934
He was well skilled in all these matters. The first beast that he killed with his hands was a sturdy, half-grown wild boar. Soon afterwards he found a huge lion. When the bercelet started up the lion, Sivrit shot it
935
with his bow, to which he had fitted a sharp arrow. After being hit the lion ran no more than three leaps. Sivrit’s fellow-huntsmen thanked him for his efforts. Soon thereafter he killed a bison and an elk, four
936
mighty aurochses, and a fierce buck. His horse bore him so swiftly that nothing escaped him. Whether harts or hinds, little could evade him.
937
The tracking-hound found a huge boar. When it started to flee, the master of that hunt at once arrived and stood in its path. Wild with anger, the boar charged at the bold hero. Kriemhilt’s husband then
938
slew it with his sword. No other hunter could have done it so easily. When he had felled it, they tied up the tracking hound. It was then that the hunter’s rich bounty was revealed to the Burgundians. His
939
huntsmen then said: ‘If it’s convenient, Sir Sivrit, spare us some share of the game. Otherwise you’ll clear out the whole mountain and the forest, too, today!’ That caused the valiant, bold warrior to smile.
940
Then they heard a great noise and din everywhere. The clamour roused by the people and the hounds grew so great that the mountain and also the forest echoed with it. The huntsmen had released twenty-four packs of running-hounds. Many of the beasts had to forfeit their
941
lives there and then. Those hunters thought they might contrive to have the hunting prize given to them. That could not come to pass, not when mighty Sivrit was seen by the campfire.
942
The hunt was over, but not yet entirely. Those who headed for the campfire brought along with them the skins of animals in great numbers, and game in plenty. Ah, how much was carried to the kitchen by the king’s household!
943
Then the king had it proclaimed to those renowned huntsmen that he wanted to dine. Loudly one note on a horn was blown, announcing to them that the noble prince was to be found in the encampment there.
944
One of Sivrit’s hunters then said: ‘Lord, I have heard by the blow of a horn that we must now go to the encampment. I’ll give them an answer.’ Then many horns were heard blowing to summon their companions.
945
Lord Sivrit then said: ‘Let us leave the woods now, too!’
His horse carried him at an even pace. They hurried off alongside him. By their clamour they started up a ferocious beast, a wild bear. The warrior then said to those behind him: ‘I’ll give our companions
946
good pastime! Let the bercelet loose! I can see a bear, which will make its way with us to the camp. Unless it flees with great haste, it can’t possibly save itself !’
947
The bercelet was released—the bear leapt away. Kriemhilt’s husband was intent on riding it down; it came into a fell, and so it could not be. The mighty beast then thought itself safe from the huntsman. Then that proud, worthy knight leapt down from his horse.
948
He chased it on foot. The bear was off its guard—it could not escape him. He captured it on the spot. Without sustaining any wounds at all, the hero swiftly tied it up. It could not scratch or bite the man.
949
He tied it to his saddle. The bold warrior mounted at once. He took the bear to the fireside. The bold and doughty warrior thought in his high spirits that this was a joke!
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With what great splendour he rode to the camp! His javelin was sturdy, strong, and broad. An elegant sword reached down to his spurs. The lord carried a splendid horn of rich red gold. Never did
951
I hear tell of better hunting-garb. He was seen to wear a tunic of black phellel-silk and a hat of sable, which was of ample cost. Ah, what rich braids he bore on his quiver! A panther’s skin was stretched over it
952
for the sake of its sweet scent.* He also carried a bow with him, which would have had to be drawn by an engine,* if he’d not spanned it himself. All his clothing was of otter skin,* varied by furs of other
953
kinds from top to tail. Bars of gold in great numbers shone forth from both sides of the bright furs that the bold master-huntsman wore. At that time he also carried Balmunc, an elegant broadsword,
954
which was so sharp that it never missed its mark when it struck upon a helmet—its edges were of fine quality. That splendid hunter was in high spirits. Since I must tell you the whole tale: his noble quiver was
955
full of excellent arrows with gold mounts and heads of a good hand’s breadth. All that he pierced with those would die a quick death.
956
The noble knight rode along in fine huntsmanlike fashion. Gunther’s men saw him approaching them; they ran towards him to take his horse for him. By its saddle he then led a huge and mighty bear. When he had dismounted, he untied the bonds around the
957
bear’s paws and mouth. At once the pack barked loudly, all the hounds that saw the bear. The beast wanted to head off into the forest—the people were in turmoil! Startled by the clamour, the bear headed
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through the kitchen. Oh, how many kitchen-drudges it parted from their fire! Many cauldrons were upset, many brands scattered. Oh, what fine food was found lying in the ashes!
959
At that the lords and their vassals leapt up from their seats. The bear was getting angry. The king then gave order that all the hounds that lay leashed up there be released. If things turned out well, they would have had a happy day’s hunting! With their bows and
960
hunting-spears, delaying no longer, the bold huntsmen ran after the bear. There were so many hounds about them that no one shot there. All the mountain resounded with the people’s clamour.
961
The bear then fled ahead of the hounds. None could keep up with it except Kriemhilt’s husband. He caught up with it and then slew it with his sword. After that they carried the bear back to the fireside.
