Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/186

128 Then spake his huntsman: “Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a deal of the beasts alive. Ye ’ll empty both our hill and woods to-day.”

At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the stalwart Siegfried was already standing by the fire. The chase was over, and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king’s meiny bare then to the kitchen!

Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried’s huntsmen: “My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the quarters; I’ll now give answer.”

Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake Sir Siegfried: “Now let us leave the pine wood!” His steed bare him smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those behind: “I’ll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach. Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he never so fast, he shall not escape us.”