The Nibelungenlied: Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original
General
The Nibelungenlied: Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original
Epic poetry, German -- Translations into English
Then spake unto her children / Ute the noble dame:
"At home ye here should tarry, / ye knights full high in fame.
Me dreamt but yester even / a case of direst need,
How that in this country / all the feathered fowl were dead."
1510
"Who recketh aught of dreamings," / Hagen then replied,
"Distraught is sure his counsel / when trouble doth betide,
Or he would of his honor / have a perfect care.
I counsel that my master / straight to take his leave prepare.
1511
"Gladly shall we journey / into Etzel's land;
There at their master's service / may good knights ready stand,
For that we there shall witness / Kriemhild's festivity."
That Hagen gave such counsel, / rue anon full sore did he.
1512
Yet in sooth far other / than this had been his word,
Had not with bitter mocking / Gernot his anger stirred.
He spake to him of Siegfried / whom Kriemhild loved so,
And said: "Therefore the journey / would Hagen willingly forego."
1513
Then spake of Tronje Hagen: / "Through fear I nothing do.
Whenever will ye, Masters, / set straight your hand thereto,
With you I'll gladly journey / unto Etzel's land."
Many a shield and helmet / there hewed anon his mighty hand.
1514
The ships stood ready waiting, / whereunto ample store
Of clothing for the journey / men full many bore,
Nor had they time for resting / till shades of even fell.
Anon in mood full joyous / bade they friends at home farewell.
1515
Tents full large and many / arose upon the green,
Yonder side Rhine river. / But yet the winsome queen
Caressed the doughty monarch / that night, and still did pray
That far from Etzel's country / among his kinsmen might he stay.
1516
When sound of flute and trumpet / arose at break of day,
A signal for their parting, / full soon they took their way.
Each lover to his bosom / did friend more fondly press:
King Etzel's wife full many / did part anon in dire distress.
1517
The sons of stately Ute, / a good knight had they,
A brave man and a faithful. / When they would thence away,
Apart unto the monarch / did he his mind reveal,
And spake: "That ye will journey, / may I naught but sorrow feel."
1518
Hight the same was Rumold, / a man of doughty hand.
He spake: "To whom now leave ye / people here and land?
O that never any / might alter your intent!
Small good, methinks, may follow / message e'er by Kriemhild sent."
1519
"The land to thee entrusted / and eke my child shall be,
And tender care of ladies, / --so hast command from me.
Whene'er thou seest weeping, / do there thy comfort give.
Yea, trust we free from sorrow / at hand of Etzel's wife to live."
1520
For knight and royal master / the chargers ready were,
As with fond embracing / parted many there,
Who long in joy together / a merry life had led.
By winsome dame full many / therefor must bitter tear be shed.
1521
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account