The Nibelungenlied - - (english love story books .txt) 📗

went;
And many a knight who saw it was heartily content
That of these twain the greeting so handsomely befell.
Then many a warrior saw one stand by each damosel.

794

The throng of noble people each other’s hands did take;
Whilst men unto each other their courtly bows did make,
The ladies fair were kissing each other lovingly⁠—
Which Siegfried’s men and Gunther’s right joyous were to see.

795

No longer did they linger, but rode towards the town.
The host meanwhile had bidden that every guest be shown
How truly he was welcome to royal Burgundy.
Then many a match was tilted for maidens fair to see.

796

And Hagen, too, from Tronjé, and Ortewein also,
That they were men of power did all they could to show;
And whatsoe’er they order’d that durst no man gainsay.
Unto the guests so welcome much service offer’d they.

797

The clang of shields resounded before the castle-gate
From many a thrust and parry; and long thereby did wait
The host and guests together, ere within doors they came;
Ay, and the hours sped quickly with many a merry game.

798

Before the stately palace all joyously they rode;
And many fine-wrought housings, of handsome stuff and mode
Were seen upon the saddles of many a well-dight dame,
On either side low-hanging. Then Gunther’s chieftains came.

799

The guests unto their chambers were taken presently.
One saw how Lady Brunhild at times would cast her eye
Toward the Lady Kriemhild, who verily was fair.
Her colour in bright beauty might well with gold compare.

800

At Worms was heard the turmoil, on all sides of the town,
Of these incoming strangers. King Gunther made it known
Unto his marshal, Dankwart, that he for these must care;
So did he for the people good lodging-room prepare.

801

Both out of doors and indoors they e’en might feast their fill.
Ay! ne’er before were strangers welcomed with more goodwill.
Whatever they desiréd was ready at their side:
So wealthy was King Gunther to none was aught denied.

802

Served were they in all friendship and banish’d was all hate;
The host himself at table with all the guest-folk sate.
Siegfried must now his seat take where he afore had done;
There went to table with him full many a worthy one.

803

Twelve hundred gallant warriors were round the table seen
Sitting with him and feasting. Then thought Brunhild the queen,
That ne’er a sovran ruler could ever have more wealth.
Still leaned she so towards him she could but wish him health.

804

And verily that evening, while the king sat there yet,
Right many a costly garment was by the wine made wet,
As the cupbearers quickly around the table went.
The servants there were many, and all right diligent.

805

As long had been the custom when festival was made,
Unto the maids and matrons a fair good-night they bade.
To whomsoever came there the host a welcome gave.
In kindliness and honour they all enough could have.

806

As soon as night was ended and the next daylight shone,
The packing-chests were open’d, and many a precious stone
Shone bright on goodly raiment, by lady’s hand shown forth.
Then was to sight unfolded full many a robe of worth.

807

Ere yet it was broad daylight the knights and squires came out
Before the hall in numbers; again began the rout
Or ever early mass had before the king been sung.
Then thanks for featly riding he gave the heroes young.

808

Soon shrill and loud resounded full many a trumpet-blast.
From drums and pipes together there was a noise so vast,
That Worms, the great, wide city, loud echoed to the call.
Upon their chargers mounted the haughty heroes all.

809

Throughout the land began then a mighty tournament,
Where many a good knight tilted; and thereto many went,
Whose youthful hearts and eager beat high in gallant mood;
Behind their shields one saw them, gay warriors and good.

810

And at their windows seated look’d down the stately dames
And beauteous, well-dight maidens, intent to watch the games,
And see the merry jousting of the bold knights below.
The host amongst his lieges himself would riding go.

811

Thus were the hours beguiléd, and none did deem them long,
Until the minster-belfry did call to evensong.
Then were brought round the palfreys; the dames to ride began;
The noble queens were follow’d by many a gallant man.

812

Alighting at the minster, they stood down on the grass.
Unto her guests Brunhilda so far right friendly was.
Into the wide cathedral, wearing their crowns of state,
They went: ere long love changéd to jealousy and hate.

813

When they to mass had listen’d they left the church, and so
Rode off with many honours. One saw them later go
All gaily to the banquet. Their pleasure knew no stay,
And all was merry-making until the eleventh day.

Adventure XIV How the Queens Railed at One Another

814

Before the hour of vespers one day the tumult loud
Was heard, of many warriors, who in the court did crowd.
Their knightly feats they practised to pass the time away:
And many a man and woman ran up to watch the play.

815

The noble queens were seated together, side by side,
They thought of two bold warriors, renownéd far and wide.
Then said the fair Kriemhilda: “I have indeed a lord
Who rightly is the ruler of all this kingdom broad.”

816

Then cried the Lady Brunhild: “Howe’er could such thing be,
Unless there were none living but only thou and he?
Beneath his rule the kingdom might fall in such a case:
So long as Gunther liveth, it could not come to pass.”

817

But then again said Kriemhild: “There stands he; dost thou see
How he before the warriors doth walk right royally?
Just as the moon all brightly above the stars doth shine!
Good cause have I for wearing this happy mood of mine.”

818

Then Lady Brunhild answer’d: “Comely as is thy lord,
And gallant too and handsome, thou must the meed award
Unto thy brother Gunther, the noble warrior:
Who, be it known, is truly all other kings before.”

819

But yet again said Kriemhild: “Mine is a man so rare,
That not without good reason his praises I declare.
By many deeds great honour he hath won, far and near;
Thou wilt allow, Brunhilda, he well is Gunther’s peer.”

820

“I pray thee now, Kriemhilda, take it not ill of me,
I, too, have grounds for saying what I have said to thee:
I heard them both allow it, when them I first look’d on,
And, as he would, against me the king my wager won⁠—

821

What time my love he gainéd in such a knightly siege,
Siegfried himself confess’d it, that he was Gunther’s liege.
Therefore I hold him vassal, I heard him that allow.”
Then spake the fair Kriemhilda: “For me ’twere ill enow!

822

“How could my noble brother have hansell’d so for me
That of a mere retainer the good-wife I should be?
I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in all true friendliness,
Oblige me of your kindness and let these cavils cease.”

823

Thereon the king’s wife answer’d: “I will not let it be!
Why should I yield my claim to so many