The Nibelungenlied Part 17

So now the kings to rest them were to their chambers led.

With tender care the wounded were softly laid a-bed, While for the whole and hearty were pour'd the mead and wine.

Never were men so merry as these beside the Rhine.

CXV

Attendants to safe keeping the batter'd bucklers bore, The blood-bespatter'd saddles, whereof was plenteous store, They hid, lest sight so sorry should make the women weep.

Many a good knight o'erwearied home was glad to creep.

CXVI

The guests from good King Gunther all n.o.ble treatment found.

With friends as well as strangers his country swarm'd around.

He bade for the sore wounded all needful aid be sought.

Where was their haughty courage? how low it now was brought!

CXVII

Whoe'er had skill in leechcraft was offer'd coin untold, Silver without measure as well as glittering gold, To cure the fainting champions by wounds of war oppress'd.

The bounteous monarch sent, too, rich gifts to every guest.

CXVIII

Those who, of feasting weary, homeward sought to wend, Were press'd to tarry longer, as friend will deal with friend.

King Gunther call'd a council; he would his men requite, Who for his sake so n.o.bly had won that gallant fight.

CXIX

Then spake the good Sir Gernot, "At present bid them go.

When full six weeks are over, we'll let the warriors know, We here shall need their presence at feasting rich and high; Then will restor'd be many, who yet sore wounded lie."

CXX

And now would n.o.ble Siegfried to Gunther bid adieu; Soon as the friendly monarch the warrior's purpose knew He lovingly besought him a longer stay to make.

He ne'er had so consented but for his sister's sake.

CXXI

Besides, he was too wealthy to stoop to soldier's pay, Albeit he well deserv'd it; him lov'd the more each day, The king and all his kinsmen, who on the battle plain, Had seen him deal destruction on Saxon and on Dane,

CXXII

For the sake of that fair lady he yet would linger there, If he perchance might see her; and soon was eas'd his care.

He came to know the maiden to his utmost heart's desire, Then home he rode rejoicing to the kingdom of his sire.

CXXIII

The king bade practise knighthood and joust from day to day, Well did his youthful warriors and willingly obey.

Seats too before the city he rais'd along the strand For those who were to visit the fam'd Burgundian land.

CXXIV

So bade the royal Gunther, and now the time was near, Ere came the joyful tidings to his fair sister's ear, That he with his dear comrades high festival would hold.

Then were fair women stirring; their toil was manifold.

CXXV

With kirtles, and with head-gear, and all that each should wear, Uta, the rich and n.o.ble, amidst her maidens fair Heard of coming warriors, a bold and haughty train; Straight was from out the wrappers store of rich vesture ta'en.

CXXVI

For the sake of her dear children the garments forth were laid, Wherewith array'd were richly many a wife and many a maid, And many a youthful champion of warlike Burgundy; She bade, too, many a stranger be rob'd as gorgeously.

FIFTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED FIRST SAW KRIEMHILD

I

Now might you ever daily see riding toward the Rhine Troops of good knights ambitious at that proud feast to shine.

Whoe'er for love of Gunther to Gunther's court would speed, Was at his hands provided with vesture and with steed.

II

a.s.sign'd were seats befitting to every high-born guest.

Thither, as has been told us, the n.o.blest and the best Came two and thirty princes to that high festal tide.

In gawds and gems the women each with her neighbor vied.

III