Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/461

XXXVIII.]

“What hast thou,” then said Dietrich, “for us discoveréd?

And wherefore, warrior Helfrich, thy tears so freely shed?”

“Good cause have I for weeping,” answer’d the noble thane:

“Good Rüdeger is lying by the Burgundians slain.”

The knight of Bern made answer: “God grant that may not be!

That were a fearful vengeance, and foul fiend’s pleasantry:

Howe’er were such requital deserved by Rüdeger?

For well am I persuaded he held the strangers dear.”

Thereto made Wolfhart answer: “If they this deed have done

It verily shall cost them the life of everyone!

To us ’twould be disgraceful if this we were to stand,

For Rüdeger has served us right often with his hand.”

But Amelung’s chieftain bade them better inform’d to be.

Meanwhile within his window right mournfully sat he;

And Hildebrand enjoin’d he unto the guests to go,

That he whate’er had happen’d from them might surely know.

That warrior bold in battle, t he ancient Hildebrand,

Nor shield nor any weapon took with him in his hand;

He to the guests was going in courtesy alone.

But sore were the upbraidings made by his sister’s son.

For spake the fiery Wolfhart: “Wilt thou so simply go?

Then certes some misusage thou wilt not fail to know!

So, full of grief and trouble, thou needs must homeward fare:

But if thou takest thy weapons they each will have a care.”