I

There lingered not the margrave, but straight the ladies sought,
His wife and his fair daughter, and what good news he brought,
By Eckewart deliver'd, told with exulting glee,
How their good lady's brethren their guests were soon to be.

II

"My dearest love and lady," his tale he thus 'gan tell,
"The noble kings approaching receive, as fits them, well,
Since hither they are passing to court with all their clan;
Accord, too, like fair greeting to Hagan, Gunther's man.

III

"With them besides on duty comes one that Dankwart hight;
And yet a third call'd Folker, a well-train'd courtly knight.
These six must you, Dame Gotelind, and you, fair daughter, kiss.
Nor at your hands let any of fitting kindness miss."

IV

That promis'd straight the ladies, and ready all things made.
Large store of goodly raiment forth from the chests they laid,
That they such noble warriors might meet in fit array;
Many a lovely lady bestirr'd herself that day.

V

How little spurious colors on their fresh cheeks were found!
Far-glittering golden fillets about their heads they wound,
And in such gorgeous bondage confin'd their radiant hair,
Lest the light frolic breezes should work disorder there.

VI

So let us leave the ladies in no unpleasing toil.
Meanwhile the friends of Rudeger swift scour'd the sounding soil,
Till, where they found the princes, they made a sudden stand.
The guests were warmly welcom'd to the good margrave's land.

VII

When to his home the margrave saw the Burgundians come,
Exulting thus bespoke he the strangers all and some,
"Welcome, ye lords! right welcome, you and your vassals too.
Here in my land full gladly I see such friends as you."

VIII

The brethren to his greeting their stately heads inclin'd,
To the loving love returning, and kindness to the kind.
Apart he greeted Hagan, whom he had known of old;
The same did he to Folker the minstrel blithe and bold.

IX

Last welcom'd he Sir Dankwart, who thus his host bespake,
"Since you will give us shelter, pray who in charge will take
The train we have brought hither, all in such weary plight?"
Then answer'd him the margrave, "Well will you rest to-night.

X

"My people shall keep safely all you have hither brought,
Silver and steeds and raiment; you need not think of aught.
Be sure, I'll take such order, that loss shall none occur.
You'll not miss all among you as much as half a spur.

XI

"So pitch your tents, ye yeomen, in the field apace;
Whatever here is missing, I'll willingly replace;
Off with bit and saddle—turn loose your weary steeds."
Such a host had rarely supplied the wanderer's needs.

XII

Well pleased were the Burgundians; when all was brought to pass,
The lords rode on together; the yeomen on the grass
Laid them down in clusters; there to repose they fell;
I ween, in all their journey they ne'er had far'd so well.

XIII

And now from forth the castle the noble margravine
Had gone with her fair daughter; beside them there was seen
Many a lovely lady, and many a smiling maid,
All deck'd with store of bracelets, and in bright robes array'd.

XIV

Precious stones were sparkling ever and anon
About their gorgeous raiment; themselves yet brighter shone.
Thither rode up the strangers and lighted instantly.
Ah! what high bearing had they, those chiefs of Burgundy!

XV

Six and thirty maidens and thereto many a dame,
Each fair as wish could sigh for, or busy fancy fame,
Stepp'd forth to greet the strangers with warriors many a one;
Their task by those high ladies with comely grace was done.

XVI

The margravine went forward, and kiss'd the kings all three;
The like too did her daughter; Hagan, the next was he.
Her father bade her kiss him; a glance on him she cast,
And thought he look'd so dreadful, that him she fain had pass'd.

XVII

At length perforce she did it, since so her father said,
Yet could not but change color, now waxing white, now red.
She kiss'd, too, noble Dankwart, and Folker last in place.
For his strength and valor the minstrel gain'd such grace.

XVIII

This done, with gentle gesture the damsel meek and mild
By the hand, yet trembling, took Giselher the child,
Her mother took King Gunther, the bold Burgundian lord.
So with the knights the ladies mov'd thence in blithe accord.

XIX

The host went with Sir Gernot into a spacious hall;
There both chiefs and ladies down sat together all.
Straight to his guests the margrave bade hand good wine around.
Better entertainment knights yet never found.

XX

There many a longing eye-glance from all sides might you see
Bent on the margrave's daughter, so fresh and fair was she.
Many a good knight was breathing for her the secret sigh;
In truth she well deserv'd it; her thoughts were pure and high.

XXI

They mus'd just as it pleas'd them, yet naught could thence befall.
Alike meanwhile were glances cast by the knights in hall
On other dames and damsels, whereof there sat good store.
Soon show'd the noble minstrel what love the host he bore.

XXII

And now at last they sever'd, as custom there requir'd;
Ladies and knights, as fitted, to separate rooms retir'd.
In the broad hall the tables in order straight were set;
There soon the noble strangers all lordly service met.

XXIII

To grace her guests, at table the noble hostess kind
Took place, but left her daughter, as fitted best, behind
Among her blooming maidens, with whom retir'd she sat.
The guests, who joy'd to see her, were little pleas'd with that.

