The Nibelungenlied Part 23

Hagan, the Knight of Trony, then spake in courtly wise, "Why would you ask your mother such service to devise?

If only your fair sister our purpose understood, She's in all arts so skilful, the clothes would needs be good."

XXIX

Then sent he to his sister, that he'd to her repair, And with him only Siegfried; ere they could thither fare, Kriemhild in choicest vesture her beauty had array'd; Little did their coming displease the gentle maid.

x.x.x

And deck'd too were her women as them best became.

Now were at hand the princess; straight the queenly dame, As she beheld them coming, rose stately from her seat, And went the n.o.ble stranger and her brother, too, to greet.

x.x.xI

"Welcome to my brother and to his comrade dear,"

Said the graceful maiden, "your news I fain would hear.

Tell me what brings you hither, what deeds are now to do; Let me know how fares it, n.o.ble knights, with you."

x.x.xII

Then spake the royal Gunther, "Dame, I will tell my care.

We must with lofty courage a proud adventure dare.

We would hence a-wooing far over seas away; For such a journey need we apparel rich and gay."

x.x.xIII

"Now sit thee down, dear brother, and tell me frank and free,"

Said the royal maiden, "who these dames may be, Whom you would go a-courting in a distant land."

Both the chosen warriors then took she by the hand.

x.x.xIV

Anon she both led thither where before she sat On rich embroider'd cushions (I can vouch for that), O'erwrought with goodly figures well rais'd in glitt'ring gold.

There they with the fair lady might gentle converse hold.

x.x.xV

Many a glance of rapture, many a longing look, As there talk'd the lovers, either gave and took.

He in his heart enshrin'd her; she was to him as life.

Thereafter lovely Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's wife.

x.x.xVI

Then said to her King Gunther, "Right n.o.ble sister mine, What I wish can never be but with help of thine.

We'll to the land of Brunhild to take our pastime there, And must before the lady princely apparel wear."

x.x.xVII

Then spake the queen in answer, "Right loving brother mine, If ought I can will profit whatever end of thine, Depend on me to do it; thou'lt find me ready still.

If any aught denied thee, 'twould please thy Kriemhild ill.

x.x.xVIII

"n.o.ble knight, thou should'st not, as doubting, ask and pray, But, as my lord and master, command, and I'll obey.

Thou'lt find me, whatsoever thou hast in heart to do, Not more a loving sister than a servant true."

x.x.xIX

"Dearest sister Kriemhild, we must wear costly weed, And therewith to equip us thy snowy hand we need, And let thy maids their utmost upon the same bestow, For sure my purpos'd journey never will I forego."

XL

Then spoke the n.o.ble virgin, "Mark now what I say; I've silk myself in plenty; on shields, as best you may, Precious stones bid bring us to work the clothes withal.

Gunther and eke Siegfried bade bring them at her call.

XLI

"And who are the companions," ask'd the royal maid, "Who you to court will follow thus gorgeously array'd?"

"We're four in all," he answer'd; "two of my men beside, Dankwart and Hagan, with us to court will ride.

XLII

"And, dame, mark well, I pray thee, what I have yet to say.

Let each be well provided three changes every day, And for four days successive, and all be of the best; So back shall I wend homeward no scorn'd, dishonor'd guest."

XLIII

So with kind dismissal away the warriors strode.

Then quick the fair queen summon'd from bowers where they abode Thirty maids, her brother's purpose to fulfil, Who in works of the needle were the chief for craft and skill.

XLIV

Silks from far Arabia, white as driven snow, And others from Zazamanc, green as gra.s.s doth grow, They deck'd with stones full precious; Kriemhild the garments plann'd, And cut them to just measure with her own lily hand.