Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/286

228 Forsooth I’d give you vittaile for a fortnight, with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King Etzel hath taken from me as yet full little of my goods.”

However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that it was told afar. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rüdeger wot how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could not but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth the stranger knights. In their hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel’s land. Before the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had proffered everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in mickle honors. To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther, the worshipful knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail, which the noble and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low over noble Rüdeger’s hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow, the which he later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the margrave’s wife begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rüdeger was forced to lose his life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well befit her. He took it, sith the king had taken one, that he should not fare forth from her to the feasting, without her present. Later he gainsayed it. “Of all that I have ever seen,” quoth Hagen, “I crave to bear naught else save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that with me into Etzel’s land.”