XXI

Ere thither had Queen Kriemhild these warriors darkling sent, She said, "For heaven's sake listen to this my fix'd intent.

Harm none of yonder sleepers, but one whom I detest, The faithless murderer Hagan; slay him and spare the rest."

XXII

Then spake the fearless gleeman, "Friend Hagan, we must bear (As fits us) like true comrades the wakeful warder's care.

Before the house discern I a band of men in mail, Who, as I think, will instant our wary watch a.s.sail."

XXIII

"Hush, hush," quick answer'd Hagan, "let them yet nearer steal; Before they can espy us, they shall our weapons feel.

Our hands thus many a headpiece shall sudden split in twain, And send them hence with sorrow to Kriemhild back again."

XXIV

One of the Hunnish champions in a trice espied That the door was guarded; how at once he cried, "This plan of ours, my comrades, we must straight give o'er; I see the minstrel standing on guard the hall before.

XXV

"Look how his helmet glitters! 'tis not more bright than stout, To dint of steel impa.s.sive, and temper'd well throughout; His mail like fire is glowing; by him stands Hagan too; The guests may sleep in safety with guards so stout and true."

XXVI

Back at once they hasted; when Folker this espied, To his valiant partner in sudden wrath he cried, "Now let me hence, friend Hagan, after yonder crew.

Fain would I to the skulkers a question put or two."

XXVII

"No! for my sake," said Hagan, "'twould to our loss redound; If but this post you quitted, they all would flock you round, And bring you to such peril if once they hemm'd you in, That I should fly to help you; then ill would fare my kin;

XXVIII

"For while we two were fighting, and both in dubious case, Three or four of yonder cowards might in a moment's s.p.a.ce Rush into the chamber, and on the sleepers set, And do them all such mischief as we could ne'er forget."

XXIX

"Yet this at least allow me," the minstrel-knight replied, "Let's show the men of Kriemhild, we have their steps espied, That this to-morrow morning may be denied by none, That they a shameful treason would willingly have done."

x.x.x

With that behind them Folker sent forth a l.u.s.ty shout, "How now, ye men of Kriemhild? Why walk ye, arm'd, about?

For murder or for robbery is it that ye ride?

My friend and I would help you, come take us on your side."

x.x.xI

Not a tongue gave answer; wroth was the good knight; "Fie! Ye b.l.o.o.d.y dastards!" he cried with all his might.

"So you would us have murder'd, sleeping, every one!

On such good knights has rarely so foul a deed been done."

x.x.xII

Full soon unto Queen Kriemhild the sorry tidings came, That her men had compa.s.s'd nothing; it set her heart on flame.

Another course she ventur'd, festering with fell despite, That brought death and destruction on many a hapless knight.

THIRTY-FIRST ADVENTURE

HOW THE KNIGHTS WENT TO CHURCH

I

"So cold I feel my hauberk," the minstrel said at last, "The night, I ween, friend Hagan, must needs be waning fast.

The nipping air a.s.sures me that close at hand is day."

Then wak'd they of their comrades who yet in slumber lay.

II

Then broke the gleam of morning on those within the hall.

Straight began Sir Hagan to rouse the warriors all, If they would to the minster the early ma.s.s to hear.

Meanwhile in Christian fashion the bells were ringing clear.

III

The chants were so discordant, thereby you well might see, That Christian men and heathen together ill agree.

The valiant men of Gunther would thence to church away.

From their beds they started; little linger'd they.

IV

With that at once they laced them all in such gorgeous vests, That into no king's country had ever knightly guests Brought weed more fair and costly; ill did it Hagan please; "Here," said he, "are fitting for other clothes than these.