The Nibelungenlied Part 85

Courteously one to another went many a blooming maid; Young knights to yield them service with ready zeal essay'd; So after kindly greeting (though erst unknown I ween) They soon came friends together close sitting on the green.

XXVIII

With wine were serv'd the ladies; by this 'twas height of noon; The n.o.ble knights and damsels again were moving soon.

Thence rode they to a meadow where s.p.a.cious tents were pight, And all within made ready for solace and delight.

XXIX

There through the dark they rested till morn began to smile.

They of Bechlaren bestirr'd themselves the while, For such guests and so many fittingly to prepare.

The margrave so had order'd, little was wanting there.

x.x.x

There might you see wide open every window in every wall; The gates of Bechlaren were back thrown one and all; In rode the guests; loud shouted the townsmen least and most; Choice quarters were prepar'd them by the care of the n.o.ble host.

x.x.xI

Sir Rudeger's fair daughter with her maidens went Where the queen she greeted with loving kind intent; There found she, too, her mother, who had with Kriemhild stay'd.

Meanwhile to each fair damsel was joyous welcome made.

x.x.xII

So either party mingled, and each went hand in hand Into a s.p.a.cious palace with curious cunning plann'd; Beneath it roll'd the Danube; there took they all their ease, In gentle pastime sitting, fann'd by the river breeze.

x.x.xIII

What further pa.s.s'd among them is more than I can say.

Sore murmur'd Kriemhild's followers that they must hence away, And leave the pleasant city where such kind friends abode.

Ah! what good warriors with them from Bechlaren rode!

x.x.xIV

To them much loving service the n.o.ble margrave paid; Then to fair Gotelind's daughter the queen a present made; She gave her twelve red armlets, and robes so richly wrought, That with her nothing better to Etzel's land she brought.

x.x.xV

Albeit the wondrous treasure now was hers no more, Still, from the small remainder of her once boundless store, Whome'er she saw, her bounty made every one content, And now to Rudeger's household right precious gifts she sent.

x.x.xVI

In turn, as well befitted her state and lofty line, So well Dame Gotelind treated the strangers from the Rhine, That few were there among them, but from her copious store Precious stones in plenty or gorgeous raiment bore.

x.x.xVII

When they their fast had broken, and ready were to part, Then the n.o.ble hostess with true and faithful heart Proffer'd her constant service to Etzel's stately queen, Who much caress'd and fondly the fair young margravine.

x.x.xVIII

To the queen said the damsel, "If it seem you well, Of the mind of my father this I can truly tell, That he would gladly send me among the Huns to you."

That the young maiden lov'd her, how well fair Kriemhild knew!

x.x.xIX

Their horses now were saddled, and brought before the town.

Thither the n.o.ble Kriemhild came from the castle down, And bade farewell to Gotelind and to her daughter dear.

Many a maid of many a maiden took leave with many a tear.

XL

They look'd on one another but seldom from that day.

At Medilich to the strangers were handed on the way Rich golden cups, well fas.h.i.+on'd, and thereto, as a sign Of free and hearty welcome, fill'd to the brim with wine.

XLI

Here held his wary station a host that Astolt hight; From him the road to Austria the travellers learn'd aright, Toward Mautern down the Danube; all anxious there were seen To meet with zealous service King Etzel's gracious queen.

XLII

There lovingly the bishop parted from his niece, How strongly he advis'd her to live in joy and peace, And gain fair fame and credit as Helca did of yore!

Ah! what high honors thenceforth among the Huns she bore!

XLIII

Thence their way to the Traisem the n.o.ble strangers made.

The men of the good margrave all fair attendance paid, Till the Huns to meet them came riding o'er the green.

Then with royal honors was welcomed the fair queen.

XLIV

Fast beside the Traisem the King of Hungary Possess'd a famous castle kept well and warily; It's name was Zeissenmauer; there Helca once did dwell, Displaying such high virtues, that none could her excel,