The Nibelungenlied Part 106

Six and thirty maidens and thereto many a dame, Each fair as wish could sigh for, or busy fancy fame, Stepp'd forth to greet the strangers with warriors many a one; Their task by those high ladies with comely grace was done.

XVI

The margravine went forward, and kiss'd the kings all three; The like too did her daughter; Hagan, the next was he.

Her father bade her kiss him; a glance on him she cast, And thought he look'd so dreadful, that him she fain had pa.s.s'd.

XVII

At length perforce she did it, since so her father said, Yet could not but change color, now waxing white, now red.

She kiss'd, too, n.o.ble Dankwart, and Folker last in place.

For his strength and valor the minstrel gain'd such grace.

XVIII

This done, with gentle gesture the damsel meek and mild By the hand, yet trembling, took Giselher the child, Her mother took King Gunther, the bold Burgundian lord.

So with the knights the ladies mov'd thence in blithe accord.

XIX

The host went with Sir Gernot into a s.p.a.cious hall; There both chiefs and ladies down sat together all.

Straight to his guests the margrave bade hand good wine around.

Better entertainment knights yet never found.

XX

There many a longing eye-glance from all sides might you see Bent on the margrave's daughter, so fresh and fair was she.

Many a good knight was breathing for her the secret sigh; In truth she well deserv'd it; her thoughts were pure and high.

XXI

They mus'd just as it pleas'd them, yet naught could thence befall.

Alike meanwhile were glances cast by the knights in hall On other dames and damsels, whereof there sat good store.

Soon show'd the n.o.ble minstrel what love the host he bore.

XXII

And now at last they sever'd, as custom there requir'd; Ladies and knights, as fitted, to separate rooms retir'd.

In the broad hall the tables in order straight were set; There soon the n.o.ble strangers all lordly service met.

XXIII

To grace her guests, at table the n.o.ble hostess kind Took place, but left her daughter, as fitted best, behind Among her blooming maidens, with whom retir'd she sat.

The guests, who joy'd to see her, were little pleas'd with that.

XXIV

With meats and drinks abundant their fill had feasted all; Then back the lovely ladies were usher'd to the hall; Nor comely mirth there wanted, nor merriment, nor jest.

The gentle knight Sir Folker there shone above the rest.

XXV

Then out spake to Sir Rudeger that minstrel bold and true, "High and puissant margrave, G.o.d sure has dealt with you As one whom most He favors, since he so fair a wife Has given you for a helpmate, and bless'd with joy your life.

XXVI

"If I were a monarch and if a crown I wore,"

Said the good knight, "no maiden should be my queen before Your fair and gentle daughter; my heart's desire I tell; Lovely is she to look on, high-born and nurtur'd well."

XXVII

Then spake the n.o.ble margrave, "What chance could ever bring To woo my child beloved a proud and puissant king?

My wife and I are exiles, both worn with age and care, And can give her nothing; what boots then all her fair?"

XXVIII

Thereat the courteous Gernot took up the word and spake, "If I desir'd a helpmate after my heart to take None would I ask more gladly than this same modest maid."

Thereupon Sir Hagan in courtly fas.h.i.+on said,

XXIX

"Now fits it my lord Giselher to take a bride, I ween, And sure so high-descended is the young margravine, That I and all his va.s.sals would do her homage fain, If crown'd we were to see her in our Burgundian reign."

x.x.x

Well pleas'd was good Sir Rudeger Sir Hagan's words to hear, So, too, was Lady Gotelind; right joyous was her cheer.

Soon so the chiefs contriv'd it, that Giselher, nothing loth, To wife took the fair maiden, as well beseem'd them both.

x.x.xI

When once a thing is settled, who further can gainsay?

Forthwith they bade the damsel to court to take her way.

Then for his wife to give him the lovely maid they swore, Then he too vow'd to cherish and love her evermore.