Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/239

XVI]

Then suddenly, on all sides, were heard great noise and cries.

From dogs and men together such tumult did arise

That all the woodland echoed, and eke the mountain-side

For four-and-twenty leash-hounds the hunters had untied.

Then many a forest creature must unto death be done,

Since every hunter fancied that he might be the one

To win the prize for hunting: but no award could be

Until beside the camp-fire stout Siegfried they did see.

The hunting, though ’twas over, was not yet brought to end:

For some, with burdens laden, to camp their way did wend,

Of beast fells bringing many, and game a goodly store.

What piles of it for cooking the king’s camp-servants bore!

Then to the high-born hunters the king would have it known

That he to dine was ready. Then all at once was blown

A hunting-horn, right loudly, that all might know around

That now the noble princes would at the camp be found.

Quoth one of Siegfried’s huntsmen: “Sir, I have heard but now,

By sounding of a horn, that ’tis time for us to go

Back to the camp: in answer I will my bugle wind.”

Then went the loud blasts flying their followers to find.

‘Then spake the noble Siegfried: “Now let us leave the wood!”

His hunter bore him smoothly: and all in haste they rode.

They startled, with their clatter, a grisly brute and grim,—

A savage bear. Then, turning to those who followed him,