Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/131

V.]

All kinds of mirth and pleasure, and mighty noise withal,

Were seen and heard forthcoming daily from Gunther’'s hall,—

Without, and inside also,— from many a gallant man.

Sir Ortwein and Sir Hagen right wondrous feats began.

Whatever games were started these jocund heroes were

Always among the foremost, a skilled and ready pair.

Whereby these warriors soon were well known to every guest;

Of such kind were the jewels that Gunther’s land possessed.

Those who had long lain wounded one saw, at last, appear:

They too would share the pastimes, would fence and throw the spear

Among the king’s retainers; well-pleased to find at length

That they could do as others; they had renewed their strength.

The host would have them treated well, at his festal board,

Theirs was to be the best food. Thus managed he to ward

The slightest breath of scandal, which oft a king doth reach.

From guest to guest on went he, with kindly words for each.

He said: “All ye, good warriors, before ye ride away,

I pray ye take my presents: ’twas in my mind alway

To recompense your service; my goods despise not ye:

I fain would share them with you; this do I willingly.”

Then did the lords of Denmark thus answer, out of hand:

“Before we ride hence, homewards unto our fatherland,

We fain would have a treaty: of peace we knights have need,

We’ve lost dear friends in plenty who, through your knights, lie dead.”