The Nibelungenlied Part 16

"Sindolt and Hunolt, each Gernot's liegemen true, And never-daunted Rumolt so rush'd the foemen through, That ever will King Ludeger repent his vain design To meet your royal brethren on the banks of Rhine.

XCVIII

"But of all feats, the fairest, that in that field befell, From first to last most glorious, as all who saw can tell, Were those achiev'd full knightly by Siegfried's deadly hand.

Now many a wealthy captive brings he to Gunther's land.

XCIX

"Beneath his arm, submission the brother kings have learn'd; Proud Dane and haughty Saxon alike defeat have earn'd; Dead lie their loving va.s.sals wide o'er the b.l.o.o.d.y green.

Now to my tale yet listen, high and n.o.ble queen!

C

"Now both are hither wending, the thralls of Siegfried's hand; Chief ne'er such countless captives brought to Burgundian land, As now to Rhine are coming, o'ermastered by his might."

Ne'er heard the royal maiden a tale of such delight.

CI

"More than five hundred prisoners, for truth, high lady! know, Unhurt, are hither coming; full eighty biers, I trow, Trail on the deadly wounded: you soon will see them here; The most bear b.l.o.o.d.y witness of Siegfried's sword and spear.

CII

"Those kings, who late so haughty would dare us on the Rhine, Must now to Gunther's pleasure their lives, their all resign.

Our shouts salute their coming, our joy is on the gale."

She brighten'd into blushes to hear the happy tale.

CIII

Her cheek, late pale as lily, now glow'd with rosy red, To hear how youthful Siegfried so gloriously had sped, Rais'd from the depth of peril to loftiest height of fame.

She joy'd too for her kinsmen as maiden well became.

CIV

Then spake she midst her blushes, "Well hast thou earn'd thy meed, Well hast thou told thy story, so take thee costliest weed, Now straight I'll bid be brought thee ten marks of ruddy gold."

No wonder, to rich ladies glad news are gladly told.

CV

Straightforth was brought the vesture, and down the gold was paid; Then hurried to the windows full many a lovely maid, And look'd out on the highway, nor long delay'd to spy The high-descended victors return'd to Burgundy.

CVI

The safe and sound came forward; the wounded did the same; Merry was the meeting; none fear'd reproach or blame.

Forth rode the host to meet them; his mirth had no alloy; The woe, that long had worn him, was now shut up in joy.

CVII

His own full well receiv'd he, and well the strangers too; Sure nothing so befitting could wealthy monarch do, Than kindly greet such victors as now his court had sought With gain of such clear honor from field so sternly fought.

CVIII

Then ask'd the n.o.ble Gunther of the conquering train, How many of his warriors had in the strife been slain.

There had been lost but sixty in the fight they won.

They were mourn'd and forgotten, as with many has since been done.

CIX

Th' unwounded bore exulting, grim trophies of the field, Full many a batter'd morion, full many a shiver'd shield.

Before the hall of Gunther from horse the champions sprung; Around from joyful thousands one shout of welcome rung.

CX

The warriors in the city were lodg'd as might be best; The king with courteous service bade wait on every guest.

He found the hurt fit chambers for tendance and repose, And prov'd his n.o.ble nature in the treatment of his foes.

CXI

Thus he said to Ludegast, "King Ludegast, welcome here.

Much at your hands I've suffer'd, and more had cause to fear But all's at full repaid me, if smooth my fortune run.

G.o.d requite my warriors! they well for me have done."

CXII

"Ay, you may gladly thank them," said Ludeger, "'tis their due; King ne'er had such high captives as they have won for you.

Meanwhile, for courteous treatment, good store of gold we'll bring, And look for such reception as king may claim from king."

CXIII

"Take what you ask," said Gunther, "both set I gladly free.

Still must I have a.s.surance that here awhile with me My foes consent to tarry, and do not leave my land Till peace be made between us." To that King Ludeger gave his hand.

CXIV