How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild, XXXVI–LXI

Then 'twas proclaim'd on all sides to make for Kriemhild way; Straight went to church the maiden in royal rich array With a bold train of warriors, a fair and courtly sight. There soon from her was parted the lofty-minded knight.

She now the minster enter'd; her follow'd many a dame; There so her stately beauty her rich attire became, That droop'd each high aspiring, born but at once to die. Sure was that maid created to ravish every eye.

Scarce could wait Sir Siegfried till the mass was sung. Well might he thank his fortune, that, all those knights among, To him inclined the maiden whom still in heart he bore, While he to her, as fitted, return'd as much or more.

When now before the minster after the mass she stood, Again to come beside her was call'd the champion good. Then first by that sweet maiden thanks to the knight were given, That he before his comrades so warrior-like had striven.

"God you reward, Sir Siegfried!" said the noble child, "For all your high deservings in honor's beadroll fil'd, The which I know from all men have won you fame and grace." Sir Siegfried, love-bewilder'd, look'd Kriemhild in the face.

"Ever," said he, "your brethren I'll serve as best I may, Nor once, while I have being, will head on pillow lay, Till I have done to please them whate'er they bid me do, And this, my lady Kriemhild, is all for love of you."

For twelve days the maiden each successive day With the knight beside her took to court her way, While, as they pass'd together, their friends were looking on. Out of love to Siegfried was this fair service done.

From morn was there to evening and day by day withal Shouting and merry-making about King Gunther's hall, Within, without, from joyance of many a mighty man. Ortwine and valiant Hagan high wonders there began.

Whatever sports they wish'd for were ready at their will; Of each, as each had liking, each might take his fill. Thus proved were Gunther's warriors by stranger chivalry, Whence fame accrued and honor to all broad Burgundy.

They too, who lay sore wounded, crept forth to the free air; They long'd with loving comrades the gentle sports to share, To skirmish with the buckler, and hurl the spear amain; And most through such fair pastime came to full strength again.

The host of that high festal all and some had cheer With meats and drinks the choicest; he kept him ever clear From blame or ought unkingly in action or intent; And now with friendly purpose to his guests he went.

Said he, "Good knights and noble, ere you hence retire, Receive the gifts I offer, as proofs of my desire In all I can to serve you, this I'm resolv'd to do; Disdain not now the riches I'd gladly share with you."

Straight the men of Denmark to the king replied, "Ere hence we part and homeward to our own country ride, A lasting peace assure us; such peace must captives need, Who have seen their dearest comrades beneath your champions bleed."

Now whole again was Ludegast and all his gashes heal'd, The Saxon too recover'd after that luckless field. Some dead they left behind them entomb'd in Rhenish ground Then thither went King Gunther where he Sir Siegfried found.

To the good knight thus said he, "Now tell me what to do; Early to-morrow morning ride home the Danish crew; With me and mine from henceforth they seek to be at one; Therefore advise me, Siegfried, what best is to be done.

"What these two monarchs offer, I'll to you declare; As much as steeds five hundred of shining gold can bear, That will they gladly give me to set them free at will." Then answer'd noble Siegfried, "You then would do but ill.

"Better hence unfetter'd let both together go, And that neither warrior henceforth as a foe Venture to make entry on Burgundian land, For this in full assurance let either give his hand."

"Your counsel I will follow, thus let them home return." His captive foes his message were not slow to learn, No one their gold demanded which they had offer'd late. Meanwhile their friends in Denmark mourn'd for their lost estate.

Many a shield heap'd with treasure was brought at Gunther's call; Among the friends around him unweigh'd he shar'd it all; Five hundred marks or better each warrior home might bring; This frank and liberal counsel bold Gernot gave the king.

Leave soon the guests were taking; their minds were homeward bent; Then might you see how each one before fair Kriemhild went, And eke where Lady Uta sat like a queen in place. Never yet were warriors dismiss'd with so much grace.

Empty was left each chamber as thence the strangers rode, Yet still in royal splendor the king at home abode With many a noble warrior and vassal of his court, Whom you might see to Kriemhild day by day resort.

And now the noble Siegfried leave to take was fain. What he so deeply yearn'd for he little hop'd to gain. It was told King Gunther that he would hence away. 'Twas Giselher the youthful that won the chief to stay.

"Why would you leave us, Siegfried, noble friend and true? Tarry here among us (what I entreat you, do) With Gunther and his liegemen, warriors frank and free. Here are store of lovely ladies, whom you may gladly see."

Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Lead in the steeds again; Forthwith to ride I purpos'd, but now will here remain; And back, too, bear the bucklers; indeed I homeward yearn'd, But Giselher with honor my fix'd intent has turn'd."

So stay'd the bold Sir Siegfried for love and friendship's sake; Nor surely could he elsewhere so gladly tarriance make As at the court of Gunther, for there throughout his stay The love-devoted warrior saw Kriemhild every day.

Through her unmeasur'd beauty Sir Siegfried linger'd there; His friends with many a pastime charm'd from him every care, Save longing love for Kriemhild; this mov'd him oft to sigh, This too thereafter brought him most miserably to die.