The n.o.ble monarch answer'd, "Who most is in your grace, Him will we leave behind us to govern in our place."

XLIV

One of her near relations was standing by the maid; He was her mother's brother; to him she turn'd and said, "Take to your charge my castles, and with them all my land, Till I or else King Gunther give otherwise command."

XLV

She chose a thousand heroes from all her chivalry To the Rhine's distand borders to bear her company, With the thousand champions from the Nibelungers' land.

They bown'd them for their journey, and hastened to the strand.

XLVI

Six-and-eighty women, a hundred maidens too She took with her from Issland; fair were they all to view.

They now no longer tarried; they ready were to go.

From those they left behind them what tears began to flow!

XLVII

In manner as became her she left her native ground; She kiss'd her nearest kindred who weeping stood around.

So with fair dismissal they came down to the sh.o.r.e.

To her father's country the maid return'd no more.

XLVIII

With sound of all sweet music they floated on their way; From morn to eve was nothing but change of sport and play; The soft sea-breeze they wish'd for was fluttering in their sail; Yet for that voyage how many were yet to weep and wail!

XLIX

But still her lord deferring with maidenly delay Brunhild reserv'd one pleasure to the fair wedding-day, When home to Worms together the king and queenly dame, Full flown with mirth and rapture, with all their heroes came.

NINTH ADVENTURE

HOW SIEGFRIED WAS SENT TO WORMS

I

Nine days had now the travellers been faring on their way, When spake the knight of Trony, "Give ear to what I say.

We're slow to send the tidings of our adventure home; Your messengers already should to Burgundy have come."

II

To him replied King Gunther, "What you have said, is true, And none should be so ready this very task to do, As e'en yourself, friend Hagan; so ride unto my land; None, I am sure, can better proclaim that we're at hand."

III

Thereto gave answer Hagan, "Such duty suits not me; Let me tend the chambers, and linger still at sea; Or I'll stay with the women, and their wardrobe keep, Till to the Rhine we bring them safe from the bl.u.s.tering deep.

IV

"From Siegfried ask a journey of such a weary length, For he can well perform it with his surpa.s.sing strength, And, should he e'en refuse it, him to consent you'll move, If you but beseech him for your sister's love."

V

Straight sent he for the warrior; he came as soon as found; Said Gunther, "Now we're coming home to my native ground, Fain would I give quick notice by some sure friend of mine To my sister and my mother that we approach the Rhine.

VI

"This I entreat you, Siegfried; now do what I desire, And I'll in full requite you, whatever you require."

But ne'er consented Siegfried, the never-conquer'd man, Till in another fashion the king to ask began.

VII

Said he, "Nay, gentle Siegfried, do but this journey take, Not for my sake only, but for my sister's sake.

You'll oblige fair Kriemhild in this as well as me."

When so implor'd was Siegfried, ready at once was he.

VIII

"Whate'er you will, command me; let naught be left unsaid; I will gladly do it for the lovely maid.

How can I refuse her who my heart has won?

For her, whate'er your pleasure, tell it, and it is done."

IX

"Tell then my mother Uta, the rich and mighty queen, We in our dangerous journey right fortunate have been.

Inform my loving brothers, we have succeeded well; And to my court and kindred the same glad tidings tell.

X

"From my gentle sister nothing conceal'd must be; Bear her the kindest greeting from Brunhild and from me.