's liegeman live. Then the men
+of Denmark must needs renew the fray. Irnfried and Hawart with well a
+thousand champions leaped toward the hall. On every side one heard a
+monstrous uproar, mighty and strong. Ho, what sturdy javelins were cast
+at the Burgundian men! Bold Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained
+great damage at his hands. Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler
+smote the landgrave. Certes, he was grim enow! Then Sir Irnfried dealt
+the valiant gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open and
+his breastplate was enveloped with a bright red flame. Yet the landgrave
+fell dead at the minstrel's hands. Hawart and Hagen, too, had come
+together. Wonders would he have seen, who beheld the fight. The swords
+fell thick and fast in the heroes' hands. Through the knight from the
+Burgundian land Hawart needs must die. When the Thuringians and the
+Danes espied their lordings dead, there rose before the hall a fearful
+strife, before they gained the door with mighty hand. Many a helm and
+shield was hacked and cut thereby.
+
+"Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they have in
+mind will not be ended. They must die in here in full short time. With
+death they'll gain what the queen would give them."
+
+When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of many a
+one sank down so low that he needs must die from their furious strokes.
+Well fought the valiant Gernot, and the same did Giselher, the knight. A
+thousand and four were come into the hall and many a whizzing stroke
+of the swords was seen flash forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain
+therein. Mickle wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men. The hall
+grew still, as the uproar died away. On every side the dead men's blood
+poured through the openings down to the drain-pipes. This the men from
+the Rhine had wrought with their passing strength.
+
+Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and laid aside
+their swords and shields. But still the valiant minstrel stood guard
+before the hall. He waited, if any would perchance draw near again in
+strife. Sorely the king made wail, as did the queen. Maids and ladies
+were distraught with grief. Death, I ween, had conspired against them,
+wherefore many of the warriors perished through the guests.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", 'a man', "gild", 'payment of
+        money'), legal term for compensation paid for a man killed.
+   (2)  "Waska".  In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of
+        Walther of Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German
+        name, "Wasgenwald", for the Vosges.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVI. How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.
+
+"Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen. "I and my
+comrade will guard you well, and should Etzel's men be minded to try
+again, I'll warn my lords as soon as I ever can."
+
+Then many a good knight bared his head. They sate them down upon the
+wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their hands. Evil
+looks were cast upon the noble strangers. Before the eventide the king
+and the queen brought it to pass that the Hunnish champions tried
+again. Men saw full twenty thousand warriors stand before them, who must
+perforce march to the fray. Straightway there rose a mighty storming
+towards the strangers. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, the doughty knight,
+sprang from his lordings' side to meet the foes without the door.
+All weened that he were dead, yet forth he stood again unscathed.
+The furious strife did last till nightfall brought it to a close. As
+befitted good knights, the strangers warded off King Etzel's liegemen
+the livelong summer day. Ho, how many a bold knight fell doomed before
+them! This great slaughter happed upon midsummer's day, when Lady
+Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart upon her nearest kin and upon many
+another man, so that King Etzel never again gained joy.
+
+The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear. They
+thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than to be
+longer racked with monstrous pain. A truce these proud and lusty knights
+now craved; they begged that men would bring the king to see them. Forth
+from the hall stepped the heroes, bloody of hue, and the three noble
+kings, stained from their armor. They wist not to whom they should make
+plaint of their mighty wounds. Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went;
+the land was theirs and so their band waxed large. He spake to the
+strangers: "Pray tell me, what ye will of me? Ye ween to gain here
+peace, but that may hardly be. For damage as great as ye have done me,
+in my son and in my many kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and pardon
+shall be denied you quite; it shall not boot you aught, an' I remain
+alive."
+
+To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my
+men-at-arms lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel. How did I deserve
+such pay? I came to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my friend."
+
+Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who still
+do live, what do ye blame me with? What have I done to you, for I rode
+in friendly wise into this land of yours."
+
+Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with grief and
+the land as well. We should not have taken it ill, in sooth, if thou
+hadst never come from Worms beyond the Rhine. Thou and thy brothers have
+filled this land with orphans."
+
+Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside this
+bitter hate and make your peace with us stranger knights, 'twere best
+for either side. We have not merited at all what Etzel here doth do us."
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and yours. The
+mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame, which I have taken
+here, are such that none of you shall e'er go hence alive."
+
+At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you act in
+merciful wise. Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but let us first
+descend to you into the open court. That will make to you for honor.
+Let be done quickly whatever shall hap to us. Ye have still many men
+unscathed, who dare well encounter us and bereave us storm-weary men of
+life. How long must we warriors undergo these toils?"
+
+King Etzel's champions had nigh granted this boon and let them leave the
+hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked her. Therefore the
+wanderers were speedily denied the truce. "Not so, ye Hunnish men. I
+counsel you in true fealty, that ye do not what ye have in mind, and let
+these murderers leave the hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly
+fall. Did none of them still live, save Uta's sons, my noble brothers,
+and they came forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye
+would all be lost. Bolder heroes were never born into the world."
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my trust,
+when thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to this land, to
+this dire need. How have I merited death here from the Huns? I was aye
+true to thee; never did I do thee wrong, and in the hope that thou wast
+still my friend, dear sister mine, rode I hither to thy court. It cannot
+be but that thou grant us mercy."
+
+"I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood. Hagen of Troneg hath
+done me such great wrongs that it may never be amended, the while I
+live. Ye must all suffer for this deed," so spake King Etzel's wife.
+"And ye will give me Hagen alone as hostage, I will not deny that I will
+let you live, for ye be my brothers and children of one mother, and will
+counsel peace with these heroes that be here."
+
+"Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a thousand of
+us, the clansmen of thy kin, we'd rather all lie dead, than give thee a
+single man as hostage. Never shall this be done."
+
+"We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder that we
+guard us in knightly wise. We be still here, if any list to fight us;
+for never have I failed a friend in fealty."
+
+Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held his
+peace): "Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone. It may yet rue
+those who here refuse the truce. I'll tell you of a truth, we'll make
+you ware of this."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the stairs
+and avenge my wrongs. For this I will ever serve you, as I should by
+right. I'll pay Hagen well for his overweening pride. Let none at all
+escape from the house, and I will bid the hall be set on fire at all
+four ends. Thus all my wrongs shall be well avenged."
+
+Soon were King Etzel's champions ready still stood without into the hall
+with blows and shots. Mickle waxed the din, yet the lordings and their
+liegemen would not part. For very fealty they could not leave each
+other. Etzel's queen then bade the hall be set on fire, and thus they
+racked the bodies of the knights with fire and flame. Fanned by the
+breeze, the whole house burst into flames full soon. I ween, no folk
+did ever gain such great distress. Enow within cried out: "Alack this
+plight! We would much rather die in stress of battle. It might move God
+to pity, how we all are lost! The queen now wreaketh monstrously on us
+her wrath."
+
+Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead. What avail us now the
+greetings which the king did send us? Thirst from this great heat giveth
+me such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must ebb away in anguish."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him whom
+pangs of thirst constrain, drink here this blood. In such great heat,
+'tis better still than wine. We can purvey us at this time none better."
+
+One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and knelt
+him down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and began to drink
+the flowing blood. However little wont to such a drink, him thought it
+passing good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite you," spake the weary man,
+"that I have drunk so well at your advice; seldom hath better wine been
+proffered me. And I live yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."
+
+When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon there
+were many more that drank the blood. From this the body of each gained
+much of strength; but many a stately dame paid dear for this through
+the loss of loving kin. Into the hall the fire fell thick and fast upon
+them, but with their shields they turned it from them to the ground.
+Both the heat and the smoke did hurt them sore; in sooth, I ween, that
+nevermore will such anguish hap to heroes.
+
+Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. Let not
+the firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp them with your
+feet down deeper in the blood. Forsooth it is an evil feast which the
+queen doth give us here."
+
+In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the brave
+minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall, a-leaning on their
+shields. More scathe they awaited from those of Etzel's band. Then spake
+the fiddler: "Now go we into the hall. Then the Huns will ween, that we
+all be dead from the torture that hath been done us here. They'll yet
+see us go to meet them in the strife."
+
+Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day dawneth, a
+cooling wind doth blow. May God in heaven let us live to see a liefer
+time, for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here an evil feast."
+
+Again one spake: "I see the day. Sith we cannot hope for better things,
+so arm you, heroes, think on your life. Certes, King Etzel's wife will
+come to meet us soon again."
+
+The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil and the
+pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave men, as good as
+any knight that king ever gained, were still alive. Those set to guard
+the strangers had well seen that the guests still lived, despite the
+damage and the dole that had been done both to the lordings and their
+men. In the hall one saw them stand full safe and sound. They then told
+Kriemhild that many were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could
+never be, that any should have lived through such stress of fire. Rather
+will I believe that all lie dead."
+
+The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed
+to do them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish
+land. So with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same
+day, towards morning, men proffered them a fierce attack as greeting,
+which brought the champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was
+hurled upon them, but the bold and lordly warriors warded them in
+knightly wise. High rose the mood of Etzel's men at the thought that
+they should earn Queen Kriemhild's gold. Thereto they were minded to
+perform whatso the King did bid them. Many of them because of this
+must soon needs gaze on death. Of pledges and of gifts one might tell
+wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be carried forth on shields and gave
+it to whomsoever craved it and would take it. Certes, greater wage was
+nevermore given against foes. To the hall a mickle force of well-armed
+warriors marched.
+
+Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes
+more gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king's gold to
+do us scathe."
+
+Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what
+we must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."
+
+Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been
+thrown. What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match
+them, surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with
+wounds. None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from
+mortal wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for
+friends. All the great king's doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen
+mourned them passing sore.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVII. How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.
+
+The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind's husband
+came to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous
+wounds on either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever
+born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make
+for peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more
+the sufferings of his men."
+
+Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might
+turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer:
+"Who might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."
+
+Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and
+many tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth
+stand, that hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and whom both lands
+and people serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of
+which he doth hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy
+stroke hath he dealt in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it
+fare here at court, sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be
+bolder than any other wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous
+(1) days."
+
+Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak.
+Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and
+hast told thy tale too loud at court."
+
+His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man
+so mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King
+Etzel's woe grew greater.
+
+"Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow of
+grief and pain, How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here? Certes,
+I have good cause to hate the strangers, and would have done all in my
+power against them, had I not led the warriors hither. Of a truth I was
+their safeguard to my master's land. Therefore the hand of me, wretched
+man, may not strive against them."
+
+Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye helped
+us, most noble Rudeger! We have so many fey (2) in the land, that we
+have no need of more. Full evil have ye done."
+
+At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my mood and
+twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of which I have
+received from thy hand. This hath cost the liar dear."
+
+The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns through
+the hero's wrath. Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes grew moist as
+she spake to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye should increase the
+sorrows of the king and me? Hitherto ye have told us, that for our sake
+ye would risk both life and honor. I heard full many warriors accord
+to you the palm. Let me mind you of your fealty and that ye swore, when
+that ye counseled me to Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve
+me till one of us should die. Never have I, poor woman, had such great
+need of this."
+
+"There's no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake I'd
+risk both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would lose my soul.
+'Twas I that bade the high-born lordings to this feast."
+
+Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy
+constancy, and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine
+injuries and all my woes."
+
+Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."
+
+Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank before
+the knight. Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad. Pitifully the
+faithful warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched man, that I have
+lived to see this day. I must give over all my honors, my fealty, and
+my courtesie, that God did bid me use. Alas, great God of heaven, that
+death will not turn this from me! I shall act basely and full evil,
+whatever I do or leave undone. But if I give over both, then will all
+people blame me. Now may he advise me, who hath given me life."
+
+Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly. Through this
+warriors must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger's hands, when
+the hero also died. Ye may well hear it now, that he deported him full
+pitifully. He wist that it would bring him scathe and monstrous woe.
+Gladly would he have refused the king and queen. He feared full sore
+that if he slew but one of the strangers, the world would bear him hate.
+
+Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take back
+again all that I have from you, my land with its castles, let not a whit
+remain to me. On foot will I wander into other lands."
+
+At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then? I'll give thee
+the land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou mayst avenge me on
+my foes. Thou shalt be a mighty king at Etzel's side."
+
+Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed? I bade them to my
+house and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and drink
+and gave them gifts. How may I counsel their death? People will lightly
+ween, that I be craven. No service of mine have I refused these noble
+lordings and their men. Now I rue the kinship I have gained with them. I
+gave my daughter to Giselher, the knight; to none in all the world could
+she have been better given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and
+wealth. Never have I seen so young a prince of such right courteous
+mind."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our
+griefs, on mine and on the king's. Bethink thee well, that king did
+never gain such baneful guests."
+
+To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger's life must pay to-day
+for whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me. Therefore must I
+die; no longer may it be deferred. I know full well, that my castles and
+my lands will be voided for you to-day through the hand of one of these
+men. To your mercy I commend my wife and children and the strangers (3)
+who be at Bechelaren."
+
+"Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and the
+queen grew glad. "Thy people shall be well commended to our care. For
+mine own weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."
+
+Etzel's bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the
+venture. He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my
+friends, whom I am loth to fight."
+
+Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he
+found his warriors standing. He spake: "Ye must arm you all, my men,
+for, alas, I must needs encounter the bold Burgundians."
+
+They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it
+were helm or buckler, 'twas all brought forth to them by their meiny.
+Later the proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rudeger was
+now armed, and with him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve
+champions, who would fain win renown in the stress of battle. They
+wist not that death drew nigh them. Then Rudeger was seen to march with
+helmet donned. The margrave's men bare keen-edged swords, and their
+bright shields and broad upon their arms. This the fiddler saw; greatly
+he rued the sight. When young Giselher beheld his lady's father walk
+with his helm upon his head, how might he know what he meant thereby,
+save that it portended good? Therefore the noble prince waxed passing
+merry of mood.
+
+"Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we have
+won upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief
+it is to me, that this betrothal hath taken place."
+
+"I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the minstrel; "when
+have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand,
+for the sake of peace? Rudeger doth think to win his castles and his
+lands in fight with us."
+
+Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble Rudeger
+before the house. At his feet he placed his trusty shield, and now both
+service and greeting he must needs refuse his friends. Into the hall
+the noble margrave called: "Ye doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well
+on every side. Ye were to profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe.
+Aforetime we were friends, but of this troth I now would fain be rid."
+
+The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained aught
+of joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight them. From their
+foes they had already suffered mickle stress of war. "Now God of heaven
+forbid," spake Gunther, the knight, "that ye should give over your love
+of us and your great fealty, on which we counted of a truth. Better
+things I trow of you, than that ye should ever do this deed."
+
+"Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have vowed it.
+Now ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life. King Etzel's wife
+would not release me from mine oath."
+
+"Ye declare this feud too late," spake the highborn king. "Now may God
+requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and fealty that ye
+have shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at the end. I and my
+kinsmen, we ought ever to serve you for the noble gifts ye gave us, when
+ye brought us hither faithfully to Etzel's land. Now, noble Rudeger,
+think on this."
+
+"How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I might
+weigh out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly as I had
+hoped, if I never should be blamed on that account."
+
+"Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did never give
+his guests such loving cheer as ye did us. This shall profit you well,
+and we remain alive."
+
+"Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were on the
+Rhine and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now encounter you!
+Never did friends act worse to heroes."
+
+"Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your passing
+rich gifts. Your death doth rue me, if such knightly virtues shall be
+lost with you. Here I bear your sword that ye gave me, good knight and
+true. It hath never failed me in all this need. Many a knight fell
+dead beneath its edges. It is bright and steady, glorious and good;
+nevermore, I ween, will warrior give so rich a gift. And will ye not
+turn back, but come to meet us, and slay aught of the friends I still
+have here, with your own sword will I take your life. Then will ye rue
+me, Rudeger, ye and your high-born wife."
+
+"Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all your
+will might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped unscathed! Then
+both my daughter and my wife may trust you well, forsooth."
+
+Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta's son: "Why do ye so, Sir
+Rudeger? Those that be come with us, do all like you well. Ye encounter
+us in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair daughter a widow far too
+soon. If ye and your warriors match me now with strife, how right
+unkindly do ye let it appear, that I trust you well above all other men
+and therefore won me your daughter to wife."
+
+"Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king. And God let you
+escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for me. For your
+own virtue's sake, vouchsafe her mercy."
+
+"That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if
+my noble kinsmen here within must die through you, then my steadfast
+friendship for you and for your daughter must be parted."
+
+"Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man. Then they
+raised their shields, as though they would hence to fight the guests in
+Kriemhild's hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown the steps. "Pray tarry
+awhile, most noble Rudeger," so spake Hagen; "I and my lords would fain
+have further parley, as doth befit our need. What can the death of us
+wanderers avail King Etzel? I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield
+that Lady Gotelind gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns.
+I brought it with friendly purpose into Etzel's land. O that God in
+heaven would grant, that I might bear so good a shield as that thou hast
+in thy hand, most noble Rudeger! Then I should no longer need a hauberk
+in the fray."
+
+"Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it before
+Kriemhild. Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm. Ho, if thou
+couldst only wield it in the Burgundian land!"
+
+When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes grew
+red with scalding tears. 'T was the last gift that ever Rudeger of
+Bechelaren gave to any knight. However fierce Hagen, and however stern
+of mood, the gift did touch him, which the good hero, so near to death,
+had given. Many a noble knight gan mourn with him.
+
+"Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger. Your like will
+nevermore be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly gifts. God
+grant that your courtesie may ever live." Again Hagen spake: "Woe is me
+of these tales, we had so many other griefs to bear. Let complaint be
+made to heaven, if we must fight with friends."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."
+
+"Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger. Howso these
+high-born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall never touch you
+in the fight, and ye slew them all from the Burgundian land."
+
+Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low. On every side they wept,
+that none might soothe this pain of heart. That was a mighty grief. In
+Rudeger would die the father of all knightly virtues.
+
+Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my comrade
+Hagen hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just as steadfastly
+from my hand, for well ye earned it, when we came into this land. Most
+noble margrave, ye shall be mine envoy, too. The margravine gave me
+these ruddy arm rings, that I should wear them here at the feasting.
+These ye may yourself behold, that ye may later be my witness."
+
+"Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine may give
+you more! I'll gladly tell these tales to my dear love, if I see her in
+health again. Of this ye shall not doubt."
+
+When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield. No longer
+he bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he rushed upon the
+guests. Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker
+and Hagen, stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still
+he found standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the
+fight with anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let
+him in, good heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him
+sore, in truth. He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then
+the margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them
+follow their lord. In their hands they bare their keen-edged swords,
+the which cleft there many a helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors
+dealt the men of Bechelaren many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep
+through the shining mail, down to the very quick.
+
+Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight
+Folker and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man
+alone. Through the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from
+the helmets. How grimly rang the many swords within! The shield plates
+sprang from their fastenings, and the precious stones, cut from the
+shields, fell down into the gore. So grimly they fought, that men will
+never do the like again. The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as
+one who wotteth how to use great prowess in the fray. Passing like to
+a worshipful champion and a bold did Rudeger bear him on that day. Here
+stood the warriors, Gunther and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in
+the fray. Giselher and Dankwart, the twain, recked so little, that
+they brought full many a knight to his last day of life. Full well did
+Rudeger make appear that he was strong enow, brave and well-armed. Ho,
+what knights he slew! This a Burgundian espied; perforce it angered him,
+and thus Sir Rudeger's death drew near.
+
+The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake: "It
+appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That
+irketh me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may
+your present work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of
+friends. Pray address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift
+shall be paid for as best I can."
+
+Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs
+grow dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men.
+Either gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords,
+that naught might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote
+Gernot a buffet through his helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so
+that the blood gushed forth. But this the bold knight and good repaid
+eftsoon. High in his hand he now poised Rudeger's gift, and though
+wounded unto death, he smote him a stroke through his good and trusty
+shield down to his helmet band. And so fair Gotelind's husband was done
+to death. Certes, so rich a gift was never worse repaid. So fell alike
+both Gernot and Rudeger, slain in the fray, through each other's hand.
+
+Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe. Quoth
+the hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us. In these two men we
+have taken a loss so great that neither their land nor people will e'er
+recover from the blow. Rudeger's champions must answer to us homeless
+men."
+
+"Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death. What evil tales
+I hear all time! Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue me. The loss and the
+grievous wounds are felt on either side."
+
+When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed's father dead, those within the
+hall were forced to suffer need. Fiercely death sought his fellowship;
+not one of those of Bechelaren escaped with life. Gunther and Giselher
+and Hagen, too, Dankwart and Folker, the right good knights, went to
+where they found the two men lying. Then by these heroes tears of grief
+were shed.
+
+"Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth. "Now give over
+your weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed armor of us
+storm-weary men may cool. Certes, I ween, that God in heaven vouchsafeth
+us no more to live."
+
+This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall, but all
+again were idle. Rudeger's heroes lay still in death. The din had died
+away; the hush endured so long, it vexed King Etzel.
+
+"Alack for such services," spake the queen. "They be not so true, that
+our foes must pay with their life at Rudeger's hands. I trow, he doth
+wish to lead them back to the Burgundian land. What booteth it, King
+Etzel, that we have given him whatso he would? The knight hath done
+amiss, he who should avenge us, doth make his peace."
+
+To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not true,
+alas, most noble queen. Durst I give the lie to such a high-born dame,
+then had ye most foully lied against Rudeger. He and his champions be
+cozened in this peace. So eagerly he did what the king commanded,
+that he and all his fellowship lie here in death. Now look around you,
+Kriemhild, to see whom ye may now command. The good Knight Rudeger hath
+served you to his end. And ye will not believe the tale, we'll let you
+see."
+
+To their great grief 'twas done; they bare the slain hero to where the
+king might see him. Never had there happed to Etzel's men a grief so
+great. When they saw the margrave borne forth dead, no scribe might
+write or tell the frantic grief of men and women, which there gan show
+itself from dole of heart. King Etzel's sorrow waxed so great that the
+mighty king did voice his woe of heart, as with a lion's roar. Likewise
+did his queen. Beyond all measure they bewailed the good Knight
+Rudeger's death.
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Parlous", older English for 'perilous'.
+   (2)  "Fey", 'doomed to death', here in the sense of 'already
+        slain'.  See Adventure V, note 2.
+   (3)  "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from
+        home.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVIII. How All Sir Dietrich's Warriors Were Slain.
+
+On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the towers
+rang with the wailing. Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard it, too. How
+quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales! To the lording he
+spake: "Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much I've lived to see till
+now, yet heard I never such a monstrous wail, as now hath reached mine
+ears. I ween, King Etzel himself hath come to grief. How else might all
+be so distressed? One of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely
+been laid low by the brave strangers in their wrath. Full many a dapper
+warrior weepeth passing sore."
+
+Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye not
+too fast. Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they be now in
+mickle need. Let it profit them, that I did offer them my peace."
+
+At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for tidings
+of what they have done, and will tell you then, my most dear lord, just
+as I find it, what the wail may be."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude questions
+then are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood of warriors. In
+truth, I will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these questions of them."
+
+Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade him find
+from Etzel's men or from the guests themselves, what there had fortuned,
+for men had never seen from folks so great a grief. The messenger gan
+ask: "What hath here been done?"
+
+At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the Hunnish
+land hath passed away. Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the Burgundians'
+hands; and of those who were come with him, not one hatch 'scaped
+alive."
+
+Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole. Sorely weeping, the
+envoy went to Dietrich. Never was he so loth to tell a tale. "What
+have ye found for us?" quoth Dietrich. "Why weep ye so sore, Knight
+Helfrich?"
+
+Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail. The
+Burgundians have slain the good Sir Rudeger."
+
+At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid. That were a
+fearful vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat. Wherewith hath
+Rudeger deserved this at their hands? I know full well, forsooth, he is
+the strangers' friend."
+
+To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, 'twill cost
+them all their lives. 'Twould be our shame, should we let this pass, for
+of a truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger hath served us much and
+oft."
+
+The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better. In bitter grief he sate
+him at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the strangers, that
+he might find from them what had been done. The storm-brave warrior,
+Master Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield nor weapon in his hand. In
+courtly wise he would hie him to the strangers; for this he was chided
+by his sister's son. Grim Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so
+bare, ye will never fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame.
+But if ye go there armed, each will guard against that well."
+
+Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth. Or ever he
+was ware, all Dietrich's warriors had donned their war-weeds and held
+in their hands their swords. Loth it was to the hero, and he would have
+gladly turned their mind. He asked whither they would go.
+
+"We will hence with you. Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will dare the
+less to address him to you with scorn, which full well he knoweth how to
+use." When he heard this, the knight vouchsafed them for to go.
+
+Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of Dietrich,
+march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in their hands they
+bare their shields. He told it to his lords from out the Burgundian
+land. The fiddler spake: "Yonder I see the men of Dietrich march along
+in right hostile wise, armed cap-a-pie. They would encounter us; I ween
+'twill go full ill with us strangers."
+
+Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come. Before his feet he placed his shield,
+and gan ask Gunther's men: "Alas, good heroes, what had Rudeger done
+you? My Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to say, that if the
+hand of any among you hath slain the noble margrave, as we are told, we
+could never stand such mighty dole."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true. How gladly could I wish,
+that the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger's sake, and that he
+still did live, for whom both man and wife may well ever weep."
+
+When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail for
+him, as their fealty bade them. Over the beards and chins of Dietrich's
+champions the tears were seen to run. Great grief had happened to them.
+
+Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an end
+the cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. The joy of
+all wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."
+
+Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw mine own
+father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than for his death.
+Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave's wife?"
+
+Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the warriors
+to so many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done? Alas, most noble
+Rudeger, that we should lose thee thus!"
+
+Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men bewailed
+his death. For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a whit. He spake:
+"Sir knights, now do what my lord hath sent you here to do. Give us
+the corse of Rudeger from out the hall, in whom our joy hath turned to
+grief, and let us repay to him the great fealty he hath shown to us and
+to many another man. We, too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight.
+Why do ye let us wait thus? Let us bear him away, that we may yet
+requite the knight in death. More justly had we done it, when he was
+still alive."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as that,
+which a friend doth do to a friend after his death. When any doeth that,
+I call it faithful friendship. Ye repay him but rightly, for much love
+hath he ever shown you."
+
+"How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart. "Sith our best
+hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no longer have him
+with us, let us bear him hence to where the warrior may be buried."
+
+To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you. Fetch ye him
+from the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood, with mortal
+wounds. 'Twill then be a perfect service, which ye render Rudeger."
+
+Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us great
+dole and should not rouse our ire. But that I durst not for fear of my
+lord, ye should all fare ill. We must perforce abstain, sith he forbade
+us strife."
+
+Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth abstain
+from all that one forbiddeth him. That I call not a real hero's mood."
+This speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.
+
+"Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I'll play such havoc with
+your fiddle strings, that ye'll have cause to tell the tale, when ye
+ride homeward to the Rhine. I cannot brook in honor your overweening
+pride."
+
+Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must the
+gleam of your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however I ride to
+the Burgundian land."
+
+Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him firmly.
+"I ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger. Then hadst thou lost
+forever the favor of my lord."
+
+"Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the good
+knight Folker. "Had he slain the whole world with his one hand, I'll
+smite him, and he come within my reach, so that he may never sing the
+answer to my song."
+
+At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood. Wolfhart, a
+doughty knight and a good, snatched up his shield. Like a wild lion
+he ran to meet him, swiftly followed by all his friends. But howsoever
+great the strides he took towards the hall, yet did old Hildebrand
+overtake him at the steps. He would not let him reach the fray before
+him. At the hands of the homeless knights they later found the strife
+they sought. Master Hildebrand then sprang at Hagen. In the hands of
+both one heard the swords ring out. That both were angry, might be
+plainly seen; from the swords of the twain streamed forth a blast of
+fire-red sparks. Then they were parted in the stress of battle by the
+men of Berne, as their strength did bid them. At once Hildebrand turned
+him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart addressed him to Folker the
+bold. Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon his good helmet, that the
+sword's edge pierced to the very helmet bands. This the bold gleeman
+repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the sparks flew wide. Enow
+of fire they struck from the armor rings, for each bare hatred to the
+other. Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne did part them--an' he be not a hero,
+never was there one.
+
+With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of the
+Amelung land. Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red and wot with
+blood. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, a fierce man was he; whatever he had
+done before to Etzel's warriors in strife was as a wind to the fury with
+which bold Aldrian's son now fought. Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich
+and Wichart had spared themselves full seldom in many battle storms;
+this they now made Gunther's liegemen note full well. Wolfbrand, too,
+was seen in the strife bearing him in lordly wise. Old Hildebrand fought
+as though he raged. At Wolfhart's hands many good knights, struck by the
+sword, must needs fall dead down into the blood. Thus the bold champions
+and good avenged Knight Rudeger.
+
+Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him. Ho, what good helmets
+of his foes this son of Dietrich's sister clove in the strife! Nor
+might he ever do better in the fray. When sturdy Folker espied that bold
+Siegstab hewed a bloody stream from the hard armor rings, wroth of mood
+the hero grew. He sprang to meet him, and Siegstab lost his life full
+soon at the fiddler's hands, for Folker gave him such a sample of his
+art, that he soon lay dead, slain by his sword. This old Hildebrand
+avenged, as his might did bid him.
+
+"Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here dead
+at Folker's hands. Now shall the fiddler no longer live."
+
+How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer? Folker he smote, so that
+on all sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from helmet and
+shield of the doughty gleeman. Thus stout Folker was done to death. At
+this the men of Dietrich pressed forward to the strife. They smote so
+that the armor rings whirled far and wide, and high through the air
+the sword-points wore seen to fly. From the helmets they drew the warm
+gushing stream of blood. When Hagen of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was
+the greatest sorrow, that he had gained at the feasting in kinsman or
+in liegeman. Alas, how fiercely Hagen gan venge the knight! "Now old
+Hildebrand shall not profit by this deed. My helpmate lieth slain by the
+hero's hand, the best war comrade that I did ever win." Higher he raised
+his helmet, and ran, slashing as he went.
+
+Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart. Loth enow it was to Gunther and Giselher,
+when they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own hands he himself
+had well avenged his death. Meanwhile Wolfhart raged back and forth,
+hewing alway King Gunther's men. For the third time he was come through
+the hall, and many a warrior fell, struck by his hands.
+
+Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever gained
+so grim a foe! Noble knight and brave, now address you unto me. I'll
+help to make an end; this may be no longer."
+
+At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote other
+many a gaping wound. He pressed so mightily toward the king, that
+the blood beneath his feet spurted high above his head. With grim
+and fearful blows the son of fair Uta then greeted the brave knight
+Wolfhart. However strong the warrior, he might not save his life. Never
+could so young a king have been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through
+his stout hauberk, that his blood streamed down from the wound. Unto
+death he wounded Dietrich's liegeman. None save a champion had done such
+deed. When brave Wolfhart felt the wound, he let fall his shield and
+lifted higher in his hand his mighty sword (sharp enow it was); through
+both helmet and armor rings the hero smote Giselher. Thus each did other
+fiercely unto death.
+
+Now was none left of Dietrich's men. Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart fall;
+never before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to him. The men of
+Gunther all lay dead, and those of Dietrich, too. Hildebrand hied him to
+where Wolfhart had fallen in the gore, and clasped in his arms the brave
+knight and good. He would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a
+deal too heavy, and so he must needs let him lie. Then the dying warrior
+looked upward from the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his
+uncle would fain help him hence. Though wounded unto death, he spake:
+"Dear uncle mine, ye may not aid me now. 'Tis well, methinks, that ye
+should guard you against Hagen. A fierce mood he beareth in his heart.
+And if perchance my kinsmen would mourn me after I am dead; pray tell
+the nearest and the best, that they weep not for me; there is no need of
+that. At the hands of a king I have met a glorious death and have also
+avenged me, so that the wives of the good knights may well bewail it. If
+any ask you of this, ye may boldly say, that full a hundred lie slain by
+my hand alone."
+
+Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold Hildebrand
+had robbed of life. To the knight he spake: "Ye'll requite me now my
+sorrows. Through your hatred ye have bereft us of many a lusty knight."
+
+He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the which
+bold Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the knight. Then the
+old man warded him; in sooth he was brave enow. Dietrich's champion
+struck with a broad sword, that cut full sore, at the hero of Troneg,
+but could not wound King Gunther's liegeman. Hagen, however, smote him
+through his well-wrought hauberk. When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he
+feared more scathe at Hagen's hand; his shield he slung across his back
+and thus Sir Dietrich's man escaped from Hagen, though sorely wounded.
+
+Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and
+Hagen alone. Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he found
+Dietrich, and told him the baleful tale. He saw him sitting sadly, but
+much more of dole the prince now gained. He spied Hildebrand in his
+blood-red hauberk, and asked him tidings, as his fears did prompt him.
+
+"Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wot with your lifeblood?
+Pray who hath done you this? I ween, ye have fought with the strangers
+in the hall. I forbade it you so sorely, that ye should justly have
+avoided it."
+
+Then said he to his lord: "'Twas Hagen that did it. He dealt me this
+wound in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the knight. I
+scarce escaped the devil with my life."
+
+Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for that ye
+have broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye did hear me vow
+friendship to the knights. Were it not mine everlasting shame, ye should
+lose your life."
+
+"My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my friends and
+me is all too great. Fain would we have carried Rudeger's corse away,
+but King Gunther's liegemen would not grant it us."
+
+"Woe is me of these sorrows! If Rudeger then be dead, 'twill bring
+me greater dole, than all my woe. Noble Gotelind is the child of my
+father's sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be now in Bechelaren."
+
+Rudeger's death now minded him of ruth and dole. Mightily the hero gan
+weep; in sooth he had good cause. "Alas for this faithful comrade whom I
+have lost! In truth I shall ever mourn for King Etzel's liegeman. Can ye
+tell me, Master Hildebrand, true tidings, who be the knight, that hath
+slain him there?"
+
+Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the hero,
+too, fell dead at Rudeger's hands."
+
+Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm them
+quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready my shining
+battle weeds. I myself will question the heroes of the Burgundian land."
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you? Whatso of living
+men ye have, ye see stand by you. 'Tis I alone; the others, they be
+dead."
+
+He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never in his
+life had he gained so great a grief. He spake: "And are my men all dead,
+then hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich. Once I was a lordly king,
+mighty, high, and rich." Again Sir Dietrich spake: "How could it hap,
+that all the worshipful heroes died at the hands of the battle-weary,
+who were themselves hard pressed? Were it not for mine ill-luck, death
+were still a stranger to them. Sith then mine evil fortune would have it
+so, pray tell me, are any of the strangers still alive?"
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only Hagen and
+Gunther, the high-born king."
+
+"Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well rue me,
+that ever I was born. Siegstab and Wolfwin and Wolfbrand, too! Who then
+shall help me to the Amelung land? Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been
+slain, and Gerbart and Wiehart? How shall I ever mourn for them in
+fitting wise? This day doth forever end my joys. Alas, that none may die
+for very grief!"
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330,
+        where we are told that he was the bravest and courtliest of
+        all knights.
+   (2)  "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.
+   (3)  "Siegstab" is Dietrich's nephew.  He also appears in the
+        "Thidreksaga", but in a different role.
+   (4)  "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich's
+        nephew.
+   (5)  "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.
+   (6)  "Ritschart".   With the exception of Helfrich (see Above
+        note 1), these names do not occur elsewhere, though one of
+        the sons of Haimon was called Wichart.
+
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIX. How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.
+
+Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master
+Hildebrand helped him arm. The mighty man made wail so sore, that the
+whole house resounded with his voice. But then he gained again a real
+hero's mood. The good knight was now armed and grim of mind; a stout
+shield he hung upon his arm. Thus he and Master Hildebrand went boldly
+hence.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming hither; he
+would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that hath here befallen
+him. To-day we shall see, to whom one must give the palm. However strong
+of body and grim of mood the lord of Berne thinketh him to be, right
+well dare I match him," so spake Hagen, "an' he will avenge on us that
+which hath been done him."
+
+Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to where he
+found the champion stand before the house, leaning against the wall.
+Dietrich set his good shield upon the ground, and spake in grievous
+dole: "Gunther, mighty king, why have ye so acted against me, banished
+man? What have I done to you? I stand alone, bereft of all my comfort.
+Ye thought it not enow of bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger,
+our friend. Now ye have robbed me of all my men. Forsooth I never had
+wrought you heroes sorrow such as this. Think on yourselves and on your
+wrongs. Doth not the death of your kinsmen and all the hardship grieve
+the minds of you good knights? Alas, what great dole Rudeger's death
+doth give me! Never in all the world hath more of sorrow happed to any
+man. Ye thought but little on me and on your pain. Whatsoever joy I had,
+that lieth slain by you. Certes, I never can bewail my kin enow."
+
+"Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen. "Your warriors came to
+this hall in a large band, armed with care. Methinks the tale hath not
+been told you rightly."
+
+"What else should I believe? Hildebrand told me, that when my knights
+from the Amelung land asked that ye should give up Rudeger's corse from
+out the hall, ye did naught but mock the valiant heroes from above the
+steps."
+
+Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would fain
+bear Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex King Etzel,
+and not thy men, until then Wolfhart began to rail about it."
+
+Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so. Gunther,
+most noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of the wrongs,
+that have happed to me from thee, and make such amends, brave knight,
+that I may give thee credit for the deed. Give thyself and thy men to me
+as hostages, and I will guard you, as best I may, that none here do thee
+aught among the Huns. Thou shalt find me naught but good and true."
+
+"Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves up
+to thee, that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and walk so
+unfettered before their foes."
+
+"Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich. "Ye
+have grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but right, and ye
+would requite me. I give you my hand and troth as pledge, that I will
+ride with you, home to your land. I'll lead you in all honor, or else
+lie dead, and for your sakes I will forget my grievous wrongs."
+
+"Crave this no longer," answered Hagen. "'Twere fitting, that the tale
+be told of us, that two men so brave had given themselves up to you. We
+see none standing by you, save Hildebrand alone."
+
+Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour will
+come, when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer to keep it
+with you. Ye might well content you with the truce my lord doth offer."
+
+"Forsooth I'd take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I'd flee from out
+a hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand. I weened, ye could
+stand better against a foe."
+
+To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that? Who was it
+sate upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter of Spain slew
+so many of his kin? Ye, too, have faults enow of your own to show."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they should
+scold like aged beldams. I forbid you, Hildebrand, to speak aught more.
+Grievous wrongs constrain me, homeless warrior. Let's hear, Knight
+Hagen, what ye twain did speak, ye doughty men, when ye saw me coming
+toward you armed? Ye said, that ye alone would fain encounter me in
+strife."
+
+"Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay it here
+with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung break in my
+hand. Wroth am I, that we twain have here been craved as hostages."
+
+When Dietrich noted Hagen's raging mood, quickly the doughty knight and
+good snatched up his shield. How swiftly Hagen sprang toward him from
+the steps! Loudly the good sword of Nibelung rang on Dietrich's head.
+Then wist Dietrich well, that the bold knight was grim of mood. The
+lord of Berne gan guard him against the fearful blows, for well he knew
+Hagen, the stately knight. Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow.
+Dietrich returned the blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he
+conquered Hagen in the strife. A wound he dealt him, the which was
+deep and long. Then Lord Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out with
+strife; little honor shall I have, and thou liest dead before me. I will
+try, if perchance I can force thee to be my hostage."
+
+This he wrought with danger. His shield he let fall, great was his
+strength, and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms. Thus the brave knight
+was overcome by Dietrich. Noble Gunther gan wail thereat. Dietrich now
+bound Hagen and led him to where he found the highborn queen; into her
+hand he gave the bravest warrior that ever bare a sword. Then merry enow
+she grew after her great dole. For very joy King Etzel's wife bowed low
+before the knight. "May thy heart and body be ever blest. Thou hast well
+requited me of all my woes. For this will I ever serve thee, unless be,
+that death doth hinder me therefrom."
+
+Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen. And if
+this still may be, how well will I requite you of that which he hath
+done you! Let him not suffer, because ye see him stand here bound."
+
+She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked in and
+where none did see him. Gunther, the high-born king, began to call:
+"Whither went the knight of Berne? He hath done me wrong."
+
+At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him. Gunther's might was worthy
+of praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and from the
+clashing of the swords of the twain a mighty din arose. However much and
+long Lord Dietrich's prowess had been praised, yet Gunther was so sorely
+angered and enraged, for because of the grievous dole, he was his deadly
+foe, that men still tell it as a wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall.
+Great were both their prowess and their strength. The palace and the
+towers resounded with the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the
+sturdy helmets. King Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of Berne
+overcame him, as happed to Hagen afore. The hero's blood was seen to
+ooze through the armor rings, drawn forth by a keen-edged sword, the
+which Sir Dietrich bare. Though weary, Sir Gunther had guarded him most
+valiantly. The lord was now bound by Dietrich's hands. Though kings
+should not endure such bonds, yet Dietrich thought, if he set free the
+king and his liegeman, that all they met must needs fall dead at their
+hands.
+
+Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to where
+he found Kriemhild. At sight of his sorrow much of her fear took flight.
+She spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the Burgundian land."
+
+Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your greetings
+were but kinder. I know you, queen, to be so wroth of mood that ye do
+give me and Hagen meagre greetings."
+
+Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such good
+knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted lady. For my
+sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."
+
+She vowed she'd do it gladly. Then Sir Dietrich left the worshipful
+knights with weeping eyes. Later Etzel's wife avenged her grimly; she
+took the life of both the chosen heroes. To make their duress worse she
+let them lie apart, so that neither saw the other, till she bare her
+brother's head to Hagen. Kriemhild's vengeance on both was great enow.
+
+Then the queen went to Hagen. In what right hostile wise she spake to
+the knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken from me, then ye
+may still go home alive to Burgundy."
+
+Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble queen.
+Forsooth I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the hoard, the
+while and any of my lords still live; so I shall give it to none."
+
+"I'll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife. Then she bade her
+brother's life be taken. His head they struck off, and by the hair she
+bare it to the knight of Troneg. Loth enow it was to him. When sad of
+mind the warrior gazed upon his master's head, he spake to Kriemhild:
+"Thou hast brought it to an end after thy will, and it hath happed, as I
+had thought me. The noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher,
+the youth, and Sir Gernot, too. None knoweth of the treasure now save
+God and me, and it shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."
+
+Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the sword of
+Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw him, in whom
+dole of heart hath happed to me through you."
+
+From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit. She planned
+to rob the knight of life. With her hands she raised it and struck off
+his head. This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it rued him. "Alack!" cried
+the lording, "how lieth now dead at a woman's hands the very best of
+knights, that ever came to battle or bare a shield! However much I was
+his foe, yet it doth grieve me sorely."
+
+Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught, that
+she durst slay him. Whatso hap to me, and however much it may bring me
+to a dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg's death."
+
+Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild. For fear of him she
+suffered pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked so
+frightfully? He dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the which did
+cut the high-born dame in twain. Now all lay low in death whom fate had
+doomed. Dietrich and Etzel then began to weep; sorely they mourned
+both kin and liegemen. Their mickle honors lay there low in death; the
+courtiers all had grief and drearihead. The king's high feast had ended
+now in woe, as joy doth ever end in sorrow at the last. I cannot tell
+you, that which happed thereafter, save that knights and ladies and
+noble squires were seen to weep for the death of loving kinsmen. The
+tale hath here an end. This is the Nibelungs' fall. (2) (3)
+
+
+   ENDNOTES:
+   (1)  "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.
+   (2)  "Fall".  The word "not", translated here "fall", means
+        really 'disaster', but as this word is not in keeping with
+        the style, "fall" has been chosen as preferable to 'need',
+        used by some translators.  The MS. C has here "liet" instead
+        of "not" of A and B.
+   (3)  The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage",
+        a poem written in short rhyming couplets.  As the name
+        indicates, it describes the lamentations of the survivors
+        over the dead.  The praises of each warrior are sung and a
+        messenger dispatched to acquaint Gorelind, Uta, and Brunhild
+        with the sad end of their kinsmen.  It closes with
+        Dietrich's departure from Etzel's court and his return home.
+        Although in one sense a continuation of our poem, the
+        "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being
+        excessively tedious with its constant repetitions.  A
+        reprint and a full account of it will be found in Piper's
+        edition of our poem, vol. I.
+
+
+
+
+
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+********The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Nibelungenlied*******
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+The Nibelungenlied
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+Author Unknown
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+December, 1997  [Etext #1151]
+
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+
+
+
+
+
+The Nibelungenlied
+
+
+
+
+
+Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime
+around 1200 A.D., although this dating is by no means certain.
+Author unknown.
+
+The text of this edition is based on that published as "The
+Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-
+Mifflin Co., New York, 1909).  This edition is in the PUBLIC
+DOMAIN in the United States.
+
+This electronic edition was edited, proofed, and prepared by
+Douglas B. Killings (DeTroyes@EnterAct.COM)
+
+PREPARER'S NOTE:
+In order to make this electronic edition easier to use, the
+preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.
+Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves
+and substituting page references with footnote references.  The
+preparer takes full responsibility for these changes.  -- DBK.
+
+
+
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS --
+
+Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London,
+1962).  Prose translation.
+
+Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne
+State University Press, Detroit, 1962).  Verse translation.
+
+RECOMMENDED READING --
+
+Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs & Sidney
+Johnson (Garland Pub., New York, 1992).
+
+Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and
+Eirikr Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by
+the Online Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).
+
+Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History",
+Translated by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online
+Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal
+translation of as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be
+acceptable to the general reading public whose interest in the
+story of Siegfried has been stimulated by Wagner's operas and by
+the reading of such poems as William Morris' "Sigurd the
+Volsung".  Prose has been selected as the medium of translation,
+since it is hardly possible to give an accurate rendering and at
+the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme and metre; at
+least, none of the verse translations made thus far have
+succeeded in doing this.  The prose translations, on the other
+hand, mostly err in being too continuous and in condensing too
+much, so that they retell the story instead of translating it. 
+The present translator has tried to avoid these two extremes.  He
+has endeavored to translate literally and accurately, and to
+reproduce the spirit of the original, as far as a prose
+translation will permit.  To this end the language has been made
+as simple and as Saxon in character as possible.  An exception
+has been made, however, in the case of such Romance words as were
+in use in England during the age of the romances of chivalry, and
+which would help to land a Romance coloring; these have been
+frequently employed.  Very few obsolete words have been used, and
+these are explained in the notes, but the language has been made
+to some extent archaic, especially in dialogue, in order to give
+the impression of age.  At the request of the publishers the
+Introduction Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus of
+scholarship and made as popular as a study of the poem and its
+sources would allow.  The advanced student who may be interested
+in consulting authorities will find them given in the
+introduction to the parallel edition in the Riverside Literature
+Series.  A short list of English works on the subject had,
+however, been added.
+
+In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues,
+C.G. Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions
+in starting the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to
+the German edition of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the
+notes.
+
+-- DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY,
+Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY SKETCH
+
+There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited
+such universal interest, or that has been so much studied and
+discussed, as the "Nibelungenlied".  In its present form it is a
+product of the age of chivalry, but it reaches back to the
+earliest epochs of German antiquity, and embraces not only the
+pageantry of courtly chivalry, but also traits of ancient
+Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic mythology.  One of its
+earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad", for, like this
+great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and unites
+the monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical
+personages into a poem that is essentially national in character,
+and the embodiment of all that is great in the antiquity of the
+race.  Though lacking to some extent the dignity of the "Iliad",
+the "Nibelungenlied" surpasses the former in the deep tragedy
+which pervades it, the tragedy of fate, the inevitable
+retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle between the
+powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.
+
+That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the
+Middle Ages is evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that
+have come down to us.  We possess in all twenty-eight more or
+less complete MSS., preserved in thirty-one fragments, fifteen of
+which date from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.  Of all
+these MSS., but nine are so well preserved that, in spite of some
+minor breaks, they can be considered complete.  Of this number
+three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon as the
+most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them
+a fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled.
+(1) It is now generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a
+later redaction with many additional strophes, but opinions are
+divided as to whether the priority should be given to A or B, the
+probabilities being that B is the more original, A merely a
+careless copy of B.
+
+In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the
+poem was soon forgotten by the mass of the people.  With the
+decay of courtly chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen
+class, whose ideals and testes lay in a different direction, this
+epic shared the fate of many others of its kind, and was
+relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery or ducal libraries,
+there to wait till a more cultured age, curious as to the
+literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from its
+hiding places.  However, the figures of the old legend were not
+forgotten, but lived on among the people, and were finally
+embodied in a popular ballad, "Das Lied vom Hurnen Segfrid",
+which has been preserved in a print of the sixteenth century,
+although the poem itself is thought to go back at least to the
+thirteenth.  The legend was also dramatized by Hans Sachs, the
+shoemaker poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form in a chap
+book which still exists in prints of the eighteenth century.  The
+story and the characters gradually became so vague and distorted,
+that only a trained eye could detect in the burlesque figures of
+the popular account the heroes of the ancient Germanic Legend.
+
+The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring
+it to the world of literature belongs to a young physician by the
+name of J.H. Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of
+Hohenems in the Tirol on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study
+of the poem begins with Karl Lachmann, one of the keenest
+philological critics that Germany has ever produced.  In 1816 he
+read before the University of Berlin his epoch-making essay upon
+the original form of the "Nibelungenlied".  Believing that the
+poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads or lays, he
+sought by means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts which
+were, as he thought, later interpolations or emendations.  As a
+result of this sifting and discarding process, he reduced the
+poem to what he considered to have been its original form,
+namely, twenty separate lays, which he thought had come down to
+us in practically the same form in which they had been sung by
+various minstrels.
+
+This view is no longer held in its original form.  Though we have
+every reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon
+killer, of Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the
+Nibelungs existed in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to
+be seen in our poem.  They formed merely the basis or source for
+some poet who thought to revive the old heroic legends of the
+German past which were familiar to his hearers and to adapt them
+to the tastes of his time.  In all probability we must assume
+two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the poem.  There
+appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German
+account, quite simple and brief, the other a tradition of the
+Lower Rhine.  The legend was perhaps developed by minstrels along
+the Rhine, until it was taken and worked up into its present form
+by some Austrian poet.  Who this poet was we do not know, but we
+do know that he was perfectly familiar with all the details of
+courtly etiquette.  He seems also to have been acquainted with
+the courtly epics of Heinrich von Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe,
+but his poem is free from the tedious and often exaggerated
+descriptions of pomp, dress, and court ceremonies, that mar the
+beauty of even the best of the courtly epics.  Many painstaking
+attempts have been made to discover the identity of the writer of
+our poem, but even the most plausible of all these theories which
+considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the "Minnesingers",
+to be the author, because of the similarity of the strophic form
+of our poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute
+proof, and recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was
+indebted to the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric,
+and not the "Nibelungenlied" to him.  The "Nibelungen" strophe is
+presumably much older, and, having become popular in Austria
+through the poem, was adopted by Kurenberg for his purposes.  As
+to the date of the poem, in its present form it cannot go back
+further than about 1190, because of the exactness of the rhymes,
+nor could it have been written later than 1204, because of
+certain allusions to it in the sixth book of "Parzival", which we
+know to have been written at this date.  The two Low German poems
+which probably form the basis of our epic may have been united
+about 1150.  It was revised and translated into High German and
+circulated at South German courts about 1170, and then received
+its present courtly form about 1190, this last version being the
+immediate source of our manuscripts.
+
+The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance
+visited upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem,
+antedates the latter by many centuries, and was known to all
+nations whose languages prove by their resemblance to the German
+tongue their original identity with the German people.  Not only
+along the banks of the Rhine and the Danube and upon the upland
+plains of Southern Germany, but also along the rocky fjords of
+Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new home across the
+channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the snow-
+covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires
+at night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings
+and nobles, each people and each generation telling it in its own
+fashion and adding new elements of its own invention.  This great
+geographical distribution of the legend, and the variety of forms
+in which it appears, make it difficult to know where we must seek
+its origin.  The northern version is in many respects older and
+simpler in form than the German, but still it is probable that
+Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took its rise in
+Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient tribe of
+the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are
+reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried
+"spring" in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild
+"bed" near Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or
+Dragon's Rock, on the Rhine.  It is to Norway, however, that we
+must go for our knowledge of the story, for, singularly enough,
+with the exception of the "Nibelungenlied" and the popular
+ballad, German literature has preserved almost no trace of the
+legend, and such as exist are too late and too corrupt to be of
+much use in determining the original features of the story.
+
+Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but
+certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of
+the sixth century.  It may have been introduced by German
+traders, by slaves captured by the Northmen on their frequent
+marauding expeditions, or, as Mogk believes, may have been taken
+by the Heruli on their return to Norway after their defeat by the
+Langobardi.  By whatever channel, however, the story reached the
+North, it became part and parcel of Skandinavian folklore, only
+certain names still pointing to the original home of the legend.
+In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed the ancient
+free constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated to
+Iceland, taking with them these acquired legends, which were
+better preserved in this remote island because of the peaceful
+introduction of Christianity, than on the Continent, where the
+Church was more antagonistic to the customs and legends of the
+heathen period.
+
+The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed
+down to us in five different forms.  The first of these is the
+poetic or older "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was
+assigned to the celebrated Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. 
+The "Codex Regius", in which it is preserved, dates from the
+middle of the thirteenth century, but is probably a copy of an
+older manuscript.  The songs it contains were written at various
+times, the oldest probably in the first half of the ninth
+century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest
+manuscript.  Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period,
+when Christianity was already beginning to influence the
+Norwegians, that is, between the years 800 and 1000.  They are
+partly heroic, partly mythological in character, and are written
+in alliterative strophes interspersed with prose, and have the
+form of dialogues.  Though the legends on which these songs are
+based were brought from Norway, most of them were probably
+composed in Iceland.  Among these songs, now, we find a number
+which deal with the adventures of Siegfried and his tragic end.
+
+The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called
+"Volsungasaga", a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs.  The MS.
+dates from the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the
+account was probably written a century earlier.  The adventures
+of Siegfried and his ancestors are here related in great detail
+and his ancestry traced back to Wodan.  Although a secondary
+source, as it is based on the "Edda", the "Volsungasaga" is
+nevertheless of great importance, since it supplies a portion of
+the "Codex Regius" which has been lost, and thus furnishes us
+with the contents of the missing songs.
+
+The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the
+"Snorra Edda", after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson
+(1178-1241),to whom it was ascribed.  The author was acquainted
+with both the poetic "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and follows
+these accounts closely.  The younger "Edda" is not really a tale,
+but a book of poetics; it relates, however, the Siegfried saga
+briefly.  It is considered an original source, since it evidently
+made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially in
+the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told
+more in detail and with considerable differences.  The
+"Nornagestsaga" or "Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest",
+forms the fourth source of the Siegfried story.  It is really a
+part of the Olaf saga, but contains the story of Sigurd and
+Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and Gunther), which an old
+man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason, who converted the
+Norwegians to Christianity.  The story was written about 1250 to
+illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian faith. 
+It is based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is
+therefore of minor importance as a source.
