The Nibelungenlied Part 103

XXIX

Close to them leapt the hero; nothing more he said; Once his sword he lifted, down dropp'd Gelfrat dead.

Elsy had fain reveng'd him, but forc'd was he to yield.

He and his fear-struck comrades fled that disastrous field.

x.x.x

Slain was his valiant brother, himself was wounded sore, Of his war-practis'd champions eighty the best, or more, Lay with grim Death companion'd; what then beside could he But from the men of Gunther with loss and anguish flee?

x.x.xI

Soon as they of Bavaria gave way through ghastly fear, Behind them deadly sword-strokes loud ringing you might hear.

So the bold men of Trony held their foes in chase, Who sought to 'scape the forfeit and ever fled apace.

x.x.xII

Then Dankwart thus behind them loud shouted o'er the plain, "Forthwith must we be wending back on our steps again; So let them fly unfollow'd, each bleeding as he flies, While we rejoin our comrades; this I in truth advise."

x.x.xIII

When back had come the warriors to where the fight had been, Thus spoke the Knight of Trony, "Chiefs, now 'twere fit, I ween, To reckon up the missing, and learn whom we to-night Have lost through Gelfrat's anger in this sharp sudden fight."

x.x.xIV

Four of their friends had perish'd, slight cause had they to plain, For they had well aveng'd them; on th' other hand were slain Of the repuls'd Bavarians a hundred men or more, The s.h.i.+elds of the stout Tronians were dimm'd and soak'd with gore.

x.x.xV

From the clouds a moment broke out the gleaming moon; "We shall overtake," said Hagan, "our friends and comrades soon; But none to my good masters speak of this hasty fray; Let them without suspicion remain till dawn of day."

x.x.xVI

When those who fought the battle had now rejoin'd the rest, They found them with long travail exhausted and oppress'd.

"How long have we to journey?" asked many a champion brave.

"Here's neither host nor hostel," was th' answer Dankwart gave,

x.x.xVII

"You all must until morning ride on as best you can."

Next sent the nimble Folker, the leader of the van, To ask the n.o.ble marshal, "Where shall we lodge the crew To-night? Where rest the horses and our good masters too?"

x.x.xVIII

Then answer gave bold Dankwart, "That's more than I can say; Rest must we ne'er a moment before the dawn of day, And, wheresoe'er we meet it, lie down upon the green."

To most of those who heard him 'twas heavy news, I ween.

x.x.xIX

Long time remain'd unnotic'd the stains of b.l.o.o.d.y red, Till the fair sun, up rising, his glittering radiance spread At morn above the mountains; at once the king espied That they had just been fighting, and full of anger cried,

XL

"How now, friend Hagan? so you, it seems, disdain'd To have me for your comrade, when thus with blood was stain'd And dabbled all your hauberks; who put you in that plight?"

Said he, "'Twas done by Elsy; he fell on us last night.

XLI

"To revenge his ferryman this fierce a.s.sault he plann'd There slain was st.u.r.dy Gelfrat by my good brother's hand, And Elsy scarce escap'd us; 'faith he was ill bestead.

We lost but four companions, and he a hundred dead."

XLII

We know not, where that morning the warriors laid them down, Straight learn'd all the people in country and in town, That n.o.ble Uta's children to court were on their road.

On them a hearty welcome was at Pa.s.sau soon bestow'd.

XLIII

Well pleas'd was Bishop Pilgrin, the uncle of the queen.

That with so many champions, all cas'd in armor sheen, His proud Burgundian nephews had come into the land.

Soon, what good will he bore them, he made them understand.

XLIV

Along the roads to lodge them their friends all did their best.

At Pa.s.sau room was wanting to harbor every guest; They cross'd perforce the water, where on an open ground Were hasty tents erected, and rich pavilions pitch'd around.

XLV

They there were forc'd to tarry the s.p.a.ce of one whole day, And eke the night till morning; how well receiv'd were they!

Thence to the land of Rudeger they were to ride anew.

Swift to him the tidings of their coming flew.