The Nibelungenlied Part 76

"Whoe'er will take a present," she answer'd, "not a guest Shall go by me unguerdon'd of what may suit him best.

Whoever poor dismounted, rich shall return to selle."

Thereto replied the margrave, "Your words content me well."

x.x.xI

Ah! what rich stuffs the warriors then from her chamber bore!

'Mong the good knights were mantles shar'd out in copious store, Each with the patient needle well sewn from throat to spur.

Therefrom whatever pleas'd him chose out Sir Rudeger.

x.x.xII

'Twas on the seventh fair morning that from Bechlaren rode The host and his companions; they through Bavaria yode With store of arms and raiment, yet such was their array, That robbers rarely ventur'd to a.s.sail them on their way.

x.x.xIII

Within twelve days of journey by Rhine they drew the rein.

The news of their arrival no secret could remain.

To the king and his liegemen at once the tidings ran, That come were certain strangers; the host to ask began,

x.x.xIV

If they were known to any; who knew, should say so straight 'Twas seen their st.u.r.dy sumpters bore many a heavy weight; So, that they were wealthy, each took at once for known.

Forthwith were they to chambers in the wide city shown.

x.x.xV

Since no man knew the strangers who to the land were come, Narrowly was each chieftain observ'd by all and some.

They wonder'd wherefore came they, and from what distant coast.

The same of stout Sir Hagan inquir'd the anxious host.

x.x.xVI

Then said the Knight of Trony, "I have not seen them yet; I can inform you better when I and they have met.

Whatever be their country, how far soe'er it be, They must indeed be strangers, if they're unknown to me."

x.x.xVII

Now were in fitting chambers bestow'd the n.o.ble guests.

The margrave and his comrades all donn'd their choicest vests, And rode to court attended; all gaz'd on them their fill; Right gorgeous was their raiment, and cut with curious skill.

x.x.xVIII

Straight cried the nimble Hagan, "If I conjecture right, (Though now 'tis many a summer since last I saw the knight), So moves yon gallant squadron, that we must needs have here The mighty Hunnish margrave redoubted Rudeger."

x.x.xIX

"Nay! how can I believe it," said Gunther instantly, "That he of Bechlaren has come to Burgundy?"

The king had scarce well ended, when they had drawn so nigh, That Hagan could for certain good Rudeger descry.

XL

He and his friends ran forward, and flock'd the guests around.

Five hundred knights together sprung from horse to ground.

The valiant chiefs of Hungary were welcom'd o'er and o'er.

Messengers yet never such goodly raiment wore.

XLI

Then the stout Knight of Trony spoke these fair words aloud, "Now in G.o.d's name welcome all ye champions proud, The Lord of Bechlaren and his followers bold."

The warlike Huns were greeted with honors manifold.

XLII

King Gunther's nearest kinsmen to see them forward press'd.

Ortwine of Metz thus friendly Sir Rudeger address'd, "We ne'er have seen so gladly on any former day Guests in the bounds of Rhineland; this can I truly say."

XLIII

Much thanks for their fair welcome return'd the warriors all.

Thence forthwith stepp'd they forward into the s.p.a.cious hall, Where the king was seated amidst his chivalry.

He rose as in they enter'd, such was his courtesy.

XLIV

With what kind condescension to the messengers he went!

Gunther and Gernot welcom'd with friendly warm intent Their guest and his companions, and made them fitting cheer.

By the hand then took King Gunther the n.o.ble Rudeger.

XLV

To the seat he brought him whereon himself he sat.

Then bade he hand the strangers (a joyful task was that) Cups of his best metheglin and of the choicest wine That ere was made from vineyards in the land all round the Rhine.