Sackbuts loud and trumpets there might all men hear

Sackbuts loud and trumpets there might all men hear; Fluting too and harping fell upon the ear. Some on the rote were playing, others in song were vying; They, by their jigs and fifing, soon would better clothes for themselves be buying.

On the tenth morn it happened, (now hark to my sorry tale,) That, after all their pastimes, there rose a bitter wail. About these days so merry new tales were told on the morrow; And tho’ they now were mirthful, they came to know deep gloom and heavy sorrow.

When the guests were seated beside their kingly host, There came to them a player, and proudly made his boast That he, before all others, (who should indeed believe him?) Was far more skilled in playing, and even the greatest lords their ear must give him.

Outside, a lovely maiden was leading by the hand The little son of Sigeband who swayed the Irish land; With him were likewise women who to the boy gave heeding, And friendly kinsmen also, who carefully taught the child, and oversaw his breeding.

Within the great king’s palace was heard a din and shout; All were there heard laughing, the roomy walls throughout. The guardians of young Hagen crowded up too nearly, And thus lost sight of the maiden, together with the child they loved so dearly.

The evil luck of their master to him that day drew near, And brought to him and U-te sudden woe and fear. Sent by the wicked devil, from afar his herald hasted To them in their happy kingdom; they were by this with sorrow sorely wasted.

It was a strong, wild griffin had quickly thither flown; From the little boy of Sigeband, who ever care had known, Came ill luck to his father, who soon of this was tasting. His son, so well-belovéd, to him was lost, with the mighty bird far hasting.