The Nibelungenlied: The Lay of the Nibelungs (Oxford World's Classics) by Cyril Edwards Page A
Authors: Cyril Edwards
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labours. Then the warriors
367
were told that the elegant garments that they were to take with them were now ready for them, as they had requested. The work had now been done.
They then wanted to stay by the Rhine no longer. A messenger
368
was sent to the companions-in-arms to ask if they wanted to look at their new garments, to see whether they were too short or too long for the heroes. They fitted them well, for which they thanked the ladies.
369
All whom they passed by had to concede to them that they had seen nothing better in the whole world. They took delight, therefore, in wearing the clothes at court there. No one could ever find a word to say of better warriors’ garments. They did not hold back words of
370
great gratitude. Then the gallant heroes desired to take their leave. The lords did so with knightly courtesy. Bright eyes were dimmed and wet at that.
371
Kriemhilt said: ‘Dearest brother, you would be better off staying here and wooing other ladies, so that your life should not be so very much at risk—that I would call wise. You can find as high-born a wife closer to home.’
372
I think her heart was telling them what was to happen to them in consequence. The ladies all wept as one, no matter what anyone said. Their gold breastplates were dimmed by the tears that rained down from their eyes.
373
Kriemhilt said: ‘Sir Sivrit, let my dear brother be commended to your loyalty and your favour, so that nothing ill befalls him in Prünhilt’s land.’
The valiant warrior vowed to protect him, taking Lady Kriemhilt’s hand. * The mighty knight replied: ‘As long as I live you may be free,
374
lady, of all anxiety. I’ll bring him back to you safe and sound, to the Rhine here—rest assured of that.’ The fair maiden bowed to him.
375
Their golden shields were carried down to the shore and all their garments were brought to them. They ordered their horses to be led over—they wanted to ride off. Fair ladies wept profusely there. The
376
charming maidens stood then at the windows. A high wind swept their ship and its sail along. The proud companions-in-arms were afloat on the Rhine. King Gunther then said: ‘Who is to be the ship’s captain now?’
377
‘I will,’ said Sivrit. ‘I am well capable of guiding you there over the waves. I tell you, worthy heroes, that I am well acquainted with the right sea-roads.’ In high spirits they departed from Burgundy.
378
Sivrit then quickly took a pole; powerfully he pushed off from the bank. Bold Gunther took an oar himself. Thus the brave, renowned knights drew away from the land. They took with them excellent
379
food and also much good wine, the best to be found in the lands around the Rhine. Their warhorses were in good condition—they were well tended. Their skiff sailed very smoothly—little harm befell them. Their stout halyards were stretched to the full. They sailed
380
for twenty miles before night fell, a favourable wind blowing them downstream to the sea. (Afterwards their arduous toil would cost those proud warriors dear.)
381
On the twelfth morning, so we hear tell, the winds had borne them far off towards Isenstein, in Prünhilt’s land. That was unknown territory to all of them except Sivrit. When King Gunther saw so many
382
castles, and also the broad marches, how quick he was to speak then! ‘Tell me, friend Sivrit, do you know whose are these castles, and also this splendid land?’
383
Sivrit replied: ‘It is well known to me. These are Prünhilt’s people and land, and the fortress of Isenstein, of which you heard me tell. There, before the day is out, you may see many fair ladies.
384
Moreover, I advise you heroes to be of one mind and all say the same thing—that seems good counsel to me—when we walk into Prünhilt’s presence, before the day is out. We may have good reason to be troubled when we stand before the queen. When we see the
385
lovely lady amid her retinue, then, famed *
367
were told that the elegant garments that they were to take with them were now ready for them, as they had requested. The work had now been done.
They then wanted to stay by the Rhine no longer. A messenger
368
was sent to the companions-in-arms to ask if they wanted to look at their new garments, to see whether they were too short or too long for the heroes. They fitted them well, for which they thanked the ladies.
369
All whom they passed by had to concede to them that they had seen nothing better in the whole world. They took delight, therefore, in wearing the clothes at court there. No one could ever find a word to say of better warriors’ garments. They did not hold back words of
370
great gratitude. Then the gallant heroes desired to take their leave. The lords did so with knightly courtesy. Bright eyes were dimmed and wet at that.
371
Kriemhilt said: ‘Dearest brother, you would be better off staying here and wooing other ladies, so that your life should not be so very much at risk—that I would call wise. You can find as high-born a wife closer to home.’
372
I think her heart was telling them what was to happen to them in consequence. The ladies all wept as one, no matter what anyone said. Their gold breastplates were dimmed by the tears that rained down from their eyes.
373
Kriemhilt said: ‘Sir Sivrit, let my dear brother be commended to your loyalty and your favour, so that nothing ill befalls him in Prünhilt’s land.’
The valiant warrior vowed to protect him, taking Lady Kriemhilt’s hand. * The mighty knight replied: ‘As long as I live you may be free,
374
lady, of all anxiety. I’ll bring him back to you safe and sound, to the Rhine here—rest assured of that.’ The fair maiden bowed to him.
375
Their golden shields were carried down to the shore and all their garments were brought to them. They ordered their horses to be led over—they wanted to ride off. Fair ladies wept profusely there. The
376
charming maidens stood then at the windows. A high wind swept their ship and its sail along. The proud companions-in-arms were afloat on the Rhine. King Gunther then said: ‘Who is to be the ship’s captain now?’
377
‘I will,’ said Sivrit. ‘I am well capable of guiding you there over the waves. I tell you, worthy heroes, that I am well acquainted with the right sea-roads.’ In high spirits they departed from Burgundy.
378
Sivrit then quickly took a pole; powerfully he pushed off from the bank. Bold Gunther took an oar himself. Thus the brave, renowned knights drew away from the land. They took with them excellent
379
food and also much good wine, the best to be found in the lands around the Rhine. Their warhorses were in good condition—they were well tended. Their skiff sailed very smoothly—little harm befell them. Their stout halyards were stretched to the full. They sailed
380
for twenty miles before night fell, a favourable wind blowing them downstream to the sea. (Afterwards their arduous toil would cost those proud warriors dear.)
381
On the twelfth morning, so we hear tell, the winds had borne them far off towards Isenstein, in Prünhilt’s land. That was unknown territory to all of them except Sivrit. When King Gunther saw so many
382
castles, and also the broad marches, how quick he was to speak then! ‘Tell me, friend Sivrit, do you know whose are these castles, and also this splendid land?’
383
Sivrit replied: ‘It is well known to me. These are Prünhilt’s people and land, and the fortress of Isenstein, of which you heard me tell. There, before the day is out, you may see many fair ladies.
384
Moreover, I advise you heroes to be of one mind and all say the same thing—that seems good counsel to me—when we walk into Prünhilt’s presence, before the day is out. We may have good reason to be troubled when we stand before the queen. When we see the
385
lovely lady amid her retinue, then, famed *
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