962
Those who saw that said that he was a man of great strength. They bade the proud hunting company go to the tables. They sat there in ample numbers on a fair meadow. Oh, what fine food was brought to the noble hunters then!
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The cup-bearers took their time about bringing the wine. Never could heroes be better served, were it not that they had such treachery in mind—that apart, those warriors were free of all disgrace.
964
Then Lord Sivrit said: ‘I wonder, since they bring us such plenty from the kitchen, why the cup-bearers do not bring us the wine. Unless the hunters are better catered for, I have no wish to be one of this hunting party. I, for my part, might have merited better service.’
965
The king spoke falsely from his table: ‘We will gladly make it up to you for this shortage. It is Hagen who is to blame—he would willingly have us die of thirst!’
966
Hagen of Tronege then said: ‘My dearest lord, I thought that today’s hunting was to be over in the Spessart. I sent the wine there. If our thirst is not sated today, I’ll take care it never happens again!’
967
Then Lord Sivrit said: ‘A curse upon them! They should have brought me seven packloads of mead and clary. If that were not possible they ought to have set up camp for us nearer the Rhine.’
968
Then Hagen of Tronege said: ‘You noble, bold knights, I know of a cold spring near here. Do not be angry! Let us go there.’ (That counsel was to bring great sorrow to many a warrior.)
969
Sivrit the warrior was sore pressed by thirst. He ordered the table to be taken away all the earlier. He wanted to go past the mountains to the spring. The
warriors had agreed on that counsel with treachery in mind. They ordered that the beasts which Sivrit’s hands had slain
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there be loaded on waggons and taken to Burgundy. All who saw that praised him greatly.
Hagen broke faith with Sivrit most grievously. As they were about
971
to set off for the wide-branching linden, Hagen of Tronege said: ‘I have often been told that no one can outrun Kriemhilt’s husband if he is in haste. Oh, if only he would let us see that!’
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Bold Sivrit of the Netherlands replied: ‘You can readily try it for yourself, if you will race me to the spring. When the race is over, he who is seen to be the winner shall be accorded victory.’
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‘Let’s put it to the test now,’ said Hagen the warrior. Then bold Sivrit said: ‘In that case, I will lie down in the grass at your feet.’ When he heard that, how glad Gunther was! The bold
974
warrior went on: ‘I’ll tell you yet more: I’ll carry all my garments with me, my javelin and shield, and all my hunting-gear.’ He quickly bound about him the quiver and the sword.
975
Then they took off their clothes. They were seen standing there in two white shifts. Like two wild panthers they ran through the clover. Bold Sivrit was seen at the spring first. He excelled many men in
976
all things. Quickly he took off his sword; he laid his quiver to one side; he leant the stout javelin against a branch of the linden. The noble foreigner stood by the flowing spring. Sivrit’s courtesy
977
was very great. He laid his shield down where the spring flowed. No matter how thirsty he was, the hero did not drink at all before the king had drunk. Gunther repaid him very ill for that.
978
The spring was cool, clear, and fine. Then Gunther bent low, down to the stream. When he had drunk, he rose up and turned away. Bold Sivrit would gladly have done the same. Then he paid
979
for his good breeding. Hagen took both his bow and his sword away from him. Then Hagen leapt back to where he found the javelin. He looked for an image on the bold warrior’s garment. As Lord
980
Sivrit drank at the spring, Hagen speared him through the cross, so that from his wound the blood spurted from his heart, all over Hagen’s clothes. Never again will a hero commit so gross a crime!
981
Hagen left the javelin sticking there, close by Sivrit’s heart. Never did Hagen flee so wildly, nor run away from any man in the world. When Lord Sivrit realized how grievously he was wounded, he leapt away from the spring in a rage. The long javelin
982
protruded from his heart. The prince looked for his bow or sword—if he found them, then Hagen would be rewarded for his service!
983
When the grievously wounded man could not find his sword, he had nothing left then but his shield’s rim. He snatched it up from the spring—he ran at Hagen. King Gunther’s vassal could not escape him then. Mortally wounded though he was, Sivrit struck
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such a powerful blow that many of the precious stones flew up from the shield—the shield broke into pieces! The noble guest would dearly love to have avenged himself. Hagen stumbled under the
985
force of Sivrit’s hands. The island echoed loudly with the power of his blow. If he had had his sword in his hands, it would have been the death of Hagen. The wounded man was in such a rage, as he had every right to be. He had turned pale—he couldn’t stand.
986
All his bodily strength departed from him, for, despite the glow of his complexion, he bore death’s mark. Afterwards he was wept over by ample numbers of fair ladies.
987
Then Kriemhilt’s husband fell into the flowers. The blood from his wound flowed freely, as could clearly be seen. Then he began to curse those who had conspired so disloyally to bring about his death—he had every right to do so. The mortally wounded warrior
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then said: ‘Well, you evil cowards, what help have my services been, now that you have slain me? I was always loyal to you. I have paid for that now. You have wrought ill by your kinsmen, sad as it is to say. All those who are born after these times will be accursed
989
because of this.* You have avenged your wrath all too evilly upon me. This disgrace must cut you off from the company of good warriors.’
