Nibelungenlied
The Nibelungenlied, translated as The Song of the Nibelungs, is an epic poem written around 1200 in Middle High German.
[ More ParallelTexts | Source language: Middle High German | Target language: English ]
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Kriemhild's Dream
1: uns. ist. in alten mæren. wunders vile geseit.
To us in olden story / are wonders many told
von heleden lobebæren. von grôzer arebeit.
Of heroes rich in glory, / of trials manifold:
von vröuwede unde hôchgezîten von weinenne unde klagenne.
Of joy and festive greeting, / of weeping and of woe,
Of keenest warriors meeting, / shall ye now many a wonder know.
2: ez wuohs in Burgonden. ein vile edel magedîn.
There once grew up in Burgundy / a maid of noble birth,
daz in allen landen. niht schoeners mohte sîn.
Nor might there be a fairer / than she in all the earth:
Kriemhilt geheizen. diu wart ein schoene wîp.
Kriemhild hight the maiden, / and grew a dame full fair,
Through whom high thanes a many / to lose their lives soon dooméd were.
3: ir pflâgen drî küninge. edel unde rîche.
Three noble lords did guard her, / great as well in might,
Gunther unde Gêrnôt. die recken lobelich.
Gunther and Gernot, / each one a worthy knight,
unde Gîselher der junge. ein wætlîcher degen.
And Giselher their brother, / a hero young and rare.
The lady was their sister / and lived beneath the princes' care.
4: ein rîchiu küninginne. vrouwe Uote ire muoter hiez.
These lords were free in giving, / and born of high degree;
ire vater der hiez Dancrât. der in diu erbe liez.
Undaunted was the valor / of all the chosen three.
sît nâch sîneme lebene. ein ellenes rîcher man.
It was the land of Burgundy / o'er which they did command,
der ouch in sîner jugende. grôzer êren vile gewan.
And mighty deeds of wonder / they wrought anon in Etzel's land.
5: die hêrren wâren milte. von arte hôch erboren.
At Worms amid their warriors / they dwelt, the Rhine beside,
mit kraft unmâzen küene. die recken ûzerkoren.
And in their lands did serve them / knights of mickle pride,
dâ ze den Burgonden. sô was ire lant genant.
Who till their days were ended / maintained them high in state.
si vrumeten starkiu wunder. sît in Ètzelen lande.
They later sadly perished / beneath two noble women's hate.
6: ze Wormeze bî dem Rîne. si woneten mit ire kraft.
A high and royal lady, / Ute their mother hight,
in dieneten von ire landen. vile stolziu ritterschaft.
Their father's name was Dankrat, / a man of mickle might.
mit lobelîchen êren. unz an ire endes zît.
To them his wealth bequeathed he / when that his life was done,
si sturben jâmerlîche. sît von zweier vrouwen nîde.
For while he yet was youthful / had he in sooth great honor won.
In truth were these three rulers, / as I before did say,
von vile hôhem ellene. in wâren undertân.
Great and high in power, / and homage true had they
ouch die bezzisten recken. von den man hât gesaget.
Eke of knights the boldest / and best that e'er were known,
starc unde vile küene. in scharpfen strîten unverzaget.
Keen men all and valiant, / as they in battle oft had shown.
8: daz was von Tronege Hagene. unde ouch der bruoder sîn.
There was of Tronje Hagen, / and of that princely line
Dancwart der snelle. von Metzen Ortwîn.
His brother valiant Dankwart; / and eke of Metz Ortwein;
die zwêne marcgrâven. Gêre unde Ègewart.
Then further the two margraves, / Gere and Eckewart;
Volcgêr von Alzeie. mit ganzem ellene wole bewart.
Of Alzei was Volker, / a doughty man of dauntless heart.
9: Rûmolt der kuchenmeister. ein ûzerwelter degen.
Rumold the High Steward, / a chosen man was he,
Sindolt unde Hûnolt. dise hêrren muosen pflegen.
Sindold and Hunold / they tended carefully
des hoves unde der êren. der drîer küninge manne.
Each his lofty office / in their three masters' state,
And many a knight beside them / that I the tale may ne'er relate.
Dankwart he was Marshal; / his nephew, then, Ortwein
truhtsæze des küninges. von Metzen Ortwîn.
Upon the monarch waited / when that he did dine;
Sindolt der was schenke. ein wætlîcher degen.
Sindold was Cup-bearer, / a stately thane was he,
And Chamberlain was Hunold, / masters all in courtesy.
11: von des hoves êre. unde von ire wîten kraft.
Of the kings' high honor / and their far-reaching might,
von ire vile hôhen werdicheit. unde von ire ritterschaft.
Of their full lofty majesty / and how each gallant knight
der die hêrren pflâgen. mit vröuweden al ire leben
Found his chiefest pleasure / in the life of chivalry,
des en kunde iu ze wâre. niemen gar ein ende geben.
In sooth by mortal never / might it full related be.
12: in disen hôhen êren. troumte Kriemhilte.
Amid this life so noble / did dream the fair Kriemhild
wie si züge einen valken. starc schoene unde wilde.
How that she reared a falcon, / in beauty strong and wild,
That by two eagles perished; / the cruel sight to see
ir en kunde in dirre werlte. leider niemer geschehen.
Did fill her heart with sorrow / as great as in this world might be.
13: den troum si dô sagete. ire muoter. Uoten.
The dream then to her mother / Queen Ute she told,
si ne kunde es niht bescheiden. baz der guoten.
But she could not the vision / than thus more clear unfold:
der valke den dû ziuhest. daz ist ein edel man.
"The falcon that thou rearedst, / doth mean a noble spouse:
God guard him well from evil / or thou thy hero soon must lose."
14: waz saget ir mir von manne. vile liebiu muoter mîn.
"Of spouse, O darling mother, / what dost thou tell to me?
âne recken minne. sô wile ich iemer sîn.
Without a knight to woo me, / so will I ever be,
sus schoene ich wile belîben. unz an mînen tôt.
Unto my latest hour / I'll live a simple maid,
That I through lover's wooing / ne'er be brought to direst need."
"Forswear it not so rashly," / her mother then replied.
"On earth if thou wilt ever / cast all care aside,
'Tis love alone will do it; / thou shalt be man's delight,
ob dir got gevüeget eines rehte guoten ritters lîp.
If God but kindly grant thee / to wed a right good valiant knight."
16: die rede lât belîben. vile liebiu vrouwe mîn.
"Now urge the case, dear mother," / quoth she, "not further here.
Fate of many another / dame hath shown full clear
wie liebe mit leide. ze jungeste lônen kan.
How joy at last doth sorrow / lead oft-times in its train.
That I no ruth may borrow, / from both alike I'll far remain."
17: Kriemhilt in ire muote. sich minne gar bewac.
Long time, too, did Kriemhild / her heart from love hold free,
sît lebete diu vile guote. vile manigen lieben tac.
And many a day the maiden / lived right happily,
Ere good knight saw she any / whom she would wish to woo.
sît wart si mit êren. eines vile werden recken wîp.
In honor yet she wedded / anon a worthy knight and true.
Siegfried
18: der was der selbe valke. den si in ire troume sach.
He was that same falcon / she saw the dream within
den ir beschiet ire muoter. wie sêre si daz rach.
Unfolded by her mother. / Upon her nearest kin,
an ire nâhesten mâgen. die in sluogen sint.
That they did slay him later, / how wreaked she vengeance wild!
durch sîn eines sterben. starp vile manic muoter kint.
Through death of this one hero / died many another mother's child.
19: dô wuohs in Niderlanten. eines edeln küninges kint.
There grew likewise in Netherland / a prince of noble kind,
des vater der hiez Sigemunt. sîn muoter Sigelint.
Siegmund hight his father, / his mother Siegelind—
in einer rîchen bürge. wîten wole bekant.
Within a lordly castle / well known the country o'er,
nidene bî dem Rîne. diu was ze Santen genant.
By the Rhine far downward: / Xanten was the name it bore.
20: Sîvrit was geheizen. der snelle degen guot.
Siegfried they did call him, / this bold knight and good;
er versuochte vile der rîche. durch ellenthaften muot.
Many a realm he tested, / for brave was he of mood.
durch sînes lîbes sterke. suochte er vremediu lant.
He rode to prove his prowess / in many a land around:
hei waz er sneller degene. sît ze Burgonden vant.
Heigh-ho! what thanes of mettle / anon in Burgundy he found!
21: ê daz der degen küene. vol wüehse ze manne.
In the springtime of his vigor, / when he was young and bold,
dô hête er solichiu wunder. mit sîner hant getân.
Could tales of mickle wonder / of Siegfried be told,
How he grew up in honor, / and how fair he was to see:
des wir in disen stunten. müezen vile von im gedagen.
Anon he won the favor / of many a debonair lady.
22: in sînen bezzisten zîten. bî sînen jungen tagen.
As for a prince was fitting, / they fostered him with care:
man mohte michel wunder. von Sîvriden sagen.
Yet how the knightly virtues / to him native were!
waz êren an im wüehse. unde wie schoene was sîn lîp.
'Twas soon the chiefest glory / of his father's land,
des hêten in ze minne. diu vile wætlîchen wîp.
That he in fullest measure / endowed with princely worth did stand.
23: man zôch in mit dem vlîze. als im daz wole gezam.
He soon was grown in stature / that he at court did ride.
von sîn selbes tugenden. waz zuht er an sich nam.
The people saw him gladly, / lady and maid beside
des wurden sît gezieret. sînes vateres lant.
Did wish that his own liking / might lead him ever there.
daz man in ze allen dingen. sô rehte hêrlîchen vant.
That they did lean unto him / the knight was soon right well aware.
In youth they let him never / without safe escort ride;
in hiez mit wæte zieren. sîn muoter Sigelint.
Soon bade Siegmund and Siegelind / apparel rich provide;
Men ripe in wisdom taught him, / who knew whence honor came.
des mohte er wole gewinnen. beidiu liute unde lant.
Thus many lands and people / he won by his wide-honored name.
25: nû was er in der sterke. daz er wole wâfen truoc.
Now was he of such stature / that he could weapons bear:
swes er dâ zuo bedorfte. des lac an im genuoc.
Of what thereto he needed / had he an ample share.
Then to think of loving / fair maids did he begin,
die trûten wole mit êren. den sînen wætlîchen lîp.
And well might they be honored / for wooer Siegfried bold to win.
Then bade his father Siegmund / make known to one and all
er wolte hôchgezîte. mit lieben vriunden hân.
That he with his good kinsmen / would hold high festival.
diu mære man dô vuorte. in vremeder küninge lant.
And soon were tidings carried / to all the neighboring kings;
den gesten unde den kunden. gap man rosse unde ouch gewant.
To friends at home and strangers / steeds gave he and rich furnishin
Wherever they found any / who knight was fit to be
von art der sînen mâge. diu edeln kindelîn.
By reason of his kindred, / all such were courteously
diu ladete man zuo dem lande. durch die hôchgezît.
Unto the land invited / to join the festal throng,
mitsamet dem jungen küninge. swert genâmen si sît.
When with the prince so youthful / on them the knightly sword was hung.
28: von der hôchgezîte. man mohte wunder sagen.
Of this high time of revelry / might I great wonders tell.
Sigemunt unde Sigelint. die kunden wole bejagen.
Siegmund and Siegelind / great honor won full well,
mit guote michel êre. des teilte vile ire hant.
Such store of goodly presents / they dealt with generous hand,
That knights were seen full many / from far come pricking to their land.
Four hundred lusty squires / were there to be clad
mit dem jungen küninge. vile manic schoeniu meit.
In knight's full garb with Siegfried. / Full many a beauteous maid
mit werke was unmüezic. wande si in wâren holt.
At work did never tire, / for dear they did him hold,
vile der edeln steine. die vrouwen leiten in daz golt.
And many a stone full precious / those ladies laid within the gold,
30: die si mit porten wolten. würken ûf ire wât.
That they upon the doublets / embroidered cunningly
den stolzen swertdegenen des en was niht rât.
Of those soon to be knighted: / 't was thus it had to be,
der wirt der hiez dô sidelen. vile manigem küenen manne.
Seats bade the host for many / a warrior bold make right
ze einen sunnewenden. dâ er die hôchgezîte wolte hân.
Against the high midsummer, / when Siegfried won the name of knight.
31: dô gie ze einem münster. vile manic rîcher kneht.
Then went unto the minster / full many a noble knight
unde vile der edeln ritter. die wîsen hêten reht.
And gallant squires beside them. / The elder there with right
daz si den tumben dieneten. als in was êr getân.
Did wait upon the younger, / as once for them was done.
si hêten kurzewîle. unde ouch vile maniger vröuweden wân.
They were all light-hearted, / in hope of pleasure every one.
32: gote man ze den êren. ein messe sanc.
God to praise and honor / they sang the mass' song;
dô wart von den liuten. vile michel der gedranc.
There, too, were crowds of people, / a great and surging throng,
dâ si ze ritter wurden. nâch ritterlîcher ê.
When after knightly custom / knighthood received they then,
mit alsô grôzen êren. daz wætlîche iemer mêr ergê.
In such a stately pageant / as scarce might ever be again.
They hastened where they found them / saddled many a steed;
in hove Sigemundes. der bûhurt wart sô starc.
In the court of Siegmund's castle / they tilted with such speed
daz man erdiezen hôrte. palas unde sal.
That far the din resounded / through castle and through hall,
die hôchgemuoten degene. hêten vroelîchen schal.
As in the play with clamor / did join the fiery riders all.
34: von wîsen unde von tumben. man hôrte manigen stôz.
Well-tried old knights and youthful / met there in frequent clash,
daz der schefte brechen. gein dem lufte dôz.
There was sound of shattered lances / that through the air did crash,
trunzûne sach man vliegen. vüre den palas dannen.
And along before the castle / were splinters seen to fly
dâ sâhen kurzewîle. beidiu wîp unde ouch die manne.
From hands of knights a many: / each with other there did vie.
The king he bade give over: / they led the chargers out:
man sach ouch dâ zerbrochen vile manige buckel starc.
There was seen all shattered / many a boss well-wrought,
vile der edeln steine. gevellet ûf daz gras.
And many a stone full costly / lay there upon the sward
an liehten schildes spangen. von hurtenne daz geschehen was.
From erstwhile shining shield-bands, / now broken in the jousting hard.
The guests all went thereafter / where seats for them were reared;
vile der edeln spîse. si von der müede schiet.
They by the choicest viands / from weariness were cheered,
unde wîn der allerbezziste. den man mit vollen truoc.
And wine, of all the rarest, / that then in plenty flowed.
den vremeden unde den kunden. bôt man êren dâ genuoc.
Upon both friends and strangers / were fitting honors rich bestowed.
37: solicher kurzewîle si pflâgen al den tac.
In such merry manner / all day did last the feast.
vile der varnder diete. ruowe sich bewac.
Many a wandering minstrel / knew not any rest,
si dieneten nâch der gâbe. die man dâ rîche vant.
But sang to win the presents / dealt out with bounteous hand;
des wart mit lobe gezieret. allez Sigemundes lant.
And with their praise was honored / far and wide King Siegmund's land.
38: der hêrre hiez dô lîhen. sînen sun den jungen man.
The monarch then did order / Siegfried his youthful son
lant unde bürge. als er êr hête getân.
In fee give lands and castles, / as he erstwhile had done.
den sînen swertgenôzen. gap dô vile sîne hant.
To all his sword-companions / he gave with such full hand,
That joyed they o'er the journey / they now had made unto that land.
39: diu hôchgezîte dô werte unz an den sibenden tac.
The festival yet lasted / until the seventh day.
Sigelint diu rîche. nâch alten siten pflac.
Siegelind after old custom / in plenty gave away
durch ire kindes liebe. geben rôtez golt.
—For so her son she honored— / rich gifts of shining gold:
In sooth deserved she richly / that all should him in honor hold.
40: lützel decheinen varnden armen man dâ vant.
Never a wandering minstrel / was unprovided found:
ros unde kleider. daz stoup in von der hant.
Horses there and raiment / so free were dealt around,
sam si ze lebenne hêten mêr decheinen tac.
As if to live they had not / beyond it one day more.
ich wæne ie ingesinde. sô grôzer milte gepflac.
I ween a monarch's household / ne'er bestowed such gifts before.
41: mit lobelîchen êren. schiet sich diu hôchgezît.
Thus closed the merry feasting / in this right worthy way,
von des landes hêrren. hôrte man wole sît.
And 't was well known thereafter / how those good knights did say
daz si den jungen wolten. ze eineme vogete hân.
That they the youthful hero / for king would gladly have;
des en wolte in dô niht volgen. Sîvrit der wætlich man.
But this nowise he wished for, / Siegfried the stately knight and brave.
How Siegfried came to Worms
42: sît daz noch beide lebeten. Sigemunt unde Sigelint.
While that they both were living, / Siegmund and Siegelind,
No crown their son desired, / —thereto he had no mind.
Yet would he fain be master / o'er all the hostile might
des in den landen vorhte. der degen küene unde balt.
That in the lands around him / opposed the keen and fiery knight.
43: in dorfte nieman schelten. sît dô er wâfen genam.
Seldom in sooth, if ever, / the hero's heart was sad.
jâ geruowete vile selten. der recke lobesam.
He heard them tell the story, / how that a winsome maid
suochte niuwan strîten. sîn ellenthaftiu hant.
There lived afar in Burgundy, / surpassing fair to see:
tet in ze allen zîten. in vremeden rîchen wole bekant.
Great joy she brought him later, / but eke she brought him misery.
44: den hêrren muoten selten. decheiniu herzenleit.
in Burgonden wære. ze wunsche wole getân.
dâ von er sît vile arebeit. unde ouch vröuweden gewan.
45: diu ire unmâze schoene. was vile wîten kunt.
Of her exceeding beauty / the fame spread far and near,
unde ire vile hôch gemüete. zuo der selben stunt.
And of the thing, moreover, / were knights oft-times aware
an der juncvrouwen. sô manic helt ervant.
How the maid's high spirit / no mortal could command:
ez ladete vile der geste. in daz Guntheres lant.
The thing lured many a stranger / from far unto King Gunther's land.
46: swaz man nâch ire minne. der werbenten sach.
Although to win her favor / were many wooers bent,
Kriemhilt in ire sinne. ir selber nie verjach.
In her own heart would never / Kriemhild thereto consent
daz si decheinen wolte. ze eineme trûte hân.
That any one amongst them / for lover she would have:
Still to her was he a stranger / to whom anon her troth she gave.
47: dô gedâhte ûf hôhe minne. daz Sigelinde kint.
To true love turned his fancy / the son of Siegelind.
ez was ir aller werben. wider in ein wint.
'Gainst his, all others' wooing / was like an idle wind:
er mohte wole verdienen. schoener vrouwen lîp.
Full well did he merit / a lady fair to woo,
sît wart diu edel Kriemhilt. des starken Sîvrides wîp.
And soon the noble Kriemhild / to Siegfried bold was wedded true.
48: im rieten sîne mâge. unde genuoge sîne manne.
By friends he oft was counselled, / and many a faithful man,
sît daz er ûf minne. vlîzen sich began.
Since to think of wooing / in earnest he began,
daz er eine næme. diu im mohte zemen.
That he a wife should find him / of fitting high degree.
Then spoke the noble Siegfried: / "In sooth fair Kriemhild shall it be,
49: die edeln juncvrouwen. ûz Burgonden lande.
"The noble royal maiden / in Burgundy that dwells,
durch ire vile grôzen schoene. von sage ist mir bekant.
For sake of all her beauty. / Of her the story tells,
Ne'er monarch was so mighty / that, if for spouse he sighed,
im en zæme wole ze minnenne. der jungen küninginne lîp.
'Twere not for him befitting / to take the princess for his bride."
50: disiu selben mære. vernam dô Sigemunt
Unto King Siegmund also / the thing was soon made known.
His people talked about it, / whereby to him was shown
der wille sînes kindes. was im grimme leit.
The Prince's fixéd purpose. / It grieved him sorely, too,
daz er werben wolte. die vile hêrlîchen meit.
That his son intent was / the full stately maid to woo.
51: ez gevriesch ouch Sigelint. des edeln küninges wîp.
Siegelind asked and learned it, / the noble monarch's wife.
si hête grôze sorge. umbe ire kindes lîp.
For her loved son she sorrowed / lest he should lose his life,
den vorhte si verliesen. von Gunthers mannen.
For well she knew the humor / of Gunther and his men.
den gewerp man dô dem degene. sêre leiden began.
Then gan they from the wooing / strive to turn the noble thane.
52: dô sprach der starke Sîvrit. vile lieber vater mîn.
Then said the doughty Siegfried: / "O father dear to me,
âne edeler vrouwen minne. wolte ich iemer sîn.
Without the love of woman / would I ever be,
ich en würbe dar mîn herze. vile grôze liebe hât.
Could I not woo in freedom / where'er my heart is set.
Whate'er be said by any, / I'll keep the selfsame purpose yet."
"Since thou wilt not give over," / the king in answer said,
sô bin ich dînes willen. inniclîchen vrô.
"Am I of this thy purpose / inwardly full glad,
And straightway to fulfil it / I'll help as best I can,
doch hât der küninc Gunther. vile manigen übermüeten man.
Yet in King Gunther's service / is many a haughty-minded man.
54: ob ez ander niemen wære. wan Hagene der degen.
"And were there yet none other / than Hagen, warrior-knight,
der kan mit übermuote. der hôchverte pflegen.
