Hagan, whose buckler was broken. Then was the grim Hagan moved to tears, and he vowed not to touch Rüdeger in the fight. Fearful was the clatter of shield and blade as Rüdeger fought with Gernot, and fell at last by the blade he had himself given the prince. Great was the wailing of the Huns when they saw the lifeless body of Rüdeger, and deeply did Etzel regret the loss of the valiant and true margrave. Dietrich of Bern, who sat afar off, sent some of his best warriors under his man Hildebrand, to inquire of the truth of the report of Rüdeger's death. These fiery men disobeyed the orders of their master, and fought with the Burgundians until none remained save Günther and Hagan on one side, and Hildebrand on the other. When Dietrich heard of the slaughter of his followers, he was overcome with sorrow, and himself sought the hall. He promised Günther and Hagan that if they would surrender, he would himself lead them back in safety to Burgundy; but to this they would not consent. By this time they were so worn out, however, from the long battle, that Dietrich easily overpowered them and led them captive before Kriemhild, who promised to show them fair treatment. But Kriemhild's mind had become so warped by her desire for revenge, that she could not think of mercy. She cast her prisoners into separate dungeons, and visiting Hagan first, demanded her treasure. "But give it to me again, and thou shalt return living into Burgundy." "Pray not to me, haughty queen," replied Hagan. “I swore that while my lords were living I would ne'er tell where it lies. Thy prayer is thrown away." Straightway the savage Kriemhild ordered the head of Günther to be struck off, and bearing it by the hair, she displayed it to Hagan, asking him now to tell her the secret. "Now that all my lords are dead," said he, "no one shall know, thou least of all, she-fiend!" Kriemhild, beside herself with grief and rage, snatched from him the sword Balmung that he had taken from Sieg fried, and ever since carried, and raising it high with both hands, struck off the head of her hated enemy. At this the grief of Etzel broke forth, and the aged Hildebrand, enraged to see a woman do such deeds, sprang upon Kriemhild and smote her to death with his sword. Bitterly wept King Etzel and Dietrich as they gazed on the corpses scattered round, and the disfigured body of the fair queen. Nothing remained for the Hunnish people but grief and woe. Here on earth pain ever follows in the steps of pleasure. SELECTIONS FROM THE NIBELUNGEN LIED. How BRUNHILD WAS RECEIVED AT WORMS. BRUNHILD, queen of Issland, was won by Günther of Worms with the aid of Siegfried, whom Günther sent forward to Worms to announce the coming of the royal pair. Queen Uta and Princess Kriemhild, with many followers from the Burgundian court, went forward to the Rhine to meet and welcome the royal bridal party. Beyond the Rhine King Günther, with many a well-arm'd rank Soon as the men of Issland came to the shallops down, Now hear, by wealthy Uta what a device was wrought. Kriemhild by the bridle the Margrave Gary led, Ortwine, the fearless champion, rode by Dame Uta's rein; Full many a famous champion careering you might spy The king was now come over, and many a worthy guest. Now might you see the ladies fast by the haven stand. With that the smiling Kriemhild forth stepp'd a little space, And either kiss'd the other lovingly and true. Then spoke in courteous manner Kriemhild the fair and free, "In this our land, dear Brunhild, ever welcome be To me and to my mother and all by us allow'd For faithful friends and liegemen." Then each to th' other bow'd. Next to greet Dame Brunhild approach'd Dame Uta too; Soon as Brunhild's women were all come to the strand A lady fair, and gently her mincing steps upstay'd, 'T was long before the greeting had gone through all the list. Still the two fair princesses were standing side by side, What erst had been but rumour, was now made clear to sight, Whoever look'd on women with but the sight for guide, Now met the dames and damsels in friendly converse free; King Günther's kinsmen ceas'd not to press to that fair show. Then clomb to horse the heroes, and scour'd the sounding field; So all before the ladies display'd their skill and force, His thousand Nibelungers, a stately squadron, led. Then came the knight of Trony by the good king's command; Then spake the noble Gernot, "Let each now rest his steed Thus ended was the tourney, and now the warriors went Now as drew on the twilight, when cooler grew the air So on the fair they waited as from good knights is due. There too the proud queens parted, each taking thence her way. There might you see on all sides the sound of merriment. In hall the seats were order'd; the king would instant hie Seats were there plac'd unnumber'd with tables broad and good, How little there was wanted that passes for the best! The chamberlains of Günther in ewers of ruddy gold Then, ere the lord of Rhineland touch'd the water bright, Said he, "You must remember what swore to me your hand, "Well did you to remind me," the noble king replied, Straight to the hall came Kriemhild begirt with many a maid, Then forward led was Kriemhild, as Günther gave command, Thence came it she knew nothing of what was to be done. Then to his gather'd kinsmen spoke Dancrat's royal son, "Help me to move my sister Siegfried for lord to take." "Such match," they all made answer, "with honour she may make. ' |