+
+These four sources represent the early introduction of the
+Siegfried legend into Skandinavia.  A second introduction took
+place about the middle of the thirteenth century, at the time of
+the flourishing of the Hanseatic League, when the story was
+introduced together with other popular German epics.  These poems
+are products of the age of chivalry, and are characterized by the
+romantic and courtly features of this movement.  The one which
+concerns us here, as the fifth source of the Siegfried story, is
+the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates the adventures of
+the famous legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne, the historical
+Theodorich of Ravenna.  In as far as it contains the adventures
+of the Nibelungs, it is also called the "Niflungasaga".  The
+"Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a Norwegian who, as he
+himself tells us, heard the story from Germans in the
+neighborhood of Bremen and Munster.  Since it is thus based on
+Saxon traditions, it can be considered an independent source of
+the legend, and, in fact, differs from the earlier Norse versions
+in many important details.  The author was acquainted, however,
+with the older versions, and sought to compromise between them,
+but mostly followed his German authorities.
+
+The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most
+respects more original than in the "Nibelungenlied".  It relates
+the history of the treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to
+a giant by the name of "Hreithmar", who received it from the god
+"Loki" as a compensation for the killing of the former's son
+"Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form of an otter.  Loki
+obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari", who in turn had
+stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine.  Andwari pronounces a
+terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and this
+curse passes from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered
+when asleep by his two sons "Fafnir" and "Regin".  The latter,
+however, is cheated out of the coveted prize by Fafnir, who
+carries it away to the "Gnita" heath, where he guards it in the
+form of a dragon.
+
+This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the
+hands of a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried,
+as we have seen), a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who
+trace their history back to Wodan and are especially favored by
+him.  The full story of Siegfried's ancestry is far too long to
+relate here, and does not especially concern us, as it has little
+or no influence on the later development of the story.  It is
+sufficient for our purpose to know that Siegfried was the son of
+Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the birth of his son.
+Sigurd was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis" and the wise
+dwarf Regin, who taught him the knowledge of runes and of many
+languages. (2)  At the suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and
+receives the steed "Grani" from the king, and is then urged by
+his tutor to help him obtain the treasure guarded by the latter's
+brother Fafnir.  Sigurd promises, but first demands a sword.
+Two, that arc given him by Regin, prove worthless, and he forges
+a new one from the pieces of his father's sword, which his mother
+had preserved.  With this he easily splits the anvil and cuts in
+two a flake of wool, floating down the Rhine.  He first avenges
+the death of his father, and then sets off with Regin to attack
+the dragon Fafnir.  At the advice of the former Sigurd digs a
+ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him from below with
+his sword, as the latter comes down to drink.  In dying the
+dragon warns Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and
+against Regin, who, he says, is planning Sigurd's death,
+intending to obtain the treasure for himself.
+
+When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place
+of concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart,
+begs Sigurd to roast it for him.  While doing so, Sigurd burns
+his fingers, and, putting them in his mouth, understands at once
+the language of the birds and hears them say that Sigurd himself
+should eat the heart and then he would be wiser than all other
+men.  They also betray Regin's evil designs, and counsel the lad
+to kill his tutor.  This Sigurd then does, cutting off Regin's
+head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and eating Fafnir's
+heart. (3)  On the further advice of the birds Sigurd first
+fetches the treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the
+mountain "Hindarfjall", where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie,
+"Sigrdrifu" ("Brynhild", "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep
+thorn of Wodan, and clad in full armor, lies asleep within a
+castle that is surrounded by a wall of flame.  With the help of
+his steed Grani, Sigurd succeeds in penetrating through the fire
+to the castle. The sleeping maiden awakes when he cuts the armor
+from her with his sword, for it was as tight as if grown fast to
+the flesh.  She hails her deliverer with great joy, for she had
+vowed never to marry a man who knew fear.  At Sigurd's request
+she teaches him many wise precepts, and finally pledges her troth
+to him.  He then departs, after promising to be faithful to her
+and to remember her teachings.
+
+On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki"
+(the Norse form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose
+court lay on the lower Rhine.  Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar",
+"Hogni", and "Guthorm", and a daughter "Gudrun", endowed with
+great beauty.  The queen bears the name of Grimhild, and is
+versed in magic, but possessed of an evil heart. (4)  Sigurd is
+received with great honor, for his coming had been announced to
+Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her by
+Brynhild.  The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the
+latter, gives him a potion which produces forgetfulness, so that
+he no longer remembers his betrothed, and accepts the hand of
+Gudrun, which the king offers him at the queen's request.  The
+marriage is celebrated with great pomp, and Sigurd remains
+permanently attached to Giuki's court, performing with the others
+many deeds of valor.
+
+Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of
+Brynhild.  Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits
+first Brynhild's father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law
+"Heimir", from both of whom he learns that she is free to choose
+whom she will, but that she will marry no one who has not ridden
+through the wall of flame.  With this answer they proceed to
+Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to pierce the flames,
+even when seated on Sigurd's steed.  Finally Sigurd and Gunnar
+change forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through the
+wall of fire, announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of
+Giuki, and reminds her of her promise to marry the one who
+penetrated the fire.  Brynhild consents with great reluctance,
+for she is busy carrying on a war with a neighboring king.
+Sigurd then passes three nights at her side, placing, however,
+his sword Gram between them, as a bar of separation.  At parting
+he draws from her finger the ring, with which he had originally
+pledged his troth to her, and replaces it with another, taken
+from Fafnir's hoard.  Soon after this the marriage of Gunnar and
+Brynhild is celebrated with great splendor, and all return to
+Giuki's court, where they live happily for some time.
+
+One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a
+bath, Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun,
+that is, in the water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving
+as the reason, that her father was mightier and her husband
+braver, since he had ridden through the fire, while Sigurd had
+been a menial.  Stung at this, Gudrun retorts that not Gunnar but
+Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from her the
+fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in
+proof of her assertion.  Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers
+not a word.  After a second conversation on the subject had
+increased the hatred of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance.
+Pretending to be ill, she takes to her bed, and when Gunnar
+inquires what ails her, she asks him if he remembers the
+circumstances of the wooing and that not he but Sigurd had
+penetrated the flames.  She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as
+she had pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in
+chains by Hogni.  Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake
+her.  Finally Sigurd succeeds in making her talk, and she tells
+him how cruelly she has been deceived, that the better man had
+been destined for her, but that she had received the poorer one.
+This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's son had killed the king of the
+Danes and also Budli's brother, a great warrior.  Moreover,
+although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames, he had not
+become her husband.  He begs her therefore not to harbor a grudge
+against Gunnar.
+
+Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and
+threatens Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will
+not kill Sigurd.  After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and,
+calling Hogni, informs him that he must kill Sigurd, in order to
+obtain the treasure of the Rhinegold.  Hogni warns him against
+breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it occurs to Gunnar, that his
+brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might do the deed.  Both
+now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him wolf's and
+snake meat to eat to make him savage.  Twice Gutthorm makes the
+attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's
+penetrating glance.  The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and
+pierces him with his sword.  Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls
+his own sword after his murderer, fairly cutting him in two.  He
+then dies, protesting his innocence and designating Brynhild as
+the instigator of his murder.  Brynhild at first laughs aloud at
+Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her joy turns into sorrow, and
+she determines to share Sigurd's death.  In vain they try to
+dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces herself with
+a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre.  In dying
+she prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli"
+and of the death of the many men which will be caused thereby. 
+
+After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of
+King "Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years.  Finally
+Grimhild learns of the place of her daughter's concealment, and
+tries to bring about a reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. 
+They offer her much treasure, if she will marry Atli.  At first
+she refuses and thinks only of revenge, but finally she consents
+and the marriage is celebrated in Atli's land.  After a time
+Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for the latter had taken
+possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his court.  A man
+named "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes the
+runes of warning, which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too,
+read as an invitation.  The brothers determine to accept the
+invitation, and, though warned by many dreams, they set out for
+Atli's court, which they reach in due time.  Vingi now breaks
+forth into exultations, that he has lured them into a snare, and
+is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.
+
+As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves
+for battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right
+to Gudrun.  Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins,
+after some exchange of taunting words.  Gudrun tries at first to
+reconcile the combatants, but, failing, arms herself and fights
+on the side of her brothers.  The battle rages furiously with
+great loss on both sides, until nearly all of the Nibelungs are
+killed, when Gunnar and Hogni are forced to yield to the power of
+numbers and are captured and bound.  Gunnar is asked, if he will
+purchase his life with the treasure.  He replies that he first
+wishes to see Hogni's bleeding heart.  At first the heart of a
+slave is cut out and brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it at
+once as that of a coward.  Then they cut out Hogni's heart, who
+laughs at the pain.  This Gunnar sees is the right one, and is
+jubilant, for now Atli shall never obtain the treasure, as Gunnar
+alone knows where it is hid.  In a rage Atli orders Gunnar to be
+thrown to the snakes.  Though his hands are bound, Gunnar plays
+so sweetly with his toes on the harp, which Gudrun has sent him,
+that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with the exception of an
+adder, which stings him to the heart, so that he dies.
+
+Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to
+Gudrun that she alone is to blame for what has happened.  She
+refuses his offers of peace and reconciliation, and towards
+evening kills her two sons "Erp" and "Eitil", and serves them at
+the banquet, which the king gives for his retainers.  When Atli
+asks for his sons, he is told that he had drunk their blood mixed
+with wine and had eaten their hearts.  That night when Atli is
+asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires to
+avenge his father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust
+a sword through his breast.  Atli awakes from the pain, only to
+be told by Gudrun that she is his murderess.  When he reproaches
+her with thus killing her husband, she answers that she cared
+only for Sigurd.  Atli now asks for a fitting burial, and on
+receiving the promise of this, expires.  Gudrun carries out her
+promise, and burns the castle with Atli and all his dead 
+retainers.  Other Edda songs relate the further adventures of
+Gudrun, but they do not concern us here, as the "Nibelungenlied"
+stops with the death of the Nibelungs.
+
+This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed
+down to us in the Skandinavian sources.  It is universally
+acknowledged that this version, though more original than the
+Gorman tradition, does not represent the simplest and most
+original form of the tale; but what the original form was, has
+long been and still is a matter of dispute.  Two distinctly
+opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the
+personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the
+possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely
+human origin for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for
+the possession of treasure.  The former view is the older, and
+obtained almost exclusively at one time.  The latter has been
+gaining ground of recent years, and is held by many of the
+younger students of the legend.  According to the mythological
+view, the maiden slumbering upon the lonely heights is the sun,
+the wall of flames surrounding her the morning red
+("Morgenrote").  Siegfried is the youthful day who is destined to
+rouse the sun from her slumber.  At the appointed time he
+ascends, and before his splendor the morning red disappears.  He
+awakens the maiden; radiantly the sun rises from its couch and
+joyously greets the world of nature.  But light and shade are
+indissolubly connected; day changes of itself into night.  When
+at evening the sun sinks to rest and surrounds herself once more
+with a wall of flames, the day again approaches, but no longer in
+the youthful form of the morning to arouse her from her slumber,
+but in the sombre shape of Gunther, to rest at her side.  Day has
+turned into night; this is the meaning of the change of forms.
+The wall of flame vanishes, day and sun descend into the realm of
+darkness.  Under this aspect the Siegfried story is a day myth;
+but under another it is a myth of the year.  The dragon is the
+symbol of winter, the dwarfs of darkness.  Siegfried denotes the
+bright summer, his sword the sunbeams.  The youthful year grows
+up in the dark days of winder.  When its time has come, it goes
+forth triumphantly and destroys the darkness and the cold of
+winter.  Through the symbolization the abstractions gain form and
+become persons; the saga is thus not a mere allegory, but a 
+personification of nature's forces.  The treasure may have
+entered the saga through the widespread idea of the dragon as the
+guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of nature
+which unfolds when the season has conquered.  In the last act of
+the saga, Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this
+view, sees again a symbolic representation of a process of
+nature.  According to him it signifies the death of the god of
+the year in winter.  In the spring he kills the dragon, in the
+winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully slain by the
+hostile powers of darkness.  Later, when this act was connected
+with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning was
+forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and
+jealousy of the insulted queen.
+
+Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view
+already spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological
+features, and does not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic
+stage.  The best exponent of this view is R. C. Boer, who has
+made a remarkable attempt to resolve the story into its simplest
+constituents.  According to him the nucleus of the legend is an
+old story of the murder of relatives ("Verwandienmord"), the
+original form being perhaps as follows.  Attila (i.e., the enemy
+of Hagen under any name)is married to Hagen's sister Grimhild or
+Gudrun.  He invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks him
+in the hope of obtaining his treasure, and kills him.  According
+to this view Hagen was originally the king, but later sinks to a
+subordinate position through the subsequent connection of the
+story with the Burgundians.  It is of course useless to hunt for
+the date of such an episode in history.  Such a murder could have
+frequently occurred, and can be localized anywhere.  Very early
+we find this Hagen story united with the Siegfried legend.  If
+the latter is mythological, then we have a heterogeneous
+combination, a mythical legend grafted on a purely human one.
+This Boer thinks unlikely, and presents a number of arguments to
+disprove the mythical character of the Siegfried story, into
+which we cannot enter here.  He comes, however, to the
+conclusion, that the Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and
+consisted originally of the murder of relatives, that is, a
+repetition of the Hagen title.  Siegfried is married to Hagen's
+sister, and is killed by his brother-in-law because of his
+treasure.  The kernel of the legend is, therefore, the enmity
+between relatives, which exists in two forms, the one in which
+the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi" saga,
+the other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by
+him, too, as in the "Hilde" saga.  The German tradition tries to
+combine the two by introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild
+causes the death of her relatives, in order to avenge her first
+husband.  Boer is of the opinion that both the Norse and the
+German versions have forgotten the original connection between
+the two stories, and that this connection was nothing more nor
+less than the common motive of the treasure.  The same treasure,
+which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in
+turn through the greed of Attila.  There was originally,
+according to Boer, no question of revenge, except the revenge of
+fate, the retribution which overtakes the criminal.  This feeling
+for the irony of fate was lost when the motive, that Hagen kills
+Siegfried because of his treasure, was replaced by the one that
+he does it at the request of Brunhild.  This leads Boer to the
+conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to the
+Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping
+Beauty ("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms.
+The type is that of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic
+charm, which may take the form of a deep sleep, as in the case of
+Sleeping Beauty, or of being sewed into a garment, as in No. 111
+of Grimm's fairy tales.  By the union of the two stories, i.e.,
+the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping Beauty tale, Siegfried
+stands in relation to two women; on the one hand his relation to
+Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the rock, on
+the other his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent
+death.  This twofold relation had to be disposed of, and since
+his connection with Grimhild was decisive for his fate, his
+relation to Brunhild had to be changed.  It could not be entirely
+ignored, for it was too well known, therefore it was given a
+different interpretation.  Siegfried still rescues a maiden from
+the rock, not for himself, however, but for another.  The
+exchange of forms on the part of Siegfried and Gunther is a
+reminiscence of the older form.  It gives the impression, that
+Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the bride.  This alteration
+probably took place when the Burgundians were introduced into the
+legend.  With this introduction an unlocalized saga of unknown
+heroes of ancient times became one of events of world-wide
+importance; the fall of a mighty race was depicted as the result
+of Siegfried's death.  To render this plausible, it was necessary
+on the one hand to idealize the hero, so that his death should
+appear as a deed of horror demanding fearful vengeance, and on
+the other, to make the king of the Burgundians an active
+participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise it would not
+seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for a
+crime committed by the king's brother or vassal.  As the role of
+Brunhild's husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no
+special role, it was natural that it should be given to him. 
+Boer traces very ingeniously the gradual development of this
+exchange of roles through the various sources.
+
+Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two
+women is to identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid
+ballad.  Here the hero rescues Kriemhild from the power of the
+dragon, marries her, and then is later killed by her brothers
+through envy and hatred.  As Brunhild and Kriemhild are here
+united in one person, there is no need of a wooing for the king,
+nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild, accordingly the old
+motive of greed (here envy) reappears.
+
+As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not
+originally belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except
+the popular ballad is the fight with the dragon connected with
+the release of Brunhild.  If the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely
+human, then the dragon cannot have originally belonged to it, but
+was later introduced, because of the widespread belief in the
+dragon as the guardian of treasure, and in order to answer the
+question as to the provenience of the hoard.  This is, however,
+only one answer to the question.  Another, widespread in German
+legends, is that the treasure comes from the Nibelungs, that is,
+from the dwarfs.  Many identify the dwarfs and the dragon, but
+this finds no support in the sources, for here the dwarfs and
+Fafnir are never confused.  The "Nibelungenlied" describes an
+adventure with each, but the treasure is only connected with the
+dwarfs.  The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon fight but not
+the dwarfs, as is likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad. 
+Only in the Norse sources do we find a contamination.  The story
+of Hreithmar and his sons, who quarrel about the treasure,
+resembles that of Schilbung and Nibelung in the "Nibelungenlied",
+and probably has the same source.  One of the sons, because of
+his guarding the treasure, is identified with the dragon, and so
+we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon, after gaining the treasure.
+Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but a dwarf.  These two
+independent forms can be geographically localized.  The dwarf
+legend is the more southern; it is told in detail in the
+"Nibelungenlied".  The dragon legend probably originated in the
+Cimbrian peninsula, where the "Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon
+fight plays such an important part, likewise arose.
+
+There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one
+seeing in the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces,
+the other tracing it back to a purely human story of murder
+through greed.  It may be, that the true form of the original
+saga lies half way between these two views.  The story of the
+fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their killing at Etzel's court,
+may go back to the tale of the murder of relatives for money.  On
+the other hand it is hard to believe that the Siegfried saga is
+nothing but a repetition of the Attila motive, for this is too
+brief a formula to which to reduce the long legend of Siegfried,
+with its many deeds.  Even if we discard the mythological
+interpretation, it is the tale of a daring hero, who is brought
+up in the woods by a cunning dwarf.  He kills a dragon and takes
+possession of his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon a
+mountain, as in the older Norse version and the popular ballad,
+or in a tower, as in the "Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by
+a wall of fire, as in the Norse, or by a large body of water, as
+in the "Nibelungenlied".  After betrothing himself to the maiden,
+he sets forth in search of further adventures, and falls into the
+power of an evil race, who by their magic arts lure him to them,
+cause his destruction, and then obtain his treasure and the
+maiden for themselves.  By her very name Sigrdrifa belongs to
+Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong together,
+and it seems hardly possible that she should have entered the
+story later, as Boer would have us believe.  After all, it is
+largely a matter of belief, for it is impossible to prove
+positively that mythical elements did or did not exist in the
+original.
+
+To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical
+elements were added during the fifth century.  At the beginning
+of this period the Franks were located on the left bank of the
+Rhine from Coblenz downward.  Further up the river, that is, to
+the south, the Burgundians had established a kingdom in what is
+now the Rhenish Palatinate, their capital being Worms and their
+king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the Romans called him.  For
+twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms with the
+surrounding nations.  Then, growing bolder, they suddenly rose
+against the Romans in the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly
+suppressed by the Roman general Aetius.  Though defeated, the
+Burgundians were not subdued, and the very next year they broke
+their oaths and again sought to throw off the Roman yoke.  This
+time the Romans called to their aid the hordes of Huns, who had
+been growing rapidly in power and were already pressing hard upon
+the German nations from the east.  Only too glad for an excuse,
+the Huns poured into the land in great numbers and practically
+swept the Burgundian people from the face of the earth. 
+According to the Roman historians, twenty thousand Burgundians
+were slain in this great battle of the Catalaunian Fields.
+Naturally this catastrophe, in which a whole German nation fell
+before the hordes of invading barbarians, produced a profound
+impression upon the Teutonic world.  The King Gundahar, the
+Gunther of the "Nibelungenlied", who also fell in the battle,
+became the central figure of a new legend, namely, the story of
+the fall of the Burgundians.
+
+Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still,
+after his death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated
+with the slaughter of the Burgundians, for a legend operates
+mainly with types, and as Attila was a Hun and throughout the
+Middle Ages was looked upon as the type of a cruel tyrant, greedy
+for conquest, it was but natural for him to play the role
+assigned to him in the legend.  Quite plausible is Boer's
+explanation of the entrance of Attila into the legend.  The
+"Thidreksaga" locates him in Seest in Westphalia.  Now this
+province once bore the haute of "Hunaland", and by a natural
+confusion, because of the similarity of the names, "Huna" and
+"Huns", Attila, who is the chief representative of Hunnish power,
+was connected with the legend and located at Seest.  This would
+show that the original extension of the legend was slight, as
+Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles from Seest.  The
+original form would then be that Hagen was slain by a king of
+"Hunaland", then because history relates that the Burgundians
+were slain by the Huns, the similarity of the names led to the
+introduction of Attila and the identification of the Nibelungs
+with the Burgundians.  The fact, too, that the Franks rapidly
+took possession of the district depopulated by the crushing
+defeat of the Burgundians likewise aided the confusion, and thus
+the Franks became the natural heirs of the legend concerning the
+death of Gunther, and so we read of the fall of the Nibelungs, a
+name that is wholly Frankish in character.  This identification
+led also to Attila's being considered the avenger of Siegfried's
+death.  Poetic justice, however, demands that the slaughter of
+the Burgundians at the hands of Attila be also avenged.  The
+rumor, that Attila's death was not natural, but that he had been
+murdered by his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the necessary
+features to round out the story.  As Kriemhild was the sister of
+the Burgundian kings, it was but natural to explain her killing
+of Attila, as described in the Norse versions, by her desire to
+avenge her brothers.
+
+In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but
+Kriemhild, who is the central figure of the tragedy.  Etzel, as
+he is called here, has sunk to the insignificant role of a stage
+king, a perfectly passive observer of the fight raging around
+him.  This change was brought about perhaps by the introduction
+of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing figure of all Germanic
+heroic lore.  The necessity of providing him with a role
+corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing
+repugnance on the part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat
+at the hands of the Huns, caused the person of Attila to dwindle
+in importance.  Gradually, too, the role played by Kriemhild was
+totally changed.  Instead of being the avenger of her brothers,
+as depicted in the Norse versions, she herself becomes the cause
+of their destruction.  Etzel is not only innocent of any desire
+to harm the Nibelungs, but is even ignorant of the revenge
+planned by his wife.  This change in her role was probably due to
+the feeling that it was incumbent upon her to avenge the murder
+of Siegfried.
+
+Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of
+Siegfried's youth as depicted in the Norse versions.  The theme
+of the poem is no longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless
+wanderer, for the majestic Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll
+of Siegfried, the son of the king of the Netherlands, and the
+dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild.  The poem has forgotten
+Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows nothing of his
+penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her, nothing
+of the betrothal of the two.  In our poem Siegfried is carefully
+reared at his father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out
+with great pomp for the court of the Burgundians.  In the Norse
+version he naturally remains at Gunther's court after his
+marriage, but in our poem he returns to the Netherlands with his
+bride.  This necessitates the introduction of several new scenes
+to depict his arrival home, the invitation to the feast at Worms,
+and the reception of the guests on the part of the Burgundians.
+
+In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to
+the winning of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of
+the older Norse versions.  Siegfried and Gunther no longer change
+forms, but Siegfried dons the "Tarnkappe", which renders him
+invisible, so that while Gunther makes the motions, Siegfried
+really does the work, a thing which is rather difficult to
+imagine.  The quarrel of the two queens is likewise very
+differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it is in
+the Norse version.  In the latter it takes place while the ladies
+are bathing in the river, and is brought on by the arrogance of
+Brunhild, who refuses to stand lower down the stream and bathe in
+the water flowing from Gudrun to her.  In the "Thidreksaga" it
+occurs in the seclusion of the ladies' apartments, but in our
+poem it culminates in front of the cathedral before the assembled
+court, and requires as its background all the pomp and splendor
+of medieval chivalry.  With a master hand and a wonderful
+knowledge of female character, the author depicts the gradual
+progress of the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent
+scene of wounded pride and malignant hatred.  Kriemhild, as
+usual, plays the more important part, and, while standing up for
+her rights, tries in every way to conciliate Brunhild and not to
+hurt her feelings.  At last, however, stung by the taunts of the
+latter, she in turn loses her patience, bursts out with the whole
+story of the twofold deception to which Brunhild has been
+subjected, and then triumphantly sweeps into the church, leaving
+her rival stunned and humiliated by the news she has heard.  In
+the Norse tradition the scene serves merely to enlighten Brunhild
+as to the deception played upon her.  In the "Nibelungenlied" it
+becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death, for Brunhild plans
+to kill Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to her.  She
+has no other reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no
+deception.  Brunhild appeals to us much less in the
+"Nibelungenlied" than in the Norse version.  In the latter she
+feels herself deeply wronged by Siegfried's faithlessness, and
+resolves on his death because she will not be the wife of two
+men.  In our poem she has no reason for wishing his death except
+her wounded pride.  In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she disappears
+from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse tradition
+she ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.
+
+The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally
+different in the two versions.  In the Norse, as we have seen, he
+is murdered while asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother
+Gutthorm.  In our poem he is killed by Hagen, while bending over
+a spring to drink.  This is preceded by a scene in which Hagen
+treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the one vulnerable spot
+on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting him.  This deepens
+the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and self-reproaches
+the greater.  After Siegfried's burial his father, who had also
+come to Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade
+Kriemhild to return with him to the Netherlands.  Her refusal is
+unnatural in the extreme, for she had reigned there ten years or
+more with Siegfried, and had left her little son behind, and yet
+she relinquishes all this and remains with her brothers, whom she
+knows to be the murderers of her husband.  This is evidently a
+reminiscence of an earlier form in which Siegfried was a homeless
+adventurer, as in the "Thidreksaga".
+
+The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs, is
+treated of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the
+"Nibelungenlied", which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has
+developed and enlarged upon the story, until it overshadows the
+first part in length and importance and gives the name to the
+whole poem.  The main difference between the two versions is that
+in the older Norse tradition it is Attila who invites the
+Nibelungs to his court and attacks them in order to gain
+possession of the treasure, while Gudrun (Kriemhild) first tries
+to reconcile the warring parties, and, not succeeding in this,
+snatches up a sword and fights on the side of her brothers and
+later kills her husband as an act of revenge.  In the
+"Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied", however, she is the
+instigator of the fight and the cause of her brothers' death, and
+finally suffers death herself at the hands of Master Hildebrand,
+who is furious that such noble heroes should fall at a woman's
+hand.  The second part of the poem is grewsome reading at best,
+with its weltering corpses and torrents of blood.  The horror is
+relieved only by the grim humor of Hagen and by the charming
+scene at Rudeger's court, where the young prince Giselher is
+betrothed to Rudeger's daughter.  Rudeger is without doubt the
+most tragic figure of this part.  He is bound on the one hand by
+his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by ties of
+friendship to the Burgundians.  His agony of mind at the dilemma
+in which Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him
+is pitiful.  Divided between love and duty, the conviction that
+he must fulfill his vow, cost what it may, gradually forces
+itself upon him and he rushes to his death in combat with his
+dearest friends.
+
+Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the
+figure of Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem.
+Fully aware that he is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns
+to desert his companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store
+for him with a stoicism that would do honor to a Spartan.  He
+calmly accepts the consequences of his crime, and to the last
+mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury knows no bounds. 
+No character shows so little the refining influences of
+Christianity as does his.  In all essential respects he is still
+the same old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms
+of the legend.
+
+As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in
+the "Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion
+here, although they will be treated of briefly in the notes.
+Suffice it to say, that the "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a
+number of effective scenes for the purpose of bringing some of
+them, especially Folker and Dankwart, into prominence.  Among the
+best of these are, first, the night watch, when Folker first
+plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin, and then stands
+guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned by
+Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following
+morning, when the men of both parties clash; and lastly the
+tournament between the Huns and the Burgundians, which gives the
+author an excellent chance to show the prowess of the various
+heroes.
+
+Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the
+"Nibelungenlied".  The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"
+("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination
+of the Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove
+that the strophe is considerably older than the preserved
+redactions of our poem, and that it was probably of Saxon origin.
+The metrical form goes back most probably to the four-accented
+verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth century, although some have
+thought that Latin hymns, others that the French epic verse, may
+have been of influence.  The direct derivation from Otfrid seems,
+however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the importance of
+the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the sense, as well
+as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending.  The
+"Nibelungen" strophe consists of four long lines separated by a
+caesura into two distinct halves.  The first half of each line
+contains four accents, the fourth falling upon the last syllable.
+This last stress, however, is not, as a rule as strong as the
+others, the effect being somewhat like that of a feminine ending.
+On this account some speak of three accents in the first half
+line, with a feminine ending.  The fourth stress is, however, too
+strong to be thus disregarded, but because of its lighter
+character is best marked with a grave accent.  The second half of
+each line ends in a masculine rhyme.  The first three lines have
+each three stresses in the second half, while the second half of
+the fourth line has four accents to mark the end of the strophe.
+This longer fourth line is one of the most marked characteristics
+of the "Nibelungen" strophe.  The rhymes are arranged in the
+order of "a", "a", "b", "b", though in a few isolated cases near
+the
+end of the poem but one rhyme is used throughout the strophe.
+
+The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the
+strophic form and scansion, and at the same time will give the
+reader an idea of the Middle High German language in which the
+poem is written:
+
+     Uns ist in alten maeren   wunders vil geseit
+     von heleden lobebaeron,   von grozer arebeit,
+     von froude und hochgeziten,   von weinen und von klagen,
+     von kuener recken striten   muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.
+
+     Ez wuochs in Burgonden   ein edel magedin,
+     daz in allen landen   niht schoeners mohte sin,
+     Kriemhild geheizen;   si wart ein scoene wip,
+     darambe muosen degene   vil verliesen den lip.
+
+     Der minneclichen meide   triuten wol gezam,
+     ir muotten kuene recken,   niemen was ir gram,
+     ane ma zen schoene   so was ir edel lip;
+     der iunevrouwen tugende   zierten anderiu wip.
+
+     Ir pilagen drie kilnege   edel unde rich,
+     Ganther ande Geruot,   die recken lobelieh,
+     und Giselher der iunge,   ein uz erwelter degen,
+     diu frouwe was ir swester,   die fu'rsten hetens in ir
+                                        pflegen.
+
+     Die herren waren milte,   von arde hohe erborn,
+     mit kraft unmazen kuene,   die recken uz erkorn,
+     dazen Burgonden   so was ir lant genant,
+     si framden starkiu wunder   sit in Etzelen lant.
+
+     Ze Wormze bidem Rine   si wenden mit ir kraft,
+     in diende von ir landen   stolziu ritterscaft
+     mit lobelichen eren   unz an ir endes zit,
+     sit sturben si inemerliche   von zweier edelen frouwen nit.
+
+Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene" :
+"degene" (str. 84) or "Hagene" : "tragene" (str. 300) appear to
+be feminine, but it is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a
+scansion of the line in question shows that the three accents are
+not complete without this final "e".  In this respect our poem
+differs from most of the Middle High German poems, as this
+practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to die out in the
+twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the period.
+The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure
+rhymes being mainly those in which short and long vowels are
+rhymed together, e.g. "mich" : "rich" or "man" : "han".  Caesural
+rhymes are frequently met with, and were considered by Lachmann
+to be the marks of interpolated strophes, a view no longer held.
+A further peculiarity of the "Nibelungen" strophe is the frequent
+omission of the unaccented syllable in the second half of the
+last line of the strophe between the second and third stresses.
+Examples of this will be found in the second, third, and fifth
+strophes of the passage given above.
+
+The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High
+German, that is, the High German written and spoken in the period
+between 1100 and 1500, the language of the great romances of
+chivalry and of the "Minnesingers".  More exactly, the poem is
+written in the Austrian dialect of the close of the twelfth
+century, but contains many archaisms, which point to the fact of
+its having undergone a number of revisions.
+
+In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word
+or two further with reference to the poem, its character, and its
+place in German literature.  Its theme is the ancient Teutonic
+ideal of "Treue" (faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here
+its most magnificent portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the
+loyalty of the vassal for his lord, as depicted in Hagen, the
+fidelity of the wife for her husband, as shown by Kriemhild,
+carried out with unhesitating consistency to the bitter end. 
+This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors so
+largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the
+death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the
+masters of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled
+to bow.
+
+In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the
+history of the youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love
+for Brunhild, it is a torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly
+regrets the loss of these integral elements of the old saga.  As
+it is a working over of originally separate lays, it is not
+entirely homogeneous, and contains not a few contradictions.  In
+spite of these faults, however, which a close study reveals, it
+is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle High German epic
+poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older German
+literature.  It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in
+Gottfried von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and
+often magnificent descriptions of armor and dress to be met with
+in the epics of Hartman von Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty
+philosophy of Wolfram von Eschenbach's "Parzival", and does not,
+as this latter, lead the reader into the realms of religious
+doubts and struggles.  It is imposing through its very
+simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which it does not
+seek to adorn and decorate.  It nowhere pauses to analyze motives
+nor to give us a picture of inner conflict as modern authors are
+fond of doing.  Its characters are impulsive and prompt in
+action, and when they have once acted, waste no time in useless
+regret or remorse.
+
+It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry,
+in the terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of
+poetic imagery, but it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and
+grotesque humor of the latter.  It approaches the courtly epic in
+its introduction of the pomp of courtly ceremonial, but this
+veneer of chivalry is very thin, and beneath the outward polish
+of form the heart beats as passionately and wildly as in the days
+of Herman, the Cheruscan chief.  There are perhaps greater poems
+in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so majestic in
+conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their
+execution, and so national in their character, as this great
+popular epic of German literature.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth
+     century, now found in Munich.  It forms the basis of
+     Lachmann's edition.  It is a parchment MS. of the middle of
+     the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.
+     Gall.  It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker
+     des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-
+     Literatur", vol. 6.  C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth
+     century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen.  It is
+     the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by
+     Zarncke.
+(2)  The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in
+     having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in
+     ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably
+     borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although
+     thought by some to have been an original feature of our
+     legend.
+(3)  The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the
+     brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode
+     in somewhat different fashion.  The brothers plan to kill
+     Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while
+     burning charcoal in the forest.  After killing the monster
+     with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and
+     thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him
+     invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,
+     which he could not reach.  This bathing in the blood is also
+     related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",
+     with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a
+     linden leaf falling upon him.
+(4)  The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
+     that the Norse version is here more original.  Gunnar is the
+     same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
+     (Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot.  In this
+     latter the father is called Danerat, the mother Uote, and
+     the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
+     daughter.
+(5)  In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
+     hair.
+
+
+
+THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)
+
+ADVENTURE I (2)
+
+Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of
+praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting
+of bold warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear
+wonders told.
+
+In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none
+fairer might there be.  Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely
+woman she became, for whose sake many a knight must needs lose
+his life.  Well worth the loving was this winsome maid.  Bold
+knights strove for her, none bare her hate.  Her peerless body
+was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues of this maid of
+noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.
+
+Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and
+Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the
+youth, a chosen knight.  This lady was their sister, the princes
+had her in their care.  The lordings were free in giving, of race
+high-born, passing bold of strength were they, these chosen
+knights.  Their realm hight Burgundy.  Great marvels they wrought
+hereafter in Etzel's (7) land.  At Worms (8) upon the Rhine they
+dwelt with all their power.  Proud knights from out their lands
+served them with honor, until their end was come.  Thereafter
+they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.
+
+Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their
+father, Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life
+was over; a mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in
+youth worship full great.  These kings, as I have said, were of
+high prowess.  To them owed allegiance the best of warriors, of
+whom tales were ever told, strong and brave, fearless in the
+sharp strife.  Hagen (11) there was of Troneg, thereto his
+brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13); Gere
+(14) and Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei,
+(16) endued with fullness of strength.  Rumolt (17) was master of
+the kitchen, a chosen knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt,
+liegemen of these three kings, had rule of the court and of its
+honors.  Thereto had they many a warrior whose name I cannot
+tell.  Dankwart was marshal; his nephew, Ortwin, seneschal unto
+the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight; Hunolt served
+as chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty stations. 
+Of the forces of the court and its far-reaching might, of the
+high worship (18) and of the chivalry these lords did ply with
+joy throughout their life, of this forsooth none might relate to
+you the end.
+
+In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of
+how she trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before
+her very eyes, two eagles rent to pieces.  No greater sorrow
+might chance to her in all this world.  This dream then she told
+to Uta her mother, who could not unfold it to the dutiful maid in
+better wise than this: "The falcon which thou trainest, that is a
+noble man, but thou must needs lose him soon, unless so be that
+God preserve him."
+
+"Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine?  I would fain
+ever be without a warrior's love.  So fair will I remain until my
+death, that I shall never gain woe from love of man."
+
+"Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply.
+"If ever thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will
+chance through the love of man.  Passing fair wilt thou become,
+if God grant thee a right worthy knight."
+
+"I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady.  Full oft
+hath it been seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in
+sorrow.  I shall avoid them both, then can it ne'er go ill with
+me."
+
+Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love.  Many a happy day
+thereafter the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she
+would care to love.  In after days she became with worship a
+valiant here's bride.  He was the selfsame falcon which she
+beheld in her dream that her mother unfolded to her.  How sorely
+did she avenge this upon her nearest kin, who slew him after!
+Through his dying alone there fell full many a mother's son.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs.  The ordinary
+     etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'
+     ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have
+     belonged originally to the dwarfs.  Piper, I, 50, interprets
+     it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers
+     "Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it
+     as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.
+     "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".
+(2)  "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.
+     "adventura").  The word meant originally a happening,
+     especially some great event, then the report of such an
+     event.  Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos
+     or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.
+     epics.  Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes
+     the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.
+(3)  "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish
+     "Grimhild".  In the MSS., the name generally appears with a
+     further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial
+     consonant were Germanic "k".  On the various forms of the
+     name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,
+     see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and
+     Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.
+(4)  "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the
+     Burgundians in the fifth century.
+(5)  "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place
+     of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse
+     version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not
+     etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in
+     Old Norse.
+(6)  "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius".  Although
+     mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian
+     kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in
+     other poems dealing with these persons, such as the
+     "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,
+     and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.
+     Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his
+     death is told.  He probably came from some independent
+     source.
+(7)  "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"
+     (Norse "Atli").  A discussion of his connection with the
+     saga will be found in the introduction.
+(8)  "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first
+     century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the
+     "Vangioni".  In the fifth century it was the capital of the
+     Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns.  The
+     Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it
+     became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his
+     court.  It was later noted as the meeting-place of many
+     imperial diets.  It remained a free city till 1801.  In the
+     "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".
+(9)  "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote").  The name means ancestress, and is
+     frequently used for the mother of heroes.  The modern German
+     form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced
+     with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.
+(10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in
+     the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the
+     "Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse
+     "Giuki").
+(11) "Hagen of Troneg".  Troneg is probably a corruption of the
+     name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower
+     Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as
+     "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were
+     descended from the ancient Trojans.  "Troja" was then
+     further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege".  Hagen was
+     therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the
+     Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to
+     show.  Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally
+     lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was
+     often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was
+     connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their
+     brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms
+     and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial
+     localization.  Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of
+     Troneg, as is Hagen.  Other attempts to explain Troneg will
+     be found in Piper, I, 48.
+(12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that
+     belonged to the early form of the legend.  He may have come
+     from another saga, where he played the principal role as
+     Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks.  Boer considers him to be
+     Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally
+     fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the
+     moment.  In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a
+     word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,
+     because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'.  Its
+     original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although
+     the later meaning is already found in M.H.G.  In all such
+     doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless
+     the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen
+     to translate it.
+(13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",
+     "Waltharius", and in "Biterolf".  He is most likely a late
+     introduction (but see Piper, I, 44).  Rieger thinks that he
+     belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis".  Though the "i" is
+     long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"
+     in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been
+     chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in
+     such names.
+(14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction.  He is perhaps the
+     historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the
+     Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs.  See O. von
+     Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L
+     43.
+(15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession.  He is perhaps the
+     historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the
+     name.  He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.
+(16) "Folker of Alzet" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the
+     knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in
+     spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine
+     Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz.  The
+     town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also
+     the noble family of the same name.  It is most likely,
+     however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with
+     Alzei.  In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of
+     minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of
+     our poem developed the character and made it the
+     personification of himself.
+(17) "Rumolt", "Bindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis
+     and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.
+(18) "Worship".  This word has been frequently used here in its
+     older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to
+     translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE II
+Of Siegfried.
+
+In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his
+father had for name Siegemund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in
+a mighty castle, known far and wide, in the lowlands of the
+Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called it.  Of this hero I sing, how fair
+he grew.  Free he was of every blemish.  Strong and famous he
+later became, this valiant man.  Ho!  What great worship he won
+in this world!  Siegfried hight this good and doughty knight. 
+Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike
+mood.  Through his strength of body he rode into many lands.  Ho! 
+What bold warriors he after found in the Burgundian land!  Mickle
+wonders might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful
+days; what honors he received and how fair of body he.  The most
+stately women held him in their love; with the zeal which was his
+due men trained him.  But of himself what virtues he attained! 
+Truly his father's lands were honored, that he was found in all
+things of such right lordly mind.  Now was he become of the age
+that he might ride to court.  Gladly the people saw him, many a
+maid wished that his desire might ever bear him hither.  Enow
+gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware.  Full
+seldom was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. 
+Siegmund and Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire.  The
+older knights who were acquaint with courtly custom, had him in
+their care.  Well therefore might he win both folk and land.
+
+Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well.  Whatever
+he needed thereto, of this he had enow.  With purpose he began to
+woo fair ladies; these bold Siegfried courted well in proper
+wise.  Then bade Siegmund have cried to all his men, that he
+would hold a feasting with his loving kindred.  The tidings
+thereof men brought into the lands of other kings.  To the
+strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. 
+Wheresoever any was found who, because of his birth, should
+become a knight, these noble youths were summoned to the land for
+the feasting.  Here with the youthful prince they gained the
+knightly sword.  Wonders might one tell of this great feast;
+Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great worship with
+their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store. 
+Wherefore one beheld many strangers riding to their realm.  Four
+hundred sword-thanes (4) were to put on knightly garb with
+Siegfried.  Many a fair maid was aught but idle with the work,
+for he was beloved of them all.  Many precious stones the ladies
+inlaid on the gold, which together with the edging they would
+work upon the dress of the proud young warriors, for this must
+needs be done.
+
+The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the
+midsummer festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name
+of knight.  Then full many a noble knight and many a high-born
+squire did hie them to the minster.  Right were the elders in
+that they served the young, as had been done to them afore.
+Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer.  To the honor of
+God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people full great a
+press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise, with such
+great honors as might not ever lightly be again.  Then they ran
+to where they found saddled many a steed.  In Siegmund's court
+the hurtling (6) waxed so fierce that both palace (7) and hall
+were heard to ring; the high-mettled warriors clashed with mighty
+sound.  From young and old one heard many a shock, so that the
+splintering of the shafts reechoed to the clouds.  Truncheons (8)
+were seen flying out before the palace from the hand of many a
+knight.  This was done with zeal.  At length the host bade cease
+the tourney and the steeds were led away.  Upon the turf one saw
+all to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and great store of
+precious stones from the bright spangles (10) of the shields. 
+Through the hurtling this did hap.
+
+Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them
+sit.  With good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best
+of wine, of which one bare frill plenty.  To the strangers and
+the home-folk was shown worship enow.  Though much pastime they
+had throughout the day, many of the strolling folk forsware all
+rest.  They served for the largess, which men found there richly,
+whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with praise.  Then bade
+the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land and castles, as
+he himself had done.  Much his hand bestowed upon the sword-
+companions.  The journey liked them well, that to this land they
+were come.  The feasting lasted until the seventh day. 
+Siegelind, the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out
+ruddy gold in time-honored wise.  Full well she wot how to make
+him beloved of the folk.  Scarce could a poor man be found among
+the strolling mimes.  Steeds and raiment were scattered by their
+hand, as if they were to live not one more day.  I trow that
+never did serving folk use such great bounty.  With worshipful
+honors the company departed hence.  Of the mighty barons the tale
+doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of
+this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught.  Forasmuch
+as both Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child
+of them twain wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he
+become a lord against all the deeds of force within his lands,
+whereof the bold and daring knight was sore adread.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an
+     independent saga.  See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.
+(2)  "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of
+     Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows.  The Early
+     Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi
+     saga".
+(3)  "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at
+     present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of
+     Dusseldorf.  It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in
+     the Middle Ages.
+(4)  "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires
+     who were to be made knights.  It was the custom for a
+     youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of
+     others.
+(5)  "Midsummer festival".  The M.H.G. "sunewende" means
+     literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.
+     This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the
+     church later turned into St. John's Eve.  The bonfires still
+     burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old
+     heathen custom.
+(6)  "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed
+     from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many
+     knights clashed together.  Hurtling was used in older
+     English in the same significance.
+(7)  "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large
+     building standing alone and largely used as a reception
+     hall.
+(8)  "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzune", O.F. "troncon", 'lance
+     splinters', 'fragments of spears'.
+(9)  "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older
+     English to-beat, to-break, etc.
+(10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating
+     from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,
+     with precious stones.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE III
+How Siegfried Came to Worms.
+
+It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince.  He
+heard tales told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid,
+fashioned wondrous fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of
+joy, but suffering, too.  Her beauty out of measure was known far
+and wide.  So many a here heard of her noble mind, that it alone
+brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's land.  But however many
+were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never confessed within
+her heart that she listed any for a lover.  He was still a
+stranger to her, whose rule she later owned.  Then did the son of
+Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to
+his but as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady fair.  In
+later days the noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride.
+Kinsmen and liegemen enow advised him, since he would have hope
+of constant love, that he woo one who was his peer.  At this bold
+Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose Kriemhild, the fair maid of
+Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure.  This I know full well,
+never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a wife, that it
+would not beseem him to love this noble queen."
+
+Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the
+courtiers he was made ware of the wish of his son.  Full loth it
+was to the king, that his child would woo the glorious maid.
+Siegelind heard it too, the wife of the noble king.  Greatly she
+feared for her child, for full well she knew Gunther and his men.
+Therefore they sought to turn the hero from this venture.  Up
+spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear father mine, I would fain
+ever be without the love of noble dames, if I may not woo her in
+whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may aver, it
+will avail but naught."
+
+"And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in
+sooth glad of thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as
+best I may.  Yet hath this King Gunther full many a haughty man.
+If there were none else but Hagen, the doughty knight, he can use
+such arrogance that I fear me it will repent us sore, if we woo
+this high-born maid."
+
+Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us?  What
+I may not obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its
+strength can gain.  I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk
+and land."
+
+To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for
+if this tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride
+unto that land.  Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to
+me.  By force may none win the maid, of this have I been well
+assured; but wilt thou ride with warriors unto this land, and we
+still have aught of friends, they shall be summoned soon."
+
+"It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors
+should follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain
+thereby the noble maid.  My single hand can win her well -- with
+eleven (2) comrades I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt
+thou help me, Father Siegmund."  Then to his knights they gave
+for garments furs both gray and vair. (3)
+
+Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale.  She began to make
+dole for her loved child, whom she feared to lose through
+Gunther's men.  Sorely the noble queen gan weep.  Lord Siegfried
+hied him straightway to where he saw her; to his mother he spake
+in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not weep for me; naught have I to
+fear from all his fighting men.  I pray you, speed me on my
+journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my warriors may have
+array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for this I will
+say you gramercy i' faith."
+
+"Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so
+will I speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best
+of weeds that ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades.  Ye
+shall have enow."
+
+Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen.  He
+spake: "None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way.  Let
+raiment be made ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how
+it standeth with Kriemhild."
+
+Then sate fair ladies night and day.  Few enow of them, I trow,
+did ease them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought.  Nor
+would he desist from faring forth.  His father bade adorn the
+knightly garb in which his son should ride forth from Siegmund's
+land.  The shining breastplates, too, were put in trim, also the
+stanch helmets and their shields both fair and broad.  Now their
+journey to the Burgundian land drew near; man and wife began to
+fear lest they never should come home again.  The heroes bade
+lade their sumpters with weapons and with harness.  Their steeds
+were fair and their trappings red with gold.  No need were there
+to live more proudly than Siegfried and his men.  Then he asked
+for leave to journey to the land of Burgundy; this the king and
+queen sorrowfully vouchsafed.  Lovingly he comforted them twain.
+"For my sake," spake he, "must ye not weep, nor have fear for me
+or for my life."
+
+The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their
+hearts did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would
+come to death because of this.  Just cause had they for wailing;
+need enow they had in sooth.
+
+Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the
+brave warriors pricked.  Their armor was of ruddy gold and their
+trappings fashioned fair.  Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold
+Siegfried's men.  Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and
+fair their helmets, as Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in
+Gunther's land.  Never had such princely attire been seen on
+heroes; their sword-points hung down to their spurs.  Sharp
+javelins were borne by these chosen knights.  Siegfried wielded
+one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut most
+dangerously.  In their hands they held gold-colored bridles;
+their martingales were silken: so they came into the land.
+Everywhere the folk began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's
+men fared forth to meet them.  High-mettled warriors, both knight
+and squire, betook them to the lords (as was but right), and
+received into the land of their lords these guests and took from
+their hands the black sumpters which bore the shields.  The
+steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement.  How boldly
+then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of my
+men.  We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire.
+Whosoever knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the
+mighty, of Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell
+me."
+
+Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find
+the king, that can hap full well.  In yon broad hall with his
+heroes did I but see him.  Ye must hither hie you; there ye may
+find with him many a lordly man."
+
+To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights
+were come, who wore white breastplates and princely garb.  None
+knew them in the Burgundian land.  Much it wondered the king
+whence came these lordly warriors in such shining array, with
+such good shields, both new and broad.  Loth was it to Gunther,
+that none could tell him this.  Then Ortwin of Metz (a bold and
+mighty man was he) made answer to the king: "Since we know them
+not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let him see them.
+To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands.  If so be he
+knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."
+
+Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought.  One saw
+him with his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.
+
+"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.
+
+"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none
+knoweth.  If ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me
+now the truth."
+
+"That will I," spake then Hagen.  He hied him to a window and
+over the guests he let his glances roam.  Well liked him their
+trappings and their array, but full strange were they to him in
+the Burgundian land.  He spake: "From wheresoever these warriors
+be come unto the Rhine, they may well be princes or envoys of
+kings, for their steeds are fair and their garments passing good.
+Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth high-mettled warriors be
+they."
+
+"I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen
+Siegfried, yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he
+is the warrior that strideth yonder in such lordly wise.  He
+bringeth new tidings hither to this land.  By this here's hand
+were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung and Nibelung, (5) sons
+of a mighty king.  Since then he hath wrought great marvels with
+his huge strength.  Once as the hero rode alone without all aid,
+he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been told, by
+Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man.  Strangers they were to
+him, till he gained knowledge of them there.
+
+"The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill.
+Now hear a wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished
+to divide it there.  This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan
+wonder him.  So near was he now come to them, that he beheld the
+heroes, and the knights espied him, too.  One among them spake:
+`Here cometh the mighty Siegfried, the hero of Netherland.'  
+Passing strange were the tidings that, he found among the
+Nibelungs.  Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well the knight; with
+one accord these young and noble lordings bade the stately man
+divide the hoard.  Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in turn
+gan vow it to them.
+
+"He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a
+hundred wains might not bear the lead; still more was there of
+ruddy gold from the Nibelung land.  All this the hand of the
+daring Siegfried should divide.  As a guerdon they gave him the
+sword of Nibelung, but they were served full ill by the service
+which the good knight Siegfried should render them.  Nor could he
+end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew.  Twelve bold men of
+their kith were there, mighty giants these.  What might that
+avail them!  Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and seven
+hundred warriors from the Nibelung land he vanquished with the
+good sword Balmung. (7)  Because of the great fear that, many a
+young warrior had of the sword and of the valiant man, they made
+the land and its castles subject to his hand.  Likewise both the
+mighty kings he slew, but soon he himself was sorely pressed by
+Alberich. (8)  The latter weened to venge straightway his
+masters, till he then discovered Siegfried's mighty strength; for
+no match for him was the sturdy dwarf.  Like wild lions they ran
+to the hill, where from Alberich he won the Cloak of Darkness.
+(9)  Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, become master of the
+hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there slain.  Soon
+bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the
+men of Nibelung had borne it forth.  He made Alberich, the
+strong, warden of the hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve
+him as his knave; and fit he was for work of every sort."
+
+So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done.  Nevermore did
+warrior win such mighty strength.  I wot yet more of him: it is
+known to me that the hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the
+blood, so that his skin became like horn.  Therefore no weapons
+will cut him, as hath full oft been seen.  All the better must we
+greet this lord, that we may not earn the youthful warrior's
+hate.  So bold is he that we should hold him as a friend, for he
+hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right.  Behold
+how valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle,
+the daring man!  Let us go down to meet the warrior."
+
+"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble
+race, son of a mighty king.  God wot, methinks, he beareth him in
+such wise, that it can be no little matter for which he hath
+ridden hither."
+
+"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land.  "He
+is both noble and brave, as I have heard full well.  This shall
+stand him in good stead in the Burgundian land."  Then went Lord
+Gunther to where Siegfried stood.
+
+The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that
+full little was there lack of worship.  Low bowed the stately
+man, that they had greeted him so fair.  "It wondereth me," spake
+the king straightway, "whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto
+this land, or what ye seek at Worms upon the Rhine."
+
+Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not
+conceal from you.  Tales were told me in my father's land, that
+here with you were the boldest warriors that ever king did gain.
+This I have often heard, and that I might know it of a truth,
+therefore am I come.  Likewise do I hear boasting of your valor,
+that no bolder king hath ever been seen.  This the folk relate
+much through all these lands.  Therefore will I not turn back,
+till it be known to me.  I also am a warrior and was to wear a
+crown.  Fain would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me:
+Rightly doth he rule both folk and land.  Of this shall my head
+and honor be a pledge.  Now be ye so bold, as hath been told me,
+I reck not be it lief or loth to any man, I will gain from you
+whatso ye have -- land and castles shall be subject to my hand."
+
+The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here
+heard, that he was willed to take from them their land.  The
+knights waxed wroth, as they heard this word.  "How have I earned
+this," spake Gunther, the knight, "that we should lose by the
+force of any man that which my father hath rules so long with
+honor?  We should let it ill appear that we, too, are used in
+knightly ways."
+
+"In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man.  "Unless
+it be that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule
+it all.  And shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral
+lands, they shall be subject to thy sway.  Thy lands, and mine as
+well, shall lie alike; whether of us twain can triumph over the
+other, him shall both land and people serve."
+
+Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this.  "We have no
+wish," spake Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or
+that any man lie dead at hero's hands.  We have rich lands, which
+serve us, as is meet, nor hath any a better claim to them than
+we."
+
+There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of
+Metz.  "It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake
+he; "the mighty Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause.  Had
+ye and your brothers no meet defense, and even if he led a kingly
+troop, I trow well so to fight that the daring man have good
+cause to leave this haughty mien."
+
+At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth.  He spake:
+"Thy hand shall not presume against me.  I am a mighty king, a
+king's vassal thou.  Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in
+strife."
+
+Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords.  Well was he fit to
+be Hagen of Troneg's sister's son.  It rued the king that he had
+held his peace so long.  Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight,
+came in between.  He spake to Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger.
+Lord Siegfried hath done us no such wrong, but that we may still
+part the strife in courteous wise.  Be advised of me and hold him
+still as friend; far better will this beseem us."
+
+Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy
+knights that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine.  He should
+have given it over; my lordings never would have done such ill to
+him."