He with such haughty bearing / is wont to show his might,
daz ich vile sêre vürhte. dazz iz uns werde leit.
That I do fear right sorely / that sad our end may be,
jâ ist mir solicher mære. dicke vile von in geseit.
If we set out with purpose / to win the stately maid for thee."
"Shall we by that be hindered?" / outspake Siegfried then;
swaz ich vriuntlîche niht ab in erbite.
"Whate'er in friendly fashion / I cannot obtain
I'll yet in other manner / take that, with sword in hand.
ich trûwe im an ertwingen. beidiu liut unde lant.
I trow from them I'll further / wrest both their vassals and their land."
"I grieve to hear thy purpose," / said Siegmund the king;
wan würden disiu mære. ze Rîne geseit.
"If any one this story / unto the Rhine should bring,
Then durst thou never after / within that land be seen.
Gunther unde Gêrnôt. sint mir lange wole bekant.
Gunther and Gernot, / —well known to me they long have been.
"By force, however mighty, / no man can win the maid,"
Spake King Siegmund further, / "to me hath oft been said.
But if with knightly escort / thither thou wilt ride,
Good friends—an have we any— / shall soon be summoned to thy side."
"No wish," then answered Siegfried, / "it ever was of mine,
daz mir sulen recken. ze Rîne volgen. mit.
That warrior knights should follow / with me unto the Rhine
durch decheine hervart. daz wære mir leit.
As if arrayed for battle: / 'twould make my heart full sad,
dâ mit ich solte ertwingen. die vile hêrlîchen meit.
To force in hostile manner / to yield to me the stately maid.
59: si mac sus wole erwerben. dâ mîn eines hant.
"By my own hand—thus only— / trust I to win my bride;
ich wile mit zwelif gesellen in Gunthers lant.
With none but twelve in company / to Gunther's land I'll ride.
dar sulet ir mir helfen. vater Sigemunt.
In this, O royal father, / thy present help I pray."
dô gap man sînen degenen. ze kleiden grâ. unde bunt.
Gray and white fur raiment / had his companions for the way.
60: dô vernam ouch disiu mære. sîn muoter Sigelint.
Siegelind his mother / then heard the story too,
si begunde trûren. umbe ire liebez kint.
And grieved she was on hearing / what her dear son would do,
jâ vorhte si vile sêre. die Guntheres manne.
For she did fear to lose him / at hands of Gunther's men.
diu edele küninginne. dâr umbe weinen began.
Thereat with heart full heavy / began to weep the noble queen.
61: dô kom der hêrre Sîvrit. dâ er die vrouwen sach.
Then came forth Sir Siegfried / where the queen he sought,
wider sîne muoter guotlîche er sprach.
And to his weeping mother / thus gently spake his thought:
ir en sulet niht weinen. durch den willen mîn.
"No tear of grief thou shouldest / ever shed for me,
jâ wile ich âne sorge. vore allen wîganden sîn.
For I care not a tittle / for all the warriors that be.
62: nû helfet mir der reise. in Burgonden lande.
"So help me on my journey / to the land of Burgundy,
daz ich unde mîne recken. haben solich gewant.
And furnish such apparel / for all my knights and me,
daz sô stolze degene. mit êren mügen tragen.
As warriors of our station / might well with honor wear.
des wile ich genâde. iu mit triuwen iemer sagen.
Then I in turn right truly / to thee my gratitude will swear."
"Since thou wilt not give over," / Siegelind then replied,
sô hilfe ich dir der reise. mîn einigez kint.
"My only son, I'll help thee / as fits thee forth to ride,
mit der bezzisten wæte. die ritter ie getruoc.
With the best apparel / that riders ever wore,
Thee and thy companions: / ye shall of all have goodly store."
64: des neic ir mit zühten. der vile küene man.
Then bowed the youthful Siegfried / the royal dame before,
And said: "Upon the journey / will I take no more,
But twelve good knights only: / for these rich dress provide,
ich wile versuochen gerne. wie ez umbe Kriemhilte stât.
For I would know full gladly / how 't doth with Kriemhild betide."
65: dâ sâzen schoene vrouwe. naht unde tac.
Then sat at work fair women / by night and eke by day,
lützel decheiner muoze. ir decheiniu pflac.
And rest indeed but little / from busy toil had they,
unze si geworhten die Sîvrides wât.
Until they had made ready / the dress Siegfried should wear.
Firm bent upon the journey, / no other counsel would he hear.
66: sîn vater hiez im zieren. sîn ritterlich gewant.
His father bade a costly / garb for him prepare,
dâ mit er varn wolte. in Burgonden lant.
That leaving Siegmund's country / he the same might wear.
die ire vile liehten brünne. die wurden ouch bereit.
For all their glittering breastplates / were soon prepared beside,
unde ire vile guoten helme. ire schilde schoene unde breit.
And helmets firmly welded, / and shining shields long and wide.
67: dô nâhete in ire reise. ze den Burgonden dannen.
Then fast the day grew nearer / when they should thence depart.
Men and likewise women / went sorrowing in heart,
ob si iemer wider solten. komen in daz lant.
If that they should ever / see more their native land.
dô soumte man den degenen. vone dannen wâfen unde gewant.
With full equipment laden / the sumpter horses there did stand.
68: ire rosse diu wârn schoene. ire gereite goldes rôt.
Their steeds were stately, furnished / with trappings rich with gold;
It were a task all bootless / to seek for knights more bold
denne wære Sîvrit. unde die sîne manne.
Than were the gallant Siegfried / and his chosen band.
wie schône er urloubes gerte ze den Burgonden dannen.
He longed to take departure / straightway for Burgundian land.
69: in werte trûriclîche. der küninc unde ouch sîn wîp.
Leave granted they with sadness, / both the king and queen,
er trôste minniclîchen. dô ir beider lîp.
The which to turn to gladness / sought the warrior keen,
And spake then: "Weep ye shall not / at all for sake of me,
iemer âne sorge. müget ir wole mînes lîbes sîn.
Forever free from doubtings / about my safety may ye be."
Stern warriors stood there sorrowing, / —in tears was many a maid.
I ween their hearts erred nothing, / as sad forebodings said
daz in sô vile ire vriunde. dâ von gelæge tôt.
That 'mongst their friends so many / thereby were doomed to die.
von schulden si dô klageten. des gie in endelîche nôt.
Good cause had they to sorrow / at last o'er all their misery.
71: an dem sehsten morgene. ze Wormeze ûf den sant.
Upon the seventh morning / to Worms upon the strand
riten die vile küenen. allez ire gewant.
Did come the keen knights riding. / Bright shone many a band
was von rôtem golde. ire gereite wole getân.
Of gold from their apparel / and rich equipment then;
ire ros diu giengen ebene. des hêrren Sîvrides mannen.
And gently went their chargers / with Siegfried and his chosen men.
72: ire schilde wârn niuwe. starc unde breit.
New-made shields they carried / that were both strong and wide
unde lieht ire helme. dâ ze hove reit.
And brightly shone their helmets / as thus to court did ride
Sîvrit der vile küene. in Guntheres lant.
Siegfried the keen warrior / into King Gunther's land.
man gesach an heleden. nie sô hêrlich gewant.
Of knights before was never / beheld so richly clad a band.
73: diu ort der swerte giengen. nider ûf die sporen.
The points of their long scabbards / reached down unto the spur,
ez vuorten scharpfe gêren. die ritter ûzerkoren.
And spear full sharply pointed / bore each chosen warrior.
Sîvrit der vuorte ir einen. wole zweier spannen breit.
The one that Siegfried carried / in breadth was two good span,
der ze sînen eggen. harte vreislîchen sneit.
And grimly cut its edges / when driven by the fearless man.
74: die goldes rôten zöume. vuorten si an der hant.
Reins with gold all gleaming / held they in the hand,
von sîden vüregebüege. sus kômen si in daz lant.
The saddle-bands were silken. / So came they to the land.
daz volc si allenthalben. kapfen an began.
On every side the people / to gape at them began,
dô liefen in engegene. des küninges Guntheres manne.
And also out to meet them / the men that served King Gunther ran.
75: die hôchgemuoten recken. ritter unde knehte.
Gallant men high-hearted, / knight and squire too,
Hastened to receive them, / for such respect was due,
unde entviengen dise geste. in ire hêrren lande.
And bade the guests be welcome / unto their master's land.
si nâmen in die moere. unde ire schilde von der hant.
They took from them their chargers, / and shields as well from out the hand.
Then would they eke the chargers / lead forth unto their rest;
Sîvrit der starke. zuo den helden sprach.
But straight the doughty Siegfried / to them these words addressed:
lât uns noch die moere. eine wîle stân.
"Yet shall ye let our chargers / stand the while near by;
wir wellen schiere hinnen. des ich guoten willen hân.
Soon take we hence our journey; / thereon resolved full well am I.
77: man sol ouch unser schilde. niender von uns tragen.
"If that be known to any, / let him not delay,
wâ ich den küninc vinde. kan mir daz ieman sagen.
Where I your royal master / now shall find, to say,—
Gunthern den rîchen. ûz Burgonden lande.
Gunther, king so mighty / o'er the land of Burgundy."
Then told him one amongst them / to whom was known where that might be:
"If that the king thou seekest, / right soon may he be found.
ûf jenem sal wîten. hân ich in gesehen.
Within that wide hall yonder / with his good knights around
bî den sînen degenen. wellt ir zuoze im gân.
But now I saw him sitting. / Thither do thou repair,
ir müget dâ vore im vinden. manigen ûzerwelten man.
And thou may'st find around him / many a stately warrior there."
79: dô wâren ouch dem küninge. diu mære nû geseit.
Now also to the monarch / were the tidings told,
daz ûf sînem hove wæren. ritter vile gemeit.
That within his castle / were knights arrived full bold,
die vuorten liehte brünne. unde hêrlich gewant.
All clad in shining armor / and apparelled gorgeously;
si en kante niemen in der Burgonden lande.
But not a man did know them / within the land of Burgundy.
Thereat the king did wonder / whence were come to him
die hêrlîche recken. in wæte liehtgevare.
These knights adventure seeking / in dress so bright and trim,
unde mit sô schoenen schilden. niuwe unde breit.
And shields adorned so richly / that new and mighty were.
daz im daz niemen sagete. daz was im grôzlîche leit.
That none the thing could tell him / did grieve him sorely to hear.
Outspake a knight then straightway, / Ortwein by name was he,
starc unde küene. mohte er wole sîn.
Strong and keen as any / well was he known to be:
"Since we of them know nothing, / bid some one quickly go
And fetch my uncle Hagen: / to him thou shalt the strangers show.
82: dem sint kunt diu rîche. unde ouch diu vremeden lant.
"To him are known far kingdoms / and every foreign land,
And if he know these strangers / we soon shall understand."
in hiez der küninc bringen. mit den sînen mannen.
The king then sent to fetch him: / with his train of men
sach man in zühticlîche. ze hove vüre den küninc gân.
Unto the king's high presence / in stately gear went he then.
83: waz sîn der küninc wolte. des vrâgete Hagene.
What were the king's good pleasure, / asked Hagen grim in war.
ez sint in mîneme hûse. vremede degene.
"In the court within my castle / are warriors from afar,
die niemen hier bekennet. ob ir si êr gesehen.
And no one here doth know them: / if them thou e'er didst see
In any land far distant, / now shalt thou, Hagen, tell to me."
84: daz tuon ich sicherlîche. ze einem venster er dô gie.
"That will I do, 'tis certain."— / To a window then he went,
sîn ouge er dô wenken. zuo den gesten lie.
And on the unknown strangers / his keen eye he bent.
wole behagete im ire geverte. unde ouch ire gewant.
Well pleased him their equipment / and the rich dress they wore,
si wârn im vile vremede. in der Burgonden lande.
Yet ne'er had he beheld them / in land of Burgundy before.
85: er sprach von swannen vüeren. die recken an den Rîn.
He said that whencesoever / these knights come to the Rhine,
ez möhten selbe vürsten. oder vürstenboten sîn.
They bear a royal message, / or are of princely line.
ire ros diu sint sô schoene. ire kleider harte guot.
"Their steeds are so bedizened, / and their apparel rare:
swannen si joch riten. si sint vile hôhe gemuot.
No matter whence they journey, / high-hearted men in truth they are."
Further then spake Hagen: / "As far as goes my ken,
swie ich Sîvriden noch nie gesehen hân.
Though I the noble Siegfried / yet have never seen,
Yet will I say meseemeth, / howe'er the thing may be,
sô ist ez der recke. der dort sô hêrlîchen stât.
This knight who seeks adventure, / and yonder stands so proud, is he.
87: er bringet niuwe mære. her in ditze lant.
"'Tis some new thing he bringeth / hither to our land.
die küenen Nibelunge. sluoc des heldes hant.
The valiant Nibelungen / fell by the hero's hand,
Schilbunc unde Nibelunc. diu rîchen küninges kint.
Schilbung and Nibelung, / from royal sire sprung;
er vrumete starkiu wunder. mit sîner grôzen krefte sint.
Deeds he wrought most wondrous / anon when his strong arm he swung.
88: dâ der helt aleine. âne alle helfe reit.
"As once alone the hero / rode without company,
Found he before a mountain / —as hath been told to me—
bî Nibelunges horde. vile manigen küenen man.
With the hoard of Nibelung / full many stalwart men;
die wârn im êr vremede. unz er ire künde dâ gewan.
To him had they been strangers / until he chanced to find them then.
89: hort der Nibelunges. der was gar getragen.
"The hoard of King Nibelung / entire did they bear
ûz einem holen berge. nû hoeret wunder sagen.
Forth from a mountain hollow. / And now the wonder hear,
wie in teilen wolten. der Nibelunge manne.
How that they would share it, / these two Nibelung men.
This saw the fearless Siegfried, / and filled he was with wonder then.
90: er kom zuoze in sô nâhen. daz er die recken sach.
"He came so near unto them / that he the knights espied,
unde ouch in die degene ir einer dâr under sprach.
And they in turn him also. / One amongst them said:
hier kumet der starc Sîvrit. der helt von Niderlant.
'Here comes the doughty Siegfried, / hero of Netherland.'
vile seltsæniu mære. er an den Nibelungen vant.
Since 'mongst the Nibelungen / strange wonders wrought his mighty hand.
91: den recken wole entviengen. Schilbunc unde Nibelunc.
"Right well did they receive him, / Schilbung and Nibelung,
mit gemeinem site. die edeln vürsten junc.
And straight they both together, / these noble princes young,
den schatz in bâten teilen. den vile küenen man.
Bade him mete out the treasure, / the full valorous man,
And so long time besought him / that he at last the task began.
"As we have heard in story, / he saw of gems such store
hundert kanzwegene. ez mohten niht getragen.
That they might not be laden / on wagons full five score;
noch mêr des rôten goldes. von Nibelunge lande.
More still of gold all shining / from Nibelungenland.
daz solte in allez teilen. des küenen Sîvrides hant.
'Twas all to be divided / between them by keen Siegfried's hand.
93: dô gâben si im ze miete. daz Nibelunges swert.
"Then gave they him for hire / King Nibelung's sword.
si wurden mit dem dieneste. vile übele gewert.
And sooth to say, that service / brought them but small reward,
den in dâ leisten solte. der vile küene man.
That for them there performed / Siegfried of dauntless mood.
His task he could not finish; / thereat they raged as were they wood.
dô begunden mit im strîten. der zweier küninge manne.
mit ire vateres swerte. daz Balmunc was genant.
ez streit ab in der küene. den hort unde Nibelunge lande.
95: si hêten dâ ire vriunde. zwelif küene manne.
"They had there of their followers / twelve warriors keen,
die starc als risen wârn. waz kunde ez si vervâhen.
And strong they were as giants: / what booted giants e'en?
die sluoc sît mit zorne. diu Sîvrides hant.
Them slew straightway in anger / Siegfried's mighty hand,
unde recken siben hundert. twanc er von Nibelunge lande.
And warriors seven hundred / he felled in Nibelungenland
96: dâr zuo die rîchen küninge. die sluoc er beide tôt.
"Thereto the kings so mighty, / them slew he both as well.
er kom von Alprîche. sît in grôze nôt.
But into gravest danger / through Alberich he fell,
Who thought for his slain masters / vengeance to wreak straightway,
unz er die grôzen sterke. sît an Sîvride vant.
Until the mighty Siegfried / his wrath with strong arm did stay.
97: dô ne kunde im gestrîten. daz starke getwerc.
"Nor could prevail against him / the Dwarf, howe'er he tried.
alsam die lewen wilde. si liefen an den berc.
E'en as two wild lions / they coursed the mountainside,
dâ er die tarnkappen. Alprîche ane gewan.
Where he the sightless mantle[1] / from Alberich soon won.
dô wart des hordes hêrre. Sîvrit der vile küene man.
Then Siegfried, knight undaunted, / held the treasure for his own.
"Who then dared join the struggle, / all slain around they lay.
Then he bade the treasure / to draw and bear away
dâ in êr dâ nâmen. die Nibelunges manne.
Thither whence 'twas taken / by the Nibelungen men.
Alprîch der vile starke. dô die kameren gewan.
Alberich for his valor / was then appointed Chamberlain.
"An oath he had to swear him, / he'd serve him as his slave;
aller hande dieneste. was er im gereht.
To do all kinds of service / his willing pledge he gave"—
Thus spake of Tronje Hagen— / "That has the hero done;
alsô grôzer krefte. niemere recke gewan.
Might as great before him / was never in a warrior known.
"Still know I more about him, / that has to me been told.
einen lintrachen. sluoc des heledes hant.
A dragon, wormlike monster, / slew once the hero bold.
Then in its blood he bathed him, / since when his skin hath been
von alsô vester hiute. daz in nie wâfen sît versneit.
So horn-hard, ne'er a weapon / can pierce it, as hath oft been seen.
"Let us the brave knight-errant / receive so courteously
daz wir iht verdienen. den sînen starken haz.
That we in nought shall merit / his hate, for strong is he.
He is so keen of spirit / he must be treated fair:
er hât mit sînen ellene sô manigiu wunder getân.
He has by his own valor / done many a deed of prowess rare."
The monarch spake in wonder: / "In sooth thou tellest right.
Now see how proudly yonder / he stands prepared for fight,
er und die sîne degene. der wunderküene man.
He and his thanes together, / the hero wondrous keen!
wir sulen im begegene. hin nider zuo dem recken gân.
To greet him we'll go thither, / and let our fair intent be seen."
"That canst thou," out spake Hagen, / "well in honor do.
er ist von hôhem künne. eines rîchen küninges sun.
He is of noble kindred, / a high king's son thereto.
'Tis seen in all his bearing; / meseems in truth, God wot,
The tale is worth the hearing / that this bold knight has hither brought."
Then spake the mighty monarch: / "Be he right welcome here.
Keen is he and noble, / of fame known far and near.
des sol ouch er geniezen. in Burgonden lande.
So shall he be fair treated / in the land of Burgundy."
dô gie der küninc Gunther dâ er Sîvriden vant.
Down then went King Gunther, / and Siegfried with his men found he.
105: der wirt unde sîne recken. entviengen sô den gast.
The king and his knights with him / received so well the guest,
daz in an ire zühten. wênic iht gebrast.
That the hearty greeting / did their good will attest.
des begunde in nîgen. der vile küene man.
Thereat in turn the stranger / in reverence bowed low,
man sach in zühticlîche. mit den sînen recken stân.
That in their welcome to him / they did such courtesy bestow.
"To me it is a wonder," / straightway spake the host,
"From whence, O noble Siegfried, / come to our land thou dost,
oder waz ir werbet. ze Wormez an den Rîn.
Or what here thou seekest / at Worms upon the Rhine."
Him the stranger answered: / "Put thou away all doubts of thine.
"I oft have heard the tiding / within my sire's domain,
daz hier bî iu wæren. daz hête ich gerne erkant.
How at thy court resided / —and know this would I fain—
die küenesten recken. des hân ich vile vernomen.
Knights, of all the keenest, / —'tis often told me so—
die ie küninc gewünne. dâr umbe bin ich her bekomen.
That e'er a monarch boasted: / now come I hither this to know.
108: ouch hôrte ich iu selben. der degenheite jehen.
"Thyself have I heard also / high praised for knightly worth;
daz man küninc decheinen. küener habe gesehen.
'Tis said a nobler monarch / ne'er lived in all the earth.
des jihet iu vile der liute. über elliu disiu lant.
Thus speak of thee the people / in all the lands around.
Nor will I e'er give over / until in this the truth I've found.
"I too am warrior noble / and born to wear a crown;
ich wile daz gerne vüegen. daz si von mir sagen.
So would I right gladly / that thou of me shouldst own
daz ich habe von rehte. liute unde lant.
That I of right am master / o'er people and o'er land.
Of this shall now my honor / and eke my head as pledges stand.
110: nû ir sît sô küene. als mir ist geseit.
"And art thou then so valiant / as hath to me been told,
I reck not, will he nill he / thy best warrior bold,
I'll wrest from thee in combat / whatever thou may'st have;
Thy lands and all thy castles / shall naught from change of masters save."
111: den küninc hête wunder. unde sîne manne allesam.
The king was seized with wonder / and all his men beside,
umbe disiu mære. die er hier vernam.
To see the manner haughty / in which the knight replied
That he was fully minded / to take from him his land.
It chafed his thanes to hear it, / who soon in raging mood did stand.
"How could it be my fortune," / Gunther the king outspoke,
des mîn vater lange. mit êren hât gepflegen.
