Then return'd Sir Siegfried, "Take now no further care."

XII

For the march the Burgundians prepar'd in show the while, Yet Siegfried and his warriors 'twas done but to beguile.

Then bade he straight make ready each Netherlandish knight.

They sought out the best harness and surest arms they might.

XIII

Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Sir Siegmund, father mine, Best tarry here in quiet till we return to Rhine.

Conquest, if G.o.d befriend us, we shortly back shall bring.

Meanwhile live blithe and merry with our good host the king."

XIV

The flags anon were hoisted, and forward all would fare; Among the men of Gunther many a one was there Who knew not his lord's secret, and thought no treachery.

There might you see with Siegfried a mighty company.

XV

Their helms and eke their mailcoats upon their steeds were tied.

Many a knight of prowess ready was to ride.

Then Hagan, Lord of Trony, as had before been plann'd, Went to take leave of Kriemhild ere yet they left the land.

XVI

"Ah! well is me," said Kriemhild, "that I've a lord who lends Such firm a.s.sistance ever to back my dearest friends, As now does my brave Siegfried for my brethren's sake; Therefore," said the fair lady, "good courage will I take.

XVII

"My good friend, Sir Hagan, bear in remembrance still How much I love my kinsmen, nor ever wish'd them ill.

For this requite my husband, nor let me vainly long; He should not pay the forfeit, if I did Brunhild wrong.

XVIII

"My fault," pursued she sadly, "good cause had I to rue.

For it I have far'd badly; he beat me black and blue; Such mischief-making tattle his patience could not brook, And for it ample vengeance on my poor limbs he took."

XIX

"You'll be friends together," said he, "some other day.

But, Kriemhild, my dear lady, tell me now, I pray, At my hands to your husband what service can be done, Fain would I do it, lady, better love I none."

XX

The n.o.ble dame made answer, "Fear should I not at all, That by the sword of any my lord in fight would fall, But that he rashly follows his fiery martial mood.

Else could no harm befall him the n.o.ble knight and good."

XXI

"Lady," then answer'd Hagan, "since thus you harbor fear Lest hostile force should slay him, let me yet further hear, What best may serve our purpose the warrior to defend.

On foot, on horse, I'll watch him, his guardian and his friend."

XXII

Said she, "Thou art my cousin, and I alike am thine; To thy good faith commend I this dearest lord of mine.

That thou wilt tend his welfare, a.s.surance firm I hold."

Then told she him the secret far better left untold.

XXIII

Said she, "My husband's daring, and thereto stout of limb Of old, when on the mountain he slew the dragon grim, In its blood he bath'd him, and thence no more can feel In his charmed person the deadly dint of steel.

XXIV

"Still am I ever anxious, whene'er in fight he stands, And keen-edg'd darts are hailing from strong heroic hands, Lest I by one should lose him, my own beloved make.

Ah! how my heart is beating still for my Siegfried's sake!

XXV

"So now I'll tell the secret, dear friend, alone to thee (For thou, I doubt not, cousin, will keep thy faith with me), Where sword may pierce my darling, and death sit on the thrust.

See, in thy truth and honor how full, how firm my trust!

XXVI

"As from the dragon's death-wounds gush'd out the crimson gore, With the smoking torrent the warrior wash'd him o'er.

A leaf then 'twixt his shoulders fell from the linden bough.

There only steel can harm him; for that I tremble now."

XXVII

Then said the Chief of Trony, "A little token sew Upon his outer garment; thus shall I surer know The spot that needs protection as in the fight we stand."

She thought his life to lengthen, the while his death was plann'd.