+
+To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk
+you, Sir Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my
+hands shall have dominion here in the Burgundian land."
+
+"I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his
+knights speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue.
+Siegfried, too, then bethought him of the noble maid.
+
+"How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew.
+"However really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should
+have scant honor therefrom and ye but little gain."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth
+Hagen, and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his
+kin, of whom he hath so many here in Burgundy?"
+
+At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel.  Then
+spake Queen Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your
+war-mates, who are come with you.  We shall gladly serve you, I
+and all my kin."
+
+Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine.  The
+master of the land then spake: "All that  we have, if ye desire
+it in honorable wise, shall owe fealty to you; with you shall
+both life and goods be shared."
+
+At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood.  Then they
+bade that care be taken of the armor of the guests.  The best of
+hostels that men might find were sought for Siegfried's squires;
+great easement they gave them.  Thereafter they gladly saw the
+guest in Burgundy.  Many a day they offered him great worship, a
+thousand fold more than I can tell you.  This his prowess
+wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he saw who was his
+foe.
+
+Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly
+games, Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began.  Herein
+could no one match him, so mighty was his strength, whether they
+threw the stone or hurled the shaft.  When through courtesie the
+full lusty knights made merry with the ladies, there were they
+glad to see the hero of Netherland, for upon high love his heart
+was bent.  He was aye ready for whatso they undertook, but in his
+heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he had never seen.  She too,
+who in secret spake full well of him, cherished him alone. 
+Whenever the pages, squires, and knights would play their games
+within the court, Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from
+the windows, for no other pastime she needed on such days.  Had
+he known that she gazed on him thus, whom he bare within his
+heart, then had he had pastime enough, I trow, for well I wot
+that no greater joy in all this world could chance to him.
+
+Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are
+wont to do, for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of
+Siegelind's son, that many a lady loved him for very joy of
+heart.  But he bethought him many a day: "How shall that hap,
+that I with mine own eyes may see the noble maid, whom I do love
+with all my heart and so have done long time.  Sadly must I
+stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."
+
+Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the
+warriors all must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried,
+too.  This the lady rued, and he, too, suffered many pangs for
+love of her.  Thus he dwelt with the lordings, of a truth, full a
+year in Gunther's land, and in all this time he saw not once the
+lovely maid, from whom in later days there happed to him much joy
+and eke much woe.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may
+     mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often
+     difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference
+     should be given.
+(2)  "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means
+     one of twelve.  The accounts are, however, contradictory, as
+     a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of
+     Siegfried.
+(3)  "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the
+     fur of the squirrel.
+(4)  "Known".  It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he
+     was acquainted with the customs and dress of various
+     countries and with the names and lineage of all important
+     personages.  Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks
+     Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou
+     tellest me the one, I shall know the other."
+(5)  "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a
+     mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some
+     authorities, the original owners of the treasure.  Boer, ix,
+     199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was
+     transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in
+     the formation of the saga.
+(6)  "Angry of mood".  The reason of this anger is apparent from
+     the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801.  The quarrel
+     arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
+     Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
+     born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
+(7)  "Balmung".  In the older Norse version and in the
+     "Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
+(8)  "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
+     legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf". 
+     Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
+     important role in modern literature.
+(9)  "Cloak of Darkness".  This translates the M.H.G.
+     "tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators.  It is
+     formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
+     "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'.  It rendered the
+     wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IV
+How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)
+
+Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers
+sent them from afar -- tales of unknown warriors, who bare them
+hate.  When they heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not.
+These warriors will I name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon
+land, a great and lordly prince, and then from Denmark Lindegast,
+the king.  For their journey they had gathered many a lordly
+stranger.
+
+To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. 
+Men asked the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them
+soon to court unto King Gunther.  The king gave them greeting
+fair; he spake: "Be ye welcome . I have not heard who sent you
+hither, but let that now be told."  So spake the right good king.
+But they feared full sore King Gunther's warlike mood.
+
+"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we
+shall not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have
+sent us hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon
+this land.  Ye have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both
+lords bear you mortal hate.  They would harry at Worms upon the
+Rhine and have the aid of many a knight; that may ye know upon
+our faith.  Within twelve weeks the journey must befall.  And ye
+have aught of good friends, who will help guard your castles and
+your lands, let this soon be seen.  Here shall be carved by them
+many a helm and shield.  Or would ye parley with them, let
+messengers be sent.  Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes
+will not ride so near you, to give you pain of heart, from which
+full many a lusty knight and a good must die."
+
+"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me
+better; then ye shall know my mind.  Have I aught of trusty men,
+I will not withhold from them these startling tales, but will
+make complaint thereof unto my friends."
+
+To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart
+he bare the speech in secret wise.  He bade Hagen be fetched and
+others of his men, and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot.  Then
+came the very best of men that could he found.  The king spake:
+"Men would seek us here in this our land with mighty armies, now
+make ye wail for that."
+
+To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will
+we fend indeed with swords.  Only the fey (2) will fall.  So let
+them die; for their sake I will not forget my honor.  Let these
+foes of ours be welcome to us."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. 
+Liudegast and Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon
+all our men in such short time.  Why tell ye not Siegfried of the
+thing?"  So spake the valiant knight.
+
+To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town.  Whatever
+hate they bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them
+well, as was but right, till he discovered of his friends who
+there was who would lend him aid.  Yet in his fears the king was
+ill at ease.  Just then full blithe a knight, who wot not what
+had happed, saw him thus sad and prayed King Gunther to tell him
+of the matter.  "Much it wondereth me," spake Siegfried, for he
+it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry wont, which ye have
+used thus far with us."
+
+To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not
+to tell all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart
+in secret wise.  Only to trusty friends should one confide his
+woe of heart."
+
+At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red.  To the king
+he spake: "I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn
+aside your woes.  And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and
+trow well to deport myself with honor until mine end."
+
+"Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good,
+and though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear
+that ye are friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay
+you well.  I will let you hear why I stand thus sad; from the
+messengers of my foes I have heard that they would visit me with
+war, a thing which knights have never done to us in all these
+lands."
+
+"Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood.
+Do as I pray you.  Let me gain for you both worship and advantage
+and do ye command your knights, that they gather to your aid.
+Should your mighty foes be helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet
+could I withstand them, had I but a thousand; for that rely on
+me."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."
+
+"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have
+but twelve, and I will guard your land.  Faithfully shall the
+hand of Siegfried serve you.  Hagen shall help us and also
+Ortwin, Dankwart, and Sindolt, your trusty men.  Folker, the
+valiant man, shall also ride along; he shall bear the banner, for
+to none would I liefer grant it.  Let now the envoys ride home to
+their masters' lands.  Give them to understand they soon shall
+see us, that our castles may rest in peace."
+
+Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men.  The
+messengers of Liudeger betook them to the court.  Fain they were
+that they should journey home again.  Gunther, the good king,
+made offrance of rich gifts and gave them safe-convoy.  At this
+their spirits mounted high.  "Now say unto my foes," spake then
+Gunther, "that they may well give over their journey and stay at
+home; but if they will seek me here within my lands, hardships
+shall they know, and my friends play me not false."
+
+Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had
+Gunther to bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them.
+When at last they took their leave, they parted hence in merry
+mood.
+
+Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast
+had heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much
+he rued, in sooth, their (4) proud defiance.  The envoys said
+that Gunther had full many a valiant man-at-arms and among them
+they saw a warrior stand, whose name was Siegfried, a hero from
+Netherland.  Little liked it Liudegast when he heard aright this
+tale.  When the men of Denmark had heard these tidings told, they
+hasted all the more to call their friends; till Sir Liudegast had
+gathered for his journey full twenty thousand knights from among
+his valiant men.  Then King Liudeger, also, of Saxon land, sent
+forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men and more,
+with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.
+
+Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin
+and the liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom
+they wished to lead thence for battle.  Much need of this the
+heroes had, but warriors soon must suffer death from this.  Thus
+they made them ready for the journey.  When they would hence,
+Folker, the daring, must bear the flag.  In such wise they
+thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine.  Hagen of Troneg was
+master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who
+wist well how to merit Gunther's gold.  Dankwart, Hagen's
+brother, and Ortwin, too, well could they serve with honor in
+this war.
+
+"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that
+your warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies
+and keep your spirits high.  I trow well to guard for you both
+honor and estate.  Well will I bring it to pass that those who
+thought to seek you out at Worms upon the Rhine, had better far
+have stayed at home.  We shall ride so nigh unto their land that
+their proud defiance shall be turned to fear."
+
+From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors
+towards Saxon land, where they later fought.  With fire and
+pillage, too, they harried all the countryside, so that the two
+kings did learn of it in dire distress.  Then came they to the
+border; the warriors marched along.  Siegfried, the strong, gan
+ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"  Forsooth never did
+men ride more scathfully to the Saxons.  They spake: "Let the
+valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty
+knight.  Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men.  Let
+him and Ortwin guard the rear."
+
+"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play
+the outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these
+warriors be."  Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his
+harness.  The troop he gave in charge to Hagen, when he would
+depart, and to Gernot, the valiant man.  Thus he rode hence into
+the Saxon land alone and many a helmet band he cut to pieces on
+that day.  Soon he spied the mighty host that lay encamped upon
+the plain and far outweighed the forces of his men.  Forty
+thousand or better still there were.  Full blithely Siegfried saw
+this in lofty mood.  Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had
+mounted to the outlook 'gainst the foe.  Him Sir Siegfried spied,
+and the bold man saw him, too.  Each began to watch the other in
+hostile wise.  Who it was, who stood on guard, I'll tell you now;
+a gleaming shield of gold lay by his hand.  It was the good King
+Liudegast, who was guarding here his band.  The noble stranger
+pricked along in lordly wise.
+
+Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye.  Into the
+flanks of their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their
+might they couched the spears against the shields.  At this great
+fear befell the mighty king.  After the thrust the horses carried
+past each other the royal knights, as though borne upon the wind.
+With the bridles they wheeled in knightly wise and the two fierce
+champions encountered with their swords.  Then smote Sir
+Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring.  Through the hero's
+hand from out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew the bright
+red sparks.  Each in the other found his match.  Sir Liudegast,
+too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each broke full upon
+the shields.  Thirty of Liudegast's men stood there on guard, but
+ere they could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with
+three groat wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming
+breastplate, the which was passing good.  The blood from the
+wounds gushed forth along the edges of the sword, whereat King
+Liudegast stood in sorry mood.  He begged for life and made
+offrance of his lands and said that his name was Liudegast.  Then
+came his warrior's, who had witnessed what there had happed upon
+the lookout.  As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he was
+set upon by thirty of these men.  With mighty blows the hero's
+hand guarded his noble prize.  The stately knight then wrought
+worse scathe.  In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one
+he left alive, who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here
+had chanced.  By his reddened helmet one might see the truth.  It
+sorely grieved the men of Denmark, when the tale was told them
+that their king was taken captive.  Men told it to his brother,
+who at the news began to rage with monstrous wrath, for great woe
+it brought him.
+
+Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to
+Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge.  When that they heard
+it was the king, full moderate was their dole.  The Burgundians
+now were bidden raise their banner.  "Up, men," cried Siegfried,
+"here shall more be done, ere the day end, and I lose not my
+life.  Full many a stately dame in Saxon land shall rue this
+fight.  Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed to me, for I can
+guide you well to Liudeger's band.  So shall ye see helmets
+carved by the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they
+shall become acquaint with fear."
+
+To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the
+stalwart minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode
+before the band.  Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly
+wise for strife; nor had they more than a thousand men, and
+thereto Siegfried's twelve men-at-arms.  Now from the road gan
+rise the dust, as across the land they rode; many a lordly shield
+was seen to gleam from out their midst.  There, too, were come
+the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened swords, as I
+since have heard.  Sore cut these weapons in the heroes' hands,
+for they would fain guard both their castles and their land
+against the strangers.  The lordings' marshals led on the troop.
+Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had
+brought from Netherland.  In the storm of battle many a hand this
+day grew red with blood.  Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too,
+slew many a knight in the strife, ere these rightly knew the
+boldness of their foes.  This many a stately dame must needs
+bewail.  Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too, dimmed in the battle
+the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these storm-bold
+men.  By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.
+
+The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a
+shield resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as
+well, many of which were wielded there.  The battle-bold Saxons
+did scathe enow, but when the men of Burgundy pressed to the
+fight, by them was really a wide wound carved.  Then down across
+the saddles the blood was seen to flow.  Thus they fought for
+honors, these knights both bold and good.  Loud rang the sharp
+weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed
+their lording through the sturdy host.  Valiantly they forced
+their way in Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine
+was seen to follow.  Through the shining helmets one could see
+flow the bloody stream, drawn forth by Siegfried's hand, till at
+last he found Liudeger before his men-at-arms.  Thrice had he
+pierced the host from end to end.  Now was Hagen come, who helped
+him achieve in the battle all his mind.  Before them many a good
+knight must needs die this day.
+
+When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore
+high in hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man,
+then waxed the lording wroth and fierce enow.  A mighty surging
+and a mighty clang of swords arose, as their comrades pressed
+against each other.  The two champions tried their prowess all
+the more.  The troops began to yield; fierce grew the hate.  To
+the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that his brother had
+been captured; great dole this gave him.  Well he knew it was the
+son of Siegelind who had done the deed.  Men blamed Sir Gernot,
+but later he learned the truth.
+
+So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger
+reeled beneath the saddle.  When the steed recovered, bold
+Siegfried took on a frightful usance in the fray.  In this Hagen
+helped him well, likewise Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too.
+Through them lay many dead.  Likewise Sindolt and Hunolt and
+Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side by side in the
+fray the noble princes stood.  One saw above the helmets many a
+spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming
+shields.  Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man
+in the fierce conflict was unhorsed.  At each other ran
+Siegfried, the brave, and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and
+many a keen-edged spear.  Then off flew the shield-plates, struck
+by Siegfried's hand; the hero of Netherland thought to win the
+battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous many of whom one saw. 
+Ho!  How many shining armor-rings the daring Dankwart broke!
+
+Then Sir Liudegor espied a crown painted on the shield in
+Siegfried's hand.  Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty
+man.  To his friends the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the
+strife, my men, here I have seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried,
+the strong, and recognized him well.  The foul fiend himself hath
+sent him hither to the Saxon land."  The banners bade he lower in
+the fight.  Peace he craved, and this was later granted him, but
+he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land.  This was wrung
+from him by valiant Siegfried's hand.  With one accord they then
+gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets and
+the broad, battered bucklers.  Whatever of these was found, bore
+the hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand.  They captured whom
+they would, for this lay in their power.  Gernot and Hagen, the
+full bold warriors, bade bear away the wounded; five hundred
+stately men they led forth captive to the Rhine.  The worsted
+knights rode back to Denmark, nor had the Saxons fought so well
+that one could give them aught of praise, and this the heroes
+rued full sore.  The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by
+friends.
+
+Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine.
+Siegfried, the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as
+Gunther's men must needs confess.  Sir Gernot now sent messengers
+homeward to Worms in his native land, and bade tell his kin what
+great success had happed to him and to his men, and how these
+daring knights had striven well for honor.  The squirelings ran
+and told the tale.  Then those who afore had sorrowed, were
+blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come.  Much
+questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with the
+liegemen of the mighty king.  One of the messengers they bade go
+to Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not),
+for she, too, had amongst them her own true love.  When she saw
+the messenger coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake in kindly
+wise: "Now tell me glad news, I pray.  And thou dost so without
+deceit, I will give thee of my gold and will ever be thy friend.
+How fared forth from the battle my brother Gernot and others of
+my kin?  Are many of them dead perchance?  Or who wrought there
+the best?  This thou must tell me."
+
+Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but,
+to tell the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife
+and fray, as did the noble stranger from Netherland.  Mickle
+wonders the hand of valiant Siegfried wrought.  Whate'er the
+knights have done in strife, Dankwart and Hagen and other men of
+the king, however much they strove for honor, 'tis but as the
+wind compared with Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, the king. 
+They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none might tell you
+of the wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode into the
+fight.  Great woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the
+field the love of many a dame lay dead.  His blows were heard to
+ring so loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds they drew
+forth the blood in streams.  In every knightly art he is a worthy
+knight and a brave.  Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he
+whom he could reach with his good sword, fell sorely wounded, but
+mostly dead), yet your brother wrought the direst woe that could
+ever chance in battle.  One must say of the chosen knights in
+truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted them so well that
+they can well preserve their honor from every taint of shame.
+Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field
+resounded with the flashing swords.  So well rode the warriors
+from the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been
+avoided.  The valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when
+in great numbers the armies met.  Bold Hagen's hand did many a
+one to death; of this full many stories might be told here in the
+Burgundian land.  Sindolt and Hunolt, Gernot's men, Rumolt the
+brave, have done such deeds that it may well ever rue Liudeger
+that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine.  The very best
+fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen, was
+made full lustily by Siegfried's hand.  Rich hostages he bringeth
+to Gunther's land.  He won them by his prowess, this stately man.
+Of this King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother
+Liudeger of Saxon land.  Now listen to my tale, most noble queen:
+by the hand of Siegfried the twain were caught.  Never have men
+brought so many hostages to this land, as now are coming to the
+Rhine through him.  Men are bringing to our land five hundred or
+more unharmed captives; and of the deadly wounded, my lady, know,
+not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men were mostly
+wounded by bold Siegfried's hand.  Those who in haughty pride
+sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
+Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this
+land."
+
+Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. 
+Her fair face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the
+stately knight, had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous
+strife.  These tidings could not have pleased her better.  For
+her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in duty bound.  Then spake the
+lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me; therefore shalt thou
+have as guerdon rich attire.  Likewise I'll have thee brought ten
+marks of gold." (5)  Small wonder that such tales are gladly told
+to noble dames.
+
+They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold.  Then
+many a fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the
+street, where many high-mettled warriors were seen riding into
+the Burgundian land.  There came the champions, the wounded and
+the sound.  Without shame they heard the greetings of their
+friends.  Merrily the host rode forth to meet his guests, for his
+great sorrow had been turned to joy.  Well greeted he his vassals
+and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty king
+in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
+because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
+Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march;
+but sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with
+heroes.  Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed
+warriors brought to Gunther's land.  The men alighted from their
+steeds before the palace of the king.  Loud was heard the joyous
+sound of the merry welcome; then order was given to lodge the
+warriors in the town.  The king bade minister well unto his
+guests, attend the wounded and give them good easement.  His
+courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes.  He spake to
+Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome.  Much damage have I ta'en because
+of you; for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor.  God
+reward my kinsmen, for they have given me joy."
+
+"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages
+hath king never gained afore.  For fair treatment we offer great
+store of wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."
+
+"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have
+surety that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave
+the land against my will."  To that Liudeger pledged his hand.
+
+Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement.  The
+wounded were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good
+mead and wine.  Never could the comrades have been more merry.
+Their battered shields were borne away for keeping, and enow
+there was of bloody saddles which one bade hide away, that the
+ladies might not weep.  Many a good knight returned aweary from
+the fray.  The king did make his guests great cheer.  His lands
+were full of strangers and of home-folk.  He bade ease the sorely
+wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. 
+Men offered to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight
+and thereto shining gold, if they would heal the heroes from the
+stress of war.  To his guests the king likewise gave great gifts.
+Those that were minded to set out for home, were asked to stay,
+as one doth to friends.  The king bethought him how he might
+requite his men, for they had brought to pass his wish for fame
+and honor.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known
+to them that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty
+feast.  By then will many a one be healed who now lieth sorely
+wounded."
+
+Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King
+Gunther learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile.
+Were it not for the king's sister, this were never done.  He was
+too rich to take reward, though he well deserved it and the king
+liked him well, as also did the kinsmen, who had seen what happed
+in battle through his strength.  For the sake of one fair lady he
+thought to stay, if perchance he might espy her.  Later it was
+done, and according to his wish he met the maid.  He rode
+thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.
+
+At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a
+youthful knight did this right gladly.  Meanwhile he ordered
+seats prepared upon the sand before the town of Worms for those
+who were to visit him in the Burgundian land.  At the time when
+they should come, fair Kriemhild heard it said that the king
+would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear friends.  Then
+comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which they were
+to don.  The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors who
+were to come.  Then many rich dresses were taken from the press.
+To please her children she bade make garments ready, that many
+ladies and many maids might therewith be decked and many youthful
+knights of the Burgundian land.  Also for many of the strangers
+she bade fashion lordly robes.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Saxons".  This war with the Saxons does not appear in the
+     poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story
+     later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the
+     period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey
+     to Brunhild's land.  (In our poem it is placed before the
+     marriage.)  It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks
+     on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.
+     Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but
+     was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition
+     in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to
+     idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important
+     role.  The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the
+     Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark.  In "Biterolf"
+     Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is
+     his brother.
+(2)  "Fey".  This Scotch and older English word has been chosen
+     to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is
+     etymologically the same word.  The ancient Germans were
+     fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom
+     fate had so predestined.
+(3)  "Thirty thousand".  The M.H.G. epics are fond of round
+     numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples.  They
+     will he found to occur very frequently in our poem.  See
+     Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.
+(4)  "Their".  The original is obscure here; the meaning is,
+     'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the
+     haughtiness of the Burgundians'.
+(5)  "Marks of gold".  A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of
+     gold or silver.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE V
+How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.
+
+One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the
+feasting.  Full many of these who for the king's sake were come
+into the land, were given steeds and lordly harness.  Seats were
+prepared for all, for the highest and the best, as we are told,
+for two and thirty princes at the feast.  For this, too, the fair
+ladies vied in their attire.  Giselher, the youth, was aught but
+idle; he and Gernot and all their men received the friends and
+strangers.  In truth, they gave the knights right courtly
+greetings.  These brought into the land many a saddle of golden
+red, dainty shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the
+Rhine.  Many a wounded man was seen full merry since.  Even those
+who lay abed in stress of wounds, must needs forget the
+bitterness of death.  Men ceased to mourn for the weak and sick
+and joyed in prospect of the festal day, and how well they would
+fare at the feasting of the king.  Pleasure without stint and
+overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk which there were seen.
+Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the whole of Gunther's
+land.
+
+Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in
+glad attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide.  On
+all sides they vied with each other in knightly sports.  The host
+marked well, what he already wet, how from his very heart the
+hero of Netherland did love his sister, albeit he had never seen
+her, whose comeliness men praised above all maids.  Then spake
+the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full honor at your
+feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who live in
+such high honors here in Burgundy.  What were the joy of man,
+what else could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble
+dames?  Pray let your sister go forth before the guests."  To the
+joy of many a hero was this counsel given.
+
+"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard
+it were merry at the thought.  Then bade he say to the Lady Uta
+and her comely daughter, that with their maidens they should come
+to court.  From the presses they took fair raiment and whatso of
+rich attire was laid away.  Of rings and ribbons, too, enow they
+had.  Thus each stately maiden decked herself with zeal.  Full
+many a youthful knight upon that day was of the mind that he was
+so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would not exchange this
+chance for the lands of any mighty king.  Gladly they gazed on
+those whom till now they had not known.  Then bade the mighty
+king full a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort
+his sister and serve her thus.  These were the court retainers of
+the Burgundian land and carried swords in hand.  Soon one saw the
+noble Uta coming with her child.  Full hundred or more fair
+ladies had she taken for her train, who wore rich robes. 
+Likewise there followed her daughter many a stately maid.  When
+from out a bower men saw them come, there rose a mighty press of
+knights who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze with joy upon
+the noble maid.  Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as doth the
+red of dawn from out the lowering clouds.  He then was reft of
+many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw
+the lovely maid stand forth so glorious.  How shone full many a
+precious stone upon her robes!  In lovely wise her rose-red hue
+appeared.  Whatever one might wish, he could not but confess that
+never in the world had he beheld a fairer maid.  As the radiant
+moon, whose sheen is thrown so brightly on the clouds, doth stand
+before the stars, so stood she now before full many a stately
+dame.  Therefore higher rose the spirits of the comely knights.
+Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front, while the
+high-mettled warriors forsooth must press where they might see
+the lovely maid.  At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole.
+To himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should love
+thee?  That is a foolish dream.  But if I now must lose thee,
+then were I better dead."  At thought of this his color came and
+went.  There stood the son of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as
+he were limned on parchment by skillful master's art. Indeed
+'twas said of him that never had so fair a knight been seen.  The
+escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give way and many a man
+obeyed.  These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a wight, as
+thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.
+
+Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him
+who offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner
+requite before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel.
+Bid Siegfried now approach my sister, that the maid may greet
+him; this will ever be our gain.  She who never greeted warrior
+shall greet him fair, that by this means we now may win the
+stately knight."
+
+Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero.  To the
+champion from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted
+to go to court; his sister is to greet you.  This hath he decreed
+to do you honor."
+
+At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare 
+joy without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. 
+With lovely grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw
+the haughty knight stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed
+bright.  "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most good and noble knight,"
+the fair maid spake, and at this greeting his spirits mounted
+high.  Courteously he made obeisance; she took him by the hand.
+How gallantly he walked by the lady's side!  Upon each other this
+lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes.  Full secretly this
+happed.  Was perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by
+heart-felt love?  That know I not; yet I cannot believe that this
+was left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him her love.
+Nevermore in summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his
+heart such lofty joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he
+walked with her whom he fain would call his love.
+
+Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to
+walk thus with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie
+beside her, I'd bear it willingly."
+
+Never has warrior better served to gain a queen.  From whatever
+land the guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone.
+She then was bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight
+had ever happened in this world.
+
+Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting
+many a warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through
+Siegfried's hand.  God grant that he may never come again to my
+kingly lands."
+
+On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church
+one saw her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise.  Then
+soon the stately knight was parted from her side.  Thus went she
+to the minster, followed by many a dame.  So full of graces was
+this queenly maid that many a daring wish must needs be lost.  
+Born she was to be the eyes' delight of many a knight.  Siegfried
+scarce could wait till mass was sung.  Well might he think his
+fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in heart. 
+Cause enow he had to love the fair.
+
+When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant
+knight again to bear her company, as he had done afore.  Then
+first the lovely maid began to thank him that he had fought so
+gloriously before so many knights.  "Now God requite you, Sir
+Siegfried," spake the comely maid, "that ye have brought to pass
+with your service, that the warriors do love you with such fealty
+as I hear them say."
+
+Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise.  "I
+will serve them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life
+shall last, never will I lay my head to rest till I have done
+their will; and this I do, my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."
+
+A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome
+maid beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her
+kin.  This service was done from sheer delight.  A great rout of
+joy and pleasure was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall,
+without and eke within, from many a daring man.  Ortwin and Hagen
+began to do great marvels.  Whatever any wished to play, these
+lusty knights were fully ready; thus they became well known to
+all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land was decked with
+honor.  Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming forth;
+they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard
+themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft.  Enow there were to
+help them, for there was great store of men.
+
+At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer.
+He kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a
+king; men saw him move in friendly wise among his guests.  He
+spake: "Ye worthy knights, ere ye go hence, pray take my gifts. 
+I am minded to deserve it of you ever.  Do not disdain my goods,
+the which I'll share with you, as I have great desire."
+
+Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land,
+we crave a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many
+a one of our kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-
+arms."
+
+Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had
+recovered from the fray, though many dead they left within this
+land.  Then King Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the
+knight he spake: "Now tell me what to do.  Our foes would fain
+ride early and beg for lasting peace of me and of my men.  Advise
+me now, Knight Siegfried, what thinketh thee good to do?  What
+the lordings offer me will I tell thee; what of gold five hundred
+steeds can bear, that would they gladly give me, and I set them
+free again."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let
+them ride hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give
+surety with his hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear
+all hostile riding hither to your land."
+
+"This counsel will I follow."  Herewith they parted, and to the
+king's foes was told that no one craved the gold they proffered.
+For their loved friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed.
+Many a shield full of treasure was then brought forth which the
+king dealt out unweighed to his many friends, to each five
+hundred marks of gold, and to a few, still more.  Gernot, the
+brave, had counseled Gunther this.  Then they all took leave,
+sith they would hence.  One saw the guests draw nigh to Kriemhild
+and also to where Dame Uta sate.  Never yet were knights
+dismissed in better wise.  Lodgings grew empty as they rode away,
+but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin and many
+a noble liegeman.  Daily they were seen as they went to Lady
+Kriemhild.  The good knight Siegfried now would likewise take his
+leave; he weened not to win that on which his mind was set.  The
+king heard said that he would hence, but Giselher, the youth,
+quite won him from the journey.
+
+"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried?  Pray tarry with the
+knights, I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. 
+Here, too, are many comely dames whom we shall gladly let you
+see."
+
+Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds.  I listed
+to ride hence, but now will I desist.  The shields, too, bear
+away.  To my land I craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his
+great love hath turned me from it."
+
+So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could
+he have fared more gentilly in any land.  This happed because he
+daily saw Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured
+beauty the lording stayed.  With many a pastime they whiled the
+hours away, but still her love constrained him and often gave him
+dole.  Because of this same love in later days the valiant knight
+lay pitiful in death.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VI
+How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.
+
+New tidings came across the Rhine.  'Twas said that yonder many a
+fair maid dwelt.  The good king Gunther thought to win him one of
+these; high therefore rose the warrior's spirits.  There lived a
+queen beyond the sea, whose like men knew not anywhere.  Peerless
+was her beauty and great her strength.  With doughty knights she
+shot the shaft for love.  The stone she hurled afar and sprang
+far after it.  He who craved her love must win without fail three
+games from this high-born dame.  When the noble maid had done
+this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by the Rhine.  He
+turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes must
+needs later lose their lives.
+
+One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and
+fro in many a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would
+be fit to be their lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of
+the Rhinelands: "I will go down to the sea and hence to Brunhlld,
+however it may go with me.  For her love I'll risk my life.  I
+will gladly lose it and she become not my wife."
+
+"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye
+say, the queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her
+love will pay full dear.  Therefore should ye give over the
+journey."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold
+that I might not vanquish her with mine own hand."
+
+"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."
+
+"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried
+to share with you this heavy task.  This is my rede, sith he doth
+know so well how matters stand with Brunhild."
+
+The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this
+lovely maid?  And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely
+dame become my love, for thy sake will I risk both life and
+honor."
+
+To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it,
+and thou give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen.  For my
+pains I ask no other meed."
+
+"I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther,
+"and if fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my
+sister unto wife.  Then canst thou live ever merrily with the
+fair."
+
+This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater
+grew their hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. 
+On this account these brave men must later be in passing danger.
+Siegfried had to take with him hence the cloak which he, the bold
+hero, had won 'mid dangers from a dwarf, Alberich he hight. 
+These bold and mighty knights now made them ready for the
+journey.  When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness he had
+strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own.  With
+cunning arts he won the royal maid.  This cloak was fashioned so,
+that whatsoever any wrought within it, none saw him.  Thus he won
+Brunhild, which brought him dole.
+
+"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall
+we not take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may
+come with passing honors to the sea?  Thirty thousand men-at-arms
+can soon be called."
+
+"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use
+so fierce a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride.
+I'll give thee better counsel, O brave and worthy king.  Let us
+fare as wandering knights adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee
+those that shall be of the band.  In all four knights, we'll
+journey to the sea and thus we'll woo the lady, whatever be our
+fate thereafter.  I shall be one of the four comrades, the second
+thou shalt be.  Let Hagen be the third (then have we hope of
+life), Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man.  A thousand
+others durst not match us in the fight."
+
+"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t
+would please me much), what garments we should wear before
+Brunhild, which would beseem us there.  Pray tell this now to
+Gunther."
+
+"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in
+Brunhild's land.  We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that
+we feel no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."
+
+The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother,
+if perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us
+garments which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid." 
+
+Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye
+pray your mother of such service?  Let your sister hear what ye
+have in mind, and she'll purvey you well for your journey to
+Brunhild's court."
+
+Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and
+Knight Siegfried, too, sent word.  Ere this happed the fair had
+clad her passing well.  That these brave men were coming, gave
+her little grief.  Now were her attendants, too, arrayed in
+seemly wise.  The lordings came, and when she heard the tale,
+from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to greet the
+noble stranger and her brother, too.
+
+"Welcome be my brother and his comrade.  I'd gladly know," so
+spake the maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to
+court.  Pray let me hear how it standeth with you noble knights."
+
+Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now.  Maugre our
+lofty mood, yet have we mickle care.  We would ride a-wooing far
+into foreign lands, and for this journey we have need of costly
+robes."
+
+"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let
+me hear aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the
+lands of other kings."
+
+By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain
+she walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well
+I wot, with dainty figures embossed in gold.  There might they
+have fair pastime with the ladies.  Friendly glances and kindly
+looks passed now full oft between the twain.  In his heart he
+bare her, she was dear to him as life.  In after days fair
+Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help
+it may not be.  We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's
+land, and have need of princely garb to wear before the dames."
+
+Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now
+to wit, that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I
+ready to give.  Should any deny you aught, 't would please
+Kriemhild but ill.  Most noble knights, beseech me not with such
+concern, but order me with lordly air to do whatso ye list.  I
+stand at your bidding and will do it with a will."  So spake
+the winsome maid.
+
+"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your
+noble hand shall help to choose . Your maidens then must make it
+fit us, for there be no help against this journey."  Then spake
+the princess: "Now mark ye what I say.  Silks I have myself; see
+ye that men do bring us jewels upon the shields and thus we'll
+work the clothes.  Gunther and Siegfried, too, gave glad assent. 
+
+"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you
+thus clad to court?"
+
+He spake: "I shall be one of four.  My liegemen twain, Dankwart
+and Hagen, shall go with me to court.  Now mark ye well, my lady,
+what I say.  Each of us four must have to wear for four whole
+days three changes of apparel and such goodly trappings that
+without shame we may quit Brunhild's land."
+
+In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. 
+Kriemhild, the queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were
+skillful in such work, come forth from out their bowers.  Silks
+of Araby, white as snow, and the fair silk of Zazamanc, (2) green
+as is the clover, they overlaid with precious stones; that gave
+garments passing fair.  Kriemhild herself, the high-born maiden,
+cut them out.  Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought linings
+from the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they
+covered now with silk, as was the wont to wear. (3)  Now hear
+great marvels of these shining weeds.  From the kingdom of
+Morocco and from Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest
+silks which the kith of any king did ever win.  Kriemhild made it
+well appear what love she bore the twain.  Sith upon the proud
+journey they had set their minds, they deemed ermine to be well
+fit. (4)  Upon this lay fine silk as black as coal.  This would
+still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.  From out
+a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone.  The
+ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they
+wrought the robes.  Ready, too, were the weapons for the right
+good knights.
+
+When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in
+haste upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them
+downward to the sea.  Weary were the noble maids from all their
+cares.  Then the warriors were told that the brave vestures they
+should wear were now prepared; as they had craved it, so it now
+was done.  Then no longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they
+sent a message to their war-companions, if perchance they should
+care to view their new attire, to see if it be too long or short.
+All was found in fitting measure, and for this they gave the
+ladies thanks.  All who saw them could not but aver that never in
+the world had they seen attire more fair.  Therefore they wore it
+gladly at the court.  None wist how to tell of better knightly
+weeds.  Nor did they fail to give great thanks.  Then the lusty
+knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly
+wise.  Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.
+
+Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a
+while and pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk
+your life; then would I say well done.  Ye might find nearer home
+a wife of as high a birth."
+
+I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap.  All wept
+alike, no matter what men said.  The gold upon their breasts was
+tarnished by their tears, which thick and fast coursed downward
+from their eyes.
+
+She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be
+commended to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in
+Brunhild's land."  This the full brave knight vowed in Lady
+Kriemhild's hand.
+
+The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free
+from every care, my lady.  I'll bring him to you sound again
+hither to the Rhine; that know of a surety."  The fair maid
+bowed her thanks.
+
+Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and
+brought them all their harness.  One bade lead up the steeds, for
+they would ride away.  Much weeping then was done by comely
+dames.  The winsome maids stood at the easements.  A high wind
+stirred the ship and sails; the proud war fellowship embarked
+upon the Rhine.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?" 
+
+"That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on
+the flood.  That know, good knights, the right water ways be well
+known to me."
+
+So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land.  Siegfried
+quickly grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan
+push.  Bold Gunther took the helm himself, and thus the
+worshipful and speedy knights set forth from land.  With them
+they took rich food and eke good wine, the best that could be
+found along the Rhine.  Their steeds stood fair; they had good
+easement.  Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap them.  Their
+stout sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze.  Twenty leagues
+they sailed, or ever came the night, with a good wind, downward
+toward the sea.  These hard toils later brought the high-mettled
+warriors pain.
+
+Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne
+them far away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land.  To none save
+Siegfried was this known; but when King Gunther spied so many
+castles and broad marches, too, how soon he spake: "Pray
+tell me, friend Siegfried, is it known to you whose are these
+castles and this lordly land?"
+
+Siegfried answered: "I know it well.  It is the land and folk of
+Brunhild and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say.  Fair
+ladies ye may still see there to-day.  Methinketh good to advise
+you heroes that ye be of one single mind, and that ye tell the
+selfsame tale.  For if we go to-day before Brunhild, in much
+jeopardy must we stand before the queen.  When we behold the
+lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes, must ye
+tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his
+man; then what he craveth will come to pass."  Full ready they
+were for whatever he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any 
+one abstain.  They promised what he would; wherefrom they all
+fared well, when King Gunther saw fair Brunhild. (6)
+
+"Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the
+comely maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body.  Gladly will
+I bring it to pass, that she become my wife."
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,
+     however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the
+     agreement of the names in German.  "Isen lant", the reading
+     of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,
+     and partly to indicate its probable derivation from
+     "Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle.  Boer's
+     interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in
+     Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)
+     I, 1. 70.  Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle.  In the
+     "Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea
+     Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",
+     referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.
+     Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.
+(2)  "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a
+     few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the
+     name from this passage.  (See Bartsch, "Germanistische
+     Studien", ii, 129.)
+(3)  "Wont to wear".  In the Middle Ages costly furs and
+     fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here
+     described, with silk or cloth.  By fish such amphibious
+     animals as otter and beaver were often meant.
+(4)  "Well fit".  In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,
+     has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems
+     more appropriate to the sense.
+(5)  "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.
+(6)  "Brunhild".  The following words are evidently a late
+     interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been
+     translated for the sake of completeness.  They are spoken by
+     Siegfried.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VII
+How Gunther Won Brunhild.
+
+Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king
+saw many a comely maiden standing at the casements.  Much it
+irked King Gunther that he knew them not.  He asked his comrade
+Siegfried: "Hast thou no knowledge of these maidens, who yonder
+are gazing downward towards us on the flood?  Whoever be their
+lord, they are of lofty mood."
+
+At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the
+high-born maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had
+the power."
+
+"That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight.  "In
+yonder window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds.  She is
+fashioned so fair that mine eyes would choose her for her
+comeliness.  Had I power, she should become my wife."
+
+"Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee.  It is the noble
+Brunhild, the comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke
+thy mind and mood."  All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.
+
+When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for
+it behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes.  Each one
+obeyed.  What next the ladies did, hath been told us since.  They
+decked their persons out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair
+maids have ever had.  To the narrow casements they came again,
+where they had seen the knights.  Through love of gazing this was
+done.
+
+But four there were that were come to land.  Through the windows
+the stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand,
+whereby King Gunther felt himself much honored.  By the bridle he
+held the steed, so stately, good and fair, and large and strong,
+until King Gunther had sat him in the saddle.  Thus Siegfried
+served him, the which he later quite forgot.  Such service he had
+seldom done afore, that he should stand at any here's stirrup.
+Then he led his own steed from the ship.  All this the comely
+dames of noble birth saw through the casements.  The steeds and
+garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were
+right well matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well,
+gleamed in the hands of the stately men.  In lordly wise they
+rode to Brunhild's hall, their saddles set with precious stones,
+with narrow martingales, from which hung bells of bright and
+ruddy gold.  So they came to the land, as well befit their
+prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with well-wrought swords,
+the which hung down to the spurs of these stately men.  The
+swords the bold men bore were sharp and broad.  All this
+Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.
+
+With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too.  We have heard tales
+told of how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue.
+Fair were their bucklers, mickle, good and broad.  Jewels they
+wore from the land of India, the which gleamed gloriously upon
+their weeds.  By the flood they left their skiff without a guard.
+Thus the brave knights and good rode to the castle.  Six and
+eighty towers they saw within, three broad palaces, (1) and one
+hall well wrought of costly marble, green as grass, wherein
+Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers.  The castle was
+unlocked and the gates flung wide.  Then ran Brunhild's men to
+meet them and welcomed the strangers into their mistress' land. 
+One bade relieve them of their steeds and shields.
+
+Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your
+shining breastplates, too."
+
+"That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves
+will bear them."
+
+Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale.  "The usage of the
+castle, let me say, is such that no guests may here bear arms.
+Let them now be taken hence, then will all be well."
+
+Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed.  For the strangers men
+bade pour out wine and make their lodgings ready.  Many doughty
+knights were seen walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds.
+Mickle and oft were these heroes gazed upon.
+
+Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown
+warriors were come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood.  The
+fair and worthy maid gan ask concerning this.  "Pray let me
+hear," spake the queen, "who be these unknown knights, who stand
+so lordly in my castle, and for whose sake the heroes have
+journeyed hither?"
+
+Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that
+never have I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth
+stand among them.  Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my
+rede, in truth.  The second of their fellowship is so worthy of
+praise that he were easily a mighty king over broad and princely
+lands, and he had the power and might possess them.  One doth see
+him stand by the rest in such right lordly wise.  The third of
+the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal so fair of body, most
+noble queen.  By the fierce glances he so oft doth east, I ween
+he be grim of thought and mood.  The youngest among them is
+worshipful indeed.  I see the noble knight stand so charmingly,
+with courtly bearing, in almost maiden modesty.  We might all
+have cause for fear, had any done him aught.  However blithely he
+doth practice chivalry, and howso fair of body he be, yet might
+he well make many a comely woman weep, should he e'er grow angry.
+He is so fashioned that in all knightly virtues he must be a bold
+knight and a brave."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire.  If the mighty
+Siegfried be come unto this land through love of mine, he doth
+risk his life.  I fear him not so sore, that I should become his
+wife."
+
+Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad.  Then went there with her
+many a comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay
+attire.  The stately dames would gaze upon the strangers.  With
+them there walked good knights from Isenland, Brunhild's men-
+at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore swords in hand.  This the
+strangers rued.  From their seats then the brave and lusty heroes
+rose.  When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear what the
+maid did speak.
+
+"Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land!  What doth your
+journey mean?  That I fain would know."
+
+"Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me,
+most generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who
+standeth here before me, for he is my liege lord.  This honor I
+must needs forswear.  By birth he's from the Rhine; what more
+need I to say?  For thy sake are we come hither.  Fain would he
+woo thee, however he fare.  Methink thee now betimes, my lord
+will not let thee go.  He is hight Gunther and is a lordly king.
+An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more.  Forsooth this
+knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither.  I would fain
+have given it over, could I have said him nay."
+
+She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the
+games which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his
+wife; but should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."
+
+Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty
+games.  It must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give
+you the palm.  He troweth well to win so fair a maid."
+
+"He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with
+me.  Be ye not too hasty.  Ye are like to lose here your honor
+and your life as well.  Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the
+lovely maid.
+
+Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen
+all that he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you
+well against her with my arts."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso
+ye list, and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet
+sake.  I'll gladly lose my head, and ye become not my wife."
+
+When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the
+games, as was but meet.  She bade purvey her with good armor for
+the strife: a breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield.
+A silken surcoat, (2) too, the maid put on, which sword had never
+cut in any fray, of silken cloth of Libya.  Well was it wrought. 
+Bright embroidered edging was seen to shine thereon.
+
+Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries.
+Dankwart and Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled
+at the thought of how the king would speed.  Thought they: "Our
+journey will not bring us warriors aught of good."
+
+Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had
+hied him to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed.
+Into it he quickly slipped and so was seen of none.  He hurried
+back and there he found a great press of knights, where the queen
+dealt out her lofty games.  Thither he went in secret wise (by
+his arts it happed), nor was he seen of any that were there.  The
+ring had been marked out, where the games should be, afore many
+valiant warriors, who were to view them there.  More than seven
+hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say who won the game.
+
+Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all
+royal lands.  Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold;
+gloriously her lovely color shone beneath the armor.  Then came
+her courtiers, who bare along a shield of ruddy gold with large
+broad strips as hard as steel, beneath the which the lovely maid
+would fight.  As shield-thong there served a costly band upon
+which lay jewels green as grass.  It shone and gleamed against
+the gold.  He must needs be passing bold, to whom the maid would
+show her love.  The shield the maid should bear was three spans
+thick beneath the studs, as we are told.  Rich enow it was, of
+steel and eke of gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely
+carry.
+
+When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of
+Troneg spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther?  How we
+shall lose our lives!  She you would make your love is the
+devil's bride, in truth."
+
+Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a
+surcoat of silk of Azagoue, (3) noble and costly.  Many a lordly
+stone shone in contrast to its color on the person of the queen.
+
+Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and
+large, the which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle
+and broad, which on its edges cut most fearfully.  Of the spear's
+great weight hear wonders told.  Three and one half weights (4)
+of iron were wrought therein, the which scarce three of
+Brunhild's men could bear.  The noble Gunther gan be sore afraid. 
+Within his heart he thought: "What doth this mean?  How could the
+devil from hell himself escape alive?  Were I safe and sound in
+Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of mine."
+
+Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to
+this court doth rue me sore.  We who have ever borne the name of
+knights, how must we lose our lives!  Shall we now perish at the
+hands of women in these lands?  It doth irk me much, that ever I
+came unto this country.  Had but my brother Hagen his sword in
+hand, and I mine, too, then should Brunhild's men go softly in
+their overweening pride.  This know for sure, they'd guard
+against it well.  And had I sworn a peace with a thousand oaths,
+before I'd see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should
+lose her life."
+
+"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother
+Hagen, "had we the harness which we sorely need and our good
+swords as well; then would the pride of this strong dame become a
+deal more soft."
+
+What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well.  Over her
+shoulders she gazed with smiling mouth.  "Now sith he thinketh
+himself so brave, bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in
+the warriors' hands their sharp-edged swords."
+
+When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold
+Dankwart blushed for very joy.  "Now let them play whatso they
+list," spake the doughty man.  "Gunther is unconquered, since now
+we have our arms."
+
+Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear.  Into the ring men
+bare a heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round.  Twelve
+brave and valiant men-at-arms could scarcely bear it.  This she
+threw at all times, when she had shot the spear.  The
+Burgundians' fear now grew amain.
+
+"Woe is me," cried Hagen.  "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a
+love?  Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."
+
+Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with
+her hands she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high.
+Thus the strife began.  Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's
+hate, and had Siegfried not come to Gunther's aid, she would have
+bereft the king of life.  Secretly Siegfried went and touched his
+hand; with great fear Gunther marked his wiles.  "Who hath
+touched me?" thought the valiant man.  Then he gazed around on
+every side, but saw none standing there.
+
+"'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine.  Thou must not fear
+the queen.  Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear
+it and mark aright what thou dost hear me say.  Make thou the
+motions, I will do the deeds."
+
+When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.
+
+Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any
+man; then can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she
+doth desire it.  See how fearlessly the lady standeth now before
+thee."
+
+Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a
+shield, mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore
+upon his arm.  The sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind
+did blow.  The edge of the mighty spear broke fully through the
+shield, so that men saw the fire flame forth from the armor
+rings.  The stalwart men both staggered at the blow; but for the
+Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead.  From the mouth of
+Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood.  Quickly the good
+knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had
+driven through his shield.  Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it
+back again.  He thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid."  So
+he reversed the point and cast it at her armor with the butt,
+that it rang out loudly from his mighty hand.  The sparks flew
+from the armor rings, as though driven by the wind.  Siegmund's
+son had made the throw with might.  With all her strength she
+could not stand before the blow.  In faith King Gunther never
+could have done the deed.
+
+Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang!  "Gunther, noble
+knight, I cry you mercy for the shot."  She weened that he had
+done it with his strength.  To her had crept a far more powerful
+man.  Then went she quickly, angry was her mood.  The noble maid
+and good raised high the stone and hurled it mightily far from
+her hand.  After the cast she sprang, that all her armor rang, in
+truth.  The stone had fallen twelve fathoms hence, but with her
+leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw.  Then went Sir
+Siegfried to where lay the stone.  Gunther poised it, while the
+hero made the throw.  Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he
+threw the stone still further and made a broader jump.  Through
+his fair arts he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him
+as he sprang.  The leap was made, the stone lay on the ground;
+men saw none other save Gunther, the knight, alone.  Siegfried
+had banished the fear of King Gunther's death.  Brunhild, the
+fair, waxed red with wrath.  To her courtiers she spake a deal
+too loud, when she spied the hero safe and sound at the border of
+the ring: "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and liegemen of mine,
+ye must now be subject to Gunther, the king."
+
+Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their
+homage at the feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land.
+They weened that he had won the games by his own strength alone.
+He greeted them in loving wise; in sooth he was most rich in
+virtues.
+
+Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she
+granted him within the land.  At this Hagen, the bold and doughty
+knight, rejoiced him.  She bade the noble knight go with her
+hence to the spacious palace.  When this was done, they gave the
+warriors with their service better cheer.  With good grace Hagen
+and Dankwart now must needs submit.  The doughty Siegfried was
+wise enow and bare away his magic cloak.  Then he repaired to
+where the ladies sate.  To the king he spake and shrewdly did he
+this: "Why wait ye, good my lord?  Why begin ye not the games, of
+which the queen doth deal so great a store?  Let us soon see how
+they be played."  The crafty man did not as though he wist
+not a whit thereof.
+
+Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir
+Siegfried, have seen naught of the games which the hand of
+Gunther here hath won?"
+
+To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer.  He spake:  "Ye
+have made us sad of mind, my lady.  Siegfried, the good knight,
+was by the ship when the lord of the Rhineland won from you the
+games.  He knoweth naught thereof."
+
+"Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that
+your pride hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a
+wight who hath the power to be your master.  Now, O noble maiden,
+must ye follow us hence to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be.  First must
+my kith and liegemen learn of this.  Certes, I may not so lightly
+void my lands; my dearest friends must first be fetched."
+
+Then bade she messengers ride on every side.  She called her
+friends, her kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come
+without delay to Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and
+rich apparel.  Daily, early and late, they rode in troops to
+Brunhild's castle.
+
+"Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done!  We may ill abide the
+coming of fair Brunhild's men.  If now they come into this land
+in force, then hath the noble maid been born to our great rue.
+The will of the queen is unknown to us; what if she be so wroth
+that we be lost?"
+
+Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care.  I'll
+not let hap that which ye fear.  I'll bring you help hither to
+this land, from chosen knights the which till now ye have not
+known.  Ye must not ask about me; I will fare hence.  Meanwhile
+may God preserve your honor.  I'll return eftsoon and bring you a
+thousand men, the very best of knights that I have ever known."
+
+"Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we
+be justly glad."
+
+He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again.  Tell ye to
+Brunhild, that ye've sent me hence."
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Palaces".  See Adventure III, note 7.
+(2)  "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is
+     a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.
+(3)  "Azagouc".  See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2.  This
+     strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts
+     the description given above.
+(4)  Weights.  The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "masse") is just as
+     indefinite as the English expression.  It was a mass or lump
+     of any metal, probably determined by the size of the
+     melting-pot.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE VIII (1)
+How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.
+
+Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down
+to the sand, where he found a skiff.  Secretly the son of
+Siegmund embarked and drove it quickly hence, as though the wind
+did blow it on.  None saw the steersman; the bark fared fast,
+impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.  They weened a seldom
+strong wind did drive it on.  Nay, it was rowed by Siegfried, the
+son of Siegelind, the fair.  In the time of a day and night with
+might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away, or
+more.  The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty
+hoard.  The hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty
+knight now beached the boat and made it fast full soon.  To a
+hill he hied him, upon which stood a castle, and sought here
+lodgment, as way-worn travelers do.  He came first to a gateway
+that stood fast locked.  In sooth they guarded well their honor,
+as men still do.  The stranger now gan knock upon the door, the
+which was closely guarded.  There within he saw a giant standing,
+who kept the castle and at whose side lay at all times his arms.
+He spake: "Who is it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"
+
+Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight;
+do up the door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who
+would liefer lie soft and take his ease."
+
+When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder.  Meanwhile the
+giant had donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head.
+Quickly the mighty man snatched up his shield and opened wide the
+gate.  How fiercely he ran at Siegfried and asked, how he durst
+wake so many valiant men?  Huge blows were dealt out by his hand.
+Then the lordly stranger gan defend him, but with an iron bar the
+warder shattered his shield-plates.  Then was the hero in dire
+need.  Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the warder
+struck such mighty blows.  Enow his master Siegfried loved him
+for this cause.  They strove so sore that all the castle rang and
+the sound was heard in Nibelung's hall.  He overcame the warder
+and bound him, too.
+
+The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land.  Alberich,
+the bold, a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the
+mountain.  He armed him quick and ran to where he found the noble
+stranger, as he bound the mighty giant.  Full wroth was Alberich
+and strong enow.  On his body he bare helmet and rings of mail
+and in his hand a heavy scourge of gold.  Swift and hard he ran
+to where Siegfried stood.  Seven heavy knobs (3) hung down in
+front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon the bold
+man's arm, that it brake in parts.  The stately stranger came in
+danger of his life.  From his hand he flung the broken shield and
+thrust into the sheath a sword, the which was long.  He would not
+strike his servant dead, but showed his courtly breeding as his
+knightly virtue bade him.  He rushed at Alberich and with his
+powerful hands he seized the gray-haired man by the beard.  So
+roughly he pulled his beard, that he screamed aloud.  The tugging
+of the youthful knight hurt Alberich sore.
+
+Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life.  And might I be
+the vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I
+would own him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death."  So spake
+the cunning (4) man.
+
+He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore.  Full sore the
+strength of Siegfried hurt him.  The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye
+named?"
+
+"My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf.  "Now
+have I noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by
+right the sovran of the land.  I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let
+me live."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best
+of knights we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me
+here."
+
+Why he wanted this, none heard him say.  He loosed the bonds of
+Alberich and the giant.  Then ran Alberich swift to where he
+found the knights.  In fear he waked the Nibelung men.  He spake:
+"Up now, ye heroes, ye must go to Siegfried."
+
+From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice.  A
+thousand doughty knights soon stood well clad.  They hied them to
+where they saw Sir Siegfried stand.  Then was done a fair
+greeting, in part by deeds.  Great store of tapers were now lit
+up; they proffered him mulled wine. (5)  He gave them thanks that
+they were come so soon.  He spake: "Ye must away with me across
+the flood."
+
+Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good.  Well
+thirty hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a
+thousand of the best.  Men brought them their helmets and other
+arms, for he would lead them to Brunhild's land.  He spake: "Ye
+good knights, this will I tell you, ye must wear full costly
+garments there at court, for many lovely dames shall gaze upon
+us.  Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly weeds."
+
+Early on a morn they started on their way.  What a speedy journey
+Siegfried won!  They took with them good steeds and lordly
+harness, and thus they came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land.
