Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/233

XV.]

The king’s men and retainers were all of cheerful mood.

And yet, I ween, no warrior within his breast e’er could

Hide heart so false and perjured, as he in his did hide

upon whose faith and promise Kriemhild the queen relied.

Upon the next day morning with his own thousand men

Rode forth the gallant Siegfried: and joyful was he then.

He thought he would take vengeance for his friend’s injury.

To him rode Hagen closely that he his coat might eye.

When he espied the token, two of his following

He sent away in secret another tale to bring:

How peace should not be broken towards King Gunther’s land,—

They had but come as envoys by Ludeger’s command.

How loth turn’d Siegfried homewards; he rode unwillingly,

Sad that his friend’s annoyance thus unavenged should be!

Hardly could Gunther’s warriors bring him to turn his ranks.

Unto the king straight rode he: his host began his thanks.

“Now God reward thy goodwill, my noble friend Siegfried!

That thou didst go so gladly to help me in my need,

I aye shall be thy debtor, as I of right should be.

Beyond all friends and kinsmen I build my faith on thee.

“Now that this expedition will trouble us no more,

I fain would go a-hunting the wild bear and the boar

At Waskenwalde, yonder, as I so oft have done.”

This was the plan of Hagen, the false and faithless one.