Part 12

When therefore set on the journey was the heart of that king of men, They suffered the eager envoys to ride thence homeward again; And he charged them to say to the brethren of Kriemhild, by Rhine-river side, That Siegfried joyful-hearted would come to their festival-tide. Siegfried the hero and Kriemhild, as telleth the minstrel's tale, So laded with presents the heralds, that their own steeds could not avail To bear all the guerdon homeward, so wealthy a lord was he: So they drove it on sumpter-horses, journeying joyfully.

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To their people was raiment given by Siegfried and Siegmund his sire; And Eckwart, Lord of the Marches, bade seek out splendid attire For the ladies of Kriemhild, the richest vesture that might be found Or be won by diligent searching in all the land around. Goodly saddles and bucklers they bade the craftsmen prepare For the noble knights and ladies that with him were bidden to fare. Nought lacked they; all that they asked for was given with open hand. So brought he guests most princely to his friends in the far-off land.

Meanwhile are the envoys returning, and ever they speed on fast. So cometh the proud thane Gere to Burgundia-land at last, And with honour there is he welcomed. Down to the earth they spring From saddle of steed and palfrey in front of the hall of the King. Forth poured the youths and the elders, as folk be wont to do, And asked of him touching his tidings. Made answer the knight thereto: "When I speak to the King my message, unto you shall the same be known." So entered he in with his comrades where Gunther sat on his throne.

Upleapt the King from the high-seat, and bright for joy was his face. Brunhild withal the lovely thanked them with queenly grace For this their speedy returning, and the King to the messengers spake: "How fareth Siegfried, who ofttimes hath ventured his life for my sake?" Made answer Gere the valiant: "For joy was his face aflame, Even his and thy sister's. Message so gracious never came From any man aforetime that would greet far-sundered friends, As now unto you with his father the noble Siegfried sends." Then of the Lord of the Marches the King's wife questioned and cried: "Answer me, cometh Kriemhild? As of old is her beauty's pride And the grace of the queenly bearing that to her did of yore appertain?" "O yea, of a surety she cometh," made answer Gere the thane. Then the herald at Uta's bidding came before that Queen, And now by her eager asking all in a moment was seen Whereunto was her whole heart yearning--"How hath my child's weal sped?" And he said, "She is well, and she cometh ere many days be fled."

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Then showed they the herald's guerdon in the palace for all to behold, The gifts of the hand of Siegfried, the raiment and the gold: Nothing thereof was hidden from the three Kings' vassalry. All rendered the hero honour for his bounty and courtesy. "Ha! well may the man," cried Hagen, "with full hand give away. Ne'er could he spend his treasure, not though he should live for aye. The Hoard of the Niblungs lieth in the hollow of his hand! --Ha, if the same came ever hither to Burgundy-land!"

Right glad in court and castle were all the thanes when they heard Of the friends that should come; and a spirit of diligent toiling stirred In all men late and early, yea, in all the Kings' array. Long ranks of stately high-seats afront of the burg reared they. There toiling was Hunold the valiant, there toiling was Sindold the thane: Full little rest they tasted, in their office as laboured the twain, Steward and cupbearer-royal, as the seats rose rank on rank: There daily was Ortwein helping; and Gunther rendered them thank. Rumold the feast-arrayer, how urged he on at that tide The vassalry of the kitchen!--full many a caldron wide, Skillet and seething-vessel--how shone they in line on line For the ordering of the feasting of the guests of the Land of Rhine! (C) Toiled also the palace-maidens in many a fair device: They broidered the costly loomwork, and many a gem of price They set in the midst of the gold thread, that far its splendour shone. Was none but thanked them and praised them as they cunningly laid them thereon.