"What my sire long ruled over / in honor for his folk,
daz wir daz solten verliesen. von iemannes kraft.
Now to lose so basely / through any vaunter's might?
In sooth 'twere nobly showing / that we too merit name of knight!"
"Nowise will I give over," / was the keen reply.
ez en müge von dînem ellene. dîn lant den vride hân.
"If peace through thine own valor / thy land cannot enjoy,
ich wile es alles walten. unde ouch diu erbe mîn.
To me shall all be subject: / if heritage of mine
Through thy arm's might thou winnest, / of right shall all hence-forth be thine.
114: dîn lant unde ouch daz mîne. sulen gelîche ligen.
"Thy land and all that mine is, / at stake shall equal lie.
sweder unser einer. ane dem andern mac gesigen.
Whiche'er of us be victor / when now our strength we try,
dem sol ez allez dienen. die liute unde ouch diu lant.
To him shall all be subject, / the folk and eke the land."
dâ wider redete aleine. der hêrre Gêrnôt zehant.
But Hagen spake against it, / and Gernot too was quick at hand.
"Such purpose have we never," / Gernot then said,
daz wir iht lande ertwingen. daz ieman dâr umbe tôt.
"For lands to combat ever, / that any warrior dead
Should lie in bloody battle. / We've mighty lands and strong;
Of right they call us master, / and better they to none belong."
116: in vile grimmem muote. dâ stuonten die vriunde sîn.
There stood full grim and moody / Gernot's friends around,
dô was ouch dâr under. der hêrre Ortwîn.
And there as well amongst them / was Ortwein to be found.
He spake: "This mild peace-making / doth grieve me sore at heart,
iu hât der starke Sîvrit. unverdienet widerseit.
For by the doughty Siegfried / attacked all undeserved thou art.
117: ob ir unde iuwer bruoder. hêtet niht die wer.
"If thou and thy two brothers / yourselves to help had naught,
unde ob er danne vüerte. ein michel küninges her.
And if a mighty army / he too had hither brought,
ich trûwete wole erstrîten. daz der küene man.
I trow I'd soon be able / to make this man so keen
die grôzen übermüete von wârn schulden müese lân.
His manner now so haughty / of need replace by meeker mien."
118: daz zurnte harte sêre. der helt von Niderlant.
Thereat did rage full sorely / the hero of Netherland:
sich en sol niht vermezzen. wider mich dîn hant.
"Never shall be measured / 'gainst me in fight thy hand.
ich bin ein küninc rîche. sô bis dû küninges man.
I am a mighty monarch, / thou a king's serving-knight;
jâ en zimet dir niht mit strîte. decheinen mînen genôz bestân.
Of such as thou a dozen / dare not withstand me in the fight."
119: nâch swerten rief dô sêre. von Metzen Ortwîn.
For swords then called in anger / of Metz Sir Ortwein:
er mohte Hagenen swester sun. von Tronege vile wole sîn.
Son of Hagen's sister / he was, of Tronje's line.
daz der sô lange dagete. daz was dem küninge leit.
That Hagen so long was silent / did grieve the king to see.
dô understuont ez Gêrnôt. der ritter küene. unde gemeit.
Gernot made peace between them: / a gallant knight and keen was he.
Spake he thus to Ortwein: / "Curb now thy wrathful tongue,
uns en hât hêrre Sîvrit. soliches niht getân.
For here the noble Siegfried / hath done us no such wrong;
We yet can end the quarrel / in peace,—such is my rede—
unde haben in ze vriunde. daz uns lobelîcher stât.
And live with him in friendship; / that were for us a worthier deed."
Then spake the mighty Hagen: / "Sad things do I forebode
allen iuwern degenen. daz er ie gereit.
For all thy train of warriors, / that this knight ever rode
Unto the Rhine thus arméd. / 'Twere best he stayed at home;
im hêten mîn hêrren. solicher leide niht getân.
For from my masters never / to him such wrong as this had come."
122: dô sprach aber Sîvrit. der kreftige man.
But outspake Siegfried proudly, / whose heart was ne'er dismayed:
müete iuch daz hêrr Hagene. daz ich gesprochen hân.
"An't please thee not, Sir Hagen, / what I now have said,
This arm shall give example / whereby thou plain shall see
wellent vile gewaltic. hier ze den Burgonden sîn.
How stern anon its power / here in Burgundy will be."
"Yet that myself will hinder," / said then Gernot.
allen sînen degenen. reden er verbôt.
All his men forbade he / henceforth to say aught
iht mit übermüete. des im wære leit.
With such unbridled spirit / to stir the stranger's ire.
dô gedâhte ouch Sîvrit. an die vile hêrlîchen meit.
Then Siegfried eke was mindful / of one most stately maid and fair.
"Such strife would ill befit us," / Gernot spake again;
"For though should die in battle / a host of valiant men
'Twould bring us little honor / and ye could profit none."
des antwurte Sîvrit. des küninges Sigemundes sun.
Thereto gave Siegfried answer, / good King Siegmund's noble son:
125: wâr umbe bîtet Hagene. unde ouch Ortwîn.
"Wherefore bides thus grim Hagen, / and Ortwein tardy is
daz er niht gâhet strîten. mit den vriunden sîn.
To begin the combat / with all those friends of his,
der er alsô manigen. hier ze lande hât.
Of whom he hath so many / here in Burgundy?"
Answer him they durst not, / for such was Gernot's stern decree.
"Thou shalt to us be welcome," / outspake young Giselher,
unde iuwer hergesellen. die hier mit iu sint.
"And all thy brave companions / that hither with thee fare.
wir sulen iu gerne dienen. ich unde die mâge mîn.
Full gladly we'll attend thee, / I and all friends of mine."
For the guests then bade they / pour out in store of Gunther's wine.
127: dô sprach der wirt des landes. allez daz wir hân.
Then spake the stately monarch: / "But ask thou courteously,
And all that we call ours / stands at thy service free;
unde sî mit iu geteilet. lîp unde guot.
So with thee our fortune / we'll share in ill and good."
dô wart der hêrre Sîvrit. ein lützel sanfter gemuot.
Thereat the noble Siegfried / a little milder was of mood.
128: dô hiez man in behalten. allez ire gewant.
Then carefully was tended / all their knightly gear,
man gap in herberge. die bezzisten die man vant.
And housed in goodly manner / in sooth the strangers were,
Sîvrides knappen. man schuof in guot gemach.
All that followed Siegfried; / they found a welcome rest.
den gast man sît vile gerne. dâ ze den Burgonden sach.
In Burgundy full gladly / anon was seen the noble guest.
129: man bôt im michel êre. dâr nâch ze manigen tagen.
They showed him mickle honor / thereafter many a day,
tûsent stunten mêre. danne ich iu kunde gesagen.
And more by times a thousand / than I to you could say.
daz hête verscholet sîn ellen. ir sulet wole wizzen daz.
His might respect did merit, / ye may full well know that.
Scarce a man e'er saw him / who bore him longer any hate.
130: sich vlizzen kurzewîle. die küninge unde ouch ire manne.
And when they held their pastime, / the kings with many a man,
sô was er ie der bezziste. swes man dâ began.
Then was he ever foremost; / whatever they began,
None there that was his equal, / —so mickle was his might—
sô si den stein wurfen. oder schuzzen den schaft.
If they the stone were putting, / or hurling shaft with rival knight.
131: swâ sô vore den vrouwen. durch ire hövischheit.
kurzewîle pflâgen. die ritter vile gemeit.
dâ sach man ie vile gerne. den helt ûz Niderlante.
er hête ûf hôhe minne. sîne sinne gewant.
132: ze hove die schoenen vrouwen. vrâgeten mære.
As is the knightly custom, / before the ladies fair
wer der stolze vremede. recke wære.
To games they turned for pastime, / these knights of mettle rare;
sîn lîp der ist sô schoene. vile rîche. sîn gewant.
Then ever saw they gladly / the hero of Netherland.
But he had fixed his fancy / to win one fairest maiden's hand.
133: swes ieman dâ begunde. des was sîn lîp bereit.
In all that they were doing / he'd take a ready part.
er truoc in sînem muote. ein minniclîche meit.
A winsome loving maiden / he bore within his heart;
unde ouch in ein diu vrouwe. die er noch nie ne gesach.
Him only loved that lady, / whose face he ne'er had seen,
diu im in heimelîche. vile dicke guotlîche sprach.
But she full oft in secret / of him spake fairest words, I ween.
134: swenne ûf dem hove wolten. spilen dâ diu kint.
And when before the castle / they sped in tournament,
ritter unde knappen. daz sach vile dicke sint.
The good knights and squires, / oft-times the maiden went
Kriemhilt durch diu venster. diu küninginne hêr.
And gazed adown from casement, / Kriemhild the princess rare.
decheiner kurzewîle. bedorfte diu küninginne mêr.
Pastime there was none other / for her that could with this compare.
135: unde wesse er daz in sæhe. die er in herzen truoc.
And knew he she was gazing / whom in his heart he bore,
dâ hête er kurzewîle. iemer ane genuoc.
He joy enough had found him / in jousting evermore.
And might he only see her, / —that can I well believe—
On earth through sight none other / his eyes could such delight receive.
136: swenne er bî den recken. ûf dem hove stuont.
Whene'er with his companions / to castle court he went,
alsô noch die liute. durch kurzewîle tuont.
E'en as do now the people / whene'er on pleasure bent,
sô stuont sô minniclîche. daz Sigelinde kint.
There stood 'fore all so graceful / Siegelind's noble son,
daz in durch herzeliebe. trûtte manic vrouwe sint.
For whom in love did languish / the hearts of ladies many a one.
Eke thought he full often: / "How shall it ever be,
daz ich die maget edele. mit ougen müge gesehen.
That I the noble maiden / with my own eyes may see,
die ich von herzen minne. unde lange hân getân.
Whom I do love so dearly / and have for many a day?
To me is she a stranger, / which sorely grieves my heart to say."
138: swenne die küninge rîche. riten in ire lant.
Whene'er the kings so mighty / rode o'er their broad domain,
sô muosen ie die recken. mit in alzehant.
Then of valiant warriors / they took a stately train.
With them abroad rode Siegfried, / which grieved those ladies sore:
er hête durch hôhe minne. dicke michel arebeit.
—He too for one fair maiden / at heart a mickle burden bore.
Thus with his hosts he lingered / —'tis every tittle true—
in Guntheres lande. volliclîche ein jâr.
In King Gunther's country / a year completely through,
daz er die minniclîchen. die zîte nie ne gesach.
And never once the meanwhile / the lovely maid did see,
von der im sît vile liebe. unde ouch vile leide geschach.
Through whom such joy thereafter / for him, and eke such grief should be.
1304: gewalt des übelen Hagenen. der dûhte si ze starc.
Of the might she yet was fearful / of Hagen grim and bold.
si hête ire opfergoldes. noch wole tûsent marc.
Still had she of mass-money / a thousand marks in gold,
daz teilte si der sêle. ires vile lieben mannes.
That gave she for the soul's rest / of her husband dear.
daz dûhte Rüedegêre. in grôzen triuwen getân.
Such loving deed and faithful / did touch the heart of Ruediger.
1305: dô sprach diu vrouwe Kriemhilt. wâ nû vriunde mîn.
Then spake the lady mournful: / "Who now that loveth me,
die durch mich ellende. ze den Hiunen wellen sîn.
And for the love they bear me / may willing exiles be,
unde mit mir sulen rîten. in Ètzelen lant.
Who with me to Hunland / now away shall ride?
Take they of my treasure / and steeds and meet attire provide."
1306: des antwurte ir schiere. der marcgrâve Ègewart.
Then did the margrave Eckewart / answer thus the queen:
sît ich iuwer gesinde ie vone êrste wart.
"Since I from the beginning / of thy train have been,
Have I e'er right faithful / served thee," spake the thane,
"And to the end I'll ever / thus faithful unto thee remain.
1307: ich wile ouch mit mir vüeren. hundert mîner manne.
"Eke will I lead with me / five hundred of my men,
der ich iu ze dieneste. wole mit triuwen gan.
Whom I grant to serve thee / in faithful way again.
Nor e'er shall we be parted / till that we be dead."
der rede neic im Kriemhilt. daz ir ez der helt sô wole erbôt.
Low bowing thanked him Kriemhild, / as verily might be his meed.
Forth were brought the horses, / for that they thence would fare.
dâ wart vile michel weinen. von vriunden getân.
Then was a mickle weeping / of friends that parted there.
vrouwe Uote diu guote. unde manic schoene meit.
Ute, queen full stately, / and many a lady more
die zeigeten daz in wære. nâch der küninginne leit.
Showed that from Lady Kriemhild / to part did grieve their hearts full sore.
1309: hundert schoener megede. diu vrouwe mit ir nam.
A hundred stately maidens / with her she led away,
die wurden sô gekleidet. als in daz wole gezam.
And as for them was fitting, / full rich was their array.
ûf ire vile liehten bouge. die trehene vielen nider.
Many a bitter tear-drop / from shining eye fell down:
si gelebeten vile der vröuwede. dort bî Ètzelen sider.
Yet joys knew they full many / eke in Etzel's land anon.
1310: ire bruoder kômen beide. Gîselher unde Gêrnôt.
Thither came Sir Giselher / and Gernot as well,
mit ire ingesinde. als in ire zuht gebôt.
And with them train of followers, / as duty did compel.
dô wolten si beleiten. ire liebe swester dannen.
Safe escort would they furnish / for their dear sister then,
ouch vuorten si ire degene. mit in wole tûsent küene manne.
And with them led of warriors / a thousand brave and stately men.
1311: dô kom der snelle Gêre. unde ouch Ortwîn.
Then came the valiant Gere, / and Ortwein eke came he:
Rûmolt der küchene meister. dâ mite muose sîn.
Rumold the High Steward / might not absent be.
si schuofen die nahtselde. der vrouwen ûf den wegen.
Unto the Danube did they / night-quarters meet provide.
Short way beyond the city / did the royal Gunther ride.
1312: nâch küssene michel weinen. wart dâ vile vernomen.
ê daz si von der bürge. ze velde wærn komen.
ûz riten unde giengen. die si es nie ne gebat.
dô reit der küninc Gunther. mit ir ein wênic vüre die stat.
1313: êr si von hûse vüeren. si hêten vüre gesant.
Ere from the Rhine they started / had they forward sent
ire boten harte snelle. in der Hiunen lant.
Messengers that full quickly / unto Hunland went,
die dem küninge sageten. daz im Rüedegêr.
And told unto the monarch / how that Ruediger
ze wîbe hête gewunnen. die edeln küninginne hêr.
For spouse at length had won him / the high-born queen beyond compare.
durch die grôzen êre. unde durch rîchiu botenbrôt.
dô si ze lande wâren. mit den mæren komen.
dô hête der küninc Ètzele nie sô liebes niht vernomen.
How Kriemhild fared to the Huns
1315: durch disiu lieben mære. hiez der küninc geben.
den boten soliche gâbe. daz si wole mohten leben.
mit vröuweden iemer mêre. dâr nâch unze an ire tôt.
mit liebe was verswunden. des küninges kumber unde nôt.
The messengers leave we riding. / Now shall ye understand
wie diu küninginne. vüere durch daz lant.
How did the Lady Kriemhild / journey through the land,
oder wâ von ir kêrten. ire brüeder beide wider.
And where from her were parted / Gernot and Giselher.
Upon her had they waited / as faithful unto her they were.
1317: urloubes von ir gerte. dô vile manic degen.
As far as to the Danube / at Vergen did they ride,
si muosen sich ze Vergen. der reise hine bewegen.
Where must be the parting / from their royal sister's side,
dô si wider wolten. rîten an den Rîn.
For that again they homeward / would ride unto the Rhine.
dô ne mohte ez âne weinen. von lieben vriunden niht gesîn.
No eye but wet from weeping / in all the company was seen.
1318: Gîselher der snelle. sprach ze der swester sîn.
Giselher the valiant / thus to his sister said:
"If that thou ever, lady, / need hast of my aid,
ob dir iht gewerre. daz tuo mir bekant.
And fronts thee aught of trouble, / give me to understand,
sô rîte ich dir ze dieneste. in daz Ètzelen lant.
And straight I'll ride to serve thee / afar unto King Etzel's land."
1319: die ir sippe wâren. die kuste si an den munt.
Upon the mouth then kissed she / all her friends full dear.
vile minniclîche scheiden. kôs man an der stunt.
The escort soon had taken / eke leave of Ruediger
die snellen Burgonden. von Rüedegêres mannen.
And the margrave's warriors / in manner lovingly.
dô vuorte diu küninginne. manige maget wole getân.
With the queen upon her journey / went many a maid full fair to see.
1320: hundert unde viere. die truogen pfâwenkleit.
Four beyond a hundred / there were, all richly clad
von genagelten rîchen pfellen. vile der schilde breit.
In silk of cunning pattern. / Many a shield full broad
man vuorte bî den vrouwen. nâhen ûf den wegen.
On the way did guard the ladies / in hand of valiant thane.
dô nam ouch urloup Volcgêr. der vile zierlîche degen.
Full many a stately warrior / from thence did backward turn again.
1321: dô si über Tuonouwe. kômen in Beierlant.
Thence away they hastened / down through Bavarian land.
dô wurden disiu mære. wîten bekant.
Soon were told the tidings / how that was at hand
daz ze den Hiunen vüere. Kriemhilt diu küningîn.
A mickle host of strangers, / where a cloister stands from yore
And where the Inn its torrent / doth into Danube river pour.
1322: in der stat ze Bazzouwe. was er bischof.
At Passau in the city / a lordly bishop bode.
die herberge wurden lære. unde ouch des vürsten hof.
Empty soon each lodging / and bishop's palace stood:
si îlten gegen den gesten. ûf in Beierlant.
To Bavarian land they hastened / the high guests to meet,
dâ der bischof Pilgerîn. die schoenen Kriemhilten vant.
And there the Bishop Pilgrim / the Lady Kriemhild fair did greet.
1323: sînem ingesinde. was daz niht ze leit.
The warriors of that country / no whit grieved they were
daz si ir volgen sâhen. sô manige schoene meit.
Thus to see follow with her / so many a maiden fair.
dâ trûtte man mit ougen. der edeln ritter kint.
Upon those high-born ladies / their eyes with joy did rest,
vile rîche herberge. gap man den edeln gesten sint.
Full comfortable quarters / prepared they for each noble guest.
1324: dâ ze Pledelingen schuof man in gemach.
daz volc man allenthalben. zuoze in rîten sach.
1325: diu vrouwe mit ire oeheime. ze Bazzouwe reit.
With his niece the bishop / unto Passau rode.
ez was den burgæren. dâr inne niht ze leit.
When among the burghers / the story went abroad,
daz dar komen solte. des vürsten swester kint.
That thither was come Kriemhild, / the bishop's niece full fair,
si wart vile wole entvangen. von den koufliuten sint.
Soon did the towns-people / reception meet for her prepare.
There to have them tarry / was the bishop fain.
To him spake Sir Eckewart: / "Here may we not remain.
wir müezen nider rîten. in der Hiunen lant.
Unto Ruediger's country / must we journey down.
Thanes many there await us, / to whom our coming well is known."
1327: disiu mære ouch wiste. diu schoene Gotelint.
The tidings now knew likewise / Lady Gotelinde fair.
si bereitte sich mit vlîze. gein ire vrouwen sint.
Herself and noble daughter / did them quick prepare.
Message she had from Ruediger / that he well pleased would be,
daz si der küninginne. dâ mite trôste den muot.
Should she unto Lady / Kriemhild show such courtesy,
1328: daz si ir rite engegene. mit den sînen man.
That she ride forth to meet her, / and bring his warriors true
ûf zuo der Ense. dô daz wart getân.
Upward unto the Ense. / When they the tidings knew,
dô sach man allenthalben. vile unmuoze pflegen.
Saw ye how on all sides / they thronged the busy way.
durch der geste liebe. si muosen ruowe sich bewegen.
Forth to meet the strangers / rode and eke on foot went they.
1329: si was der nâhesten nahte. ze Everdingen komen.
As far as Everdingen / meanwhile was come the queen:
In that Bavarian country / on the way were never seen
den roup ûf der strâze. nâch ire gewoneheit.
Robbers seeking plunder, / as e'er their custom was:
Of fear from such a quarter / had the travellers little cause.
1330: daz hête wole behüetet. der edel Rüedegêr.
'Gainst that had well provided / the noble margrave:
er vuorte tûsent ritter. unde dannoch mêr.
A band he led that numbered / good thousand warriors brave.
There was eke come Gotelinde, / spouse of Ruediger,
mit ir vuor herrenlîche. vile maniges küenen recken lîp.
And bearing her high company / full many noble knights there were.
1331: dô si über die Trûne kômen. bî Ense ûf daz velt.
When came they o'er the Traune / by Ense on the green,
dô sach man ûf gespannen. hütten unde gezelt.
There full many an awning / outstretched and tent was seen,
dâ die geste solten. die nahtselde hân.
Wherein that night the strangers / should find them welcome rest.
von Rüedegêres vriunden. wart in dieneste vile getân.
Well was made provision / by Ruediger for each high guest.
1332: Gotelint diu schoene. die herberge lie.
Not long fair Gotelinde did in her quarters stay,
hinder ir belîben. ûf den wegen gie.
But left them soon behind her. / Then coursed upon the way
mit klingenten zoumen. die moere wole getân.
With merry jingling bridle / many a well-shaped steed.
Full fair was the reception: / whereat was Ruediger right glad.
