The Nibelungenlied Part 4

XIV

(For gold was there in plenty), and as each could best For the love of Siegfried they work'd the jewel'd vest.

The Host rais'd seats unnumber'd for many a martial wight On the fair midsummer when his heir was dubb'd a knight.

XV

Forthwith to the high minster flock'd many a squire along, And many a knight of worship. To fitly train the young The old should lend that service which once to them was lent.

They pa.s.s'd the hours in pastime and gentle merriment.

XVI

But first to G.o.d's due honor a holy ma.s.s they sung, And then a press and struggle arose the crowd among, And then with pomp befitting each youth was dubb'd a knight.

In sooth, before was never seen so fair a sight.

XVII

All ran at once, where saddled many a war-horse stood.

In the court of Siegmund the tourney was so rude, That both hall and palace echoed far around, As those high-mettled champions shock'd with thundering sound.

XVIII

Old and young together fiercely hurtling flew, That the shiver'd lances swept the welkin through; Splinters e'en to the palace went whizzing many a one From hands of mighty champions; all there was deftly done.

XIX

The Host bade cease the tourney; the steeds were led away; Then might you see, all shatter'd how many a shield there lay, And store of stones full precious from bucklers beaming sheen In those fierce shocks were scatter'd upon the trampled green.

XX

Thence went the guests in order, and sat around the board; Many dainty dishes their wearied strength restor'd, And wine, of all the richest, their burning thirst allay'd: To friends alike and strangers was fitting honor pay'd.

XXI

Albeit in ceaseless pastime they sent the livelong day, The mummers and the minstrels never ceas'd their play.

They flock'd to golden largess, a roving frolic band, And pour'd a flood of praises on Siegmund's fertile land.

XXII

The king, too, as his father to him before had done, Enfeoff'd with lands and castles Siegfried his youthful son; Gifts to his sword-companions he gave with liberal hand, So glad was he, it pleased them to come into his land.

XXIII

The gorgeous feast it lasted till the seventh day was o'er; Siegelind the wealthy did as they did of yore; She won for valiant Siegfried the hearts of young and old, When for his sake among them she shower'd the ruddy gold.

XXIV

You scarce could find one needy in all the minstrel band; Horses and robes were scatter'd with ever open hand.

They gave as though they had not another day to live, None were to take so ready, as they inclin'd to give.

XXV

So was dissolv'd with honor the mighty festival: The high-descended Barons a.s.sembled there in hall, That youth were well contented as lord to serve and sue, But that desir'd not Siegfried, the champion stout and true.

XXVI

While Siegelind and Siegmund yet liv'd and flourished there, Full little reck'd their offspring the royal crown to wear.

He only would be master and exercise command, 'Gainst those whose pride o'erweening disturb'd the peaceful land.

XXVII

None ventur'd to defy him; since weapons first he took, The bed of sloth but seldom the n.o.ble knight could brook.

He only sought for battles; his prowess-gifted hand Won him renown eternal in every foreign strand.

THIRD ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED WENT TO WORMS

I

'Twas seldom teen or sorrow the warrior's heart a.s.say'd; At length he heard the rumor, how a lovely maid In Burgundy was dwelling, the fairest of the fair.

From her he won much pleasure, but dash'd with toil and care.

II

By fame her peerless beauty was bruited far and wide, Nor less her lofty virtue, and her pure virgin pride Was day by day reported among the martial band.

This drew guests every flocking to good King Gunther's land.

III