The Nibelungenlied Part 45

Thereto was made no answer; all on their journey thought.

Her n.o.ble train together the lady Kriemhild brought, Two and thirty maidens and five hundred men.

Eckewart the Margrave follow'd Kriemhild then.

XII

Leave last by all was taken, both by squire and knight And by dame and damsel, as fitting was and right.

With many a kiss they parted, and many a grasp of hand, And so not ill contented they left King Gunther's land.

XIII

Far rode their loving kinsmen to bring them on their way; Each night they found them quarters where'er it pleas'd them stay, While they upon their journey through Gunther's country went Then messengers were forthwith to old King Siegmund sent,

XIV

To him and to Dame Sieglind the hasty news to bear, That his son was coming, and with him Kriemhild fair, The daughter of Dame Uta, from Worms beyond the Rhine.

Ne'er to such welcome tidings did they their ears incline.

XV

"Ah! well is me," cried Siegmund, "that I this day have seen, That here the lovely Kriemhild should move a crowned queen My heritage high wors.h.i.+p shall hence and honor gain; Here too my son Siegfried himself a king shall reign."

XVI

Then gave the Lady Sieglind good store of velvet red; Full weight of gold and silver shower'd she for newsman's bread.

Much at the gladsome tidings rejoic'd the royal dame.

Her train themselves apparel'd as n.o.bles well became.

XVII

'Twas told her, who was coming with him into the land.

Then rais'd in haste were sittings, as Sieglind gave command, Whither crown'd should march Sir Siegfried in front of all his train.

Then forth to meet the strangers rode Siegmund's knights amain.

XVIII

If e'er was heartier welcome than was receiv'd that day In good King Siegmund's country, is more than I can say.

To meet the lovely Kriemhild the royal Sieglind came With many a lovely lady and many a knight of fame.

XIX

A whole day's journey's distance, till came the guests in view.

Then no small toil and trouble both friends and strangers knew To reach a s.p.a.cious fortress (Xanten the name it bore), Where royal crowns thereafter the bride and bridegroom wore.

XX

Sieglind and Siegmund wecom'd fair Kriemhild lovingly; With laughing mouth full often they kiss'd her tenderly, And did as much to Siegfried; far flown was all their care.

All the train of followers were warmly greeted there.

XXI

Straight were brought the strangers to Siegmund's royal hall.

Down there the lovely maidens from horse were lifted all By knights and squires officious, and many a high-born man To wait on beauteous ladies with courtly zeal began.

XXII

How great soe'er the splendor of Gunther's marriage day, Yet here were fairer garments profusely given away Than ever yet at festals had deck'd the warriors bold; Of their surpa.s.sing richness marvels might be told.

XXIII

As sat they in high honor with all delights in store, What bright gold-color'd raiment their joyful followers wore, Laces and stones full precious fair work'd in vesture sheen!

Well were the guests entreated by the rich and n.o.ble queen.

XXIV

Then spake the good Sir Siegmund before his friends in hall, "This my resolve declare I to Siegfried's kinsmen all, That he before these warriors my royal crown shall wear."

The news gave full contentment to the Netherlanders there.

XXV

His crown and power he gave him and seisin of his land; Their master then became he; zealous was every hand To execute his judgments; his mouth p.r.o.nounc'd the law.

To th' husband of fair Kriemhild all look'd with fear and awe.

XXVI

So liv'd he in high honor, a rightful monarch crown'd, And giving righteous judgment till the tenth year came round, When the fair queen his consort bore him at last an heir.

Glad were thereat his kinsmen, glad too the royal pair.

XXVII

Forthwith the babe was christen'd, and given him was a name After his uncle Gunther; it could not bring him shame.

If he his kin resembled, in worth he would excel; His parents, as became them, train'd up the infant well.