Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/389

XXX.]

Whilst spake the fiddle-player so wrathfully his mind,

The valiant Hagen turn’d him, and gave a glance behind

Said he: “The gallant minstrel hath warn’d you properly

Ye heroes of Kriemhilda back to your homes go ye.

“The plan ye are devising will not come off, I trow.

Come back to-morrow morning if ye have aught to do,

And leave us weary strangers this night to rest in peace;

I ween that heroes ever so do in such-like case.”

Anon the guests were taken into a roomy hall,

Which found they well provided, to suit the warriors all,

With richly furnish’d bedsteads, that were both wide and long.

The while Dame Kriemhild plotted to do them grievous wrong.

Right goodly mats from Arras all round about were spread,

Of bright-hued wool-stuffs woven; and many a cover-bed

Wrought of Arabian samite, the finest that might be;

Whereon were borders broider’d that shone right gloriously.

The coverlets of ermine did many a man espy,

And others of black sable, whereunder they might lie

And pass the night in comfort until the dawn of day.

A king and all his courtiers so softly never lay.

“O woe, for this night’s sojourn!” so spake young Giselher

“And woe for all my comrades who hither with us fare!

Howbeit that my sister so kind a bidding gave,

By cause of her, I fear me, we all our deaths shall have.”