The Nibelungenlied Part 108

"I ne'er saw ought, fair lady, however rich and rare, That it would more content me hence as my own to bear, Than yonder well-form'd buckler that hangs on yonder wall.

To take that shield to Hungary would please me most of all."

L

Soon as the Lady Gotelind heard Hagan's accents deep, They brought to mind her sorrow; she could not choose but weep.

Then thought she on bold Nudung, by mightier Wittich slain, And to her wounded bosom the smart return'd again.

LI

Thus she bespake Sir Hagan, "That shield I freely give, And would to G.o.d the warrior among us still did live, Who bore it erst in battle; dead on the field he lay; Him must I weep for ever, mourning my life away."

LII

Then from her seat she totter'd; her limbs with anguish shook; The shield of her lamented in her white hands she took, And carried it to Hagan; he grasp'd the gift she gave, Giv'n and receiv'd in honor, and fitting well the brave.

LIII

A veil of glittering samite its varied hues conceal'd; Never had the daylight shone on a better shield.

With precious stones far-beaming 'twas richly deck'd all o'er.

It could not have been purchas'd for a thousand marks or more.

LIV

So by command of Hagan the shield away was ta'en.

Then came to court Sir Dankwart among the parting train.

To him gave Rudeger's daughter robes richly broider'd o'er, Which 'midst the Huns thereafter in joyous mood he wore.

LV

Of all the gifts that morning bestow'd on every guest, Not one by those Burgundians had ever been possess'd, But by the margrave's bounty, which so by proof they knew.

Soon they became such foemen, that they the giver slew.

LVI

And now the valiant Folker with high-bred courtly grace Stepp'd forth before Dame Gotelind, and, standing there in place, His sweetest tones attemper'd and sang his choicest lay, Ere he from Bechlaren took leave and went his way.

LVII

With that the gentle hostess bade bring a casket near (Of friendly gifts and bounty and kindness you must hear); From this she took twelve bracelets, and drew them o'er his hand; "These you must take, and with you bear hence to Etzel's land,

LVIII

"And for the sake of Gotelind the same at court must wear, That I may learn, when hither again you all repair, What service you have done me in yon a.s.sembly bright."

The lady's wish thereafter full well perform'd the knight.

LIX

Then the n.o.ble margrave his parting guests bespake, "That you may ride the safer, myself the charge will take To guide you, lest from robbers you suffer by the road."

With that upon his sumpters in haste was laid their load.

LX

The host he soon was ready with full five hundred men Well horsed and well apparell'd; them led he merrily then To the proud feast of Etzel, and they him follow'd fain; Not one of them came living to Bechlaren back again.

LXI

The host from home departed with many a loving kiss: The like did also Giselher; his honor counsell'd this.

Each to his beating bosom his trembling lady press'd.

That parting planted sorrow in many a virgin breast.

LXII

All windows in Bechlaren now flew open wide.

Straight would to horse the margrave, and with his warriors ride I ween, their hearts that moment their coming doom forbode.

Many a dame and many a damsel loud sobb'd as forth they rode.

LXIII

E'en for their best beloved in heart they sorrow'd sore, For those, whom at Bechlaren they were to see no more.

Yet merrily the champions p.r.i.c.k'd along the strand Downward beside the Danube to reach the Hunnish land.

LXIV

Then thus to the Burgundians out spake the stately knight.

"Rudeger the n.o.ble, methinks, it were but right We should announce we're coming e'en now to Hunnish ground; More pleasantly no tidings in Etzel's ear will sound."

LXV

Straight adown through Austria he bade a courier ride; At once among the people 'twas publish'd far and wide, That coming were the heroes from Worms beyond the Rhine.

Right glad were Etzel's va.s.sals, and those of Etzel's line.