Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/258

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There was no child so little, who any wit might have,

But join’d in the almsgiving, ere he was laid in grave.

More than a hundred masses were sung ere day was done

And Siegfried’s friends and kinsmen came thronging ev’ry one.

When ended was the chanting the people went away.

Then spake the lady Kriemhild: “Ye must not let me stay

Alone to watch beside him, this knight exceeding brave.

My joys are, with his body, all buried in the grave.

“Three days and three nights longer here would I keep him still,

Until of my dear husband my heart has had its fill.

Then what if God should order that death should take me too?

Then would poor Kriemhild’s sorrows no longer trouble you.”

The people from the city now homewards went their way.

The priests and monks Kriemhilda besought with her to stay,

And eke her own attendants, to watch beside the knight.

Forbidding was the darkness and wearisome the light.

From eating and from drinking did many a man abstain.

If any cared to take it, to them it was made plain

That they might have in plenty: Siegmund of that took care.

And yet, full many a labour the Niblung-folk must share:

For three whole days, unceasing,— the story thus we hear—

They who had skill in singing must needs the burden bear

Of chanting many an office. What alms to them folk paid!

They who were poor aforetime now wealth in plenty had.