1333: di in ze beiden sîten. kômen ûf den wegen.
On one side and the other / did swell the stately train
Knights that rode full gaily, / many a noble thane.
As they in joust disported, / full many a maid looked on,
ouch was der helede dienest. den schoenen vrouwen niht ze leit.
Nor to the queen unwelcome / was the riders' service done.
1334: dô zuo den gesten kômen. die Rüedegêres manne.
As rode there 'fore the strangers / the men of Ruediger,
vile der trunzûne. sach man ze berge gân.
From shaft full many a splinter / saw ye fly in air
von den recken handen. mit ritterlîchen siten.
In hand of doughty warrior / that jousted lustily.
dâ wart wole ze prîse. vore den vrouwen geriten.
Them might ye 'fore the ladies / pricking in stately manner see.
Anon therefrom they rested. / Knights many then did greet
vile guotlîche einander. dô vuorten si vone dannen.
Full courteously each other. / Then forth Kriemhild to meet
die schoenen Gotelinde. dâ si Kriemhilten sach.
Went the fair Gotelinde, / by gallant warriors led.
Those skilled in lady's service, / —little there the rest they had.
1336: der voget von Bechelâren. zuo sîneme wîbe reit.
The lord of Bechelaren / unto his lady rode.
der edelen marcgrâvinne. was daz niht ze leit.
Soon the noble margravine / her high rejoicing showed,
daz er sô wole gesunder. was von Rîne komen.
That all safe and sound he / from the Rhine was come again.
jâ was ir vile ire sorgen mit grôzen vröuweden benomen.
The care that filled her bosom / by mickle joy from her was ta'en.
When him she had receivéd, / her on the green he bade
erbeizen mit den vrouwen. swaz ir dâ mit ir was.
Dismount with all the ladies / that in her train she led.
mit dieneste was unmüezic. dâ vile manic man.
There saw ye all unidle / many a knight of high estate,
der wart den schoenen vrouwen. mit grôzem vlîze getân.
Who with full ready service / upon the ladies then did wait.
1338: dô sach diu küninginne. hier Gotelinde stên.
Then saw the Lady Kriemhild / the margravine where she stood
mit ire ingesinde. si lie niht nâher gên.
Amid her fair attendants: / nearer not she rode.
daz pferet mit dem zoume. zücken si began.
Upon the steed that bore her / the rein she drew full tight,
And bade them straightway help her / adown from saddle to alight.
1339: den bischof sach man wîsen. sîner swester kint.
The bishop saw ye leading / his sister's daughter fair,
in unde Ègewarten. zuo Gotelinde sint.
And with him eke went Eckewart / to Gotelinde there.
dâ wart vile michel wîchen. an der selben stunt.
The willing folk on all sides / made way before their feet.
dô kuste diu ellende. an der marcgrâvinne munt.
With kiss did Gotelinde / the dame from land far distant greet.
1340: dô sprach vile minniclîche. daz Rüedegêres wîp.
Then spake in manner kindly / the wife of Ruediger;
nû wole mich liebiu vrouwe. dazz ich iuwern schoenen lîp.
"Right glad am I, dear lady, / that I thy visage fair
hân in disen landen. mit vröuweden hier gesehen.
Have in this our country / with mine own eyes seen.
mir en kunde in disen zîten. niemer lieber geschehen.
In these times might never / greater joy to me have been."
"God give thee meed," spake Kriemhild, / "Gotelinde, for this grace.
sol ich gesunt belîben. unde Botelunges kint.
If with son of Botelung / happy may be my place,
May it henceforth be thy profit / that me thou here dost see."
Yet all unknown to either / was that which yet anon must be.
1342: mit zühten zuoze einander. si sâzen ûf den klê.
With curtsy to each other / went full many a maid,
die gerne vrouwen sâhen. den was dâ niht ze wê.
The knights a willing service / unto the ladies paid.
ire süeziu ougenweide. brâhte in hôhen muot.
After the greeting sat they / adown upon the green;
den wîben sam den mannen. als ez noch vile dicke tuot.
Knew many then each other / that hitherto had strangers been.
For the ladies they poured refreshment. / Now was come mid-day,
daz edel ingesinde. dâ niht langer lac.
And did those high attendants / there no longer stay,
si riten dâ si vunten. vile manige hütten breit.
But went where found they ready / many a spreading tent.
dâ was den werden gesten. vile grôziu wirtschaft bereit.
Full willing was the service / unto the noble guests they lent.
1344: die naht si hêten ruowe. unz an den morgen vruo.
The night through until morning / did they rest them there.
die von Bechelâren. bereitten sich dâr zuo.
They of Bechelaren / meanwhile did prepare
wie si behalten solten. vile manigen werden gast.
That into fitting quarters / each high guest be brought.
wole hête geschaffen Rüedegêr. daz in vile wênic iht gebrast.
'Twas by the care of Ruediger / that never one did want for aught.
1345: diu venster an den mûren. sach man offen stân.
Open ye saw the windows / the castle walls along,
diu guote Bechelâren. diu was ûf getân.
And the burgh at Bechelaren / its gates wide open flung,
dâr inne riten geste. die man vile gerne sach.
As through the guests went pricking, / that there full welcome were.
den hête der wirt vile edele. geschaffen rîchen gemach.
For them the lord full noble / had bidden quarters meet prepare.
1346: diu Rüedegêres tohter. mit ire gesinde gie.
Ruediger's fair daughter / with her attendant train
dâ si die küninginne. vile minniclîche entvie.
Came forth in loving manner / to greet the lofty queen.
dâ bî was ouch ire muoter. des marcgrâven. wîp.
With her was eke her mother / the stately margravine;
mit liebe wart gegrüezet. vile maniger juncvrouwen lîp.
There full friendly greeting / of many a maiden fair was seen.
By the hand they took each other / and thence did pass each pair
in einen palas wîten. der was vile wole getân.
Into a Hall full spacious, / the which was builded fair,
dâ diu Tuonouwe. unden hine vlôz.
And 'neath its walls the Danube / flowed down with rushing tide.
As breezes cool played round them, / might they full happy there abide.
1348: wes si nû mêre pflægen. des en kan ich niht gesagen.
What they there did further, / tell it not I can.
daz in sô übele zogete. daz hôrte man dô klagen.
That they so long did tarry, / heard ye the knights complain
die Kriemhilte recken. wande ez was in leit.
That were of Kriemhild's company, / who unwilling there abode.
hei waz guoter degene. mit ir von Bechelâren reit.
What host of valiant warriors / with them from Bechelaren rode!
1349: vile minniclîchen dienest. der marcgrâve in bôt.
Full kindly was the service / did render Ruediger,
dô gabete diu küninginne. zwelif bouge rôt.
Likewise gave Lady Kriemhild / twelve golden armbands rare
der Gotelinde tohter. unde alsô guot gewant.
To Gotelinde's daughter, / and dress so richly wrought
daz si niht bezzeres brâhte. in daz Ètzelen lant.
That finer was none other / that into Etzel's land she brought.
1350: swie ir genomen wære. der Nibelunge golt.
Though Nibelungen treasure / from her erstwhile was ta'en,
alle die si gesâhen. die machete si ir holt.
Good-will of all that knew her / did she e'er retain
noch mit dem kleinem guote. daz si dâ mohte hân.
With such little portion / as yet she did command.
des wirtes ingesinde. wart michel gâbe getân.
Unto her host's attendants / dealt she thereof with bounteous hand.
1351: dâ widere bôt dô êre. diu vrouwe Gotelint.
The Lady Gotelinde / such honors high again
den gesten von dem Rîne. sô minniclîche sint.
Did pay in gracious manner / to the guests afar from Rhine
daz man dô der vremeden. harte wênic vant.
That of all the strangers / found ye never one
si ne trüegen ire gesteine. oder ire vile hêrlich gewant.
That wore not rich attire / from her, and many a precious stone.
When they their fast had broken / and would thence depart,
The lady of the castle / did pledge with faithful heart
getriuwelîcher dienest. daz Ètzelen wîp.
Unto the wife of Etzel / service true to bear.
dô wart ouch vile getriutet. der schoenen juncvrouwen lîp.
Kriemhild caressed full fondly / the margravine's young daughter fair.
To the queen then spake the maiden: / "If e'er it pleaseth thee,
ich weiz wole daz iz gerne. mîn lieber vater tuot.
Well know I that my father / dear full willingly
daz er mich zuoze iu sendet. in der Hiunen lant.
Unto thee will send me / where thou livest in Hunland."
daz si ir getriuwe wære. vile wole daz Kriemhilt ervant.
That faithful was the maiden, / full well did Kriemhild understand.
1354: diu ros bereitet wâren. vüre Bechelâren komen.
Now ready were the horses / the castle steps before,
ouch hête diu küninginne. urloup nû genomen.
And soon the queen full stately / did take her leave once more
von Rüedegêres wîbe. unde von der tohter sîn.
Of the lovely daughter / and spouse of Ruediger.
dô schiet ouch sich mit gruoze. vile manic schoene magedîn.
Eke parted with fair greeting / thence full many a maiden fair.
1355: einander si vile selten. gesâhen nâch den tagen.
Each other they full seldom / thereafter might behold.
ûzer Medelich. ûf handen wart getragen.
From Medelick were carried / beakers rich of gold
manic goltvaz rîche. dâr inne brâhte man wîn.
In hand and eke full many, / wherein was sparkling wine:
den gesten ûf die strâze. unde bat si willekomen sîn.
Upon the way were greeted / thus the strangers from the Rhine.
High there a lord was seated, / Astold the name he bore,
der wîste si die strâze. nider in Ôsterlant
Who that into Osterland / did lead the way before
gegen Mûtâren. die Tuonouwe nider.
As far as to Mautaren / adown the Danube's side.
dâ wart vile wole gedienet. der rîchen küninginne sider.
There did they fitting service / for the lofty queen provide.
1357: der bischof minniclîche. von sîner nifteln schiet.
Of his niece the bishop / took leave in loving wise.
daz si den küninc bekêrte. wie vaste er ir daz riet.
That she well should bear her, / did he oft advise,
unde daz si ire êre koufte. sam Helche hæte getân.
And that she win her honor / as Helke erst had done.
hei waz si grôzer êren. sît dâ ze den Hiunen gewan.
Ah, how great the honor / anon that 'mid the Huns she won!
1358: zuo der Treisem brâhte. man die geste dannen.
Unto the Traisem brought they / forth the strangers then.
ir pflâgen vlîziclîche. die Rüedegêres manne.
Fair had they attendance / from Ruediger's men,
unze daz die Hiunen. riten über lant.
Till o'er the country riding / the Huns came them to meet.
dô wart der küninginne. vile michel êre bekant.
With mickle honor did they / then the royal lady greet.
1359: bî der Treisem hête der küninc von Hiunen lande.
For had the king of Hunland, / Traisem's stream beside,
eine burc vile rîche. diu was wole bekant.
A full mighty castle, / known afar and wide,
The same hight Traisenmauer: / Dame Helke there before
unde pflac sô grôzer tugende. dazz iz wætlîche niemer mêr ergê.
Did sit, such bounteous mistress / as scarce ye ever might see more,
An it were not Kriemhild / who could such bounty show,
si mohte nâch ire leide. daz liep vile wole geleben.
That after days of sorrow / the pleasure she might know,
daz ir jâhen êre die Ètzelen manne.
To be held in honor / by Etzel's men each one:
der si sît grôzen vollen bî den helden gewan.
That praise in fullest measure / had she amid those thanes anon.
1361: diu Ètzelen hêrschaft. was sô wît erkant.
Afar the might of Etzel / so well was known around,
daz man ze allen zîten. in sîneme hove vant.
That at every season / within his court were found
die allerbezzisten recken. von den ie wart vernomen.
Knights of all the bravest, / whereof ye e'er did hear
under kristenen unde under heidenen. die wâren gein der briute komen.
In Christian lands or heathen: / with him all thither come they were.
How Etzel kept the Wedding-feast with Kriemhild
1362: bî im was ze allen zîten. daz wætlîche mêr ergê.
By him at every season, / as scarce might elsewhere be,
kristenlîcher orden. unde ouch der heidene ê.
Knights both of Christian doctrine / and heathen use saw ye.
in swiegetânem lebene. sich ieteslîcher truoc.
Yet in what mind soever / did each and every stand,
To all in fullest measure / dealt the king with bounteous hand.
1363: si was ze Treisenmûre. unz an den vierden tac.
At Traisenmauer she tarried / until the fourth day.
diu molte ûf der strâze. die wîle nie gelac.
Upon the road the dust-clouds / meanwhile never lay.
si ne stübe sam iz brünne. allenthalben dannen.
But rose like smoke of fire / around on every side:
dâ riten durch Ôsterrîche. des küninges Ètzelen manne.
Onward then through Austria / King Etzel's warriors did ride.
1364: dô wâren ouch dem küninge. diu mære nû geseit.
Then eke unto the monarch / such tidings now were told,
des im von gedanken. swunden sîniu leit.
That at the thought did vanish / all his grief of old,
wie hêrrenlîchen Kriemhilt. dâ koeme durch diu lant.
In what high manner Kriemhild / should in his land appear.
er begunde vaste gâhen. dâ er die minniclîchen vant.
Then gan the monarch hasten / where he did find the lady fair.
1365: von vile maniger sprâche. sach man ûf den wegen.
Of many a tongue and varied / upon the way were seen
vore Ètzelen rîten. vile manigen küenen degen.
Before King Etzel riding / full many warriors keen,
kristen unde heiden. vile manic wîtiu schar.
Of Christians and of heathen / a spreading company.
dâ si ire vrouwen vunten. si vuoren vroelîchen dar.
To greet their coming mistress / forth they rode in fair array.
1366: von Riuzen unde von Kriechen. reit dâ vile manic man.
Of Reuss men and Greeks there / great was the tale,
Pôlânen unde Walachen. den sach man ebene gân.
And rapid saw ye riding / the Wallach and the Pole
ire pferet unde ros diu guoten. dâ si mit kreften riten.
On chargers full of mettle / that they did deftly guide.
swaz si site habeten. der wart vile wênic iht vermiten.
Their own country's custom / did they in no wise lay aside.
1367: von dem lande ûz Kiewen. reit ouch dâ manic man.
From the land of Kief / rode there full many a thane,
unde die wilden Petschenære. dâ wart des vile getân.
And the wild Petschenegers. / Full many a bow was drawn,
mit den bogen schiezen. ze den vogelen die dâ vlugen.
As at the flying wild-fowl / through air the bolt was sped.
ire pfîle si vile sêre. mit kraft unz an die wende zugen.
With might the bow was bended / as far as to the arrow's head.
1368: ein stat bî Tuonouwe. lît in Ôsterlante.
A city by the Danube / in Osterland doth stand,
Hight the same is Tulna: / of many a distant land
vile manic site vremede. den si nie dâ vore gesach.
Saw Kriemhild there the customs, / ne'er yet to her were known.
si entviengen dâ genuoge. den leide sît von ir geschach.
To many there did greet her / sorrow befell through her anon.
1369: vore Ètzele dem rîchen. ein gesinde reit.
Before the monarch Etzel / rode a company
vrô in hôhem muote. hövisch unde ouch gemeit.
Of merry men and mighty, / courteous and fair to see,
wole vier unde zweinzic vürsten rîche unde hêr.
Good four-and-twenty chieftains, / mighty men and bold.
daz si ire vrouwen sæhen. dâ von ne gerten si niht mêr.
Naught else was their desire / save but their mistress to behold.
1370: der herzoge Râmunc. ûzer Walhen lande.
Then the Duke Ramung / from far Wallachia
mit siben hundert mannen. kom er vüre si gerant.
With seven hundred warriors / dashed forth athwart her way:
sam die wilden vogele. sô sach man si varn.
Their going might ye liken / unto birds in flight.
dô kom der vürste Gibeche. mit vile hêrlîchen scharn.
Then came the chieftain Gibeke, / with his host a stately sight.
1371: Hornboge der snelle. wole mit tûsent mannen.
Eke the valiant Hornbog / with full thousand men
kêrte von deme küninge. gein sîner vrouwen dannen.
From the king went forward / to greet his mistress then.
vile lûte wart geschallet. nâch des landes siten.
After their country's custom / in joy they shouted loud;
von den Hiunen mâgen. wart ouch dâ sêre geriten.
The doughty thanes of Hunland / likewise in merry tourney rode.
1372: dô kom von Tenemarke. der küene Hâwart.
Then came a chief from Denmark, / Hawart bold and keen,
unde Îrinc der starke. vore valsche wole bewart.
And the valiant Iring, / in whom no guile was seen,
unde Irnvrit von Düringen. ein vürste lobesam.
And Irnfried of Thuringia, / a stately knight to see:
die entviengen Kriemhilten. als ez ire êren wole gezam.
Kriemhild they greeted / that honor high therefrom had she,
1373: mit zwelif hundert mannen. die hêten si in ire schar.
With good knights twelve hundred / whom led they in their train.
ouch kom der hêrre Bloedelîn. mit tûsent helden dar.
Thither with three thousand / came Bloedel eke, the thane
der Ètzelen bruoder. ûz der Hiunen lande.
That was King Etzel's brother / out of Hunland:
der îlte mit den sînen. dâ er die küninginne vant.
Unto his royal mistress / led he then his stately band.
1374: dô kom der küninc Ètzele. unde ouch hêrre Dietrîch..
Then did come King Etzel / and Dietrich by his side
mit allen sînen degenen. dâ was vile lobelich.
With all his doughty fellows. / In state there saw ye ride
manic ritter edele. biderbe unde guot.
Many a knight full noble, / valiant and void of fear.
The heart of Lady Kriemhild / did such host of warriors cheer.
1375: dô sprach von Bechelâren. der hêrre Rüedegêr.
Then to his royal mistress / spake Sir Ruediger:
vrouwe iuch wile entvâhen. hier der küninc hêr.
"Lady, now give I greeting / to the high monarch here.
Whom to kiss I bid thee, / grant him such favor then:
For not to all like greeting / may'st thou give 'mid Etzel's men."
1376: dô huop man von dem moere. die küninginne hêr.
They lifted then from saddle / the dame of royal state.
Ètzele der rîche. en beitte ouch dô niht mêr.
Etzel the mighty monarch / might then no longer wait,
er stuont von sînem rosse. mit manigem küenen manne.
But sprang from off his charger / with many a warrior keen:
man sach in vroelîche. gein Kriemhilte gên.
Unto Kriemhild hasting / full joyously he then was seen.
1377: zwêne vürsten rîche. als uns daz ist geseit.
As is to us related, / did there high princes twain
bî der vrouwen giengen. unde habeten ir diu kleit.
By the lady walking / bear aloft her train,
dô ir der küninc Ètzele. hin begegene gie.
As the royal Etzel / went forward her to meet,
dâ si den vürsten edele. mit kusse guotlîche entvie.
And she the noble monarch / with kiss in kindly wise did greet.
1378: ûf rihte si ire gebende ire varwe wole getân.
Aside she moved her wimple, / whereat her visage fair
Gleamed 'mid the gold around it. / Though many a knight stood there,
They deemed that Lady Helke / did boast not fairer face.
dâ bî stuont vile nâhen. des wirtes bruoder Bloedelîn.
Full close beside the monarch / his brother Bloedel had his place.
To kiss him then Margrave / Ruediger her did tell,
und den küninc Gibechen. dâ stuont ouch hêrr Dietrîch.
And eke the royal Gibeke / and Sir Dietrich as well.
der recken kuste zwelive. daz Ètzelen wîp.
Of highest knights a dozen / did Etzel's spouse embrace;
dô entvie si sus mit gruoze. vile maniges küenen recken lîp.
Other knights full many / she greeted with a lesser grace.
1380: in der selben wîle. unde Ètzele bî ir stuont.
All the while that Etzel / stood by Kriemhild so,
dô gebârten dâ die tumben. sô noch die liute tuont.
Did the youthful riders / as still they're wont to do:
vile manigen puneiz langen. sach man dâ geriten.
In varied tourney saw ye / each 'gainst the other pass,
daz tâten kristen degene. unde ouch die heidene nâch ire siten.
Christian knights and heathen, / as for each the custom was.
1381: wie rehte hurticlîchen. die Dietrîches manne.
From men that followed Dietrich / saw ye in kindly wise
die schefte liezen vliegen. mit trunzûnen dannen.
Splinters from the lances / flying high arise
vile hôhe über schilde. von guoter ritter hant.
Aloft above their bucklers, / from hand of good knight sent!
die si dâ gerne sâhen. die wurden schiere bekant.
By the German strangers / pierced was many a shield and rent.
1382: dâ wart von schefte brechenne. vile michel krach vernomen.
From shaft of lances breaking / did far the din resound.
dâ wâren von dem lande. die recken alle komen.
Together came the warriors / from all the land around,
unde ouch des küninges geste. vile manic edel man.
Eke the guests of the monarch / and many a knight there was.
dô gie der küninc rîche. mit der küninginne dannen.
Thence did the mighty monarch / then with Lady Kriemhild pass.
1383: si sâhen bî in stênte. ein vile hêrlich gezelt.
Stretched a fair pavilion / beside them there was seen:
von hütten was ervüllet. alumbe gar daz velt.
With tents as well was covered / all around the green,
dâ si under solten ruowen. nâch ire arebeit.
Where they now might rest them / all that weary were.
von helden wart gewîset. vile manic wætlîchiu meit.
By high-born knights was thither / led full many a lady fair.
