How Gunther Won Brunhild, I–XXXV

Meanwhile the bark had drifted unto the shore so high Beneath the high-tower'd castle, that the king could spy Many a maiden standing at every window there; That all to him were strangers, was what he ill could bear.

Forthwith he ask'd of Siegfried, his valiant friend and true, "Know you ought of these maidens, whom here we have in view Down upon us looking, though not, methinks, in scorn? Whoe'er their lord they're surely high-minded and high-born."

Him answer'd Siegfried smiling, "Now you may closely spy, And tell me of these damsels which pleases best your eye, And which, if you could win her, you for your own would hold." "So will I," answer'd Gunther the hardy knight and bold.

"One see I at a window stand in a snow-white vest; Around her all are lovely, but she's far loveliest. Her have mine eyes selected; Sir Siegfried, on my life, If I can only gain her, that maid shall be my wife."

"In all this world of beauty thine eyes have chosen well; That maid's the noble Brunhild, at once so fair and fell, She, who thy heart bewilders, she, who enchants thy sight." Her every act and gesture to Gunther was delight.

Then bade the queen her maidens from the windows go; Them it ill befitted to stand a sight and show For the rude eyes of strangers; they bow'd to her behest, But what next did the ladies, we since have heard confest.

They rob'd them in their richest to meet the strangers' gaze; Such, ever since were women, were ever women's ways. Through every chink and loophole was levelled many an eye At the unweeting champions, through love to peep and pry.

There were but four together who came into the land. The far-renowned Siegfried led a horse in hand. This Brunhild at a window mark'd with heedful eye. As lord of such a liegeman was Gunther valued high.

Then humbly by the bridle he held the monarch's steed, Huge of limb and puissant and of the purest breed, Till in the royal saddle King Gunther proudly sat; So serv'd him noble Siegfried, which he too soon forgat.

Then his own the warrior led from ship to shore; He of a truth such service hath seldom done before, As to stand at the stirrup, when another mounted steed. Of all, close at the windows, the women took good heed.

To look upon these champions was sure a glorious sight; Their horses and their garments were both of snowy white, And both match'd well together; each bore a polished shield, Which, still as it was shaken, flash'd around the field.

So forward rode they lordly to Brunhild's gorgeous hall: Rich stones beset their saddles, their pöitrals, light and small, Had golden bells down-hanging that tinkled as they went. On mov'd the proud companions led by their bold intent.

Their spears were newly sharpen'd as if to meet a foe; Their swords of choicest temper down to the spur hung low; Keen of edge was each one, and thereto broad of blade. All this was mark'd by Brunhild, the chief-defying maid.

With them together Dankwart and Hagan came ashore 'Tis told us in old stories that these two warriors wore Apparel of the richest, but raven-black of hue; Ponderous were their bucklers, broad and bright and new.

Stones from the land of India display'd each gorgeous guest, That ever gleam'd and glittered in the flutt'ring vest. They left their bark unguarded beside the dashing wave, And straight on to the fortress rode the champions brave.

Six and eighty turrets saw they there in all, Three palaces wide-stretching, and the fairest hall Of the purest marble (never was grass so green), Where with her fair damsels sat the fairer queen.

Unlock'd was straight the castle, the gates flew open wide; Up in haste to meet them Brunhild's liegemen hied, And bade the strangers welcome to their lady's land, And took his horse from each one and the shield from every hand.

A chamberlain then bespoke them: "Be pleas'd to give us now Your swords and glitt'ring breastplates." "That can we ne'er allow," Hagan of Trony answer'd, "our arms ourselves will bear." The custom of the castle then Siegfried 'gan declare.

"'Tis the use of this castle, as I can well attest, That never warlike weapons should there be borne by guest. 'Twere best to keep the custom; let th' arms aside be laid." Hagan, Gunther's liegeman, unwillingly obey'd.

Wine to the guests they offer'd, and goodly welcome gave; Then might you see apparel'd in princely raiment brave Many a stately warrior, on to court that pass'd, And many a glance of wonder upon the strangers cast.

Meanwhile to fair Queen Brunhild one came and made report, That certain foreign warriors had come unto her court In sumptuous apparel, wafted upon the flood. Then thus began to question the maiden fair and good:

"Now tell me," said the princess, "and let the truth be shown, Who are these haughty champions from foreign shores unknown, Whom there I see so stately standing in rich array, And on what hard adventure have they hither found their way?"

One of her court then answer'd, "I can aver, fair queen, Of this stout troop of warriors none have I ever seen, Save one, who's much like Siegfried, if I may trust my eyes. Him well receive and welcome; this is what I advise.

"The next of the companions, he of the lofty mien, If his power match his person, is some great king, I ween, And rules with mighty sceptre broad and princely lands. See, how among his comrades so lordly there he stands!

"The third of the companions—a low'ring brow has he, And yet, fair queen, you rarely a manlier form may see. Note but his fiery glances, how quick around they dart! Firm is, I ween, his courage, and pitiless his heart.

"The fourth knight is the youngest, he with the downy cheek, So maidenly in manner, so modest and so meek. How gentle all his bearing! how soft his lovely cheer! Yet we all should rue it, should wrong be done him here.

"How mild soe'er his manner, how fair soe'er his frame, Cause would he give for weeping to many a high-born dame, Were he once stirr'd to anger; sure he's a warrior grim, Train'd in all knightly practice, bold of heart and strong of limb."

Then spake the royal Brunhild, "Bring me my vesture straight, If far-renowned Siegfried aspire to be my mate, And is hither come to woo me, on the cast is set his life; I fear him not so deeply, as to yield me for his wife."

Soon was the lovely Brunhild in her robes array'd. With their lovely mistress went many a lovely maid, Better than a hundred, and all were richly dight; For the noble strangers, I trow, a goodly sight.

With them of Brunhild's warriors advanc'd a chosen band, Better than five hundred, each bearing sword in hand, The very flower of Issland; 'twas a fair yet fearful scene. The strangers rose undaunted as near them came the queen.

Soon as the noble Siegfried met the fair Brunhild's sight, In her modest manner she thus bespoke the knight. "You're welcome, good Sir Siegfried; now, if it please you, show What cause has brought you hither; that I would gladly know."

"A thousand thanks, Dame Brunhild," the warrior made reply, "That thou hast deign'd to greet me before my better nigh, Before this noble hero, to whom I must give place. He is my lord and master; his rather be the grace.

"On the Rhine is his kingdom; what should I further say? Through love of thee, fair lady, we've sail'd this weary way. He is resolv'd to woo thee whatever thence betide; So now betimes bethink thee; he'll ne'er renounce his bride.

"The monarch's name is Gunther, a rich and mighty king; This will alone content him, thee to the Rhine to bring. For thee above the billows with him I've hither run; Had he not been my master, this would I ne'er have done."

Said she, "If he's thy master, and thou, it seems, his man, Let him my games encounter, and win me if he can. If he in all be victor, his wedded wife am I. If I in one surpass him, he and you all shall die."