+The fair maids stood upon the battlements.  Then spake the queen:
+"Knoweth any, who they be whom I see sailing yonder far out upon
+the sea?  They have rich sails e'en whiter than the snow."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which
+I left hard by here on the way.  I had them sent for, and now
+they be come, my lady."  All eyes were fixed upon the lordly
+strangers.
+
+Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly
+weeds and many other men.  The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell
+me, shall I receive the strangers or shall I deny them
+greetings?"
+
+He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that
+they may well perceive how fain we be to see them here."
+
+Then the queen did as the king advised her.  She marked out
+Siegfried with her greetings from the rest.  Men purveyed them
+lodgings and took in charge their trappings.  So many strangers
+were now come to the land, that everywhere they jostled
+Brunhild's bands.  Now would the valiant men fare home to
+Burgundy.
+
+Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could
+deal out to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of
+which I have such store."
+
+To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble
+queen," spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys.  I
+trow to deal it out in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let
+be mine own."  That he was bountiful, he made appear full well.
+
+When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's
+hand did proffer many a costly gift.  He who craved a mark (6)
+received such store that all the poor might lead a merry life.
+Full hundred pounds he gave, nor did he stop to count.  Enow
+walked before the hall in rich attire, who never had worn afore
+such lordly dress.  Full sore it rued the queen when this she
+heard.  She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have your aid, lest
+your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress; he
+squandereth eke my gold.  If any would forfend this, I'd be his
+friend for aye.  He giveth such royal gifts, the knight must
+ween, forsooth, that I have sent for death.  I would fain use it
+longer and trow well myself to waste that which my father left
+me."  No queen as yet hath ever had so bounteous a chamberlain.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the
+king of the Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to
+give, that we have no need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's
+weeds."
+
+"Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty
+traveling chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand
+shall give, when we are come across to Gunther's land."
+
+Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her
+chamberlains stood by.  She would not trust the duty to
+Giselher's men.  Gunther and Hagen began to laugh thereat.
+
+Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands?  This my
+hand and yours must first decree."
+
+Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we
+will make him steward."
+
+The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her
+mother's brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be
+commended to your care my castles and my lands, till that King
+Gunther's hand rule here."
+
+Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with
+her hence to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from
+the Nibelung land.  They dressed their journey; one saw them
+riding forth upon the sand.  Six and eighty dames they took along
+and thereto a hundred maids, their bodies passing fair.  No
+longer now they tarried, for they were fain to get them hence.
+Ho, what great wail was made by those they left at home!  In
+courtly wise she voided thus her land.  She kissed her nearest
+kinsmen who were found at court.  After a fair leave-taking they
+journeyed to the sea.  To her fatherland the lady nevermore
+returned.  Many kinds of games were seen upon the way; pastimes
+they had galore.  A real sea breeze did help them on their
+voyage.  Thus they fared forth from the land fully merrily.  She
+would not let her husband court her on the way; this pleasure was
+deferred until their wedding-tide in the castle, their home, at
+Worms, to which in good time she came right joyfully with all her
+knights.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  Adventure VIII.  This whole episode, in which Siegfried
+     fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on
+     Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in
+     the older versions.  It is a further development of
+     Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung
+     and became the ruler of the Nibelung land.  The fight with
+     Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former
+     episode.
+(2)  "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a
+     measure of distance, as here.
+(3)  "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.
+(4)  "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of
+     'knowing'.  The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,
+     denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a
+     standing epithet of dwarfs.
+(5)  "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret
+     mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.
+(6)  "Mark".  See Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE IX
+How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.
+
+When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of
+Troneg spake: "Now mark ye what I say.  We wait too long with
+the tidings for Worms upon the Rhine.  Our messengers should be
+e'en now in Burgundy."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more
+fitting for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my
+land.  None can acquaint them better with our journey home to
+court."
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy.  Let me play
+chamberlan, I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard
+their robes, until we bring them to the Burgundian land.  Bid
+Siegfried bear the message, he knoweth how to do it well with his
+mighty strength.  If he refuse you the journey, then must ye in
+courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon for your sister's
+sake."
+
+Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood.  He
+spake: "Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me
+to send a messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother,
+too, that we draw near the Rhine.  This I pray you, Siegfried;
+now do my will, that I may requite it to you ever," spake the
+good knight.
+
+Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till
+Gunther gan beseech him sore.  He spake: "Ye must ride for my
+sake and for Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the 
+royal maid requite it, as well as I."
+
+When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. 
+"Now bid me what ye will; naught shall be withheld.  I will do it
+gladly for the fair maid's sake.  Why should I refuse her whom I
+bear in heart?  Whatso ye command for love of her, shall all be
+done."
+
+"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood
+upon this voyage.  Let my brothers know how we have fared.  These
+tidings must ye let our friends hear, too.  Hide naught from my
+fair sister, give her mine and Brunhild's greetings.  Greet the
+retainers, too, and all my men.  How well I have ended that for
+which my heart hath ever striven!  And tell Ortwin, the dear
+nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at Worms along the
+Rhine.  Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to hold with
+Brunhild a mighty wedding feast.  And tell my sister, when she
+hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she
+give fair greeting to my bride.  For that I will ever render
+Kriemhild service."
+
+The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as
+beseemed him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the
+Rhine.  Never might there be a better envoy in this world.  He
+rode with four and twenty men-at-arms to Worms; he came without
+the king.  When that was noised about, the courtiers all were
+grieved; they feared their master had been slain.
+
+Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood.
+Giselher, the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot
+his brother, too.  How quickly then he spake, when he saw not
+Gunther at Siegfried's side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me
+know where ye have left the king my brother?  The prowess of
+Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from us.  Great scathe had her
+haughty love then brought us."
+
+"Let be this fear.  My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you
+and to his kin.  I left him safe and sound.  He sent me on ahead,
+that I might be his messenger with tidings hither to this land.
+Pray have a care, however that may hap, that I may see the queen
+and your sister, too, for I must let them hear what message
+Gunther and Brunhild have sent them.  Both are in high estate."
+
+Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye
+have brought my much of joy.  She is mickle fearful for my
+brother.  I'll answer that the maid will see you gladly."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall
+be gladly done, in faith.  Who now will tell the ladies that I
+would hie me thither?"
+
+Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man.  The doughty
+knight spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw
+them both: "To us is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland;
+him my brother Gunther hath sent hither to the Rhine.  He
+bringeth the news of how it standeth with the king.  Pray let him
+therefore come to court.  He'll tell you the right tidings
+straight from Isenland."
+
+As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for
+their weeds they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried
+come to court.  This he did full gladly, for he was fain to see
+them.  Kriemhild, the noble maid, addressed him fair: "Be
+welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful knight.  Where is my
+brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king?  We ween that we have
+lost him through Brunhild's strength.  Woe is me, poor maid, that
+ever I was born."
+
+Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye
+passing fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause.  I do you to
+wit, I left him safe and sound.  They have sent me with the
+tidings to you both.  He and his bride do send you kindly
+greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble queen.  Now leave off
+your weeping, they'll come full soon."
+
+In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad.  With her snow-
+white hem she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to
+thank the messenger for the tidings, which now were come.  Thus
+her great sorrow and her weeping were taken away.  She bade the
+messenger be seated; full ready he was for this.  Then spake the
+winsome maid: "I should not rue it, should I give you as an
+envoy's meed my gold.  For that ye are too rich, but I will be
+your friend in other ways."
+
+"And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly
+receive gifts from your fair hand."
+
+Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done."  She bade her
+chamberlain go fetch the meed for tidings.  Four and twenty arm-
+rings, set with goodly gold, she gave him as his meed.  So stood
+the hero's mood that he would not retain them, but gave them
+straightway to her nearest maidens, he found within the bower.
+Full kindly her mother offered him her service.  "I am to tell
+you the tale," then spake the valiant man, "of what the king doth
+pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine.  If ye perform that, my
+lady, he'll ever hold you in his love.  I heard him crave that ye
+should give fair greetings to his noble guests and grant him the
+boon, that ye ride to meet him out in front of Worms upon the
+strand.  This ye are right truly admonished by the king to do."
+
+Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In
+whatsoever wise I can serve the king, that will I not refuse;
+with a kinsman's love it shall be done."  Her color heightened
+for very joy.  Never was the messenger of any prince received
+more fair.  The lady would have kissed him, had she but dared.
+How lovingly he parted from the dames!
+
+The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled.  Sindolt and
+Hunolt and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work
+of putting up the seats outside of Worms upon the strand.  The
+royal stewards, too, were found at work.  Ortwin and Gere would
+not desist, but sent to fetch their friends on every side, and
+made known to them the feasting that was to be.  The many comely
+maids arrayed themselves against the feast.  Everywhere the
+palace and the walls were decked out for the guests.  Gunther's
+hall was passing well purveyed for the many strangers.  Thus
+began full merrily this splendid feast.
+
+From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the
+kinsmen of these three kings, who had been called that they might
+wait upon those who were coming home.  Then from the presses
+great store of costly weeds was taken.  Soon tidings were brought
+that men saw Brunhild's kinsmen ride along.  Great jostling then
+arose from the press of folk in the Burgundian land.  Ho, what
+bold knights were found on either side!
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with
+me at the greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of
+robes; then will praise and honor be given us by the guests."
+Then came the warriors, too, and bade the lordly saddles of pure
+red gold be carried forth, on which the ladies should ride from
+Worms down to the Rhine.  Better trappings might there never be.
+Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on the jet-black palfreys!  From
+their bridles there gleamed forth many a precious stone.  The
+golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on shining carpets
+for the ladies, who were gay of mood.  As I have said, the
+palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard for the noble maids.
+One saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best of silk,
+of which tale might be told.  Six and eighty ladies who wore
+fillets (1) in their hair were seen come forth.  The fair ones
+came to Kriemhild wearing glittering robes.  Then followed many a
+comely maid in brave attire, fifty and four from the Burgundian
+land.  They were eke the best that might anywhere be found.  Men
+saw them walking with their flaxen hair and shining ribbons. 
+That which the king desired was done with zeal.  They wore before
+the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that could be
+found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample
+beauty.  One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur.
+Many an arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the
+silken sleeves, which they should wear.  None might tell the
+story of this tiring to the end.  Many a hand played with
+well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above gay colored robes,
+over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of Araby.  In high
+spirits were these maids of noble birth.  Clasps (3) were sewed
+in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid.  She had
+good cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in
+contrast to her weeds.  No kingly race hath now such fair
+retainers.  When now the lovely maids had donned the garments
+they should wear, there then drew near a mickle band of
+high-mettled champions.  Together with their shields they carried
+many an ashen spear.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Fillets" were worn only by married women.
+(2)  "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.
+     "ferrandine".
+(3)  "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in
+     front.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE X
+How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.
+
+Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands
+pricking to the shore.  One saw the horse of many a maiden, too,
+led by the bridle.  All those who should give them welcome were
+ready now.  When those of Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men
+were come across in boats, they hasted to the shore (not idle
+were their hands), where the kindred of the king were seen upon
+the other bank.  Now hear this tale, too, of the queen, the noble
+Uta, how she herself rode hither with the maidens from the
+castle.  Then many a knight and maid became acquaint.  Duke Gere
+led Kriemhild's palfroy by the bridle till just outside the
+castle gate.  Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend
+her further.  A fair maid was she!  Later the noble dame requited
+well this deed.  Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta's side, and
+many knights and maidens rode in pairs.  Well may we aver that so
+many dames were never seen together at such stately greeting.
+Many a splendid joust was ridden by worshipful knights (not well
+might it be left undone) afore Kriemhild, the fair, down to the
+ships.  Then the fair-fashioned ladies were lifted from the
+palfreys.  The king was come across and many a worthy guest.  Ho,
+what stout lances brake before the ladies' eyes!  One heard the
+clash of many hurtling shields.  Ho, what costly bucklers rang
+loudly as they closed!  The lovely fair stood by the shore as
+Gunther and his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led
+Brunhild by the hand.  Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth
+in rivalry.  Lady Kriemhild walked with courtly breeding to meet
+Dame Brunhild and her train.  White hands removed the chaplets,
+(1) as these twain kissed each other; through deference this was
+done.
+
+Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome
+in these lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the
+loyal kin we have."
+
+Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft.  Such
+loving greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame
+Uta and her daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they
+kissed her oft.  When now Brunhild's ladies all were come to
+land, stately knights took many a comely woman by the hand in
+loving wise.  The fair-fashioned maids were seen to stand before
+the lady Brunhild.  Long time elasped or ever the greetings all
+were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth.  Still
+side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well
+the doughty warriors for to see.  They who had heard men boast
+afore that such beauty had ne'er been seen as these two dames
+possessed, spied now with all their eyes and must confess the
+truth.  Nor did one see upon their persons cheats of any kind.
+Those who wot how to judge of women and lovely charms, praised
+Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had seen more clear and
+spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before Brunhild.
+
+Maids and ladies now drew near each other.  Many a comely dame
+was seen arrayed full well.  Silken tents and many rich pavilions
+stood hard by, the which quite filled the plain of Worms.  The
+kinsmen of the king came crowding around, when Brunhild and
+Kriemhild and with them all the dames were bidden go to where
+shade was found.  Thither the knights from the Burgundian land
+escorted them.
+
+Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in
+many royal jousts.  From the plain the dust gan rise, as though
+the whole land had burst forth into flames.  There many a knight
+became well known as champion.  Many a maiden saw what there the
+warriors plied.  Methinks, Sir Siegfried and his knights rode
+many a turn afore the tents.  He led a thousand stately
+Nibelungs.
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted
+in gentle wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered
+with the dust, the which the strangers willingly obeyed.  Then
+spake Sir Gernot: "Let stand the steeds till the air grow cooler,
+for ye must be full ready when that the king will ride. 
+Meanwhile let us serve the comely dames before the spacious
+hall."
+
+When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights,
+on pastime bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high
+pavilion in the hope of lofty joys.  There they passed the hours
+until they were minded to ride away.
+
+Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew
+chill, no longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward
+the castle.  Many a comely maiden was caressed with loving
+glances.  In jousting great store of clothes were torn by good
+knights, by the high-mettled warriors, after the custom of the
+land, until the king dismounted by the hall.  Valiant heroes
+helped the ladies, as is their wont.  The noble queens then
+parted; Lady Uta and her daughter went with their train to a
+spacious hall, where great noise of merriment was heard on every
+side.
+
+The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table
+with his guests.  At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand,
+wearing the crown in the king's domain.  Royal enow she was in
+sooth.  Good broad tables, with full many benches for the men,
+were set with vitaille, as we are told.  Little they lacked that
+they should have!  At the king's table many a lordly guest was
+seen.  The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in basins of
+ruddy gold.  It were but in vain, if any told you that men were
+ever better served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you
+that.
+
+Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his
+hands, Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth
+of what he had promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in
+Isenland.  He spake: "Ye must remember how ye swore me by your
+hand, that when Lady Brunhild came to this land, ye would give me
+your sister to wife.  Where be now these oaths?  I have suffered
+mickle hardship on our trip."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me.
+Certes my hand shall not be perjured.  I'll bring it to pass as
+best I can."
+
+Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came
+with her fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir
+Giselher sprang down the
+
+steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister
+alone shall be here by the king."
+
+Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found.  There
+stood noble knights from many princes' lands; throughout the
+broad hall one bade them stand quite still.  By this time Lady
+Brunhild had stepped to the table, too.  Then spake King Gunther:
+"Sweet sister mine, by thy courtesie redeem my oath.  I swore to
+give thee to a knight, and if he become thy husband, then hast
+thou done my will most loyally."
+
+Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus
+entreat me.  Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command,
+that shall be done.  I'll gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye,
+my lord, do give me to husband."
+
+Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes.  The
+knight then proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild.  Men bade
+them take their stand at each other's side within the ring and
+asked if she would take the stately man.  In maidenly modesty she
+was a deal abashed, yet such was Siegfried's luck and fortune,
+that she would not refuse him out of hand.  The noble king of
+Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife.  When he and the maid
+had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon the
+winsome maid.  Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights.
+The courtiers parted, when that had happed; on the bench over
+against the king Siegfried was seen to take his scat with
+Kriemhild.  Thither many a man accompanied him as servitor; men
+saw the Nibelungs walk at Siegfried's side.
+
+The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied
+Kriemhild (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's
+side.  She began to weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks.
+Quoth the lord of the land: "What aileth you, my lady, that ye
+let bright eyes grow dim?  Ye may well rejoice; my castles and my
+land and many a stately vassal own your sway."
+
+"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is
+sore because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy
+vassal's side.  I must ever weep that she be so demeaned."
+
+Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your
+peace.  At another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave
+Siegfried my sister unto wife.  Certes she may well live ever
+happily with the knight."
+
+She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie.  I
+fain would flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I
+lie close by your side, unless ye tell me through what cause
+Kriemhild be Siegfried's bride."
+
+Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath
+castles and broad domains, as well as I.  Know of a truth, he is
+a mighty king, therefore did I give him the peerless maid to
+love."
+
+But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.
+
+Now many a good knight hastened from the board.  Their hurtling
+waxed so passing hard, that the whole castle rang.  But the host
+was weary of his guests.  Him-thought that he might lie more soft
+at his fair lady's side.  As yet he had not lost at all the hope
+that much of joy might hap to him through her.  Lovingly he began
+to gaze on Lady Brunhild.  Men bade the guests leave off their
+knightly games, for the king and his wife would go to bed.
+Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the hall,
+as yet without the hate of either.  Then came their retinue.
+Noble chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights.  The
+warriors, the liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either
+side and many of the knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.
+
+The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie.  Each
+of the twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame.  This
+made them blithe of mood.  Siegfried's pleasure on that night was
+passing great.  When Lord Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and
+with his noble love caressed the high-born maid so tenderly, she
+grew as dear to him as life, so that not for a thousand other
+women would he have given her alone.  No more I'll tell how
+Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther
+lay by Lady Brunhild's side.  The stately knight had often lain
+more soft by other dames.  The courtiers now had left, both maid
+and man.  The chamber soon was locked; he thought to caress the
+lovely maid.  Forsooth the time was still far off, ere she became
+his wife.  In a smock of snowy linen she went to bed.  Then
+thought the noble knight: "Now have I here all that I have ever
+craved in all my days."  By rights she must needs please him
+through her comeliness.  The noble king gan shroud the lights and
+then the bold knight hied him to where the lady lay.  He laid him
+at her side, and great was his joy when in his arms he clasped
+the lovely fair.  Many loving caresses he might have given, had
+but the noble dame allowed it.  She waxed so wroth that he was
+sore a-troubled; he weened that they were lovers, but he found
+here hostile hate.  She spake: "Sir Knight, pray give this over,
+which now ye hope.  Forsooth this may not hap, for I will still
+remain a maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye that."
+
+Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled
+all her clothes.  The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the
+which was a stout band she wore around her waist, and with it she
+wrought the king great wrong enow.  She bound him hand and foot
+and bare him to a nail and hung him on the wall.  She forbade him
+love, sith he disturbed her sleep.  Of a truth he came full nigh
+to death through her great strength.
+
+Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead.  "Now
+loose my bands, most noble queen.  I no longer trow to conquer
+you, fair lady, and full seldom will I lie so near your side."
+
+She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft.  There he had
+to hang all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone
+through the casements.  Had he ever had great strength, it was
+little seen upon him now.
+
+"Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair
+maid spake, "and your servants found you bound by a woman's
+hand?"
+
+Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would
+it gain me honor," spake the doughty man.  "By your courtesie,
+pray let me lie now by your side.  Sith that my love mislike you
+so, I will not touch your garment with my hands."
+
+Then she loosed him soon and let him rise.  To the bed again, to
+the lady he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter
+he full seldom touched her comely weeds.  Nor would she have
+allowed it.
+
+Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which
+great store was ready for them against the morn.  However merry
+men made, the lord of the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a
+crown that day.  As was the usage which they had and which they
+kept by right, Gunther and Brunhild no longer tarried, but hied
+them to the minster, where mass was sung.  Thither, too, Sir
+Siegfried came and a great press arose among the crowd.  In
+keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all that
+they did need, their crowns and robes as well.  Then they were
+consecrated.  When this was done, all four were seen to stand
+joyful 'neath their crowns.  Many young squires, six hundred or
+better, were now girt with sword in honor of the kings, as ye
+must know.  Great joy rose then in the Burgundian land; one heard
+spear-shafts clashing in the hands of the sworded knights.  There
+at the windows the fair maids sat; they saw shining afore them
+the gleam of many a shield.  But the king had sundered him from
+his liegemen; whatso others plied, men saw him stand full sad.
+Unlike stood his and Siegfried's mood.  The noble knight and good
+would fain have known what ailed the king.  He hasted to him and
+gan ask: "Pray let me know how ye have fared this night, Sir
+King."
+
+Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won;
+I have brought a fell devil to my house and home.  When I weened
+to love her, she bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me
+high upon a wall.  There I hung affrighted all night until the
+day, or ever she unbound me.  How softly she lay bedded there!  
+In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to thee as friend to
+friend."
+
+Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth.  I'll do you
+this to wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that
+she lie by you so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold
+from you her love."
+
+After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech.  Sir
+Siegfried spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer.  I ween
+we fared unlike last night.  Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me
+than life; the Lady Brunhild must become thy wife to-night.  I'll
+come to thy chamber this night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak,
+that none may note at all my arts.  Then let the chamberlains
+betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out the lights in the
+pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within and that
+I'll gladly serve thee.  I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou
+mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."
+
+"Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I
+shall be glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list.  I could
+endure it well, an' thou didst take her life.  In sooth she is a
+fearful wife."
+
+"I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not 
+embrace her.  The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all
+maids that I have ever seen."
+
+Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.
+
+From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men
+forbade the hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were
+to hie them to the hall.  The grooms-in-waiting bade the people
+stand aside; the court was cleared of steeds and folk.  A bishop
+led each of the ladies, as they should go to table in the
+presence of the kings.  Many a stately warrior followed to the
+seats.  In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well he
+thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do.  This one day
+thought him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were 
+bent upon his lady's love.  He could scarce abide the time to
+leave the board.  Now men let fair Brunhild and Kriemhild, too,
+both go to their rest.  Ho, what doughty knights were seen to
+walk before the queens!
+
+The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss
+without alloy.  With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till
+that he vanished from before her eyes, she wist not when.  When
+now she no longer spied him, as she toyed, the queen spake to his
+followers: "Much this wondereth me, whither the king be gone. 
+Who hath taken his hands from mine?"
+
+She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many
+grooms of the chamber stand with lights.  These he gan snuff out
+in the pages' hands. Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried.
+Well wist he what he would; he bade the maids and ladies now
+withdraw.  When that was done, the mighty king himself made fast
+the door and nimbly shoved in place two sturdy bolts.  Quickly
+then he hid the lights behind the hangings of the bed.  Stout
+Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there was no
+help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther.  Siegfried laid
+him close by the high-born maid.  She spake: "Now, Gunther, let
+that be, and it be lief to you, that ye suffer not hardship as
+afore."
+
+Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore.  He held his peace and
+answered not a whit.  Gunther heard well, though he could not see
+his friend a bit, that they plied not secret things, for little
+ease they had upon the bed.  Siegfried bare him as though he were
+Gunther, the mighty king.  In his arms he clasped the lovely
+maid.  She cast him from the bed upon a bench near by, so that
+his head struck loudly against the stool.  Up sprang the valiant
+man with all his might; fain would he try again.  When he thought
+now to subdue her, she hurt him sore.  Such defense, I ween,
+might nevermore be made by any wife.
+
+When he would not desist, up sprang the maid.  "Ye shall not
+rumple thus my shift so white.  Ye are a clumsy churl and it
+shall rue you sore, I'll have you to know fall well," spake the
+comely maid.  In her arms she grasped the peerless knight; she
+weened to bind him, as she had done the king, that she might have
+her case upon the bed.  The lady avenged full sore, that he had
+rumpled thus her clothes.  What availed his mickle force and his
+giant strength?  She showed the knight her masterly strength of
+limb; she carried him by force (and that must needs be) and
+pressed him rudely 'twixt a clothes-press and the wall.
+
+"Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a
+maiden's hands, then may all wives hereafter bear towards their
+husbands haughty mien, who would never do it else."
+
+The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life.
+Siegfried was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing
+strength he set himself against her and tried it again with Lady
+Brunhild in fearful wise.  It thought the king full long, before
+he conquered her.  She pressed his hands, till from her strength
+the blood gushed forth from out the nails: this irked the hero.
+Therefore he brought the highborn maiden to the pass that she
+gave over her unruly will, which she asserted there afore.  The
+king heard all, albeit not a word he spake.  Siegfried pressed
+her against the bed, so that she shrieked aloud.  Passing sore
+his strength did hurt her.  She grasped the girdle around her
+waist and would fain have bound him, but his hand prevented it in
+such a wise that her limbs and all her body cracked.  Thus the
+strife was parted and she became King Gunther's wife.
+
+She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life.  I'll do thee
+remedy for whatso I have done thee.  I'll no longer struggle
+against thy noble love, for I have learned full well that thou
+canst make thee master over women."
+
+Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would
+do off his clothes.  From her hand he drew a golden finger ring,
+without that she wist it, the noble queen.  Thereto he took her
+girdle, a good stout band.  I know not if he did that for very
+haughtiness.  He gave it to his wife and rued it sore in after
+time.
+
+Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side.  He played the
+lover, as beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath
+and shame.  From his embrace a little pale she grew.  Ho, how her
+great strength failed through love!  Now was she no stronger than
+any other wife.  He caressed her lovely form in lover's wise. 
+Had she tried her strength again, what had that availed?  All
+this had Gunther wrought in her by his love.  How right lovingly
+she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!
+
+Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair
+greetings by a woman fashioned fair.  He turned aside the
+question she had thought to put and hid long time from her what
+he had brought, until she ruled as queen within his land.  How
+little he refused to give her what he should!
+
+On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been
+afore.  Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all
+his lands, whom he had bidden to his court, and to whom he
+proffered much of service.  The wedding feast now lasted till the
+fourteenth day, so that in all this while the sound never died
+away of the many joys which there they plied.  The cost to the
+king was rated high.  The kinsmen of the noble host gave gifts in
+his honor to the strolling folk, as the king commanded: vesture
+and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too.  Those who there craved
+gifts departed hence full merrily.  Siegfried, the lord from
+Netherland, with a thousand of his men, gave quite away the
+garments they had brought with them to the Rhine and steeds and
+saddles, too.  Full well they wot how to live in lordly wise.
+Those who would home again thought the time too long till the
+rich gifts had all been made.  Nevermore have guests been better
+eased.  Thus ended the wedding feast; Gunther, the knight, would
+have it so.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.
+     "schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress
+     especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.
+     It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of
+     gold and silver.  (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im
+     Mittelalter", i, 387.)
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XI
+How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.
+
+When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake
+to his fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my
+lands."
+
+Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. 
+She spake to her husband: "When shall we ride?  I pray thee, make
+me not haste too sore.  First must my brothers share their lands
+with me."
+
+It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild.  The
+lordings hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know,
+Sir Siegfried, that our true service be ever at your bidding till
+our death."
+
+Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in
+such kindly wise.  "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the
+youth, "both land and castles which we do own and whatever broad
+realms be subject to our power.  Of these ye and Kriemhild shall
+have a goodly share."
+
+The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the
+lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your
+heritage and the folk therein.  My dear bride can well forego in
+truth the share which ye would give.  There where she shall wear
+a crown, she shall be mightier than any one alive, and live to
+see the day.  For whatsoever else ye do command, I stand ready to
+your bidding."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet
+is it not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms.  A
+king might gladly lead them to his land.  Forsooth my brothers'
+hands must share them with me."
+
+Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish.
+Thou wilt find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. 
+We will give thee a thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be
+they thy court retainers."
+
+Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin,
+to ask if they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.
+
+At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth.  He spake: "Certes, Gunther
+may not give us to any in the world.  Let others follow as your
+train.  Ye know full well the custom of the men of Troneg: we
+must in duty bound remain here with the kings at court.  We must
+serve them longer, whom we till now have followed."
+
+They gave that over and made them ready to ride away.  Lady
+Kriemhild gained for herself two and thirty maids and five
+hundred men, a noble train.  The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed
+Kriemhild hence.  They all took leave, both knights and squires
+and maids and ladies, as was mickle right.  Anon they parted with
+a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's land.  Their kinsmen
+bare them company far upon the way and bade them pitch their
+quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the
+princes' land.
+
+Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might
+know, and Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's
+child, Kriemhild, the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine.  Liefer
+tidings might they never have.  "Well for me," spake then
+Siegmund, "that I have lived to see fair Kriemhild here as queen.
+My heritage will be thereby enhanced.  My son, the noble
+Siegfried, shall himself be king."
+
+Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy
+gold; this was the envoy's meed.  The tale well liked her, which
+then she heard.  She clad her and her handmaids with care, as did
+beseem them.  Men told who was to come with Siegfried to the
+land.  Anon they bade seats be raised, where he should walk
+crowned before his friends.  King Siegmund's liegemen then rode
+forth to meet him.  Hath any been ever better greeted than the
+famous hero in Siegmund's land, I know not.  Siegelind, the fair,
+rode forth to meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty
+knights did follow on behind), a full day's journey, till one
+espied the guests.  Home-folk and the strangers had little
+easement till they were come to a spacious castle, hight Xanten,
+(2) where they later reigned.
+
+Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for
+joy and Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them.  All
+their fellowship received great welcome.  One bade now bring the
+guests to Siegmund's hall, and lifted the fair young maids down
+from the palfreys.  Many a knight gan serve the comely dames with
+zeal.  However great the feasting at the Rhine was known to be,
+here one gave the heroes much better robes than they had worn in
+all their days.  Of their splender great marvels might be told.
+When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all, what
+gold-hued clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well
+worked thereon!  Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them
+well.
+
+Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's
+kin to wit, that he shall wear my crown before these knights."
+Those of Netherland heard full fain the tale.  He gave his son
+the crown, the cognizance, (3) and lands, so that he then was
+master of them all.  When that men went to law and Siegfried
+uttered judgment, that was done in such a wise that men feared
+sore fair Kriemhild's husband.
+
+In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as
+king, till the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a
+son.  This was come to pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the
+king.  They hastened to baptize and name him Gunther for his
+uncle; nor had he need to be ashamed of this.  Should he grow
+like to his kinsman, he would fare full well.  They brought him
+up with care, as was but due.  In these same times the Lady
+Siegelind died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them of
+her.  Then the child of the noble Uta held withal the power over
+the lands, which well beseemed such high-born dames. (4)
+
+Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's
+court, in the Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a
+son.  For the hero's sake they named him Siegfried.  With what
+great care they bade attend him!  The noble Gunther gave him
+masters who well wot how to bring him up to be a doughty man.
+Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered through
+misfortune!
+ 
+Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the
+lusty knights dwelt alway in Siegmund's land.  Gunther dealt the
+same with his distinguished kin.  The Nibelung land and
+Schilbung's knights and the goods of both served Siegfried here
+(none of his kinsmen ever waxed mightier than he).  So much the
+higher rose the mood of the valiant man.  The very greatest heard
+that any hero ever gained, save those who owned it aforetime, the
+bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand hard by a
+hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death.  He had
+honors to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one
+must rightly aver of the noble champion, that he was one of the
+best that ever mounted horse.  Men feared his might and justly,
+too.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.
+(2)  "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.
+(3)  "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'
+(4)  "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XII
+How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.
+
+Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady
+Kriemhild bear her!  Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman?
+Long time now hath he done us little service."  This she bare
+within her heart, but held her peace.  It irked her sore that
+they did make themselves such strangers and that men from
+Siegfried's land so seldom served her.  Fain would she have known
+from whence this came.  She asked the king if it might hap that
+she should see Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had
+in mind.  The speech like the king but moderately well.  "How
+might we bring them," quoth he, "hither to our land?  That were
+impossible, they live too far away; I dare not ask them this."
+
+To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and
+mighty a king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone
+whatsoever his lord command him."
+
+King Gunther smiled when she spake thus.  However oft he saw
+Siegfried, yet did he not count it to him as service.
+
+She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and
+thy sister come to this land, that we may see them here.  Naught
+liefer might ever hap to me in truth.  Whenso I think on thy
+sister's courtesie and her well-bred mind, how it delighteth me!
+How we sate together, when I first became thy wife!  She may with
+honor love bold Siegfried."
+
+She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I
+have never seen more welcome guests.  Ye need but beg me gently.
+I will send my envoys for the twain, that they may come to see us
+to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to
+send for them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into
+the land.  Give me also to know whom ye will send thither."
+
+"That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride
+thither."
+
+He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to
+Siegfried's land.  To their delight Brunhild did give them full
+lordly vesture.
+
+Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid
+you to mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not
+conceal: that no one in the world doth love them more, and beg
+them both to come to us to the Rhine.  For this I and my lady
+will be ever at your service.  At the next Midsummer's Day shall
+he and his men gaze upon many here, who would fain do them great
+honor.  Give to the king Siegmund my greetings, and say that I
+and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister, too,
+that she fail not to ride to see her kin.  Never did feasting
+beseem her better."
+
+Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all
+commended their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant
+men in Siegfried's land.  With the consent of the kinsmen of the
+king the messengers set forth.  They rode as wandering knights;
+their horses and their trappings had now been brought them.  Then
+they voided the land, for they had haste of the journey, whither
+they would fare.  The king bade guard the messengers well with
+convoys.  In three weeks they came riding into the land, to
+Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway, (1) whither they
+were sent.  Here they found the knight.  The mounts of the
+messengers were weary from the lengthy way.
+
+Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were
+come, who wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy.
+She sprang from a couch on which she lay to rest and bade a
+maiden hie her to the window.  In the court she saw bold Gere
+standing, him and the fellowship that had been sent thither. 
+What joyful things she there found against her sorrow of heart! 
+She spake to the king: "Now behold where they stand, who walk in
+the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother sendeth us adown
+the Rhine.
+
+Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."
+
+All the courtiers ran to where one saw them.  Each of them in
+turn then spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys.
+Siegmund, the lord, was right blithe of their coming.  Then Gere
+and his men were lodged and men bade take their steeds in charge.
+The messengers then went hence to where Lord Siegfried sate by
+Kriemhild.  This they did, for they had leave to go to court. 
+The host and his lady rose from their seats at once and greeted
+well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship, Gunther's
+liegemen.  One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.
+
+"Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats;
+let us way-worn strangers stand the while.  We be come to tell
+you tidings which Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things
+stand well, have sent you, and also what Lady Uta, your mother,
+sendeth.  Giselher, the youth, and Sir Gernot, too, and your
+dearest kin, they have sent us hither and commend their service
+to you from out the Burgundian land."
+
+"Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth
+and good, as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same.
+Ye must tell us more, whether our dear friends at home be of good
+cheer?  Since we have been parted from them, hath any done amiss
+to my lady's kinsmen?  That ye must let me know.  If so, I'll
+ever help them bear it in duty bound, until their foes must rue
+my serviceú"
+
+Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in
+every virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a
+feasting by the Rhine.  They would fain see you, as ye may not
+doubt, and they do beg my lady that she come with you, when the
+winter hath taken an end.  They would see you before the next
+Midsummer's Day."
+
+Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."
+
+Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta,
+Gernot, and Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. 
+I hear daily wail, that ye do live so far away.  My Lady Brunhild
+and all her maids be fain of the tidings, if that might be that
+they should see you again; this would raise their spirits high."
+These tidings thought fair Kriemhild good.
+
+Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine
+poured out for the guests; no longer did they tarry.  Now
+Siegmund was come to where he saw the messengers.  The lord said
+to the Burgundians in friendly wise: "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye
+men of Gunther.  Sith now Siegfried, my son, hath won Kriemhild
+to wife, one should see you more often here in this our land, if
+ye would show your kinship."
+
+They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would.  Of
+their weariness they were cased with joyous pastime.  Men bade
+the messengers be seated and brought them food, of which
+Siegfried had them given great store.  They must needs stay there
+full nine days, till at last the doughty knights made plaint,
+that they durst not ride again to their land.
+
+Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked
+them what they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine.
+"My kinsman Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a
+feasting.  Now I would go full gladly, but that his land doth lie
+too far away.  They beg Kriemhild, too, that she journey with me.
+Now advise, dear friends, in what manner she shall ride thither.
+Though I must harry for them through thirty lands, yet would
+Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."
+
+Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the
+feasting, we will advise what ye must do.  Ye should ride to the
+Rhine with a thousand knights, then can ye stand with worship
+there in Burgundy land."
+
+Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the
+feasting, why make ye it not known to me?  If ye scorn it not, I
+will ride thither with you and will take a hundred knights,
+wherewith to swell your band."
+
+"And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave
+Siegfried, "glad shall I be of that.  Within a twelfth night I
+will quit my lands."
+
+All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.
+
+Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the
+good and speedy envoys ride again.  He sent word to his wife's
+kindred on the Rhine, that he would full fain be at their
+feasting.  Siegfried and Kriemhild, as the tale doth tell, gave
+the messengers such store of gifts that their horses could not
+bear them to their native land.  A wealthy man was he.  They
+drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.
+
+Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men.  Eckewart, the
+margrave, that very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best
+that were at hand or might be found throughout all Siegfried's
+land.  Men gan prepare the saddles and the shields.  To knights
+and ladies who should go hence with him was given whatso they
+would, so that they wanted naught.  He brought to his kinsfolk
+many a lordly stranger.
+
+The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way.  Now was
+Gere, the knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair.  Then
+they dismounted from their steeds and from the nags in front of
+Gunther's hall.  Young and old did hie them, as people do, to ask
+the tidings.  Quoth the good knight: "When I tell them to the
+king, thou be at hand a hear."
+
+With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther.  For
+very joy the king sprang from his seat.  Fair Brunhild cried them
+mercy, that they were come so quick.  Gunther spake to the
+envoys: "How fareth Siegfried, from whom so much of gladness hath
+happed to me?"
+
+Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no
+truer tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord
+Siegfried and his father, too, have sent to you."
+
+Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh
+Kriemhild to us?  Hath the fair still kept the graces which she
+knew how to use?"
+
+"She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.
+
+Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her.  By her question
+one might note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild
+still were well.  He told how he had found her and that she would
+shortly come.  Nor were the gifts concealed by them at court, 
+which Siegfried gave them, gold and vesture; these they brought
+for the vassals of the three kings to see.  For their passing
+great bounty men gave them thanks.
+
+"He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could
+not squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye.  His
+hand hath closed upon the hoard of the Nibelungs.  Ho, let him
+only come to the Burgundian land!"
+
+All the courtiers were glad that they should come.  Early and
+late the men of the three kings were busy.  Many benches they gan
+raise for the folk.  The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt
+had little rest.  All time they had to oversee the stewards and
+the butlers and raise many a bench.  Ortwin helped them, too, at
+this, and Gunther said them thanks.  Rumolt, the master cook, how
+well he ruled his underlings!  Ho, how many a broad kettle, pot,
+and pan they had!  They made ready the vitaille for those who
+were coming to the land.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Norway".  The interpolated character of the Adventures XI
+     to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is
+     shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.
+     The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and
+     locates it in Norway.  No mention is made, however, of the
+     messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild
+     speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIII
+How They Journeyed To The Feasting.
+
+Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady
+Kriemhild and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down
+toward the Rhine.  Never did sumpters bear so much lordly
+raiment.  They made ready for the way full many traveling chests.
+Then Siegfried, the knight, and the queen as well, rode forth
+with their friends to where they had hope of joys.  Later it sped
+them all to their great harm.  They left Siegfried's little
+child, Kriemhild's son, at home.  That must needs be.  Great
+grief befell him through their journey to the court.  The bairn
+never saw his father and his mother more.  With them, too, there
+rode Lord Siegmund.  Had he known aright how he would fare at the
+feasting, no whit of it would he have seen.  No greater woe might
+ever hap to him in loving friends.
+
+Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale.  Then with a
+stately band there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and
+Gunther's liegemen.  The host gan bestir him for his guests.  He
+went to where Brunhild sate and asked: "How did my sister greet
+you when ye came to our land?  In like manner must ye greet
+Siegfried's wife."
+
+"That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her
+friend."
+
+The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the
+morrow; if ye would greet them, set quickly to work, that we
+abide them not within the castle.  At no time have such welcome
+guests ever come to see me."
+
+At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment,
+the best they had, the which her train should wear before the
+guests.  One may lightly say, they did this gladly.  Gunther's
+men hasted also for to serve them, and around him the host did
+gather all his knights.  Then the queen rode forth in princely
+wise and mickle greeting of the welcome guests was done.  With
+what great joy did they receive them!  It thought them as though
+Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in the
+Burgundian land.  Those who had never seen her became acquaint
+with lofty mood.
+
+Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen.  One saw the heroes
+wending to and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands.  None might
+guard him there against the jostling and the dust.
+
+When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how
+lovingly he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my
+friends; we shall be of good cheer because of this your journey
+to our court."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man;
+"sith my son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged
+that I should go to see you."
+
+At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."
+
+Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him;
+none bare him hatred there.  Giselher and Gernot helped thereby
+with great courtesie.  I ween, never have guests been greeted in
+such goodly wise.
+
+Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other.  Emptied
+were many saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly
+hands upon the sward.  How busy were those who gladly served the
+dames!  The lovely women now drew near each other, and many a
+knight was blithe, that such fair greeting passed between the
+twain.  Then one saw great press of warriors standing by the
+high-born maids.  The lordly meiny (1) grasped each other by the
+hand.  Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from
+fair-fashioned dames.  This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's
+liegemen for to see.  They bided now no longer, but rode to town.
+The host bade show his guests full well that all were fain to see
+them in the Burgundian land.  Many a royal joust took place
+before the high-born maids.  Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too,
+proved full well their prowess.  One durst not leave undone
+whatso they would command.  Much service was rendered by them to
+the welcome guests.  Many shields were heard resound from thrusts
+and blows before the castle gate.  The host and his guests
+tarried long time without, or ever they came within.  Forsooth
+the hours passed quickly for them with their sports.  Merrily
+they rode before the royal palace.  Many cunning housings (2) of
+good cloth and well cut were seen hanging on either side from the
+saddles of the fair-fashioned dames.
+
+Then came Gunther's liegemen.  Men bade lead the strangers
+quickly to their easement.  At times one saw Brunhild glance at
+Lady Kriemhild, who was passing fair enow.  Her color against the
+gold gave back the gleam in lovely wise.  On every side in Worms
+one heard the courtiers shout.  Gunther bade Dankwart, his
+marshal, have them in his care, who then gan lodge the retinue in
+goodly wise.  One let them eat within and eke without.  Never
+were stranger guests better cared for.  Men gave them gladly all
+they craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there
+denied.  Men served them in friendly wise without all hate.  The
+host now took his seat at table with his guests.  One bade
+Siegfried be seated where he sate afore.  Then many a stately man
+went with him to the seats.  Twelve hundred warriors in sooth did
+sit at his round table.  Brunhild thought her that a vassal could
+not be mightier than he; yet she was still so friendly to him
+that she did not wish his death.
+
+On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly
+robes were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables.
+Full service was given there with mickle zeal.  As hath long been
+the wont at feasts, men bade the ladies and the maids be given
+fair lodgment.  From wherever they were come, the host bare them
+right good will.  One gave them all enow with goodly honors.
+
+When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious
+stone from the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they
+were touched by woman's hand.  Many a lordly robe was taken
+forth.  Or ever the day had fully dawned, many knights and
+squires came out before the hall.  Then rose a merry rout before
+the early mass, which was sung for the king.  There young heroes
+rode so well that the king did cry them mercy.  Many a trumpet
+rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did grow
+so great that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound.
+The high-mettled heroes horsed them everywhere.  Then there rose
+in the land high knightly play from many a doughty champion; one
+saw a great rout of them whose youthful hearts beat high, and
+many a dapper knight and a good stood armed with shield.  At the
+easements sate the high-born dames and many comely maids, decked
+out in brave attire.  They watched the pastimes of the many
+valiant men.  The host himself gan tilt there with his friends.
+Thus they passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.
+
+Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells.  The
+palfreys came, the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed
+the noble queens.  They alighted on the green before the minster;
+Brunhild was still friendly to her guests.  Wearing crowns, they
+entered the spacious church.  Later their love was parted, which
+caused great hate.  When they had heard the mass, they rode away
+again with many honors and were soon seen going merrily to table.
+Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag until the eleventh
+day.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving
+     folk'.
+(2)  "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIV
+How The Queens Reviled Each Other.
+
+On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many
+knights made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports
+for pastime's sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted
+there to gaze.  The royal queens had sat them down together and
+talked of two worshipful knights.
+
+Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right
+should rule over all these kingdoms."
+
+Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be?  If none other lived but
+he and thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the
+while Gunther liveth, this may never hap."
+
+Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right
+royally he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before
+the stars?  Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."
+
+Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy
+and fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the
+noble brother of thine.  Know of a truth, he must be placed above
+all kings."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I
+have not lauded him without good cause.  His worship is great in
+many things.  Dost thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily
+Gunther's peer."
+
+"Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I
+have not spoken thus without good reason.  I heard them both
+aver, when I saw them first of all, and the king was victor
+against me in the games, and when he won my love in such knightly
+wise, that he was liegeman to the king, and Siegfried himself
+declared the same.  I hold him therefore as my vassal, sith I
+heard him speak thus himself."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped.  How could my
+noble brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's
+bride?  Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise,
+that for my sake thou kindly leave off this speech."
+
+"I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife.  "Why should I
+give up so many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us
+service?"
+
+Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit.  "Thou must
+forego that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier
+than my brother Gunther, the full noble man.  Thou must retract
+what I have heard thee say.  Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be
+thy vassal and thou hast so much power over us twain, why he hath
+rendered thee no tribute so long a time.  By right I should be
+spared thy overweening pride."
+
+"Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife.  "I would
+fain see whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do
+me."
+
+The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood.  Then spake the Lady
+Kriemhild: "This must now hap.  Sith thou hast declared my
+husband for thy liegeman, now must the men of the two kings
+perceive to-day whether I durst walk before the queen to church.
+Thou must see to-day that I am noble and free and that my husband
+is worthier than thine; nor will I myself be taxed therewith.
+Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman goeth to court before
+the knights of the Burgundian land.  I myself shall be more
+worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a
+crown."  Great hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.
+
+Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine,
+so must thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that
+we go to church."
+
+To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."
+
+"Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife.  "I must be
+here without reproach.  Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have
+rich weeds.  Brunhild shall fain deny what she hath here
+averted."
+
+They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a
+dame and maid attired her well.  Then the wife of the noble king
+went forth with her train.  Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed
+and three and forty maidens with her, whom she had brought hither
+to the Rhine.  They wore bright vesture wrought in Araby, and
+thus the fair-fashioned maids betook them to the minster.  All
+Siegfried's men awaited them before the house.  The folk had
+marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen thus sundered,
+so that they did not walk together as afore.  From this did many
+a warrior later suffer dire distress.  Here before the minster
+stood Gunther's wife, while many a good knight had pastime with
+the comely dames whom they there espied.
+
+Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train.
+Whatever kind of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever
+worn, these were but the wind against her retinue.  She was so
+rich in goods, that what the wives of thirty kings could not
+purvey, that Kriemhild did.  An' one would wish to, yet he could
+not aver that men had ever seen such costly dresses as at this
+time her fair-fashioned maidens wore.  Kriemhild had not done it,
+save to anger Brunhild.  They met before the spacious minster.
+Through her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise
+bade Kriemhild stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk
+before the queen."
+
+Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou
+have held thy peace, 'twere well for thee.  Thou hast disgraced
+thee and the fair body of thine.  How might a vassal's leman (1)
+ever be the wife of any king?"
+
+"Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.
+
+"That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild.  "Thy fair person was first
+caressed by Siegfried, my dear husband.  Certes, it was not my
+brother who won thy maidhood.  Whither could thy wits have
+wandered?  It was an evil trick.  Wherefore didst thou let him
+love thee, sith he be thy vassal?  I hear thee make plaint
+without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.
+
+"I' faith," spake then Brunhild,  "Gunther shall hear of this."
+
+"What is that to me?" said Kriemhild.  "Thy pride hath bewrayed
+thee.  With words thou hast claimed me for thy service.  Know, by
+my troth, it will ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy
+faithful friend."
+
+Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the
+minster with her train before the queen.  Thus there rose great
+hatred, from which bright eyes grew dim and moist.
+
+Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed
+far too long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood.  
+Many a brave knight and a good must later rue this day.  Brunhild
+with her ladies now went forth and stopped before the minster.
+Her-thought: "Kriemhild must tell me more of what this word-
+shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me.  Hath Siegfried made
+boast of this, 'twill cost his life."
+
+Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman.  Lady
+Brunhild spake: "Stand still a while.  Ye have declared me for a
+leman, that must ye let be seen.  Know, that through thy speech,
+I have fared full ill."
+
+Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass.  I'll
+prove it by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my
+lover brought me when he first lay at your side."
+
+Brunhild had never seen so ill a day.  She spake: "This costly
+hoop of gold was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a
+time from me in evil wise.  I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it
+from me."
+
+Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.
+
+Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief.  Thou hadst done
+better to have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear.
+I'll prove it by the girdle which I wear about my waist, that I
+lie not.  Certes, my Siegfried became thy lord."
+
+She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones;
+in sooth 'twas fair enow.  When Brunhild spied it, she began to
+weep.  Gunther and all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of
+this.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come
+hither.  I will let him hear how his sister hath mocked me.  She
+saith here openly that I be Siegfried's wife."
+
+The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping,
+how gently he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you
+aught?"
+
+She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would
+fain part me from all mine honors.  I make here plaint to thee
+she doth aver that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his
+leman."
+
+Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."
+
+"She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of
+ruddy gold.  It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless
+be thou clearest me of this passing great shame, for that I'll
+serve thee ever."
+
+King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither.  He must let us hear
+if he hath made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero
+of Netherland."  One bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.
+
+When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how
+quickly then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep,
+or for what cause the king hath had me fetched."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth.  My Lady
+Brunhild hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou
+wast the first to clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady
+Kriemhild, thy wife, doth say."
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she
+shall rue it sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with
+solemn oaths in front of all thy men, that I have not told her
+this."
+
+Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen.  The oath
+thou dost offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all
+false charges."
+
+They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring.  Siegfried, the
+bold, stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty
+king: "Thy great innocence is so well known to me, that I will
+free thee of that of which my sister doth accuse thee and say,
+thou hast never done this thing."
+
+Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus
+saddened Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."
+
+Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other.  "One
+should so train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that
+they leave haughty words unsaid.  Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll
+do the same to mine.  In truth, I do shame me of her great
+discourtesie."
+
+Many fair ladies were parted by the speech.  Brunhild mourned so
+sore, that it moved King Gunther's men to pity.  Then came Hagen
+of Troneg to his sovran lady.  He found her weeping, and asked
+what grief she had.  She told him then the tale.  On the spot he
+vowed that Kriemhild's lord should rue it sore, or he would
+nevermore be glad.  Ortwin and Gernot joined their parley and
+these heroes counseled Siegfried's death.  Giselher, the son of
+the noble Uta, came hither too.  When he heard the talk, he spake
+full true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this?  Siegfried
+hath not merited forsooth such hate, that he should therefore
+lose his life.  Certes, women oft grow angry over little things."
+
+"Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good
+knights would gain from that but little honor.  Because he hath
+boasted of my liege lady, I will rather die, an' it cost him not
+his life."
+
+Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love
+and honor, so let him live.  What booteth it, if I now should
+hate the knight?  He was ever faithful to us and that right
+willingly."
+
+Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not
+in sooth avail him aught.  If my lord permit, I'll do him every
+evil."
+
+So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him.  In
+this none followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight
+Gunther the that if Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly
+lands would own his sway.  At this the king grew sad, so they let
+it rest.
+
+Jousting was seen once more.  Ho, what stout shafts they
+splintered before the minster in the presence of Siegfried's
+wife, even down to the hall!  Enow of Gunther's men were now in
+wrath.  The king spake: "Let be this murderous rage, he is born
+to our honor and to our joy.  Then, too, the wonderly bold man is
+so fierce of strength, that none durst match him, if he marked
+it."
+
+"No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow
+to bring it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. 
+Certes, Hagen hath broken with him for all time."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"
+
+To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear.  We'll bid
+messengers, that be not known to any here, ride into our land, to
+declare war upon us openly.  Then do ye say before your guests
+that ye and your men will take the field.  When that is done, he
+will vow to serve you then and from this he shall lose his life,
+an' I learn the tale from the bold knight's wife."
+
+The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise.  These chosen
+knights gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware.
+From two women's quarreling full many a hero lost his life.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,
+     'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XV
+How Siegfried Was Betrayed.
+
+Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to
+court and the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had
+been declared.  The very direst woes befell fair women from a
+lie.  They gained leave to come before the king and say that they
+were Liudeger's men, whom Siegfried's hand had conquered afore
+and had brought as hostages to Gunther's land.  He greeted then
+the messengers and bade them go and seat them.  One among them
+spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have told the message
+we do bear you.  This know, ye have of a truth many a mother's
+son as foe.  Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave
+grievous sores, declare a feud against you and are minded to ride
+with an army to this land."  The king waxed wroth when he heard
+This tale.
+
+Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings.  How might
+Siegfried, or any else against whom they plotted, ware himself
+against their wiles?  This later brought great sorrow to them
+all.  The king walked whispering with his friends; Hagen of
+Troneg never let him rest.  Enow of the king's liegemen would
+fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give up his
+plan.  On a day Siegfried found them whispering.  The hero of
+Netherland gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly?  I'll
+help avenge it, hath any done you aught."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad.  Liudegast and
+Liudeger have challenged me to war; they are minded to ride
+openly into my land."
+
+At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that
+with zeal, as beseemeth all your honors.  I'll do yet to these
+knights as I did before;  I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I
+turn again.  Be my head your pledge of this.  Ye and your
+warriors shall stay at home and let me ride to meet them with
+those I have.  I'll let you see how fain I serve you.  This know,
+through me it shall go evil with your foes."
+
+"Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he
+were glad in earnest of this aid.  With guile the faithless man
+bowed low.
+
+Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."
+
+Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms.
+This was done for Siegfried and his men to see.  He, too, bade
+those of Netherland get them ready.  Siegfried's warriors sought
+out warlike weeds.  Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father
+Siegmund, ye must stay here.  We shall return in short space
+hither to the Rhine, and God give us luck.  Ye must here make
+merry with the king."
+
+They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and
+there were enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was
+done.  Great rout of men was seen at Siegfried's side.  They
+bound their helmets and their breastplates upon the steeds, and
+many a stout knight made ready to quit the land.  Then Hagen of
+Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for leave; sith they
+would void the land.
+
+"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who
+dare protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried
+doth here.  Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of
+heart.  Dear friend Hagen, think on that, that I do serve you
+gladly and never yet did bear you hate.  Requite this now to me
+in my dear husband.  Let him not suffer, if I have done to
+Brunhild aught.  I since have rued it," spake the noble wife.
+"Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero
+and a good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her
+heart."
+
+"Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear
+lady, pray tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried.
+Liefer will I do this for you than for any else."
+
+"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any
+one would take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his
+overweening mood; then the bold knight and a good were safe."
+
+"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound
+him, pray let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent 
+this.  On foot, on horse, will I ever be his guard."