1384: mit Kriemhilte dannen. dâ si sît gesaz.
With their royal mistress, / where in rich cushioned chair
ûf rîche gesidele. der marcgrâve daz.
Sat the queen full stately. / 'Twas by the margrave's care
That well had been provided, / with all that seeméd good,
dô stuont dem küninge Ètzelen. harte hôhe der muot.
A worthy seat for Kriemhild: / thereat was Etzel glad of mood.
1385: waz si zesamene redeten. daz ist mir unbekant.
What was by Etzel spoken, / may I not understand.
wan zwischen sînen handen. was ire wîziu hant.
In his right hand resting / lay her fair white hand.
si gesâzen minniclîche. dâ Rüedegêr der degen.
They sat in loving fashion, / nor Ruediger would let
den küninc niht lâzen wolte. der vrouwen heinlîche pflegen.
The king have secret converse / with Lady Kriemhild as yet.
'Twas bidden that the jousting / on all sides they give o'er.
mit êren wart verendet. dâ der grôze schal.
The din of stately tourney / heard ye then no more.
dô giengen zuo den hütten. die Ètzelen manne.
All the men of Etzel / unto their tents did go,
man gap in herberge. vile wîten allenthalben dannen.
For every warrior present / did they full spacious lodging show.
1387: den âbent zuo der nahte. si hêten guot gemach.
And now the day was ended / and they did rest the night
unz man den liehten morgen. aber schînen sach.
Until beheld they shining / once more the morning light.
Soon on charger mounted / again was many a man:
vile maniger kurzewîle. man im ze den êren dâ began.
Heigho, what merry pastime, / the king to honor, they began!
1388: der küninc ez lobelîche. die Hiunen schaffen bat.
By the Huns the monarch / bade honors high be shown.
dô riten si von Tulne. ze Wiene zuo der stat.
Soon rode they forth from Tulna / unto Vienna town,
dâ was vile wole gezieret. vile maniger vrouwen lîp.
Where found they many a lady / decked out in fair array:
si entviengen wole mit êren. des küninges Ètzelen wîp.
The same the monarch Etzel's / wife received in stately way.
1389: mit vile grôzem vollen. sô was in bereit.
In very fullest measure / upon them there did wait
swaz si haben solten. vile manic helt gemeit.
Whate'er they might desire. / Of knights the joy was great,
entrusten rîche setele. die Ètzelen manne.
Looking toward the revel. / Lodging then sought each one.
sich huop mit grôzen êren. des küninges hôchgezîten an.
The wedding of the monarch / was in merry wise begun.
1390: si ne mohten niht belîben. ze Wiene in der stat.
Yet not for all might lodging / within the town be had.
die niht geste wâren. Rüedegêr die bat.
All that were not strangers, / Ruediger them bade
von der bürge dannen. herbergen in daz lant.
That they find them lodgings / beyond the city's bound.
ich wæne man alle zîte. bî vrouwen Kriemhilte vant.
I ween that at all seasons / by Lady Kriemhild's side was found
1391: den hêrren Dietrîchen. unde anders manigen degen.
The noble Sir Dietrich / and many another thane,
si hêten sich der ruowe. mit arebeite bewegen.
Who amid their labors / but little rest had ta'en,
durch daz si den gesten. getrôsten wole den muot.
That the guests they harbored / of merry mood should be.
der küninc mit sînen vriunden. hête kurzewîle guot.
For Ruediger and his companions / went the time full pleasantly.
1392: diu hôchgezîte was gevallen. an einen pfingestac
The wedding time was fallen / upon a Whitsuntide,
dô der küninc Ètzele. bî Kriemhilte lac.
When the monarch Etzel / lay Kriemhild beside
in der stat ze Wiene. si wæne sô manigen man.
In the town at Vienna. / So many men I ween
bî ire êrsten vriedel. nie ze dieneste gewan.
Through her former husband / had not in her service been.
1393: si kunte sich mit gâbe. dem der si nie gesach.
Many that ne'er had seen her / did her rich bounty take,
vile maniger dâr under. zuo den gesten sprach.
And many a one among them / unto the strangers spake:
"We deemed that Lady Kriemhild / of wealth no more had aught
nû ist hier michel wunder. von ire gâbe getân.
Now hath she by her giving / here full many a wonder wrought."
1394: diu hôchgezît dô werte. wole sibenzehen tage.
The wedding-feast it lasted / for days full seventeen.
ob küninc ie decheiner mit wârheit oder nâch sage.
Ne'er of other monarch / hath any told, I ween,
decheiner grôzer gewünne. daz ist uns gar verdeit.
That wedded with more splendor: / of such no tale we hear.
alle di dâ wâren. die truogen iteniuwe kleit.
All that there were present, / new-made apparel did they wear.
1395: si wæne in Niderlanten. dâ vore nie gesaz.
I ween that far in Netherland / sat she ne'er before
mit sô mânigem recken. dâ von geloube ich daz.
Amid such host of warriors. / And this believe I more:
was Sîvrit rîche des guotes. daz er doch nie gewan.
Was Siegfried rich in treasure, / that yet he ne'er did gain,
sô manigen recken edelen. als si ze den Hiunen mohte hân.
As here she saw 'fore Etzel, / so many a high and noble thane.
1396: ouch gap ir nie decheiner. zuo sîn selbes hôchgezît.
Nor e'er gave any other / at his own wedding-tide
sô manigen rîchen mandel. lanc. tief. unde wît.
So many a costly mantle / flowing long and wide,
noch sô rîcher kleider. der si vile mohten hân.
Nor yet so rich apparel / —so may ye well believe—
sô si durch Kriemhilten. alle hêten hier getân.
As here from hand of Kriemhild / did they one and all receive.
1397: die kunden unde die geste. die hêten einen muot.
Her friends and eke the strangers / were of a single mind,
daz si dâ niht sparten. decheiner slahte guot.
That they would not be sparing / of treasure in any kind:
swes ieman an si gerte. daz gâben si bereit.
What any from them desired, / they gave with willing hand.
des stuont dâ vile der degene. von milte blôz âne kleit.
Many a thane from giving / himself of clothing reft did stand.
1398: wie si ze Rîne sæze. si gedâhte an daz.
How by her noble husband / at the Rhine a queen she sat,
bî ire vile edelem manne. ire ougen wurden naz.
Of that she still was minded, / and her eye grew wet thereat.
Yet well she kept it hidden / that none the same might mark.
ir was nâch manigem leide. sô vile der êren hier geschehen.
Now had she wealth of honor / after long years of sorrow dark.
What any did with bounty, / 'twas but an idle wind
unz an Dietrîchen. swaz Botelunges kint.
By side of Dietrich's giving: / what Etzel's generous mind
Before to him had given, / complete did disappear.
ouch tet dâ michel wunder. des milten Rüedegêres hant.
Eke wrought there many a wonder / the hand of bounteous Ruediger.
1400: ûzer Ungerlande. der vürste Bloedelîn.
Bloedelein the chieftain / that came from Hunland,
Full many a chest to empty / did he then command,
von silber unde von golde. daz wart gar hin gegeben.
Of gold and eke of silver. / That did they freely give.
man gesach nie küninges degene. sô rehte vroelîche leben.
Right merrily the warriors / of the monarch saw ye live.
1401: Swemmel unde Werbel. die Ètzelen spilmanne.
Likewise the monarch's minstrels / Werbel and Schwemmelein,
ich wæne ir ieteslîcher. ze der hôchgezîte dâ gewan.
Won they at the wedding / each alone, I ween,
wole ze tûsent marken. oder dannoch baz.
Marks a good thousand / or even more than that,
dâ diu vrouwe Kriemhilt. bî Ètzelen under krônen saz.
Whenas fair Lady Kriemhild / 'neath crown by royal Etzel sat.
1402: an dem ahtzehenden morgene. von Wiene si dô riten.
Upon the eighteenth morning / from Vienna town they went.
dâ wart in ritterschefte. schilde vile versniten.
Then in knightly pastime / many a shield was rent
von spern die dâ vuorten. die recken an der hant.
By spear full well directed / by doughty rider's hand.
sus kom der küninc Ètzele. mit vröuweden in der Hiunen lant.
So came the royal Etzel / riding into Hunland.
1403: ze Heimburc der alten. si wâren über naht.
At Heimburg's ancient castle / they tarried over night.
dô ne kunde niemen wizzen. wole des volkes aht.
Tell the tale of people / no mortal ever might,
mit wie getâner krefte. si riten durch daz lant.
And the number of good warriors / did o'er the country come.
hei waz man schoener vrouwen. in ire heimüete vant.
Ah, what fairest women / were gathered unto Etzel's home!
1404: ze Misenburc der rîchen. dâ schiffeten si sich an.
By Miesenburg's majestic / towers did they embark.
daz wazzer wart verdecket. von rosse unde ouch von manne.
With horses eke and riders / the water all was dark,
sam ez erde wære. swaz man sîn übersach.
As if 'twere earth they trod on, / as far as eye might see.
die wegemüede vrouwen. hêten senfte unde ouch gemach.
The way-worn ladies rested / now on board right pleasantly.
1405: zesamene was gebunden. manic schif vile guot.
Now was lashed together / many a boat full good,
daz in niht schaden kunde. die ünden noch diu vluot.
That no harm they suffered / from the waves and flood.
dâr über was gespannen. vile manic guot gezelt.
Many a stately awning / likewise above them spread,
sam ob si noch hêten. beidiu lant unde velt.
Just as if beneath them / had they land and flowery mead.
1406: ze Ètzelen bürge. diu mære kômen danne.
When to Etzelburg the tidings / soon were borne along,
dô vröuweten sich dâr inne. wîbe unde manne.
Therein of men and women / were seen a merry throng.
daz Helchen ingesinde. des êr diu vrouwe pflac.
Who once the Lady Helke / as mistress did obey,
gelebete bî Kriemhilte. sît manigen vroelîchen tac.
Anon by Lady Kriemhild / lived they many a gladsome day.
1407: dô stuont in lieber warte. vile manic edel meit.
There did stand expectant / full many a maid high-born,
die von Helchen tôde. hêten manigiu leit.
That since the death of Helke / had pined all forlorn.
siben küninge tohter. Kriemhilt noch dâ vant.
Daughters of seven monarchs / Kriemhild there waiting found,
von den was wole gezieret. allez Ètzelen lant.
That were the high adornment / of all King Etzel's country round.
1408: diu juncvrouwe Herrât. noch des gesindes pflac.
Herrat, a lofty princess, / did all the train obey,
diu Helchen swester tohter. an der vile tugende lac.
Sister's child to Helke, / in whom high virtues lay,
diu gemahele Dietrîches. eines rîchen küninges kint.
Betrothéd eke of Dietrich, / of royal lineage born,
diu tohter Näntwînes. diu hête vile der êren sint.
Daughter of King Nentwein; / her did high honors eft adorn.
1409: von der geste künfte. sô trôste sich ire muot.
Against the strangers' coming / her heart with joy flowed o'er:
ouch was dâr zuo bereitet. vile krefticlîchez guot.
Eke was thereto devoted / of wealth a mickle store.
wer kunde iu daz bescheiden. wie sît der küninc saz.
Who might e'er give the picture, / how the king eft sat on throne?
si ne gelebeten dâ ze den Hiunen. mit decheiner küninginne baz.
Nor had with any mistress / the Huns such joyous living known.
1410: dô der wirt mit sîneme wîbe. von dem stade reit.
As with his spouse the monarch / up from the river came,
wer ieteslîchiu wære. daz wart zehant geseit.
Unto the noble Kriemhild / of each they told the name
der edeln küninginne. si gruozte si deste baz.
'Mong them that she did find there: / she fairer each did greet.
hei wie gewalticlîche. si sît an Helchen stat gesaz.
Ah, how mighty mistress / she long did sit in Helke's seat!
1411: mit triuwen hôher dieneste. wart ir vile bekant.
Ready and true the service / to her was offered there.
dô teilte diu vrouwe Kriemhilt. golt unde ouch gewant.
The queen dealt out in plenty / gold and raiment rare,
silber unde gesteine. swaz si des über Rîn.
Silver eke and jewels. / What over Rhine she brought
With her unto Hunland, / soon thereof retained she naught.
1412: ouch wurden ir mit dieneste. sider undertân.
Eke in faithful service / she to herself did win
al des küninges mâge. unde alle sîne manne.
All the king's warriors / and all his royal kin,
daz nie diu vrouwe Helche. sô gewalticlîche gebôt.
—So that ne'er did Lady Helke / so mighty power wield
sô si nû muosen dienen. unz an den Kriemhilte tôt.
As until death to Kriemhild / such host did willing service yield.
How Kriemhild thought to avenge her Wrong
1413: dô stuont mit solichen êren. der hof unde ouch daz lant.
Thus stood so high in honor / the court and country round,
daz man dâ ze allen zîten. die kurzewîle vant.
That there at every season / was pleasant pastime found
swâr nâch ieteslîchem. daz herze truoc den muot.
By each, whithersoever / his heart's desire might stand:
durch des küninges liebe. unde ouch die küninginne guot.
That wrought the monarch's favor / and the queen's full bounteous hand.
1414: in alsô hôhen êren. daz ist alwâr.
In full lordly honor, / —truth is that ye hear—
si woneten bî dem küninge. unz in daz sibende jâr.
Dwelt they with each other / until the seventh year.
di zît diu küninginne. eines sunes was genesen.
Meanwhile Lady Kriemhild / a son to Etzel bore,
des kunde der küninc Ètzele niemer vroelicher gewesen.
Nor gladder might the monarch / be o'er aught for evermore.
Yet would she not give over, / nor with aught be reconciled,
daz getoufet würde. daz Ètzelen kint.
But that should be baptizéd / the royal Etzel's child
nâch kristenlîchem rehte. Ortliep wart ez genant.
After Christian custom: / Ortlieb they did him call.
Thereat was mickle joyance / over Etzel's borders all.
1416: swaz ie guoter tugende. an vrouwen Helchen lac.
Whate'er of highest virtues / in Lady Helke lay,
des vleiz sich vrouwe Kriemhilt. dâr nâch vile manigen tac.
Strove the Lady Kriemhild / to rival her each day.
die site si lêrte Herrât. diu ellende meit.
Herrat the stranger maiden / many a grace she taught,
diu hête tougenlîche. nâch ire vrouwen grôziu leit.
Who yet with secret pining / for her mistress Helke was distraught.
1417: die vremeden unde die kunden. die jâhen dâ zehant.
To stranger and to native / full well she soon was known,
daz nie milter vrouwe. besæze ein küninges lant.
Ne'er monarch's country, said they, / did royal mistress own
noch decheiniu tiurer lebete. des jach man ir vüre wâr.
That gave with freer bounty, / that held they without fear.
si erwarp ir lop vile grôzen. ze den Hiunen in daz zwelifte jâr.
Such praise she bore in Hunland, / until was come the thirteenth year.
1418: si hête nû wole erkunnen. daz ir niemen widerstuont.
Now had she well perceivéd / how all obeyed her will,
als iz noch vürsten wîbe. küninges recken tuont.
As service to royal mistress / king's knights do render still,
unde daz si alle zîte. zwelif küninge vore ir sach.
And how at every season / twelve kings 'fore her were seen.
dô gedâhte si maniger leide. der ir dâ heime geschach.
She thought of many a sorrow / that wrought upon her once had been.
1419: si gedâhte ouch maniger êren. von Nibelunge lande.
Eke thought she of lordly power / in Nibelungenland
der si dâ was gewaltic. unde die ir Hagenen hant.
That she erstwhile had wielded, / and how that Hagen's hand
mit Sîvrides tôde. hête gar benomen.
Of it all had reft her / with her lord Siegfried dead;
si gedâhte ob im daz iemer. noch ze leide möhte. komen.
She thought for so great evil / how might he ever be repaid.
"'Twould be, might I but bring him / hither into this land."
She dreamed that fondly led her / full often by the hand
bî Ètzele dem küninge. si kuste in ze aller stunt.
Giselher her brother, / full oft in gentle sleep
vile dicke in senftem slâfe. sît wart in arebeiten kunt.
Thought she to have kissed him, / wherefrom he sorrow soon must reap.
1421: si ne kunde ouch nie vergezzen. swie wole ir anders was.
I ween the evil demon / was Kriemhild's counsellor
ire starken herzenleide. in ire herzen si ez las.
That she her peace with Gunther / should sacred keep no more,
mit jâmer ze allen stunten. daz man sît wole bevant.
Whom she kissed in friendly token / in the land of Burgundy.
dô begunde ir aber salwen. von heizen trahenen ire gewant.
Adown upon her bosom / the burning tears fell heavily.
1422: ez lac ir an dem herzen. spâte unde vruo.
On her heart both late and early / lay the heavy thought,
wie man si âne schulde. brâhte dâr zuo.
How that, herself all guiltless, / thereto she had been brought,
daz si muose minnen. einen heiden man.
That she must share in exile / a heathen monarch's bed.
daz hæte ire vriunt Hagene. unde ouch Gunther getân.
Through Hagen eke and Gunther / come she was to such sore need.
From her heart such longing / seldom might she dismiss.
ich bin nû wole sô rîche. swem iz ouch missehage.
Thought she: "A queen so mighty / I am o'er wealth like this,
That I upon mine enemies / may yet avenge me well.
des wær et ich von Tronege. Hagene gerne bereit.
Fain were I that on Hagen / of Tronje yet my vengeance fell.
1424: nâch den getriuwen jâmert. dicke daz herze mîn.
"For friends that once were faithful / full oft my heart doth long.
die mir dâ leide tâten. möhte ich bî den gesîn.
Were they but here beside me / that wrought on me such wrong,
sô würde noch errochen. mînes mannes lîp.
Then were in sooth avengéd / my lover reft of life;
des ich vile kûme erbîte. sprach daz jâmerhafte wîp.
Scarce may I bide that hour," / spake the royal Etzel's wife.
1425: ze liebe si dô hêten alle des küninges manne.
Kriemhild they loved and honored, / the monarch's men each one,
die Kriemhilte recken. daz was wole getân.
As they that came there with her: / well might the same be done.
der kamern der pflac Ègewart. dâ von er vriunde gewan.
The treasure wielded Eckewart, / and won good knights thereby.
den Kriemhilte willen. mohte niemen verstân.
The will of Lady Kriemhild might / none in all that land deny.
She mused at every season: / "The king himself I'll pray,"—
daz er ir des gunde. mit guotlîchen siten.
That he to her the favor / might grant in friendly way,
daz man ire vriunde. bræhte. in der Hiunen lant.
To bring her kinsmen hither / unto Hunland.
den argen willen nieman an vrouwen Kriemhilte ervant.
What vengeful thought she cherished / might none soever understand.
1427: dô si eines nahtes. bî dem küninge lac.
As she in stillest night-time / by the monarch lay
mit armen umbevangen. als er vile dicke pflac.
(In his arms enclosed he held her, / as he was wont alway
die edelen vrouwen triuten. si was im sô der lîp.
To caress the noble lady: / she was to him as life),
dô gedâhte an ire vîande. daz vile hêrlîche wîp.
Again unto her enemies / turned her thoughts his stately wife.
1428: si sprach. zuo dem küninge. vile lieber hêrre mîn.
She spake unto the monarch: / "My lord full dear to me,
Now would I pray a favor, / if with thy grace it be,
That thou wilt show unto me / if merit such be mine
ob ir mînen vriunden. wæret inniclîchen holt.
That unto my good kinsmen / truly doth thy heart incline."
The mighty monarch answered / (from guile his heart was free):
ich bringe iuch des wole innen. swâ liep unde guot.
"Of a truth I tell thee, / if aught of good may be
den helden widervüere. des müese ich vröuwede hân.
The fortune of thy kinsmen, / —of that I were full fain,
wande ich von wîbes minne. bezzer vriunde nie gewan.
For ne'er through love of woman / might I friends more faithful gain."
Thereat again spake Kriemhild: / "That mayst thou well believe,
Full high do stand my kinsmen; / the more it doth me grieve
daz mich die sô selten. ruochent hier gesehen.
That they deign so seldom / hither to take their way.
ich hoere mîn die liute. niuwan vüre ellende jehen.
That here I live a stranger, / oft I hear the people say."
1431: dô sprach der küninc Ètzele. vile liebiu vrouwe mîn.
Then spake the royal Etzel: / "Beloved lady mine,
Seemed not too far the journey, / I'd bid from yond the Rhine
swelich ir dâ gerne sæhet. her in mîniu lant.
Whom thou wouldst gladly welcome / hither unto my land."
diu rede ir wole behagete. dô si den willen sîn ervant.
Thereat rejoiced the lady / when she his will did understand.
Spake she: "Wilt thou true favor / show me, master mine,
sô sulet ir boten senden. von uns über Rîn.
Then shall thou speed thy messengers / to Worms across the Rhine.
Were but my friends acquainted / what thing of them I would,
sô kumet uns her ze lande. vile manic edel ritter guot.
Then to this land came hither / full many a noble knight and good."
He spake: "Whene'er thou biddest, / straight the thing shall be.
ir ne dörftet iuwer vriunde. nie sô gerne sehen.
Thyself mightst ne'er thy kinsmen / here so gladly see,
als ich hier gesæhe. der edeln Uoten kint.
As I the sons of Ute, / high and stately queen.
mich müejet daz harte sêre. daz si uns sô lange vremede sint.
It grieveth me full sorely / that strangers here so long they've been.
1434: er sprach ob dû ez râtest. vile liebiu vrouwe mîn.
