The Nibelungenlied Part 135

x.x.xVI

With that straight went a warrior, where a warm corpse he found.

On the dead down knelt he; his helmet he unbound; Then greedily began he to drink the flowing blood.

However unaccustom'd, it seem'd him pa.s.sing good.

x.x.xVII

"Now G.o.d requite thee, Hagan," the weary warrior cried, "For such refreshing beverage by your advice supplied.

It has been my lot but seldom to drink of better wine.

For life am I thy servant for this fair hint of thine."

x.x.xVIII

When th' others heard and witness'd with what delight he quaff'd, Yet many more among them drank too the b.l.o.o.d.y draught, It strung again their sinews, and failing strength renew'd.

This in her lover's person many a fair lady rued.

x.x.xIX

Into the hall upon them the fire-flakes thickly fell; These with their shields they warded warily and well.

With smoke and heat together they were tormented sore.

Never, I ween, good warriors such burning anguish bore.

XL

Through smoke and flame cried Hagan, "Stand close against the wall; Let not the burning ashes on your helm-laces fall; Into the blood yet deeper tread every fiery flake.

In sooth, this feast of Kriemhild's is ghastly merry-make."

XLI

'Twas well for the Burgundians that vaulted was the roof; This was, in all their danger, the more to their behoof.

Only about the windows from fire they suffer'd sore.

Still, as their spirit impell'd them, themselves they bravely bore.

XLII

In such extremes of anguish pa.s.s'd off the dreary night.

Before the hall yet sleepless stood the gleeman wight, And leaning on his buckler, with Hagan by his side, Look'd out, what further mischief might from the Huns betide.

XLIII

Then thus bespoke he Hagan, "Let's back into the hall; These Huns will then imagine that we have perish'd all In the fiery torment they kindled to our ill.

They'll see yet some among us who'll do them battle still."

XLIV

Then the youthful Giselher, the bold Burgundian, spake, "Methinks the breeze is fresh'ning, the day begins to break.

Better times may wait us--grant it G.o.d in heaven!

To us my sister Kriemhild a fatal feast has given."

XLV

With that outspake a warrior, "Ay! now I see the day.

Since we can hope no better in this our hard a.s.say, Let each don straight the harness, and think upon his life; For soon will be upon us King Etzel's murderous wife."

XLVI

The host he little doubted but all the guests were dead, By toil and fiery torture alike so ill bestead.

But yet within were living six hundred fearless wights; Crowned king about him ne'er had better knights.

XLVII

The scouts who watched the strangers, had now the truth descried, That, spite of all the travail and torment that had tried The strength of lords and liegemen, they had survived it all, And safe and sound as ever stalk'd up and down the hall.

XLVIII

'Twas told the queen that many unharm'd were yet to see; "No! no!" made Kriemhild answer, "Sure it can never be That such a fiery tempest has spared a single head.

Far sooner will I credit that one and all are dead."

XLIX

Still long'd both lords and liegemen for mercy and for grace, If they might look for either from any there in place; But neither grace nor mercy found they in Hunnish land, So vengeance for their ruin they took with eager hand.

L

And now by early morning a deafening hostile din Greeted the weary warriors; sore peril hemm'd them in.

From all sides round, against them a shower of missiles flew; The dauntless band full knightly stood on defence anew.

LI

The mighty men of Etzel came on embolden'd more, For that they hoped from Kriemhild to win her precious store; And others, too, would frankly their king's command obey; Thus had full many among them to look on death that day.