Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not say a whit8. The noble queen began to rue9 that she was ever born. Lord Siegfried’s wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: “Let be your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did chase you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great cause to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry10 plans and whether we have not misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear my lord, that I counsel by my troth.”
He spake: “Dear love, I’ll come back in a few short days. I wot not here of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights.”
“No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt11 part from me.”
In his arms he clasped his courteous12 wife and kissed her tenderly. Then in a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas13, she never saw him in health again.
Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime’s sake. Many bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher stayed at home. Many laden14 sumpters were sent before them across the Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat and fish, and great store of other things, which so mighty15 a king might rightly have. They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green wood over against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade16 where they should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come. The hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: “Ye heroes bold and brave, who shall lead us to the game within the wood?”
“Let us part,” spake Hagen, “ere we begin the chase. Thereby17 my lords and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us divide the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He who doth hunt the best shall have our thanks.” Short time the huntsmen bided18 by another after that.
Then spake Lord Siegfried: “I need no dogs save one brach that hath been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine woods.” Quoth Kriemhild’s husband: “We’ll find the game.”
Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space brought the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its lair19 the comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont20 to do. Whatever the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew21 with his hand. His horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he gained the prize above them all. Doughty22 enow he was in all things. The beast which he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after which he found full soon a monstrous23 lion. 77 When the brach started this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a full sharp arrow. After the shot the lion ran the space of but three bounds. The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he speedily slew a bison and an elk24, four strong ure-oxen, 78 and a savage25 shelk. 79 His horse bare him so swiftly that naught26 escaped him, nor could hart or hind27 avoid him. Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar; when he began to flee, at once there came the master o? the hunt and encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar did run against the valiant29 hero, but Kriemhild’s husband slew him with his sword. Another huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he had felled him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well known to the Burgundian men.
Then spake his huntsman: “Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a deal of the beasts alive. Ye’ll empty both our hill and woods today.”
At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the stalwart Siegfried was already standing30 by the fire. The chase was over, and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them thither32 hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king’s meiny bare then to the kitchen!
Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried’s huntsmen: “My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the quarters; I’ll now give answer.”
Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake Sir Siegfried: “Now let us leave the pine wood!” His steed bare him smoothly33 and with him they hasted hence. With their rout34 they started up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those behind: “I’ll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach. Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he never so fast, he shall not escape us,”
The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild’s husband would fain overtake him. He reached a thicket35, where none could follow. The mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him. The bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught it and bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither scratch nor bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle and horsed him quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior36 and a good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise he rode to the quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable37: rich enow it was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther’s skin was drawn38 over it for its sweet fragrance’ 80 sake. He bare a bow, which any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend it. His vesture was befurred with otter39 skin 81 from head to toe. From the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt many a bar of gold. Balmung 82 he also bare, a good broad sword, that was so sharp that it never failed when ’twas wielded40 ‘gainst a helmet; its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts41, the heads a full hand’s breadth, on golden shafts42. What he pierced therewith must needs die soon.
Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter’s garb. Gunther’s men espied43 him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly, that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had fear. Dazed by the din31, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a firebrand scattered44. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes! Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people’s shouts the whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could follow him but Kriemhild’s husband, who caught and slew him with his sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it, averred45 he was a mighty man.
Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon a fair mead46 there sate47 a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands48 they bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.
Now the Lord Siegfried spake: “Me-wondereth, since men do give us such great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the wine. Unless men purvey49 the hunters better, I’ll be no more your hunting-fellow. I have well deserved that they regard me, too.”
The king addressed him from his seat with guile50: “We fain would do you remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen’s fault, who is willed to let us die of thirst.”
Then spake Hagen: “Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the Spessart 83 wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not drink today, how well will I avoid this in the future!”
At this Lord Siegfried spake: “Small thanks ye’ll get for that. One should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled wine. 84 If that might not be, then men should have placed our benches nearer to the Rhine.”
Then spake Hagen of Troneg: “Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth.”
To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs51 of thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With false intent the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the game which Siegfried’s hand had slain52, be carried home on wains. Whoever saw it gave him great laud53. Hagen of Troneg now foully54 broke his troth to Siegfried. When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: “It hath oft been told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild’s husband when he be minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!”
Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: “Ye can well test that, and ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call give the prize to him who winneth.”