"If this thing doth please thee, / beloved lady mine,
di mîne videlære. nâch den vriunden dîn.
Then gladly send I thither / unto those friends of thine
wile ich ze boten senden. in Burgonden lant.
As messengers my minstrels / to the land of Burgundy."
He bade the merry fiddlers / lead before him presently.
1435: die knappen kômen beide. dâ ire hêrre saz.
Then hastened they full quickly / to where they found the king
bî der küninginne. der küninc in sagete daz.
By side of Kriemhild sitting. / He told them straight the thing,
si solten boten werden. in sîner vriunde lant.
How they should be his messengers / to Burgundy to fare.
dô hiez man in bereiten. harte schiere guot gewant.
Full stately raiment bade he / for them straightway eke prepare.
1436: unde ire vartgesellen. vier und zweinzic mannen.
Four and twenty warriors / did they apparel well.
di mit in varn solten. ze den Burgonden dannen.
Likewise did the monarch / to them the message tell,
in tet der küninc Ètzele. kunt den willen sîn.
How that they King Gunther / and his men should bid aright.
wie si laden solten. Gunthern mit den vriunden sîn.
Them eke the Lady Kriemhild / to secret parley did invite.
Then spake the mighty monarch: / "Now well my words attend.
ich entbiute mînen vriunden. liep unde allez guot.
All good and friendly greeting / unto my friends I send,
daz si geruochen rîten. her in mîniu lant.
That they may deign to journey / hither to my country.
ich hân sô lieber geste. harte selten noch bekant.
Few be the guests beside them / that were so welcome unto me.
1438: unde ob si mînes willen. wellen iht begân.
"And if they be so minded / to meet my will in aught,
die mîne konemâge. daz si des niht lân.
Kriemhild's lofty kinsmen, / that they forego it not
si ne komen mir ze liebe. zuo mîner hôchgezît.
To come upon the summer / here where I hold hightide,
wande vile der mînen wünne. an mîner vrouwen mâgen lît.
For that my joy in living / doth greatly with my friends abide."
Then spake the fiddle-player, / Schwemmelein full bold:
"When thinkst thou in this country / such high feast to hold,
daz mîner vrouwen vriunde. dâr zuo mügen komen.
That unto thy friends yonder / tell the same we may?"
des wart der küninginne. ire leides harte vile benomen.
Thereto spake King Etzel: / "When next hath come midsummer day."
1440: dô sprach der küninc hêre. die mînen hôchgezît.
Right courteously the monarch / began to greet them then:
sulet ir ze Rîne künden. daz ir gewis des sît.
"Now be ye both right welcome, / Hunland's merry men,
ze nâhesten sunnewenden. sô wile ich si hân.
And knights that give you escort. / Hither sent are ye
die uns mit triuwen minnen. daz si die reise niht en lân.
By Etzel mighty monarch / unto the land of Burgundy?"
They bowed before the monarch; / then spake Werbelein:
in ire kemenâten bat si diu küninginne.
"My dear lord and master, / and Kriemhild, sister thine,
bringen tougenlîchen. dâ si die boten sprach.
Hither to thy country / give fairest compliment.
dâ von sît manigem degene. harte leide geschach.
In faith of kindly welcome / us unto you they now have sent."
Then spake the lofty ruler: / "I joy o'er this ye bring.
ob ir mînen willen. tougenlîchen tuot.
How liveth royal Etzel," / further spake the king,
sô saget swaz ich entbiete. heim in unser lant.
"And Kriemhild, my sister, / afar in Hunland?"
Then answered him the fiddler: / "That shalt thou straightway understand.
1443: swaz ir der mînen vriunde. iemer müget gesehen.
"Right hearty were your welcome / from me and brother mine,
ze Wormeze bî dem Rîne. den sulet ir niht verjehen.
Would ye but more frequent / ride hither to the Rhine;
daz ir noch ie gesæhet. betrüebet mînen muot.
Here found ye friends full many / whom glad ye were to see,
unde saget mînen dienest. den heleden küene. unde guot.
And naught but friendly favors / the while that in this land ye be."
1444: bitet daz si leisten. daz in der küninc entbôt.
"To us how high thy favor," / spake Schwemmel, "know we well;
unde mich dâ mite scheiden. von aller mîner nôt.
Nor with my best endeavor / might I ever tell
die Hiunen mügen wænen. dazz ich âne vriunde sî.
How kindly is the greeting / we bear from Etzel's hand
ob ich ein ritter hieze. ich wær in eteswenne bî.
And from your noble sister, / who doth in highest honor stand.
1445: ir saget ouch Gêrnôte. dem lieben bruoder mîn.
Added then his counsel / the princely Gernot there:
daz im ze der werlte nieman. holder müge sîn.
"Though be it thou hast reason / thine own death to fear
unde bite in daz er vüere. mit im in ditze lant.
Afar in Hunnish kingdom, / should we for that forego
die unser bezzisten vriunde. dazz iz uns ze den êren sî gewant.
To visit our high sister, / that were in sooth but ill to do."
daz er von mînen schulden. nie leides niht gewan.
des sæhen in vile gerne. hier diu ougen mîn.
1447: nû saget ouch mîner muoter. die êre die ich hân.
Unto that thane did likewise / Giselher then say:
unde ob von Tronege Hagene. welle dort bestân.
"Since well thou know'st, friend Hagen, / what guilt on thee doth weigh,
wer si danne solte. wîsen durch diu lant.
Then tarry here behind us / and of thyself have care,
dem sint die wege von kinde. her ze den Hiunen wole bekant.
And let who dares the journey / with us unto my sister fare."
1448: die boten niene wessen. wâ von daz was getân.
Thereat did rage full sorely / Tronje's doughty thane:
daz Hagene der küene. solte niht bestân.
"So shall ye ne'er find any / that were to go more fain,
hinder den Rîne. daz wart in sider leit.
Nor who may better guide you / than I upon your way.
mit im was manigem degene. ze dem grimmem tôde widerseit.
And will ye not give over, / know then my humor soon ye may."
How all Sir Dietrich's Knights were Slain
1449: boteschaft unde brieve. daz was nû gegeben.
Then spake the Kitchen Master, / Rumold a lofty thane:
"Here might ye guests and kinsmen / in plenty long maintain
urloup gap in Ètzele. unde ouch des küninges wîp.
After your own pleasure, / for ye have goodly store.
I ween ye ne'er found Hagen / traitor to you heretofore.
2294: dô hôrte man allenthalben. jâmer alsô grôz.
On all sides so great sorrow / heard ye there around,
daz palas unde türne. von dem wuofe erdôz.
That palace and high tower / did from the wail resound.
dô hôrte ez ouch von Berne. ein Dietrîches man.
Of Bern a man of Dietrich / eke the same did hear,
durch disiu starken mære. wie balde er gâhen began.
And speedily he hastened / the tidings to his lord to bear.
Spake he unto his master: / "Sir Dietrich give me ear.
swaz ich her gelebet hân. sô reht unmügelich.
What yet hath been my fortune, / never did I hear
Lamenting past all measure, / as at this hour hath been.
Scathe unto King Etzel / himself hath happenéd, I ween.
"Else how might they ever / all show such dire need?
der küninc oder Kriemhilt. ir einez daz ist tôt.
The king himself or Kriemhild, / one of them lieth dead,
von den küenen gesten. durch ire nît gelegen.
By the doughty strangers / for sake of vengeance slain.
ez weinet harte sêre. vile manic ûzerwelter degen.
Unmeasured is the weeping / of full many a stately thane."
2297: dô sprach der helt von Berne. mîne lieben manne.
Then spake of Bern Sir Dietrich: / "Ye men to me full dear,
Now haste ye not unduly. / The deeds performéd here
die ellenden recken. des gêt in michel nôt.
By the stranger warriors / show sore necessity.
unde lât si des geniezen. daz ich in mînen vride bôt.
That peace with them I blighted, / let it now their profit be."
Then spake the valiant Wolfhart: / "Thither will I run
To make question of it / what they now have done,
And straight will tidings bring thee, / master full dear to me,
als ich ez rehte ervinde. waz diu rede müge sîn.
When yonder I inform me, / whence may so great lamenting be."
2299: dô sprach der hêrre Dietrîch. swâ man zornes sich versihet.
Answer gave Sir Dietrich: / "Fear they hostility,
ob ungevüegiu vrâge. denne dâ geschihet.
The while uncivil questioning / of their deed there be,
daz betrüebet recken. vile lîhte danne ire muot.
Lightly are stirred to anger / good warriors o'er the thing.
jâ ne wile ich niht Wolvhart. daz ir die vrâge dâ ze in tuot.
Yea, 'tis my pleasure, Wolfhart, / thou sparest them all such questioning.
2300: dô hiez er Helpfrîchen. vile balde dar gân.
Helfrich he then commanded / thither with speed to go
unde bat in daz ervinden. an Ètzelen mannen.
That from men of Etzel / he might truly know,
oder an den gesten selben. waz wære dâ geschehen.
Or from the strangers straightway, / what thing there had been.
dô ne hête er nie von liuten. sô grôzer jâmer mêr gesehen.
As that, so sore lamenting / of people ne'er before was seen.
Questioned then the messenger: / "What hath here been wrought?"
Answered one among them: / "Complete is come to naught
swaz wir vröuweden hêten. in der Hiunen lande.
What of joy we cherished / here in Hunnish land.
Slain here lieth Ruediger, / fallen 'neath Burgundian hand.
2302: die mit im dâr in kômen. der ist einer niht genesen.
"Of them that entered with him / not one doth longer live."
dô ne kunde Helpfrîche. leider niemer wesen.
Naught might ever happen / Helfrich more to grieve,
jâ ne sagete er sîniu mære. sô reht ungerne nie.
Nor ever told he tidings / so ruefully before.
der bote dô hin widere. vile sêre weinente gie.
Weeping sore the message / unto Dietrich then he bore.
"What the news thou bringst us?" / Dietrich spake once more;
wie weinet ir sô sêre. degen Helpfrîch.
"Yet, O doughty Helfrich, / wherefore dost weep so sore?"
Answered the noble warrior: / "With right may I complain:
den guoten Rüedegêre. hât uns hêrr Gêrnôt erslagen.
Yonder faithful Ruediger / lieth by the Burgundians slain."
The lord of Bern gave answer: / "God let not such thing be!
daz wær ein starkiu râche. unde ouch des tiuvels spot.
That were a mighty vengeance, / and eke the Devil's glee.
wâ mite hête Rüedegêr. an in daz verscholet.
Whereby had ever Ruediger / from them deserved such ill?
Well know I to the strangers / was ever well disposed his will."
Thereto gave answer Wolfhart: / "In sooth have they this done,
sô solte ez in allen. an ire leben gân.
Therefor their lives shall forfeit / surely, every one.
ob wir ez in vertrüegen. des wæren wir geschant.
And make we not requital, / our shame for aye it were;
jâ hât uns vile gedienet. des guoten Rüedegêrs hant.
Full manifold our service / from hand of noble Ruediger."
Then bade the lord of Amelungen / the case more full to learn.
vile harte senelîche. er in venster saz.
He sat within a casement / and did full sadly mourn.
dô hiez er Hiltebrande. zuo den gesten gân.
He prayed then that Hildebrand / unto the strangers go,
daz er an in ervünte. waz dâ wære getân.
That he from their own telling / of the case complete might know.
2307: der sturmküene recke. meister Hiltebrant.
The warrior keen in battle, / Master Hildebrand,
weder schilt noch wâfen. truoc er an der hant.
Neither shield nor weapon / bore he in his hand,
er wolte in sînen zühten. zuo den gesten gân.
But would in chivalrous manner / unto the strangers go.
von sîner swester kinde. wart im ein strâfen getân.
His sister's son reviled him / that he would venture thus to do.
Spake in anger Wolfhart: / "Goest thou all weaponless,
sô ne mac ez âne ein schelten. niemer wole gestân.
Must I of such action / free my thought confess:
Thou shalt in shameful fashion / hither come again;
ob ir dar komet gewâfenet. daz eteslîcher wole bewart.
Goest thou arméd thither, / will all from harm to thee refrain."
2309: dô garwte sich der wîse. durch des tumben rât.
So armed himself the old man / at counsel of the young.
Ere he was ware of it, / into their armor sprung
alle Dietrîches recken. unde truogen swert in hant.
All of Dietrich's warriors / and stood with sword in hand.
Grieved he was, and gladly / had turned them Master Hildebrand.
2310: er vrâgete war si wolten. wir wellen mit iu dar.
He asked them whither would they. / "Thee company we'll bear,
waz ob von Tronege Hagene. deste wirs getar.
So may, perchance, less willing / Hagen of Tronje dare,
gein iu mit spotte sprechen. des er kan wole gepflegen.
As so oft his custom, / to give thee mocking word."
dô er die rede gehôrte. dâ von gestatete es in der degen.
The thane his leave did grant them / at last when he their speech had heard.
Keen Volker saw approaching, / in armor all arrayed,
die recken von Berne. die Dietrîches manne.
Of Bern the gallant warriors / that Dietrich's word obeyed,
begürtet mit den swerten. ire schilde vore der hant.
With sword at girdle hanging / and bearing shield in hand.
er sagete ez sînen hêrren. ûzer Burgonden lande.
Straight he told the tidings / to his masters of Burgundian land.
Spake the doughty Fiddler: / "Yonder see I come near
sô rehte vîantlîche. die Dietrîches manne.
The warriors of Dietrich / all clad in battle gear
And decked their heads with helmets, / as if our harm they mean.
For us knights here homeless / approacheth evil end, I ween."
2313: in den selben zîten. kom ouch Hiltebrant.
Meanwhile was come anigh them / Master Hildebrand.
dô satzte er vüre die vüeze. sînen schildes rant.
Before his foot he rested / the shield he bore in hand,
er begunde vrâgen. die Gunthers manne.
And soon began to question / the men of Gunther there:
ô wê ire guoten degene. waz hête iu Rüedegêr getân.
"Alack, ye gallant warriors, / what harm hath wrought you Ruediger?
2314: mich hât mîn hêrre Dietrîch. her zuoze iu gesant.
"Me did my master Dietrich / hither to you command:
ob erslagen hête. iuwer decheines hant.
If now the noble margrave / hath fallen 'neath the hand
den edeln marcgrâven. als uns ist geseit.
Of any knight among you, / as word to us is borne,
wir en kunden überwinden. niht diu grôzlîchen leit.
Such a mighty sorrow / might we never cease to mourn."
Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "True is the tale ye hear.
wie wole ich iu des gunde. hæte iuch der bote betrogen.
Though glad I were, if to you / had lied the messenger,
durch Rüedegêres liebe. daz lebete noch sîn lîp.
And if the faithful Ruediger / still his life might keep,
den iemer mügen weinen. beidiu manne unde ouch diu wîp.
For whom both man and woman / must ever now in sorrow weep!"
2316: dô si daz rehte erhôrten. daz er wære tôt.
When they for sooth the passing / of the hero knew,
dô klageten in die degene. ire triuwe in daz gebôt.
Those gallant knights bemoaned him / like faithful friends and true;
den Dietrîches mannen. sach man trehene gân.
On Dietrich's lusty warriors / saw ye fall the tear
über berte unde über kinne. in was vile leide getân.
Adown the bearded visage, / for sad of heart in truth they were.
2317: der herzoge ûzer Berne. Sigestap dô sprach.
Of Bern then a chieftain, / Siegstab, further cried:
"Of all the mickle comfort / now an end is made,
den uns ie vuogte Rüedegêr. nâch unser leide tagen.
That Ruediger erst prepared us / after our days of pain.
vröuwede ellender diete. lît von iu degenen erslagen.
The joy of exiled people / here lieth by you warriors slain."
2318: dô sprach von Amelungen. der degen Wolvwîn.
Then spake of Amelungen / the thane Wolfwein:
unde ob ich hiute sæhe. tôt den vater mîn.
"If that this day beheld I / dead e'en sire of mine,
mir en würde niemer leider. denne umbe sînen lîp.
No more might be my sorrow / than for this hero's life.
ô wê wer sol nû troesten. des guoten marcgrâven wîp.
Alack! who bringeth comfort / now to the noble margrave's wife?"
2319: dô sprach in zornes muote. der küene Wolvhart.
Spake eke in angry humor / Wolfhart a stalwart thane:
wer wîset nû die recken. sô manige hervart.
"Who now shall lead our army / on the far campaign,
alsô der marcgrâve. vile dicke hât getân.
As full oft the margrave / of old hath led our host?
ô wê vile edel Rüedegêr. dazz ich dînen tôt gelebet hân.
Alack! O noble Ruediger, / that in such manner thee we've lost!"
2320: Wolvbrant unde Helpfrîch. unde Helmnôt.
Wolfbrand and Helfrich / and Helmnot with warriors all
mit allen ire vriunden. si weineten sînen tôt.
Mournéd there together / that he in death must fall.
vore siuftenne mohte vrâgen. niht mêr Hiltebrant.
For sobbing might not further / question Hildebrand.
He spake: "Now do, ye warriors, / according to my lord's command.
2321: gebet uns Rüedegêren. sô tôten ûz dem sal.
"Yield unto us Ruediger's / corse from out the hall,
an dem gar mit jâmer. lît unser vröuweden val.
In whose death to sorrow / hath passed our pleasure all;
And let us do him service / for friendship true of yore
an uns vile grôzer triuwen. unde ouch an manigem vremeden manne.
That e'er for us he cherished / and eke for many a stranger more.
2322: wir sîn ouch ellende. als Rüedegêr der degen.
"We too from home are exiles / like unto Ruediger.
wes lâzet ir uns bîten. lât in uns after wegen.
Why keep ye us here waiting? / Him grant us hence to bear,
That e'en though death hath reft him / our service he receive,
wir hêten ez billicher. bî sîneme lebene getân.
Though fairer had we paid it / the while the hero yet did live."
Thereto spake King Gunther: / "No service equal may
den ein vriunt vriunde. sô nâch tôde tuot.
That which, when death hath reft him, / to friend a friend doth pay.
Him deem I friend right faithful, / whoe'er the same may do.
Well make ye here requital / for many a service unto you."
"How long shall we beseech you," / spake Wolfhart the thane;
sît unser trôst der bezziste. ist von iu tôt belegen.
"Since he that best consoled us / by you now lieth slain,
unde wir sîn leider mêre. mügen niht gehaben.
And we, alas, no longer / his living aid may have,
Grant us hence to bear him / and lay the hero in his grave."
2325: des antwurte Volcgêr. niemen in iu gît.
Thereto answered Volker: / "Thy prayer shall all deny.
nemet in in dem hûse. dâ der degen lît.
From out the hall thou take him, / where doth the hero lie
mit sînen tiefen wunden. gevallen in daz bluot.
'Neath deep wounds and mortal / in blood now smitten down.
sô ist ez ein voller dienest. den ir hier Rüedegêre tuot.
So may by thee best service / here to Ruediger be shown."
Answered Wolfhart boldly: / "Sir Fiddleman, God wot
Thou shalt forbear to stir us, / for woe on us thou'st wrought.
Durst I despite my master, / uncertain were thy life;
des müezen wir ez lâzen. wan er uns strît mit iu verbôt.
Yet must we here keep silence, / for he did bid us shun the strife."
Then spake again the Fiddler: / "'Tis all too much of fear,
swaz man im verbiutet. der ez allez lâzen wile.
For that a thing's forbidden, / meekly to forbear.
daz en kan ich niht geheizen. rehten heldes muot.
Scarce may I deem it valor / worthy good knight to tell."
diu rede dûhte Hagenen. von sînem hergesellen guot.
What said his faithful comrade, / did please the doughty Hagen well.
"For proof be not o'er-eager," / Wolfhart quick replied,
ich entrihte iu lîhte die seiten. swenne ir die widervart.
"Else so I'll tune thy fiddle / that when again ye ride
Afar unto Rhine river, / sad tale thou tellest there.
iuwer übermüeten. mac ich langer niht vertragen.
Thy haughty words no longer / may I now with honor bear."
2329: dô sprach der videlære. swenne ir die seiten mîn.
Spake once more the Fiddler: / "If e'er the harmony
verirret guoter doene. der iuwer helmes schîn.
Of my fiddle-strings thou breakest, / thy helmet's sheen shall be
mac wole trüebe werden. von der mîner hant.
Made full dim of lustre / by stroke of this my hand,
swie ich halt gerîten. in der Burgonden lant.
Howe'er fall out my journey / homeward to Burgundian land."
2330: dô wolte er zuo im springen. wan daz in niht en lie.
Then would he rush upon him / but that him did restrain
Hiltebrant sîn oeheim. in vaste ze im gevie.
Hildebrand his uncle / who seizéd him amain.
"I ween thou would'st be witless, / by youthful rage misled.
mînes hêrren hulde. wir hêten iemer mêr verloren.
My master's favor had'st thou / evermore thus forfeited."
"Let loose the lion, Master, / that doth rage so sore.
If but my sword may reach him," / spake Volker further more,
hæte er die werlte alle. mit sîner hant erslagen.
"Though he the world entire / by his own might had slain,
I'll smite him that an answer / never may he chant again."
2332: des wart vile harte erzürnet. der Bernære muot.
Thereat with anger straightway / the men of Bern were filled.
den schilt gezuckete Wolvhart. ein sneller degen guot.
Wolfhart, thane right valiant, / grasped in haste his shield,
alsam ein lewe wilder. lief er vore in dannen.
And like to a wild lion / out before them sped.
im wart ein gæhez volgen. von sînen vriunden getân.