XIII. How they Fared to the Feast-tide

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From the tale of their diligent toiling awhile refraineth the song, And telleth how Lady Kriemhild and all her handmaid-throng Set forth from the land of the Niblungs to the realms by Rhine to fare. Never such wealth of royal vesture did horses bear: For with many a casket and coffer they laded the sumpter-train. Amidst of friends and kinsmen rode Siegfried the hero-thane; And beside him the Daughter of Princes mid dreams of gladness rode: --Ah me, sore grief lay ambushed by the path that their horses trode!

But the little child of Siegfried, but Kriemhild's darling one, Safe in the home-land left they; of need must it so be done. Begotten for him of their journey was bitter affliction and sore. Strong father and lovely mother that child saw never more! Beside them went forth riding Siegmund the ancient king. Ah, had his heart foreboded what sorrow was doomed to spring For him of that festal high-tide, he had never looked thereon! Never from wrongs of kindred such bitter grief had he won!

Forerunners to tell of their coming betimes far onward they sent: Then riding forth to meet them all splendour-gleaming went Many a friend of Uta and vassal of Gunther the King: With looking for that guest-meeting his heart was hungering. Then went he and spake unto Brunhild, where sat the Queen in her bower:-- "When hither thou camest, how welcomed my sister thee in that hour? So will I the wife of Siegfried should be welcomed now of thee." "That will I gladly," she answered, "of right is she dear unto me." Thereunto the great King answered: "To-morrow betimes come they. If thou wilt fitly receive them, lay to thine hand straightway, {P. 107} Lest they peradventure prevent us ere we ride from our towered home; For guests so well-belovèd never to me have come." Forthwith she gave to the maidens and palace-dames her behest To search out goodly raiment, of all their attire the best, Wherein her retinue-royal in the presence of guests might shine: And the same did they blithe-hearted, lightly may one divine.

Forth to the welcoming hasted all Gunther's liegemen withal; Yea, to ride with him to the greeting each man of his knights did he call. There rode that Daughter of Princes in royal pomp to meet Those dear-loved guests far-travelled, and with gracious lips to greet. What heaped-up measure of honour in their hands to their guests did they bring! Men thought that the Lady Brunhild had scarce such welcoming At the hands of the Princess Kriemhild when she came to Burgundia-land. Friends became some, that were erstwhile strangers, by clasp of hand. By this came the band of warriors that rode at Siegfried's side. Men saw those ranks of heroes hitherward, thitherward ride Through all the breadth of the lealand, a warrior-host untold: There was no space clear from their thronging, and the clouds of dust uprolled.

When the Lord of the Land Burgundian looked upon Siegfried's face And the eyes of the old king Siegmund, what courtly and loving grace Was his as he cried, "Be welcome to me, to my friends and my kin! Well may we be glad-hearted at this your entering-in!" "God guerdon you!" cried Siegmund, the old king honour-athirst. "Since the day that my dear son Siegfried was won to your friend at the first, Ever mine heart hath whispered, 'Their faces must thou too see'." Spake Gunther, "Mine heart rejoiceth for that day risen on me." Such was the welcome of Siegfried, right worthy of such a lord. With the love thereof and the honour were all hearts in accord: This Gernot and Giselher bettered with their knightly courtesy. No guests were welcomed ever, I ween, so lovingly.

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Unto hand-clasp and embracing the wives of the two Kings came. Now fast were the saddles emptied, for many a comely dame By heroes' hands down-holpen, stood on the meadow-green. Who joyed in the service of ladies, had work enow, I ween. To meet and to greet each other those winsome ladies stept, And for joy of their lovely presence full many a knight's heart leapt, And for joy of the gracious greeting of the glory of either land; For beside those comely maidens did many a good knight stand. Then did the hands kind-clasping each unto other cling: There was grace of courtly obeisance through that bright gathering, Sweet salutations of kisses 'twixt ladies passing fair: And the men of Gunther and Siegfried glad-hearted watched them there.

