Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/263

XVIII.]

So Giselher she promised that there she would abide.

The horses all were ready for Siegmund’s men to ride,—

Who would be homeward riding unto the Niblung-land;

The pack-horses all laden with knightly gear did stand.

Lord Siegmund came, and standing before Kriemhilda, then

Said he unto the lady: “The whole of Siegfried’s men

Await you by the horses; ’tis time we rode away

For willingly I would not with the Burgundians stay.”

But lady Kriemhild’ answer’d: “My friends their counsel give—

So many as are faithful— that I with them shoould live:

For I have ne’er a kinsman within the Niblung land.”

Sad was the heart of Siegmund when he did understand.

Then answer’d her King Siegmund: “Let that be said by none!

Rather than to my kinsmen I’ll give to you my crown.

With power and might you’ll wear it, as you have done before;

You shall be none the worse that our hero is no more.

“Come back with us, if only it were for your child’s sake:

You surely will not, lady, the babe an orphan make.

When once your son a man is he’ll comfort your sad mood;

Meanwhile you’ll have the service of many heroes good.”

She spake: “Sir Siegmund, truly I cannot with you ride.

Whate’er may happen to me here must I still abide

Among my friends and kinsfolk, and mourn with me they will.”

The good knights at this answer began to take it ill.