The Nibelungenlied Part 82

She long'd t' enrich the comrades of Rudeger, every man.

Cx.x.x

Gold had she yet remaining from the Nibelungers' land; All wish'd she to th' Hungarians to give with lavish hand; St.u.r.dy mules a hundred could not have borne the same.

But the tale of this huge treasure to th' ear of Hagan came.

Cx.x.xI

Said he, "She'll ne'er forgive me, that need I not be told; So safe with us Burgundians shall stay Sir Siegfried's gold.

Why should I let such treasure to deadly foes accrue?

I know full well what Kriemhild with all this wealth will do.

Cx.x.xII

"If once she hence could fetch it, I guess her whole intent; I doubt not, every farthing would to my hurt be spent.

Besides, they have not horses such weight to undergo; So Hagan here will keep it, and that shall Kriemhild know."

Cx.x.xIII

When she heard the tidings, she felt it grievous bale; To the three kings together full soon was told the tale.

They wish'd they could avert it, but nothing hence ensued.

Then thus the n.o.ble Rudeger spoke in right merry mood.

Cx.x.xIV

"Rich and n.o.ble princess, why sorrow for the gold?

Let but the eyes of Etzel your peerless fair behold, So much the king adores you (for this on me depend) He'll give you far more treasure than you can ever spend."

Cx.x.xV

Thereto the queen made answer, "Right n.o.ble Rudeger, More wealth had never princess in kingdom far or near, Than this outrageous Hagan has foully reft from me."

Then came her brother Gernot to her chamber hastily.

Cx.x.xVI

The king's key in a moment he dash'd into the door.

The gold of Lady Kriemhild, thirty thousand marks or more, Out was laid in order from the secret cell.

He bade the strangers take it; that pleas'd King Gunther well.

Cx.x.xVII

Then he of Bechlaren, fair Gotelind's husband, spake: "If my Lady Kriemhild had power with her to take All that from Nibelung's country was ever brought to Rhine, Yet touch'd should it be never by her hand or by mine.

Cx.x.xVIII

"So let it here be treasur'd, for none of it will I.

From home I have hither brought such a large supply, That on the road full lightly we can with this dispense, So amply are we furnish'd for all the journey hence."

Cx.x.xIX

Twelve chests of gold, the choicest that e'er was seen of eye, Her maidens had kept ever in close reserve laid by.

Now with them, as they parted, they took the precious load, With store of women's trinkets, to serve them on the road.

CXL

Still she look'd for violence from Hagan bad and bold.

She had yet for pious uses a thousand marks of gold.

These for the soul of Siegfried, her dearest lord, she gave.

"Her love," thought n.o.ble Rudeger, "lives e'en beyond the grave."

CXLI

Then spake again the mourner: "Where are my friends," said she, "Who will a life of exile endure for love of me?

They with the banish'd widow to Hungary must ride; Let them take of my treasures, and clothes and steeds provide."

CXLII

Then spake to the sad princess the Margrave Eckewart, "Since of your royal household first I form'd a part, I've done you loyal service; this can I truly say, And will the like do ever e'en to my dying day.

CXLIII

"Of my men, too, five hundred to guard you I will lead, All at your disposal, faithful and good at need.

Us from the side of Kriemhild death alone shall part."

She bow'd to him in silence; his words went to her heart.

CXLIV

Then forth were led their horses; start must they presently; There all around them flocking their friends wept bitterly.

Surely did wealthy Uta with her fair maidens show How deeply they lamented that Kriemhild was to go.

CXLV

A hundred high-born damsels begirt the parting queen, All clad, as well became them, in robes of glittering sheen.