Then tarried they there no longer, but on to the city they rode. And the folk of the Land Burgundian by command of their Lord forthshowed To their guests their joy of the meeting by knightly courtesies; And through all the way they jousted to gladden the ladies' eyes. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwein made manifest that day To the eyes of all beholders what stalwart knights were they: Marshals they were of the tourney, and all men obeyed their behests; So of these much courtly service was rendered to those dear guests. There might ye hear shields ringing afront of the castle-gate, Spear-snapping and buckler-crashing: long time on his charger sate The King mid his friends there watching, or ever within they passed. In many a knightly pastime the bright hours fleeted fast.

Unto the gate of the guest-hall rode they all joyously. Many a rich-wrought housing fashioned fair to see From the saddles of lovely ladies swinging on either hand Hung to the ground. There waiting did the palace-pages stand. Unto their several chambers by these were the guests led on; And men marked how the eyes of Brunhild glanced ever and anon {P. 109} Askance at the Lady Kriemhild;--sooth, passing-fair she showed, As her bright cheeks' lilies and roses against the red gold glowed. All up through the streets of the city of Worms did the glad sounds ring Of that merry company's thronging. His hest gave Gunther the King Unto his marshal Dankwart to provide for all their need; And to fair-dight harbourage therefore those several guests did he lead.

Spread was the feast in the castle and all the city through. Never were guests from a far land so ministered unto! Whatsoever one haply craved for, with joy unto him was it brought: So rich was the Lord of the kingdom that from none withheld they aught. Lovingly all folk served them and ever ungrudgingly. The King in the great hall feasted, and amidst of his guests sat he; And to Siegfried the place of honour, even as of old, they gave, And with him passed in to the banquet warriors many and brave. Yea, noble knights twelve hundred in that mighty hall were seen With him at the banquet seated. And ever Brunhild the Queen Thought in her heart: "Never vassal hath been so wealthy as this!" Yet still did she bear him a kindness, and she grudged him nought of his bliss.

Mid the mirth of the summer evening as sat the King mid his guests, Dew-sprent with the ruddy wine-drops were many rich-wrought vests, As the cupbearers brimming the goblets from table to table went In ever-unfailing service tireless-diligent. In the olden courteous fashion whensoe'er was the banquet arrayed, From the board to their bowers of slumber escorted were matron and maid. Whence came each guest soever, he seemed the King's chief care. In all lovingkindness and honour had each enough and to spare.

When ended now was the night-tide, and the light of the dayspring shone, Out of the sumpter-caskets full many a precious stone Came flashing on rich-wrought raiment, as forth fair fingers brought Many a royal vesture, through the scented chests as they sought. {P. 110} Ere day had fully broken, to the court before the hall Came knights and squires full many, and rang from wall to wall The tourney-clash, ere matins before the King had been sung; And he thanked for their gallant riding those valiant knights and young. With strenuous blast the trumpets roared through the morning air, With pipes and drums replying; so mighty was the blare That Worms the wide-built fortress with clamorous echoes rang. Then here, then there the bold knights upon their chargers sprang. Then in the Land Burgundian a glorious tourney began Where good knights thronged to the contest: was many a valiant man Whose young heart with glad courage was thrilled and filled to the height: Ha! there under shield beheld they many a gallant knight. Adown from the casements gazing in fair adornings arrayed Were many a noble lady and many a lovely maid: They watched while the throngs of brave men played that knightly play. Yea, the King himself with his kinsmen rode the lists that day.

So fleeted the summer morning, and the hours seemed all too short Ere the chiming bells of the minster summoned them from the sport. Palfreys they brought for the ladies, and a river of splendour flowed Through the streets as the valiant warriors behind the proud Queens rode. They lighted down on the greensward before the minster-gate. Still to her guests did Brunhild harbour nought of hate. Hosts, guests, passed crowned together beneath the wide-hung dome. --Soon all that love was sundered; sprang bitter affliction therefrom. When the chanting of mass was ended, forth of the doors again Came they in splendour and honour. Passed that gladsome train On to the banquet-royal: joy knew nor stint nor stay In the flowing tide of pleasure--till dawned the eleventh day.

