The Nibelungenlied Part 24

XLV

Of the hides of foreign fishes were linings finely wrought; Such then were seen but rarely, and choice and precious thought; Fine silk was sewn above them to suit the wearers well.

Now of the rich apparel hear me fresh marvels tell.

XLVI

From the land of Morocco and from the Libyan coast The best silk and the finest e'er worn and valued most By kin of mightiest princes, of such had they good store.

Well Kriemhild show'd the favor that she the wearers bore.

XLVII

E'er since the chiefs were purpos'd the martial queen to win, In their sight was precious the goodly ermelin With coal-black spots besprinkled on whiter ground than snow, E'en now the pride of warriors at every festal show.

XLVIII

Many a stone full precious gleam'd from Arabian gold; That the women were not idle, scarcely need be told.

Within seven weeks, now ready was the vesture bright, Ready too the weapons of each death-daring knight.

XLIX

Now when all was ready, by the Rhine you might mark Built with skill and labor a stout though little bark, Wherein a-down the river to sea they were to go.

To the n.o.ble maidens their toil brought mickle woe.

L

When now 'twas told the champions, that the vesture gay, Which they should carry with them, was ready for the way, And that nought impeded their firmly-fixed design, No longer would they tarry by the banks of Rhine.

LI

So to their loving comrades a messenger was sent, That they the goodly vesture might see before they went, If it for the warriors too short were or too long.

Much thanks they gave the women when found was nothing wrong.

LII

Whomever met the warriors, all could not but admire; In all the world not any had seen such fair attire; At Brunhild's court 'twould surely become the wearers well.

Of better knightly garments not a tongue could tell.

LIII

Much thank'd was each fair seamstress for her successful toil.

Meanwhile, on point of parting for a far and dangerous soil, The warriors would of Kriemhild take leave in knightly wise, Whereat moist clouds of sorrow bedimm'd her sunbright eyes.

LIV

Said she, "Why thus, dear brother, to foreign regions run?

Stay here and woo another; that were far better done, Than on so dire a venture to set your fame and life.

You'll find among our neighbors a fairer, n.o.bler wife."

LV

Their hearts, I ween, foreboded what thence was to befall.

How spake they ever boldly, sore wept they one and all.

Their tears the gold o'ermoisten'd that on their b.r.e.a.s.t.s they wore; So thick they from their eyelids stream'd down upon the floor.

LVI

"To you," said she, "Sir Siegfried, at least may I resign, To your faith, to your honor, this brother dear of mine, That no mischance beset him in Brunhild's fatal land."

Straight promis'd he the maiden, and clasp'd her clay-cold hand.

LVII

Then spake the loving champion, "Long as I have life, Dismiss the cares, fair lady, that in your breast are rife.

I'll bring you back your brother safe and well a-pay'd; Take that for sure and certain." Low bow'd the thankful maid.

LVIII

Their golden-color'd bucklers were borne down to the strand, With all their costly vesture, and softly led in hand Were their high-mettled chargers; they now would straight depart.

Then many an eye was weeping, and throbbing many a heart.

LIX

Fair maids stood at the windows as they hoisted sail; The bark rock'd, and the canvas flapp'd with the fresh'ning gale.

So on the Rhine were seated the comrades frank and free; Then said good King Gunther, "Who shall our steersman be?"

LX

"I will," said n.o.ble Siegfried; "well all our course I know, Well the tides and currents how they shift and flow.

Trust me, good knight, to pilot you and your company."

So from Worms and Rhineland they parted joyously.

LXI