Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/120

42

Then spake the winsome maiden; “Well hast thou said, and now

Thou shalt have costly raiment for guerdon, that I owe;

And ten good golden marks too; they shall be brought thee here!”

Such tidings to rich ladies a man would gladly bear!

They gave him for his guerdon the raiment and the gold.

Then to the windows hastened the fair maids, to behold

The horsemen up the street come: and, watching eagerly,

They saw the gallant riders come home to Burgundy.

They came, the hale and hearty, the wounded also came.

They heard the neighbours’ greetings, and need not blush for shame.

The host rode forth rejoicing to meet his guests again:

It was a joyful ending to all his anxious pain.

He welcomed home his warriors, and all the strangers too;—

To the great king ’twas fitting not otherwise to do

Than graciously to tender his thanks to those who came,

Who had in fight defended the honour of his name.

Then Gunther asked for tidings, that he to hear was fain,

Of those who had returned not,— their comrades who were slain.

But sixty men were missing, and he had lost no more;—

For these they might cease mourning, as for the brave of yore.

The men who were unwounded brought many a battered shield,

And many a dinted helmet, to Gunther from that field.

Before the royal palace dismounted all the men,

And, with a shout of gladness, were welcomed home again.