(C) Yet ever the Queen was musing: "Delay no longer will I! In such fashion will I contrive it, that Kriemhild must needs reply Wherefore is tribute denied us by her lord thus year after year-- Yet is the man but our vassal! From searching I cannot forbear!" {P. 111} (C) So she bided her time till the Devil whispered to her at the last To wither the festal glory, and pleasure with pain to blast. The serpent of jealousy coiling round her heart to the light must come; And therefrom through many a kingdom spread desolation and doom.

XIV. How the Queens spake bitter Words Each unto Other

It befell, ere it rang unto vespers, that the clash of joyous sport Came up through the palace-casements from many a knight in the court As they fell to the gallant tourney to wing with mirth the hours. From the hall men hasted to watch them, and maidens from their bowers. There sat those Queens together, queens famous far and near, And of two knights still were they thinking, two knights without a peer.

Then spake Kriemhild the lovely: "My lord is such a knight That beneath him all these kingdoms might well be bowed as of right." Answered the Lady Brunhild: "Tush! how may such thing be? If there lived on the earth no mortal save only thou and he, Then haply might this kingdom be subject to Siegmund's son; But so long as Gunther liveth, may such thing never be done." Thereto made answer Kriemhild: "Dost mark how stands he there? With the princely pride of his presence none other knight may compare, As the full moon in her brightness doth all the stars outshine. Wherefore for good cause ever glad heart and proud is mine." But again made answer Brunhild: "Be he goodly as ye will, And stately and noble-hearted, one standeth above him still, Gunther, the flower of knighthood, thine high-born brother: in sooth, High stands he above all earth-kings, and this thou knowest for truth." But again made answer Kriemhild: "My lord is of such high worth, That with fullest right have I praised him for the mightiest man on earth. {P. 112} In many a thing is he worthy of honour's chiefest meed. Doth thine heart not tell thee, Brunhild, he is Gunther's peer indeed?"

"Now this my word, O Kriemhild, take not as said in despite, In that I say that my boasting is made of fullest right. This said they both--I heard it, when first these twain I beheld In the day when in my contests my will by the King's was quelled, When he won my love, in fashion so knightly triumphing, Siegfried himself said, 'Vassal am I unto Gunther the King.' Therefore I hold him his liegeman: of himself I heard it confessed." Made answer Kriemhild the lovely: "For me 'twere a bitter jest! How like were my noble brethren so to have dealt with me That they should abase me ever the bride of a vassal to be! Therefore will I, O Brunhild, entreat thee even as a friend-- For courtesy's sake, and my love's sake, let this thy babble have end."

Made answer the Queen: "I may not refrain me from this my claim. Am I like to renounce the service of all these knights of fame Which, even as thine, be bounden to homage unto my lord?" Then the anger of Kriemhild the lovely leapt into flame at the word: "This boast, thou must needs forego it, that my lord ever on earth Hath rendered thee aught of homage! Mine hero is more of worth Than thy lord, my brother Gunther, be he never so noble a king. Thou therefore shalt spare me the hearing of thy fond imagining. Yea, needs must I marvel ever, if he be thy vassal-thane, And thou be exalted so highly in worship above us twain, Wherefore so long all tribute to thee hath of him been denied! Of right I demand to be pestered no more with thine arrogant pride." "Too high dost thou exalt thee," Queen Brunhild made reply: "Now will I prove of a surety if folk account thee as high In royal esteem and honour as they hold the Queen, even me!" By this was the two Queens' anger kindled unquenchably.

