The Nibelungenlied Part 122

LXXI

The yeomen in their quarters the time in feasting spent.

Servers were by good King Etzel to do their bidding sent, Who gave them all they ask'd for, and serv'd both high and low.

Their merriment and revel were soon outweigh'd by woe.

LXXII

Still her old grudge lay rankling in Kriemhild's poison'd heart; When else 'twere hard a quarrel to stir on either part, To table 'mid the feasters she sent for Etzel's son.

When for revenge by woman was deed so fearful done?

LXXIII

With that four men of Etzel's went out at her command; They brought the young King Ortlieb and led him by the hand Up to the princes' table, where sat fierce Hagan by, Doom'd all too soon, poor infant! by his fell hate to die.

LXXIV

Soon as the proud King Etzel his little son espied, Graciously his wife's kinsmen bespake he at his side, "See, friends, my boy and Kriemhild's, our only son and heir.

To you may henceforth profit come from this child so fair.

LXXV

"If he grow up like his kinsmen, he'll prove a man of might, Of n.o.ble mind and lineage, a strong and fearless knight.

Should I live some time longer, I'll give him twelve broad lands, So look for useful service at this fair infant's hands.

LXXVI

"Now therefore I beseech you, ye dearest friends of mine, When hence you make your journey back to your native Rhine, To take with you this infant, your loving sister's son, And treat him well and kindly as should by kin be done;

LXXVII

"And bring him up in honor, till to a man he grow, And, should your land be harried by force of any foe, He'll help you to avenge it, when he his arms can wield."

All this was heard by Kriemhild; her lips stern silence seal'd.

LXXVIII

"He well may help these warriors," Sir Hagan straight began, "If ever by good fortune he come to be a man; Yet seems the young king's aspect no long life to foreshow.

Methinks I shall have seldom to Ortlieb's court to go."

LXXIX

Sore irk'd the speech King Etzel; the knight he sternly eyed Though not a word in answer the haughty prince replied, Down it weigh'd his spirits, and overcast his heart.

Unfit was Hagan's nature in joy to bear a part.

Lx.x.x

Woe was the low'ring monarch, and all his chiefs as well, When such dark words from Hagan on that fair infant fell.

That they should bear it longer, deep murmur'd all the crew.

Little thought the warriors what he was yet to do.

Lx.x.xI

Many, who there had heard him, and bore him mortal hate, Had gladly set upon him; the king had done it straight But for his word of honor; then ill had Hagan sped; Soon worse did he to Ortlieb; in Etzel's sight he struck him dead.

THIRTY-SECOND ADVENTURE

HOW BLDEL WAS SLAIN

I

All the knights of Bldel were ready in array; With a thousand hauberks to the hall they took their way, Where Dankwart at the table sat with the yeomen tall.

Straight among the warriors uprose a deadly brawl.

II

At once up to the tables Sir Bldel fiercely strode, When Dankwart this fair greeting on the stern knight bestow'd.

"Welcome, my lord, Sir Bldel, you here are gladly seen.

We look'd not for your presence; what may this meeting mean?"

III

"Greet me not," said Bldel, "'tis a waste of breath; Know, my coming hither to thee must needs be death.

Thank thy brother Hagan who n.o.ble Siegfried slew.

Thou now shalt pay the Huns for it, thou and many another too."

IV

"Nay, say not so, Lord Bldel," Sir Dankwart answer made, "So should we rue this visit in faith and honor paid.

I was a little infant when Siegfrid lost his life; How could I have offended King Etzel's moody wife?"

V