How the Huns Received Kriemhild, I–XXXV

Kriemhild at Zeissenmauer remain'd till the fourth day; On the roads, while there she rested, the dust no moment lay. It seem'd the land was burning, so smok'd each hoof-beat plain, As Etzel's men through Austria came trampling on amain.

When to the monarch's hearing the joyful tidings came. How stately through his country rode the Burgundian dame, All sorrow in a moment was from his heart effac'd; To meet his love and lady he spurred with burning haste.

Good knights of many a region and many a foreign tongue Prick'd before King Etzel, that all the champaign rung; Christian and heathen squadrons, careering wide around, Advanc'd in dazzling splendor to where the queen they found.

Chiefs from Greece and Russia in crowds were there to meet; Polacks and Wallachians there were spurring fleet. Each his fiery charger had in due command; Each display'd the customs of his own native land.

From Kiev came many a champion, each in fair array, And savage Petchenegers, that ever on their way Kept shooting from the saddle at wild birds as they flew; The arrow-head full strongly to the bend of the bow they drew.

Fast by the flowing Danube there stands on Austrian ground A city that hight Tulna; there first fair Kriemhild found Many an outlandish custom, and was with welcome sought By many a knight, whom after to doom and death she brought.

Before King Etzel riding his household forward came, Four and twenty princes of loftiest birth and name, Merry, and rich, and courtly, and glittering all with gold, Who long'd for nothing better than their lady to behold.

Duke Ramung of Wallachia rode trampling o'er the plain; Seven hundred chosen warriors behind him held the rein; You might see them speeding like wild birds in their flight. Thither came Prince Gibek with many a squadron bright.

Swift Hornbog, with a thousand trampling the dusty green, Left the side of the monarch, and gallop'd toward the queen. After their country's fashion they shouted shrill and loud. Hotly was also ridden by Etzel's kinsmen proud.

Hawart was there of Denmark (a champion bold was he), And the nimble Iring from falsehood ever free, And Irnfried of Thüringia, a stern and stately knight. These receiv'd fair Kriemhild with all the pomp they might.

With men at arms twelve hundred advanc'd they o'er the lea. Thither too from Hungary rode on with thousands three Sir Blœdel, Etzel's brother, for knightly deeds renown'd; He mov'd with princely splendor to where the queen he found.

Last the great King Etzel and eke Sir Dietrich came With all his brave companions; there many a knight of fame And proud descent was present, prudent, and bold, and true, High beat the heart of Kriemhild their wide array to view.

Then to the queen beside him thus spoke Sir Rudeger; "Lady, with your permission the king I'll welcome here. Whome'er to kiss I bid you, let it straight be done. It fits not, such a favor be granted every one."

Straight from her sleek palfrey the queen was lifted down; No longer dallied Etzel, the king of wide renown; From horse with many a warrior he lighted on the green, And merrily went forward to meet the noble queen.

Two great and mighty princes, as has to us been told, Advanc'd with the fair lady in raiment rich with gold, As the wide-ruling Etzel approached his bride to meet, When she deign'd the monarch with a loving kiss to greet.

With that her veil back threw she; forth beam'd her rosy hue From the gold around it; many were there to view; All own'd Dame Helca's beauty scarce with hers could vie. There the king's brother Blœdel close was standing by.

Him the first kiss'd Kriemhild as bade the margrave good, And next to him King Gibek; there too Sir Dietrich stood. Twelve, the chief and noblest, were kiss'd by Etzel's bride. With courteous grace she welcom'd many a good knight beside.

All the while that Etzel talk'd with his lady true, The young knights were doing as young knights now will do. They tried their skill in tilting as best they could devise, Christian alike and heathen each in his country's guise.

In Dietrich's men bold bearing and knightly you might spy. How high above the bucklers they made the splinters fly (So mighty was their puissance) and deafen'd all the field! By the German strangers pierc'd through was many a shield.

The crash of spears resounded as band encounter'd band. Thither were come from all sides the warriors of the land, And the king's guests together, nobles in proud array; Thence now with Lady Kriemhild King Etzel went his way.

Close by, a rich pavilion for their retreat they found; Crowded with tents and cabins was all the field around. There, after all their labors, their languid limbs they laid. Many a good warrior thither led many a gentle maid,

Where on a cushion'd sofa rich beyond compare The stately queen was seated: the margrave's anxious care For all things most convenient to pomp and ease had sent, And so at once serv'd Kriemhild, and gave the king content.

The tale then told by Etzel is more than I can say; Soft in his hand reposing her snowy fingers lay. So sat they gentle toying, for Rudeger, I ween, Left not the king a moment in secret with the queen.

Then o'er the spacious meadow they bade the tourney cease; With honor all that tumult now was hush'd in peace. Then Etzel's men betook them to cabin, booth, or tent; Fit and convenient harbor they found where'er they went.

The day at last was ended, then took they their repose, Till, at her hour returning, the cheerful dawn arose. Then hasten'd many a warrior to horse at once to spring. Ah! what pastimes plied they in honor of the king!

The king his Huns exhorted to do as honor bade. From Tulna to Vienna their journey then they made. There found they many a lady adorn'd in all her pride To welcome with due honor King Etzel's noble bride.

In overflowing fulness all, that could each delight, To his wish was ready; exulting many a knight Look'd forward to the revels; joy smil'd on most and least; With mirth and gladness open'd King Etzel's marriage-feast.

The numbers now assembled the city could not hold, So all, who were not strangers, the noble margrave told To seek convenient quarters in all the country round. Still constant in attendance on the fair queen were found

The valiant chief, Sir Dietrich, and many a knight besides; Needful rest and solace each himself denied To cheer the noble strangers and give them full content. Sir Rudeger and his comrades had heartiest merriment.

Held was the marriage festal on a Whitsuntide; 'Twas then that royal Etzel embrac'd his high-born bride In the city of Vienna; I ween she ne'er had found, When first she wed, such myriads all to her service bound.

With gifts she made acquaintance of those she ne'er had seen; "Kriemhild," said many a stranger, "is sure a royal queen; She had lost, we thought, the treasures that she before had won; Yet here with her rich presents what wonders she had done!"

For seventeen days did Etzel his marriage festal hold; Never to us of monarch, I ween, before was told, Who so proudly feasted, in old or modern lore. The guests, who there were present, all their new raiment wore.

Of old, I ween, in Netherland she ne'er at board had sat With such a host of warriors; well can I vouch for that; For ne'er so many champions had Siegfried at command, With all his wealth, as Kriemhild saw before Etzel stand.

Never king before him so many mantles brave, For length and breadth conspicuous, at his own wedding gave, Nor such store of rich vesture, enough for each to take; All this was freely lavish'd for lovely Kriemhild's sake.

There of a mind together were friends and strangers too; Neither their goods nor chattels kept that free-handed crew. Whatever was ask'd, was granted; they gave till they were bare. Many a one, through kindness, not a coat had left to wear.