990
The knights all ran over to where he lay slain. For plenty of them it was a joyless day. Those who were at all loyal lamented his passing. That bold and gallant knight had well deserved it.
991
The King of Burgundy lamented his death. Then the mortally wounded warrior said: ‘There is no need for that—a man who weeps over a wrong he has done merits much cursing. It would have been better left undone.’
992
Then fierce Hagen said: ‘I don’t know why you’re grieving. All our troubles and our sorrow are at an end now. We will find very few who dare oppose us. Happy am I that I’ve rid us of his power!’
993
‘It is easy for you to make such a boast,’ replied Sivrit. ‘If I’d known you to have such a murderous intent, I could easily have protected myself against you. I grieve for no one so much as for Lady Kriemhilt, my wife. Now may God take pity that I ever gained a
994
son who must be reproached hereafter because his kinsmen have slain someone so murderously. If only I could,’ Sivrit said, ‘I would justly lament over this.’ Then the mortally wounded man said, most
995
pitifully: ‘If, noble king, you wish to act with some loyalty towards anyone in this world, let my dearly beloved be commended to your mercy, and let her profit by being your sister. In the name of all
996
princes’ courtesy, treat her loyally. My father and my men must wait long for my return. Never was a lady’s dear husband treated worse.’
997
The flowers all about grew wet with blood. Sivrit struggled against death then. It did not last long, for death’s sword has always cut too hard. That bold and gallant warrior could then speak no more. When the lords saw that the hero was dead, they laid him upon
998
a shield, which was of red gold, and took counsel as to how it might happen that they could conceal that this was Hagen’s work. Plenty
999
of them then said: ‘Ill has befallen us. You must all conceal it and say with one accord that he rode out hunting alone, Kriemhilt’s husband, and was slain by ambushers as he rode through the forest.’
1000
Then Hagen of Tronege said: ‘I’ll take him back to Burgundy. I care very little if she who has so troubled Prünhilt’s mind comes to know of it. It matters very little to me, no matter how much she weeps.’
1001
SEVENTEENTH ADVENTURE
HOW SIVRIT WAS MOURNED OVER AND BURIED
THEN they waited for night to fall and crossed the Rhine. No heroes could ever have hunted worse. Noble children wept over one beast that they had slain. (Many worthy fighters were to pay the price for that in time to come.) You may hear tell of great arrogance and
1002
dreadful vengeance! Hagen then ordered that Sivrit of the land of the Nibelungs, dead as he was, be carried and laid down outside the chamber in which Kriemhilt was to be found. He ordered that they
1003
lay him secretly against the door, so that she should find him there when she came out to go to matins, before day broke—a service which Lady Kriemhilt very seldom slept through.
1004
As was the custom there, they rang bells to summon people to the minster. Fair Lady Kriemhilt wakened many a maiden. She asked that a light be brought for her, and also her clothes. Then a chamberlain came and found Sivrit lying there. He saw him red with
1005
blood, his clothes all wet. He ha
d no idea that it was his lord. He took the candle in his hand and went into the chamber. From him Lady Kriemhilt learned most evil tidings. As she was about to go to the
1006
minster with her ladies, the chamberlain said: ‘Stay where you are! A knight lies slain outside this chamber!’ At that Kriemhilt took to weeping beyond all measure. Even before she found out for certain that it
1007
was her husband, she began to think of Hagen’s question about how he should protect him. Then anguish first befell her. With his death she had declared war on all joys. She sank to the ground then, not
1008
speaking a word. They saw the fair queen lying there, bereft of joy. Kriemhilt’s grief grew great beyond measure. She fainted—on awakening she then screamed so loud that the whole chamber resounded.
1009
The household then said: ‘What if it is a stranger?’ The blood burst forth from her mouth, so great was her heart’s grief. Then she said: ‘It is Sivrit, my dearest husband. Prünhilt has conspired to have Hagen do this deed.’
1010
The lady had herself led to where she found the hero. With her white hands she raised his handsome head. Although it was red with blood, she was quick to recognize him. The hero from the land of the Nibelungs lay there in a most wretched state. Then the bountiful
1011
queen cried out in great sadness: ‘Alas for the evil that has befallen me! For your shield has not been hewn to pieces by swords—you lie here murdered! If I knew who had done it, I would forever seek to bring about his death!’
1012
All her retinue lamented and cried out along with their dear lady, for they felt great grief for their most noble lord, whom they had lost there. Hagen had grievously avenged Prünhilt’s wrath. Then the
1013
wretched queen said: ‘You chamberlains must go and wake Sivrit’s men at once. You must also tell Sigmunt of my grief, and ask if he will help me mourn bold Sivrit.’
1014
Then a messenger ran quickly to where he found them lying—Sivrit’s heroes from the land of the Nibelungs. With his wretched tidings he robbed them of their joy. They didn’t want to believe it, until they heard the weeping. The messenger also quickly went to where the
The Nibelungenlied: The Lay of the Nibelungs (Oxford World's Classics) Page 16
