The Nibelungenlied Part 9

Wroth was at this defiance the chief of Netherland.

He cried, "Thou durst not venture 'gainst me to lift thy hand.

I am a mighty monarch, a monarch's man art thou; Should twelve like thee resist me, twelve such to one should bow."

LXXVII

Then 'gan for swords call loudly the knight of Metz, Ortwine, The sister's son of Hagan, pride of his lofty line.

It irk'd him that his uncle so long had silent stood.

Bold Gernot interposing thus cool'd his fiery mood.

LXXVIII

"Ortwine!" said he, "be calmer; why thus to weapons run? To us the valiant stranger no such offence has done.

We yet may part in kindness; I rede thee, wrath give o'er, And make a friend of Siegfried; this still were to our credit more."

LXXIX

"It well may irk," said Hagan, "all us good knights of thine, That this imperious wanderer e'er rode unto the Rhine.

Such strife-producing journey were better ne'er begun.

Ne'er had the kings my masters by him so evil done."

Lx.x.x

Thereto straight answer'd Siegfried, fiercely frowning still, "If these my words, Sir Hagan, have chanc'd to please you ill, Be sure, high deeds of valor, you at these hands shall see, Deeds, that e'en less may please you here in Burgundy."

Lx.x.xI

"This I alone," said Gernot, "can turn from evil end;"

So all his warriors bade he the stranger not offend With words that breath'd defiance, and thus the turmoil stay'd; And Siegfried too was thinking upon the stately maid.

Lx.x.xII

"How suits this strife with either?" the prudent warrior said, "How many chiefs soever should in this broil lie dead, By us would little honor, by you small gain be won."

Thereto gave answer Siegfried, King Siegmund's haughty son:

Lx.x.xIII

"But wherefore lingereth Hagan, and wherefore proud Ortwine, That, with their friends thus swarming upon the banks of Rhine, Nor one, nor other ventures a stranger's arm to brave?"

Both kept unwilling silence, such counsel Gernot gave.

Lx.x.xIV

"You shall to us be welcome," resum'd Queen Uta's son, "You and your faithful comrades, all and every one.

We shall be proud to serve you, I and all kin of mine,"

Then for the guests 'twas order'd to pour King Gunther's wine.

Lx.x.xV Then spoke the sov'reign ruler, "Whatever ours we call, Should you in honor claim it, is at your service all-- Our persons--our possessions--if so it seems you good."

Thereat became Sir Siegfried of somewhat milder mood.

Lx.x.xVI

Forthwith their whole equipment down from their beasts was brought; For Siegfried and his fellows with fitting zeal were sought Of all convenient chambers the choicest and the best.

At length the bold Burgundians look'd friendly on their guest.

Lx.x.xVII

Thenceforth were fitting honors paid him many a day, A thousand-fold, be certain more than I can say.

This earn'd his strength and valor; so gracious was his state, 'Twas rare that any mortal could look on him with hate.

Lx.x.xVIII

Their hours they spent in pastime--the kings and all the rest-- Whate'er the sport that pleas'd them, 'twas Siegfried play'd it best.

Such was his skill and puissance, that none could come him near To hurl the stone tempestuous or dart the whizzing spear.

Lx.x.xIX

Whene'er before the ladies, all in courtly guise, Plied the contending champions their knightly exercise, Then all look'd on delighted as n.o.ble Siegfried strove; But he his thoughts kept ever fix'd on his lofty love.

XC

At court the lovely ladies were asking evermore, Who was the stately stranger that so rich vesture wore, At once so fair of presence and so strong of hand.

Then many a one gave answer, "'Tis the King of Netherland."

XCI

He ever was the foremost, whate'er the game they play'd.

Still in his inmost bosom he bore one lovely maid, Whom he beheld had never, and yet to all preferr'd; She too of him in secret spoke many a kindly word.

XCII

When in the court contending fierce squire and hardy knight, As fits the young and n.o.ble, wag'd the mimic fight, Oft Kriemhild through her window would look, herself unseen: Then no other pleasure needed the gentle queen.