XXIV

With meats and drinks abundant their fill had feasted all;
Then back the lovely ladies were usher'd to the hall;
Nor comely mirth there wanted, nor merriment, nor jest.
The gentle knight Sir Folker there shone above the rest.

XXV

Then out spake to Sir Rudeger that minstrel bold and true,
"High and puissant margrave, God sure has dealt with you
As one whom most He favors, since he so fair a wife
Has given you for a helpmate, and bless'd with joy your life.

XXVI

"If I were a monarch and if a crown I wore,"
Said the good knight, "no maiden should be my queen before
Your fair and gentle daughter; my heart's desire I tell;
Lovely is she to look on, high-born and nurtur'd well."

XXVII

Then spake the noble margrave, "What chance could ever bring
To woo my child beloved a proud and puissant king?
My wife and I are exiles, both worn with age and care,
And can give her nothing; what boots then all her fair?"

XXVIII

Thereat the courteous Gernot took up the word and spake,
"If I desir'd a helpmate after my heart to take
None would I ask more gladly than this same modest maid."
Thereupon Sir Hagan in courtly fashion said,

XXIX

"Now fits it my lord Giselher to take a bride, I ween,
And sure so high-descended is the young margravine,
That I and all his vassals would do her homage fain,
If crown'd we were to see her in our Burgundian reign."

XXX

Well pleas'd was good Sir Rudeger Sir Hagan's words to hear,
So, too, was Lady Gotelind; right joyous was her cheer.
Soon so the chiefs contriv'd it, that Giselher, nothing loth,
To wife took the fair maiden, as well beseem'd them both.

XXXI

When once a thing is settled, who further can gainsay?
Forthwith they bade the damsel to court to take her way.
Then for his wife to give him the lovely maid they swore,
Then he too vow'd to cherish and love her evermore.

XXXII

Next dower'd was the fair maiden with castles and with land;
With an oath assurance was giv'n by Gunther's hand,
As well as by Lord Gernot's, that so it should be done.
Then said the noble margrave, "Since castles I have none,

XXXIII

"With you will I forever a faithful friendship hold;
A hundred sumpters' burden of silver and of gold
(No unbefitting portion) I'll give the gentle bride,
So that the bridegroom's warriors may well be satisfied."

XXXIV

Then had the bride and bridegroom within a ring to stand,
For such was then the custom; a merry stripling band
Encircled the fair couple, and gaz'd on them their fill,
And thought the while as idly as think young people still.

XXXV

Now when was ask'd the damsel in homely phrase and plain,
If she would have the warrior, she felt a moment's pain;
Not that she was unwilling to take the stately one;
She blush'd but at the question, as many a maid has done.

XXXVI

Her father Rudeger told her at once to answer, "Yes,"
And that she fain would take him. In a trice with tenderness
Young Giselher around her, the shrinking and the coy,
Lock'd his white hands together; alas! how fleeting was their joy!

XXXVII

Then spake again the margrave, "Ye rich and noble kings,
When you, as is the custom, after your revellings
Return by us to Rhineland, I'll give my child to you,
To take her in your party." They promis'd so to do.

XXXVIII

The merry sound of revel was hush'd perforce at last.
With mincing step the maidens forth to their chambers pass'd,
And eke in rest the strangers slept on till break of day.
Then the first meal was ready; none better far'd than they.

XXXIX

Their fast they scarce had broken, when they at once would start
For the realm of Hungary; "You must not thus depart,"
Said the good host Sir Rudeger; "awhile here tarry yet,
Such guests and so beloved but seldom have I met."

XL

"That must not be," said Dankwart, "your ruin you design,
Where can you find provisions, bread as well as wine,
If day by day an army is eating up your store?"
Soon as the host had heard him, he said, "Talk thus no more.

XLI

"Nay, thus to refuse me, my dear lords, do not think;
For fourteen days together I'll find you meat and drink,
You and all those about you, your well-appointed train.
Full little of my substance has yet King Etzel ta'en."

XLII

Whate'er excuse they offer'd, there perforce they stay'd
Feasting till the fourth morning; then well their host display'd
His far-renowned bounty, and to his parting guests
Gave without stint for presents proud steeds and gorgeous vests.

XLIII

This now could last no longer; thence must they forward fare.
Little his custom'd bounty did then the margrave spare.
All then was had for asking; that morn denied was none;
All kindness and all honor to every guest was done.

XLIV

And now their noble meiny brought up before the gate
Store of good chargers saddled; thither to swell their state
Flock'd troops of foreign champions, all bearing shield in hand,
All with the Rhenish brethren bound to King Etzel's land.

XLV

The noble host in plenty proffer'd his gifts to all
Before the noble strangers came outside the hall.
With open hand liv'd Rudeger, stout heart, and honor clear;
He now his lovely daughter had given to Giselher.

XLVI

Then gave he valiant Gernot a sword full sharp and bright,
Which soon the bold Burgundian bore manfully in fight.
That so her husband gave it, well pleased the margrave's wife.
Alas! the fatal present cost Rudeger his life.

