X

"And plagued them to my utmost alike in act and thought, But that I the warriors myself had hither brought.

I was their guide and conduct into my master's land; Against them ne'er can Rudeger uplift his wanderer's hand."

XI

Then unto the margrave spake Etzel standing near, "How have you this day help'd us, right n.o.ble Rudeger!

When dead in such abundance our bleeding country fill, More we nothing needed; you've done us grievous ill."

XII

The n.o.ble knight made answer, "I own he stirr'd my mood, Twitting me with the favors (brawler coa.r.s.e and rude!) That thy free hand so largely has shower'd upon me here; But his malicious tattle hath cost the liar dear."

XIII

Then came the fair Queen Kriemhild; she too had seen full well What from the hero's anger the luckless Hun befell; And she too mourn'd it deeply; with tears her eyes were wet.

Thus she spake to Rudeger, "How have we ever yet

XIV

"Deserv'd, that you, good Rudeger, should make our anguish more; Now sure to me and Etzel you've promised o'er and o'er, That you both life and honor would risk to do us right.

That you're the flower of knighthood, is own'd by every knight.

XV

"Now think upon the homage that once to me you swore, When to the Rhine, good warrior, King Etzel's suit you bore, That you would serve me ever to either's dying day.

Ne'er can I need so deeply, that you that vow should pay."

XVI

"Tis true, right n.o.ble lady; in this we're not at strife; I pledg'd, to do you service, my honor and my life, But my soul to hazard never did I vow.

I brought the princes. .h.i.ther, and must not harm them now."

XVII

Said she, "Remember, Rudeger, the promise thou didst make, Thy word, thy oath remember that thou would'st vengeance take On whosoever wrong'd me, and wrong with wrong repay."

Thereto replied the margrave, "I've never said you nay."

XVIII

With that, to beg and pray him the king began as well; King and queen together both at his feet they fell.

Then might you the good margrave have seen full ill bestead, And thus in bitterest anguish the faithful hero said.

XIX

"Woe's me the heaven-abandon'd, that I have liv'd to this!

Farewell to all my honors! woe for my first amiss!

My truth--my G.o.d-giv'n innocence--must they be both forgot?

Woe's me, O G.o.d in heaven! that death relieves me not!

XX

"Which part soe'er I foster, and whichsoe'er I shun, In either case forsaken is good, and evil done; But should I side with neither, all would the waverer blame.

Ah! would He deign to guide me, from whom my being came!"

XXI

Still went they on imploring, the king and eke his wife, Whence many a valiant warrior soon came to lose his life By the strong hand of Rudeger, and he, too, lastly fell.

So all his tale of sorrow you now shall hear me tell.

XXII

He nothing thence expected but loss and mortal teen.

Fain had he giv'n denial alike to king and queen.

Much fear'd the gentle margrave, if in the stern debate He slew but one Burgundian, the world would bear him hate.

XXIII

With that, unto King Etzel thus spake the warrior bold, "Sir king! take back, I pray you, all that of you I hold, My fiefs, both lands and castles; let none with me remain.

To distant realms, a wanderer, I'll foot it forth again.

XXIV

"Thus stripp'd of all possessions I'll leave at once your land.

Rather my wife and daughter I'll take in either hand, Than faithless and dishonor'd in hateful strife lie dead.

Ah! to my own destruction I've ta'en your gold so red."

XXV

Thereto replied King Etzel, "Who then will succor me?

My land as well as liegemen, all will I give to thee, If thou'lt revenge me, Rudeger, and smite my foemen down.

High shalt thou rule with Etzel, and share his kingly crown."