By friends a goodly number / full quickly was he followéd.
2333: swie wîter sprünge er pflæge. vüre des sales want.
Though by the hall went striding / ne'er so swift the thane,
doch ergâhete in vore der stiegen. der alte Hiltebrant.
O'ertook him Master Hildebrand / ere he the steps might gain,
For nowise would he let him / be foremost in the fray.
si vunten daz si suochten. an den ellenden sît.
In the stranger warriors / worthy foemen soon found they.
2334: dô gespranc zuo Hagene. meister Hiltebrant.
Straight saw ye upon Hagen / rush Master Hildebrand,
diu swert man hôrte erklingen. an ir beider hant.
And sword ye heard give music / in each foeman's hand.
Sore they were enragéd, / as ye soon were ware,
von ir beider wâfenen. gie der viurrôter wint.
For from their swinging broadswords / whirred the ruddy sparks in air.
2335: di wurden dô gescheiden. in des strîtes nôt.
Yet soon the twain were parted / in the raging fight:
daz tâten die von Berne. als in ire kraft gebôt.
The men of Bern so turned it / by their dauntless might.
zehant dô wande Hiltebrant. von Hagene balde dannen.
Ere long then was Hildebrand / from Hagen turned away,
dô lief der starke Wolvhart. den küenen Volcgêren an.
While that the doughty Wolfhart / the valiant Volker sought to slay.
2336: er sluoc den videlære. ûf den helm guot.
Upon the helm the Fiddler / he smote with blow so fierce
daz des swertes egge. unz an die spangen wuot.
That the sword's keen edges / unto the frame did pierce.
daz vergalt mit ellene. der küene spilman.
With mighty stroke repaid him / the valiant minstrel too,
And so belabored Wolfhart / that thick the sparks around him flew.
2337: viur ûz den ringen. des hiewen si genuoc.
Hewing they made the fire / from mail-rings scintillate,
haz ir ieteslîcher dem andern vaste truoc.
For each unto the other / bore a deadly hate.
die schiet dô von Berne. der degen Wolvwîn.
Of Bern the thane Wolfwein / at length did part the two,—
ob er ein helt niht wære. des en kunde niht gesîn.
Which thing might none other / than man of mickle prowess do.
2338: Gunther der vile küene. mit williger hant.
Gunther, knight full gallant, / received with ready hand
entvie die helde mære. von Amelunge lande.
There the stately warriors / of Amelungen land.
Gîselher der starke. diu liehten helmvaz.
Eke did young Giselher / of many a helmet bright,
der vrumete er dâ vile manigez. von bluote rôt unde naz.
With blood all red and reeking, / cause to grow full dim the light.
2339: Dancwart Hagenen bruoder. was ein grimmic man.
Dankwart, Hagen's brother, / was a warrior grim.
swaz er dâ vore hête. in strîte getân.
What erstwhile in combat / had been wrought by him
den Ètzeln recken. daz was gar ein wint.
Against the men of Etzel / seemed now as toying vain,
allrêrest vaht tobelîche. des küenen Adriânes kint.
As fought with flaming ire / the son of valiant Aldrian.
2340: Gêrbart. unde Wîchart. Helpfrîch unde Ritschart.
Ritschart and Gerbart, / Helfrich and Wichart
die hêten in manigen stürmen. vile selten sich gespart.
Had oft in storm of battle / with valor borne their part,
des brâhten si wole innen. die Gunthers manne.
As now 'fore men of Gunther / they did clear display.
dô sach man Wolvbranden. in sturme hêrlîche gân.
Likewise saw ye Wolfbrand / glorious amid the fray.
2341: dâ streit er als er wuotte. der alte Hiltebrant.
There old Master Hildebrand / fought as he were wode.
vile manic küener recke. vore Wolvhartes hant.
Many a doughty warrior / was stricken in the blood
mit tôde muose vallen. von swerten in daz bluot.
By the sword that swinging / in Wolfhart's hand was seen.
sus râchen Rüedegêre. die recken küene unde guot.
Thus took dire vengeance / for Ruediger those knights full keen.
2342: Sigestap von Berne. als im sîn ellen riet.
Havoc wrought Sir Siegstab / there with might and main.
hei waz er in dem sturme. der herten helme schriet.
Ho! in the hurly-burly / what helms he cleft in twain
den sînen vîanden. Dietrîches swester sun.
Upon the crowns of foemen, / Dietrich's sister's son!
der kunde in dem sturme bezzeres niemer niht getuon.
Ne'er in storm of battle / had he more feats of valor done.
2343: Volcgêr der vile starke. dô er daz ersach.
When the doughty Volker / there aright had seen
daz Sigestap der küene. den bluotigen bach.
How many a bloody rivulet / was hewn by Siegstab keen
From out the well-wrought mail-rings, / the hero's ire arose.
Quick he sprang toward him, / Siegstab then his life must lose.
2344: von dem videlære. vile schiere aldâ daz leben.
Ere long time was over, / 'neath the Fiddler's hand,
er begunde im sîner künste. alsolichen teil dâ geben.
Who of his art did give him / such share to understand
That beneath his broadsword / smitten to death he lay.
daz rach der alte Hiltebrant. als im sîn ellen daz gebôt.
Old Hildebrand avenged him / as bade his mighty arm alway.
2345: ô wê vile liebes hêrren. sprach meister Hiltebrant.
"Alack that knight so loved," / spake Master Hildebrand,
der hier lît erstorben. von Volcgêres hant.
"Here should thus lie fallen / 'neath Volker's hand.
nû ne sol der videlære. langer niht genesen.
Now lived his latest hour / in sooth this Fiddler hath."
zorn der Hiltebrandes. kunde grimmer niht gewesen.
Filled was the hero Hildebrand / straightway with a mighty wrath.
2346: dô sluoc er Volcgêre. daz im diu helmbant.
With might smote he Volker / that severed flew the band
stuben allenthalben. zuo des sales want.
E'en to the hall's wide limit / far on either hand
von helme unde ouch von schilde. dem küenen spilmanne.
From shield and eke from helmet / borne by the Fiddler keen;
dâ von der videlære. dô den ende dâ gewan.
Therewith the doughty Volker / reft of life at last had been.
2347: dô drungen zuo dem strîte. die Dietrîches manne.
Pressed eager to the combat / Dietrich's warriors true,
Smiting that the mail-rings / afar from harness flew,
unde daz man ort der swerte. in deme gewelbe stecken sach.
And that the broken sword-points / soaring aloft ye saw,
si hiewen ûz den helmen. den heize vliezenten bach.
The while that reeking blood-stains / did they from riven helmets draw.
2348: dô sach von Tronege Hagene. Volcgêren tôt.
There of Tronje Hagen / beheld Volker dead.
daz was ze der hôchgezîte. sîn allermeistiu nôt.
In that so bloody carnage / 'twas far the sorest need
die er dâ hête gewunnen. an mâgen unde an mannen.
Of all that did befall him / in death of friend and man.
ô wê wie grimme Hagene. den helt rechen began.
Alack! for him what vengeance / Hagen then to wreak began!
2349: nû ne sol es niht geniezen. der alte Hiltebrant.
"Therefrom shall profit never / Master Hildebrand.
mîn helfe lît erslagene. hier von des heldes hant.
Slain hath been here my helper / 'neath the warrior's hand,
der bezziste hergeselle. den ie man gewan.
The best of feres in battle / that fortune ever sent."
His shield upraised he higher / and hewing through the throng he went.
2350: Helpfrîch der vile starke. Dancwarten sluoc.
Next saw ye Dankwart / by doughty Helfrich slain,
Gunther unde Gîselher. den was ez leit genuoc.
Gunther and Giselher / did full sorely plain,
dô si in sâhen vallen. in der starken nôt.
When they beheld him fallen / where fiercely raged the fray.
er hête wole vergolten. mit sînen handen sînen tôt.
For his death beforehand / dearly did his foemen pay.
The while coursed Wolfhart / thither and back again,
vile vürsten krefticlîche. gegen ire kleinen schar.
Through Gunther's men before him / hewing wide a lane.
wæren die kristen liute. wider si niht gewesen.
Thrice in sooth returning / strode he down the hall,
si wæren mit ire ellene. vore allen heidenen wole genesen.
And many a lusty warrior / 'neath his doughty hand must fall.
2352: die wîle gie dô Wolvhart. beide wider unde dannen.
allez houwente. die Gunthers manne.
er was die dritten kêre. den palas ze ende komen.
jâ hête er den küningen. sô vile der recken dâ genomen.
2353: dô rief der starke Gîselher. Wolvharten an.
Soon the young Sir Giselher / cried aloud to him:
ô wê daz ich sô grimmen. vîant ie gewan.
"Alack, that I should ever / find such foeman grim!
edel ritter küene. nû wendet gegen mir.
Sir knight, so bold and noble, / now turn thee here to me.
si kômen zuo einander. sît mit ellenthafter gire.
I trow to end thy coursing, / the which will I no longer see."
2354: Wolvhart gein Gîselhere. kêrte in den strît.
To Giselher then turned him / Wolfhart in the fight,
dô sluoc ir ietwedere. vile manige wunden wît.
And gaping wounds full many / did each the other smite.
sô rehte krefticlîche. er zuo dem küninge dranc.
With such a mighty fury / he to the monarch sped
daz im daz bluot von vüezen. al über daz houbet sîn gespranc.
That 'neath his feet went flying / the blood e'en high above his head.
2355: mit grimmen slegen swinden. der edeln Uoten kint.
With rapid blows and furious / the son of Ute fair
entvie vile bitterlîche. den küenen recken sint.
Received the valiant Wolfhart / as came he to him there.
swie küene Wolvhart wære. er mohte niht genesen.
How strong soe'er the thane was, / his life must ended be.
vore dem jungen küninge. niemen dörfte küener wesen.
Never king so youthful / might bear himself more valiantly.
2356: dô sluoc er Wolvharte. durch eine brünne guot.
Straight he smote Wolfhart / through well-made cuirass,
daz im von der wunden. vile sêre vlôz daz bluot.
That from the wound all gaping / the flowing blood did pass.
er wunde zuo dem tôde. den Dietrîches man.
Unto death he wounded / Dietrich's liegeman true,
ez en hæte âne einen recken. ander nieman getân.
Which thing in sooth might never / any save knight full gallant do.
2357: alsô der küene Wolvhart. der wunden entvant.
When the valiant Wolfhart / of the wound was ware,
den schilt liez er dô vallen. hôher an der hant.
His shield flung he from him / and high with hand in air
Raised he a mighty weapon / whose keen edge failéd not.
durch helm unde durch ringe. der helt dô Gîselhern sluoc.
Through helmet and through mail-rings / Giselher with might he smote.
2358: si hêten beide einander. den grimmen tôt getân.
Grimly each the other / there to death had done.
dô ne lebete ouch nû niht mêre. der Dietrîches manne.
Of Dietrich's men no longer / lived there ever one.
wan Hiltebrant aleine. dô er den neven vallen sach.
When old Master Hildebrand / Wolfhart's fall had seen,
im wæne vore sîneme tôde. sô rehte leide nie geschach.
In all his life there never / such sorrow him befell, I ween.
2359: ouch wârn gar gevallen. Gunthers degene.
Fallen now were Gunther's / warriors every one,
niuwan si einen zwêne. er unde Hagene.
And eke the men of Dietrich. / Hildebrand the while had gone
si stuonten in dem bluote. tief unz an diu knie.
Where Wolfhart had fallen / down in pool of blood.
Hiltebrant harte balde. hin über sînen neven gie.
In his arms then clasped he / the warrior of dauntless mood.
Forth from the hall to bear him / vainly did he try:
But all too great the burden / and there he still must lie.
er was ein teil ze swære. wider in daz bluot.
The dying knight looked upward / from his bloody bed
And saw how that full gladly / him his uncle thence had led.
2361: dô sprach der tôtwunde. vile lieber oeheim mîn.
Spake he thus mortal wounded: / "Uncle full dear to me,
ir ne müget an disen zîten. mir niht vrum gesîn.
Now mayst thou at such season / no longer helpful be.
To guard thee well from Hagen / indeed me seemeth good,
er treit in sîneme herzen. einen grimmigen muot.
For bears he in his bosom / a heart in sooth of grimmest mood.
2362: unde ob mich mîne mâge. nâch tôde wellen klagen.
"And if for me my kinsmen / at my death would mourn,
den nâhesten unde den bezzisten. den sulet ir daz sagen.
Unto the best and nearest / by thee be message borne
daz si nâch mir niht weinen. daz ist âne nôt.
That for me they weep not, / —of that no whit is need.
vore eines küninges handen. lige ich hier hêrlîchen tôt.
At hand of valiant monarch / here lie I gloriously dead.
2363: ich hân ouch sô vergolten. hier inne mînen lîp.
"Eke my life so dearly / within this hall I've sold,
daz ez wole mügen beweinen. der guoten ritter wîp.
That have sore cause for weeping / the wives of warriors bold.
ob iuch des ieman vrâge. sô müget ir balde sagen.
If any make thee question, / then mayst thou freely say
vore mîn eines handen. ir lît wole hundert erslagen.
That my own hand nigh hundred / warriors hath slain to-day."
2364: dô gedâhte ouch Hagene. an den spilman.
Now was Hagen mindful / of the minstrel slain,
dem der alte Hiltebrant. sîn leben an gewan.
From whom the valiant Hildebrand / erstwhile his life had ta'en.
Unto the Master spake he: / "My woes shalt thou repay.
ir habet uns hinne erbunnen. vile maniges recken gemeit.
Full many a warrior gallant / thou hast ta'en from us hence away."
2365: er sluoc ûf Hiltebranden. daz man wole vernam.
He smote upon Hildebrand / that loud was heard the tone
Balmungen diezen. daz Sîvride nam.
Of Balmung resounding / that erst did Siegfried own,
Hagene der küene. dâ er den recken sluoc.
But Hagen bold did seize it / when he the hero slew.
dô widerstuont im Hiltebrant. der im vile wênic iht vertruoc.
The old warrior did guard him, / as he was knight of mettle true.
2366: der Wolvhartes oeheim. sluoc ein wâfen breit.
Dietrich's doughty liegeman / with broadsword did smite
ûf Hagenen von Tronege. daz ouch vile sêre sneit.
That did cut full sorely, / upon Tronje's knight;
dô ne kunde er niht verwunden. den Gunthers man.
Yet had the man of Gunther / never any harm.
dô sluoc aber in Hagene. durch eine brünne wole getân.
Through his cuirass well-jointed / Hagen smote with mighty arm.
2367: alsô meister Hiltebrant. der wunden entvant.
Soon as his wound perceivéd / the aged Hildebrand,
dô vorhte er schaden mêre. von der Hagenen hant.
Feared he more of damage / to take from Hagen's hand;
den schilt warf er über rügge. der Dietrîches man.
Across his back full deftly / his shield swung Dietrich's man,
mit der starken wunden. der helt vile kûme danne entran.
And wounded deep, the hero / in flight 'fore Hagen's fury ran.
Now longer lived not any / of all that goodly train
niuwan die einen zwêne. Gunther unde ouch sîn man.
Save Gunther and Hagen, / doughty warriors twain.
mit bluote gie berunnen. der alte Hiltebrant.
With blood from wound down streaming / fled Master Hildebrand,
er brâhte leidiu mære. dâ er sînen hêrren vant.
Whom soon in Dietrich's presence, / saw ye with saddest tidings stand.
He found the chieftain sitting / with sorrow all distraught,
leides michel mêre. der vürste dô gewan.
Yet mickle more of sadness / unto him he brought.
als er Hiltebranden. ersach von bluote rôt.
When Dietrich saw how Hildebrand / cuirass all blood-red wore,
dô vrâgete er in der mære. als im diu sorge gebôt.
With fearful heart he questioned, / what the news to him he bore.
"Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, / how thus wet thou be
From thy life-blood flowing, / or who so harmeth thee.
In hall against the strangers / thou'st drawn thy sword, I ween.
'Twere well my straight denial / here by these had honored been."
2371: swie übel disiu mære. mir stên ze sagenne.
Replied he to his master: / "From Hagen cometh all.
This deep wound he smote me / there within the hall
dô ich ûz dem hûse wolte wenden.
When I from his fury / thought to turn away.
wie kûme ich iht mit dem lebene. dem selben vâlande entran.
'Tis marvel that I living / saved me from the fiend this day."
Then of Bern spake Dietrich: / "Aright hast thou thy share,
dô ir mich vriuntschefte. den helden hôrtet jehen.
For thou didst hear me friendship / unto these knights declare,
daz ir den vride brâchet. den ich in hæte gegeben.
And now the peace hast broken, / that I to them did give.
If my disgrace it were not, / by this hand no longer shouldst thou live."
2373: nû ne zürnet niht sô sêre. mîn hêrre Dietrîch.
"Now be not, Master Dietrich, / so sorely stirred to wrath.
an mir unde mînen vriunden. der schade ist gremelich.
On me and on my kinsmen / is wrought too great a scathe.
Thence sought we Ruediger / to bear all peacefully,
des en wolten uns niht gunnen. des küninges Gunthers manne.
The which by men of Gunther / to us no whit would granted be."
2374: sô wê mir dirre leide. ist Rüedegêr doch tôt.
"Ah, woe is me for sorrow! / Is Ruediger then dead,
In all my need there never / such grief hath happenéd.
Gotelint diu edele. ist mîner basen kint.
The noble Gotelinde / is cousin fair to me.
ach wê der armen weisen. die dâ ze Bechelâren sint.
Alack for the poor orphans / that there in Bechelaren must be!"
2375: riuwen unde ouch leides. manete in dô sîn tôt.
Grief and anguish filled him / o'er Ruediger thus slain,
Nor might at all the hero / the flowing tears restrain.
ô wê getriuwer helfe. der ich verloren hân.
"Alack for faithful helper / that death from me hath torn.
jâ ne überwinde ich niemer. des küninges Ètzeln manne.
King Etzel's trusty liegeman / never may I cease to mourn.
"Canst thou, Master Hildebrand, / true the tidings say,
wer der degen wære. der in dô hât erslagen.
Who might be the warrior / that Ruediger did slay?"
"That did the doughty Gernot / with mighty arm," he said:
"Eke at hand of Ruediger / lieth the royal hero dead."
Spake he again to Hildebrand: / "Now let my warriors know,
daz si sich balde wâfenen. jâ wile ich dar gân.
That straightway they shall arm them, / for thither will I go.
unde heizet mir gewinnen. mîn liehtez wîcgewant.
And bid to fetch hither / my shining mail to me.
ich wile selbe vrâgen. die helede ûz Burgonden lande.
Myself those knights will question / of the land of Burgundy."
"Who here shall do thee service?" / spake Master Hildebrand;
"All that thou hast yet living, / thou seest before thee stand.
daz bin ich alterseine. die andern die sint tôt.
Of all remain I only; / the others, they are dead."
dô erschrakte er dirre mære. des gie dem recken grôziu nôt.
As was in sooth good reason, / filled the tale his soul with dread,
2379: wande er leit sô grôzez. ze der werlte nie gewan.
For in his life did never / such woe to him befall.
He spake: "Hath death so reft me / of my warriors all,
God hath forsaken Dietrich, / ah me, a wretched wight!
nû mac ich wole heizen. der vile arme Dietrîch.
Sometime a lofty monarch / I was, high throned in wealth and might."
"How might it ever happen?" / Dietrich spake again,
daz si alle sint erstorben. die helde lobelich.
"That so worthy heroes / here should all be slain
von den strîtmüeden. die doch hêten nôt.
By the battle-weary / strangers thus beset?
wan durch mîn ungelücke. in wære vremede noch der tôt.
Ill fortune me hath chosen, / else death had surely spared them yet.
"Alack, O faithful Wolfhart, / must I thy death now mourn,
Soon have I cause to rue me / that ever I was born.
Sigestap unde Wolvwîn. unde ouch Wolvbrant.
Siegstab and Wolfwein / and eke Wolfbrand!
wer sol mir danne helfen. in der Amelunge lant.
Who now shall be my helpers / in the Amelungen land?
How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhild were Slain
2382: Helpfrîch der vile küene. unde ist mir der erslagen.
"Helfrich, thane full valiant, / and is he likewise slain?
Gêrbart unde Wîchart. wie solte ich die verklagen.
For Gerbart and Wichart / when shall I cease to plain?
daz ist an mînen vröuweden. mir der lezzeste tac.
Of all my life's rejoicing / is this the latest day.
ô wê daz vore leide. niemen sterben ne mac.
Alack that die for sorrow / never yet a mortal may!"
2383: dô suochte der hêrre Dietrîch selbe sîn gewant.
Himself did then Sir Dietrich / his armor take in hand,
dô half daz er sich wâfenete. meister Hiltebrant
To don the which did help him / Master Hildebrand.
dô klagete alsô sêre. der kreftige man.
The doughty chieftain meanwhile / must make so loud complain
daz im daz hûs erdiezen. gein sîner stimme began.
That from high palace casement / oft came back the sound again.
2384: der helt gewan dô widere. rehten mannes muot.
Natheless his proper humor / soon he did regain,
in grimme wart gewâfenet. dô der degen guot.
And arméd full in anger / stood the worthy thane;
einen schilt vile vesten. den nam er an die hant.
A shield all wrought full firmly / took he straight in hand,
nâch schaden in dô trôste. der vile küene Hiltebrant.
And forth they strode together, / he and Master Hildebrand.
