Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/231

XV.]

“For since then I have rued it,” the noble lady said;

“He therefore hath my body most sorely punishéd.

If I did ever utter aught to enrage her mood,

Right well hath he avenged her, the hero bold and good.”

“You yet shall be forgiven, in days to come,” quoth he;

“Kriemhilda, my dear lady, now must you tell to me

How through your husband Siegfried to serve you I may try;

I’ll gladly do it, lady; to none more willingly.”

“I should have no misgivings,” replied the noble wife,

“Lest any one in battle should jeopardize his life;

If he were not so reckless and over-rash of mood

He aye might be in safety, my gallant thane and good.”

Thereon said Hagen, ”Lady, if you have any fear

Lest any one should wound him, ’twere best to let me hear

The arts that I must practise if any ill betide;

For I will ever guard him, whether I walk or ride.”

She spake: ”Thou art my kinsman, as I, in sooth, am thine;

Therefore to thee I’ll trust him, this darling love of mine,

That thou mayst guard him for me,— this husband of my own.”

Then told she him the story ’twere well he had not known.

She spake: “Bold is my husband and strong enough thereto.

When he upon the mountain erstwhile the dragon slew,

In the brute’s blood he bathed him, the goodly warrior,

And since that day, in battle, no steel can cut him more.