The Nibelungenlied Part 58

XXVIII

Said she, "Upon his vesture with a fine silken thread I'll sew a secret crosslet; by this small token led Thy hand shall guard my husband, as through the press he goes, And in the shock of battle confronts his swarming foes."

XXIX

"So will I do," said Hagan, "my honor'd lady dear."

She thought her lord to profit, and keep from danger clear, But all she did to aid him serv'd but to betray.

Leave then took Sir Hagan, and joyous strode away.

x.x.x

What he had learn'd from Kriemhild his lord then bade him show "Put off this march," said Hagan, "and let us hunting go; Now have I all the secret; now in my hand is he; Could you but contrive it?" "For that," said Gunther, "trust to me."

x.x.xI

The false king and his courtiers to hear his words were fain.

I ween, so base a treason knight ne'er will do again, As then was done by Hagan, when to his faith for aid So fair a lady trusted, and so foully was betrayed.

x.x.xII

Next morning on his journey in haste Sir Siegfried sped.

Of his men a thousand merrily he led.

He thought his foes to punish who had his friends defied.

Next him rode Sir Hagan, and close his vesture eyed.

x.x.xIII

Soon as the mark he noted, he bade in secret go Two of his men some distance, and come as from the foe, Saying, that only friends.h.i.+p to Burgundy was meant, And that they to King Gunther from Ludeger were sent.

x.x.xIV

How then it irk'd Sir Siegfried to turn at once the rein, Ere he in his friend's quarrel had battled once again!

Scarce could the men of Gunther divert him from his way.

So to the king back rode he, who thus his thanks 'gan pay.

x.x.xV

"Now G.o.d requite you, Siegfried, of all my friends the best!

Since you are always ready to do what I request, I'll ever do my utmost to merit such good will.

Many are the friends I trust in, but you're the surest still.

x.x.xVI

"Now that we're free from foemen, and in firm peace abide, Hence to the Wask forest a-hunting let us ride, To chase the bears and wild swine, as oft I've done of yore."

The faithless, murderous Hagan had counsell'd this before.

x.x.xVII

"To all my guests and kinsmen it straight announc'd shall be, I mean to start full early; whoe'er would ride with me, Must forthwith make him ready; whoe'er would here abide, Let him amuse the ladies; with both I'm satisfied."

x.x.xVIII

Then courteously made answer Siegfried the stout and strong, "If you're inclined for hunting, gladly will I along.

So lend me but a huntsman and a good brach or two, And I into the forest will find my way like you."

x.x.xIX

"If one will not suffice you," the fraudful king replied, "I'll lend you four good huntsmen, who know the forest wide, And every track soever where the wild beasts roam.

You'll never, with their guidance, come empty-handed home."

XL

Thence to his gentle lady rode off the warrior bold.

Quick to the king had Hagan the baleful tidings told, How he would surely trap him, the champion frank and free.

Never was such foul treason, nor ever more will be.

XLI

When now was laid the death-plot by that base traitor pair, The rest then all consented. Gernot and Giselher Neither would join the hunting; I know not through what fear Or spite they warn'd not Siegfried; soon paid they for it dear.

SIXTEENTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED WAS SLAIN

I

Gunther and Hagan, the warriors fierce and bold, To execute their treason, resolv'd to scour the wold, The bear, the boar, the wild bull, by hill or dale or fen, To hunt with keen-edg'd javelins; what fitter sport for valiant men?

II

In lordly pomp rode with them Siegfried the champion strong.

Good store of costly viands they brought with them along.