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Flashed out her answer Kriemhild: "Soon shall the issue be shown, Since thou darest to claim my Siegfried for a vassal of thy throne! By all the two Kings' barons this day shall it be seen If I dare or dare not enter the minster before the Queen! I will show unto thee right plainly that noble am I and free! I will prove my lord more worthy than thine may ever be! Yea I, even I, will brook not thy malapert insults!--know, This day shalt thyself behold it, how thy vassal--quotha!--shall go In royal procession leading her knights in Burgundy. Mine head shall be higher than ever it hath happed unto any to see The head of a Daughter of Princes--though a crown make the little great!" By this betwixt those ladies exceeding stern was the hate. Fiercely made answer Brunhild: "Wouldst not for a vassal be known? Then of sore need must thou sever thyself with thy train from mine own, When subject and Queen in procession on to the minster go." "Of a truth," laughed scornfully Kriemhild, "doubt not but it shall be so!"

"Now array yourselves, my maidens," to her damsels Kriemhild cried. "Let see if unshamed I may not within this land abide! Be it seen to-day if ye have not royal-rich attire. Soon shall the lie be given to herself by Brunhild the liar!" Small need was to urge them: raiment they sought out rich and rare. Swiftly radiant in splendour stood matron and maiden there. Now with the train of her handmaids paced to the minster the Queen-- But lo, cometh Kriemhild the lovely, a very glory-sheen, With maidens three-and-forty, which had fared with her unto Rhine: In loveliest loomwork, woven in Araby, did they shine. So royally swept the maidens up to the minster-door; And for her the vassals of Siegfried were waiting therebefore. Then looked the people, and marvelled for what cause this befell That they saw the Queens from each other sundered, and none could tell Wherefore they walked not together side by side as of old. --Thence came unto many a baron affliction manifold.

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Even as in front of the minster the wife of Gunther stood, And the gallant knights Burgundian made sport in frolic mood With them of the Queen's train-royal, fair dame and winsome maid, Came thither the Lady Kriemhild with her troop all splendour-arrayed. What raiment soever the daughter of a noble knight might wear, By the gorgeous attire of her maidens had all been as empty air. Her wealth was so all-unmeasured that wives of kings thrice ten Never had shown such splendour as was flaunted by Kriemhild then. How much he desired soever, no man had dared to say That in all his days he had gazed on such royal-rich array As shone in that hour on her maidens magnifical-bedight. Never Kriemhild had done it, but to render to Brunhild despite for despite.

Each face to face met other at that wide minster-gate; And thereat the wife of Gunther in her jealousy and hate Cried out, "Stand still, thou Kriemhild!"--her rage in her voice rang keen-- "It beseems not the wife of a vassal to pass before a Queen!" Swift answer made Kriemhild the lovely in angry and scornful mood: "Hadst had but the grace to be silent, for thee had it been right good. Thou!--thou hast on thy fair body brought shame by wantoning! How might another's leman ever be wife of a King?" "Whom hast thou here named leman?"--the cry from the Queen's lips burst. "That have I thee!" hissed Kriemhild; "for thy fair body first Was embraced by none other than Siegfried, mine own belovèd lord. Of a surety it was not my brother--nay, but by him wert thou whored! How was thy wit so hoodwinked?--a cunning wile was it all! How couldst thou let him embrace thee who is but thy vassal-thrall? I hear thee," scoffed on Kriemhild, "complain where no cause is!" "In veriest deed," cried Brunhild, "I will tell unto Gunther this!" "Wherein unto me is the peril? Thyself hath thine arrogance snared! To summon me to render homage to thee hast thou dared! This one thing know of a surety--I grieve, but the cause art thou-- All trust and friendship is ended between us for ever now."

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Brake Brunhild forth into weeping: but Kriemhild tarried no more, And before the wife of Gunther she entered the minster-door, She and her train. Most bitter hate did her words beget. Therefrom bright eyes full many were grief-overclouded and wet. For all the solemn service, and the holy chant and song, That hour of worship to Brunhild lasted all too long; She was heart-overclouded with anguish, and darkly did she brood; And for this full penalty lighted on warriors brave and good. In front of the gate of the minster with her maids did Brunhild stay; And she said to her heart: "Now Kriemhild unto me shall the whole truth say Of those loud-throated railings, who hath whetted her tongue like a sword. If Siegfried thus hath vaunted, his life shall pay for the word!"