The Nibelungenlied: The Lay of the Nibelungs (Oxford World's Classics) by Cyril Edwards
Authors: Cyril Edwards
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the most noble stranger, and also her brother. ‘Welcome to my brother and his
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companion. I would gladly know’, said the maiden, ‘what you lords want, since you have come to court. Let me hear what you noble warriors have in mind.’
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King Gunther replied: ‘Lady, I’ll tell you. We must endure many troubles, yet stay in high spirits. We want to ride on a wooing expedition, far off into foreign lands; we must have elegant garments for the journey.’
350
‘Sit down now, dear brother,’ said the princess, ‘and let me hear who exactly the ladies are whom you desire to court in other kings’ lands.’ The lady took both the excellent knights by the hand. Then
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she walked over with the pair of them to where she had been seated before, on sumptuous couches, as I well know, embroidered with fine pictures, well adorned with raised gold. They passed their time pleasantly among the ladies. Many amorous glances and well-meaning
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looks passed between the pair. He bore her in his heart; she was as dear to him as life itself. Fair Kriemhilt was afterwards to become mighty Sivrit’s wife.
353
Then the powerful king said: ‘My dearest sister, we can’t do without your help. We want to pass the time pleasantly in Prünhilt’s land. We need to have splendid garments to wear before the ladies there.’
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The damsel replied: ‘My dearest brother, I’ll show you most willingly that I’m at your disposal and will give you all the help I can. If anyone were to refuse you, that would grieve Kriemhilt. You must
355
not ask me anxiously, noble knight, but must proudly give me your commands. I am ready and willing to do whatever I can to please you,’ said the charming maiden.
356
‘We want, dear sister, to wear fine garments. Your noble hands must help prepare them. Let your maidens see to it that our clothing suits us well, for we are resolved to go on this journey.’
357
Then the damsel said: ‘Now mark my words. I myself have silk. * See to it now that they carry precious stones in to us, loaded on shields, and then we will fashion the garments.’ Both Gunther and Sivrit were ready and willing to do that.
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‘Who are the companions,’ said the queen, ‘who are to go thus clad to court with you?’
Gunther said: ‘There will be four of us, all told. Two of my vassals, Dancwart and Hagen, are to go to court with me. Pay close
359
heed, lady, to what I tell you: my three companions and I must have three changes of clothes for four days, and such fine garments that we may leave Prünhilt’s land without disgrace.’
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With a cordial leave-taking the lords departed. Then Queen Kriemhilt ordered thirty maidens from amongst her damsels to come out of their chambers—they were well skilled in such work.
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Into the Arabian silk, white as snow, and the noble silk from Zazamanc, * green as clover, they worked gems—fine garments were the outcome. They were cut by Kriemhilt herself, that most noble maiden. Fair linings made from outlandish fish-skins, * strange to
362
behold, all that they could acquire, they covered with silk for the warriors to wear. Hear great marvels now told of that bright garb!
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They had silk in plenty from the land of Morocco, and also from Lybia, the very best that any king’s kin ever acquired. Kriemhilt made it apparent that she held them in high favour. Since they were
364
now desirous of this noble expedition, they disdained ermine skins. * Furs lay on top, black as coal, such as even today would well suit brave heroes at festivities. Many precious stones shone forth from
365
Arabian gold. The labour of the ladies was not small. Within seven weeks they had prepared the garments. By then the worthy warriors’ armour was also prepared.
366
When they were ready, a stout little skiff had been painstakingly constructed for them to sail on the Rhine. It was to take them downriver, all the way to the sea.
The noble damsels ached from their
348
companion. I would gladly know’, said the maiden, ‘what you lords want, since you have come to court. Let me hear what you noble warriors have in mind.’
349
King Gunther replied: ‘Lady, I’ll tell you. We must endure many troubles, yet stay in high spirits. We want to ride on a wooing expedition, far off into foreign lands; we must have elegant garments for the journey.’
350
‘Sit down now, dear brother,’ said the princess, ‘and let me hear who exactly the ladies are whom you desire to court in other kings’ lands.’ The lady took both the excellent knights by the hand. Then
351
she walked over with the pair of them to where she had been seated before, on sumptuous couches, as I well know, embroidered with fine pictures, well adorned with raised gold. They passed their time pleasantly among the ladies. Many amorous glances and well-meaning
352
looks passed between the pair. He bore her in his heart; she was as dear to him as life itself. Fair Kriemhilt was afterwards to become mighty Sivrit’s wife.
353
Then the powerful king said: ‘My dearest sister, we can’t do without your help. We want to pass the time pleasantly in Prünhilt’s land. We need to have splendid garments to wear before the ladies there.’
354
The damsel replied: ‘My dearest brother, I’ll show you most willingly that I’m at your disposal and will give you all the help I can. If anyone were to refuse you, that would grieve Kriemhilt. You must
355
not ask me anxiously, noble knight, but must proudly give me your commands. I am ready and willing to do whatever I can to please you,’ said the charming maiden.
356
‘We want, dear sister, to wear fine garments. Your noble hands must help prepare them. Let your maidens see to it that our clothing suits us well, for we are resolved to go on this journey.’
357
Then the damsel said: ‘Now mark my words. I myself have silk. * See to it now that they carry precious stones in to us, loaded on shields, and then we will fashion the garments.’ Both Gunther and Sivrit were ready and willing to do that.
358
‘Who are the companions,’ said the queen, ‘who are to go thus clad to court with you?’
Gunther said: ‘There will be four of us, all told. Two of my vassals, Dancwart and Hagen, are to go to court with me. Pay close
359
heed, lady, to what I tell you: my three companions and I must have three changes of clothes for four days, and such fine garments that we may leave Prünhilt’s land without disgrace.’
360
With a cordial leave-taking the lords departed. Then Queen Kriemhilt ordered thirty maidens from amongst her damsels to come out of their chambers—they were well skilled in such work.
361
Into the Arabian silk, white as snow, and the noble silk from Zazamanc, * green as clover, they worked gems—fine garments were the outcome. They were cut by Kriemhilt herself, that most noble maiden. Fair linings made from outlandish fish-skins, * strange to
362
behold, all that they could acquire, they covered with silk for the warriors to wear. Hear great marvels now told of that bright garb!
363
They had silk in plenty from the land of Morocco, and also from Lybia, the very best that any king’s kin ever acquired. Kriemhilt made it apparent that she held them in high favour. Since they were
364
now desirous of this noble expedition, they disdained ermine skins. * Furs lay on top, black as coal, such as even today would well suit brave heroes at festivities. Many precious stones shone forth from
365
Arabian gold. The labour of the ladies was not small. Within seven weeks they had prepared the garments. By then the worthy warriors’ armour was also prepared.
366
When they were ready, a stout little skiff had been painstakingly constructed for them to sail on the Rhine. It was to take them downriver, all the way to the sea.
The noble damsels ached from their
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