The Nibelungenlied Part 74

LI

Then said the queen to Kriemhild, "List to me, daughter dear, Come to Lorsch, to my palace, thou canst not linger here; And dwell with me thy mother, and cease to weep and grieve."

"To whom then," answer'd Kriemhild, "Shall I my husband leave?"

LII

The Lady Uta answer'd, "Here let him still abide."

"Now G.o.d in heaven forbid it!" the faithful wife replied; "No! my beloved mother, I must not have it so; If Kriemhild hence must journey, with her must Siegfried go."

LIII

Then gave command the mourner up to take the dead; His n.o.ble bones were forthwith transferred to their last bed At Lorsch beside the minster in many-honor'd guise.

There yet in a long coffin the stately warrior lies.

LIV

Just then, when sorrowing Kriemhild was ready to depart, And hop'd with her fond mother to ease her aching heart, She yet was forc'd to tarry and that last hope resign.

'Twas caus'd by sudden tidings, that cross'd from far the Rhine.

TWENTIETH ADVENTURE

HOW KING ETZEL SENT INTO BURGUNDY TO PROPOSE FOR KRIEMHILD

I

'Twas of yore, in the season when Dame Helca died, And the stout King Etzel would take another bride, His friends all gave him counsel his marriage troth to plight To a proud Burgundian widow, that Lady Kriemhild hight.

II

His courtiers thus, when Helca had ended now her life, Bespoke him, "Would you ever take a n.o.ble wife, The best with whom a monarch could share his royal state, Make choice of this fair lady; bold Siegfried was her mate."

III

Then answer'd stout King Etzel, "How can succeed the plan, For me, that am a heathen, and not a christen'd man, To woo a Christian woman? never consent will she; Sure 'twere a very marvel if this could ever be."

IV

Thereto his knights made answer, "What if she yet consent Mov'd by your name so glorious and potent regiment?

'Twere well to make the trial whatever thence accrue; For such a fair companion a king might gladly sue."

V

The n.o.ble king then question'd, "Who among you knows The people and the country where Rhine's fair current flows?"

Said Rudeger of Bechlaren, "For that trust me alone; I from earliest childhood the n.o.ble kings have known.

VI

"Gunther and Gernot, good knights as e'er can be; The third is the young Giselher; each of the brethren three Does all, whereby clear honor and high repute are won, Just as their brave forefathers down to our times have done."

VII

Thereto gave answer Etzel, "Friend, do to me declare, If she indeed be worthy here the proud crown to wear; And, if she be so lovely as by report is borne, My best friends may be certain, they'll have no cause to mourn.

VIII

"For peerless grace and beauty with Helca she may vie, My lady ever-honor'd; saw yet never eye In all this world a fairer; she's of all queens the best; The lord of such a lady must be supremely blest."

IX

"Then, as thou lov'st me, Rudeger, go, court her for my bride, And if I should come ever to lie by Kriemhild's side, a.s.sure thee, to my utmost I will thy pains requite; Well thou hast ever serv'd me, and done my will aright.

X

"Out of my treasure-chamber whate'er thou wilt I'll give, That thou and thy companions merrily may live.

Clothes, horses, all thou needest, I'll willingly defray.

Of such make full provision, and speed thee on thy way."

XI

Thereto in answer Rudeger, the wealthy margrave, spake, "Surely 'twould ill beseem me ought from the stores to take.

Fain will I bear thy message to the Rhenish brethren bold From my own rich possessions, that of thee I have and hold."

XII

Then spake the mighty monarch, "Now when will you ride To seek my love and lady? G.o.d be your guard and guide, And keep you both in safety through all the paths you trace, And fortune speed my wooing, that I may win my lady's grace."

XIII

Then Rudeger made answer, "Ere this land we quit, With weapons and with raiment our band we out must fit, That we before the princes in splendor due may shine.

Five hundred stately warriors I'll lead unto the Rhine;