Anon by a cool runnel he lost his guiltless life.

'Twas so devis'd by Brunhild, King Gunther's moody wife.

III

But first he sought the chamber where he his lady found.

He and his friends already had on the sumpters bound Their gorgeous hunting raiment; they o'er the Rhine would go.

Never before was Kriemhild sunk so deep in woe.

IV

On her mouth of roses he kiss'd his lady dear; "G.o.d grant me, dame, returning in health to see thee here; So may those eyes see me, too; meanwhile be blithe and gay Among the gentle kinsmen; I must hence away."

V

Then thought she on the secret (the truth she durst not tell) How she had told it Hagan; then the poor lady fell To wailing and lamenting that ever she was born.

Then wept she without measure, sobbing and sorrow-worn.

VI

She thus bespake her husband, "Give up that chase of thine.

I dreamt last night of evil, how two fierce forest swine Over the heath pursued thee; the flowers turn'd b.l.o.o.d.y red.

I cannot help thus weeping; I'm chill'd with mortal dread.

VII

"I fear some secret treason, and cannot lose thee hence, Lest malice should be borne thee for misconceiv'd offence.

Stay, my beloved Siegfried, take not my words amiss.

'Tis the true love I bear thee that bids me counsel this."

VIII

"Back shall I be shortly, my own beloved mate.

Not a soul in Rhineland know I, who bears me hate.

I'm well with all thy kinsmen; they're all my firm allies; Nor have I from any e'er deserved otherwise."

IX

"Nay! do not, dearest Siegfried! 'tis e'en thy death I dread.

Last night I dreamt, two mountains fell thundering on thy head, And I no more beheld thee; if thou from me wilt go, My heart will sure be breaking with bitterness of woe."

X

Round her peerless body his clasping arms he threw.

Lovingly he kiss'd her, that faithful wife and true; Then took his leave, and parted;--in a moment all was o'er-- Living, alas poor lady! she saw him never more.

XI

Then rode they thence, and hasten'd to a wildering forest drear.

Many a bold knight, on pastime intent and merry cheer, In the train of Gunther and Siegfried took his way.

Stout Gernot and young Giselher at home preferr'd to stay.

XII

Many a well-laden sumpter before them cross'd the Rhine, That for the fellow-hunters carried bread and wine.

And flesh and fish in plenty, with every dainty thing That might become the table of such a mighty king.

XIII

Their course the n.o.ble hunters check'd in an open glade, Where the wild beasts, that haunted the neighboring greenwood shade, Pa.s.s'd to and fro by custom; the hunt they here would hold.

Thither at length came Siegfried; straight to the king 'twas told.

XIV

Now every path and outlet the huntsmen had beset, When thus bespake Sir Siegfried the chiefs who there were met.

"Ye bold and dauntless warriors! who will the honor claim To enter first the forest, and bring us to the game?"

XV

"Ere we begin our pastime," Sir Hagan straight replied, "Here in this glade together, 'twere better first divide.

We then shall see more clearly, my lords as well as I, Who's the most cunning sportsman of this fair company.

XVI

"Let us divide among us the huntsmen and the hounds, Then each, where'er he pleases, beat all these woody bounds, And who excels his comrades, shall thanks have from the rest."

Not long the hunters linger'd, but started on their quest.

XVII

Then said the good Sir Siegfried, "I do not need a pack; One well-train'd hound will serve me the lurking beasts to track, And the close scent to follow through every bush and brake.

We'll now begin our hunting." So Kriemhild's husband spake.

XVIII