XLVII

Then to the great King Gunther he gave from out his store
A mailcoat, that with honor the sturdy champion wore.
But seldom could the monarch to take a present brook,
Yet at the hand of Rudeger this with warm thanks he took.

XLVIII

Then Gotelind, as was fitting, offer'd with fair accord
A parting gift to Hagan, that, like the king his lord,
He, too, not empty-handed, to Etzel court might ride,
But he declin'd the present, and to the dame replied,

XLIX

"I ne'er saw ought, fair lady, however rich and rare,
That it would more content me hence as my own to bear,
Than yonder well-form'd buckler that hangs on yonder wall.
To take that shield to Hungary would please me most of all."

L

Soon as the Lady Gotelind heard Hagan's accents deep,
They brought to mind her sorrow; she could not choose but weep.
Then thought she on bold Nudung, by mightier Wittich slain,
And to her wounded bosom the smart return'd again.

LI

Thus she bespake Sir Hagan, "That shield I freely give,
And would to God the warrior among us still did live,
Who bore it erst in battle; dead on the field he lay;
Him must I weep for ever, mourning my life away."

LII

Then from her seat she totter'd; her limbs with anguish shook;
The shield of her lamented in her white hands she took,
And carried it to Hagan; he grasp'd the gift she gave,
Giv'n and receiv'd in honor, and fitting well the brave.

LIII

A veil of glittering samite its varied hues conceal'd;
Never had the daylight shone on a better shield.
With precious stones far-beaming 'twas richly deck'd all o'er.
It could not have been purchas'd for a thousand marks or more.

LIV

So by command of Hagan the shield away was ta'en.
Then came to court Sir Dankwart among the parting train.
To him gave Rudeger's daughter robes richly broider'd o'er,
Which 'midst the Huns thereafter in joyous mood he wore.

LV

Of all the gifts that morning bestow'd on every guest,
Not one by those Burgundians had ever been possess'd,
But by the margrave's bounty, which so by proof they knew.
Soon they became such foemen, that they the giver slew.

LVI

And now the valiant Folker with high-bred courtly grace
Stepp'd forth before Dame Gotelind, and, standing there in place,
His sweetest tones attemper'd and sang his choicest lay,
Ere he from Bechlaren took leave and went his way.

LVII

With that the gentle hostess bade bring a casket near
(Of friendly gifts and bounty and kindness you must hear);
From this she took twelve bracelets, and drew them o'er his hand;
"These you must take, and with you bear hence to Etzel's land,

LVIII

"And for the sake of Gotelind the same at court must wear,
That I may learn, when hither again you all repair,
What service you have done me in yon assembly bright."
The lady's wish thereafter full well perform'd the knight.

LIX

Then the noble margrave his parting guests bespake,
"That you may ride the safer, myself the charge will take
To guide you, lest from robbers you suffer by the road."
With that upon his sumpters in haste was laid their load.

LX

The host he soon was ready with full five hundred men
Well horsed and well apparell'd; them led he merrily then
To the proud feast of Etzel, and they him follow'd fain;
Not one of them came living to Bechlaren back again.

LXI

The host from home departed with many a loving kiss:
The like did also Giselher; his honor counsell'd this.
Each to his beating bosom his trembling lady press'd.
That parting planted sorrow in many a virgin breast.

LXII

All windows in Bechlaren now flew open wide.
Straight would to horse the margrave, and with his warriors ride
I ween, their hearts that moment their coming doom forbode.
Many a dame and many a damsel loud sobb'd as forth they rode.

LXIII

E'en for their best beloved in heart they sorrow'd sore,
For those, whom at Bechlaren they were to see no more.
Yet merrily the champions prick'd along the strand
Downward beside the Danube to reach the Hunnish land.

LXIV

Then thus to the Burgundians out spake the stately knight.
"Rudeger the noble, methinks, it were but right
We should announce we're coming e'en now to Hunnish ground;
More pleasantly no tidings in Etzel's ear will sound."

LXV

Straight adown through Austria he bade a courier ride;
At once among the people 'twas publish'd far and wide,
That coming were the heroes from Worms beyond the Rhine.
Right glad were Etzel's vassals, and those of Etzel's line.

LXVI

With the news the couriers forth gallop'd hastily,
That the Nibelungers were now in Hungary.
"Well should'st thou receive them, Kriemhild, lady mine!
They come to do thee honor, these brethren dear of thine."

LXVII

Dame Kriemhild at a window was standing there to view;
She look'd out for her kinsmen as friend for friends will do.
From her native country saw she many a man.
The king too heard the tidings and for joy to laugh began.

LXVIII

"Now I at last am happy," exclaim'd th' exulting queen;
"Hither are come my kinsmen with many a mailcoat sheen,
And many a new-made buckler; who would for gold endeavor,
Let him my wrongs remember, and I'll befriend him ever.

LXIX

"Yes! I will so contrive it, to take revenge for all
At this same feast of Etzel's (whatever thereafter fall)
On his abhorred body, who so the traitor play'd,
And all my joy so blasted.—I shall be now repaid."