Thence to his gentle lady rode off the warrior bold. Quick to the king had Hagan the baleful tidings told, How he would surely trap him, the champion frank and free. Never was such foul treason, nor ever more will be. XLI When now was laid the death-plot by that base traitor pair, The rest then all consented. Gernot and Giselher Neither would join the hunting; I know not through what fear Or spite they warn'd not Siegfried; soon paid they for it dear. SIXTEENTH ADVENTURE HOW SIEGFRIED WAS SLAIN I Gunther and Hagan, the warriors fierce and bold, To execute their treason, resolv'd to scour the wold, The bear, the boar, the wild bull, by hill or dale or fen, To hunt with keen-edg'd javelins; what fitter sport for valiant men? II In lordly pomp rode with them Siegfried the champion strong. Good store of costly viands they brought with them along. Anon by a cool runnel he lost his guiltless life. 'Twas so devis'd by Brunhild, King Gunther's moody wife. III But first he sought the chamber where he his lady found. He and his friends already had on the sumpters bound Their gorgeous hunting raiment; they o'er the Rhine would go. Never before was Kriemhild sunk so deep in woe. IV On her mouth of roses he kiss'd his lady dear; "God grant me, dame, returning in health to see thee here; So may those eyes see me, too; meanwhile be blithe and gay Among the gentle kinsmen; I must hence away." V Then thought she on the secret (the truth she durst not tell) How she had told it Hagan; then the poor lady fell To wailing and lamenting that ever she was born. Then wept she without measure, sobbing and sorrow-worn. VI She thus bespake her husband, "Give up that chase of thine. I dreamt last night of evil, how two fierce forest swine Over the heath pursued thee; the flowers turn'd bloody red. I cannot help thus weeping; I'm chill'd with mortal dread. VII "I fear some secret treason, and cannot lose thee hence, Lest malice should be borne thee for misconceiv'd offence. Stay, my beloved Siegfried, take not my words amiss. 'Tis the true love I bear thee that bids me counsel this." VIII "Back shall I be shortly, my own beloved mate. Not a soul in Rhineland know I, who bears me hate. I'm well with all thy kinsmen; they're all my firm allies; Nor have I from any e'er deserved otherwise." IX "Nay! do not, dearest Siegfried! 'tis e'en thy death I dread. Last night I dreamt, two mountains fell thundering on thy head, And I no more beheld thee; if thou from me wilt go, My heart will sure be breaking with bitterness of woe." X Round her peerless body his clasping arms he threw. Lovingly he kiss'd her, that faithful wife and true; Then took his leave, and parted;--in a moment all was o'er-- Living, alas poor lady! she saw him never more. XI