The Nibelungenlied Part 3

XVI

"Nay," said her anxious mother, "renounce not marriage so; Would'st thou true heartfelt pleasure taste ever here below, Man's love alone can give it. Thou 'rt fair as eye can see, A fitting mate G.o.d send thee, and naught will wanting be."

XVII

"No more," the maiden answer'd, "no more, dear mother, say; From many a woman's fortune this truth is clear as day, That falsely smiling Pleasure with Pain requites us ever.

I from both will keep me, and thus will sorrow never."

XVIII

So in her lofty virtues, fancy-free and gay, Liv'd the n.o.ble maiden many a happy day, Nor one more than another found favor in her sight; Still at the last she wedded a far-renowned knight.

XIX

He was the self-same falcon she in her dream had seen, Foretold by her wise mother. What vengeance took the queen On her nearest kinsmen who him to death had done!

That single death atoning died many a mother's son.

SECOND ADVENTURE OF SIEGFRIED

I

In Netherland then flourished a prince of lofty kind, (Whose father was called Siegmund, his mother Siegelind) In a sumptuous castle down by the Rhine's fair side; Men did call it Xanten; 't was famous far and wide.

II

I tell you of this warrior, how fair he was to see; From shame and from dishonor liv'd he ever free.

Forthwith fierce and famous wax'd the mighty man.

Ah! what height of worship in this world he wan!

III

Siegfried men did call him, that same champion good; Many a kingdom sought he in his manly mood, And through strength of body in many a land rode he.

Ah! what men of valor he found in Burgundy!

IV

Before this n.o.ble champion grew up to man's estate, His hand had mighty wonders achieved in war's debate, Whereof the voice of rumor will ever sing and say, Though much must pa.s.s in silence in this our later day.

V

In his freshest season, in his youthful days, One might full many a marvel tell in Siegfried's praise, What lofty honors grac'd him, and how fair his fame, How he charm'd to love him many a n.o.ble dame.

VI

As did well befit him, he was bred with care, And his own lofty nature gave him virtues rare, From him his father's country grace and honor drew, To see him prov'd in all things so n.o.ble and so true.

VII

He now, grown up to youthhood, at court his duty paid; The people saw him gladly; many a wife and many a maid Wish'd he would often thither, and bide forever there; They view'd him all with favor, whereof he well was ware.

VIII

The child by his fond parents was deck'd with weeds of pride, And but with guards about him they seldom let him ride.

Uptrain'd was he by sages, who what was honor knew, So might he win full lightly broad lands and liegemen too.

IX

Now had he strength and stature that weapons well he bore; Whatever thereto needed, he had of it full store.

He began fair ladies to his love to woo, And they inclin'd to Siegfried with faith and honor true.

X

Then bade his father Siegmund all his liegemen tell, With his dear friends to revel it would please him well.

Where other kings were dwelling the tidings took their course.

To friends and eke to strangers he gave both weed and horse.

XI

Whosoe'er was worthy to become a knight For his lofty lineage, did they each invite, High-born youths and valiant to the feastful board; With the young king Siegfried took they then the sword.

XII

Of that proud feast royal wonders one might say; King Siegmund and Queen Siegelind well might that day Win honor for the bounty they shower'd with lavish hand, For which full many a stranger came flocking through their land.

XIII

Sworded squires four hundred rich raiment had to wear With the n.o.ble Siegfried. Full many a maiden fair Ceaseless plied the needle to please the warrior bold; Precious stones unnumber'd the women set in gold,