Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/351

Rh shall be well commended to our care. For mine own weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed.”

Etzel’s bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the venture. He spake: “I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my friends, whom I am loth to fight,”

Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he found his warriors standing. He spake: “Ye must arm you all, my men, for, alas, I must needs encounter the bold Burgundians.”

They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it were helm or buckler, ’t was all brought forth to them by their meiny. Later the proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rüdeger was now armed, and with him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve champions, who would fain win renown in the stress of battle. They wist not that death drew nigh them. Then Rüdeger was seen to march with helmet donned. The margrave’s men bare keen-edged swords, and their bright shields and broad upon their arms. This the fiddler saw; greatly he rued the sight. When young Giselher beheld his lady’s father walk with his helm upon his head, how might he know what he meant thereby, save that it portended good? Therefore the noble prince waxed passing merry of mood.

“Now well is me of such kinsmen,” spake Knight Giselher, “whom we have won upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief it is to me, that this betrothal hath taken place.”

“I know not whence ye take your comfort,” spake then the minstrel; “when have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand, for the