“So let us try it then,” quoth Hagen, the knight.
Spake the sturdy Siegfried: “Then will I lay me down on the green sward at your feet.” 85
How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold knight spake again: “I’ll tell you more. I’ll take with me all my trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb.” Around him he quickly girded his quiver and his sword.
Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in two white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran, but men spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare away the prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid aside his quiver and leaned the stout56 spear against a linden bough57. The lordly stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was Siegfried’s courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed58 forth60, but the hero drank not, albeit61 he thirsted sore until the king had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the spring. Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream, and when he had drunken straightened up again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done the same, but now he paid for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from him both bow and sword and bounded then to where he found the spear; then he looked for the mark on bold Siegfried’s coat. As Lord Siegfried drank above the spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that his heart’s blood spurted62 from the wounds almost on Hagen’s clothes. Nevermore will hero do so foul55 a deed. Hagen left the spear a-sticking in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world had run from any man.
When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered. He weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid as he deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his sword, then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the spring and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther’s man escape him. Albeit he was wounded unto death, yet he smote63 so mightily64 that a plenty of precious stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst quite apart. Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged65 him. Now was Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow the glade rang loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been Hagen’s death, so sore enraged66 was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good cause thereof. His hue67 grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of body melted quite away, for in bright colors he bore the signs of death. Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames68 enow.
Kriemhild’s husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his blood was seen to gush59. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause, at those who had planned this treacherous69 death. The deadly wounded spake: “Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye have slain me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you. Alas, ye have acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born in after days will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath28 too sore upon me. With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors70.”
The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty71, and this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the Burgundians bemoaned72 his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: “There is no need that he should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle blame. It had been better left undone73.”
Then spake the fierce Hagen: “Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All our fear and all our woe74 have now an end. We shall find scant75 few who dare withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end.”
“Ye may lightly boast you,” Siegfried then replied. “Had I wist your murderous bent76, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his kindred have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might,” so spake Siegfried, “I should rightly make complaint of this.” Piteously the deadly wounded spake again: “Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to any in the world, then let my dear love be commended to your grace and let it avail her that she be your sister. For the sake of your princely courtesie protect her faithfully. My father and my men must wait long time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend.”
The flowers on every side were wot with blood. With death he struggled, but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely. Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.
When the lordlings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal77 that Hagen had done the deed. Enow of them spake: “Ill hath it gone with us. Ye must all hide it and aver3 alike that robbers slew Kriemhild’s husband as he rode alone a-hunting through the pine wood.”
Then Hagen of Troneg spake: “I’ll bring him home; I care not if it be known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild’s heart. Little doth it trouble me however much she weep.”
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1
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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aver
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| v.极力声明；断言；确证 | |
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guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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glade
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| n.林间空地，一片表面有草的沼泽低地 | |
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thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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bided
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| v.等待，停留( bide的过去式 )；居住；等待；面临 | |
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lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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doughty
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| adj.勇猛的，坚强的 | |
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monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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elk
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| n.麋鹿 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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otter
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| n.水獭 | |
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wielded
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的过去式和过去分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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41
darts
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| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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42
shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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43
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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45
averred
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| v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
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mead
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| n.蜂蜜酒 | |
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sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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purvey
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| v.（大量）供给，供应 | |
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guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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51
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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52
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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laud
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| n.颂歌；v.赞美 | |
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54
foully
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| ad.卑鄙地 | |
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foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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bough
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| n.大树枝，主枝 | |
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gushed
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| v.喷，涌( gush的过去式和过去分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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gush
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| v.喷，涌；滔滔不绝(说话)；n.喷，涌流；迸发 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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62
spurted
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| （液体，火焰等）喷出，（使）涌出( spurt的过去式和过去分词 )； （短暂地）加速前进，冲刺 | |
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smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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68
dames
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| n.（在英国）夫人（一种封号），夫人（爵士妻子的称号）( dame的名词复数 )；女人 | |
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69
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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70
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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71
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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72
bemoaned
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| v.为（某人或某事）抱怨( bemoan的过去式和过去分词 )；悲悼；为…恸哭；哀叹 | |
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73
undone
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| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
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74
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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75
scant
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| adj.不充分的，不足的；v.减缩，限制，忽略 | |
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76
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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77
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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