Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/346

268

That they might be the sooner ferried across the flood,

They drave the horses in it; whose swimming was so good,

That, strong as was the current, they cross’d it none the less;

Though some far downwards drifted in very weariness.

Their gold and all their baggage unto the ship they bore,

Since from this journey’s ending they now could turn no more.

And Hagen was the captain; he ferried to the strand

Full many a gallant warrior into the unknown land.

Of noble knights a thousand first brought he to the shore,

And after these his warriors, and ever there were more:

Of men-at-arms nine thousand he ferried safe to land,

Nor all day long did weary the gallant Tronian’s hand.

When he the whole in safety across the flood had brought,

The warrior bold and eager of that strange story thought

Which the wild water-maidens erewhile to him had said.

Then for King Gunther’s chaplain the days were wellnigh sped!

Amidst the chapel baggage he sought and found the priest,

Who on his hand was leaning, that on the Pyx did rest.

But little that avail’d him when Hagen him did spy:

The all-forsaken chaplain must suffer grievously.

Out of the skiff he swung him, ere yet a moment pass’d,

Though many voices shouted:  “Stay him, good sirs, avast.”

Young Giselher fell a-cursing in anger at the sight;

Yet would not Hagen heed him, but did it in despite.