The Nibelungenlied Part 110

XIII

The Lord of Bern thus answer'd, "What have I now to say?

I hear the wife of Etzel every break of day To the great G.o.d of heaven sob out her dreary tale, And for the loss of Siegfried yet ever weep and wail."

XIV

"What's done can ne'er be undone," spoke out the minstrel bold, The death-defying Folker, "for all we've just been told.

So to court let's onward, and manfully abide Whate'er may us stout champions among the Huns betide."

XV

So the bold Burgundians to court thence took their way After their country's fashion in pomp and proud array.

Many a stout knight of Hungary among the gazers came To look on Tronian Hagan, and mark his warrior frame.

XVI

Of him among the courtiers were rumors not a few, That he it was who Siegfried, the Netherlander, slew, The strongest of all champions, Dame Kriemhild's husband bold.

Hence much was there among them of Hagan ask'd and told.

XVII

Well grown and well compacted was that redoubted guest; Long were his legs and sinewy, and deep and broad his chest.

His hair, that once was sable, with gray was dash'd of late, And terrible his visage, and lordly was his gait.

XVIII

And now the bold Burgundians with shelter were supplied.

The knights were lodg'd together, the rest were sunder'd wide.

Through Kriemhild's hate to Gunther was plann'd this subtle train, That easier in their quarters the yeomen might be slain.

XIX

Dankwart was the marshal, Hagan's brother brave; The charge of the stout yeomen to him King Gunther gave, That all might well be tended, and each might have his fill.

The Chief of the Burgundians bore all his train good will.

XX

Kriemhild the lovely with all her meiny went, Where she the Nibelungers receiv'd with false intent.

She took her brother Giselher and took him by the hand.

That seeing drew Sir Hagan more tight his helmet's band.

XXI

"Sure after such a welcome," thus Hagan sternly spake, "Methinks for men of action 'twere fitting, thought to take.

Greeting kings and subjects in such a different guise!-- I fear our journey hither will hardly pa.s.s for wise."

XXII

"To those who fain would see you," said Kriemhild, "welcome be; Look not for friendly greeting for your own sake from me.

But tell me what you've brought me from Worms beyond the Rhine, That you so warm a welcome should find from me or mine."

XXIII

"Why these words, my lady?" said Hagan, "what's their drift?

That all these knights from Rhineland should bring you each a gift?

I knew you were so wealthy, and liv'd so royally, I need not bring you presents as far as Hungary.

XXIV

"Then with this one plain question your memory I must goad.

The Nibelungers' treasure--where have you that bestow'd?

That was my own possession as well you understand.

'Twas that you should have brought me hither to Etzel's land."

XXV "I' faith, my lady Kriemhild, 'tis now full many a day Since in my power the treasure of the Nibelungers lay.

In the Rhine my lords bade sink it; I did their bidding fain, And in the Rhine, I warrant, till doomsday 'twill remain."

XXVI

Then thus the queen made answer, "That was just what I thought.

Little of it, ay, little have you hither brought, Though 'twas my own, unquestion'd to keep or give away.

I've had for it much sorrow and many a dreary day."

XXVII

"The devil a h.o.a.rd I bring you," said Hagan, the stern knight; "I've quite enough to carry in my mailcoat bright And in my trusty buckler; my hand must wield the sword, My head support the helmet;--how could I bring your h.o.a.rd?"

XXVIII

"Think not I stir this matter because for gold I care; To give have I such plenty, your gifts I well can spare.

One murder and two robberies! I have been beggar'd thrice For these to the last farthing poor I demand the price."