The Nibelungenlied Part 63

Cool was the little runnel, and sparkled clear as gla.s.s.

O'er the rill King Gunther knelt down upon the gra.s.s.

When he his draught had taken he rose and stepp'd aside.

Full fain alike would Siegfried his thirst have satisfied.

LXVI

Dear paid he for his courtesy; his bow, his matchless blade, His weapons all, Sir Hagan far from their lord convey'd, Then back sprung to the linden to seize his ashen spear, And to find out the token survey'd his vesture near;

LXVII

Then, as to drink Sir Siegfried down kneeling there he found, He pierc'd him through the crosslet, that sudden from the wound Forth the life-blood spouted e'en o'er his murderer's weed.

Never more will warrior dare so foul a deed.

LXVIII

Between his shoulders sticking he left the deadly spear.

Never before Sir Hagan so fled for ghastly fear, As from the matchless champion whom he had butcher'd there.

Soon as was Sir Siegfried of the mortal wound aware,

LXIX

Up he from the runnel started as he were wood.

Out from betwixt his shoulders his own huge boar-spear stood.

He thought to find his quiver or his broadsword true.

The traitor for his treason had then receiv'd his due.

LXX

But, ah! the deadly wounded nor sword nor quiver found; His s.h.i.+eld alone beside him lay there upon the ground.

This from the bank he lifted and straight at Hagan ran; Him could not then by fleetness escape King Gunther's man.

LXXI

E'en to the death though wounded, he hurl'd it with such power, That the whirling buckler scatter'd wide a shower Of the most precious jewels, then straight in s.h.i.+vers broke.

Full gladly had the warrior ta'en vengeance with that stroke.

LXXII

E'en as it was, his manhood fierce Hagan level'd low.

Loud, all around, the meadow rang with the wondrous blow.

Had he in hand good Balmung, the murderer he had slain.

His wound was sore upon him; he writh'd in mortal pain.

LXXIII

His lively color faded; a cloud came o'er his sight; He could stand no longer; melted all his might; In his paling visage the mark of death he bore.

Soon many a lovely lady sorrow'd for him sore.

LXXIV

So the lord of Kriemhild among the flowerets fell.

From the wound fresh gus.h.i.+ng his heart's blood fast did well.

Then thus amidst his tortures, e'en with his failing breath, The false friends he upbraided who had contriv'd his death.

LXXV

Thus spake the deadly wounded, "Ay! cowards false as h.e.l.l!

To you I still was faithful; I serv'd you long and well;-- But what boots all?--for guerdon treason and death I've won, By your friends vile traitors! foully have you done.

LXXVI

"Whoever shall hereafter from your loins be born, Shall take from such vile fathers a heritage of scorn.

On me you have wreak'd malice where grat.i.tude was due.

With shame shall you be banish'd by all good knights and true."

LXXVII

Thither ran all the warriors where in his blood he lay.

To many of that party sure 'twas a joyless day.

Whoe'er were true and faithful, they sorrow'd for his fall.

So much the peerless champion had merited of all.

LXXVIII

With them the false King Gunther bewept his timeless end.

Then spake the deadly wounded, "Little it boots your friend Yourself to plot his murder, and then the deed deplore.

Such is a shameful sorrow; better at once 'twere o'er."

LXXIX

Then spake the low'ring Hagan, "I know not why you moan.

Our cares all and suspicions are now for ever flown.

Who now are left, against us who'll dare to make defence?

Well's me, for all this weeping, that I have rid him hence."