How Siegfried Fought with the Saxons, CVI–CXXVI

The safe and sound came forward; the wounded did the same; Merry was the meeting; none fear'd reproach or blame. Forth rode the host to meet them; his mirth had no alloy; The woe, that long had worn him, was now shut up in joy.

His own full well receiv'd he, and well the strangers too; Sure nothing so befitting could wealthy monarch do, Than kindly greet such victors as now his court had sought With gain of such clear honor from field so sternly fought.

Then ask'd the noble Gunther of the conquering train, How many of his warriors had in the strife been slain. There had been lost but sixty in the fight they won. They were mourn'd and forgotten, as with many has since been done.

Th' unwounded bore exulting, grim trophies of the field, Full many a batter'd morion, full many a shiver'd shield. Before the hall of Gunther from horse the champions sprung; Around from joyful thousands one shout of welcome rung.

The warriors in the city were lodg'd as might be best; The king with courteous service bade wait on every guest. He found the hurt fit chambers for tendance and repose, And prov'd his noble nature in the treatment of his foes.

Thus he said to Ludegast, "King Ludegast, welcome here. Much at your hands I've suffer'd, and more had cause to fear But all's at full repaid me, if smooth my fortune run. God requite my warriors! they well for me have done."

"Ay, you may gladly thank them," said Ludeger, "'tis their due; King ne'er had such high captives as they have won for you. Meanwhile, for courteous treatment, good store of gold we'll bring, And look for such reception as king may claim from king."

"Take what you ask," said Gunther, "both set I gladly free. Still must I have assurance that here awhile with me My foes consent to tarry, and do not leave my land Till peace be made between us." To that King Ludeger gave his hand.

So now the kings to rest them were to their chambers led. With tender care the wounded were softly laid a-bed, While for the whole and hearty were pour'd the mead and wine. Never were men so merry as these beside the Rhine.

Attendants to safe keeping the batter'd bucklers bore, The blood-bespatter'd saddles, whereof was plenteous store, They hid, lest sight so sorry should make the women weep. Many a good knight o'erwearied home was glad to creep.

The guests from good King Gunther all noble treatment found. With friends as well as strangers his country swarm'd around. He bade for the sore wounded all needful aid be sought. Where was their haughty courage? how low it now was brought!

Whoe'er had skill in leechcraft was offer'd coin untold, Silver without measure as well as glittering gold, To cure the fainting champions by wounds of war oppress'd. The bounteous monarch sent, too, rich gifts to every guest.

Those who, of feasting weary, homeward sought to wend, Were press'd to tarry longer, as friend will deal with friend. King Gunther call'd a council; he would his men requite, Who for his sake so nobly had won that gallant fight.

Then spake the good Sir Gernot, "At present bid them go. When full six weeks are over, we'll let the warriors know, We here shall need their presence at feasting rich and high; Then will restor'd be many, who yet sore wounded lie."

And now would noble Siegfried to Gunther bid adieu; Soon as the friendly monarch the warrior's purpose knew He lovingly besought him a longer stay to make. He ne'er had so consented but for his sister's sake.

Besides, he was too wealthy to stoop to soldier's pay, Albeit he well deserv'd it; him lov'd the more each day, The king and all his kinsmen, who on the battle plain, Had seen him deal destruction on Saxon and on Dane,

For the sake of that fair lady he yet would linger there, If he perchance might see her; and soon was eas'd his care. He came to know the maiden to his utmost heart's desire, Then home he rode rejoicing to the kingdom of his sire.

The king bade practise knighthood and joust from day to day, Well did his youthful warriors and willingly obey. Seats too before the city he rais'd along the strand For those who were to visit the fam'd Burgundian land.

So bade the royal Gunther, and now the time was near, Ere came the joyful tidings to his fair sister's ear, That he with his dear comrades high festival would hold. Then were fair women stirring; their toil was manifold.

With kirtles, and with head-gear, and all that each should wear, Uta, the rich and noble, amidst her maidens fair Heard of coming warriors, a bold and haughty train; Straight was from out the wrappers store of rich vesture ta'en.

For the sake of her dear children the garments forth were laid, Wherewith array'd were richly many a wife and many a maid, And many a youthful champion of warlike Burgundy; She bade, too, many a stranger be rob'd as gorgeously.