+
+She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine.  I'll commend to
+thee trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him
+well, mine own dear husband."  She made him acquaint with tales
+which had been better left unsaid.  She spake: "My husband is
+brave and strong enow.  When he slew the dragon on the hill, the
+lusty warrior bathed him of a truth in the blood, so that since
+then no weapon ever cut him in the fray.  Yet am I in fear,
+whenever he standeth in the fight and many javelins are cast by
+heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of mine.  Alas,
+how oft I suffer sore for Siegfried's sake!  Dear kinsman, in the
+hope that thou wilt hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where
+men may wound the dear lord of mine.  I let thee hear this, 'tis
+done in faith.  When the hot blood gushed from the dragon's
+wounds and the bold hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad
+linden leaf did fall betwixt his shoulder blades.  Therefore am I
+sore afraid that men may cut him there."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, 
+whereby I may know where I must guard him, when we stand in
+battle."
+
+She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death.
+She spake: "With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his
+vesture.  There, knight, thy hand must guard my husband, when the
+strife is on and he standeth in the battle before his foes."
+
+"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.
+
+The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's
+husband was thereby betrayed.  Hagen then took leave; merrily he
+hied him hence.  The king's liegeman was blithe of mood.  I ween
+that nevermore will warrior give such false counsel, as was done
+by him when Kriemhild trusted in his troth.
+
+Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily
+forth.  He weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen.
+Hagen rode so near him that he could eye his clothes.  When he
+saw the sign, he sent in secret twain of his men, who should tell
+another tale: that Gunther's land should still have peace and
+that Liudeger had sent them to the king.  How loth Siegfried now
+rode home again, or ever he had avenged his kinsmen's wrongs!
+Gunther's men could hardly turn him back.  He rode then to the
+king; the host gan thank him.  "Now God requite you of your will,
+friend Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you.  For
+this I'll ever serve you, as I rightly should.  I trust you more
+than all my friends.  Now that we be rid of this foray, I am
+minded to ride a-hunting for bears and boars to the Vosges
+forest, as I have done oft-time."  That Hagen, the faithless
+knight, had counseled.  "Let it be told to all my guests, that we
+ride betimes.  Those that would hunt with me must make them
+ready.  If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that
+liketh me as well."
+
+Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting,
+I'd fain go with you.  Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach,
+(1) and I will ride to the pines."
+
+"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon.  "I'll lend you, an'
+ye will, four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the
+game is wont to go, and who will not let you miss the camp."
+
+Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen
+quickly told the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight.
+A man should never use such faithlessness.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "braeke", used
+     here.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVI
+How Siegfried Was Slain.
+
+Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry
+a-hunting in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt
+boars and bears and bison.  What might be braver?  With them rode
+Siegfried in lordly guise; many kinds of victual did they take
+along.  At a cool spring he later lost his life, the which
+Brunhild, King Gunther's wife, had counseled.  The bold knight
+then went to where he found Kriemhild.  His costly hunting garb
+and those of his fellowship were already bound upon the sumpters,
+for they would cross the Rhine.  Never could Kriemhild have been
+more sorrowful.  He kissed his love upon her mouth.  "God let me
+see thee, lady, still in health and grant that thine eyes may see
+me too.  Thou shalt have pastime with thy loving kinsmen.  I may
+not stay at home."
+
+Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she
+durst not say a whit.  The noble queen began to rue that she was
+ever born.  Lord Siegfried's wife wept out of measure.  She spake
+to the knight: "Let be your hunting.  I had an evil dream last
+night, how two wild boars did chase you across the heath; then
+flowers grew red.  I have in truth great cause to weep so sore. 
+I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we have not
+misserved some who might bear us hostile hate.  Tarry here, dear
+my lord, that I counsel by my troth."
+
+He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days.  I wot
+not here of people who bear me aught of hate.  Each and all of
+thy kinsmen be my friends, nor have I deserved it other of the
+knights."
+
+"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall.  I had last
+night an evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee.  I saw
+thee nevermore.  It doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt part
+from me."
+
+In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her
+tenderly.  Then in a short space he took his leave and parted
+hence.  Alas, she never saw him in health again.
+
+Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake.
+Many bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and
+Giselher stayed at home.  Many laden sumpters were sent before
+them across the Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship
+bread and wine, meat and fish, and great store of other things,
+which so mighty a king might rightly have.  They bade the proud
+huntsmen and bold halt before a green wood over against the
+courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade where they should
+hunt.  The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come.  The
+hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side.  Then the
+bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and
+brave, who shall lead us to the game within the wood?"
+
+"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase.  Thereby my
+lords and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland
+journey.  Let us divide the folk and hounds and let each turn
+whithersoever he list.  He who doth hunt the best shall have our
+thanks."  Short time the huntsmen bided by another after that.
+
+Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that
+hath been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts
+through the pine woods."  Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find
+the game."
+
+Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short
+space brought the lord to where many beasts were found.  Whatso
+rose from its lair the comrades hunted as good hunters still are
+wont to do.  Whatever the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero
+of Netherland, slew with his hand.  His horse did run so hard
+that none escaped him.  In the chase he gained the prize above
+them all.  Doughty enow he was in all things.  The beast which he
+slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after which he
+found full soon a monstrous lion. (1)  When the brach started
+this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had
+placed a full sharp arrow.  After the shot the lion ran the space
+of but three bounds.  The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried
+thanks.  Thereafter he speedily slew a bison and an elk, four
+strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage shelk. (3)  His horse bare him
+so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor could hart or hind avoid
+him.  Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar; when he began to
+flee, at once there came the master oœ the hunt and encountered
+him upon his path.  Wrathfully the boar did run against the
+valiant hero, but Kriemhild's husband slew him with his sword. 
+Another huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly.  When
+he had felled him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty
+was soon well known to the Burgundian men.
+
+Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us
+leave a deal of the beasts alive.  Ye'll empty both our hill and
+woods to-day."
+
+At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile.  Then the calls of
+men and the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great
+was the noise that both hill and pine woods echoed with the
+sound.  The huntsmen had let loose full four and twenty packs.
+Then passing many beasts must needs lose their lives.  Each man
+weened to bring it to pass that men should give him the prize of
+the hunt; that might not be, for the stalwart Siegfried was
+already standing by the fire.  The chase was over, and yet not
+quite.  Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them
+thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty.  Ho, how much
+the king's meiny bare then to the kitchen!
+
+Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would
+dismount.  A horn was blown full loud just once, that all might
+know that one might find the noble prince in camp.  Spake then
+one of Siegfried's huntsmen: "My lord, I heard by the blast of a
+horn that we must now hie us to the quarters; I'll now give
+answer."
+
+Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters.  Then
+spake Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!"  His steed
+bare him smoothly and with him they hasted hence.  With their
+rout they started up a savage beast; a wild bear it was.  Quoth
+then the knight to those behind: "I'll give our fellowship a
+little pastime.  Let loose the brach.  Forsooth I spy a bear
+which shall journey with us to the camp.  Flee he never so fast,
+he shall not escape us,"
+
+The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband
+would fain overtake him.  He reached a thicket, where none could
+follow.  The mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter
+with his life, but the proud knight and a good leaped from his
+steed and began to chase him.  The bear was helpless and could
+not flee away.  At once the hero caught it and bound it quickly
+with not a wound, so that it might neither scratch nor bite the
+men.  The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle and horsed
+him quickly.  Through his overweening mood the bold warrior and a
+good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime.  In what lordly
+wise he rode to the quarters!  Mickle was his boar-spear, strong
+and broad.  A dainty sword hung downward to his spurs.  The lord
+bare also a fair horn of ruddy gold.  Never heard I tale of
+better hunting weeds.  One saw him wear a coat of black and silky
+cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it was.  Ho, what costly
+bands he wore upon his quiver!  A panther's skin was drawn over
+it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake.  He bare a bow, which any
+but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would
+bend it.  His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head
+to toe.  From the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold
+master of the hunt many a bar of gold.  Balmung (6) he also bare,
+a good broad sword, that was so sharp that it never failed when
+'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet; its edge was good.  In high
+spirits was the lordly huntsman.  Sith I must tell you all the
+tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the heads a
+full hand's breadth, on golden shafts.  What he pierced therewith
+must needs die soon.
+
+Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb.  Gunther's men
+espied him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in
+charge.  On his saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. 
+When he had dismounted, he loosed the bonds from feet and snout.
+Those of the pack bayed loudly, that spied the bear.  The beast
+would to the woods; the serving folk had fear.  Dazed by the din,
+the bear made for the kitchen.  Ho, how he drove the scullions
+from the fire!  Many a kettle was upset and many a firebrand
+scattered.  Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!
+Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. 
+The bear grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay
+enleashed.  Had all sped well, they would have had a merry day.
+No longer the doughty men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows
+and pikes.  There was such press of dogs that none might shoot,
+but from the people's shouts the whole hill rang.  The bear began
+to flee before the dogs; none could follow him but Kriemhild's
+husband, who caught and slew him with his sword.  Then they bore
+the bear again to the fire.  Those that saw it, averred he was a
+mighty man.
+
+Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the
+tables.  Upon a fair mead there sate a goodly company.  Ho, what
+rich viands they bare there to the noble huntsmen!  The butlers
+who should bring the wine delayed; else might never heroes have
+been better served.  Had they not been so falsely minded, then
+had the knights been free of every blame.
+
+Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us
+such great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not
+the wine.  Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more
+your hunting-fellow.  I have well deserved that they regard me,
+too."
+
+The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would
+do you remedy of what we lack.  It is Hagen's fault, who is
+willed to let us die of thirst."
+
+Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be
+in the Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. 
+Though we may not drink today, how well will I avoid this in the
+future!"
+
+At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. 
+One should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and
+mulled wine. (8)  If that might not be, then men should have
+placed our benches nearer to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot
+near by a good cold spring.  Let us go thither, that ye wax not
+wroth."
+
+To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given.  The pangs
+of thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried.  He bade the tables
+be borne away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the
+mountains.  With false intent the counsel was then given by the
+knights.  They bade the game which Siegfried's hand had slain, be
+carried home on wains.  Whoever saw it gave him great laud. 
+Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth to Siegfried.  When
+they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It hath oft been
+told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband when he
+be minded for to race.  Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"
+
+Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test
+that, and ye will run a race with me to the spring.  When that is
+done, we call give the prize to him who winneth."
+
+"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.
+
+Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green
+sward at your feet." (9)
+
+How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words!  Then the
+bold knight spake again: "I'll tell you more.  I'll take with me
+all my trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb."
+Around him he quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
+
+Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them
+stand in two white shifts.  Like two wild panthers through the
+clover they ran, but men spied bold Siegfried first at the
+spring.  In all things he bare away the prize from many a man.
+Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid aside his quiver and leaned
+the stout spear against a linden bough.  The lordly stranger
+stood now by the flowing spring.  Passing great was Siegfried's
+courtesie.  He laid down his shield where the spring gushed
+forth, but the hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the
+king had drunk, who gave him evil thanks.  Cool, clear, and good
+was the spring.  Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream,
+and when he had drunken straightened up again.  Bold Siegfried
+would fain also have done the same, but now he paid for his
+courtesie.  Hagen bare quite away from him both bow and sword and
+bounded then to where he found the spear; then he looked for the
+mark on bold Siegfried's coat.  As Lord Siegfried drank above the
+spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that his heart's
+blood spurted from the wounds almost on Hagen's clothes.
+Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed.  Hagen left the spear
+a-sticking in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the
+world had run from any man.
+
+When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he
+started in a rage.  From betwixt his shoulder blades a long
+spear-shaft towered.  He weened to find his bow or his sword, and
+then had Hagen been repaid as he deserved.  But when the sorely
+wounded hero found no trace of his sword, then had he naught else
+but his shield.  This he snatched from the spring and ran at
+Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him.  Albeit he was
+wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of
+precious stones were shaken from the shield.  The shield itself
+burst quite apart.  Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged
+him.  Now was Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from
+the force of the blow the glade rang loudly.  Had he had a sword
+in hand, then had it been Hagen's death, so sore enraged was the
+wounded man.  Forsooth he had good cause thereof.  His hue grew
+pale, he could not stand; his strength of body melted quite away,
+for in bright colors he bore the signs of death.  Thereafter he
+was bewailed by fair dames enow.
+
+Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers.  Fast from his
+wounds his blood was seen to gush.  He began to rail, as indeed
+he had great cause, at those who had planned this treacherous
+death.  The deadly wounded spake: "Forsooth, ye evil cowards,
+what avail my services now that ye have slain me?  This is my
+reward that I was always faithful to you.  Alas, ye have acted
+ill against your kinsmen.  Those of them who are born in after
+days will be disgraced.  Ye have avenged your wrath too sore upon
+me.  With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors."
+
+The knights all ran to where he lay slain.  For enow of them it
+was a hapless day.  He was bewailed by those who had aught of
+loyalty, and this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved.
+The king of the Burgundians bemoaned his death.  Quoth the deadly
+wounded: "There is no need that he should weep who hath done the
+damage; he doth merit mickle blame.  It had been better left
+undone."
+
+Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now
+bewail.  All our fear and all our woe have now an end.  We shall
+find scant few who dare withstand us now.  Well is me, that to
+his rule I have put an end."
+
+"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied.  "Had I wist
+your murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. 
+None doth rue me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife.  Now may God
+have pity that I ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made
+in after days, that his kindred have slain a man with murderous
+intent.  If I might," so spake Siegfried, "I should rightly make
+complaint of this."  Piteously the deadly wounded spake again:
+"Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to any in the world, then
+let my dear love be commended to your grace and let it avail her
+that she be your sister.  For the sake of your princely courtesie
+protect her faithfully.  My father and my men must wait long time
+for me.  Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."
+
+The flowers on every side were wot with blood.  With death he
+struggled, but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him
+all too sorely.  Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak
+no more.
+
+When the lordlings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on
+a shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal
+that Hagen had done the deed.  Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it
+gone with us.  Ye must all hide it and aver alike that robbers
+slew Kriemhild's husband as he rode alone a-hunting through the
+pine wood."
+
+Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if
+it be known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. 
+Little doth it trouble me however much she weep."
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Lion."  It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not
+     roam at large in the forests of Germany.  They were,
+     however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the
+     poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
+     hunter.
+(2)  "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
+     extinct.
+(3)  "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
+     deer.
+(4)  "Fragrance".  It was believed that the odor of the panther
+     attracted the game.  Compare the description of the panther
+     in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
+     surpass that of all ointments.
+(5)  "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
+     connotation is not known.  Some interpret it to meau the
+     fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
+(6)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+(7)  "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
+     is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
+     did not disturb the poet.
+(8)  "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
+(9)  "Feet".  This was probably done as a handicap.  The time
+     consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
+     a start.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVII
+How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.
+
+Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine.  Never had
+heroes hunted worse.  Noble maids bewept the game they slew.
+Forsooth many good warriors must needs atone for this in after
+days.  Now ye may hear a tale of great overweening and dire
+revenge.  Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the Nibelung land, thus
+dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged.  He bade place
+him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when she
+went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady
+Kriemhild full seldom missed through sleep.
+
+Men rang the minster bells according to their custom.  Lady
+Kriemhild, the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring
+a light and her vesture, too.  Then came a chamberlain and found
+Siegfried there.  He saw him red with blood, his clothes all wet.
+He wist not it was his lord, but with the light in his hand he
+hasted to the bower and through this Lady Kriemhild learned the
+baneful tale.  As she would set out with her ladies for the
+minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet, there doth
+lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."
+
+Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright
+that it was her husband.  She began to think of Hagen's question,
+of how he might protect him.  Then first she suffered dole; she
+renounced all pleasure at his death.  To the earth she sank, not
+a word she spake, and here they found lying the hapless fair.
+Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe.  After her faint, she
+shrieked, that all the chamber rang.  Then her meiny said:
+"Perchance it is a stranger knight."
+
+The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake:
+"'Tis Siegfried, mine own dear husband.  Brunhild hath counseled
+this and Hagen hath done the deed."
+
+The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay.  With her
+white hand she raised his head, and though it was red with blood,
+she knew him soon.  There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in
+piteous guise.  The gracious queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of
+my sorrow!  Thy shield is not carved with swords, thou liest
+murdered here.  Wist I who hath done the deed, I'd ever plot his
+death."
+
+All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for
+they grieved full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost.
+Hagen had cruelly avenged the wrath of Brunhild.
+
+Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste
+all Siegfried's men.  Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap
+he'll help me bewail brave Siegfried."
+
+A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from
+the Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy.
+They could scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping.  Right
+soon the messenger came to where the king did lie.  Siegmund, the
+lord, was not asleep.  I trow his heart did tell him what had
+happed.  Never again might he see his dear son alive.
+
+"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch
+you.  A wrong hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart,
+more than all other ills.  Ye must help her mourn, for much it
+doth concern you."
+
+Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of
+which thou tellest me?"
+
+Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas,
+bold Siegfried of Netherland is slain."
+
+Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil
+tales, that thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might
+never bewail him fully before my death."
+
+"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may
+hear yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's
+death."
+
+Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need,  
+He and a hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped
+with their hands their long sharp swords.  In sorrow they ran
+toward the sound of wail.  Then came a thousand men-at-arms, bold
+Siegfried's men.  When they heard the ladies wail so pitifully,
+some first grew ware that they should dress them.  Forsooth they
+lost their wits for very sorrow.  Great heaviness was buried in
+their hearts.
+
+Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild.  He spake:
+"Alas for the journey hither to this land!  Who hath so foully
+bereft me of my child and you of your husband among such good
+friends?"
+
+"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor
+soul would ever wish him well.  I would plan such ill against him
+that his kin must ever weep because of me."
+
+Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms.  So great grew
+the sorrow of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of
+Worms resounded from the mighty wail and weeping.  None might now
+comfort Siegfried's wife.  They stripped off the clothes from his
+fair body; they washed his wounds and laid him on the bier.  Woe
+were his people from their mighty grief.  Then spake his warriors
+from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be ever ready to avenge him;
+he liveth in this castle who hath done the deed."
+
+All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms.  These chosen knights
+came with their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord
+Siegmund had in his troop.  He would fain avenge the death of his
+son, as indeed he had great need.  They wist not to whom they
+should address their strife, unless it be to Gunther and his men,
+with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden to the hunt.
+
+Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore.  However great her
+grief and how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the
+death of the Nibelungs at the hands of her brothers' liegemen,
+that she tried to hinder it.  In kindly wise she warned them, as
+kinsmen do to loving kin.  The grief-stricken woman spake: "My
+Lord Siegmund, what will ye do?  Ye wot naught aright; forsooth
+King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye will all be lost, and
+ye would encounter these knights."
+
+With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight.
+The noble queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid
+it.  When they would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. 
+She spake: "Lord Siegmund, ye must let it be until more fitting
+time, then I'll avenge my husband with you.  An' I receive proof
+who hath bereft me of him, I'll do him scathe.  There be too many
+haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I will not counsel you
+to fight.  They have full well thirty men to each of ours.  Now
+God speed them, as they deserve of us.  Stay ye here and bear
+with me my dole.  When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty
+knights, to coffin the dear husband of mine."
+
+Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."
+
+None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how
+they were heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the
+sound of weeping.  The noble burghers hasted hither.  With the
+guests they wept, for they, too, were sore aggrieved.  None had
+told them of any guilt of Siegfried, or for what cause the noble
+warrior lost his life.  The wives of the worthy burghers wept
+with the ladies of the court.  Men bade smiths haste to work a
+coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it firm
+with strips of good hard steel.  Sad of heart were all the folk.
+
+The night was gone, men said the day was dawning.  Then the noble
+lady bade them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the
+minster.  Whatever friends he had there were seen weeping as they
+went.  Many bells were ringing as they brought him to the church.
+On every side one heard the chant of many priests.  Then came
+King Gunther with his men and grim Hagen also toward the sound
+of wail.  He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs, clear sister, that we
+may not be free from this great scathe.  We must ever lament for
+Siegfried's death."
+
+"That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife.  "Were
+this loth to you, it never would have happed.  I may well aver,
+ye thought not on me, when I thus was parted from my dear
+husband.  Would to God," quoth Kriemhild, "that it had happed to
+me."
+
+Firmly they made denial.  Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth
+him guiltless, let him show that now.  He must walk to the bier
+before all the folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."
+
+This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-
+stained murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's
+wounds do bleed, (1) as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the
+guilt was Hagen's.  The wounds bled sore, as they had done at
+first.  Much greater grew the weeping of those who wailed afore.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew
+him; Hagen did not do the deed."
+
+"I know these robbers well," quoth she.  "Now may God yet let his
+friends avenge it.  Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by
+you."
+
+Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife.  Then Kriemhild
+spake again: "Now share with me this grief."
+
+Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to
+where they found him dead.  They mourned him truly with the
+others; Kriemhild's men wept inly.  Now should mass be sung, so
+on every side, men, wives, and children did hie them to the
+minster.  Even those who might lightly bear his loss, wept then
+for Siegfried.  Gernot and Giselher spake: "Sister mine, now
+comfort thee after this death, as needs must be.  We'll try to
+make it up to thee, the while we live."
+
+Yet none in the world might give her comfort.  His coffin was
+ready well towards midday.  From the bier whereon he lay they
+raised him.  The lady would not have that he be buried, so that
+all the folk had mickle trouble.  In a rich cloth of silk they
+wound the dead.  I ween, men found none there that did not weep.
+Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny mourned bitterly the
+stately man.  When it was noised abroad that men sang in the
+minster and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of folk.
+What offerings they made for his soul's sake!  He had good
+friends enow among these foes.  Poor Kriemhild spake to her
+chamberlains: "Ye must now be put to trouble for my sake, ye who
+wished him well and be my friends.  For Siegfried's soul shall ye
+deal out his gold."
+
+No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to
+service, or ever he was buried.  Better than a hundred masses
+were sung that day.  Great throng was there of Siegfried's
+friends.
+
+When that mass was sung, the folk went hence.  Then Lady
+Kriemhild spake: "Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen
+knight this night alone.  With him all my joys have come to fall. 
+I will let him lie in state three days and nights, until I sate
+me with my dear lord.  What if God doth bid that death should
+take me too.  Then had ended well the grief of me, poor
+Kriemhild."
+
+The people of the town returned now to their lodgeings.  She
+begged the priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the
+knight, to stay.  They spent full evil nights and toilsome days;
+many a man remained without all food and drink.  For those who
+would partake, it was made known that men would give them to the
+full.  This Sir Siegmund purveyed.  Then were the Nibelungs made
+acquaint with mickle toil.  During the three days, as we hear
+tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a deal of
+work.  What offerings men brought them!  Those who were very
+poor, grew rich enow.  Whatever of poor men there were, the which
+had naught, these were bid go to mass with gold from Siegfried's
+treasure chamber.  Since he might not live, many thousand marks
+of gold were given for his soul.  She dealt out well-tilled
+lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk were found.  Enow of
+gold and silver was given to the poor.  By her deeds she showed
+that she did love him fondly.
+
+Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by
+the minster was full of weeping country folk.  They served him
+after death, as one should do to loving kin.  In the four days,
+as hath been told, full thirty thousand marks or better still
+were given to the poor for his soul's sake.  Yet his great beauty
+and his life lay low.  When God had been served and the chants
+were ended, much people fought 'gainst monstrous grief.  Men bade
+bear him from the minster to the grave.  Those were seen to weep
+and wail who missed him most.  With loud laments the people
+followed hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man.  They sang
+and read a service before they buried him.  Ho, what good priests
+were present at his burial!  Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the
+grave, her faithful heart was rung with grief, so that they must
+needs oft sprinkle her with water from the spring.  Her pain was
+passing great; a mickle wonder it was that she ever lived.  Many
+a lady helped her in her plaint.
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must
+ye prove your love to me.  Let me receive this little favor after
+all my woe, that I may see once more his comely head."
+
+She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs
+break open the lordly casket.  Then men brought the lady to where
+he lay.  With her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed
+the noble knight and good, thus dead.  Tears of blood her bright
+eyes wept from grief.  Then there happed a piteous parting.  Men
+bare her hence, she could not walk, and soon they found the high-
+born lady lying senseless.  Fain would the lovely fair have died
+of grief.
+
+When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with
+him from the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured
+grief.  Men found Siegmund full seldom merry then.  There were 
+those that for three days would neither eat nor drink for passing
+grief.  Yet might they not so waste away their bodies, but that
+they recovered from their sorrows, as still happeneth oft enow.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Bleed".  This was not only a popular superstition, but also
+     a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had
+     not been discovered, or if any one was suspected.  The
+     suspected person was requested to approach the bier and
+     touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow
+     afresh if the one touching the body were guilty.  Our
+     passage is the first instance of its mention in German
+     literature.  A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364. 
+     The usage was also known in France and England.  See the
+     instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",
+     930.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XVIII
+How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.
+
+Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her.  Unto
+the queen he spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween,
+we be unwelcome guests.  Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with
+me to my lands.  Albeit treachery here in these lands hath bereft
+us of your noble husband, yet should ye not requite this.  I will
+be friendly to you for my dear son's sake, of this shall ye have
+no doubt.  Ye shall have, my lady, all the power which Siegfried,
+the bold knight, gave you aforetime.  The land and also the crown
+shall be subject to you.  All Siegfried's men shall serve you
+gladly."
+
+Then the squires were told that they must ride away.  A mickle
+hurrying for steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with
+their deadly foes.  Men bade dames and maidens seek their robes.
+When that King Siegmund would fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's
+mother gan beg her that she stay there with her kindred.
+
+The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap.  How could I
+bear the sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to
+me, poor wife?"
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou
+shouldst stay here with thy mother.  Thou dost need no service of
+them that have grieved thee and saddened thy mood.  Live from my
+goods alone."
+
+To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should
+die of dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."
+
+"I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine.  Thou shalt live
+with thy brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of
+thy husband's death."
+
+Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."
+
+When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and
+Gernot and her faithful kin entreat.  They begged her to tarry
+there, for but little kith she had among Siegfried's men.
+
+"They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth
+is so strong but that he must come to die.  Consider that, dear
+sister, and console your mind.  Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall
+fare well in truth."
+
+Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay.  The steeds
+were brought for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the
+Nibelung land.  Also all the trappings of the knights were packed
+upon the sumpters.  Then the Lord Siegmund hied him to
+Kriemhild's side.  To the lady he spake: "Siegfried's men are
+waiting by the steeds.  Now must we ride away, for I be ill
+content in Burgundy."
+
+The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin
+advise me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the
+Nibelung land."
+
+Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this
+mind.  He spake: "Let no one tell you that.  Before all my
+kinsmen ye shall wear the crown with such sovran power as ye did
+aforetime.  Ye shall not suffer, because we have lost the knight.
+Ride also with us home again, for the sake of your little child.
+Lady, ye should not leave him orphaned.  When your son groweth
+up, he will comfort your heart.  Meanwhile many bold heroes and
+good shall serve you."
+
+"Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride.
+Whatever fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me
+mourn."
+
+These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors.  All spake
+alike: "We might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us.
+If ye would stay here with our foes, then have heroes never
+ridden to court more sorrowfully."
+
+"Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be
+given safe-conduct to Siegmund's land,  I'll bid them guard you
+well.  To the care of you knights shall my dear child be given."
+
+When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of
+Siegmund's men alike.  How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted
+then from Lady Kriemhild!  He became acquaint with grief.  "Woe
+worth this courtly feasting," spake the noble king.  "Through
+pastime will nevermore hap to king or to his kinsmen, what here
+hath happed to us.  Men shall see us nevermore in Burgundy."
+
+Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might
+still take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord.
+Enow of his kinsmen be their deadly foes."
+
+He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived
+aright that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto
+our land, now first do I feel all my sorrow."
+
+Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort.  They
+were surely of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well
+defend them, should they be encountered in hostile wise.  Leave
+they asked of none, but Gernot and Giselher were seen to go to
+Siegmund in loving wise.  These brave and lusty knights convinced
+him that they mourned his loss.  Courteously Prince Gernot spake:
+"God in heaven knoweth well that I be not to blame for
+Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was his foe.  I
+mourn him justly."
+
+Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct.  Sorrowly he
+led them from the land home to Netherland.  How few kinsman were
+found joyous then!
+
+How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell.  All time men heard
+Kriemhild mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind,
+save Giselher alone; loyal he was and good.  Brunhild, the fair,
+sate in overweening pride.  How Kriemhild wept, she recked not,
+nor did she ever show her love or troth.  Lady Kriemhild wrought
+her in after days the bitterest woe of heart.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XIX
+How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.
+
+When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart
+with his vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her
+alway.  He also often helped his mistress mourn his lord.  At
+Worms, hard by the minster, they built for her a dwelling, broad
+and passing large, costly and great, where, with her maids, she
+since dwelt joyless.  She liked for to go to church and did this
+willingly.  Where her love lay buried, thither she went all time
+in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over).  She prayed the
+good God to have mercy on her soul.  With great fidelity she
+bewept the knight full oft.  Uta and her meiny comforted her all
+time, but so sorely wounded was her heart, that it booted naught,
+whatever comfort men did offer her.  She had the greatest longing
+for her dear love, that ever wife did have for loving husband.
+One might see thereby her passing virtue; until her end she
+mourned, the while life lasted.  In after days brave Siegfried's
+wife avenged herself with might.
+
+Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and
+this is true, well three and one half years, that she spake no
+word to Gunther, nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this
+time.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your
+sister friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of
+Nibelung.  Of this might ye win great store, an' the queen would
+be our friend."
+
+The king made answer: "Let us try.  My brothers bide with her; we
+will beg them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if
+perchance she might gladly see us win the hoard."
+
+"I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."
+
+Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court.  When that
+was done, Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. 
+They tried it with the Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise.  Brave
+Gernot of Burgundy spake: "Lady, ye mourn too long for 
+Siegfried's death.  The king will give you proof that he hath not
+slain him.  We hear you mourn all time so greatly."
+
+She spake: "None chargeth him with this.  'Twas Hagen's hand that
+struck him, where he could be wounded.  When he learned this of
+me, how could I think that he did bear him hate?  Else had I
+guarded against this full well," spake the queen, "so that I had
+not betrayed his life; then would I, poor wife, leave off my
+weeping.  I'll never be a friend of him that did the deed."  Then
+Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.
+
+When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him
+stand before her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come
+before her.  Well he wot his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole.
+When now she would forego her hate of Gunther, so that he might
+kiss her, it had befitted him better had she not been wronged by
+his advice; then might he have gone boldly unto Kriemhild.  
+Nevermore was peace between kindred brought to pass with so many
+tears; her loss still gave her woe.  All, save the one man alone,
+she pardoned.  None had slain him, had not Hagen done the deed.
+
+Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild
+gained the hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the
+Rhine.  It was her marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by
+right.  Giselher and Gernot rode to fetch it.  Kriemhild ordered
+eighty hundred men, that they should bring it from where it lay
+hid, where it was guarded by the knight Alberich (2) and his
+nearest kin.  When they saw those from the Rhine coming for the
+hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught of the
+treasure dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth
+it to be her marriage morning gift.  Yet should this never be
+done," quoth Alberich, "but that with Siegfried we have foully
+lost the good Cloud Cloak, for fair Kriemhild's love did wear it
+alway.  Now, alas, it hath fared ill with Siegfried, that the
+hero bereft us of the Cloud Cloak and that all this land did have
+to serve him."
+
+Then went the warder to where he found the keys.  Before the
+castle stood Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. 
+Men bade carry the treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats;
+one bare it then upon the waves to the mountains on the Rhine.
+Now may ye hear marvels of the hoard, the which twelve huge
+wains, packed full, were just able to bear away from the hill in
+four days and nights and each must make the trip three times a
+day.  There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men paid
+therewith the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been
+in worth.  Forsooth Hagen did not crave it so without good cause.
+The greatest prize of all was a wishing-rod (3) of gold.  He who
+knew its nature, might well be master over any man in all the
+world.
+
+Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence.  When
+they stored away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took
+charge of everything, chambers and towers were filled therewith.
+Never did men hear tales told of such wondrous store of goods.
+And had it been a thousand times as much, if the Lord Siegfried
+were but alive again, Kriemhild would fain have stood empty-
+handed at his side.  No more faithful wife did hero ever win. 
+Now that she had the hoard, she brought many unknown warriors to
+the land.  In truth the lady's hand gave in such wise that men
+have never seen such bounty more.  She used great courtesie; men 
+owned this of the queen.  To the rich and the poor she began to
+give so greatly that Hagen said, should she live yet a while, she
+would gain so many a man for her service that they would fare
+full ill.
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers.  How
+shall I hinder that she do with them as she will?  Forsooth I
+hardly compassed it, that she became thus much my friend.  Let us
+not reck to whom she deal out her silver and her gold."
+
+Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife
+aught of the heard.  With her gifts she'll bring about the day
+when it well may rue the brave Burgundians sore."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I
+do her harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."
+
+Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."
+
+Few of their oaths were kept.  From the widow they took the
+mighty store and Hagen made him master of all the keys.  This
+vexed her brother Gernot, when he heard the tale aright.  Lord
+Giselher spake: "Hagen hath done my sister much of harm;  I
+should prevent it.  It would cost him his life, were he not my
+kin."
+
+Siegfried's wife shed tears anew.  Then spake the Lord Gernot:
+"Or ever we be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk
+entirely in the Rhine, that it belong to none."
+
+Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher.  She spake:
+"Dear brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of
+both my life and goods."
+
+Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return
+again, for now we think to ride."
+
+The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best
+among them that one might find.  Only Hagen alone remained at
+home, through the hatred he bare to Kriemhild, and did so
+willingly.  Before the king was come again, Hagen had taken the
+treasure quite and sunk it all at Loche, (4) in the Rhine.  He
+weened to use it, but that might not be.  The lordings came again
+and with them many men.  With her maids and ladies Kriemhild gan
+bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them.  Gladly would
+Giselher have helped in all good faith.  All spake alike: "He
+hath done wrong."
+
+Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor.
+They did him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him
+greater hate.  Before Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they
+had sworn with mighty oaths that it should lie concealed as long
+as any one of them might live.  Later they could not give it to
+themselves or any other.
+
+Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's
+end, and because they had taken from her all her wealth.  Her
+plaints ceased not in all her life, down to her latest day.
+After Siegfried's death, and this is true, she dwelt with many a
+grief full thirteen years, that she could not forget the
+warrior's death.  She was true to him, as most folk owned.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary
+     for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after
+     the bridal night.  On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche
+     Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.
+(2)  "A1berich", see Adventure III, note 8.  It is characteristic
+     of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.
+(3)  "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried
+     treasure.  Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie, ii, 813.
+(4)  "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the
+     Rhine province.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XX
+How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.
+
+That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel
+sought another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a
+proud widow in the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild.  Since
+fair Helca was dead, they spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the
+highest and the best king ever won, then take this same lady; the
+stalwart Siegfried was her husband."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am
+heathen and be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a
+Christian and therefore would not plight her troth?  It would be
+a marvel, and that ever happed."
+
+The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for
+the sake of your high name and your mickle goods?  One should at
+least make a trial for the noble dame.  Well may ye love the
+stately fair."
+
+The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the
+people and the land by the Rhine?"
+
+Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have
+known from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and
+Gernot, the noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. 
+Each of them doth use the highest honors and courtesie, as their
+forebears, too, have always done."
+
+Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she
+should wear the crown in this my land.  An' she be so fair, as
+hath been told me, it shall never rue my dearest kin."
+
+"She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal
+queen.  Certes, there might not be in all this world a king's
+bride more fair.  He may well be of good cheer to whom she plight
+her troth."
+
+He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee;
+and if ever I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for
+it as best I may.  Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise.
+From my treasure chambers I will bid thee be given such store of
+horses, of clothes and all thou wilt, that thou and thy
+fellowship may live full merrily.  I'll bid full plenty of these
+things be made ready against thine errand."
+
+To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods,
+that were not worthy of praise.  With mine own goods, which I
+have from thy hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the
+Rhine."
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the
+fair?  May God keep thee and my lady in all worship on the
+journey.  May fortune help me, that she look with favor on my
+suit."
+
+Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make
+ready arms and trappings, that we may stand with honor before
+princes.  I will lead to the Rhine five hundred stately men, that
+wherever in Burgundy I and mine be seen, all may say of thee:
+`Never did any king send afar so many men in better wise than
+thou hast done to the Rhine.'  If thou, O mighty king, wilt not
+turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that her noble love was
+subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son.  Him thou hast seen here. 
+(4)  Men could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."
+
+Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was
+the noble prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen.
+She liketh me well for her passing beauty."
+
+The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start
+hence in four and twenty days.  I'll send word to Gotelind, my
+dear lady, that I myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."
+
+Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew
+both sorrowful and proud.  He told her he should woo for the king
+a wife.  Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair.  When the
+margravine heard the message, a deal she rued it; weeping
+beseemed her at the thought whether she should gain a lady as
+afore.  When she thought on Helca, it grieved her heart full
+sore.
+
+Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry
+King Etzel was at this.  There in the town of Vienna men prepared
+their weeds.  Then might he no longer delay his journey.  At
+Bechelaren Gotelind awaited him; the young margravine, too,  
+Rudeger's child, gladly saw her father and his men.  Many fair
+maids awaited them with joy.  Ere the noble Rudeger rode from the
+city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes were placed upon
+the sumpters.  They journeyed in such wise that not a whit was
+taken from them.
+
+When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full
+lovingly bade lodge his fellowship and ease them well.  The noble
+Gotelind saw the host come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter
+did, the young margravine.  To her his coming could not be
+liefer.  How fain she was to see the heroes from the Hunnish
+land!  With smiling mien the noble maiden spake: "Now be my
+father and his men full welcome here."
+
+Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a
+doughty knight in courteous wise.  Well wot Gotelind Sir
+Rudeger's mood.  When at night she lay close by his side, what
+kindly questions the margravine put, whither the king of the
+Huns had sent him.  He spake: "My Lady Gotelind, I'll gladly
+make this known to thee.  I must woo another lady for my lord,
+sith that the fair Helca hath died.  I will ride for Kriemhild to
+the Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the Huns."
+
+"Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do
+hear such speech of her many honors, that she might perchance
+replace our lady for us in our old age, and that we might be fain
+to let her wear the crown in Hungary."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are
+to ride with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise.  When
+heroes travel richly, then are they of lofty mood."
+
+She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to
+whom I would not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and
+your men part hence."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."
+
+Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure
+chambers!  With enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors
+was busily lined from the neck down to their spurs.  Rudeger had
+chosen only men that pleased him well.
+
+On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from
+Bechelaren.  Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them
+through the Bavarian land.  Seldom did men assail them on the
+highways for robbery's sake, and within twelve days they reached
+the Rhine.  Then might the tidings not be hid; men told it to the
+king and to his liegemen, that stranger guests were come.  The
+host gan say, if any knew them, he should tell him so.  One saw
+their sumpters bear right heavy loads.  'Twas seen that they were
+passing rich.
+
+Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters.  When that the
+many strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon
+full oft.  The people wondered from whence these warriors were
+come to the Rhine.  The host now sent for Hagen, if perchance
+they might be known to him.  Then spake the knight of Troneg:
+"None of them have I ever seen, but when we now gaze upon them, I
+can tell you well from whence they ride hither to this land. 
+They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not full soon."
+(5)
+
+Lodgings were now taken for the guests.  The envoy and his
+fellowship were come in passing costly vesture.  To the court
+they rode wearing good garments, cut in full cunning wise.  Then
+spake the doughty Hagen: "As well as I can tell, for I have not
+seen the lord long time, they ride as if 'twere Rudeger from the
+Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."
+
+"How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of
+Bechelaren be come to this land?"
+
+When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied
+the good knight Rudeger.  He and his friends all ran to meet
+them.  Then five hundred knights were seen dismounting from their
+steeds.  Fair were the men from Hungary greeted; messengers had
+never worn such lordly clothes.  Then Hagen of Troneg spake full
+loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord of Bechelaren and all his
+men, welcome in God's name."
+
+With worship the speedy knights were greeted.  The next of kin to
+the king went to where they stood.  Ortwin of Metz spake to
+Rudeger: "Never have we seen guests so gladly here at any time.
+This I can truly say."
+
+On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting.  With
+all their fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found
+the king and with him many a valiant man.  The lords rose from
+their seats; through their great chivalry this was done.  How
+right courteously he met the messengers!  Gunther and Gernot
+greeted the stranger and his vassals warmly, as was his due.  He
+took the good knight Rudeger by the hand and led him to the seat
+where he sat himself.  Men bade pour out for the guests (full
+gladly this was done) passing good mead and the best of wine that
+one might find in the land along the Rhine.  Giselher and Gere
+both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had heard about the
+strangers.  Merry they were of mood and greeted before the king
+the noble knights and good.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should
+ever requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this
+should the husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."
+
+King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how
+fare Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."
+
+To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know."
+He rose from his seat with all his men and spake to the king:
+"An' may that be that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not
+conceal the tidings that I bring, but will tell them willingly."
+
+Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you,
+these I'll let you tell without the rede of friends.  Pray let me
+and my vassals hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye
+here may gain."
+
+Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you
+upon the Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may
+have.  This message is sent in all good faith.  The noble king
+bade complain to you his need.  His folk is joyless; my lady, the
+royal Helca, my master's wife, is dead.  Through her hath many a
+high-born maid been orphaned, daughters of noble princes, whom
+she hath trained.  Therefore it standeth full piteously in his
+land; they have alas none that might befriend them faithfully.
+The king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."
+
+"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly
+commendeth his service to me and to my kin.  Full gladly have I
+here heard his greeting, and this both my kindred and my men
+shall fain requite."
+
+Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever
+rue fair Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well
+knew how to use."
+
+With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.
+
+Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye
+permit me, O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord
+hath hither sent you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in
+longing after Helca.  Men told my lord that Kriemhild be without
+a husband, that Sir Siegfried be dead.  If this be so, then shall
+she wear a crown before Etzel's knights, would ye but permit her.
+This my sovran bade me say."
+
+Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she
+care to do this, she shall hear my pleasure.  This will I make
+known to you in these three days.  Why should I refuse King Etzel
+before I've learned her wish?"
+
+Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests.  They
+were served so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there
+among Gunthers men.  Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done
+to him of yore.  Till the third day Rudeger thus remained.  The
+king sent for his counsel (full wisely he acted) to see whether
+his kinsmen would think it well that Kriemhild take King Etzel to
+husband.  All together they advised it, save Hagen alone.  He
+spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right wit, ye will
+take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to
+follow."
+
+"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent?  Whatever
+pleasure happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she
+is my sister.  We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance
+it might bring her honor."
+
+Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech.  Had ye knowledge of
+Etzel as have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say,
+then first hath danger happed to you by right."
+
+"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so
+near him that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she
+become his wife."
+
+Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."
+
+For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two
+lords would think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty
+and noble king.  Hagen still gainsaid, but no one other.  Then
+spake the knight Giselher of Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may
+still show your fealty.  Make her to forget the wrongs that ye
+have done her.  Whatever good fortune she may have, this ye
+should not oppose.  Ye have in truth done my sister so many an
+ill," continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she hath
+good cause, if she be angry with you.  Never hath one bereft a
+lady of greater joys."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know.  If she take
+Etzel and live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in
+whatever way she can.  Forsooth full many a stately vassal will
+own her service."
+
+To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever
+ride to Etzel's land before they both be dead.  Let us serve her
+faithfully, that maketh for our honor."
+
+Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild
+wear the crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may.  Ye
+should give it over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."
+
+Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all
+act as traitors.  We should be glad of whatever honors may be
+done her.  Whatever ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my
+troth."
+
+Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and
+Giselher, the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty,
+spake at last, if Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap
+without all hate.
+
+Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with
+favor upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread
+obedience.  He can well requite her of all the wrongs that have
+been done her."
+
+Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild.  
+Kindly she received him. how quickly then he spake: "Ye may well
+greet me gladly and give me a messenger's meed.  Fortune is about
+to part you from all your woes.  For the sake of your love, my
+lady, one of the very best that ever gained a kingdom with great
+honors, or should wear a crown, hath sent envoys hither.  Noble
+knights be wooing; this my brother bade me tell you."
+
+Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all
+my kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman.  What could I
+be to a man who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful
+wife?"
+
+Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and
+Giselher, the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart.  It
+would do her good in truth, could she but take the king.
+
+None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man.  Then
+the knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that
+ye deign to see the messengers."
+
+"I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly
+see the Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie.  Were he not
+sent hither, whoever else might be the messenger, never should he
+become acquainted with me.  Pray bid him come to-morrow to my
+bower.  I'll let him hear my will in full and tell it him
+myself."  At this her great laments brake forth anew.
+
+The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see
+the high-born queen.  He wist himself to be so wise that she
+could not but let the knight persuade her, if it should ever be.
+Early on the morrow when mass was sung, the noble envoys came.  A
+great press arose; of those who should go to court with Rudeger,
+many a lordly man was seen arrayed.  Full sad of mood, the high-
+born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and good.  He found her in
+the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids wore rich
+clothes enow.  She went to meet him to the door and greeted full
+kindly Etzel's liegeman.  Only as one of twelve he went to meet
+her.  Men offered him great worship, for never were come more
+lofty envoys.  They bade the lording and his vassals seat them.
+Before her were seen to stand the two Margraves Eckewart and
+Gere, the noble knights and good.  None they saw merry of mood,
+for the sake of the lady of the house.  Many fair women were seen
+to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her grief; her dress
+upon her breast was wot with scalding tears.  This the noble
+margrave noted well on Kriemhild.
+
+Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray
+you, permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand
+before you and tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have
+ridden hither."
+
+"Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded
+to hear it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."
+
+The others noted well her unwilling mood.
+
+Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born
+king, hath in good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady,
+by messengers hither to this land.  Many good knights hath he
+sent hither for your love.  Great joy without grief he doth offer
+you most truly.  He is ready to give you constant friendship, as
+he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay within his heart.  Certes,
+through longing for her virtues he hath full often joyless days."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew
+my bitter sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man.  Of a truth
+I lost the best of husbands that ever lady won."
+
+"What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married
+joy.  When that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth
+beseem him, naught availeth so greatly for woe of heart.  And ye
+care to love my noble master, ye shall have power over twelve
+mighty crowns.  Thereto my lord will give you the lands of thirty
+princes, all of which his doughty hand hath overcome.  Ye shall
+become the mistress over many worthy liegemen, who were subject
+to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and princely race,
+who owned her sway."  Thus spake the brave knight and bold.
+"Thereto my lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would
+deign to wear with him the crown, the very highest power which
+Helca ever won; this shall ye rule before all Etzel's men."
+
+Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a
+hero's bride?  Death hath given me in the one such dole that I
+must ever live joyless unto mine end."
+
+To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's
+court will be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an'
+it come to pass, for the mighty king hath many a stately knight.
+Helca's damosels and your maids shall together form one retinue,
+at sight of which warriors may well be blithe of mood.  Be
+advised, my lady, ye will fare well in truth."
+
+With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the
+morrow early, when ye shall come here again.  Then will I give
+you answer to what ye have in mind."
+
+The bold knights and good must needs obey.
+
+When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade
+send for Giselher and for her mother, too.  To the twain she
+said, that weeping did beseem her and naught else better.
+
+Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me,
+and I can well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy
+sorrows vanish, and thou takest him to be thy husband.  Whatever
+others may advise, this thinketh me well done.  He is well able
+to turn thy grief to joy," spake Giselher again; "from the Rhone
+to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the sea, there be no other
+king as mighty as he.  Thou mayst well rejoice, an' he make thee
+his wife."
+
+She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this?
+Weeping and wailing beseem me better far.  How should I go to
+court before his knights?  Had I ever beauty, of this I am now
+bereft."
+
+To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers
+counsel thee, dear child, that do.  Obey thy kindred and it will
+go well with thee.  I have seen thee now too long in thy great
+grief."
+
+Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods
+that she might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her
+husband's side of yore, when that he was still alive and well.
+Else would she never have again such happy hours.  She thought
+within her mind: "And shall I give my body to a paynim (6) (I am
+a Christian wife), forever in the world must I bear shame.  An'
+he gave me all the kingdoms in the world still 1 would not do
+it."
+
+Thus she let the matter rest.  All night until the break of day
+the lady lay upon her bed in thought.  Her bright eyes never grew
+dry, till on the morn she went to matins.  Just at the time for
+mass the kings were come and took their sister again in hand.  In
+truth they urged her to wed the king of the Hunnish land; little
+did any of them find the lady merry.  Then they bade fetch hither
+Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken their leave, whatever
+the end might be, whether they gained or lost their suit. 
+Rudeger came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn aright
+the noble prince's mind.  To all it seemed well that this be done
+betimes, for long was the way back into their land.  Men brought
+Rudeger to where Kriemhild was found.  Winningly the knight gan
+beg the noble queen to let him hear what message she would send
+to Etzel's land.  I ween, he heard from her naught else than no,
+that she nevermore would wed a man.  The margrave spake: "That
+were ill done.  Why would ye let such beauty wither?  Still with
+honor may ye become the bride of a worthy man."
+
+Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen
+in secret that he would make amends for all that ever happed to
+her.  At this her great sorrow grew a deal more mild.  To the
+queen he spake: "Let be your weeping.  If ye had none among the
+Huns but me and my faithful kin and liegemen, sore must he repent
+it who had ever done you aught."
+
+At this the lady's mood grew gentler.  She spake: "Then swear me
+an oath, that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to
+amend my wrongs."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."
+
+Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her
+faithfully and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from
+Etzel's land would ne'er refuse her aught.
+
+Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won
+so many friends,  I'll let the people say whatso they choose.
+What if my dear husband's death might still be avenged?"  She
+thought: "Sith Etzel hath so many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I
+will, an' I command them.  He is likewise so rich that I shall 
+have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen hath bereft me of my
+goods."
+
+To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim,
+gladly would I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to
+my husband."
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech.  He hath
+so many knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at
+his court.  What if ye bring it to pass, that he should let
+himself be christened?  Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's
+wife."
+
+Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear
+sister.  Ye should now give over your sadness."
+
+They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become
+King Etzel's bride.  She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen,
+and fare to the Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have
+friends who will take me to his land."
+
+Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still
+more.  'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across
+the Rhine.  No longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy.  I
+have five hundred vassals and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you,
+lady, and do whatso ye bid, both here and there at home.  I'll do
+by you the same whenever ye do mind me of the tale and never feel
+ashamed.  Now bid the housings for your horses be made ready
+(Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and tell it to your maids,
+whom ye would take along, for many a chosen knight will meet us
+on the road."
+
+She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's
+time, so that she might take with her many maidens now with
+worship, whenever she would hence.  Ho, what good saddles they
+fetched for the comely dames!  Albeit they had aye worn costly
+robes, many more were now made ready, for much had been told them
+of the king.  They opened up the chests, which stood afore well
+locked.  For four and one half days they were aught but idle;
+from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay therein.
+Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain would
+make all Rudeger's liegemen rich.  Of the gold from the Nibelung
+land she still had such store that a hundred horses might not
+bear it; she weened her hand should deal it out among the Huns.
+
+This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild.  He spake: "Sith
+Kriemhild will not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must
+stay behind.  For why should I give to my foes such great store
+of goods?  Well I wot what Kriemhild will do with this hoard.  I
+can well believe, an' she take it with her, that it will be doled
+out to call forth hate against me.  Nor have they steeds enow to
+bear it hence.  Hagen doth intend to keep it, pray tell Kriemhild
+that."
+
+When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore.  It was
+likewise told to all three kings.  Fain would they have changed
+it, but as this did not hap, the noble Rudeger spake full
+blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye for the gold?  King Etzel
+doth bear you such great love, that when his eyes do light upon
+you, such store he'll give you that ye can never spend it all;
+this will I swear to you, my lady."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's
+daughter gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft
+me."
+
+Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber.  By leave
+of the king in the door he thrust the key.  Kriemhild's gold was
+handed forth, a thousand marks or more.  He bade the strangers
+take it; much this pleased King Gunther.
+
+Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady
+Kriemhild all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land,
+little of it would mine or the queen's hand touch.  Now bid them
+keep it, for I will none of it.  Forsooth I brought from home
+such store of mine that we can lightly do without this on the
+road, for we be furnished for the journey in full lordly wise."
+
+Aforr this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the
+very best of gold that anywhere might be.  This they took with
+them and great store of women's trinkets, which they should wear
+upon the road.  Her thought too great the might of Hagen.  Of her
+gold for offerings (7) she had still a thousand marks.  For her
+dear husband's soul she dealt it out.  This Rudeger thought was
+done in faithful love.  Then spake the mournful lady: "Where be
+now my friends who for my sake would live in exile?  Let those
+who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my treasure
+and purchase horses and trappings."
+
+Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I
+first became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake
+the knight, "and aye will do the same by you until mine end.  I
+will take with me also five hundred of my men and place them in
+your service right loyally.  Naught shall ever part us, save
+death alone."
+
+For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full
+need.
+
+Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away.  Then
+many tears were shed by kinsfolk.  Royal Uta and many a comely
+maiden showed that they were sad at Kriemhild's loss.  A hundred
+high-born maids she took with her hence, who were arrayed as well
+befit them.  Then from bright eyes the tears fell down, but soon
+at Etzel's court they lived to see much joy.  Then came Lord
+Giselher and Gernot, too, with their fellowship, as their
+courtesie demanded.  Fain would they escort their dear sister
+hence; of their knights they took with them full a thousand
+stately men.  Then came Or(win and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the
+master of the kitchen, must needs be with them, too.  They
+purveyed them night quarters as far as the Danube's shore, but
+Gunther rode no further than a little from the town.  Ere they
+fared hence from the Rhine, they had sent their messengers
+swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who should tell the king
+that Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble high-born
+queen.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.
+(2)  "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the
+     daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the
+     "Thidreksaga" calls him.  In the latter work (chap. 73-80)
+     we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her
+     father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride. 
+     On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see
+     Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.
+(3)  "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the
+     "Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an
+     historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.
+     Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself
+     an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with
+     castles and lands in fief.  He may have been introduced, as
+     Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role
+     originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.
+     Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.
+     Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach
+     with the Danube.
+(4)  "hast seen here".  "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich
+     had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's
+     court.
+(5)  "full soon".  See Adventure III, note 4.
+(6)  "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),
+     'heathen'.
+(7)  "gold for offerings".  This was the gold to be used as
+     offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXI
+How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Let now the messengers ride.  We will do you to wit, how the
+queen journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot
+parted from her.  They had served her as their fealty bade them.
+Down to Vergen (1) on the Danube they rode; here they gan crave
+leave of the queen, for they would ride again to the Rhine. 
+Without tears these faithful kinsmen might not part.  Doughty
+Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever, lady, thou shouldst
+need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but know, and I
+will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."
+
+Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth.  Lovingly they
+took their leave of Margrave Rudeger's men.  The queen had with
+her many a fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that
+wore costly robes of rich, gay-colored silks.  Many broad shields
+were borne close by the ladies on the road, but many a lordly
+warrior turned then from her.
+
+They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land.  Here
+the tale was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there,
+where still a cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into
+the Danube.  In the town of Passau, where lived a bishop,
+lodgings were soon emptied and the prince's court as well, as
+they hurried forth to meet the strangers in the Bavarian land,
+where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild.  The knights
+of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so many
+comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble
+knights.  Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.
