Lx.x.xIII

"Thy wishes are my pleasure," the smiling king replied, "Ne'er with my own good kinsmen was I so satisfied, Whene'er into my country they have been pleas'd to fare; Through love of thy brave brethren has vanish'd all my care."

Lx.x.xIV

The officers of Etzel forthwith bestirr'd them all, With fitting seats to furnish palace as well as hall For the dear guests, approaching the merry feast to keep.

They gave him cause thereafter full bitterly to weep.

TWENTY-FIFTH ADVENTURE

HOW THE LORDS ALL CAME INTO HUNGARY

I

But let us tell no further how there the work they plied.

Never to a king's country were known before to ride Such well-appointed squadrons as thither were to speed.

They had whate'er they wanted, both weapons and eke weed.

II

The King of Rhine apparel gave to his liegemen bold, To threescore and a thousand, as I have heard it told, Beside nine thousand yeomen, on mirth and revel bent.

Those, whom they left behind them, soon rued that e'er they went.

III

In Worms, as their equipment was carrying through the court, From Spire an aged bishop, of reverend report, Thus bespake fair Uta, "Our worthy friends prepare To yonder feast to travel; G.o.d watch and ward them there!"

IV

Thereon the n.o.ble Uta bespake her children dear, "Far better stay, good heroes, and tend your safety here.

I had last night, my children, a dream of ghastly dread, How all the birds, that flutter throughout this land, were dead."

V

"Who cares for dreams," said Hagan, "and thinks by them to walk, Ne'er in the path of honor with st.u.r.dy steps can stalk, Or breathe the voice of reason, but wavers to and fro.

I rede, my n.o.ble master take leave and forward go.

VI

"Yes, we shall ride full gladly hence into Etzel's land.

There kings need for their service many a good hero's hand, And this fair feast of Kriemhild's awaits us there to view."

So Hagan urg'd the journey, which soon he came to rue.

VII

He ne'er had giv'n such counsel but for what late had pa.s.s'd, When scorn on him Sir Gernot had so unseemly cast, Reminding him of Siegfried, and what had erst been done, As though for that dislik'd him the journey to the Hun.

VIII

Then answer'd he of Trony, "Fear prompts not what I rede.

If so you'll have it, heroes, fall to the work and speed; You'll find me not the hindmost to ride to Etzel's realm."

Soon shatter'd he thereafter many a shield and many a helm.

IX

The boats were waiting ready, the band was muster'd there; Thither his choice apparel each one made haste to bear.

Their toil was scarce well over ere eve fell on the lea; So from their homes they parted as merry as might be.

X

Beyond the Rhine's fair current their hasty camp was seen; There tents and proud pavilions bespotted all the green.

The lovely queen her husband detain'd for that one night, The last they spent together, dole mingling with delight.

XI

At early dawn there sounded sweet flute and trumpet-clang; 'Twas the hour of parting; to work the warriors sprang.

With a hasty kiss fond lovers were then constrain'd to sever.

With woe and death fell Kriemhild soon sunder'd them for ever.

XII

The children of fair Uta a man had at their court, Bold alike and faithful, in all of best report.

The same, as they were going, drew the king aside.

"Woe's me," said he, "dear master, you to this feast will ride."

XIII

The good knight's name was Rumolt, a tall man of his hands.

Said he, "To whom commit you your people and your lands?

Would one could turn your warriors to do what best you should; This message of your sister's it never seem'd me good."