Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/166

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Then spake the Queen Brunhilda: “Right thankful should I be

To him who could my silver and gold divide for me

Between my guests and Gunther’s; an ample store I have.”

Then Dankwart said:—the liegeman of Giselher the brave—

“Most noble Queen and Lady, let me now have the key.

I trow I can divide it: if shame should fall on me,

So let it be mine only.” Thus spake the doughty thane,

That he a gentle knight was, was from his bearing plain.

As soon as Hagen’s brother the key had at command,

So rsany gifts and costly dispensed the hero’s hand:

To those who one mark needed, such bounty did he give,

That all the poorest, henceforth, in comfort well might live.

Pound pieces by the hundred he, without reck’ning, gave.

In clothing rich, full many that royal hall did leave

Who ne’er such splendid raiment before that time had worn.

This vexed the queen right sorely, it was not to be borne!

She spake, in her vexation: “Sir King, it seems to me

This chamberlain of yours is with all my goods so free

He soon will leave me nothing: he throws my gold away!

I shall be aye beholden to him who this can stay.

Such rich gifts doth he lavish, the thane must sure believe

I’ve sent for Death to take me: but I would longer live!

Whate’er my father left me I trow I well can spend.”

On such a spendthrift treasurer did never queen depend!”