+
+With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau.  When it was told
+the burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's
+sister's child, well was she greeted by the merchants.  The
+bishop had the hope that they would stay.  Then spake Sir
+Eckewart: "That may not be.  We must fare further down to
+Rudeger's land.  Many knights await us, for all wot well the
+news."
+
+Well wist fair Gotelind the tale.  She tired her and her noble
+child with care.  Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him
+good that she should cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth,
+with his vassals to the Enns (3) for to meet her.  When this
+message had been given, one saw on every side the roads alive; on
+foot and horse they hastened to meet their guests.  Now was the
+queen come to Efferding. (4)  Enow there were from the Bavarian
+land who might perchance have done the guests much harm, had they
+robbed upon the roads, as was their wont.  That had been
+forestalled by the lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or
+more.
+
+Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode
+many a noble knight in lordly ;vise.  When they were come across
+the Traun, (5) upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and
+tents, where the guests should have their lodgings for the night.
+Rudeger gave the vitaille to his guests.  Fair Gotelind left her
+lodgings far behind her; along the road there trotted many a
+shapely palfrey with jingling bridle.  Fair was the welcome;
+right well was Rudeger pleased.  Among those who rode to meet
+them on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a
+knight.  They practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden
+saw.  Nor did the service of the knights mislike the queen.  When
+that Rudeger's liegemen met the guests, many truncheons (6) were
+seen to fly on high from the warriors' hands in knightly custom. 
+As though for a prize they rode before the ladies there.  This
+they soon gave over and many warriors greeted each other in
+friendly wise.  Then they escorted fair Gotelind from thence to
+where she saw Kriemhild.  Scant leisure had they who wot how to
+serve the ladies.
+
+The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife.  Little it irked the
+noble margravine that he was come so well and sound from the
+Rhine.  In part her cares had given way to .joy.  When she had
+welcomed him, he bade her dismount with the ladies of her train
+upon the sward.  Many a noble knight bestirred him and served the
+ladies with eager zeal.  Then Kriemhild spied the margravine
+standing with her meiny.  No nearer she drew, but checked the
+palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her quickly from the
+saddle.  Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his sister's child
+to Gotelind.  All stood aside at once.  Then the exiled queen
+kissed Gotelind upon the mouth.  Full lovingly spake Rudeger's
+wife: "Now well is me, dear lady, that I have ever seen with mine
+own eyes your charming self in these our lands.  Naught liefer
+might hap to me in all these times."
+
+"Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind.
+Shall I and Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be
+lief to you that ye have seen me here."
+
+Neither knew what must needs later hap.  Many maidens went to
+meet each other in courtly wise.  The warriors, too, were full
+ready with their service.  After the greeting they sat them down
+upon the clover.  With many they became acquaint, who were full
+strange to them aforetime.  As it was now high noon, men bade
+pour out wine for the ladies.  The noble meiny no longer tarried,
+but rode to where they found many broad pavilions; there ample
+service stood ready for the guests.
+
+That night they had repose till early on the morn.  Those from
+Bechelaren made ready for to lodge the worthy guests.  So well
+had Rudeger planned, that little enow they lacked.  The
+embrasures in the walls stood open, the castle at Bechelaren was
+opened wide.  In rode the guests whom men were fain to see; the
+noble host bade purvey them proper easement.  Most lovingly
+Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.
+There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-
+born maid was greeted with delight.  They took each other by the
+hand and hied them hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair,
+under which the Danube flowed along.  Towards the breeze they
+sate and held great pastime.  What more they did I cannot tell,
+save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were heard to grumble that they
+fared so slowly on their way, for much it irked them.  Ho, what
+good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!
+
+Rudeger offered them much loving service.  The queen gave
+Gotelind's daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as
+good as any that she brought to Etzel's land.  Although the
+Nibelung gold was taken from her, yet she did win the hearts of
+all that saw her with the little she still might have.  Great
+gifts were given to the courtiers of the host.  In turn the Lady
+Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such
+friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that
+did not wear her jewels or her lordly robes.
+
+When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was
+proffered by the lady of the house to Etzel's bride.  The fair
+young margravine, too, was much caressed.  To the queen she
+spake: "Whenso it thinketh you good, I know well that my dear
+father will gladly send me to you to the Hunnish land."  How well
+Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her truly.
+
+The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren
+and the noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter.
+With a greeting many a fair maid parted too.  Full seldom did
+they see each other since these days.  From Medelick (8) the folk
+bare in their hands many a rich cup of gold, in which they
+offered wine to the strangers on the highway.  Thus they made
+them welcome.  A host dwelt there, hight Astolt, (9) who showed
+them the road to the Austrian land, towards Mautern (10) down the
+Danube.  There the noble queen was later served full well.  From
+his niece the bishop parted lovingly.  How he counseled her that
+she should bear her well and that she should purchase honor for
+herself, as Helca, too, had done!  Ho, what great worship she
+later gained among the Huns!
+
+To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests.  Rudeger's
+men purveyed them zealously, until the Huns came riding across
+the land.  Then the queen became acquaint with mickle honor. 
+Near the Traisem the king of the Hunnish land did have a mighty
+castle, hight Zeisenmauer, (12) known far and wide.  Lady Helca
+dwelt there aforetime and used such great virtues that it might
+not lightly ever hap again, unless it be through Kriemhild.  She
+wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow she had the joy
+that Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which she later
+won great store among the heroes.  Etzel's rule was known far and
+wide, so that all time one found at his court the boldest
+warriors of whom men ever heard, among Christian or among paynim.
+They were all come with him.  All time there were at his court,
+what may not so lightly hap again, Christian customs and also
+heathen faith.  In whatsoever wise each lived, the bounty of the
+king bestowed on all enow.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt.  A ferry
+     across the river existed here from ancient times.
+(2)  "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an
+     historical personage.  He was bishop of Passau from 971 to
+     991.  Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to
+     Boer between 1181 and 1185.  See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.
+     Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.
+(3)  "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the
+     Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of
+     Linz.
+(4)  "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,
+     about thirteen miles west of Linz.
+(5)  "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,
+     forty-four miles southeast of Linz.
+(6)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+(7)  "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in
+     the "Klage", and in "Biterolf".  In the earlier Norse
+     version "Atli" is the son of "Budli".  (On this point see
+     Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and
+     Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the
+     names are shown to be identical.
+(8)  "Medelick" is the modern Molk, or Melk, a town on the Danube
+     near the influx of the Bilach.  It lies at the foot of a
+     granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.
+(9)  "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known
+     of him.
+(10) "Mantern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite
+     Stein in Lower Austria.
+(11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower
+     Austria, emptying near Traismauer.
+(12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure").  All the MSS. but C and
+     D have this reading.  The latter have "Treysenmoure" and
+     "treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern
+     name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna.  It is
+     possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was
+     originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from
+     Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.
+     See Laehmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,
+     note to str. 1333.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXII
+How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.
+
+Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer.  The while the
+dust upon the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side,
+as if it were burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through
+Austria.  Then the king was told aright how royally Kriemhild
+fared through the lands; at thought of this his sorrows vanished.
+He hasted to where he found the lovely Kriemhild.  Men saw ride
+before King Etzel on the road many bold knights of many tongues
+and many mighty troops of Christians and of paynims.  When they
+met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise.  Of the Russians
+and the Greeks there rode there many a man.  The right good
+steeds of the Poles and Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly,
+as they rode with might and main.  Each did show the customs of
+his land.  From the land of Kiev (1) there rode many a warrior
+and the savage Petschenegers. (2)  With the bow they often shot
+at the birds which flew there; to the very head they drew the
+arrows on the bows.
+
+By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men
+call Tulna. (3)  There she became acquaint with many a foreign
+custom, the which size had never seen afore.  She greeted there
+enow who later came through her to grief.  Before Etzel there
+rode a retinue, merry and noble, courtly and lusty, full four and
+twenty princes, mighty and of lofty birth.  They would fain
+behold their lady and craved naught more.  Duke Ramung (4) of
+Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up before her;
+like flying birds men saw them ride.  Then came Prince Gibeek
+with lordly bands.  The doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand
+men, wheeled from the king away towards the queen.  Loudly they
+shouted after the custom of their land.  Madly too rode the
+kinsmen of the Huns.  Then came brave Hawart (6) of Denmark and
+the doughty Iring, (7) free of guile was he, and Irnfried (8) of
+Thuringia, a stately man.  With twelve hundred vassals, whom they
+had in their band, they greeted Kriemhild, so that she had
+therefrom great worship.  Then came Sir Bloedel, (9) King Etzel's
+brother, from the Hunnish land, with three thousand men.  In
+lordly wise he rode to where he found the queen.  Then King Etzel
+came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his fellowship.  There stood
+many worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good.  At this Dame
+Kriemhild's spirits rose.
+
+Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive
+the high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do.
+Forsooth ye may not greet alike King Etzel's men."
+
+From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight.  Etzel, the
+mighty, bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a
+valiant man.  Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild.  Two
+mighty princes, as we are told, walked by the lady and bore her
+train, when King Etzel went to meet her, where she greeted the
+noble lording with a kiss in gracious wise.  She raised her veil
+and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy hue.  Many a man
+stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have been more
+fair than she.  Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the
+king.  Him Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King
+Gibeek, too.  There also stood Sir Dietrich.  Twelve of the
+warriors the king's bride kissed.  She greeted many knights in
+other ways.
+
+All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful
+warriors did as people still are wont to do.  One saw them riding
+many a royal joust.  This Christian champions did and paynim,
+too, according to their custom.  In what right knightly wise the
+men of Dietrich made truncheons from the shafts fly through the
+air, high above the shields, from the hands of doughty knights!
+Many a buckler's edge was pierced through and through by the
+German strangers.  Great crashing of breaking shafts was heard.
+All the warriors from the land were come and the king's guests,
+too, many a noble man.
+
+Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild.  Hard
+by them a royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain
+was filled with booths, where they should rest them after their
+toils.  Many a comely maid was shown to her place thereunder by
+the knights, where she then sate with the queen on richly covered
+chairs.  The margrave had so well purveyed the seats for
+Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at this King Etzel
+grew blithe of mood.  What the king there spake, I know not.  In
+his right lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's
+wise, since Rudeger would not let the king make love to Kriemhild
+secretly.
+
+Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise
+the great rout ended.  Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men
+gave them lodgings stretching far away on every side.  The day
+had now an end; they lay at ease, till the bright morn was seen
+to dawn again, then many a man betook him to the steeds.  Ho,
+what pastimes they gan ply in honor of the king!  Etzel bade the
+Huns purvey all with fitting honors.  Then they rode from Tulna
+to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame adorned. 
+With great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride.  There was
+ready for them in great plenty whatever they should have.  Many a
+lusty hero rejoiced at prospect of the rout.
+
+The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise.  They began to
+lodge the guests, but quarters could not be found for all within
+the town.  Rudeger therefore begged those that were not guests to
+take lodgings in the country round about.  I ween men found all
+time by Lady Kriemhild, Sir Dietrich and many another knight.
+Their rest they had given over for toil, that they might purvey
+the guests good cheer.  Rudeger and his friends had pastime good.
+The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide, when King Etzel lay by
+Kriemhild in the town of Vienna.  With her first husband, I trow,
+she did not win so many men for service.  Through presents she
+made her known to those who had never seen her.  Full many among
+them spake to the guests: "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had
+naught of goods, now hath she wrought many wonders with her
+gifts."
+
+The feasting lasted seventeen days.  I trow men can no longer
+tell of any king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis
+hidden from us.  All that were present wore brand-new garments. 
+I ween, she never dwelt before in Netherland with such retinue of
+knights.  Though Siegfried was rich in goods, I trow, he never
+won so many noble men-at-arms, as she saw stand 'fore Etzel.  Nor
+hath any ever given at his own wedding feast so many costly
+mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which all had
+here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake.  Her friends and
+the strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods.
+Whatever any craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of
+the knights through bounty stood bereft of clothes.  Kriemhild
+thought of how she dwelt with her noble husband by the Rhine; her
+eyes grew moist, but she hid it full well, that none might see
+it.  Great worship had been done her after many a grief. 
+Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of Dietrich,.
+What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite.
+Rudeger's lavish hand did also many wonders.  Prince Bleedel of
+Hungary bade empty many traveling chests of their silver and
+their gold; all this was given away.  The king's champions were
+seen to live right merrily.  Werbel and Swemmel, (10) the
+minstrels of the king, each gained at the wedding feast, I ween,
+full thousand marks, or even better, when fair Kriemhild sate
+crowned at Etzel's side.
+
+On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna.  Many
+shields were pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors
+bare in hand.  Thus King Etzel came down to the Hunnish land.
+They spent the night at ancient Heimburg. (11)  No one might know
+the press of folk, or with what force they rode across the land. 
+Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's native land!  At mighty
+Misenburg (12) they boarded ship.  The water which men saw
+flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were
+solid earth.  The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest.  Many
+good ships were lashed together, that neither waves nor flood
+might do them harm.  Upon them many a goodly tent was spread, as
+if they still had both land and plain.
+
+From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and
+wives therein were glad.  Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on
+their mistress, passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's
+side.  There many a noble maid stood waiting, who had great grief
+through Helca's death.  Kriemhild found still seven royal
+princesses there, through whom all Etzel's land was graced.  For
+the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat (14) cared, the daughter of
+Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly virtues, the betrothed
+of Dietrich, a royal child,  King Nentwin's (15) daughter; much
+worship she later had.  Blithe of heart she was at the coming of
+the guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared.  Who
+might tell the tale of how the king held court?  Never had men
+lived better among the Huns with any queen.
+
+When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble
+Kriemhild was told full well who each one was; she greeted them
+the better.  Ho, how royally she ruled in Helca's stead!  She
+became acquaint with much loyal service.  Then the queen dealt
+out gold and vesture, silk and precious stones.  Whatever she
+brought with her across the Rhine to Hungary must needs be given
+all away.  All the king's kinsmen and all his liegemen then owned
+her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so mightily as she,
+whom they now must serve till Kriemhild's death.  The court and
+all the land lived in such high honors, that all time men found
+the pastimes which each heart desired, through the favor of the
+king and his good queen.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the
+     southwestern part of Russia.  Its capital of the same name,
+     situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known
+     cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an
+     important station of the Hanseatic league.
+(2)  "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the
+     north of the Caspian.  By conquest they acquired a kingdom
+     extending from the Don to Transylvania.  They were feared
+     for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded
+     the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.
+(3)  "Tulna (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town
+     of Lower Austria, seventeen milos northwest of Vienna on the
+     Danube.
+(4)  "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our
+     poem, nothing else is known of them.
+(5)  "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but
+     nothing otherwise is known of him.
+(6)  "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,
+     who is reputed to have played an important part in the
+     conquest of Thuringia.  He evidently comes from the Low
+     German version.
+(7)  "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an
+     ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or
+     "Iringi".  He occurs in a legend of the fall of the
+     Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role
+     that the Milky Way was named after him.  See W. Grimm,
+     "Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the
+     connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a
+     confusion.
+(8)  "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who
+     was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the
+     aid of the Saxons.  See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,
+     73-79.  He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.
+(9)  "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he
+     reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445.  In our poem the
+     name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as
+     "Bloedelin".
+(10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction
+     to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with
+     the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's
+     court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of
+     their rank.  Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form
+     "Swemmelin".
+(11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.
+(12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,
+     twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.
+(13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of
+     Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of
+     Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no
+     definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics.  See
+     Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506.  The name occurs in
+     documents as late as the fifteenth century.
+(14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently
+     mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed.  She
+     is spoken of as the exiled maid.
+(15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else
+     is known of him.  See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIII
+How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.
+
+With great worship of a truth they lived together until the
+seventh year.  In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at
+which King Etzel could not have been more joyful.  She would not
+turn back, until she brought it to pass that Etzel's child was
+christened after the Christian rite.  Men named it Ortlieb; (1)
+at this great joy arose over all of Etzel's lands.  Whatever
+courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame Kriemhild
+practiced this full many a day.  Herrat, the exiled maid, who in
+secret grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs.  Well
+was she known to the strangers and the home-folk.  They vowed
+that never had a kingdom had a better or more bounteous queen. 
+This they held for true.  She bare this praise among the Huns
+until the thirteenth year.  Now wot she well, that none would
+thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a prince's wife, and
+that all time she saw twelve kings stand before her.  Over many a
+wrong she brooded, that had happed to her at home.  She thought
+likewise on the many honors in the Nibelung land, which she had
+there enjoyed and of which Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at
+Siegfried's death, and if perchance she might not make him suffer
+for his deed.  "That would hap, if I might but bring him to this
+land."  She dreamed that Giselher, her brother, walked often with
+her hand in hand.  Alway she kissed him in her gentle slumber;
+later suffering came to both.  I ween, the foul fiend did counsel
+Kriemhild this, that she withdrew her friendship from Giselher,
+whom for forgiveness' sake she had kissed in the Burgundian land.
+At this hot tears again gan soil her robe.  Early and late it lay
+within her heart, how without fault of hers they had made her wed
+a heathen man.  Hagen and Gunther had brought her to this pass.
+This wish she seldom gave over in her heart.  She thought: "I am
+so mighty and have such great wealth, that I can do my foes an
+injury yet.  Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen of
+Troneg.  My heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin.  Might I
+be with those who did me wrong, my lover's death would be well
+avenged.  Scarce can I abide this," spake Etzel's wife.
+
+All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty
+bound.  Of the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him
+friends.  None might gainsay Dame Kriemhild's will.  All time she
+thought: "I will beg the king, that he in kindly wise may grant
+me to bring my kinsmen to the Hunnish land."  None marked the
+evil purpose of the queen.  One night when she lay by the king,
+and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont to love the noble
+dame, who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady thought her
+of her foes.  To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would fain
+beseech you, by your grace, that ye would show me that ye did
+love my kinsfolk, if I have earned the favor."
+
+Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know
+however well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this,
+for never have I won better kin through woman's love."
+
+Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have
+high-born kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to
+see me here.  I hear the folk aver that I be banished."
+
+Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too
+far, I'll bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso
+ye be fain to see."
+
+The lady joyed her when she heard his will.  She spake: "Would ye
+show me your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the
+Rhine, through whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind.
+Thus there will come hither to our land many a noble knight and a
+good."
+
+He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid.  Ye might not be more
+glad to see your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta.  It
+doth irk me sore, that they have been strangers to us so long a
+time.  If it please you, dear lady mine, I would fain send my
+minstrels for your kinsmen to the Burgundian land."
+
+He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway.  Quickly they
+hasted to where the king sate by the queen.  He told the twain
+they should be envoys to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly
+weeds be made ready for them.  Clothing was prepared for four and
+twenty warriors, and the message was told them by the king, how
+they should bid Gunther and his liegemen hither.  Kriemhild, the
+queen, talked with them apart.  Then spake the mighty king: "I'll
+tell you what to say.  I offer to my kin my love and service,
+that it may please them to ride hither to my land.  But few such
+welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill
+my wish, tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come
+this summer to my feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the
+kinsmen of my wife."
+
+Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your
+feasting be in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your
+kin?"
+
+King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."
+
+"We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.
+
+The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she
+then talked with the envoys.  From this but little joy happed to
+many a knight.  To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye
+mickle goods, in that ye do my pleasure full willingly and give
+the message which I send to my native land.  I'll make you rich
+in goods and give you the lordly robes.  And if ye see any of my
+kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not tell them that ye ever
+saw me sad of heart.  Tender my service to the heroes brave and
+good.  Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus part me
+from all my grief.  The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin.
+Were I a knight, I'd visit them myself at times.  And say to
+Gernot, too, the noble brother of mine, that none in the world
+doth love him more.  Beg him to bring with him to this land our
+best of friends, that it may be to our honor.  Say also to
+Giselher, that he remember well, I never gained grief through
+fault of his.  Therefore would mine eyes fain sue him.  For his
+great loyalty I would gladly have him here.  Tell my mother also
+of the honors which I have, and if Hagen of Troneg be minded to
+stay at home, who then should lead them through the lands?  From
+a child he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)
+
+The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let
+Hagen of Troneg stay upon the Rhine.  Later it repented them full
+sore.  With him many a knight was doomed to a savage death. 
+Letters and messages had now been given them.  They rode forth
+rich in goods, and well could lead a sumptuous life.  Of Etzel
+and his fair wife they took their leave, their persons adorned
+full well with goodly weeds.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"
+     Etzel's son is called Aldrian.  Bleyer, "Die germanischen
+     Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,
+     attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a
+     form "*Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",
+     "Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".
+(2)  "Hungary".  According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen
+     spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIV
+How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.
+
+When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings
+flew from land to land.  Through full speedy messengers he begged
+and bade to his high feasting.  From this many a one met there
+his death.  The envoys rode away from the Hunnish land to
+Burgundy.  They were sent thither for three noble kings and for
+their men, that these should come to Etzel; therefore all gan
+haste.  To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served them
+gladly.  Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed
+not to send their service through the envoys to the Rhine.  Nor
+did they let them part hence without gifts, that Etzel's men
+might fare the better.  To Uta and her sons Rudeger sent word
+that they had no more loyal margrave than he.  To Brunhild, also,
+they tendered service and good wishes, constant fealty and a
+loving mind.  When they heard the speech that the envoys would
+ride, the margravine begged God in heaven to keep them well.
+
+Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the
+doughty Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim.  What word he
+sent to his kin upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but
+ruddy gold he gave the messengers for love and let them ride.
+
+Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's
+sons, I should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to
+them upon the Rhine."
+
+What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell.  None
+robbed them of their silver and their weeds; men feared their
+master's wrath.  Certes the noble high-born king was a mighty
+lord.
+
+Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to
+the land of Worms.  To the kings and their liegemen tidings were
+told that there came strange messengers.  Gunther, the lord of
+the Rhineland, gan ask: "Who will do us to wit, from whence these
+strangers ride into our land?"
+
+This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to
+Gunther: "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have
+seen King Etzel's minstrels here.  Them your sister hath sent to
+the Rhine; for their master's sake we must give them a kindly
+welcome."
+
+Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a
+prince's minstrels journey in more lordly wise.  Straightway the
+king's meiny bade them welcome.  Men gave them lodgings and bade
+take in charge their trappings.  Their traveling clothes were
+rich and so well fashioned that with honor they might come before
+the king, but they would not wear them longer there at court, and
+asked if there were any that desired them.  At the selfsame
+moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to these
+they were sent.  Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such
+as well befitted king's messengers for to wear.
+
+Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was
+sitting; men saw this gladly.  Hagen sprang courteously towards
+the messengers and greeted them in loving wise.  For this the
+squires did say him thanks.  That he might know their tidings, he
+gan ask how Etzel fared and all his men.  Then spake the
+minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were the folk
+more merry; now know that of a truth."
+
+To the host they went; the hall was full.  There men received the
+guests, as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to
+the lands of other kings.  Werbel found full many warriors there
+at Gunther's side.  In courteous wise the king gan greet them:
+"Ye minstrels of the Huns and all your fellowship, be ye welcome.
+Hath the mighty Etzel sent you hither to the Burgundian land?"
+
+To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and
+also Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this
+land.  They have sent us to you knights in all good faith."
+
+Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale.  How fareth
+Etzel," so asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the
+Hunnish land?"
+
+Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that
+never have folk fared better than the twain and all their
+followers, their kinsmen and their vassals.  They joyed them of
+the journey, as we departed hence."
+
+"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those
+of my sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live
+thus in happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."
+
+The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just
+heard the tale.  For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth,
+was fain to see the envoys.  He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye
+messengers, be very welcome to us.  An' ye would ride more often
+hither to the Rhine, ye would find friends here whom ye would be
+glad to see.  Little of harm shall hap you in this land."
+
+"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not
+convey to you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your
+noble sister, who live in such great worship, have sent their
+greetings.  The queen doth mind you of your love and fealty, and
+that your heart and mind did ever hold her dear.  But first and
+foremost we be sent to the king, that ye may deign to ride to
+Etzel's land.  The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly to beg you
+this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not let
+your sister see you, he fain would know what he had done you that
+ye be so strange to him and to his lands,. An' ye had never known
+the queen, yet would he fain bring it to pass that consent to
+come and see him.  It would please him well if that might hap."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale
+of what I have bethought me with my friends.  Meanwhile hie you
+to your lodgings and rest you well."
+
+Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady,
+the royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"
+
+The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall
+hinder that.  An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my
+mother's wish, for she will gladly see you for my sister's sake,
+the Lady Kriemhild; she will make you welcome."
+
+Giselher led them to where they found the queen.  Gladly she
+gazed upon the envoys from the Hunnish land.  Through her
+courtesie she gave them gentle greeting.  The good and courtly
+messengers then told their tale. "My lady offereth you of a
+truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty.  Might that be that
+she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no better joy
+in all the world."
+
+Then spake the queen: "That may not be.  However gladly I would
+often see the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the
+noble king live, alas, too far from me.  May she and Etzel be
+ever blessed.  Pray let me know before ye leave, when ye would
+hence again; not in a long time have I seen messengers so gladly
+as I have you."  The squires vowed that this should hap.
+
+Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. 
+Meanwhile the mighty king had sent to fetch his friends.  The
+noble Gunther asked his liegemen how they liked the speech.  Many
+a one gan say that the king well might ride to Etzel's land.  The
+very best among them advised him this, save Hagen alone; him
+misliked it sore.  Privily he spake to the king: "Ye fight
+against yourself; ye know full well what we have done.  We may
+well be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand
+I slew her husband to death.  How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"
+
+Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with
+a kiss she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she
+rode away.  Unless be that the feud doth stand against you
+alone."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you
+not, whatsoever they say.  Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may
+ye lose there both life and honor.  Full long of vengeance is
+King Etzel's wife."
+
+Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it
+over, because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands?  It
+were an ill deed not to go to see our sister."
+
+Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to
+be guilty, friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you
+well, and let those who dare ride with us to my sister."
+
+At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood.  "I will not
+that ye take any with you on the way, who durst better ride to
+court than I.  Sith ye will not turn you, I will well show you
+that."
+
+Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can
+well have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after
+your own desire, for ye have full store of goods.  I ween, Hagen
+hath never given you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow
+him, Rumolt adviseth you, for I be bound to you in fealty and
+duty, that for my sake ye abide here and leave King Etzel there
+with Kriemhild.  How might it fare more gently with you in all
+the world?  Ye be well able to stand before your foes; so deck
+your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine, and pay
+court to stately ladies.  Thereto ye be served with the best of
+food that ever king did gain in the world.  And were this not so,
+yet should ye tarry here for your fair wife's sake, before ye
+risk your life so childishly.  Wherefore I do counsel you to stay
+at home.  Your lands be rich, and one can redeem his pledges
+better at home than among the Huns.  Who knoweth how it standeth
+there?  Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is Rumolt's counsel."
+
+"We will not stay," quoth Gernot.  "Sith my sister and the mighty
+Etzel have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not
+accept?  He that liketh not to go may stay at home."
+
+To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may
+fare.  In all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives,
+then ride to the Huns well armed.  Sith ye will not turn you,
+send for your men-at-arms, the best ye have or can find in any
+part; from among them all I'll choose a thousand doughty knights.
+Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring you naught of harm."
+
+"This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king.  He
+then bade messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands.
+Three thousand champions or more they fetched.  Little they
+weened to gain such grievous woe.  Full merrily they rode to
+Gunther's court.  Men bade give all that were to ride forth from
+Burgundy both steeds and trappings.  The king gained full many a
+one with willing mood.  Then Hagen of Troneg bade his brother
+Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine.  In knightly
+guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and
+trappings into Gunther's land.  Then came bold Folker, a noble
+minstrel he, with thirty of his men for the journey to
+Kriemhild's court.  They had clothing such as a king might wear.
+Gunther bade make known, he would to the Hunnish land.  I'll do
+you now to wit who Folker was.  He was a noble lord, the liege of
+many doughty knights in Burgundy.  A minstrel he was called, for
+that he wist how to fiddle.  Hagen chose a thousand whom he well
+knew; oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of
+battle, or in whatever else they did.  None might aver aught else
+of them than doughtiness.
+
+The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their
+fear of their lord.  Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen
+would not grant through craftiness.  To his master he spake: "We
+should well guard against letting them ride away, until we
+ourselves fare forth a sennight later to Etzel's land.  If any
+beareth us ill will, the better shall we wot it.  Nor may Lady
+Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of hers, men do
+us harm.  An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for many a
+chosen liegeman had we hence."
+
+Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take
+with them to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave
+man-at-arms.  Now men bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King
+Gunther.  When they were come, Gernot spake: "The king will do as
+Etzel asked us, we will gladly come to his high feast to see our
+sister; be no more in doubt of that."
+
+Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast
+shall be, or in what time we should go thither?"
+
+Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's
+day."
+
+The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they
+would fain see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free
+will.  This Folker hindered, which pleased her much.  "Forsooth,
+my Lady Brunhild is not so well of mood, that ye may see her,"
+spake the good knight.  "Bide the morrow, and men will let you
+see her."  When they weened to gaze upon her, it might not hap.
+
+Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his
+own courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad
+shields of which he had great store.  Rich gifts were also given
+them by his kinsmen Giselher and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin.  Well
+they showed, that they were generous, too.  They offered the
+messengers such rich gifts, that for fear of their lord they
+durst not take them.
+
+Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your
+gifts stay here at home.  We may carry none away; our lord
+forbade that we take aught of gifts.  Then too, there is but
+little need."
+
+Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus
+refuse the gifts of so mighty a king.  At last they were forced
+to take his gold and weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's
+land.  They would fain see the Lady Uta, or ever they departed
+hence, so the doughty Giselher brought the minstrels before his
+mother Uta.  The lady sent the message, that whatever honors her
+daughter had, this gave her joy.  Then the queen bade give the
+minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of King Etzel
+and Kriemhild whom she loved.  Gladly they took the gifts; in
+good faith 'twas done.
+
+The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives
+and men.  Merrily they rode away to Swabia.  Thither Gernot bade
+his knights escort them, that none might do them harm.  When they
+parted from those who should have them in their care, Etzel's
+power did guard them on all their ways, so that none bereft them
+of either horse or trappings.  With great speed they hasted
+towards Etzel's land.  To all the friends they wot of, they made
+known that in a short time the Burgundians would come hither from
+the Rhine to the Hunnish land.  To the Bishop Pilgrim too, the
+tale was told.  As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren,
+men delayed not to tell Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's
+wife.  Merry she grew that she should see them.  Men saw the
+minstrels hasting with the tidings.  They found King Etzel in the
+town of Gran. (2)  Greeting after greeting they gave the king, of
+which full many had been sent him.  He blushed for very joy.
+
+Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that
+her brothers should come into the land.  She gave the minstrels
+great gifts as meed.  This was done for honor's sake.  She spake:
+"Now tell me, both of you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin
+are minded to be at the feast?  Will the best of those we bade
+come hither to this land?  Pray tell me what Hagen said when he
+heard the tale."
+
+The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the
+council, and but little of fair speech he spake thereby.  When
+they pledged the journey hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as
+words of death to the wrathful Hagen.  Your brothers, the three
+kings, will come in lordly mood.  Whoever else may come, this
+tale I know not of a surety.  The brave minstrel Folker vowed to
+ride along."
+
+"Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker
+here.  Of Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero.  My spirits
+stand high that we may see him here."
+
+Then the queen went to where she saw the king. how lovingly Dame
+Kriemhild spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord?  What I
+have ever craved, shall now be brought to pass."
+
+"Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king.  "Never have I been so
+blithe of mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands.
+Through the kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."
+
+King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed
+with benches for the guests which were to come.  Thereafter the
+king heard from them mickle weeping.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.
+(2)  "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the
+     Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles
+     northwest of Budapest.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXV
+How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.
+
+Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. 
+More high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the
+land of any king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons
+and of weeds.  The ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a
+thousand and sixty knights, (1) as I have heard, and nine
+thousand footmen, for the courtly feast.  Those they left at home
+bewailed it in after time.  The trappings were now borne across
+the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer to fair
+Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting.  May God
+preserve their honor there."
+
+The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good
+knights.  Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls
+in this land lay dead."
+
+"Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how
+to say the proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of
+honors.  I wish that my lord go to court to take his leave.  We
+must gladly ride to Etzel's land.  The arms of doughty heroes may
+serve kings there full well, where we shall behold Kriemhild's
+feast."
+
+Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore.  He
+would have advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him
+with such rude words.  Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he
+minded him; he spake: "Because of him Hagen will not make the
+journey to the court."
+
+At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear.  Heroes,
+when it please you, begin the work.  Certes I will gladly ride
+with you to Etzel's land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm
+and shield.
+
+The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. 
+Thither men bare whatever clothes they had.  Busy they were until
+the even tide, then full merrily they set forth from home.  Tents
+and pavilions were raised upon the green beyond the Rhine.  When
+this had happed, the king bade his fair wife tarry with him. 
+That night she still embraced her stately knight.  Trumpeting and
+fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they should ride.
+Then to the work they went.  Whoso held in his arms his love
+caressed the fair.  Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.
+
+Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true.  When they
+would hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind.  Quoth
+he: "I must bewail that ye make this journey to the court."  He
+was hight Rumolt and was a hero of his hands.  He spake: "To whom
+will ye leave your folk and lands?  O that none can turn you
+warriors from your mind!  These tidings from Kriemhild have never
+thought me good."
+
+"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care;
+serve well the ladies, that is my wish.  Comfort any thou dost
+see in tears.  Certes King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."
+
+The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men.  Many a
+one who lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving
+kisses.  This many a stately dame must later needs bewail.  When
+the doughty knights were seen go toward the steeds, men spied
+full many ladies standing sadly there.  Their hearts did tell 
+them that this long parting boded them great harm.  This doth
+never ease the heart.
+
+The doughty Burgundians started on their way.  Then in the land a
+mighty turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept
+both men and wives.  But however the folk might bear them, the
+knights jogged merrily along.  With them rode the men of
+Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong, who had left many comely
+dames at home whom they never saw again.  Siegfried's wounds gave
+Kriemhild pain.
+
+Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main,
+up through Eastern Frankland. (2)  Thither Hagen led them, for
+well he wot the way.  Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from
+Burgundian land.  As they rode away from the Eastern Frankland
+towards Swanfield, (3) men could tell the princes and their kin,
+the worshipful knights, by their lordly bearing.  On the twelfth
+morning the king came to the Danube.  Hagen of Troneg rode
+foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs helpful cheer.  On
+the sandy shore the bold knight dismounted and bound his steed
+full soon to a tree.  The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden
+away.  Great fear the Nibelungs had, as to how they might come
+across, for the stream was much too broad.  Full many a lusty
+knight alighted on the ground.
+
+"Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of
+the Rhine.  Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its
+flood is mighty.  Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a
+worthy knight to-day."
+
+"Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king.  "For
+thine own prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the 
+ford across to the other bank, that we may take hence both steeds
+and trappings."
+
+"Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would
+drown me in these broad waves.  Sooner shall men die by my hands
+in Etzel's lands.  That will I well.  Stay by the water's side,
+ye proud knights and good, and I will seek the ferryman myself
+along the stream, who shall ferry us across to Gelfrat's (4)
+land."
+
+Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield.  Well was he
+armed.  The shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head,
+bright enow it was.  Above his breastplate he bare a sword so
+broad that most fiercely it cut on either edge.  To and fro he
+sought the ferryman.  He heard the splash of water and began to
+listen.  In a fair spring wise women (5) were bathing for to cool
+them off.  Now Hagen spied them and crept toward them stealthily.
+When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to escape him;
+glad enow they were of this.  The hero took their clothes, but
+did them naught else of harm.
+
+Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir
+Knight Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds
+again, bold knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the
+Hunnish court."
+
+Like birds they floated before him on the flood.  Therefore him-
+thought their senses strong and good; he believed the more what
+they would tell him.  Well they answered what he craved of them.
+Hadburg spake again: "Ye may safely ride to Etzel's land.  I'll
+stake my troth at once as pledge, that heroes never rode better
+to any realm for such great honors.  Now believe that in truth."
+
+In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede.  He gave them back
+their clothes and no longer tarried.  As they donned their
+strange attire, they told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's
+land.  The other mermaid spake (Siegelind she hight): "I will
+warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6)  For the sake of her weeds
+mine aunt hath lied to thee.  An' thou comest to the Huns, thou
+wilt be sore deceived.  Time is, that thou shouldst turn again,
+for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land.  Whose
+rideth hither, hath taken death by the hand."
+
+Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. how might it come to
+pass that we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"
+
+Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly.  The same
+one spake again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live,
+save the king's chaplain; this we know full well.  He will come
+again safe and sound to Gunther's land."
+
+Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell
+my lords that we should all lose our lives among the Huns.  Now
+show us over the stream, thou wisest of all wives."
+
+She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up
+yonder where an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a
+ferryman and elsewhere none."
+
+At once he ceased to ask for further tidings.  After the angry
+warrior she called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen!  Forsooth ye
+are too much in haste.  List further to the tale of how ye may
+cross to the other bank.  The lord of these marches beareth the
+name of Else. (7)  His brother is hight Knight Gelfrat, a lord in
+the Bavarian land.  'Twill go hard with you, an' ye will cross
+his land.  Ye must guard you well and deal full wisely with the
+ferryman.  So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you live,
+unless be that ye have your wits about you with the knight.  An'
+ye will that he guide you, then give him his meed.  He guardeth
+this land and is liegeman unto Gelfrat.  And cometh he not
+betimes, so call across the flood and say, ye hight Amelrich. (8) 
+He was a doughty here that; because of a feud did void this land.
+The ferryman will come when he heareth this name."
+
+Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held
+his peace.  Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the
+sandy shore, to where he found an inn upon the other bank. 
+Loudly he began to call across the flood: "Now come and fetch me,
+ferryman," quoth the good knight, "and I will give thee as meed
+an arm ring of ruddy gold.  Know, that of this passage I have
+great need in truth."
+
+So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve,
+therefore he full seldom took wage of any wight.  His squires,
+too, were full lofty of mood.  All this time Hagen still stood
+alone, this side of the flood.  He called with might and main,
+that all the water rang, for mickle and great was the hero's
+strength.  "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's liegeman, that
+because of a great feud did void these lands."
+
+High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and
+fair it was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to
+Gelfrat's land.  The haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed
+himself, did take the oar in hand.  As he would earn Hagen's gold
+so red, therefore he died the sword-grim death at the hands of
+the knight.  The greed for great goods (10) doth give an evil
+end.  Speedily the boatman rowed across to the sandy bank.  When
+he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he grew in
+earnest.  When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the
+hero: "Ye may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him
+whom I weened here.  By father and by mother he was my brother.
+Sith ye have bewrayed me, ye may stay on this hither shore."
+
+"No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger
+knight and have warriors in my care.  Now take ye kindly my meed
+to-day and ferry me over.  I am in truth your friend."
+
+The ferryman replied: "This may not be.  My dear lords have foes,
+wherefore I never ferry strangers to this land.  If ye love your
+life, step out quickly on the sand."
+
+"Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind.  Take this good
+gold from me as a token of my love and ferry us across: a
+thousand horse and just as many men."
+
+The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done."  He raised a
+mighty rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full
+wroth he grew at this), so that he fell upon his knees in the
+boat.  The lord of Troneg had never met so fierce a ferryman.  
+Still more the boatman would vex the haughty stranger.  He smote
+with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11) over Hagen's head (a
+man of might was he); from this the ferryman of Else took great
+harm.  Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his sheath,
+wherein he found his sword.  His head he struck off and cast it
+on the ground.  Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the
+proud Burgundians.  At the very moment that he slew the boatman,
+the skiff gan drifting down the stream.  Enow that irked him. 
+Weary he grew before he brought it back.  King Gunther's liegeman
+pulled with might and main.  With passing swift strokes the
+stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar snapped in his hand.  He
+would hence to the knights out upon the shore.  None other oar he 
+had.  Ho, how quickly he bound it with a shield strap, a narrow
+band!  Towards a wood he floated down the stream, where he found
+his sovran standing by the shore.
+
+Many a stately man went down to meet him.  The doughty knights
+and good received him with a kindly greeting.  When they beheld
+in the skiff the blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had
+dealt the ferryman, Hagen was plied enow with questions by the
+knights.  When that King Gunther spied the hot blood swirling in
+the skiff, how quickly he spake: "Wherefore tell ye me not,
+Hagen, whither the ferryman be come?  I ween your prowess hath
+bereft him of his life."
+
+At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a
+willow tree, I loosed it with my hand.  I have seen no ferryman
+here to-day, nor hath harm happed to any one through fault of
+mine."
+
+Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death
+of dear friends to-day.  Sith we have no boatmen here at hand,
+how shall we come over?  Therefore I must perforce stand sad."
+
+Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down
+upon the grass.  I bethink me that once I was the very best of
+boatmen that one might find along the Rhine.  I trow to bring you
+all safe across to Gelfrat's land."
+
+They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across
+the flood; passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft
+them of not a one.  Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did
+befit their weariness.  Then the knights bare to the skiff their
+gold and weeds, sith there was no help for the crossing.  Hagen
+played the steersman, and so he ferried full many mighty warriors
+over to the sandy shore, into the unknown land.  First he took
+across a thousand noble knights, then his own men-at-arms.  Still
+there were more to come.  Nine thousand footmen he ferried over
+to the land.  Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day.  When he
+had carried them all safe across the flood, the doughty knight
+and good bethought him of the strange tales which the wild
+mermaids had told him afore.  For this cause the king's chaplain
+near lost his life.  He found the priest close by the chapel
+luggage, leaning with his hand upon the relics.  Little might
+that boot him.  When Hagen spied him, ill fared it with the
+hapless priest; he threw him from the skiff in haste.  Enow of
+them called out: "Hold on, Sir Hagen, hold!"
+
+Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between.
+Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen,
+the chaplain's death?  Had another done the deed, 'twould have
+irked you sore.  For what cause have ye sworn enmity to the
+priest?"
+
+The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he
+would fain save his life, if perchance any there would help him. 
+That might not be, for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood.  He
+thrust him to the bottom, the which thought no one good.  When
+the poor priest saw naught of help, he turned him back again.
+Sore was he discomfited, but though he could not swim, yet did
+God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound to the: land
+again.  There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe.  Hagen 
+marked thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which
+the wild mermaids told him.  Him-thought: "These knights must
+lose their lives."
+
+When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had
+borne all away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces
+and threw it in the flood, at which the bold knights and good did
+marvel much.
+
+"Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we
+come over, when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the
+Rhine?"
+
+Later Hagen told him that might not be.  The hero of Troneg
+spake: "I do it in the hope that if we have a coward on this
+journey, who through faint-heartedness would run away, that in
+this stream he may die a shameful death."
+
+They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the
+which was named Folker.  Wisely he spake all his mind.  Whatever
+Hagen did, it thought the fiddler good.  Their steeds were now
+ready, the sumpters laden well.  On the journey they had taken no
+harm that irked them, save the king's chaplain alone.  He must
+needs wander back on foot to the Rhine again.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "a thousand and sixty".  This does not agree with the
+     account in Adventure XXIV, witere we read of a thousand of
+     Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.
+     The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later
+     interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a
+     thousand all told.
+(2)  "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient
+     province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east
+     of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,
+     Wurzburg and Barnberg.  In "Biterolf" Dietlich journeys
+     through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.
+(3)  "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of
+     "Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.
+(4)  "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",
+     mentioned below.  Their father's name was also Else.
+(5)  "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of
+     German mythology.  While it is not specifically mentioned,
+     it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are
+     also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an
+     important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift
+     of prophecy.  They appear in the form of swans, and the
+     strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to
+     the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled
+     Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings.  On bathing
+     they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession
+     of it has them in his power.  This explains their eagerness
+     to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments
+     to them.  For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",
+     355.
+(6)  "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely
+     a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies
+     'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'.  In the
+     "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and
+     the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen
+     is the son of an elf by the same mother.
+(7)  Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is
+     called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same
+     name.  See Adventure XXV, note 4.
+(8)  "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.
+(9)  "Spear".  It was the custom to offer presents on a spear
+     point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously
+     using his sword.  Compare the similar description in the
+     "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should
+     be received with the spear.
+(10) "Goods".  In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring
+     for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to
+     marriage and the desire for wealth.
+(11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.
+(12) "Clerk", 'priest'.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVI (1)
+How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.
+
+Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who
+will show us the right roads through this land, that we go not
+astray?"
+
+Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a
+care."
+
+"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire.  Certes, me-
+thinketh right that we should heed our friends.  With full
+monstrous tales I'll make you acquaint: we shall never come again
+to the Burgundian land.  Two mermaids told me early in the
+morning that we should not come back again.  I will now counsel
+you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes, for we have mighty
+foes.  Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike guise.  I
+thought to catch these mermaids in a lie.  They swore that none
+of us would come home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone.
+Therefore would I fain have drowned him to-day."
+
+These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale
+from woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey
+to Etzel's court.  Forsooth they had great need.  When they had
+crossed at Moering, (2) where Else's ferryman had lost his life,
+Hagen spake again: "Sith I have gained me foes upon the way, we
+shall surely be encountered.  I slew this same ferryman early on
+the morn to-day.  Well they wot the tale.  Now lay on boldly, so
+that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they match our
+fellowship here to-day.  I know them to be so bold that 'twill
+not be left undone.  Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none
+ween we be a-fleeing on the road."
+
+"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight;
+"but who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"
+
+They answered: "This let Felker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth
+both road and path."
+
+Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler
+standing there well armed.  On his head he bound his helmet, of
+lordly color was his fighting gear.  On his spear shaft he tied a
+token, the which was red.  Later with the kings he fell into
+direst need.
+
+Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to 
+Gelfrat's ears.  The mighty Else had also heard the tale.  Loth
+it was to both; they sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood
+ready.  In a passing short time, as I'll let you hear, one saw
+riding towards them those who had wrought scathe and monstrous
+wounds in mighty battles.  Full seven hundred or more were come
+to Gelfret.  When they began to ride after their savage foes,
+their lords did lead them, of a truth.  A deal too strong they
+hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their
+wrath.  Therefore many of the lordings' friends were later lost.
+
+Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard
+his kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with
+his liegemen and his brother Dankwart.  This was wisely done.
+
+The day had passed away; the night was come.  For his friends he
+feared both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode
+through the Bavarian land.  A short time thereafter the heroes
+were assailed.  On either side of the highway and in the rear
+hard by they heard the beat of hoofs.  Their foes pressed on too
+hard.  Then spake hold Dankwart: "They purpose to attack us here,
+so hind on your helmets, for that be well to do."
+
+They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the
+gloom they spied the gleam of shining shields.  Hagen would no
+longer keep his peace; he called: "Who chaseth us upon the
+highway?"
+
+To this Gelfrat must needs give answer.  Quoth the margrave of
+Bavaria: "We seek our foes and have galloped on behind you.  I
+know not who slew my ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow,
+for he was a hero of his hands."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? 
+The fault was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the
+knight.  Forsooth I had great need, for I had sheer gained at his
+hands my death.  As meed I offered him gold and trappings, that
+he ferry me across to thy land, Sir Knight.  This angered him so
+greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar.  At this I waxed grim
+enow.  I seized my sword and fended him his anger with a grievous
+wound.  Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as doth
+think thee best."
+
+"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship
+rode hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm.  Now he shall
+not live; the knight must stand for the ferryman's life."
+
+Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the
+thrust; each would charge the other.  Else and Dankwart rode full
+gloriously; they tested who they were, fierce was the fight.  How
+might heroes ever prove each other better?  From a mighty thrust
+Hagen was unhorsed by Gelfrat's hand.  His martingale snapped, he
+learnt what it was to fall.  The crash of shafts resounded from
+their fellowship.  Hagen, who from the thrust afore had come to
+earth, down on the grass, sprang up again.  I trow, he was not
+gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then.  Who held their steeds, I
+know not; both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and
+rushed together.  Their fellowship helped thereby and became
+acquaint with strife.  Albeit Hagen sprang at Gelfrat fiercely,
+the noble margrave smote from his shield a mickle piece, so that
+the sparks flew wide.  Full nigh did Gunther's liegeman die
+therefrom.  He began to call to Dankwart: "O help, dear brother!
+Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he will not spare my
+life."
+
+At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."
+
+The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat
+such a blow that he fell down dead.  Else then would fain avenge
+the knight, but he and his fellowship parted from the fray with
+scathe.  His brother had been slain, he himself was wounded; full
+eighty of his knights remained with grim death behind upon the
+field.  Their lord must needs turn in flight from Gunther's men.
+
+When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard
+the savage blows resound behind them.  Those of Troneg chased
+their foes; they were in passing haste, who had not weened to
+make amends.  Then spake Dankwart, the knight, in their pursuit:
+"Let us turn soon on this road and let them ride, for they be wot
+with blood.  Haste we to our friends, this I advise you of a
+truth."
+
+When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen
+of Troneg spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or
+whom we have lost in the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."
+
+Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail.  But they had
+been paid for dearly; for them a hundred or better from the
+Bavarian land were slain.  From their blood the shields of the
+men of Troneg were dimmed and wet.  Through the clouds there
+partly broke the gleam of the shining moon, as Hagen spake again:
+"Let none make known to my dear lords what we have wrought here
+to-day.  Let them rest without care until the morn."
+
+When those who just had fought were now come again, the
+fellowship was full weary from the way.  "How long must we still
+ride?" asked many a man.
+
+Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye
+must all ride until the day be come."
+
+The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask
+the marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our
+steeds may rest and our dear lords as well?"
+
+Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest
+till it begin to dawn.  Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay
+us down upon the grass."
+
+How loth it was to some when they heard this tale!  They remained
+unmarked with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot
+his gleaming light against the morn across the hills.  Then the
+king beheld that they had fought.  Wrathfully the hero spake:
+"How now, friend Hagen?  I ween, ye scorned to have me with you
+when your rings grew wet with blood?  Who hath done this?"
+
+Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night.  We were
+attacked because of his ferryman.  Then my brother's hand smote
+Gelfrat down.  Else soon escaped us, constrained thereto by
+mickle need.  A hundred of them and but four of ours lay dead in
+the strife."
+
+We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest.  All of the
+folk of the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode
+to court.  Later they were well received at Passau.  The uncle of
+the noble king, the Bishop Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his
+nephews came to his land with so many knights.  That he bare them
+good will, they learned full soon.  Well were they greeted, too,
+by friends along the way, sith men could not lodge them all at
+Passau.  They had to cross the stream to where they found a field
+on which they set up pavilions and costly tents.  All one day
+they must needs stay there, and a full night too.  What good
+cheer men gave them!  After that they had to ride to Rudeger's
+land, to whom the tidings were brought full soon.  When the way-
+worn warriors had rested them and came nearer to the Hunnish
+land, they found a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen of
+Troneg won a sturdy sword.  The same good knight hight Eckewart
+(3) in truth; sad of mood he grew, that he lost his weapon
+through the journey of the knights.  They found Rudeger's marches
+guarded ill.
+
+"Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart.  "Certes this journey
+of the Burgundians rueth me full sore.  My joy hath fled, sith I
+lost Knight Siegfried.  Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted
+toward thee!"
+
+When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his
+sword and six red arm bands.  "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token
+that thou art my friend.  A bold knight thou art, though thou
+standest alone upon the marches."
+
+"God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied.  "Yet your
+journey to the Huns doth rue me sore.  Because ye slew Siegfried,
+men hate you here.  I counsel you in truth, that ye guard you
+well."
+
+"Now may God protect us," answered Hagen.  "These knights, the
+kings and their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for
+their lodgement, where we may find quarters in this land
+to-night.  Our steeds be spent by the distant way and our food
+run out," quoth Hagen, the knight.  "We find naught anywhere for
+sale, and have need of a host, who through his courtesie would
+give us of his bread to-night."
+
+Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that
+full seldom have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may
+hap you, an' ye will seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights.  He
+dwelleth by the highway and is the best host that ever owned a
+house.  His heart giveth birth to courtesie, as the sweet May
+doth to grass and flowers.  He is aye merry of mood, when he can
+serve good knights."
+
+At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask
+whether my dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my
+kinsmen and our men?  I will repay thee this, as best I ever
+can."
+
+"Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied.  With a right
+good will he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he
+had heard, to whom none such pleasing news had come in many a
+day.
+
+At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast.  Rudeger himself
+descried him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart,
+a liegeman of Kriemhild."
+
+He weened the foes had done him scathe.  Before the gate he went
+to meet the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his
+hand.  The tales he brought were not hidden from the host and his
+friends, but were straightway told them.  To the margrave he
+spake: "Gunther, the lord of the Burgundian land, and Giselher,
+his brother, and Gernot, too, have sent me hither to you.  Each
+of the warriors tendered you his service.  Hagen and Folker, too,
+eagerly did the same in truth.  Still more I'll tell you, that
+the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that the good
+knights have passing need of your lodgement."
+
+Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales,
+that the high-born kings do reck of my service.  It shall not be
+denied them.  Merry and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my
+house."
+
+"Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in
+your house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good
+knights, and nine thousand men-at-arms."
+
+Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these
+guests, that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I
+have served as yet full seldom.  Now ride ye forth for to meet
+them, my kinsmen and my men."
+
+Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought
+them right, which their lord did bid.  All the more they hasted
+with their service.  As yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate
+within her bower.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Adventure XXVI".  This adventure is a late interpolation,
+     as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga".  Originally the
+     river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's
+     kingdom.
+(2)  "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and
+     Ingolstadt.  In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the
+     mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",
+     whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring.  This may be the
+     original form of the account and the form here contaminated.
+     See Boer, i, 134.
+(3)  "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.  It will be remembered
+     that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then
+     stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and
+     finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court.  Originally he
+     must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.
+     Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in
+     the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side
+     of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,
+     he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to
+     Rudeger.  His sleeping here may, however, be thought to
+     indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVII
+How They Came To Bechelaren.
+
+Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife
+with his daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings
+he had heard, that the brothers of their lady were coming thither
+to their house.  "My dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must
+receive full well the noble high-born kings, when they come here
+to court with their fellowship.  Ye must give fair greeting, too,
+to Hagen, Gunther's man.  With them there cometh one also, hight
+Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen with courtesie.
+Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the knights with
+gentle breeding."  This the ladies vowed; quite ready they were
+to do it.  From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in
+which they would go to meet the warriors.  Fair dames were
+passing busy on that day.  Men saw but little of false colors on
+the ladies' cheeks; upon their heads they wore bright bands of
+gold.  Rich chaplets (1) these were, that the winds might not
+dishevel their comely hair, and this is true i' faith.
+
+Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks.  Much hasting over
+the plain was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the
+lordings, whom men then received well into the margrave's land.
+When the margrave, the doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward
+him, how joyfully he spake: "Be ye welcome, fair sirs, and your
+liegemen, too.  I be fain to see you in my land."  Low obeisance
+the knights then made, in good faith, without all hate.  That he
+bare them all good will, he showed full well.  Hagen he gave a
+special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2)  To Folker
+from Burgundy land he did the same.  Dankwart he welcomed, too. 
+The bold knight spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall
+have a care for our men-at-arms whom we have brought?"
