The Nibelungenlied Part 66

Well might they be confounded, and from their senses start.

The sting of deadly sorrow was deep in every heart.

XXII

Then said the good King Siegmund, when Kriemhild he had seen, "Woe worth our journey hither! would it had never been!

'Midst such good friends and kinsmen, who has this murder done, Which thee hath cost thy husband, and me, alas! my son?"

XXIII

The n.o.ble lady answer'd, "Could I the murderer find, I'd wreak on him such vengeance with all my heart and mind, That all his friends should sorrow at the woful tale, While they had eyes for weeping, while they had tongues to wail."

XXIV

His arms round the dead champion Sir Siegmund trembling threw; Thereat so loud the sorrow of each beholder grew, That the proud hall of Gunther and the palace high And Worms, through all his quarters, rung to the thrilling cry.

XXV

But none there could bring comfort to Siegfried's lady true.

Out from his bloodied vesture his comely limbs they drew, And wash'd his wound wide-gaping, and laid him on the bier.

Woe were his weeping followers through heart-consuming drear.

XXVI

Out then spake his warriors from the Nibelungers' land; "Revenge will we our master each with his own good hand This very house must harbor him who has done the deed."

Then hasten'd Siegfried's meiny to don their warlike weed.

XXVII

Now did the chosen squadron each with his buckler stand, Eleven hundred champions; at head of all the band Was seen the reverend Siegmund; to faith and honor true Fain would he take vengeance on those who Siegfried slew.

XXVIII

With whom they were to battle they could not yet discern, Unless it were with Gunther and his Burgundians stern, For with them did Siegfried to the fatal hunting go.

When Kriemhild saw them weapon'd, 'twas ill on ill, 'twas woe on woe.

XXIX

However deep her anguish, however great her need, She fear'd to see her followers the Nibelungers bleed Beneath her brother's numbers; so, their stout minds to bend, She gave them gentle counsel, as friend should deal with friend.

x.x.x

Thus said the mournful lady, "Siegmund, my lord, give ear.

What is it you are doing? some rash resolve I fear.

King Gunther has about him full many a man of might; You and all must perish in such unequal fight."

x.x.xI

Each had bound on his buckler; each held his sword in hand; They yearn'd for blood and vengeance; with prayer and with command She press'd th' impatient warriors to choose the milder part; They call'd for instant battle; that cut her to the heart.

x.x.xII

She spake, "My good lord Siegmund, lay thoughts of vengeance by Till some more fitting season; then with you fain will I Revenge my murder'd husband; could I but come to know Who has made me thus a widow, woe should be his for woe.

x.x.xIII

"Many are the haughty warriors here on the banks of Rhine, So keep peace for the present; such sure advice is mine; The match is too unequal, thirty at least to one; G.o.d do to them hereafter as they to us have done.

x.x.xIV

"Stay here, and in my sorrow be pleas'd a part to take, Mine and my lord's revengers, till day begin to break, And help me then to coffin my lord who there lies low."

Then all the warriors answer'd, "Dear lady, be it so."

x.x.xV

In sooth it was a wonder that none can tell aright, How wept and loud lamented many a dame and many a knight, That e'en unto the city the rueful wail was borne; In haste the n.o.ble burghers came when they heard them mourn.

x.x.xVI

They with the guests lamented, for sore they griev'd as well.

What was the offence of Siegfried, none of them could tell, For which by stroke so sudden the chief had lost his life.

There with the high-born ladies wept each good burgher's wife.

x.x.xVII

Joiners and smiths were summon'd to frame a coffin strong, Beset with gold and silver, ma.s.sy and broad and long, And braced with bars of iron to guard the frailer wood.

Then all the crowd about it in dreary sorrow stood.

x.x.xVIII

And now the night was over; forth peep'd the morning fair; Straight bade the n.o.ble lady thence to the minster bear The matchless champion Siegfried, her husband lov'd so dear.

All her friends close follow'd with many a sigh and tear.