Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/253

XVII]

“Ah, if I only knew him!” the noble wife did say,

“No mercy would I show him, in mind or body aye:

Such evil would I do him, that if his kith and kin

Had not good cause for weeping, ’twould be no fault of mine.”

Then in his arms did Siegmund the murder’d prince enfold;

Whereat his friends their sorrow so little could withhold,

That with their lamentation the palace rang and hall;

And even through Worms city, the sounds of woe did fall.

To none who strove to comfort did Siegfried’s wife give heed.

Meanwhile from out its clothing his body fair they freed;

They washed his wounds with water, and laid him on the bier;

The sorrow of his people right grievous was to hear.

Then up and spake his warriors the men of Niblung-land:

“With right goodwill shall vengeance be taken at our hand;

Within this very fortress is he who did the deed.”

Then ran they all for weapons the liegemen of Siegfried.

These thanes, for valour chosen, each with his shield, were there,

A thousand and one hundred, ready at hand they were

To follow noble Siegmund. The murder of his son

He to avenge was eager,— ’twas needful to be done.

Nor knew they ’gainst what foemen they had to strive withal,

Unless it might be Gunther and his bold liegemen all,

With whom their master Siegfried, did late a-hunting go.

Kriemhilda saw them arming, and grievous was her woe.