+
+Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your
+fellowship.  I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought
+with you, of steeds and trappings, that naught shall be lost,
+that might bring you harm, not even a single spur.  Ye footmen
+pitch the tents upon the plain.  What ye lose I'll pay in full.
+Take off the bridles, let the horses run."
+
+Seldom had host done this for them afore.  Therefore the guests
+made merry.  When that was done, the lordlings rode away and the
+footmen laid them everywhere upon the grass.  Good ease they had;
+I ween, they never fared so gently on the way.  The noble
+margravine with her fair daughter was come out before the castle.
+One saw stand by her side the lovely ladies and many a comely
+maid.  Great store of armlets and princely robes they wore.  The
+precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing costly weeds.
+Fair indeed were they fashioned.
+
+Then came the guests and alighted there straightway.  Ho, what
+great courtesie one found among the Burgundian men!  Six and
+thirty maids and many other dames, whose persons were wrought as
+fair as heart could wish, went forth to meet them with many a
+valiant man.  Fair greetings were given there by noble dames. 
+The young margravine kissed all three kings, as did her mother,
+too.  Close at hand stood Hagen.  Her father bade her kiss him,
+but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful that she had
+fain left it undone.  Yet she must needs perform what the host
+now bade her do.  Her color changed first pale then red. 
+Dankwart, too, she kissed, and then the minstrel.  For his great
+prowess was this greeting given.  The young margravine took by
+the hand Knight Giselher of the Burgundian land.  The same her
+mother did to Gunther, the valiant man.  Full merrily they went
+hence with the heroes.  The host walked at Gernot's side into a
+broad hall, where the knights and ladies sate them down.  Soon
+they bade pour out for the guests good wine.  Certes, heroes
+might never be better purveyed than they.  Rudeger's daughter was
+gazed upon with loving glances, so fair she was.  Forsooth many a
+good knight caressed her in his mind.  And well did she deserve
+this, so high she was of mood.  The knights thought what they
+would, but it might not come to pass.  Back and forth shot the
+glances at maids and dames.  Of them sate there enow.  The noble
+fiddler bare the host good will.
+
+Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to
+different sides.  In the broad hall they set up the tables and
+served the strangers in lordly wise.  For the sake of the guests
+the noble margravine went to table, but let her daughter stay
+with the maidens, where she sate by right.  The guests saw naught
+of her, which irked them sore, in truth.
+
+When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair
+again into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid.  Many
+such spake Folker, this brave and lusty knight.  Before them all
+the noble minstrel spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full
+graciously with you, for he hath given you a passing comely wife
+and thereto a life of joy.  An' I were a prince," quoth the
+minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would fain have to wife
+your comely daughter.  This my heart doth wish.  She is lovely
+for to see, thereto noble and good."
+
+Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should
+ever crave the dear daughter of mine?  My wife and I are exiles;
+what booteth in such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"
+
+To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have
+a love after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a
+wife."
+
+Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must
+take a wife.  The margravine is of such high kin that I and all
+his liegemen would gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in
+Burgundy land."
+
+This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too,
+indeed it joyed their mood.  Then the heroes brought to pass that
+the noble Giselher took her to wife, as did well befit a king.
+Who may part what shall be joined together?  Men prayed the
+margravine to go to court, and swore to give him the winsome
+maid.  He, too, vowed to wed the lovely fair.  For the maiden
+they set castles and land aside, and this the hand of the noble
+king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that this
+should hap.
+
+Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will
+ever serve you with my troth.  As much silver and gold will I
+give my daughter, as an hundred sumpters may barely carry, that
+it may please the hero's kin in honor."
+
+After the custom men bade them stand in a ring.  Over against her
+many a youth stood, blithe of mood.  In their minds they harbored
+thoughts, as young folk still are wont to do.  Men then gan ask
+the winsome maid whether she would have the knight or no.  Loth
+in part she was, and yet she thought to take the stately man. 
+She shamed her of the question, as many another maid hath done.
+Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer yes, and gladly take
+him.  In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and clasped her
+in his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy him.
+
+Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now
+ride again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you
+my child, that ye may take her with you."
+
+This then they vowed.  Now men must needs give over all the noisy
+joy.  They bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the
+guests to sleep and rest them against the day.  Meanwhile men
+made ready the food; the host purveyed them well.
+
+When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish
+lands.  "I'll guard against that well," spake the noble host. 
+"Ye must tarry still, for full seldom have I gained such welcome
+guests."
+
+To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be.  Where would
+ye find the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so
+many warriors another night?"
+
+When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech.  My
+dear lords, ye must not say me nay.  Forsooth I'd give you
+vittaile for a fortnight, with all your fellowship that is come
+hither with you.  King Etzel hath taken from me as yet full
+little of my goods."
+
+However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there
+until the fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty
+of the host that it was told after.  He gave his guests both
+mounts and robes.  No longer might they stay, they must fare
+forth.  Through his bounty bold Rudeger wot how to save but
+little.  Naught was denied that any craved, it could not but
+please them all.  Their noble meiny now brought saddled before
+the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger
+knights.  In their hands they bare their shields, for they would
+ride to Etzel's land.  Before the noble guests come forth from
+the hall, the host had proffered everywhere his gifts.  He wist
+how to live bountifully, in mickle honors.  To Giselher he had
+given his comely daughter; to Gunther, the worshipful knight, who
+seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail, which the noble and
+mighty king wore well with honor.  Gunther bowed low over noble
+Rudeger's hand.  Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow, the
+which he later bare full gloriously in strife.  Little did the
+margrave's wife begrudge him the gift, but through it good
+Rudeger was forced to lose his life.  Gotelind offered Hagen a
+loving gift, as well befit her.  He took it, sith the king had
+taken one, that he should not fare forth from her to the
+feasting, without her present.  Later he gainsayed it.  "Of all
+that I have ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to bear naught else
+save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that with me
+into Etzel's land."
+
+When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her
+grief -- tears became her well.  She thought full dearly on
+Nudung's (3) death, whom Wittich had slain; from this she felt
+the stress of sorrow.  To the knight she spake: "I'll give you
+the shield.  Would to God in heaven, that he still lived who bare
+it once in hand.  He met his death in battle; for him must I ever
+weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire woe."
+
+The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands
+she seized the shield.  To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in
+his hand.  This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight.  A
+cover of shining silk concealed its colors, for it was set with
+precious stones.  In sooth the daylight never shone on better
+shield.  Had any wished to buy it at its cost, 'twere well worth
+a thousand marks. (4)  Hagen bade the shield be borne away.
+
+Then Dankwart came to court.  To him the margrave's daughter gave
+great store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the
+Huns in passing lordly wise.  However many gifts were taken by
+them, naught would have come into the hands of any, save through
+the kindness of the host, who proffered them so fair.  Later they
+became such foes that they were forced to strike him dead.
+
+Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood
+before Gotelind.  He played sweet tunes and sang to her his
+songs.  Thus he took his leave and parted from Bechelaren.  The
+margravine bade fetch a chest.  Now hear the tale of friendly
+gifts!  Twelve rings she took out and placed them on his hand.
+"These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and wear them at court
+for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell me how ye
+have served me yonder at the feast."  What the lady craved, he
+later carried out full well.
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the
+gentlier, for I myself will guide you and bid guard you well,
+that none may harm you on the road."
+
+Then his sumpters were laden soon.  The host was well beseen with
+five hundred men with steeds and vesture.  These he took with him
+full merrily hence to the feasting.  Not one of them later ever
+came alive to Bechlaren.  With a loving kiss the host parted
+hence; the same did Giselher, as his gentle breeding counseled
+him.  In their arms they clasped fair wives.  This many a high-
+born maid must needs bewail in later times.  On every side they
+opened the casements, for the host with his liegemen would now
+mount their steeds.  I ween their hearts did tell them of the
+bitter woes to come.  Then wept many a dame and many a comely
+maid.  They pined for their dear kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw
+in Bechelaren.  Yet these rode merrily across the sand, down
+along the Danube to the Hunnish land.
+
+Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the
+Burgundians: "Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns
+must not be left unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught
+that pleased him more."
+
+So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every
+side 'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the
+Rhine.  Naught could have been liefer to the courtiers of the
+king.  On before the envoys hasted with the tidings, that the
+Nibelungs were already in the Hunnish land.
+
+"Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine.  Thy dear
+brothers be coming in great state to visit thee."
+
+Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to
+see her kin, as friend doth for friend.  Many a man she spied
+from her fatherland.  The king, too, learned the tale and laughed
+for very pleasure.  "Now well is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild,
+"my kinsmen bring with them many a brand-new shield and white
+coat of mail.  He who would have gold, let him bethink him of my
+sorrows, and I'll ever be his friend."
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.
+(2)  "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.
+(3)  "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.
+     335, by "Vidg"a (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of
+     Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport.  There,
+     chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and
+     the "Rosengarten" he is her son.
+(4)  "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXVIII
+How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.
+
+When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of
+Berne did hear the tale, and sore it rued him.  He told his lord,
+who bade him welcome well the lusty knights and brave.  The
+doughty Wolfhart (2) bade fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy
+warrior rode with Dietrich, to where he thought to meet them on
+the plain where they had pitched full many a lordly tent.  When
+Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to his lords he spake
+in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise from your
+seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here.  Yonder
+cometh a fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights
+from the Amelung land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead --
+high-mettled warriors they.  Scorn not the service that they
+proffer."
+
+Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle
+right, many a knight and squire.  Towards the strangers they
+went, to where they found the heroes; in friendly wise they
+greeted those from the Burgundian land.  Ye may now hear what Sir
+Dietrich said to the sons of Uta, as he saw them coming toward
+him.  Their journey rued him sore; he weened that Rudeger wist
+it, and had told them the tale.  "Be ye welcome, fair sirs,
+Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and the
+doughty Dankwart.  Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth
+sorely for the hero of the Nibelung land?"
+
+"Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many
+years, done to death.  Let her love now the Hunnish king.
+Siegfried cometh not again, he hath long been buried."
+
+"Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still
+live, scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of
+Berne.  "Hope of the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."
+
+"Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king.  "Etzel sent
+us envoys (why should I question more?) to say that we should
+ride to visit him, hither to this land.  My sister Kriemhild sent
+us many a message, too."
+
+"Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his
+good knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know
+the Lady Kriemhild's mood."
+
+Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich,
+too, went and spake apart.  "Pray tell us, good and noble knight
+of Berne, what ye do know of the queen's mood?"
+
+Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you?  Every
+morning I hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind
+to the mighty God of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."
+
+"That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler,
+"cannot be turned aside.  We must ride to court and abide what
+may hap to us doughty knights among the Huns."
+
+The brave Burgundians now rode to court.  In lordly wise they
+came after the fashion of their land.  Many a brave man among the
+Huns wondered what manner of man Hagen of Troneg be.  It was
+enough that men told tales, that he had slain Kriemhild's husband
+the mightiest of all heroes.  For that cause alone much
+questioning about Hagen was heard at court.  The knight was fair
+of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the breast;
+his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his
+glance; lordly gait he had.
+
+Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship
+was placed apart.  This the queen advised, who bare him much
+hate, and therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings.
+Dankwart, Hagen's brother, he was marshal.  The king earnestly
+commended to him his followers, that he purvey them well and give
+them enow to eat;  The hero of Burgundy bare them all good will.
+Kriemhild, the fair, went with her maids-in-waiting to where,
+false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.  Giselher alone she
+kissed and took by the hand.  That Hagen of Troneg saw, and bound
+his helmet tighter.  "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,
+"doughty knights may well bethink them.  One giveth kings a
+greeting different from their men.  We have not made a good
+journey to this feast." (4)
+
+She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet
+you not for your kinship.  Pray tell me what ye do bring me from
+Worms beyond the Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to
+me here?"
+
+"Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts,
+I had bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you
+presents hither to this land."
+
+"Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung
+hoard?  It was mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have
+brought me that to Etzel's land."
+
+"I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had
+the care of the Nibelung hoard.  My lords bade sink it in the
+Rhine, and there it must verily lie till doomsday."
+
+Then spake the queen: "I thought as much.  Ye have brought full
+little of it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I
+had it whilom in my care.  Therefore have I all time so many a
+mournful day."
+
+"The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen.  "I have enough to
+carry with my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the
+sword is in my hand, therefore I bring yon naught."
+
+Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not
+bring weapons to the hall.  Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll
+have them taken in charge."
+
+"I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done.  In sooth I
+crave not the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my
+shield and other arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen.  This my
+father did not teach me, I myself will play the chamberlain."
+
+"Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild.  "Why will Hagen
+and my brother not let their shields be taken in charge?  They be
+warned, and wist I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."
+
+To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned
+the noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian
+liegeman.  Go to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer
+for the deed."
+
+Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir
+Dietrich.  At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed
+with furious glance upon her foes.  Two warriors then grasped
+each other quickly by the hand, the one was Sir Dietrich, the
+other Hagen.  With gentle breeding the lusty hero spake:
+"Forsooth I rue your coming to the Huns, because of what the
+queen hath said."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."
+
+Thus the two brave men talked together.  King Etzel saw this, and
+therefore he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the
+mighty king, "who yonder warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth
+there in such friendly wise.  He carrieth high his head; whoever
+be his father, he is sure a doughty knight."
+
+A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is
+from Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him
+here, a grim man is he.  I'll let you see full well that I have
+told no lie."
+
+"How shall  I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king.  As
+yet he wist not the many evil tricks that the queen should later
+play upon her kin, so that she let none escape from the Huns
+alive.
+
+"Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my
+court gained mickle praise and honor.  I dubbed him knight and
+gave hint of my gold.  The faithful Helca loved him inly. 
+Therefore I have since known Hagen every whit.  Two stately
+youths became my hostages, he and Walther of Spain. (6)  Here
+they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again, Walther ran away
+with Hildegund."
+
+He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore.  He had
+spied aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him
+yeoman service.  Later in his old age he did him many a dear
+friend to death.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich. 
+     He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".
+(2)  "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew.  In the "Thidreksaga" he
+     falls in the battle of Gronsport.
+(3)  "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land
+     appears.  Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged
+     to the race of the Amali.
+(4)  "Feast".  That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was
+     innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.
+(5)  "Vassal".  No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at
+     Etzel's court.  He is probably confused here with his son,
+     for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in
+     our poem a few lines further down.
+(6)  "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary
+     personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin
+     epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"
+     tell.  He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the
+     Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related
+     here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering
+     numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in
+     the other sources against the Burgundians.  In both cases
+     Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at
+     first, out of friendship for Walther.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXIX
+How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.
+
+Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and Sir
+Dietrich.  Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a
+comrade-at-arms, whom he then quickly won.  Folker he saw, the
+cunning fiddler, stand by Giselher, and begged him to join him,
+for well he knew his savage mood.  He was in all things a bold
+knight and a good.  Still they let the lordings stand in the
+court, only these twain alone men saw walk hence far across the
+court before a spacious palace.  These chosen warriors feared the
+hate of none.  They sate them down upon a bench before the house
+over against a hall, the which belonged to Kriemhild.  Upon their
+bodies shone their lordly weeds.  Enow who gazed upon them would
+than have known the knights; as wild beasts the haughty heroes
+were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too, gazed
+upon them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad
+again.  Of her sorrows it minded her and she began to weep.  Much
+it wondered Etzel's men what had so quickly saddened her mood.
+Quoth she: "That Hagen hath done, ye heroes brave and good."
+
+To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we
+did see you joyful?  None there be so bold, an' he hath done you
+aught, but it will cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you." 
+
+"Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs.  I would give
+him all he craved.  Behold me at your feet," spake he queen;
+"avenge me on Hagen, that he lose his life."
+
+Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake.
+They would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler,
+too.  With forethought this was done.  When the queen beheld the
+band so small, grim of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye
+now would do, ye should give over.  With so few durst ye never
+encounter Hagen.  And however strong and bold Hagen of Troneg be,
+he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the fiddler, is stronger
+still by far.  He is an evil man.  Certes, ye may not so lightly
+match these knights."
+
+When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make
+them ready.  The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. 
+Thereby the heroes later fell in mickle danger.  When she saw her
+followers well armed, the queen spake to the doughty knights:
+"Now bide a while, ye must stand quite still in truth.  Wearing
+my crown, I will go to meet my foes.  List ye to the wrongs that
+Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me.  I know him to be
+so haughty that he'll not deny a whit.  Little I reek what hap to
+him on this account."
+
+Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk
+down the flight of steps that led downward from a house.  When
+bold Folker saw this, to his comrade-at-arms he spake:  "Now
+behold, friend Hagen, how she walketh yonder, who hath
+faithlessly bidden us to this land.  I have never seen with a
+queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such warlike
+guise.  Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate?  If so
+be, I counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. 
+Certes, methinks this good.  They be wroth of mood, as far as
+I can see, and some be so broad of chest that he who would guard
+himself should do so betimes.  I ween there be those among them
+who wear bright breastplates.  Whom they would attack, I cannot
+say."
+
+Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot
+that all this be done against me, that they thus bear their
+gleaming swords in hand.  For aught of them, I still may ride to
+the Burgundian land.  Now tell me, friend Folker, whether ye will
+stand by me, if perchance Kriemhild's men would fight me?  Pray
+let me hear that, if so be ye hold me dear.  I'll aid you
+evermore with faithful service."
+
+"I'll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the
+king with all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I
+yield from fear in aiding you, the while I live."
+
+"Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they
+strive against me, what need I more?  Sith ye will help me, as I
+hear you say, let these warriors come on full-armed."
+
+"Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel.  "Let us do
+her honor as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. 
+We shall thereby honor ourselves as well."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen.  "Should I go hence, these
+knights would think 'twas through fear.  Not for one of them will
+I ever rise from my seat.  It beseemeth us both better, forsooth,
+to leave this undone, for why should I honor one who doth bear me
+hatred? Nor will I do this, the while I live; I reck not how King
+Etzel's wife doth hate me."
+
+Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose
+pommel a sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine.  Its
+hilt was golden, its sheath an edging of red.  That it was
+Siegfried's, Kriemhild knew full well.  She must needs grow sad
+when that she knew the sword, for it minded her of her wrongs;
+she began to weep.  I ween bold Hagen had done it for this cause.
+Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle bow, strong,
+mickle, and long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there the
+two lusty knights sate undaunted.  These two brave men did think
+themselves so lordly, that they would not leave their seats
+through fear of any man.  The noble queen walked therefore to
+their very feet and gave them hostile greeting.  She spake: "Now
+tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for you, that ye durst ride hither
+to this land, sith ye know full well what ye have done me?  Had
+ye good wits, ye should have left it undone, by rights."
+
+"No one sent for me," quoth Hagen.  "Men bade to this land three
+knights, who hight my lords.  I am their liegeman, and full
+seldom have I stayed behind when they journeyed to any court."
+
+Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the
+which ye have earned my hate?  Ye slew Siegfried, my dear
+husband, for which I have cause enow to weep until mine end."
+
+Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said.  It is just
+I, Hagen, who slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands.  How sorely
+did he atone that Lady Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild.  'Tis
+not to be denied, O mighty queen, I alone am to blame for this
+scathful scathe. (1)  Let him avenge it who will, be he wife or
+man.  Unless be I should lie to you, I have dons you much of
+harm."
+
+Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my
+wrongs.  Men of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this
+cause."
+
+The proud warriors all gazed at one another.  Had any began the
+fight, it would have come about that men must have given the
+honors to the two comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in
+the fray.  What the Huns had weened to do must now needs be left.
+undone through fear.
+
+Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me?  What
+I afore vowed, I will now give over.  I will lose my life for no
+man's gift.  Forsooth King Etzel's wife would fain lead us into
+wrong."
+
+Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I.  An' any give
+me towers of good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for
+his fearful glances, the which I have seen him cast.  Hagen, too,
+I have known from his youthful days, wherefore men can tell me
+little of this knight.  I have seen him fight in two and twenty
+battles, through which woe of heart hath happed to many a dame.
+He and the knight from Spain trod many a war path, when here at
+Etzel's court they waged so many wars in honor of the king.  Much
+this happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen.  At that time
+the warrior was of his years a lad.  How gray are they who then
+were young!  Now is he come to wit and is a man full grim.
+Balmung, (2) too, he beareth, the which he won in evil wise."
+
+Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which
+mightily rued the queen.  The warriors turned them hence; in
+sooth they feared their death at the fiddler's hands, and surely
+they had need of this.  Then spake the fiddler: "We have now well
+seen that we shall find foes here, as we heard tell afore.  Let
+us go to court now to the kings, then dare none match our lords
+in fight. how oft a man doth leave a thing undone through fear,
+the which he would not do, when friend standeth by friend in
+friendly (3) wise, an' he have good wits.  Scathe to many a man
+is lightly warded off by forethought."
+
+Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."
+
+They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the
+court in a great press of welcoming knights.
+
+Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye
+stand and let yourselves be jostled?  Ye must go to court and
+hear from the king of what mind he be."
+
+Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off.  The prince of
+Berne took by the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land.
+Irnfried (4) took the brave knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen
+to go to court with Giselher.  But however any paired, Folker and
+Hagen never parted, save in one fray, when their end was come,
+and this noble ladies must needs greatly bewail in after time.
+With the kings one saw go to court a thousand brave men of their
+fellowship, thereto sixty champions that were come with them,
+whom the bold Hagen had taken from his land.  Hawart and Iring,
+(5) two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the kings. 
+Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their
+chivalry before all eyes.
+
+When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel
+delayed no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him
+come.  Never did so fair a greeting hap from any king.  "Be
+welcome, Sir ,Gunther, and Sir Gernot, too, and your brother
+Giselher.  I sent you truly my faithful service to Worms beyond
+the Rhine.  All your fellowship, too, I welcome.  Now be ye
+passing welcome, ye two knights, Folker, the brave, and Sir Hagen
+likewise, to me and to my lady, here in this our land.  She sent
+you many a messenger to the Rhine."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were
+I not come to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have
+ridden in your honor to this land."
+
+The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them
+to the settle where he sate himself.  Busily they poured out for
+the guests in broad bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and
+bade those far from home be welcome.  Then spake King Etzel: "Let
+me tell you this; it might not liefer hap to me in all this
+world, than through you heroes, that ye be come to see me. 
+Through this much sadness is also taken from the queen. 
+Me-wondereth greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that
+ye never recked to come into my land.  My sadness is turned to
+joy, since now I see you here."
+
+To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be
+glad to see them.  Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my
+lady wot how to use so well.  They bring also to your house many
+a stately knight."
+
+Upon a midsummer's eve the lords were come to the court of the
+mighty Etzel.  Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting
+as when he welcomed the heroes.  When now the time to eat was
+come, the king went with them to the board.  Never did host sit
+fairer with his guests.  Men gave them meat and drink to the
+full.  All that they craved stood ready for them, for mickle
+wonders had been told about these knights.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden
+     scedelich".
+(2)  "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
+(3)  "friend . . . friendly".  This repetition occurs in the
+     original.
+(4)  "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.
+(5)  "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.
+(6)  "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry
+     wine, is a beverage composed of honey flavored with
+     mulberry-juice.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXX
+How They Kept The Watch.
+
+The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh.  Care beset the
+wayworn travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest
+them.  This Hagen bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.
+
+Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to
+our sleep, pray give us leave.  We will come early on the morrow,
+whensoever ye bid."
+
+Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests.  Men pressed the
+strangers on every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns:
+"How dare ye crowd before the warriors' feet?  An' ye will not
+leave this, ye will fare full ill.  I'll smite some man so heavy
+a fiddle blow, that if he have a faithful friend he may well
+bewail it.  Why give ye not way before us knights?  Methinks
+'twere well.  All pass for knights, but be not of equal mettle."
+
+As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked
+behind him.  He spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right,
+ye men of Kriemhild, ye should hie you to your lodgings.  I ween
+none of you will do what ye are minded, but would ye begin aught,
+come early on the morrow, and let us wanderers have peace
+to-night.  Certes, I ween that it hath never happed with such
+good will on the part of heroes."
+
+Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they
+found purveyed on every side with costly beds, long and broad,
+for the warriors.  Lady Kriemhild planned the very greatest
+wrongs against them.  One saw there many a cunningly wrought
+quilt from Arras (1) of shining silken cloth and many a coverlet
+of Arabian silk, the best that might be had; upon this ran a
+border that shone in princely wise.  Many bed covers of ermine
+and of black sable were seen, beneath which they should have
+their ease at night, until the dawn of day.  Never hath king lain
+so lordly with his meiny.
+
+"Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and
+alas for my friends, who be come with us.  However kindly my
+sister greeted us, yet I do fear me that through her fault we
+must soon lie dead."
+
+"Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I'll stand
+watch myself to-night.  I trow to guard us well, until the day
+doth come.  Therefore have no fear; after that, let him survive
+who may."
+
+All bowed low and said him gramercy.  Then went they to their
+beds.  A short while after the stately men had laid them down,
+bold Hagen, the hero, began to arm him.  Then the fiddler, Knight
+Folker, spake: "If it scorn you not, Hagen, I would fain hold the
+watch with you to-night, until the early morn."
+
+The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven
+requite you, dear Folker.  In all my cares, I would crave none
+other than you alone, whenever I had need.  I shall repay you
+well, and death hinder me not."
+
+Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield
+in hand, walked out of the house and stood before the door.  Thus
+they cared for the guests in faithful wise.  The doughty Folker
+leaned his good shield against the side of the hall, then turned
+him back and fetched his fiddle and served his friends as well
+befit the hero.  Beneath the door of the house he sate him down
+upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there never.  When the tones of
+the strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud wanderers gave
+Folker thanks.  At first the strings twanged so that the whole
+house resounded; his strength and his skill were both passing
+great.  Then sweeter and softer he began to play, and thus many a
+care-worn man he lulled to sleep.  When he marked that all had
+fallen asleep, the knight took again his shield and left the room
+and took his stand before the tower, and there he guarded the
+wanderers against Kriemhild's men.
+
+'Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it
+happed a little earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a
+helmet afar in the darkness.  Kriemhild's men would fain have
+harmed the guests.  Then the fiddler spake: "Sir Hagen, my
+friend, it behooveth us to bear these cares together.  Before the
+house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I ween, they would
+encounter us!"
+
+"Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be
+ware of us.  Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the
+hands of us twain.  They will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil
+plight."
+
+One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that
+the door was guarded.  How quickly then he spake: "That which we
+have in mind may not now come to pass.  I see the fiddler stand
+on guard.  On his head he weareth a glittering helmet, shining
+and hard, strong and whole.  His armor rings flash out like fire.
+By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the guests be guarded well."
+
+Straightway they turned again.  When Folker saw this, wrathfully
+he spake to his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to
+the warriors.  I would fain put some questions to Lady
+Kriemhild's men."
+
+"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the
+doughty knights are like to bring you in such stress with their
+swords, that I must aid you even should it be the death of all my
+kin.  As soon as we be come into the fray, twain of them, or
+four, would in a short time run into the house and would bring
+such scathe upon the sleepers, that we might never cease to
+mourn."
+
+Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note
+that I have seen them, so that Kriemhild's men may not deny that
+they would fain have acted faithlessly."
+
+Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus
+armed, ye doughty knights?  Would ye ride to rob, ye men of
+Kriemhild?  Then must ye have the help of me and my comrade-at-
+arms."
+
+To this none made reply.  Angry grew his mood. "Fy!  Ye evil
+cowards," spake the good knight, "would ye have murdered us
+asleep?  That hath been done full seldom to such good heroes."
+
+Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught.
+Rightly it did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another
+plan.  Through this brave heroes and good must needs thereafter
+perish.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands. 
+     In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXI. (1)
+How They Went To Church.
+
+"My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker.  "I ween the night
+hath run its course.  By the air I mark that day is near."
+
+Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping.  The
+light of dawn shone into the hall upon the strangers.  On all
+sides Hagen gan wake the warriors, if perchance they would fain
+go to the minster for mass.  Men now loudly rang the bells in
+Christian fashion.  Heathens and Christians did not sing alike,
+so that it was seen full well that they were not as one. 
+Gunther's liegemen now would go to church, and all alike had
+risen from their beds.  The champions laced them into such goodly
+garments, that never did hero bring better clothes to the land of
+any king.  This vexed Hagen.  He spake: "Heroes, ye should wear
+here other clothes.  Certes, ye know full well the tales. 
+Instead of roses, bear weapons in your hands; instead of jeweled
+chaplets, your bright helms and good, sith ye know full well the
+wicked Kriemhild's mood.  Let me tell you, we must fight to-day,
+so instead of silken shirts, wear hauberks, and instead of rich
+cloaks, good shields and broad, so that if any grow angry with
+you, ye be full armed.  Dear my lords, and all my kin and
+liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint to the mighty
+God of your fears and need, for know full sure that death draweth
+nigh us.  Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done
+and stand full zealously before your God.  Of this I warn you,
+noble knights, unless God in heaven so will, ye'll never more
+hear mass."
+
+So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster.  In the
+holy churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not
+be parted.  He spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to
+us from the Huns.  Place, my friends, your shields before your
+feet, and if any proffer you cold greeting, repay it with deep
+and mortal wounds.  That is Hagen's counsel, that ye may so be
+found as doth befit your honor."
+
+Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious
+minster.  This was done that the queen might press upon them in
+the crowd.  Certes, she was passing grim.  Then came the lord of
+the land and his fair wife, her body adorned with rich apparel;
+Doughty warriors, too, were seen to walk beside her.  One saw the
+dust rise high from Kriemhild's band.  When mighty Etzel spied
+the kings and their fellowship thus armed, how quick he spake:
+"Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets?  Upon my troth, it
+grieveth me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make
+amends, as doth think them good.  Hath any made heavy their
+hearts or mood, I'll show them well, that it doth irk me much.  I
+am ready for whatever they command me."
+
+To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the
+custom of my lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for
+full three days.  We should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."
+
+Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake.  How right hostilely
+she gazed into his eyes!  She would not tell the custom of their
+land, albeit she had known it long in Burgundy.  However grim and
+strong the hate she bare them, yet had any told Etzel the truth,
+he would have surely hindered what later happed.  Because of
+their great haughtiness they scorned to tell him.  When the great
+crowd went past with the queen, these twain, Hagen and Folker,
+would not step back more than two hand-breadths, the which irked
+the Huns.  Forsooth they had to jostle with the lusty heroes.
+This thought King Etzel's chamberlains not good.  Certes, they
+would have fain angered the champions, but that they durst not
+before the noble king.  So there was much jostling, but nothing
+more.
+
+When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish
+warrior horsed him passing soon,  At Kriemhild's side stood many
+a comely maid, and well seven thousand knights rode with the
+queen.  Kriemhild with her ladies sate her down at the easements
+by the side of the mighty Etzel, which was him lief, for they
+would watch the lusty heroes joust.  Ho, what stranger knights
+rode before them in the court!  Then was come the marshal with
+the squires.  Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord's retainers
+from the Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they found
+well saddled.  When now the kings and their men were come to
+horse, stalwart Folker gan advise that they should ride a joust
+after the fashion of their land.  At this the heroes rode in
+lordly wise; none it irked what the knight had counseled.  The
+hurtling and the noise waxed loud, as the many men rode into the
+broad court.  Etzel and Kriemhild themselves beheld the scene. 
+To the jousts were come six hundred knights of Dietrich's men to
+match the strangers, for they would have pastime with the
+Burgundians.  Fain would they have done it, had he given them
+leave.  Ho, what good champions rode in their train!  The tale
+was told to Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther's
+men; he feared for his liegemen, and well he might.
+
+When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of
+Rudeger from Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields,
+riding out before the hall.  It would have been lief to the
+margrave, had they left it undone.  Wisely he rode then to them
+through the press and said to his knights, that they were ware
+that Gunther's men were evil-minded toward them.  If they would
+leave off the jousting, it would please him much.  When now these
+lusty heroes parted from them, then came those of Thuringia, as
+we are told, and well a thousand brave men from Denmark.  From
+the tilting one saw many truncheons (2) flying hence.  Irnfried
+and Hawart now rode into the tourney.  Proudly those from the
+Rhine awaited them and offered the men of Thuringia many a joust. 
+Many a lordly shield was riddled by the thrusts.  Thither came
+then Sir Bloedel with three thousand men.  Well was he seen of
+Etzel and Kriemhild, for the knightly sports happed just before
+the twain.  The queen saw it gladly, that the Burgundians might
+come to grief.  Schrutan (3) and Gibecke, Ramung and Hornbog, (4)
+rode into the tourney in Hunnish wise.  To the heroes from
+Burgundian land they addressed them.  High above the roof of the
+royal hall the spear-shafts whirled.  Whatever any there plied,
+'twas but a friendly rout.  Palace and hall were heard resounding
+loud through the clashing of the shields of Gunther's men.  With
+great honor his meiny gained the meed.  Their pastime was so
+mickle and so great, that from beneath the housings of the good
+steeds, which the heroes rode, there flowed the frothy sweat.  In
+haughty wise they encountered with the Huns.
+
+Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these
+warriors dare not match us.  I've aye heard the tale, that they
+bear us hate, and forsooth it might never fortune better for them
+than now."  Again Folker spake: "Let our steeds be now led away
+to their lodgings and let us joust again toward eventide, and
+there be time.  Perchance the queen may accord to the Burgundians
+the prize."
+
+Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the
+Huns could have done the like.  Certes, he must have had a
+sweetheart on the battlements.  As well attired he rode as the
+bride of any noble knight.  At sight of him Folker spake again:
+"How could I give this over? This ladies' darling must have a
+buffet.  None shall prevent me and it shall cost him dear.  In
+truth I reck not, if it vex King Etzel's wife."
+
+"For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther.  "The people
+will blame us, if we encounter them.  'Twill befit us better far,
+an' we let the Huns begin the strife."
+
+King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.
+
+"I'll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then.  "Let the
+ladies and the knights behold how we can ride.  That will be
+well, for they'll give no meed to King Gunther's men."
+
+The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave
+many a dame great dole.  His spear he thrust through the body of
+the dapper Hun; this both maid and wife were seen thereafter to
+bewail.  Full hard and fast gan Hagen and his liegemen and sixty
+of his knights ride towards the fiddler, where the play was on.
+This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly saw.  The three kings would not
+leave their minstrel without guard amidst the foe.  Cunningly a
+thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did whatso they
+would.  When now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin cry
+out and wail.  All the courtiers asked: "Who hath done this
+deed?"
+
+"That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."
+
+The margrave's kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway
+for their swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to
+death.  Fast the host gan hasten from the windows.  Great rout
+arose from the folk on every side.  The kings and their
+fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted before the hall and
+drove their horses to the rear.  Then King Etzel came to part the
+strife.  From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched a
+sturdy weapon and drove them all back again, for full great was
+his wrath.  "Why should my courtesie to these knights go all for
+naught?  Had ye slain this minstrel at my court," spake King
+Etzel, "'twere evil done.  I saw full well how he rode, when he
+thrust through the Hun, that it happed through stumbling, without
+any fault of his.  Ye must let my guests have peace."
+
+Thus he became their safe-guard.  To the stalls men led away the
+steeds; many a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in
+every service.  The host now hied him to his palace with his
+friends, nor would he let any man grow wroth again.  Then men set
+up the tables and bare forth water for the guests.  Forsooth the
+men from the Rhine had there enow of stalwart foes. 'Twas long
+before the lords were seated.
+
+Meanwhile Kriemhild's fears did trouble her passing sore.  She
+spake: "My lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor,
+for mine affairs do stand in anxious wise."
+
+Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And
+any slay the Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it
+without my aid.  It may well repent him, for they be still
+unconquered, these doughty and lusty knights."
+
+Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish,
+O mighty queen.  Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I
+should crave to match these valiant knights in strife.  Thy
+request honoreth thee little, most noble queen, that thou dost
+plot against the life of thy kinsfolk.  They came in hope of
+friendship to this land.  Siegfried will not be avenged by
+Dietrich's hand."
+
+When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne,
+quickly she promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5)
+owned aforetime.  Later he was slain by Hagen, so that he quite
+forgot the gift.  She spake: "Thou must help me, Sir Bloedel,
+forsooth my foes be in this house, who slew Siegfried, my dear
+husband.  Ever will I serve him, that helpeth me avenge this
+deed."
+
+To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because
+of Etzel I dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for
+he is fain to see thy kinsmen at his court.  The king would ne'er
+forget it of me, and I did them aught of wrong."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend.  Certes,
+I'll give thee silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the
+wife of Nudung, whose lovely body thou mayst fain caress.  I'll
+give thee his land and all his castles, too, so that thou mayst
+always live in joy,  Sir knight, if thou dost now win the lands
+where Nudung dwelt.  Faithfully will I keep, whatso I vow to thee
+to-day."
+
+When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her
+beauty would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen
+in strife.  Because of this the champion must needs lose his
+life.  To the queen he spake: "Betake you again to the hall, and
+before any be aware, I'll begin a fray and Hagen must atone for
+what he hath done you.  I'll deliver to you King Gunther's
+liegeman bound.  Now arm you, my men," spake Bloedel.  "We must
+hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King Etzel's wife doth
+crave of me this service, wherefore we heroes must risk our
+lives."
+
+When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table
+with King Etzel and his men.  Evil counsels had she held against
+the guests.  Since the strife could be started in no other wise
+(Kriemhild's ancient wrong still lay deep buried in her heart),
+she bade King Etzel's son be brought to table.  How might a woman
+ever do more ghastly deed for vengeance' sake?  Four of Etzel's
+men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb, (6) the young prince, to
+the lordings' table, where Hagen also sat.  Because of this the
+child must needs die through Hagen's mortal hate.
+
+When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the
+kinsmen of his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son
+of me and of your sister.  This may be of profit to you all, for
+if he take after his kinsmen, he'll become a valiant man, mighty
+and noble, strong and fashioned fair.  Twelve lands will I give
+him, and I live yet a while.  Thus may the hand of young Ortlieb
+serve you well.  I do therefore beseech you, dear friends of
+mine, that when ye ride again to your lands upon the Rhine, ye
+take with you your sister's son and act full graciously toward
+the child, and bring him up in honor till he become a man.  Hath
+any done you aught in all these lands, he'll help you to avenge
+it, when he groweth up."
+
+This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel's wife.
+
+"These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to
+be a man, but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall
+seldom be seen to ride to Ortlieb's court."
+
+The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and
+though the gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart
+and made him heavy of his mood.  Nor was Hagen's mind now bent on
+pastime.  But all the lordings and the king were hurt by what
+Hagen had spoken of the child; it vexed them sore, that they
+were forced to hear it.  They wot not the things as yet, which
+should happen to them through this warrior.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Adventure XXXI".  This adventure is of late origin, being
+     found only in our poem.  See the introduction.
+(2)  "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.
+(3)  "Schrutan".  This name does not occur elsewhere.  Piper
+     suggests, that perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan"
+     appears in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 28, as an ancient name
+     of Scotland.
+(4)  "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes
+     4 and 5.
+(5)  "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.
+(6)  "Ortlieb".  In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel's son is called
+     Aldrian.  There, however, he is killed because he strikes
+     Hagen in the face, here in revenge for the killing of the
+     Burgundian footmen.
+(7)  "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXII (1)
+How Bloedel Was Slain.
+
+Full ready were now Bloedel's warriors.  A thousand hauberks
+strong, they hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the
+squires.  Then the very greatest hate arose among the heroes.
+When Sir Bloedel drew near the tables, Dankwart, the marshal,
+greeted him in courteous wise.  "Welcome, Sir Bloedel, in our
+house.  In truth me-wondereth at thy coming.  What doth it mean?"
+
+"Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this
+coming of mine doth mean thine end.  Because of Hagen, thy
+brother, by whom Siegfried was slain, thou and many other knights
+must suffer here among the Huns."
+
+"Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your
+court might rue us sore.  I was but a little child when Siegfried
+lost his life.  I know not what blame King Etzel's wife could put
+on me."
+
+"Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy
+kinsmen, Gunther and Hagen, did the deed.  Now ward you, ye
+wanderers, ye may not live.  With your death must ye become
+Kriemhild's pledge."
+
+"And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my
+entreaties rue me; they had better far been spared."
+
+The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp
+weapon, mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a
+sword-stroke that his head lay straightway at his feet.  "Let
+that be thy marriage morning gift," (2) spake Dankwart, the
+knight, "for Nudung's bride, whom thou wouldst cherish with thy
+love.  They call betroth her to another man upon the morn. 
+Should he crave the dowry, 'twill be given to him eftsoon."  A
+faithful Hun had told him that the queen did plan against them
+such grievous wrongs.
+
+When Bloedel's men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would
+they stand this from the guests.  With uplifted swords they
+rushed, grim of mood, upon the youthful squires.  Many a one did
+rue this later.  Loudly Dankwart called to all the fellowship:
+"Ye see well, noble squires, how matters stand.  Now ward you,
+wanderers!  Forsooth we have great need, though Kriemhild asked
+us here in right friendly wise."
+
+Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and
+lifted many a long footstool by its legs.  The Burgundian squires
+would now abide no longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt
+many bruises through the helmets.  How fiercely the stranger
+youths did ward them!  Out of the house they drove at last the
+men-at-arms, but five hundred of them, or better, stayed behind
+there dead.  The fellowship was red and wot with blood.
+
+These grievous tales were told now to Etzel's knights; grim was
+their sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain.  This Hagen's
+brother and his squires had done.  Before the king had learned
+it, full two thousand Huns or more armed them through hatred and
+hied them to the squires (this must needs be), and of the
+fellowship they left not one alive.  The faithless Huns brought a
+mickle band before the house.  Well the strangers stood their
+ground, but what booted their doughty prowess?  Dead they all
+must lie.  Then in a few short hours there rose a fearful dole.
+Now ye may hear wonders of a monstrous thing.  Nine thousand
+yeomen lay there slain and thereto twelve good knights of
+Dankwart's men.  One saw him stand alone still by the foe.  The
+noise was hushed, the din had died away, when Dankwart, the hero,
+gazed over his shoulders.  He spake: "Woe is me, for the friends
+whom I have lost!  Now must I stand, alas, alone among my foes."
+
+Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. 
+The wife of many a hero must later mourn for this.  Higher he
+raised his shield, the thong he lowered; the rings of many an
+armor he made to drip with blood.  "Woe is me of all this
+sorrow," quoth Aldrian's son. (3)  "Give way now, Hunnish
+warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air may cool
+me, fight-weary man."
+
+Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise.  As the
+strife-weary man sprang from the house, how many added swords
+rang on his helmet!  Those that had not seen what wonders his
+hand had wrought sprang towards the hero of the Burgundian land.
+"Now would to God," quoth Dankwart, "that I might find a
+messenger who could let my brother Hagen know I stand in such a
+plight before these knights.  He would help me hence, or lie dead
+at my side."
+
+Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger
+thyself, when we bear thee hence dead before thy brother.  For
+the first time Gunther's vassal will then become acquaint with
+grief.  Passing great scathe hast thou done King Etzel here."
+
+Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or
+I'll wot the armor rings of some with blood.  I'll tell the tale
+at court myself and make plaint to my lords of my great dole."
+
+So sorely he dismayed King Etzel's men that they durst not
+withstand him with their swords, so they shot such great store of
+darts into his shield that he must needs lay it from his hand
+for very heaviness.  Then they weened to overpower him, sith he
+no longer bare a shield.  Ho, what deep wounds he struck them
+through their helmets!  From this many a brave man was forced to
+reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby great praise.
+From either side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many of
+them entered the fray too soon.  Before his foes he walked, as
+doth a boar to the woods before the dogs.  How might he be more
+brave?  His path was ever wot with recking' blood.  Certes, no
+single champion might ever fight better with his foes than he had
+done.  Men now saw Hagen's brother go to court in lordly wise.
+Sewers (4) and cupbearers heard the ring of swords, and full many
+a one cast from his hand the drink and whatever food he bare to
+court.  Enow strong foes met Dankwart at the stairs.
+
+"How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight.  "Forsooth ye
+should serve well the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and
+let me bring the tidings to my dear masters."
+
+Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess,
+he dealt so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs
+stand further back.  His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  Adventure XXXII.  The details of the following scenes differ
+     materially in the various sources.  A comparative study of
+     them will be found in the works of Wilmanns and Boer.
+(2)  "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by
+     the bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the
+     wedding.  See Adventure XIX, note 1.
+(3)  "Aldrian's son", i.e., Dankwart.
+(4)  "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" 'one who sets the
+     table'; cf. F. "asseoir" 'to set', 'place', Lat. "ad
+     sedere"), older English for an upper servant who brought on
+     and removed the dishes from the table.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIII
+How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.
+
+When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King
+Etzel's meiny step aside.  His garments dripped with blood and in
+his hand he bare unsheathed a mighty sword.  Full loud he called
+out to the knight: "Brother Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth.
+To you and to God in heaven do I make plaint of our woe.  Our
+knights and squires all lie dead within their lodgements."
+
+He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"
+
+"That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid
+for it dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I
+struck off his head."
+
+"It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a
+knight that he hath lost his life at a warrior's hands.  Stately
+dames shall mourn him all the less.  Now tell me, brother
+Dankwart, how comes it that ye be so red of hue?  Ye suffer from
+wounds great dole, I ween.  If there be any in the land that hath
+done you this, 'twill cost his life, and the foul fiend save him
+not."
+
+"Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wot with blood. 
+This hath happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain
+so many a one to-day that, had I to swear it,  I could not tell
+the tale."
+
+"Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a
+single Hun go forth.  I will hold speech with the warriors, as
+our need constraineth us, for our meiny lieth dead before them,
+undeserved."
+
+"If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet
+how to serve such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as
+doth become mine honors."  Naught could have been more loth to
+Kriemhild's knights.
+
+"Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be
+whispering in here.  I ween, they'd gladly do without the one
+that standeth at the door, and who told the courtly tale to us
+Burgundians.  Long since I have heard it said of Kriemhild, that
+she would not leave unavenged her dole of heart.  Now let us
+drink to friendship (1) and pay for the royal wine.  The young
+lord of the Huns shall be the first."
+
+Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the
+blood spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell
+into the lap of the queen.  At this there began a murdering, grim
+and great, among the knights.  Next he dealt the master who
+taught the child a fierce sword-stroke with both his hands, so
+that his head fell quickly beneath the table to the ground.  A
+piteous meed it was, which he meted out to the master.  Hagen
+then spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel's board.  In his wrath
+he hied him thither and struck off his right hand upon the
+fiddle.  "Take this as message to the Burgundian land."
+
+"Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel.  "Sir Hagen of
+Troneg, what had I done to you?  I came in good faith to your
+masters' land.  How can I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost
+my hand?"
+
+Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore.  In the hall he dealt
+out fierce deadly wounds to Etzel's warriors, passing many of
+whom he slew.  Enow of folk in the house he did to death.  The
+doughty Folker now sprang up from the board; loud rang in his
+hands his fiddle bow.  Rudely did Gunther's minstrel play.  Ho,
+what foes he made him among the valiant Huns!  The three noble
+kings, too, sprang up from the table.  Gladly would they have
+parted the fray, or ever greater scathe was done.  With all their
+wit they could not hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so
+sore.  When that the lord of the Rhine beheld the fray unparted,
+the prince dealt his foes many gaping wounds himself through the
+shining armor rings.  That he was a hero of his hands, he gave
+great proof.  Then the sturdy Gernot joined the strife.  Certes,
+he did many a hero of the Huns to death with a sharp sword, the
+which Rudeger had given him.  Mighty wounds he dealt King Etzel's
+warriors.  Now the young son of Lady Uta rushed to the fray.
+Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of Etzel's warriors from
+the Hunnish land.  Full mickle wonders were wrought by bold
+Giselher's hand.  But how so doughty they all were, the kings and
+their liegemen, yet Folker was seen to stand before them all
+against the foe; a good hero he.  Many a one he made to fall in
+his blood through wounds.  Etzel's men did fend them, too, full
+well, yet one saw the strangers go hewing with their gleaming
+swords through the royal hall and on every side was heard great
+sound of wail.  Those without would now fain be with their
+friends within, but at the entrance towers they found small gain.
+Those within had gladly been without the hall, but Dankwart let
+none go either up or down the steps.  Therefore there rose before
+the towers a mighty press, and helmets rang loudly from the
+sword-blows.  Bold Dankwart came into great stress thereby; this
+his brother feared, as his loyalty did bid him.
+
+Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my
+brother stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows?
+Friend, save my brother, or ever we lose the knight."
+
+"That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace
+he went a-fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand.
+Great thanks were tendered by the warriors from the Rhine.  Bold
+Folker spake to Dankwart: "Great discomfiture have ye suffered
+to-day, therefore your brother bade me hasten to your aid.  Will
+ye stand without, so will I stand within."
+
+Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase
+against whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in
+the heroes' hands.  Folker of Burgundy land performed the same
+within.  Across the press the bold fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen,
+the hall is locked; forsooth King Etzel's door is bolted well.
+The hands of two heroes guard it, as with a thousand bars."  When
+Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so well defended, the famous hero
+and good slung his shield upon his back and gan avenge the wrongs
+that had been done him there.  His foes had now no sort of hope
+to live.
+
+When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld
+aright that the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench
+he sprang and spake: "Hagen poureth out the very worst of
+drinks."
+
+The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life
+was hardly safe from these his foes.  O how many dear friends
+were snatched away before his eyes!  He sate full anxious; what
+booted it him that he was king?  Haughty Kriemhild now cried
+aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me hence alive, most noble knight,
+by the virtues of all the princes of the Amelung land.  If Hagen
+reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."
+
+"How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich.  "I fear
+for myself in sooth.  These men of Gunther be so passing wroth
+that at this hour I cannot guard a soul."
+
+"Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good.  Let thy
+chivalrous mood appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die."
+Passing great cause had Kriemhild for this fear.
+
+"I'll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I
+have soon so many good knights so bitterly enraged.  Of a truth I
+see blood spurting through the helmets from the swords."
+
+Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth
+as from a bison's horn, until the broad castle resounded with his
+force.  Sir Dietrich's strength was passing great in truth.
+
+When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he
+began to heed.  He spake: "Dietrich's voice hath reached mine
+ears,  I ween our champions have bereft him of some friend
+to-day.  I see him on the table, he doth beckon with his hand. 
+Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian land, give over the
+strife.  Let's hear and see what here hath fortuned to the knight
+from my men-at-arms."
+
+When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they
+sheathed their swords.  Passing great was his power, so that none
+struck a blow.  Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of
+Berne.  He spake: "Most noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you
+through these my friends?  I am minded to do you remedy and to
+make amends.  If any had done you aught, 'twould grieve me sore,"
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray
+you, let me leave this hall and this fierce strife under your
+safe-guard, with my men.  For this favor I will serve you ever."
+
+"How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then.  "Forsooth
+the fiddler hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may
+open it enow to let us pass."
+
+"Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye
+ever done."
+
+Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon.  Lead from the
+hall as few or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must
+remain within.  Right ill have they treated me in the Hunnish
+land."
+
+When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the
+high-born queen, whose fear was passing great.  On his other side
+he led King Etzel with him hence; with Dietrich there also went
+six hundred stately men.
+
+Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would
+gladly serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and
+lasting peace shall well befit good friends."
+
+To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and
+friendship be granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your
+fealty.  Ye and all your men, ye may go hence fearlessly with
+these your friends."
+
+When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told,
+five hundred men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of
+Bechelaren, from whom King Gunther later gained great scathe.
+Then a Hunnish champion spied Etzel walking close by Dietrich.
+He, too, would take this chance, but the fiddler dealt him such a
+blow that his head fell soon before King Etzel's feet.  When the
+lord of the land was come outside the house, he turned him about
+and gazed on Folker.  "Woe is me of these guests.  This is a
+direful need, that all my warriors should lie low in death before
+them.  Alas for the feasting," quoth the noble king.  "Like a
+savage boar there fighteth one within, hight Folker, who is a
+gleeman.  I thank my stars that I escaped this fiend.  His glees
+have an evil sound, the strokes of his how draw blood; forsooth
+his measures fell many a hero dead.  I wot not, with what this
+minstrel twitteth us, for I have never had such baleful guest."
+
+They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall.  Then there
+arose within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what
+there had happed them.  Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke!  The
+noble King Gunther turned him toward the sound.  "Hear ye the
+measures, Hagen, which Folker yonder fiddleth with the Huns, when
+any draweth near the towers?  'Tis a blood-red stroke he useth
+with the bow."
+
+"It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall
+I sate me down to rest before the hero did.  I was his comrade
+and he was mine; and come we ever home again, we shall still be
+so, in loyal wise.  Now behold, most noble king, Folker is thy
+friend, he earneth gladly thy silver and thy gold.  His fiddle
+bow doth cut through the hardest steel, on the helmets he
+breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4)  Never have I seen
+fiddler stand in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath
+stood to-day.  His glees resound through shield and helmet. 
+Certes he shall ride good steeds and wear lordly raiment."
+
+Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these
+remained alive.  Thus the clash of arms died out, since none
+strove with them longer.  The lusty knights and bold now laid
+aside their swords.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" 'to drink
+     to the memory of a person', an old custom originating with
+     the idea of pouring out a libation to the gods.  Later it
+     assumed the form of drinking to the honor of God, of a
+     saint, or of an absent friend.  See Grimm, "Mythologie", p.
+     48.
+(2)  "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.
+(3)  "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.
+(4)  "Gauds", ornaments.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIV
+How They Cast Out The Dead.
+
+The lordings sate them down for weariness.  Folker and Hagen came
+forth from the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors
+leaned.  Wise words were spoken by the twain.  Then Knight
+Giselher of Burgundy spake: "Forsooth, dear friends, ye may not
+ease you yet; ye must bear the dead from out the hall.  I'll tell
+you, of a truth, we shall be attacked again.  They must no longer
+lie here beneath our feet.  Ere the Huns vanquish us by storm,
+we'll yet how wounds, which shall ease my heart.  For this,"
+quoth Giselher, "I have a steadfast mind."
+
+"Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen.  "This rede which
+my young master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a
+knight.  At this, Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."
+
+Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven
+thousand dead, the which they cast outside.  Down they fell
+before the stairway to the hall, and from their kinsmen rose a
+full piteous wall.  Some there were with such slight wounds that,
+had they been more gently treated, they would have waxed well
+again; but from the lofty fall, they must needs lie dead.  Their
+friends bewailed this, and forsooth they had good cause.
+
+Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the
+truth of this, as hath been told me.  The Huns be cravens, like
+women they wail; they should rather nurse these sorely wounded
+men."
+
+A margrave weened, he spake through kindness.  Seeing one of his
+kinsmen lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would
+have borne him hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the
+dead to death.  The flight began as the others saw this deed, and
+all fell to cursing this selfsame minstrel.  He snatched javelin,
+sharp and hard, the which had been hurled at him by a Hun, and
+cast it with might across the court, far over the folk.  Thus he
+forced Etzel's warriors to take lodgement further from the hall.
+On every side the people feared his mighty prowess.
+
+Many thousand men now stood before the hall.  Folker and Hagen
+gan speak to Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold
+and good came thereafter into danger.  Quoth Hagen: "'Twould well
+beseem the people's hope, if the lords would fight in the
+foremost ranks, as doth each of my lordings here.  They hew
+through the helmets, so that the blood doth follow the sword."
+
+Etzel was brave; he seized his shield.  "Now fare warily," spake
+Lady Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. 
+If Hagen doth but reach you there, ye'll be hand in hand with
+death."
