Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/265

XVIII.]

From Worms without an escort unto the Rhine they rode;

Well might they, notwithstanding, be confident of mood,

That if they should of foemen an onset have to ward,

The hands of stalwart Niblungs would serve them for a guard.

Leave did they take of no man ere they set forth to ride.

But Giselher and Gernot were presently espied

All kindly coming t’wards him: his sorrow made them grieve,

As soon these gallant heroes did bring him to believe.

For then the princely Gernot right courteously said:

“Be God in Heaven my witness! that Siegfried now is dead

Is through no fault on my part, nor have I heard men tell

Who wish’d him any evil: so can I mourn him well.”

Then had they a safe-conduct at Giselher’s own hand:

And carefully he led them in time, from out the land.

The king and all his warriors to Netherland got home.

How little could their kindred rejoice to see them come!

And what befell them after I cannot rightly say.

And still one heard Kriemhilda bewailing day by day

That none could give her comfort, in either heart or mood,

But Giselher, who only was true to her and good.

The beauteous Brunhilda still arrogantly sat:

Howe’er Kriemhilda fretted she took no thought for that,

And never more in goodwill did turn to her again.

Erelong the dame Kriemhilda did wring her heart with pain.