The Nibelungenlied Part 124

He'd come and hence would help me, or by my side would die."

XXII

"Nay, do thyself thy message," the fierce Hungarians said, "When we unto thy brother bring thee cold and dead Then shall the man of Gunther the smart of sorrow know.

Thou here hast wrought King Etzel such grievous loss and woe."

XXIII

Said he, "Your threats give over, stand from me farther yet, Or I will make your hauberks with blood all dripping wet.

Myself the heavy tidings will bring to yonder court, And to my lords with wailing our deadly wrongs report."

XXIV

So much the knights of Etzel his matchless strength dismay'd, That not a man amongst them durst meet him blade to blade, But darts into his buckler they shot so thick around, That, by the weight o'ermaster'd he dropp'd it on the ground.

XXV

Seeing him thus uns.h.i.+elded, they fiercer forward drove; How then with deadly gashes the s.h.i.+elds and helms he clove!

Down perforce before him stoop'd many a lofty knight.

What praise was then Sir Dankwart's, alone to sway the fight!

XXVI

They rush'd at him from both sides; none then would keep aloof; But, match'd with him, found many most speed was least behoof.

Right through his foes the champion made his red pa.s.sage good As through the dogs the wild-boar amidst the echoing wood.

XXVII

Ever the ground beneath him with smoking gore was wet.

When better fought a champion with countless foes beset?

So to court before them, along his b.l.o.o.d.y road, Unconquer'd still and stately fierce Hagan's brother strode.

XXVIII

Cupbearers and servers heard sword-strokes clas.h.i.+ng nigh.

Dainty drinks and dishes they threw in hurry by, The which they in were bringing upon the board to set.

A crowd of st.u.r.dy foemen e'en on the stairs he met.

XXIX

"How now, ye servers?" said Dankwart with b.l.o.o.d.y toil oppress'd, "'Tis your's to feed the hungry, and cheer the thirsty guest, And store of savory viands to feasting knights to bear; Give place, for I would something to my good lords declare."

x.x.x

All, who dar'd confront him as up the stairs he flew, Met with such fearful slashes, that soon at distance due From that weighty broadsword stood trembling every one.

Such surpa.s.sing wonders by Dankwart's strength were done.

THIRTY-THIRD ADVENTURE

HOW THE BURGUNDIANS FOUGHT WITH THE HUNS

I

Soon as the fearless warrior beneath the lintel hied, He bade the men of Etzel keep distance yet more wide.

The blood from that fierce combat down all his armor pour'd, And in his hand uplifted he held his naked sword.

II

Just at the very moment that in burst Dankwart so, It chanc'd the young Prince Ortlieb was carried to and fro From table unto table; the news of that fell strife, So sudden brought among them, cost the fair child his life.

III

To a good knight then Dankwart shouted loud and strong, "Be stirring, brother Hagan, you're sitting all too long.

To you and G.o.d in heaven our deadly strait I plain; Yeomen and knights together lie in their quarters slain."

IV

"Tell me who has done it?" Hagan fiercely cried.

"Sir Bldel and his meiny," Dankwart straight replied, "And paid too has he dearly; he's dead among the dead; This hand from off his shoulders smote at a stroke his head."

V

"Small is the loss," said Hagan, "whenever one can tell That a vanquish'd hero by hands heroic fell.

Thus it still befitteth a knight to yield his breath; So much the less fair ladies should sorrow for his death.

VI

"Now tell me, brother Dankwart, why are you so red?

Your wounds, methinks, oppress you; they must have sorely bled.

If he's yet in this country who has harm'd you thus in strife, But the foul fiend aid him, it shall cost his life."