+
+The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth
+now seldom hap from so mighty a lord.  By his shield-thong they
+had to draw him hence.  Once again grim Hagen began to mock him.
+"It is a distant kinship," quoth Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth
+Etzel and Siegfried.  He loved Kriemhild, or ever she laid eyes
+on thee.  Most evil king, why dost thou plot against me?"
+
+Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry
+she grew that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel's
+liegemen.  Therefore she again began to plot against the
+strangers.  She spake: "For him that slayeth me Hagen of Troneg
+and bringeth me his head, I will fill King Etzel's shield with
+ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many goodly lands
+and castles."
+
+"Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel.  "Never
+have I seen heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard
+proffered such goodly wage.  Forsooth King Etzel should never be
+their friend again.  Many of those who so basely eat the
+lording's bread, and now desert him in the greatest need, do I
+see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass for brave.  May
+shame ever be their lot!"
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXV
+How Iring Was Slain.
+
+Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor
+now long time, and in the storm of battle have been among the
+best.  Now bring me my harness, for in sooth I will encounter me
+with Hagen."
+
+"I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish
+knights stand further back.  If twain of you or three leap into
+the hall, I'll send them back sore wounded down the steps."
+
+"Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again.  "I've
+tried before such daring things; in truth with my good sword I
+will encounter thee alone.  What availeth all thy boasting, which
+thou hast done in words?"
+
+Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of
+Thuringia, a daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a
+thousand men.  Whatever Iring ventured, they would all fain give
+him aid.  Then the fiddler spied a mighty troop, that strode
+along well armed with Iring.  Upon their heads they bare good
+helmets.  At this bold Folker waxed a deal full wroth of mood. 
+"See ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder, who vowed to match
+you with his sword alone?  How doth lying beseem a hero?  Much
+that misliketh me.  There walk with him full a thousand knights
+or more, well armed."
+
+"Say not that I lie," spake Hawart's liegeman.  "Gladly will I
+perform what I have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through
+any fear.  However frightful Hagen be, I will meet him single-
+handed."
+
+On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him
+match the knight alone.  This they did unwillingly, for well they
+knew the haughty Hagen from the Burgundian land.  But Iring
+begged so long that at last it happed.  When the fellowship
+beheld his wish and that he strove for honor, they let him go.
+Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain.  Iring of Denmark,
+the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and covered
+him with his shield.  Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall,
+while a great shout arose from all the knights around.  With
+might and main they cast the spears with their hands through the
+sturdy shields upon their shining armor, so that the shafts
+whirled high in air.  Then the two brave men and fierce reached
+for their swords.  Bold Hagen's strength was mickle and great,
+but Iring smote him, that the whole hall rang.  Palace and towers
+resounded from their blows, but the knight could not achieve his
+wish.
+
+Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler.
+He weened to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight
+wist how to guard bin, well.  Then the fiddler struck a blow,
+that the plates of mail whirled high above the buckler's rim.  An
+evil man he was, for to encounter, so Iring let him stand and
+rushed at Gunther of the Burgundian land.  Here, too, either was
+strong enow in strife.  The blows that Gunther and Iring dealt
+each other drew no blood from wounds.  This the harness hindered,
+the which was both strong and good.
+
+He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of
+fire from his armor rings.  Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy
+nigh done brave Iring unto death, but that he sprang away from
+the prince (nimble enow he was), and slew eftsoon four noble
+henchmen of the Burgundians from Worms across the Rhine.  At this
+Giselher might never have waxed more wroth.  "God wot, Sir
+Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must pay me weregild (1)
+for those who have fallen dead this hour before you."
+
+Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not
+stir a step, but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that
+all did ween the good knight would never deal a blow again in
+strife.  But Iring lay unwounded here before Sir Giselher.  From
+the crashing of the helmet and the ringing of the sword, his wits
+had grown so weak that the brave knight no longer thought of
+life.  Stalwart Giselher had done this with his might.  When now
+the ringing gan leave his head, the which he had suffered from
+the mighty stroke, he thought: "I am still alive and nowhere
+wounded.  Now first wot I of Giselher's mighty strength."  On
+either side he heard his foes.  Wist they the tale, still more
+had happed him.  Giselher, too, he marked hard by; he bethought
+him, how he might escape his foes.  How madly he sprang up from
+the blood!  Well might he thank his nimbleness for this.  Out of
+the house he ran to where he again found Hagen, whom he dealt a
+furious blow with his powerful hand.
+
+Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed.  Unless be that the foul
+fiend protect thee, thou canst not escape alive."
+
+Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest.  This the hero wrought
+with Waska, (2) a passing goodly sword.  When Sir Hagen felt the
+wound, wildly he brandished his weapon in his hand.  Soon
+Hawart's liegeman was forced to yield his ground, and Hagen gan
+pursue him down the stairs.  Brave Iring swung his shield above
+his head, but had the staircase been the length of three, Hagen
+would not have let him strike a blow the while.  Ho, what red
+sparks did play above his helmet! 
+
+Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen.  Then the tidings were
+brought to Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife
+with Hagen of Troneg.  For this the queen gan thank him highly.
+"Now God requite thee, Iring, thou peerless hero and good.  Thou
+hast comforted well my heart and mind.  I see that Hagen's weeds
+be wot with blood."  For very joy Kriemhild herself relieved him
+of his shield.
+
+"Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "'Twould well
+befit a knight to try again.  A valiant man were he, if he then
+came back alive.  Little shall the wound profit you, which I have
+at his bands; for that ye have seen the rings wot with blood from
+my wound doth urge me to the death of many a man.  Now first am I
+enraged at Hawart's liegeman.  Small scathe hath Knight Iring
+done me yet."
+
+Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his
+harness and doffed his casque.  All the folk then praised his
+prowess, at which the margrave was in passing lofty mood.  Again
+Sir Iring spake: "My friends, this know; arm me now quickly, for
+I would fain try again, if perchance I may not conquer this
+overweening man."
+
+His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon
+the champion was armed again.  Through hate he seized a passing
+heavy spear with which he would encounter Hagen yonder.  Meantime
+the death-grim man awaited him in hostile wise.  But Knight Hagen
+would not abide his coming.  Hurling the javelin and brandishing
+his sword, he ran to meet him to the very bottom of the stairs.
+Forsooth his rage was great.  Little booted Iring then his
+strength; through the shields they smote, so that the flames rose
+high in fiery blasts.  Hagen sorely wounded Hawart's liegeman
+with his sword through shield and breastplate.  Never waxed he
+well again.  When now Knight Iring felt the wound, higher above
+his helmet bands he raised his shield.  Great enow he thought the
+scathe he here received, but thereafter King Gunther's liegeman
+did him more of harm.  Hagen found a spear lying now before his
+feet.  With this he shot Iring, the Danish hero, so that the
+shaft stood forth from his head.  Champion Hagen had given him a
+bitter end.  Iring must needs retreat to those of Denmark.  Or
+ever they unbound his helmet and drew the spear-shaft from his
+head, death had already drawn nigh him.  At this his kinsmen
+wept, as forsooth they had great need.
+
+Then the queen came and bent above him.  She gan bewail the
+stalwart Iring and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was
+passing sharp.  At this the bold and lusty warrior spake before
+his kinsmen: "Let be this wail, most royal queen.  What availeth
+your weeping now?  Certes, I must lose my life from these wounds
+I have received.  Death will no longer let me serve you and
+Etzel."  To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he
+spake: "None of you must take from the queen her shining ruddy
+gold as meed, for if ye encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."
+
+Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death.  Dole enow
+it gave them, for no longer might Hawart's liegeman live.  Then
+the men of Denmark must needs renew the fray.  Irnfried and
+Hawart with well a thousand champions leaped toward the hall.  On
+every side one heard a monstrous uproar, mighty and strong.  Ho,
+what sturdy javelins were cast at the Burgundian men!  Bold
+Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained great damage at his
+hands.  Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler smote the
+landgrave.  Certes, he was grim enow!  Then Sir Irnfried dealt
+the valiant gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open
+and his breastplate was enveloped with a bright red flame.  Yet
+the landgrave fell dead at the minstrel's hands.  Hawart and
+Hagen, too, had come together.  Wonders would he have seen, who
+beheld the fight.  The swords fell thick and fast in the heroes'
+hands.  Through the knight from the Burgundian land Hawart needs
+must die.  When the Thuringians and the Danes espied their
+lordings dead, there rose before the hall a fearful strife,
+before they gained the door with mighty hand.  Many a helm and
+shield was hacked and cut thereby.
+
+"Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they
+have in mind will not be ended.  They must die in here in full
+short time.  With death they'll gain what the queen would give
+them."
+
+When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of
+many a one sank down so low that he needs must die from their
+furious strokes.  Well fought the valiant Gernot, and the same
+did Giselher, the knight . A thousand and four were come into the
+hall and many a whizzing stroke of the swords was seen flash
+forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain therein.  Mickle
+wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men.  The hall grew
+still, as the uproar died away.  On every side the dead men's
+blood poured through the openings down to the drain-pipes.  This
+the men from the Rhine had wrought with their passing strength.
+
+Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and
+laid aside their swords and shields.  But still the valiant
+minstrel stood guard before the hall.  He waited, if any would
+perchance draw near again in strife.  Sorely the king made wail,
+as did the queen.  Maids and ladies were distraught with grief.
+Death, I ween, had conspired against them, wherefore many of the
+warriors perished through the guests.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", 'a man', "gild", 'payment of
+     money'), legal term for compensation paid for a man killed.
+(2)  "Waska".  In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of
+     Walther of Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German
+     name, "Wasgenwald", for the Vosges.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVI
+How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.
+
+"Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen.  "I and
+my comrade will guard you well, and should Etzel's men be minded
+to try again, I'll warn my lords as soon as I ever can."
+
+Then many a good knight bared his head.  They sate them down upon
+the wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their
+hands.  Evil looks were cast upon the noble strangers.  Before
+the eventide the king and the queen brought it to pass that the
+Hunnish champions tried again.  Men saw full twenty thousand
+warriors stand before them, who must perforce march to the fray.
+Straightway there rose a mighty storming towards the strangers.
+Dankwart, Hagen's brother, the doughty knight, sprang from his
+lordings' side to meet the foes without the door.  All weened
+that he were dead, yet forth he stood again unscathed.  The
+furious strife did last till nightfall brought it to a close.  As
+befitted good knights, the strangers warded off King Etzel's
+liegemen the livelong summer day.  Ho, how many a bold knight
+fell doomed before them!  This great slaughter happed upon
+midsummer's day, when Lady Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart
+upon her nearest kin and upon many another man, so that King
+Etzel never again gained joy.
+
+The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear.
+They thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than
+to be longer racked with monstrous pain.  A truce these proud and
+lusty knights now craved; they begged that men would bring the
+king to see them.  Forth from the hall stepped the heroes, bloody
+of hue, and the three noble kings, stained from their armor. 
+They wist not to whom they should make plaint of their mighty
+wounds.  Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went; the land was
+theirs and so their band waxed large.  He spake to the strangers:
+"Pray tell me, what ye will of me?  Ye ween to gain here peace,
+but that may hardly be.  For damage as great as ye have done me,
+in my son and in my many kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and 
+pardon shall be denied you quite; it shall not boot you aught,
+an' I remain alive."
+
+To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my
+men-at-arms lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel.  How did I
+deserve such pay?  I came to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my
+friend."
+
+Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who
+still do live, what do ye blame me with?  What have I done to
+you, for I rode in friendly wise into this land of yours."
+
+Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with
+grief and the land as well.  We should not have taken it ill, in
+sooth, if thou hadst never come from Worms beyond the Rhine. 
+Thou and thy brothers have filled this land with orphans."
+
+Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside
+this bitter hate and make your peace with us stranger knights,
+'twere best for either side.  We have not merited at all what
+Etzel here doth do us."
+
+Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and
+yours.  The mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame,
+which I have taken here, are such that none of you shall e'er go
+hence alive."
+
+At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you
+act in merciful wise.  Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but
+let us first descend to you into the open court.  That will make
+to you for honor.  Let be done quickly whatever shall hap to us.
+Ye have still many men unscathed, who dare well encounter us and
+bereave us storm-weary men of life.  How long must we warriors
+undergo these toils?"
+
+King Etzel's champions had nigh granted this boon and let them
+leave the hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked
+her.  Therefore the wanderers were speedily denied the truce.
+"Not so, ye Hunnish men.  I counsel you in true fealty, that ye
+do not what ye have in mind, and let these murderers leave the
+hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly fall.  Did none of
+them still live, save Uta's sons, my noble brothers, and they
+came forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye would
+all be lost.  Bolder heroes were never born into the world."
+
+Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my
+trust, when thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to
+this land, to this dire need.  How have I merited death here from
+the Huns?  I was aye true to thee; never did I do thee wrong, and
+in the hope that thou wast still my friend, dear sister mine,
+rode I hither to thy court.  It cannot be but that thou grant us
+mercy."
+
+"I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood.  Hagen of
+Troneg hath done me such great wrongs that it may never be
+amended, the while I live.  Ye must all suffer for this deed,"
+so spake King Etzel's wife.  "And ye will give me Hagen alone as
+hostage, I will not deny that I will let you live, for ye be my
+brothers and children of one mother, and will counsel peace with
+these heroes that be here."
+
+"Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a
+thousand of us, the clansmen of thy kin, we'd rather all lie
+dead, than give thee a single man as hostage.  Never shall this
+be done."
+
+"We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder
+that we guard us in knightly wise.  We be still here, if any list
+to fight us; for never have I failed a friend in fealty."
+
+Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held
+his peace): "Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone.  It
+may yet rue those who here refuse the truce.  I'll tell you of a
+truth, we'll make you ware of this."
+
+Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the
+stairs and avenge my wrongs.  For this I will ever serve you, as
+I should by right.  I'll pay Hagen well for his overweening
+pride.  Let none at all escape from the house, and I will bid the
+hall be set on fire at all four ends.  Thus all my wrongs shall
+be well avenged."
+
+Soon were King Etzel's champions ready still stood without into
+the hall with blows and shots.  Mickle waxed the din, yet the
+lordings and their liegemen would not part.  For very fealty they
+could not leave each other.  Etzel's queen then bade the hall be
+set on fire, and thus they racked the bodies of the knights with
+fire and flame.  Fanned by the breeze, the whole house burst into
+flames full soon.  I ween, no folk did ever gain such great
+distress.  Enow within cried out: "Alack this plight!  We would
+much rather die in stress of battle.  It might move God to pity,
+how we all are lost!  The queen now wreaketh monstrously on us
+her wrath."
+
+Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead.  What avail us
+now the greetings which the king did send us?  Thirst from this
+great heat giveth me such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must
+ebb away in anguish."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him
+whom pangs of thirst constrain, drink here this blood.  In such
+great heat, 'tis better still than wine.  We can purvey us at
+this time none better."
+
+One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and
+knelt him down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and
+began to drink the flowing blood.  However little wont to such a
+drink, him thought it passing good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite
+you," spake the weary man, "that I have drunk so well at your
+advice; seldom hath better wine been proffered me.  And I live
+yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."
+
+When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon
+there were many more that drank the blood.  From this the body of
+each gained much of strength; but many a stately dame paid dear
+for this through the loss of loving kin.  Into the hall the fire
+fell thick and fast upon them, but with their shields they turned
+it from them to the ground.  Both the heat and the smoke did hurt
+them sore; in sooth, I ween, that nevermore will such anguish hap
+to heroes.
+
+Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. 
+Let not the firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp
+them with your feet down deeper in the blood.  Forsooth it is an
+evil feast which the queen doth give us here."
+
+In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the
+brave minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall,
+a-leaning on their shields.  More scathe they awaited from those
+of Etzel's band.  Then spake the fiddler: "Now go we into the
+hall.  Then the Huns will ween, that we all be dead from the
+torture that hath been done us here.  They'll yet see us go to
+meet them in the strife."
+
+Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day
+dawneth, a cooling wind doth blow.  May God in heaven let us live
+to see a liefer time, for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here
+an evil feast."
+
+Again one spake: "I see the day . Sith we cannot hope for better
+things, so arm you, heroes, think on your life.  Certes, King
+Etzel's wife will come to meet us soon again."
+
+The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil
+and the pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave
+men, as good as any knight that king ever gained, were still
+alive.  Those set to guard the strangers had well seen that the
+guests still lived, despite the damage and the dole that had been
+done both to the lordings and their men.  In the hall one saw
+them stand full safe and sound.  They then told Kriemhild that
+many were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could never be,
+that any should have lived through such stress of fire.  Rather
+will I believe that all lie dead."
+
+The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any
+listed to do them mercy, but they could find none among those of
+the Hunnish land.  So with full willing hand they avenged their
+dying.  On this same day, towards morning, men proffered them a
+fierce attack as greeting, which brought the champions in stress
+again.  Many a stout spear was hurled upon them, but the bold and
+lordly warriors warded them in knightly wise.  High rose the mood
+of Etzel's men at the thought that they should earn Queen
+Kriemhild's gold.  Thereto they were minded to perform whatso the
+King did bid them.  Many of them because of this must soon needs
+gaze on death.  Of pledges and of gifts one might tell wonders.
+She bade the ruddy gold be carried forth on shields and gave it
+to whomsoever craved it and would take it.  Certes, greater wage
+was nevermore given against foes.  To the hall a mickle force of
+well-armed warriors marched.
+
+Then cried bold Folker: "We're here again, ye see.  Never saw I
+heroes more gladly come to fight than these that have taken the
+king's gold to do us scathe."
+
+Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do
+betimes what we must bring to an end.  Here dieth none that is
+not doomed to die."
+
+Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been
+thrown.  What more can I say?  Full twelve hundred men tried hard
+to match them, surging back and forth.  The strangers cooled well
+their mood with wounds.  None might part the strife, and so blood
+was seen to flow from mortal wounds, many of which were dealt.
+Each one was heard to wail for friends.  All the great king's
+doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen mourned them passing
+sore.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVII
+How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.
+
+The strangers had done full well at dawn.  Meanwhile Gotelind's
+husband came to court.  Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he
+saw the grievous wounds on either side.  "Woe is me," quoth the
+champion, "that I was ever born, sith none may stay this mickle
+grief!  However fain I would make for peace, the king will not
+consent, for he seeth ever more and more the sufferings of his
+men."
+
+Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they
+might turn the fate of the high-born kings.  The king of Berne
+sent answer: "Who might now forfend?  King Etzel will let none
+part the strife."
+
+Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes,
+and many tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how
+he doth stand, that hath the greatest power at Etzel's court and
+whom both lands and people serve.  Why have so many castles been
+given to Rudeger, of which he doth hold such store from the king
+in fief?  Not one sturdy stroke hath he dealt in all this strife.
+Methinks, he recketh not how it fare here at court, sith he hath
+his will in full.  Men say of him, he be bolder than any other
+wight.  Little hath that been seen in these parlous (1) days."
+
+Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus
+speak.  Him-thought: "Thou shalt pay for this.  Thou sayest, I be
+a craven, and hast told thy tale too loud at court."
+
+His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish
+man so mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon.  Through
+this King Etzel's woe grew greater.
+
+"Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow
+of grief and pain, How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here?
+Certes, I have good cause to hate the strangers, and would have
+done all in my power against them, had I not led the warriors
+hither.  Of a truth I was their safeguard to my master's land.
+Therefore the hand of me, wretched man, may not strive against
+them."
+
+Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye
+helped us, most noble Rudeger!  We have so many fey (2) in the
+land, that we have no need of more.  Full evil have ye done."
+
+At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my
+mood and twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of
+which I have received from thy hand.  This hath cost the liar
+dear."
+
+The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns
+through the hero's wrath.  Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes
+grew moist as she spake to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye
+should increase the sorrows of the king and me?  Hitherto ye have
+told us, that for our sake ye would risk both life and honor.  I
+heard full many warriors accord to you the palm.  Let me mind you
+of your fealty and that ye swore, when that ye counseled me to
+Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve me till one of
+us should die.  Never have I, poor woman, had such great need of
+this."
+
+"There's no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake
+I'd risk both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would
+lose my soul.  'Twas I that bade the high-born lordings to this
+feast."
+
+Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy
+constancy, and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine
+injuries and all my woes."
+
+Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."
+
+Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank
+before the knight.  Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad.
+Pitifully the faithful warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched
+man, that I have lived to see this day.  I must give over all my
+honors, my fealty, and my courtesie, that God did bid me use.
+Alas, great God of heaven, that death will not turn this from me!
+I shall act basely and full evil, whatever I do or leave undone.
+But if I give over both, then will all people blame me.  Now may
+he advise me, who hath given me life."
+
+Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly.  Through
+this warriors must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger's
+hands, when the hero also died.  Ye may well hear it now, that he
+deported him full pitifully.  He wist that it would bring him
+scathe and monstrous woe.  Gladly would he have refused the king
+and queen.  He feared full sore that if he slew but one of the
+strangers, the world would bear him hate.
+
+Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take
+back again all that I have from you, my land with its castles,
+let not a whit remain to me.  On foot will I wander into other
+lands."
+
+At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then?  I'll
+give thee the land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou
+mayst avenge me on my foes.  Thou shalt be a mighty king at
+Etzel's side."
+
+Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed?  I bade them to
+my house and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and
+drink and gave them gifts.  How may I counsel their death? 
+People will lightly ween, that I be craven.  No service of mine
+have I refused these noble lordings and their men.  Now I rue the
+kinship I have gained with them.  I gave my daughter to Giselher,
+the knight; to none in all the world could she have been better
+given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and wealth.  Never
+have I seen so young a prince of such right courteous mind."
+
+Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our
+griefs, on mine and on the king's.  Bethink thee well, that king
+did never gain such baneful guests."
+
+To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger's life must pay
+to-day for whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me.
+Therefore must I die; no longer may it be deferred.  I know full
+well, that my castles and my lands will be voided for you to-day
+through the hand of one of these men.  To your mercy I commend my
+wife and children and the strangers (3) who be at Bechelaren."
+
+"Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and
+the queen grew glad.  "Thy people shall be well commended to our
+care.  For mine own weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."
+
+Etzel's bride began to weep.  Then body and soul he staked upon
+the venture.  He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed.  Alas
+for my friends, whom I am loth to fight."
+
+Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king.  Close at
+hand he found his warriors standing.  He spake: "Ye must arm you
+all, my men, for, alas, I must needs encounter the bold
+Burgundians."
+
+They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. 
+Whether it were helm or buckler, 'twas all brought forth to them
+by their meiny.  Later the proud strangers heard told baleful
+tales.  Rudeger was now armed, and with him five hundred men;
+thereto he gained twelve champions, who would fain win renown in
+the stress of battle.  They wist not that death drew nigh them.
+Then Rudeger was seen to march with helmet donned.  The
+margrave's men bare keen-edged swords, and their bright shields
+and broad upon their arms.  This the fiddler saw; greatly he rued
+the sight.  When young Giselher beheld his lady's father walk
+with his helm upon his head, how might he know what he meant
+thereby, save that it portended good?  Therefore the noble prince
+waxed passing merry of mood.
+
+"Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we
+have won upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much
+profit here.  Lief it is to me, that this betrothal hath taken
+place."
+
+"I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the
+minstrel; "when have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets
+donned and swords in hand, for the sake of peace?  Rudeger doth
+think to win his castles and his lands in fight with us."
+
+Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble
+Rudeger before the house.  At his feet he placed his trusty
+shield, and now both service and greeting he must needs refuse
+his friends.  Into the hall the noble margrave called: "Ye
+doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well on every side.  Ye were to
+profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe.  Aforetime we were
+friends, but of this troth I now would fain be rid."
+
+The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained
+aught of joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight
+them.  From their foes they had already suffered mickle stress of
+war.  "Now God of heaven forbid," spake Gunther, the knight,
+"that ye should give over your love of us and your great fealty,
+on which we counted of a truth.  Better things I trow of you,
+than that ye should ever do this deed."
+
+"Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have
+vowed it.  Now ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life.
+King Etzel's wife would not release me from mine oath."
+
+"Ye declare this feud too late," spake the highborn king.  "Now
+may God requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and
+fealty that ye have shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at
+the end.  I and my kinsmen, we ought ever to serve you for the
+noble gifts ye gave us, when ye brought us hither faithfully to
+Etzel's land.  Now, noble Rudeger, think on this."
+
+"How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I
+might weigh out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly
+as I had hoped, if I never should be blamed on that account."
+
+"Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did
+never give his guests such loving cheer as ye did us.  This shall
+profit you well, and we remain alive."
+
+"Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were
+on the Rhine and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now
+encounter you!  Never did friends act worse to heroes."
+
+"Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your
+passing rich gifts.  Your death doth rue me, if such knightly
+virtues shall be lost with you.  Here I bear your sword that ye
+gave me, good knight and true.  It hath never failed me in all
+this need.  Many a knight fell dead beneath its edges.  It is
+bright and steady, glorious and good; nevermore, I ween, will
+warrior give so rich a gift.  And will ye not turn back, but come
+to meet us, and slay aught of the friends I still have here, with
+your own sword will I take your life.  Then will ye rue me,
+Rudeger, ye and your high-born wife."
+
+"Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all
+your will might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped
+unscathed!  Then both my daughter and my wife may trust you well,
+forsooth."
+
+Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta's son: "Why do ye
+so, Sir Rudeger?  Those that be come with us, do all like you
+well.  Ye encounter us in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair
+daughter a widow far too soon.  If ye and your warriors match me
+now with strife, how right unkindly do ye let it appear, that I
+trust you well above all other men and therefore won me your
+daughter to wife."
+
+"Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king.  And God
+let you escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for
+me.  For your own virtue's sake, vouchsafe her mercy."
+
+"That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if
+my noble kinsmen here within must die through you, then my
+steadfast friendship for you and for your daughter must be
+parted."
+
+"Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man.  Then
+they raised their shields, as though they would hence to fight
+the guests in Kriemhild's hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown
+the steps.  "Pray tarry awhile, most noble Rudeger," so spake
+Hagen; "I and my lords would fain have further parley, as doth
+befit our need.  What can the death of us wanderers avail King
+Etzel?  I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield that Lady
+Gotelind gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns.  I
+brought it with friendly purpose into Etzel's land.  O that God
+in heaven would grant, that I might bear so good a shield as that
+thou hast in thy hand, most noble Rudeger!  Then I should no
+longer need a hauberk in the fray."
+
+"Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it
+before Kriemhild.  Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm.
+Ho, if thou couldst only wield it in the Burgundian land!"
+
+When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes
+grew red with scalding tears.  'T was the last gift that ever
+Rudeger of Bechelaren gave to any knight.  However fierce Hagen,
+and however stern of mood, the gift did touch him, which the good
+hero, so near to death, had given.  Many a noble knight gan mourn
+with him.
+
+"Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger.  Your like
+will nevermore be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly
+gifts.  God grant that your courtesie may ever live."  Again
+Hagen spake: "Woe is me of these tales, we had so many other
+griefs to bear.  Let complaint be made to heaven, if we must
+fight with friends."
+
+Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."
+
+"Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger.  Howso
+these high-born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall
+never touch you in the fight, and ye slew them all from the
+Burgundian land."
+
+Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low.  On every side
+they wept, that none might soothe this pain of heart.  That was a
+mighty grief.  In Rudeger would die the father of all knightly
+virtues.
+
+Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my
+comrade Hagen hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just
+as steadfastly from my hand, for well ye earned it, when we came
+into this land.  Most noble margrave, ye shall be mine envoy,
+too.  The margravine gave me these ruddy arm rings, that I should
+wear them here at the feasting.  These ye may yourself behold,
+that ye may later be my witness."
+
+"Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine
+may give you more!  I'll gladly tell these tales to my dear love,
+if I see her in health again.  Of this ye shall not doubt."
+
+When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield.  No
+longer he bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he
+rushed upon the guests.  Many a furious blow the noble margrave
+struck.  The twain, Folker and Hagen, stepped further back, as
+they had vowed to him afore.  Still he found standing by the
+tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the fight with anxious
+doubts.  With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let him in,
+good heroes they!  Giselher stood further back, which irked him
+sore, in truth.  He voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of
+life.  Then the margrave's men rushed at their foes; in knightly
+wise one saw them follow their lord.  In their hands they bare
+their keen-edged swords, the which cleft there many a helm and
+lordly shield.  The tired warriors dealt the men of Bechelaren
+many a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep through the shining
+mail, down to the very quick.
+
+Rudeger's noble fellowship was now come quite within.  Into the
+fight Folker and Hagen sprang anon.  They gave no quarter, save
+to one man alone.  Through the hands of the twain the blood
+streamed down from the helmets.  How grimly rang the many swords
+within!  The shield plates sprang from their fastenings, and the
+precious stones, cut from the shields, fell down into the gore.
+So grimly they fought, that men will never do the like again. 
+The lord of Bechelaren raged to and fro, as one who wotteth how
+to use great prowess in the fray.  Passing like to a worshipful
+champion and a bold did Rudeger bear him on that day.  Here stood
+the warriors, Gunther and Gernot, and smote many a hero dead in
+the fray.  Giselher and Dankwart, the twain, recked so little,
+that they brought full many a knight to his last day of life. 
+Full well did Rudeger make appear that he was strong enow, brave
+and well-armed.  Ho, what knights he slew!  This a Burgundian
+espied; perforce it angered him, and thus Sir Rudeger's death
+drew near.
+
+The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake:
+"It appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble
+Rudeger.  That irketh me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear
+the sight.  So may your present work you harm, sith ye have taken
+from me such store of friends.  Pray address you unto me, most
+noble man and brave, your gift shall be paid for as best I can."
+
+Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must
+needs grow dull with blood.  Then at each other sprang these
+honor-seeking men.  Either gan guard him against mighty wounds.
+So sharp were their swords, that naught might avail against them.
+Then Rudeger, the knight, smote Gernot a buffet through his
+helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so that the blood gushed
+forth.  But this the bold knight and good repaid eftsoon.  High
+in his hand he now poised Rudeger's gift, and though wounded unto
+death, he smote him a stroke through his good and trusty shield
+down to his helmet band.  And so fair Gotelind's husband was done
+to death.  Certes, so rich a gift was never worse repaid.  So
+fell alike both Gernot and Rudeger, slain in the fray, through
+each other's hand.
+
+Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe.
+Quoth the hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us.  In these
+two men we have taken a loss so great that neither their land nor
+people will e'er recover from the blow.  Rudeger's champions must
+answer to us homeless men."
+
+"Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death.  What
+evil tales I hear all time!  Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue
+me.  The loss and the grievous wounds are felt on either side."
+
+When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed's father dead, those within
+the hall were forced to suffer need.  Fiercely death sought his
+fellowship; not one of those of Bechelaren escaped with life.
+Gunther and Giselher and Hagen, too, Dankwart and Folker, the
+right good knights, went to where they found the two men lying.
+Then by these heroes tears of grief were shed.
+
+"Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth.  "Now give
+over your weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed
+armor of us storm-weary men may cool.  Certes, I ween, that God
+in heaven vouchsafeth us no more to live."
+
+This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall,
+but all again were idle.  Rudeger's heroes lay still in death.
+The din had died away; the hush endured so long, it vexed King
+Etzel.
+
+"Alack for such services," spake the queen.  "They be not so
+true, that our foes must pay with their life at Rudeger's hands.
+I trow, he doth wish to lead them back to the Burgundian land.
+What booteth it, King Etzel, that we have given him whatso he
+would?  The knight hath done amiss, he who should avenge us, doth
+make his peace."
+
+To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not
+true, alas, most noble queen.  Durst I give the lie to such a
+high-born dame, then had ye most foully lied against Rudeger.  He
+and his champions be cozened in this peace.  So eagerly he did
+what the king commanded, that he and all his fellowship lie here
+in death.  Now look around you, Kriemhild, to see whom ye may now
+command.  The good Knight Rudeger hath served you to his end. 
+And ye will not believe the tale, we'll let you see."
+
+To their great grief 'twas done; they bare the slain hero to
+where the king might see him.  Never had there happed to Etzel's
+men a grief so great.  When they saw the margrave borne forth
+dead, no scribe might write or tell the frantic grief of men and
+women, which there gan show itself from dole of heart.  King
+Etzel's sorrow waxed so great that the mighty king did voice his
+woe of heart, as with a lion's roar.  Likewise did his queen.
+Beyond all measure they bewailed the good Knight Rudeger's death.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Parlous", older English for 'perilous'.
+(2)  "Fey", 'doomed to death', here in the sense of 'already
+     slain'.  See Adventure V, note 2.
+(3)  "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from
+     home.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXVIII
+How All Sir Dietrich's Warriors Were Slain.
+
+On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the
+towers rang with the wailing.  Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard
+it, too. how quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales!  To
+the lording he spake: "Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much
+I've lived to see till now, yet heard I never such a monstrous
+wail, as now hath reached mine ears.  I ween, King Etzel himself
+hath come to grief.  How else might all be so distressed?  One
+of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely been laid low
+by the brave strangers in their wrath.  Full many a dapper
+warrior weepeth passing sore."
+
+Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye
+not too fast.  Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they
+be now in mickle need.  Let it profit them, that I did offer them
+my peace."
+
+At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for
+tidings of what they have done, and will tell you then, my most
+dear lord, just as I find it, what the wail may be."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude
+questions then are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood
+of warriors.  In truth, I will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these
+questions of them."
+
+Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade
+him find from Etzel's men or from the guests themselves, what
+there had fortuned, for men had never seen from folks so great a
+grief.  The messenger gan ask: "What hath here been done?"
+
+At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the
+Hunnish land hath passed away.  Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the
+Burgundians' hands; and of those who were come with him, not one
+hatch 'scaped alive."
+
+Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole.  Sorely
+weeping, the envoy went to Dietrich.  Never was he so loth to
+tell a tale.  "What have ye found for us?" quoth Dietrich.  "Why
+weep ye so sore, Knight Helfrich?"
+
+Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail.  The
+Burgundians have slain the good Sir Rudeger."
+
+At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid.  That
+were a fearful vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat.
+Wherewith hath Rudeger deserved this at their hands?  I know full
+well, forsooth, he is the strangers' friend."
+
+To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, 'twill
+cost them all their lives.  'Twould be our shame, should we let
+this pass, for of a truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger
+hath served us much and oft."
+
+The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better.  In bitter grief
+he sate him at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the
+strangers, that he might find from them what had been done.  The
+storm-brave warrior, Master Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield
+nor weapon in his hand.  In courtly wise he would hie him to the
+strangers; for this he was chided by his sister's son.  Grim
+Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so bare, ye will never
+fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame.  But if ye go
+there armed, each will guard against that well."
+
+Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth.  Or
+ever he was ware, all Dietrich's warriors had donned their
+war-weeds and held in their hands their swords.  Loth it was to
+the hero, and he would have gladly turned their mind.  He asked
+whither they would go.
+
+"We will hence with you.  Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will
+dare the less to address him to you with scorn, which full well
+he knoweth how to use."  When he heard this, the knight
+vouchsafed them for to go.
+
+Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of
+Dietrich, march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in
+their hands they bare their shields.  He told it to his lords
+from out the Burgundian land.  The fiddler spake: "Yonder I see
+the men of Dietrich march along in right hostile wise, armed
+cap-a-pie.  They would encounter us; I ween 'twill go full ill
+with us strangers."
+
+Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come.  Before his feet he placed his
+shield, and gan ask Gunther's men: "Alas, good heroes, what had
+Rudeger done you?  My Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to
+say, that if the hand of any among you hath slain the noble
+margrave, as we are told, we could never stand such mighty dole."
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true.  How gladly could
+I wish, that the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger's
+sake, and that he still did live, for whom both man and wife may
+well ever weep."
+
+When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail
+for him, as their fealty bade them.  Over the beards and chins of
+Dietrich's champions the tears were seen to run.  Great grief had
+happened to them.
+
+Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an
+end the cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. 
+The joy of all wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."
+
+Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw
+mine own father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than
+for his death.  Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave's
+wife?"
+
+Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the
+warriors to so many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done?
+Alas, most noble Rudeger, that we should lose thee thus!"
+
+Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men
+bewailed his death.  For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a
+whit.  He spake: "Sir knights, now do what my lord hath sent you
+here to do.  Give us the corse of Rudeger from out the hall, in
+whom our joy hath turned to grief, and let us repay to him the
+great fealty he hath shown to us and to many another man.  We,
+too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight.  Why do ye let us
+wait thus?  Let us bear him away, that we may yet requite the
+knight in death.  More justly had we done it, when he was still
+alive."
+
+Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as
+that, which a friend doth do to a friend after his death.  When
+any doeth that, I call it faithful friendship.  Ye repay him but
+rightly, for much love hath he ever shown you."
+
+"How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart.  "Sith
+our best hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no
+longer have him with us, let us bear him hence to where the
+warrior may be buried."
+
+To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you.  Fetch ye
+him from the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood,
+with mortal wounds.  'Twill then be a perfect service, which ye
+render Rudeger."
+
+Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us
+great dole and should not rouse our ire.  But that I durst not
+for fear of my lord, ye should all fare ill.  We must perforce
+abstain, sith he forbade us strife."
+
+Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth
+abstain from all that one forbiddeth him.  That I call not a real
+hero's mood."  This speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.
+
+"Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I'll play such havoc
+with your fiddle strings, that ye'll have cause to tell the tale,
+when ye ride homeward to the Rhine.  I cannot brook in honor your
+overweening pride."
+
+Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must
+the gleam of your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however
+I ride to the Burgundian land."
+
+Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him
+firmly.  "I ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger.  Then
+hadst thou lost forever the favor of my lord."
+
+"Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the
+good knight Folker.  "Had he slain the whole world with his one
+hand, I'll smite him, and he come within my reach, so that he may
+never sing the answer to my song."
+
+At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood.  Wolfhart,
+a doughty knight and a good, snatched up his shield.  Like a wild
+lion he ran to meet him, swiftly followed by all his friends. 
+But howsoever great the strides he took towards the hall, yet did
+old Hildebrand overtake him at the steps.  He would not let him
+reach the fray before him.  At the hands of the homeless knights
+they later found the strife they sought.  Master Hildebrand then
+sprang at Hagen.  In the hands of both one heard the swords ring
+out.  That both were angry, might be plainly seen; from the
+swords of the twain streamed forth a blast of fire-red sparks.
+Then they were parted in the stress of battle by the men of
+Berne, as their strength did bid them.  At once Hildebrand turned
+him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart addressed him to Folker
+the bold.  Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon his good helmet,
+that the sword's edge pierced to the very helmet bands.  This the
+bold gleeman repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the
+sparks flew wide.  Enow of fire they struck from the armor rings,
+for each bare hatred to the other.  Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne
+did part them -- an' he be not a hero, never was there one.
+
+With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of
+the Amelung land.  Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red
+and wot with blood.  Dankwart, Hagen's brother, a fierce man was
+he; whatever he had done before to Etzel's warriors in strife was
+as a wind to the fury with which bold Aldrian's son now fought.
+Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich and Wichart had spared
+themselves full seldom in many battle storms; this they now made
+Gunther's liegemen note full well.  Wolfbrand, too, was seen in
+the strife bearing him in lordly wise.  Old Hildebrand fought as
+though he raged.  At Wolfhart's hands many good knights, struck
+by the sword, must needs fall dead down into the blood.  Thus the
+bold champions and good avenged Knight Rudeger.
+
+Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him.  Ho, what good
+helmets of his foes this son of Dietrich's sister clove in the
+strife!  Nor might he ever do better in the fray.  When sturdy
+Folker espied that bold Siegstab hewed a bloody stream from the
+hard armor rings, wroth of mood the hero grew.  He sprang to meet
+him, and Siegstab lost his life full soon at the fiddler's hands,
+for Folker gave him such a sample of his art, that he soon lay
+dead, slain by his sword.  This old Hildebrand avenged, as his
+might did bid him.
+
+"Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here
+dead at Folker's hands.  Now shall the fiddler no longer live."
+
+How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer?  Folker he smote, so
+that on all sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from
+helmet and shield of the doughty gleeman.  Thus stout Folker was
+done to death.  At this the men of Dietrich pressed forward to
+the strife.  They smote so that the armor rings whirled far and
+wide, and high through the air the sword-points wore seen to fly.
+From the helmets they drew the warm gushing stream of blood. 
+When Hagen of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was the greatest
+sorrow, that he had gained at the feasting in kinsman or in
+liegeman.  Alas, how fiercely Hagen gan venge the knight!  "Now
+old Hildebrand shall not profit by this deed.  My helpmate lieth
+slain by the hero's hand, the best war comrade that I did ever
+win."  Higher he raised his helmet, and ran, slashing as he went.
+
+Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart.  Loth enow it was to Gunther and
+Giselher, when they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own
+hands he himself had well avenged his death.  Meanwhile Wolfhart
+raged back and forth, hewing alway King Gunther's men.  For the
+third time he was come through the hall, and many a warrior fell,
+struck by his hands.
+
+Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever
+gained so grim a foe!  Noble knight and brave, now address you
+unto me.  I'll help to make an end; this may be no longer."
+
+At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote
+other many a gaping wound.  He pressed so mightily toward the
+king, that the blood beneath his feet spurted high above his
+head.  With grim and fearful blows the son of fair Uta then
+greeted the brave knight Wolfhart.  However strong the warrior,
+he might not save his life.  Never could so young a king have
+been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through his stout hauberk,
+that his blood streamed down from the wound.  Unto death he
+wounded Dietrich's liegeman.  None save a champion had done such
+deed.  When brave Wolfhart felt the wound, he let fall his shield
+and lifted higher in his hand his mighty sword (sharp enow it
+was); through both helmet and armor rings the hero smote
+Giselher.  Thus each did other fiercely unto death.
+
+Now was none left of Dietrich's men.  Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart
+fall; never before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to
+him.  The men of Gunther all lay dead, and those of Dietrich,
+too.  Hildebrand hied him to where Wolfhart had fallen in the
+gore, and clasped in his arms the brave knight and good.  He
+would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a deal too heavy,
+and so he must needs let him lie.  Then the dying warrior looked
+upward from the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his
+uncle would fain help him hence.  Though wounded unto death, he
+spake: "Dear uncle mine, ye may not aid me now.  'Tis well,
+methinks, that ye should guard you against Hagen.  A fierce mood
+he beareth in his heart.  And if perchance my kinsmen would mourn
+me after I am dead; pray tell the nearest and the best, that they
+weep not for me; there is no need of that.  At the hands of a
+king I have met a glorious death and have also avenged me, so
+that the wives of the good knights may well bewail it.  If any
+ask you of this, ye may boldly say, that full a hundred lie slain
+by my hand alone."
+
+Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold
+Hildebrand had robbed of life.  To the knight he spake: "Ye'll
+requite me now my sorrows.  Through your hatred ye have bereft us
+of many a lusty knight."
+
+He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the
+which bold Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the
+knight.  Then the old man warded him; in sooth he was brave enow.
+Dietrich's champion struck with a broad sword, that cut full
+sore, at the hero of Troneg, but could not wound King Gunther's
+liegeman.  Hagen, however, smote him through his well-wrought
+hauberk.  When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he feared more
+scathe at Hagen's hand; his shield he slung across his back and
+thus Sir Dietrich's man escaped from Hagen, though sorely
+wounded.
+
+Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and
+Hagen alone.  Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he
+found Dietrich, and told him the baleful tale.  He saw him
+sitting sadly, but much more of dole the prince now gained.  He
+spied Hildebrand in his blood-red hauberk, and asked him tidings,
+as his fears did prompt him.
+
+"Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wot with your
+lifeblood?  Pray who hath done you this?  I ween, ye have fought
+with the strangers in the hall.  I forbade it you so sorely, that
+ye should justly have avoided it."
+
+Then said he to his lord: "'Twas Hagen that did it.  He dealt me
+this wound in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the
+knight.  I scarce escaped the devil with my life."
+
+Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for
+that ye have broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye
+did hear me vow friendship to the knights.  Were it not mine
+everlasting shame, ye should lose your life."
+
+"My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my
+friends and me is all too great.  Fain would we have carried
+Rudeger's corse away, but King Gunther's liegemen would not grant
+it us."
+
+"Woe is me of these sorrows!  If Rudeger then be dead, 'twill
+bring me greater dole, than all my woe.  Noble Gotelind is the
+child of my father's sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be
+now in Bechelaren."
+
+Rudeger's death now minded him of ruth and dole.  Mightily the
+hero gan weep; in sooth he had good cause.  "Alas for this
+faithful comrade whom I have lost!  In truth I shall ever mourn
+for King Etzel's liegeman.  Can ye tell me, Master Hildebrand,
+true tidings, who be the knight, that hath slain him there?"
+
+Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the
+hero, too, fell dead at Rudeger's hands."
+
+Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm
+them quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready
+my shining battle weeds.  I myself will question the heroes of
+the Burgundian land."
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you?  Whatso
+of living men ye have, ye see stand by you.  'Tis I alone; the
+others, they be dead."
+
+He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never
+in his life had he gained so great a grief.  He spake: "And are
+my men all dead, then hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich.  Once
+I was a lordly king, mighty, high, and rich."  Again Sir Dietrich
+spake: "How could it hap, that all the worshipful heroes died at
+the hands of the battle-weary, who were themselves hard pressed?
+Were it not for mine ill-luck, death were still a stranger to
+them.  Sith then mine evil fortune would have it so, pray tell
+me, are any of the strangers still alive?"
+
+Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only
+Hagen and Gunther, the high-born king."
+
+"Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well
+rue me, that ever I was born.  Siegstab and Wolfwin and
+Wolfbrand, too!  Who then shall help me to the Amelung land? 
+Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been slain, and Gerbart and Wiehart?
+How shall I ever mourn for them in fitting wise?  This day doth
+forever end my joys.  Alas, that none may die for very grief!"
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330,
+     where we are told that he was the bravest and courtliest of
+     all knights.
+(2)  "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.
+(3)  "Siegstab" is Dietrich's nephew.  He also appears in the
+     "Thidreksaga", but in a different role.
+(4)  "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich's
+     nephew.
+(5)  "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.
+(6)  "Ritschart".   With the exception of Helfrich (see Above
+     note 1), these names do not occur elsewhere, though one of
+     the sons of Haimon was called Wichart.
+
+
+
+ADVENTURE XXXIX
+How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.
+
+Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master
+Hildebrand helped him arm.  The mighty man made wail so sore,
+that the whole house resounded with his voice.  But then he
+gained again a real hero's mood.  The good knight was now armed
+and grim of mind; a stout shield he hung upon his arm.  Thus he
+and Master Hildebrand went boldly hence.
+
+Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming
+hither; he would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that
+hath here befallen him.  To-day we shall see, to whom one must
+give the palm. however strong of body and grim of mood the lord
+of Berne thinketh him to be, right well dare I match him," so
+spake Hagen, "an' he will avenge on us that which hath been done
+him."
+
+Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to
+where he found the champion stand before the house, leaning
+against the wall.  Dietrich set his good shield upon the ground,
+and spake in grievous dole: "Gunther, mighty king, why have ye so
+acted against me, banished man?  What have I done to you?  I
+stand alone, bereft of all my comfort.  Ye thought it not enow of
+bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger, our friend.  Now ye
+have robbed me of all my men.  Forsooth I never had wrought you
+heroes sorrow such as this.  Think on yourselves and on your
+wrongs.  Doth not the death of your kinsmen and all the hardship
+grieve the minds of you good knights?  Alas, what great dole
+Rudeger's death doth give me!  Never in all the world hath more
+of sorrow happed to any man.  Ye thought but little on me and on
+your pain.  Whatsoever joy I had, that lieth slain by you.
+Certes, I never can bewail my kin enow."
+
+"Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen.  "Your warriors
+came to this hall in a large band, armed with care.  Methinks the
+tale hath not been told you rightly."
+
+"What else should I believe?  Hildebrand told me, that when my
+knights from the Amelung land asked that ye should give up
+Rudeger's corse from out the hall, ye did naught but mock the
+valiant heroes from above the steps."
+
+Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would
+fain bear Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex
+King Etzel, and not thy men, until then Wolfhart began to rail
+about it."
+
+Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so.
+Gunther, most noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of
+the wrongs, that have happed to me from thee, and make such
+amends, brave knight, that I may give thee credit for the deed.
+Give thyself and thy men to me as hostages, and I will guard you,
+as best I may, that none here do thee aught among the Huns.  Thou
+shalt find me naught but good and true."
+
+"Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves
+up to thee, that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and
+walk so unfettered before their foes."
+
+"Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich.
+"Ye have grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but
+right, and ye would requite me.  I give you my hand and troth as
+pledge, that I will ride with you, home to your land.  I'll lead
+you in all honor, or else lie dead, and for your sakes I will
+forget my grievous wrongs."
+
+"Crave this no longer," answered Hagen.  "'Twere fitting, that
+the tale be told of us, that two men so brave had given
+themselves up to you.  We see none standing by you, save
+Hildebrand alone."
+
+Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour
+will come, when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer
+to keep it with you.  Ye might well content you with the truce my
+lord doth offer."
+
+"Forsooth I'd take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I'd flee
+from out a hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand.  I
+weened, ye could stand better against a foe."
+
+To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that?  Who
+was it sate upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter
+of Spain slew so many of his kin?  Ye, too, have faults enow of
+your own to show."
+
+Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they
+should scold like aged beldams.  I forbid you, Hildebrand, to
+speak aught more.  Grievous wrongs constrain me, homeless
+warrior.  Let's hear, Knight Hagen, what ye twain did speak, ye
+doughty men, when ye saw me coming toward you armed?  Ye said,
+that ye alone would fain encounter me in strife."
+
+"Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay
+it here with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung
+break in my hand.  Wroth am I, that we twain have here been
+craved as hostages."
+
+When Dietrich noted Hagen's raging mood, quickly the doughty
+knight and good snatched up his shield.  How swiftly Hagen sprang
+toward him from the steps!  Loudly the good sword of Nibelung
+rang on Dietrich's head.  Then wist Dietrich well, that the bold
+knight was grim of mood.  The lord of Berne gan guard him against
+the fearful blows, for well he knew Hagen, the stately knight.
+Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow.  Dietrich returned
+the blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he conquered
+Hagen in the strife.  A wound he dealt him, the which was deep
+and long.  Then Lord Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out
+with strife; little honor shall I have, and thou liest dead
+before me.  I will try, if perchance I can force thee to be my
+hostage."
+
+This he wrought with danger.  His shield he let fall, great was
+his strength, and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms.  Thus the
+brave knight was overcome by Dietrich.  Noble Gunther gan wail
+thereat.  Dietrich now bound Hagen and led him to where he found
+the highborn queen; into her hand he gave the bravest warrior
+that ever bare a sword.  Then merry enow she grew after her great
+dole.  For very joy King Etzel's wife bowed low before the
+knight.  "May thy heart and body be ever blest.  Thou hast well
+requited me of all my woes.  For this will I ever serve thee,
+unless be, that death doth hinder me therefrom."
+
+Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen.
+And if this still may be, how well will I requite you of that
+which he hath done you!  Let him not suffer, because ye see him
+stand here bound."
+
+She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked
+in and where none did see him.  Gunther, the high-born king,
+began to call: "Whither went the knight of Berne?  He hath done
+me wrong."
+
+At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him.  Gunther's might was
+worthy of praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and
+from the clashing of the swords of the twain a mighty din arose.
+However much and long Lord Dietrich's prowess had been praised,
+yet Gunther was so sorely angered and enraged, for because of the
+grievous dole, he was his deadly foe, that men still tell it as a
+wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall.  Great were both their
+prowess and their strength.  The palace and the towers resounded
+with the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the sturdy
+helmets.  King Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of
+Berne overcame him, as happed to Hagen afore.  The hero's blood
+was seen to ooze through the armor rings, drawn forth by a
+keen-edged sword, the which Sir Dietrich bare.  Though weary, Sir
+Gunther had guarded him most valiantly.  The lord was now bound
+by Dietrich's hands.  Though kings should not endure such bonds,
+yet Dietrich thought, if he set free the king and his liegeman,
+that all they met must needs fall dead at their hands.
+
+Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to
+where he found Kriemhild.  At sight of his sorrow much of her
+fear took flight.  She spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the
+Burgundian land."
+
+Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your
+greetings were but kinder.  I know you, queen, to be so wroth of
+mood that ye do give me and Hagen meagre greetings."
+
+Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such
+good knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted
+lady.  For my sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."
+
+She vowed she'd do it gladly.  Then Sir Dietrich left the
+worshipful knights with weeping eyes.  Later Etzel's wife avenged
+her grimly; she took the life of both the chosen heroes.  To make
+their duress worse she let them lie apart, so that neither saw
+the other, till she bare her brother's head to Hagen. 
+Kriemhild's vengeance on both was great enow.
+
+Then the queen went to Hagen.  In what right hostile wise she
+spake to the knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken
+from me, then ye may still go home alive to Burgundy."
+
+Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble
+queen.  Forsooth I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the
+hoard, the while and any of my lords still live; so I shall give
+it to none."
+
+"I'll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife.  Then she
+bade her brother's life be taken.  His head they struck off, and
+by the hair she bare it to the knight of Troneg.  Loth enow it
+was to him.  When sad of mind the warrior gazed upon his master's
+head, he spake to Kriemhild: "Thou hast brought it to an end
+after thy will, and it hath happed, as I had thought me.  The
+noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher, the youth,
+and Sir Gernot, too.  None knoweth of the treasure now save God
+and me, and it shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."
+
+Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the
+sword of Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw
+him, in whom dole of heart hath happed to me through you."
+
+From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit.  She
+planned to rob the knight of life.  With her hands she raised it
+and struck off his head.  This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it
+rued him.  "Alack!" cried the lording, "how lieth now dead at a
+woman's hands the very best of knights, that ever came to battle
+or bare a shield!  However much I was his foe, yet it doth grieve
+me sorely."
+
+Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught,
+that she durst slay him.  Whatso hap to me, and however much it
+may bring me to a dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg's
+death."
+
+Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild.  For fear of him
+she suffered pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked
+so frightfully?  He dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the
+which did cut the high-born dame in twain.  Now all lay low in
+death whom fate had doomed.  Dietrich and Etzel then began to
+weep; sorely they mourned both kin and liegemen.  Their mickle
+honors lay there low in death; the courtiers all had grief and
+drearihead.  The king's high feast had ended now in woe, as joy
+doth ever end in sorrow at the last.  I cannot tell you, that
+which happed thereafter, save that knights and ladies and noble
+squires were seen to weep for the death of loving kinsmen.  The
+tale hath here an end.  This is the Nibelungs' fall. (2) (3)
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.
+(2)  "Fall".  The word "not", translated here "fall", means
+     really 'disaster', but as this word is not in keeping with
+     the style, "fall" has been chosen as preferable to 'need',
+     used by some translators.  The MS. C has here "liet" instead
+     of "not" of A and B.
+(3)  The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage",
+     a poem written in short rhyming couplets.  As the name
+     indicates, it describes the lamentations of the survivors
+     over the dead.  The praises of each warrior are sung and a
+     messenger dispatched to acquaint Gorelind, Uta, and Brunhild
+     with the sad end of their kinsmen.  It closes with
+     Dietrich's departure from Etzel's court and his return home.
+     Although in one sense a continuation of our poem, the
+     "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being
+     excessively tedious with its constant repetitions.  A
+     reprint and a full account of it will be found in Piper's
+     edition of our poem, vol. I.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Nibelungenlied
+
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