The Nibelungenlied Part 102

All for revenge were thirsting, all eager for th' attack, Their warlike lords were foremost; too hotly in the track They follow'd of those strangers, and learnt it to their cost.

Many a good friend soon after their valiant leaders lost.

XIV

Hagan the cautious Tronian their hasty counsels marr'd; How could a warrior better his friends and kinsmen guard?

He took in charge the rearward, and there his men array'd With his brave brother Dankwart; all with one soul obey'd.

XV

The day had sunk and vanish'd; 'twas gloom and darkness all.

He fear'd lest harm or danger his comrades should befall.

Well marshall'd through Bavaria beneath their shields went they; Yet in short time their foemen a.s.sail'd them by the way.

XVI

On either side the highway, though nothing met their view, Hoofs heard they frequent trample, and close behind them too.

Then out spoke fearless Dankwart, "Upon us is the foe; Bind fast your helmets, warriors; prudence would have it so."

XVII

Upon their march they halted, for now they were so nigh, That bucklers faintly glimmering they through the dark could spy, Nor longer wish'd Sir Hagan in silence to abide.

"Who hunts us on the highway?" the deep-voiced warrior cried.

XVIII

The stern Bavarian Margrave Gelfrat gave answer back, "We're seeking out our foemen, and close are on their track.

I know not who among you this morn my boatman slew; He was a knight of prowess; his loss I surely rue."

XIX

Then answer'd he of Trony, "Was that same ferryman thine?

He would not put us over; the guilt, if guilt, is mine.

I slew him, I confess it, but what besides could I?

Myself first by his fury was all but done to die.

XX

"I offer'd gold and raiment for meed (what could I more?) Into thy land, Sir Gelfrat, if he'd but put us o'er.

He flew into a fury, and caught me o'er the crown With a heavy boat-pole, and knock'd me roughly down.

XXI

"I s.n.a.t.c.h'd my sword in anger; from his wrath I kept my life; A mortal wound I gave him; this clos'd at once the strife.

Yet such amends I offer as you think just and right."

They hearken'd but to vengeance, burning with scorn and spite.

XXII

"I knew full well," said Gelfrat, "if Gunther pa.s.s'd along This country with his meiny, that we should suffer wrong At the hands of Hagan; 'scape shall he not to-day; He did to death the ferryman, and for the deed shall pay."

XXIII

To smite above the bucklers they couch'd their lances straight.

Gelfrat and Hagan both clos'd with eager hate.

Elsy too and Dankwart each bore him like a knight; Each prov'd the other's manhood; stern and stubborn was the fight.

XXIV

Who better could defend them? who better could a.s.sail?

Borne was the stalwart Hagan clean o'er his horse's tail, And on the gra.s.s lay floundering by Gelfrat's st.u.r.dy stroke.

In the shock asunder his charger's poitral broke.

XXV

Then knew he what was fighting; all round the lances crash'd; From the green Sir Hagan upstarted, unabash'd, Or rather kindling courage from overthrow so rude.

He turn'd, I ween, on Gelfrat, not in the mildest mood.

XXVI

Who held them both their horses, is more than I can tell.

To the ground the champions were both brought down from selle.

They rush'd upon each other; they mingled sword and shield.

Their comrades to the rescue flock'd round from all the field.

XXVII

However fiercely Hagan on n.o.ble Gelfrat sprung, A huge piece from his buckler (loud with the stroke it rung) Was hewn by the stout margrave; fire forth in sparkles flew; The ferryman like to follow was Gunther's liegeman true.

XXVIII

To the valiant Dankwart he shouted loud and high, "Help, help me, dearest brother, I've just been like to die By a stout-handed champion; he'll let me ne'er go free."

Thereto replied bold Dankwart, "Then I'll your umpire be."