Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/347



strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind’s husband came to court. Bitterly faithful Rüdeger wept when he saw the grievous wounds on either side. “Woe is me,” quoth the champion, “that I was ever born, sith none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make for peace, the king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more the sufferings of his men.”

Then the good Knight Rüdeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might turn the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer: “Who might now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife.”

Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rüdeger stand with weeping eyes, and many tears had he shed, spake to the queen: “Now behold how he doth stand, that hath the greatest power at Etzel’s court and whom both lands and people serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rüdeger, of which he doth hold such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy stroke hath he dealt in all this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it fare here at court, sith he hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be bolder than any other wight. Little hath that been seen in these parlous days.”

Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak. Him-thought: “Thou shalt pay