The Nibelungenlied Part 46

XXVIII

About the self-same season the Lady Sieglind died; The child of n.o.ble Uta her vacant place supplied, And to the power succeeded that Sieglind held before.

The people deeply sorrow'd that Sieglind was no more.

XXIX

Next messengers came posting the joyful news to bring, How by the Rhine to Gunther, the stout Burgundian king, A son was borne by Brunhild the once relentless dame; He for the love of Siegfried receiv'd the hero's name.

x.x.x

With every care they train'd him; Gunther his father dear Bade tutors the young infant in every virtue rear, That, nurtur'd so to manhood, all wors.h.i.+p he might win.

Ah! by mishap thereafter how lost he all his kin!

x.x.xI

Thenceforward at all seasons full many a tale was told, How n.o.bly and how knightly the wariors fierce and bold Liv'd in the land of Siegmund; fame voiced their praises loud.

Like them lived good King Gunther and his n.o.ble kinsmen proud.

x.x.xII

Their land the Nibelungers of Siegfried held in fee; None e'er of all his kindred so wealthy was as he.

His were the knights of Schilbung and both the brethren's store.

Through this the bold Sir Siegfried himself the loftier bore.

x.x.xIII

The richest of all treasures, that e'er was gain'd by knight, Save by its former masters, he held by conqueror's right.

The same before a mountain by dint of sword he won.

To win it, many a champion his hand to death had done.

x.x.xIV

Huge was his wealth and wors.h.i.+p; yet, had he naught possess'd Whoever look'd upon him could not but have confess'd, He was the prowest champion that e'er in saddle sat.

All trembled at his manhood; good cause had they for that.

TWELFTH ADVENTURE

HOW GUNTHER INVITED SIEGFRIED TO THE FESTIVAL

I

Still Gunther's consort ever thought with deep-musing care, Why should the Lady Kriemhild herself so proudly bear?

And yet her husband Siegfried--what but our man is he?

And late but little service has yielded for his fee.

II

In her heart his thought she foster'd deep in its inmost core; That still they kept such distance, a secret grudge she bore.

How came it that their va.s.sal to court declin'd to go, Nor for his land did homage, she inly yearn'd to know.

III

She made request of Gunther, and begg'd it so might be, That she the absent Kriemhild yet once again might see, And told him too, in secret, whereon her thoughts were bent.

With the words she utter'd her lord was scarce content.

IV

"How could we bring them hither," the king in turn began, "Such a length of journey? 'twere past the power of man.

I could not ask it of them, they dwell from us so wide."

Thereto in haughty fas.h.i.+on the frowning queen replied,

V

"How rich soe'er a va.s.sal, how broad soe'er his lands, Obedience is his duty, whate'er his lord commands."

Sure could but smile Sir Gunther when thus he heard her fret.

'Twas not for suit and service that he and Siegfried met.

VI

Said she, "Dear lord, for my sake thy efforts join with mine, That Siegfried and thy sister once more may seek the Rhine, That we again may see them, and all in love unite.

Nothing, I well a.s.sure thee, could give me more delight.

VII

"What soft emotion soothes me, whene'er I call to mind Thy sister's n.o.ble graces, her accent soft and kind, And how, when both were married, we both sat side by side!

No doubt may she with honor be Siegfried's loving bride."

VIII

She press'd so long, that Gunther replied with alter'd cheer, "Now know that guests so welcome never saw I here.

Much pressing little needed; so messengers of mine I'll send to bid them hasten hither to the Rhine."