The Nibelungenlied Part 86

XLV

Save only peerless Kriemhild, who well knew how to give; Sure, after all her sorrows, she might contented live, Such crowds of Etzel's warriors were proud on her to wait, Adorers of her beauty and va.s.sals of her state.

XLVI

Wide was the rule of Etzel, and wider his renown; The most redoubted champions from castle and from town Were at his court a.s.sembled; together, all and some, Christian knights and Paynim, they now with him were come.

XLVII

With him at every season was many a prowest chief Alike of heathen doctrine and of the true belief.

Whate'er his faith, each warrior was prompt at Etzel's call, And the king was so gracious, he gave enough to all.

TWENTY-SECOND ADVENTURE

HOW THE HUNS RECEIVED KRIEMHILD

I

Kriemhild at Zeissenmauer remain'd till the fourth day; On the roads, while there she rested, the dust no moment lay.

It seem'd the land was burning, so smok'd each hoof-beat plain, As Etzel's men through Austria came trampling on amain.

II

When to the monarch's hearing the joyful tidings came.

How stately through his country rode the Burgundian dame, All sorrow in a moment was from his heart effac'd; To meet his love and lady he spurred with burning haste.

III

Good knights of many a region and many a foreign tongue p.r.i.c.k'd before King Etzel, that all the champaign rung; Christian and heathen squadrons, careering wide around, Advanc'd in dazzling splendor to where the queen they found.

IV

Chiefs from Greece and Russia in crowds were there to meet; Polacks and Wallachians there were spurring fleet.

Each his fiery charger had in due command; Each display'd the customs of his own native land.

V

From Kiev came many a champion, each in fair array, And savage Petchenegers, that ever on their way Kept shooting from the saddle at wild birds as they flew; The arrow-head full strongly to the bend of the bow they drew.

VI

Fast by the flowing Danube there stands on Austrian ground A city that hight Tulna; there first fair Kriemhild found Many an outlandish custom, and was with welcome sought By many a knight, whom after to doom and death she brought.

VII

Before King Etzel riding his household forward came, Four and twenty princes of loftiest birth and name, Merry, and rich, and courtly, and glittering all with gold, Who long'd for nothing better than their lady to behold.

VIII

Duke Ramung of Wallachia rode trampling o'er the plain; Seven hundred chosen warriors behind him held the rein; You might see them speeding like wild birds in their flight.

Thither came Prince Gibek with many a squadron bright.

IX

Swift Hornbog, with a thousand trampling the dusty green, Left the side of the monarch, and gallop'd toward the queen.

After their country's fas.h.i.+on they shouted shrill and loud.

Hotly was also ridden by Etzel's kinsmen proud.

X

Hawart was there of Denmark (a champion bold was he), And the nimble Iring from falsehood ever free, And Irnfried of Thuringia, a stern and stately knight.

These receiv'd fair Kriemhild with all the pomp they might.

XI

With men at arms twelve hundred advanc'd they o'er the lea.

Thither too from Hungary rode on with thousands three Sir Bldel, Etzel's brother, for knightly deeds renown'd; He mov'd with princely splendor to where the queen he found.

XII

Last the great King Etzel and eke Sir Dietrich came With all his brave companions; there many a knight of fame And proud descent was present, prudent, and bold, and true, High beat the heart of Kriemhild their wide array to view.

XIII

Then to the queen beside him thus spoke Sir Rudeger; "Lady, with your permission the king I'll welcome here.

Whome'er to kiss I bid you, let it straight be done.

It fits not, such a favor be granted every one."

XIV