Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/261

XVIII.]

Amongst them there were many who, for their sorrow’s sake,

Till those three days were ended nor meat nor drink did take.

Yet could they not their bodies abandon utterly:

So feasting follow’d sorrow, as evermore will be.

Kriemhilda’s husband’s father had to her presence come.

And to the queen thus spake he: “We now would fain go home,

I trow that we in Rhineland, unwelcome guests must be.

Kriemhilda, dearest lady, come to my land with me.

“Since that your noble husband, by treason underhand,

Hath from us all been taken here in this very land,

You must not overlook it: I will be kind to you

For love of my son Siegfried; doubt not that this is true.

Henceforward also, Lady, to you the power I’ll yield

That the bold warrior Siegfried did teach you how to wield . The land and the crown likewise shall subject be to you;

And all of Siegfried’s vassals will gladly service do.”

Then were the servants bidden that thence they were to ride;—

It was a mighty business the horses to provide!

Amidst their bitter foemen to dwell were sorry cheer.

They bade the dames and maidens to seek their travelling gear.