Spake then of Tronje Hagen: / "Lo, where doth hither wend
den hêrren Dietrîchen. der wile uns bestân.
In wrath his way Sir Dietrich. / 'Tis plain he doth intend
nâch sîneme starken leide. daz im ist hier geschehen.
On us to wreak sore vengeance / for harm befallen here.
To-day be full decided / who may the prize for valor bear!
2386: jâ ne dunket sich von Berne. der hêrre Dietrîch.
"Let ne'er of Bern Sir Dietrich / hold him so high of might
nie sô starc des lîbes. unde ouch sô gremelich.
Nor deem his arm so doughty / and terrible in fight
That, will he wreak his anger / on us for sorest scathe,"—
Such were the words of Hagen, / —"I dare not well withstand his wrath."
2387: die rede erhôrte Dietrîch. unde Hiltebrant.
Upon these words defiant / left Dietrich Hildebrand,
And to the warriors hither / came where both did stand
ûzen vore dem hûse. geleinet an den sal.
Without before the palace, / and leaning respite found.
sînen schilt den guoten. den sazte Dietrîch ze tal.
His shield well proved in battle / Sir Dietrich lowered to the ground.
2388: in leitlîchen sorgen. sprach dô Dietrîch.
Addressed to them Sir Dietrich / these words of sorrowing:
wie habet ir sô geworben. Gunther ein küninc rîche.
"Wherefore hast thou such evil, / Gunther mighty king,
ich ellender recke. waz ist an mir getân.
Wrought 'gainst me a stranger? / What had I done to thee,
alles mînes trôstes. des bin ich eine bestân.
Of my every comfort / in such manner reft to be?
2389: iuch en dûhte niht der volle. an der vile grôzen nôt.
"Seemed then not sufficient / the havoc unto you
dô ir uns Rüedegêren. den recken sluoget tôt.
When from us the hero / Ruediger ye slew,
nû habet ir mir erbunnen. aller mîner manne.
That now from me ye've taken / my warriors one and all?
jâ hæte ich iu degenen. solicher leide niht getân.
Through me did so great sorrow / ne'er to you good knights befall.
2390: gedenket an iuch selben. unde an iuwer leit.
"Of your own selves bethink you / and what the scathe ye bore,
tôt der iuwer vriunde. unde ouch diu arebeit.
The death of your companions / and all your travail sore,
ob ez iu guoten degenen. beswæret iht den muot.
If not your hearts, good warriors, / thereat do heavy grow.
ô wê wie rehte unsanfte. mir tôt der Rüedegêrs tuot.
That Ruediger hath fallen, / —ah me! how fills my heart with woe!
2391: ez geschach in der werlte. nie manne leider mêr.
"In all this world to any / more sorrow ne'er befell,
ir gedâhtet übele. an mîn unde an iuwer sêr.
Yet have ye minded little / my loss and yours as well.
swaz ich vröuweden hête. diu lît von iu erslagen.
Whate'er I most rejoiced in / beneath your hands lies slain;
jâ ne kan ich niemer mêre. die mîne mâge verklagen.
Yea, for my kinsmen fallen / never may I cease to plain."
"No guilt lies here upon us," / Hagen in answer spake.
ez kômen her ze dem hûse. die iuwern degene.
"Unto this hall hither / your knights their way did take,
ze vlîze wole gewâfenet. mit ire schar sô breit.
With goodly train of warriors / full arméd for the fight.
Meseemeth that the story / hath not been told to thee aright."
"What shall I else believe in? / To me told Hildebrand
dô mîne recken gerten. von Amelunge lande.
How, when the knights that serve me / of Amelungenland
daz ir in Rüedegêre. gæbet ûz dem sal.
Did beg the corse of Ruediger / to give them from the hall,
dô tætet ir niuwan spottennes. die küenen helde her ze tal.
Nought offered ye but mockings / unto the valiant warriors all."
Then spake the King of Rhineland: / "Ruediger to bear away
Rüedegêren hinnen. den hiez ich in versagen.
Came they in company hither; / whose corse to them deny
Ètzeln ze leide. unde niht den dînen mannen.
I bade, despiting Etzel, / nor with aught malice more,
unze daz dô Wolvhart. dâr umbe schelten began.
Whereupon did Wolfhart / begin to rage thereat full sore."
Then spake of Bern the hero: / "'Twas fated so to be.
Gunther küninc edele. durch die zühte dîn.
Yet Gunther, noble monarch, / by thy kingly courtesy
Amends make for the sorrow / thou here on me hast wrought,
That so thy knightly honor / still unsullied be in aught.
2396: ergip dich mir ze gîsel. dû unde ouch dîn man.
"Then yield to me as hostage / thyself and eke thy man;
sô wile ich iuch behüeten. sô ich bezziste kan.
So will I surely hinder, / as with best might I can,
daz iu hier ze den Hiunen nieman niht en tuot.
That any here in Hunland / harm unto thee shall do:
ir sulet an mir niht vinden. niuwan triuwe unde guot.
Henceforward shalt thou find me / ever well disposed and true."
"God in heaven forfend it," / Hagen spake again,
daz sich dir ergeben. zwêne degene.
"That unto thee should yield them / ever warriors twain
Who in their strength reliant / all armed before thee stand,
And yet 'fore foes defiant / may freely swing a blade in hand."
"So shall ye not," spake Dietrich, / "proffered peace forswear,
Gunther unde Hagene. jâ habet ir beide mich.
Gunther and Hagen. / Misfortune such I bear
sô sêre beswæret. mîn herze unde ouch den muot.
At both your hands, 'tis certain / ye did but do aright,
wellt ir mich ergezzen. daz ir ez vile billîchen tuot.
Would ye for so great sorrow / now my heart in full requite.
"I give you my sure promise / and pledge thereto my hand
daz ich mit iu rîte. heim in iuwer lant.
That I will bear you escort / home unto your land;
With honors fit I'll lead you, / thereon my life I set,
ich wile durch iuch verkiesen. der mînen grôzlîchen nôt.
And for your sake sore evil / suffered at your hands forget."
"Ask thou such thing no longer," / Hagen then replied.
von uns en zimet daz mære niht ze sagenne.
"For us 'twere little fitting / the tale be bruited wide,
daz sich iu ergæben. zwêne alsô küene manne.
That twain of doughty warriors / did yield them 'neath thy hand.
nû sihet man niemen mêre. bî iu wan Hiltebrande stân.
Beside thee is none other / now but only Hildebrand."
Then answered Master Hildebrand: / "The hour may come, God wot,
den vride mînes hêrren. ob ir den ruochet nemen.
Sir Hagen, when thus lightly / disdain it thou shalt not
ez kumet noch an die stunte. vile lîhte in kurzer zît.
If any man such offer / of peace shall make to thee.
daz ir in gerne næmet unde in iu danne niemen gît.
Welcome might now my master's / reconciliation be."
"I'd take in sooth his friendship," / Hagen gave reply,
êr ich sô lasterlîche. von eineme degene.
"Ere that I so basely / forth from a hall would fly.
As thou hast done but lately, / O Master Hildebrand.
ich wânte daz ir kundet. baz gein vîande stân.
I weened with greater valor / couldst thou 'fore a foeman stand."
Thereto gave answer Hildebrand: / "From thee reproach like that?
nû wer was der ûf eineme schilde. vore dem Waskenstein saz.
Who was then on shield so idle / 'fore the Waskenstein that sat,
dô im von Spânje Walther. sô vile der vriunde sluoc.
The while that Spanish Walter / friend after friend laid low?
ouch habet ir noch ze zeigenne. an iu selben genuoc.
Such valor thou in plenty / hast in thine own self to show."
Outspake then Sir Dietrich: / "Ill fits it warriors bold
daz si sulen schelten. sam diu alten wîp.
That they one another / like old wives should scold.
Thee forbid I, Hildebrand, / aught to parley more.
mich ellenden recken. twingent grôzlîchiu sêr.
Ah me, most sad misfortune / weigheth on my heart full sore.
"Let me hear, Sir Hagen," / Dietrich further spake,
waz ir êr redetet. ir recken lobelich.
"What boast ye doughty warriors / did there together make,
dô ir mich gewâfenet. zuoze iu sâhet gân.
When that ye saw me hither / come with sword in hand?
Thought ye then not singly / me in combat to withstand?"
"In sooth denieth no one," / bold Sir Hagen spake,
ich ne welle ez hier versuochen. mit stichen unde mit slegen.
"That of the same with sword-blow / I would trial make,
ez en sî daz mir zerbreste. daz Nibelunges swert.
An but the sword of Niblung / burst not within my hand.
Yea, scorn I that to yield us / thus haughtily thou mak'st demand."
2407: dô der recke erhôrte. den grimmen Hagenen muot.
When Dietrich now perceivéd / how Hagen raged amain,
den schilt vile balde zuhte. der snelle degen guot.
Raise his shield full quickly / did the doughty thane.
wie balde gein im Hagene. von der stiegen spranc.
As quick upon him Hagen / adown the perron sprang,
Nibelunges swert daz guote. vile lûte ûf Dietrîche erklanc.
And the trusty sword of Niblung / full loud on Dietrich's armor rang.
2408: dô wesse wole hêrr Dietrîch. daz der küene man.
Then knew full well Sir Dietrich / that the warrior keen
vile grimmes muotes wære. schermen im began.
Savage was of humor, / and best himself to screen
der voget von Berne. vore angestlîchen slegen.
Sought of Bern the hero / from many a murderous blow,
Whereby the valiant Hagen / straightway came he well to know.
2409: ouch vorhte er Balmungen. ein wâfen starc genuoc.
Eke fear he had of Balmung, / a strong and trusty blade.
underwîlen Dietrîch. mit listen wider sluoc.
Each blow meanwhile Sir Dietrich / with cunning art repaid,
unze daz er Hagenen. mit strîte doch betwanc.
Till that he dealt to Hagen / a wound both deep and long,
Whereat give o'er the struggle / must the valiant knight and strong.
Bethought him then Sir Dietrich: / "Through toil thy strength has fled,
And little honor had I / shouldst thou lie before me dead.
So will I yet make trial / if I may not subdue
dich mir ze einem gîsel. daz wart mit sorgen getân.
Thee unto me as hostage." / Light task 'twas not the same to do.
His shield down cast he from him / and with what strength he found
mit beiden sînen armen. er Hagenen umbeslôz.
About the knight of Tronje / fast his arms he wound.
dô wart von im betwungen. der vile küene man.
In such wise was subduéd / by him the doughty knight;
Gunther der vile edele. dâr umbe trûren began.
Gunther the noble monarch / did weep to see his sorry plight.
Bind Hagen then did Dietrich, / and led him where did stand
die edeln Kriemhilten. unde gap ir bî der hant.
Kriemhild the royal lady, / and gave into her hand
den küenesten recken. der ie swert getruoc.
Of all the bravest warrior / that ever weapon bore.
nâch ire vile starkem leide. dô wart ir liebe genuoc.
After her mickle sorrow / had she merry heart once more.
2413: vore vröuweden neic dem recken. daz Ètzeln wîp.
For joy before Sir Dietrich / bent royal Etzel's wife:
iemer sî dir sælic. dîn herze unde ouch dîn lîp.
"Blessed be thou ever / in heart while lasteth life.
dû hâst mich wole ergetzet. nâch aller mîner nôt.
Through thee is now forgotten / all my dire need;
An death do not prevent me, / from me shall ever be thy meed."
Then spake to her Sir Dietrich, / "Take not his life away,
vile edeliu küninginne. ez mac vile wole noch wesen.
High and royal lady, / for full will he repay
daz iuch sîn dienest ergetzet. des er iu hât getân.
Thee for the mickle evil / on thee have wrought his hands.
Be it not his misfortune / that bound before thee here he stands."
Then bade she forth lead Hagen / to dungeon keep near by,
dâ er lac beslozzen. unde dâ in nieman sach.
Wherein he lay fast bolted / and hid from every eye.
Gunther der küninc edele. ruofen dô began.
Gunther, the noble monarch, / with loudest voice did say:
"The knight of Bern who wrongs me, / whither hath he fled away?"
2416: dô gie im hin begegene. der hêrre Dietrîch.
Meanwhile back towards him / the doughty Dietrich came,
daz Gunthers ellen. daz was sô lobelich.
And found the royal Gunther / a knight of worthy name.
Eke he might bide longer / but down to meet him sprang,
von ir beider swerten huop sich ein ungevüeger schal.
And soon with angry clamor / their swords before the palace rang.
2417: swie vile der hêrre Dietrîch. lange was gelobet.
How famed soe'er Sir Dietrich / and great the name he bore,
Gunther was. sô sêre. erzürnet unde ertobet.
With wrath was filled King Gunther, / and eke did rage full sore
wande er nâch starken leiden. sîn herzevîant was.
At thought of grievous sorrow / suffered at his hand:
man saget ez noch vüre wunder. daz dô Dietrîch ie genas.
Still tell they as high wonder / how Dietrich might his blows withstand.
2418: ire ellen unde ire sterke. beide wârn grôz.
In store of doughty valor / each did nothing lack.
palas unde türne. von den slegen dôz.
From palace and from tower / the din of blows came back
dô si mit swerten hiuwen. ûf die helme guot.
As on well-fastened helmets / the lusty swords came down,
ez hête der küninc Gunther. einen hêrlîchen muot.
And royal Gunther's valor / in the fight full clear was shown.
2419: sît twange in der von Berne. sam Hagenen êr geschach.
The knight of Bern yet tamed him / as Hagen erst befell,
daz bluot man durch die ringe. dem helde vliezen sach.
And oozing through his armor / the blood was seen to swell
von eineme scharpfen swerte. daz truoc hêrr Dietrîch.
From cut of sharpest weapon / in Dietrich's arm that swung.
Right worthily King Gunther / had borne him after labors long.
2420: der hêrre wart gebunden. von Dietrîches hant.
Bound was then the monarch / by Sir Dietrich's hand,
swie küninge nie ne solten. lîden solichiu bant.
Albeit bonds should suffer / ne'er king of any land.
er dâhte ob er sie lieze. ungebunden wesen.
But deemed he, if King Gunther / and Hagen yet were free,
daz si zwêne in deme lande. niemen liezen genesen.
Secure might never any / from their searching vengeance be.
2421: der voget von Berne. der nam in bî der hant.
When in such manner Dietrich / the king secure had bound
dô brâhte er in gebunden. dâ er Kriemhilten vant.
By the hand he led him / where Kriemhild he found.
dô was mit sîneme leide. ire sorge ein teil benomen.
At sight of his misfortune / did sorrow from her flee:
Quoth she: "Welcome Gunther / from out the land of Burgundy."
He spake: "Then might I thank thee, / sister of high degree,
ob iuwer grüezen möhte. genædiclicher sîn.
When that some whit more gracious / might thy greeting be.
ich weiz iuch küninginne. sô zornic gemuot.
So angry art thou minded / ever yet, O queen,
daz ir mir unde Hagenen. vile swachez grüezen getuot.
Full spare shall be thy greeting / to Hagen and to me, I ween."
2423: dô sprach der helt von Berne. vile edel küninges wîp.
Then spake of Bern the hero: / "Ne'er till now, O queen,
ez en wart nie gîsel mêre. sô guoter ritter lîp.
Given o'er as hostage / have knights so worthy been,
als ich iu vrouwe hêre. an in gegeben hân.
As I, O lofty lady, / in these have given to thee:
I pray thee higher evils / to spare them now for sake of me."
She vowed to do it gladly. / Then forth Sir Dietrich went
mit weinenten ougen. von in balde dannen.
With weeping eyes to see there / such knights' imprisonment.
si rach sich gremelîche. daz Ètzeln wîp.
In grimmest ways thereafter / wreaked vengeance Etzel's wife:
den ûzerwelten degenen. nam si beiden den lîp.
Beneath her hand those chosen / warriors twain must end their life.
She let them lie asunder / the less at ease to be,
daz ir sît dewedere. den andern nie gesach.
Nor did each the other / thenceforward ever see
swie ez verlobet hête. daz vile edele wîp.
Till that unto Hagen / her brother's head she bore.
In sooth did Kriemhild vengeance / wreak upon the twain full sore.
2426: dô gie diu küninginne. dâ si Hagenen sach.
Forth where she should find Hagen / the queen her way did take,
wie reht erbolgenlîche. si zuo dem recken sprach.
And in right angry manner / she to the warrior spake:
"An thou wilt but restore me / that thou hast ta'en from me,
sô müget ir mit dem lebene. wider ze den Burgonden komen.
So may'st thou come yet living / home to the land of Burgundy."
Answered thereto grim Hagen: / "'Twere well thy breath to save,
vile edeliu küninginne. jâ hân ich des gesworen.
Full high and royal lady. / Sworn by my troth I have
daz ich den hort iht zeige. die wîle decheiner lebe.
That I the hoard will tell not; / the while that yet doth live
der mînen edelen hêrren. unde in niemanne gebe.
Of my masters any, / the treasure unto none I'll give."
wie möhte ein untriuwe. iemer sterker wesen.
er vorhte sô si hête. im sînen lîp genomen.
daz si danne ire bruoder. lieze heim ze lande komen.
"Then ended be the story," / the noble lady spake.
She bade them from her brother / straightway his life to take.
man sluoc im abe daz houbet. bî hâre si ez truoc.
His head they struck from off him, / which by the hair she bore
vüre den helt von Tronege. dô warde im leide genuoc.
Unto the thane of Tronje. / Thereat did grieve the knight full sore.
2430: alsô der ungemuote. sînes hêrren houbet sach.
When that he in horror / his master's head had seen,
wider Kriemhilten. dô der recke sprach.
Cried the doughty warrior / unto Kriemhild the queen:
dû hâst ez ze eineme ende. nâch dîneme willen brâht.
"Now is thy heart's desire / at length accomplishéd.
And eke hath all befallen / as my foreboding heart hath said.
2431: nû ist von Burgonden. der edel küninc tôt.
"Dead lieth now the noble / king of Burgundy,
Gîselher unde Volcgêr. Dancwart unde Gêrnôt.
Also youthful Giselher / and Sir Gernot eke doth he.
den hort den weiz nû nieman. wan got unde mîn.
The treasure no one knoweth / but God and me alone,
Nor e'er by thee, she-devil, / shall its hiding-place be known."
Quoth she: "But ill requital / hast thou made to me.
sô wile doch ich behalten. daz Sîvrides swert.
Yet mine the sword of Siegfried / now henceforth shall be,
The which when last I saw him, / my loved husband bore,
mortlîche mit untriuwen. sprach dô daz jâmerhafte wîp.
In whom on me such sorrow / through guilt of thine doth weigh full sore."
She drew it from the scabbard, / nor might he say her nay,
dô dâhte si den recken. des lîbes vol behern.
Though thought she from the warrior / his life to take away.
si huop ez mit ire handen. daz houbet si im abe sluoc.
With both hands high she raised it / and off his head struck she,
Whereat did grieve King Etzel / full sore the sorry sight to see.
"To arms!" cried then the monarch: / "here lieth foully slain
von eines wîbes handen. der allerbezziste degen.
Beneath the hand of woman / of all the doughtiest thane
der ie kom ze stürmen. oder ie schilt getruoc.
That e'er was seen in battle / or ever good shield bore!
swie vîant ich im wære. ez ist mir leide genuoc.
Though foeman howsoever, / yet grieveth this my heart full sore."
Quoth then the aged Hildebrand: / "Reap no gain she shall,
daz si in slahen torste. swaz halt mir geschihet.
That thus she dared to slay him. / Whate'er to me befall,
swie er mich selben bræhte. in angestlîche nôt.
And though myself in direst / need through him have been,
iedoch sô wile ich rechen. des vile küenen recken tôt.
By me shall be avengéd / the death of Tronje's knight full keen."
2436: Hiltebrant mit zorne. zuo Kriemhilte spranc.
In wrathful mood then Hildebrand / unto Kriemhild sprung,
er sluoc der küninginne. einen grimmen swanc.
And 'gainst the queen full swiftly / his massy blade he swung.
jâ tet ir diu sorge. von dem degene wê.
Aloud she then in terror / 'fore Hildebrand did wail,
si mohte lützel helfen. daz si sô angestlîchen schrê.
Yet that she shrieked so loudly, / to save her what might that avail?
So all those warriors fated / by hand of death lay strewn,
ze stücken lac verhouwen. dô daz edel wîp.
And e'en the queen full lofty / in pieces eke was hewn.
Ètzel unde Dietrîch weinen dô began.
Dietrich and royal Etzel / at length to weep began,
si klageten jâmerlîche. alle ire mâge unde manne.
And grievously they mournéd / kinsmen slain and many a man.
Who late stood high in honor / now in death lay low,
die liute hêten alle. jâmer unde nôt.
And fate of all the people / weeping was and woe.
mit leide was verendet. des küninges hôchgezît.
To mourning now the monarch's / festal tide had passed,
als ie diu liebe leide. an dem ende gerne gît.
As falls that joy to sorrow / turneth ever at the last.
2439: ich ne kan iuch niht bescheiden. waz sider dâ geschach.
wan kristene unde heidene weinen man dô sach.
wîbe unde knehte. unde manige schoene meit.
die hêten nâch ire vriunden. die allergroezesten leit.
2440: ich ne sage iu nû niht mêre. von der grôzen nôt.
Nor can I tell you further / what later did befall,
But that good knights and ladies / saw ye mourning all,
wie ire dinc an geviengen. sît der Hiunen diete.
And many a noble squire, / for friends in death laid low.
Here hath the story ending, / —that is the Nibelungen woe.