Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/249

XVII.]

Then spake of Tronjé Hagen: ‘‘ Myself I’ll take him home,

It matters not to me that the truth to her should come:

Brunhilda’s mind hath sorely by her been harasséd,

It troubles me but little what tears she now may shed!”

Then waited they for nightfall, and o’er the Rhine did row:

Ne’er to more direful ending could heroes hunting go.

The quarry they had slaughter’d mourn’d noble maids and wives:

And many goodly warriors paid for it with their lives.

Of arrogance o’erweening the tale ye soon shall hear,

And of a fearful vengeance. Then Hagen bade men bear

The body of dead Siegfried, the Niblung lord of late,

And lay it ina chamber wherein Kriemhild did wait.

He had him laid in secret down close beside her door,

That she might find him lying when she, as heretofore,

Went forth to matins early, ere daylight had begun;

Which duty dame Kriemhilda but seldom left undone.

The wonted bell was ringing, which to the minster bade;

Then rose the fair Kriemhilda and waken’d many a maid:

She bade them bring a taper, and fetch her all her gear.

Then came a chamber-servant who lit on Siegfried there.