The time seem'd not to linger, so merrily it pa.s.s'd.

Pealing from the minster they heard the bells at last.

Then up were led the palfreys; forth rode each lady bright; The n.o.ble queens were follow'd by many a valiant knight.

x.x.xV

Down before the minster they lighted on the green.

Still to her guests was gracious King Gunther's haughty queen.

Both crown'd, into the minster they stepp'd with royal state.

Too soon their love was sunder'd and all through jealous hate!

x.x.xVI

Soon as the ma.s.s was over, with regal pomp and pride Thence came they to the palace, and straight exulting hied To the joyous banquet, and neither stop nor stay Was put to the high festal until th' eleventh day.

x.x.xVII

Then thought Queen Brunhild, "Silent no longer I'll remain.

Howe'er to pa.s.s I bring it, Kriemhild shall explain, Wherefore so long her husband, who holds of us in fee, Has left undone his service; this sure shall answer'd be."

x.x.xVIII

So still she brooded mischief, and conn'd her devil's lore, Till she broke off in sorrow the feast so blithe before.

Ever at her heart lay closely what came perforce to light.

Many a land she startled with horror and affright.

FOURTEENTH ADVENTURE

HOW THE TWO QUEENS REVILED ONE ANOTHER

I

One day at th' hour of vespers a loud alarum rose From certain l.u.s.ty champions that for their pastime chose To prove themselves at tilting in the castle court; Then many a knight and lady ran thither to see the sport.

II

There were the proud queens sitting together, as befell, Each on a good knight thinking that either lov'd full well.

Then thus began fair Kriemhild, "My husband's of such might, That surely o'er these kingdoms he ought to rule by right."

III

Then answer'd Lady Brunhild, "Nay, how can that be shown?

Were there none other living but thou and he alone, Then might, no doubt, the kingdoms be rul'd by him and thee, But, long as Gunther's living, that sure can never be."

IV

Thereto rejoin'd fair Kriemhild, "See'st thou how proud he stands, How proud he stalks, conspicuous among those warrior bands, As doth the moon far-beaming the glimmering stars outshine?

Sure have I cause to pride me when such a knight is mine."

V

Thereto replied Queen Brunhild, "How brave soe'er he be, How stout soe'er or stately, one greater is than he.

Gunther, thy n.o.ble brother, a higher place may claim, Of knights and kings the foremost in merit and in fame."

VI

Thereto rejoin'd fair Kriemhild, "So worthy is my mate, All praise that I can give him can ne'er be term'd too great.

In all he does how matchless? in honor too how clear!

Believ'st thou this, Queen Brunhild? at least he's Gunther's peer."

VII

"Thou should'st not so perversely, Kriemhild, my meaning take.

What I said, a.s.sure thee, with ample cause I spake.

I heard them both allow it, then when both first I saw, And the stout king in battle compell'd me to his law.

VIII

"E'en then, when my affection he so knightly won, 'Twas fairly own'd by Siegfried that he was Gunther's man.

Myself I heard him own it, and such I hold him still."

"Forsooth," replied fair Kriemhild, "they must have used me ill.

IX

"How could my n.o.ble brethren their power have so applied, As to make me, their sister, a lowly va.s.sal's bride?

For manners' sake then, Brunhild, this idle talk give o'er, And, by our common friendship, let me hear no more."

X

"Give o'er will I never," the queen replied again; "Shall I renounce the service of all the knightly train That hold of him, our va.s.sal, and are our va.s.sals too?"

Into sudden anger at this fair Kriemhild flew.