XXVI

Then spake the blameless margrave, "How shall I begin?

To my house I bade them, as guests I took them in, Set meat and drink before them, they at my table fed, And my best gifts I gave them;--how can I strike them dead?

XXVII

"The folk ween in their folly that out of fear I shrink.

No! no! on former favors, on ancient bonds I think.

I serv'd the n.o.ble princes, I serv'd their followers too, And knit with them the friendship, I now so deeply rue.

XXVIII

"I to the youthful Giselher my daughter gave of late; In all the world the maiden could find no fitter mate, True, faithful, brave, well-nurtur'd, rich, and of high degree; Young prince yet saw I never so virtue-fraught as he."

XXIX

Then thus bespake him Kriemhild, "Right n.o.ble Rudeger Take pity on our anguish! thou see'st us kneeling here, The king and me, before thee; both clasp thy honor'd knees.

Sure never host yet feasted such fatal guests as these."

x.x.x

With that, the n.o.ble margrave thus to the queen 'gan say, "Sure must the life of Rudeger for all the kindness pay, That you to me, my lady, and my lord the king have done.

For this I'm doom'd to perish, and that ere set of sun.

x.x.xI

"Full well I know, this morning, my castles and my land Both will to you fall vacant by stroke of foeman's hand, And so my wife and daughter I to your grace commend, And all at Bechlaren, each trusty homeless friend."

x.x.xII

"Now G.o.d," replied King Etzel, "reward thee, Rudeger!"

He and his queen together resum'd their lively cheer.

"From us shall all thy people receive whate'er they need; Thou too, I trust, this morning thyself wilt fairly speed."

x.x.xIII

So body and soul to hazard put the blameless man.

Meanwhile the wife of Etzel sorely to weep began.

Said he, "My word I gave you, I'll keep it well to-day.

Woe for my friends, whom Rudeger in his own despite must slay."

x.x.xIV

With that, straight from King Etzel he went with many a sigh.

Soon his band of heroes found he muster'd nigh.

Said he, "Up now, my warriors! don all your armor bright.

I 'gainst the bold Burgundians must to my sorrow fight."

x.x.xV

Quick his valiant followers bade their arms be brought.

In a trice th' attendants shields and helms up caught, And all their glittering harness bore to their masters bold.

Soon to the haughty strangers the sorry news were told.

x.x.xVI

Arm'd were to see with Rudeger five hundred men of might; Twelve besides went with him, each a prowest knight, Who hoped to win them worship on that fierce Rhenish band.

Little thought the warriors, how close was Death at hand.

x.x.xVII

So to war the margrave under helmet strode; Sharpest swords his meiny brandish'd as they rode; Each in hand, bright-flashing, held his shield before.

That saw the dauntless minstrel and seeing sorrow'd sore.

x.x.xVIII

Then too was by young Giselher his lady's father seen With helm laced as for battle; "What," thought he, "can he mean?

But naught can mean the margrave but what is just and right."

At the thought full joyous wax'd the youthful knight.

x.x.xIX

"Well's me with friends so faithful," Sir Giselher 'gan say, "These, whom by happy fortune we gain'd upon the way.

My late-espoused lady will stand us in good stead.

In sooth it much contents me, that e'er I came to wed."

XL

"I know not what you trust in;" thus the stern minstrel spake; "Where saw you warriors ever for reconcilement's sake With helmets laced advancing, and naked swords in hand?

On us will earn Sir Rudeger his castles and his land."

XLI

Scarcely the valiant minstrel his words had utter'd all, When the n.o.ble Rudeger was close before the hall.