The Nibelungenlied Part 125

VII

"You see me whole and hearty; my weed with blood is wet, But 'tis from wounds of others whom sword to sword I met, Of whom I slew so many, though furious all and fell, That, if I had to swear it, th' amount I ne'er could tell."

VIII

Said th' other, "Brother Dankwart, keep guard upon the door; Let not one Hungarian step the threshold o'er.

Straight, as need impels us, converse with them will I.

Our friends by their devices were guiltless done to die."

IX

"Since I'm to be door-keeper," replied the champion true "(And well to such great monarchs such service I can do), As fits me, 'gainst all comers the staircase I'll maintain."

Naught could be more distasteful to Kriemhild's knightly train.

X

"In sooth," resum'd Sir Hagan, "I can't but wonder here, What now these Huns are whisp'ring each in his fellow's ear.

I ween, they well could spare him, who keeps the door so bold, Him, who to us Burgundians his courtly tale has told.

XI

"Long have I heard and often of moody Kriemhild tell, That still her heart's deep sorrow she harbors fierce and fell; Now then let's drink to friends.h.i.+p! king's wine shall quench our thirst, And the young Prince of Hungary himself shall pledge us first."

XII

With that the good Knight Hagan smote Ortlieb the young child; The gus.h.i.+ng blood, down flowing, both sword and hand defil'd; Into the lap of Kriemhild bounded the ghastly head.

At once among the warriors a fearful butchery spread.

XIII

Then with both hands uplifted he dealt a stroke at large 'Gainst the grave-visag'd tutor, who had the child in charge; His sever'd head down falling, before the table lay.

For all his learned lessons t' faith 'twas sorry pay.

XIV

Just then at Etzel's table a minstrel met his view; Upon him in an instant in wrath Sir Hagan flew.

His right hand on his viol off lopp'd he suddenly; "Take that for the kind message thou brought'st to Burgundy."

XV

"Alas! my hands!" cried Werbel frantic with pain and woe, "What have I done, Sir Hagan, that you should serve me so?

I came in faith and honor into your master's land.

How can I now make music since I have lost my hand?"

XVI

Little reck'd Sir Hagan if ne'er he fiddled more; Then round his death-strokes dealing he stretch'd upon the floor Many a good knight of Etzel's, and wide the slaughter spread, Turning to bale the banquet, and heap'd the hall with dead.

XVII

Up the ready Folker leapt from table quick; In his hand loud clatter'd his deadly fiddlestick.

Harsh cras.h.i.+ng notes discordant King Gunther's minstrel play'd.

Ah! what a host of foemen among the Huns he made!

XVIII

Up, too, leapt from table the royal brethren three; They thought to part the battle ere mischief more should be.

But lost was all their labor, vain was all help of man; When Folker and stern Hagan once so to rage began.

XIX

When saw the Lord of Rhineland no power could stint the strife, He too dealt dole about him with wounds that let out life, Through the s.h.i.+ning hauberks cutting deadly way.

A prowest knight was Gunther, as clear he show'd that day.

XX

At once into the battle the st.u.r.dy Gernot flew; Thick as they flock'd around him the cl.u.s.tering Huns he slew With his sword, the gift of Rudeger, the which he wielded so, That many a knight of Etzel's he laid for ever low.

XXI

The third too of the brethren rush'd into the fray; Through th' helms of Etzel's warriors his swords made b.l.o.o.d.y way; Death follow'd every buffet; right wondrous deeds were done That hour by youthful Giselher, Dame Uta's youngest son.

XXII

Well fought that day the brethren, well too their men of might, But ever valiant Folker stood foremost in the fight, Against his foes so knightly himself the warrior bore.

Many brought he among them to wallow in their gore.

XXIII

On their defence, too, stoutly stood Etzel's champions all.

Then might you see the strangers through the kingly hall With their glittering broadswords slas.h.i.+ng and hewing go.

Loud thrill'd throughout the palace wild screams of wail and woe.