The Nibelungenlied Part 120

x.x.xIX

At once outspake Sir Folker, "I needs must spoil his cheer; Yonder ladies' darling must feel a push of spear.

No one shall prevent it--let him guard his life.

I reck not, though it kindle the wrath of Etzel's wife."

XL

"No! as you love me, Folker," straight the king 'gan say, "The people all will blame us if we commence the fray.

Let the Huns begin it: 'twere better so, I ween."

Still was King Etzel sitting beside his moody queen.

XLI

"I'll join you in the tourney," fierce Hagan sternly cried; "Let's show both knights and ladies how we Burgundians ride.

'Twere well, by proof they knew it; they'd rate us higher then.

Now they deny all credit to good King Gunther's men."

XLII

Back into the tourney swift Folker hotly spurr'd; Thereby was many a lady to grievous sorrow stirr'd.

Right through that proud Hun's body he drove the griding spear.

That stroke both dames and damsels cost many a bitter tear.

XLIII

That saw at once Sir Hagan, nor dallying there abode; With sixty of his champions, all thundering as they rode, 'Gainst th' Huns he hotly hurtled fast by the gleeman's side.

King Etzel and Queen Kriemhild the tourney closely eyed.

XLIV

Nor would the three kings basely in dastard sloth repose, And leave the minstrel aidless among unnumber'd foes, With them came to the rescue a thousand warriors good; Haughty and overweening they did whate'er they would.

XLV

Soon as by Sir Folker the wealthy Hun was slain, You might hear his kinsmen cry out and loudly plain.

All in a breath were asking, "Who has this outrage done?"

"Folker the bold minstrel," gave answer many a one.

XLVI

Straight for swords and bucklers were calling all the band Akin to the young margrave of the Hunnish land; The fearless minstrel Folker they thought at once to slay.

The host down from a window took in haste his way.

XLVII

From the Huns on all sides a cry arose amain.

Before the hall alighted the kings and all their train.

Every bold Burgundian sent his steed away; Up in haste came Etzel and parted straight the fray.

XLVIII

He found one of the kinsmen with his sword drawn in his hand; From him in an instant he s.n.a.t.c.h'd the naked brand, And beat the brawlers backward, chafing and raging sore.

"In sooth with these good warriors my favor all were o'er,"

XLIX

Said Etzel, "If among us this minstrel here ye slew; 'Twas by mere misadventure he ran your kinsman through.

I had my eye upon him just as he struck the blow.

It was his steed that stumbled; 'twas heaven would have it so.

L

"Then leave my friends in quiet, and from the tilt-yard speed."

Himself then gave them escort; meanwhile each battle-steed Was led thence to their quarters, for those Burgurdian guests Had many a zealous varlet to tend their high behests.

LI

Then with his friends King Etzel into his palace went; He bade all cease from anger, and calm'd their fierce intent.

Ready were set the tables; for all was water brought.

The lives of the Burgundians many a stout foeman sought.

LII

However irk'd it Etzel, still many an armed knight Press'd close behind the princes, e'en in the king's despite, Lowering with hateful glances as they to table went, Each to revenge his kinsman on those proud strangers bent.

LIII

"'Tis an ill use," said Etzel, "and one I scarce can bear, At the feastful table the weeds of war to wear.

But whosoe'er his vengeance on these my guests shall wreak, His head shall pay the forfeit; this to you Huns I speak."

LIV

'Twas long before was seated every lordly guest.

Fell care and deep disquiet wrung Kriemhild's laboring breast.

"Prince of Bern," she murmur'd, "thy counsel, aid and grace I seek in sore affliction; pity my mournful case."