Chapter VIII: Part 8

[1269]
Then Hildeburg made answer: “Scorn not that I should teach
Or that I now would show you how best the clothes to bleach:
We must not leave them yellow, but carefully must whiten;
Else do I greatly fear me our backs with blows and stripes will well
be beaten.”

[1270]
Then said old Hagen’s grandchild: “At last my lot is bright,
With hope and gladness beaming. If they my back shall smite
With rods, from now till morning, I trow it will not kill me;
But soon shall those who wronged us know themselves the ills they
chose to deal me.

[1271]
“These clothes I should be washing down to the tide I’ll bear,
And fling them into the water,” said the maiden fair;
“Their freedom I will give them, even as ’tis fitting
That I, a queen, should do it; hence they may float away, no
hindrance meeting.”

[1272]
Whate’er was said by Hildeburg, Gu-drun the clothes then took,
That Gerlind her had given; her task she would not brook,
But far into the billows she threw them, strongly hurling:
I know not if ever she found them; they soon were lost to sight, in
the waters swirling.

[1273]
The night was drawing nearer, and the light began to wane;
To the castle, heavy-laden, went Hildeburg again.
Seven robes of finest linen she bore, with other clothing;
Gu-drun, young Ortwin’s sister, with Hildeburg went also, bearing
nothing.

[1274]
When they had reached the castle, the time was very late.
Before King Ludwig’s palace, standing at the gate,
They saw the wicked Gerlind, watching there to meet them:
Soon as she saw the washers, with words of bitter scorn she ’gan to
greet them.

[1275]
Thus she spake in anger: “What does this gadding mean?
Stripes upon your bodies you both have earned, I ween,
Thus upon the seashore, in the evening light, to wander;
For me it were unseemly into my room to take you, after loitering
yonder.”

[1276]
She said: “Now tell me quickly, think you this is meet?
You spurn the greatest princes, and show them nought but hate,
But linger yet, at nightfall, with low-born varlets flirting.
Would you be thought of highly, know you that this your own good
name is hurting.”

[1277]
The well-born maiden answered: “Why speak of me so ill?
Never have I, poor maiden, had the thought or will
With any man to tattle, however dear I held him,
Unless it were a kinsman; a talk with him I rightfully might yield
him.”

[1278]
“Say you I chide you wrongly? Hush, you idle jade!
For this, to-night, I tell you, a reckoning shall be made.
To be so bold and shameless you then will dare no longer;
Before with you I’ve ended, your back shall feel that I than you am
stronger.”

[1279]
“In that will I gainsay you,” said then the maiden proud;
“Again with rods to beat me you ne’er shall be allowed.
You and all your kindred in birth are far below me;
You may yet for this be sorry, if treatment so unseemly you shall
show me.”

[1280]
Then spake the wolfish Gerlind: “Where is my clothing left,
That, folded in your apron, you thus your hands have wrapt;
Bearing yourself so idly, now from toil thus turning?
If I live a little longer, another kind of work shall you be
learning.”

[1281]
King Hagen’s grandchild answered: “Down by the deep sea-flood
I left your clothing lying. It was too great a load;
I found the weight too heavy, alone to the house to carry.
If never again you see them, but little I care, the while with you I
tarry.”

[1282]
Then quoth the old she-devil: “All this shall help you not;
Before I sleep this evening, bitter shall be your lot!”
Then were tied, at her bidding, rods from hedges broken;
Gerlind would not give over the training hard ’gainst which the maid
had spoken.

[1283]
Then strongly to a bedstead she bade them bind the maid,
And alone in a room to leave her, where not a friend she had:
There should she be beaten, till skin from bone was falling.
When this was known to her women, they all began to weep, and loud
were wailing.

[1284]
Then spake Gu-drun, with cunning: “Now list to what I say:
If I with rods am beaten thus shamefully to-day,
Should e’er an eye behold me with kings and princes seated,
And I a crown be wearing, to you a fit reward shall then be meted.

[1285]
“Henceforth for me such teaching ’twere best you let alone;
Sooner the king I’ve slighted shall have me for his own:
Then as queen of Normandy here will I be dwelling;
And when I here am mighty, what I will do may no one now be
telling.”

[1286]
“Be this your will,” said Gerlind, “angry no more I’ll be:
E’en if a thousand garments you thus had lost for me,
I would, in truth, forgive it; well you will have thriven
If to my son, young Hartmut, the Norman prince, your love at last be
given.”

[1287]
Then said the lovely maiden: “I now would take some rest;
This care and heavy sorrow my strength doth sorely waste.
Send for the young King Hartmut, bid him be hither speeding,
And say, whate’er he wishes, that I henceforth will always do his
bidding.”

[1288]
Those who heard them talking, straightway to Hartmut ran,
And to the youthful warrior told the tale again.
Some of his father’s liegemen there with him were seated,
When word to him was given in haste to seek Gu-drun, who for him
waited.

[1289]
Then said the one who told him: “Give me now my fee;
Queen Hilda’s lovely daughter will grant her love to thee.
She bids you now to hasten at once to her in her bower;
No longer are you hated, for better thoughts she harbors than of
yore.”

[1290]
The high-born knight then answered: “To lie you have no need.
If true indeed were your tidings, well should you be feed;
By me would three great castles and a hide of land be given,
With sixty golden arm-bands; while bliss thenceforth my days should
long enliven.”

[1291]
Then said to him another: “This tale, I know, is true;
The fee should I be sharing. At court they wish for you;
Gu-drun, the maid, has said it. To love you she is ready;
And if in truth you wish it, she in your land will be your queen and
lady.”

[1292]
To those who told the tidings his thanks young Hartmut gave;
From off his seat, o’er-gladdened, upsprang the warrior brave.
He thought that, in His kindness, God this boon had done him,
And, with a heart now happy, he sought the maiden’s bower who love
had shown him.

[1293]
In garments wet there standing, was seen the high-born maid;
With eyes still dim with weeping, greeting to him she said.
Forward she came to meet him; and now so near was standing
That he, in fondness turning, her in his arms would clasp, towards
her bending.

[1294]
She said: “Not so, King Hartmut, this you may not do;
For men in truth would wonder if they should look on you.
Nought am I but a washer; in scorn would they be holding
You, a king so mighty, if in your arms Gu-drun you should be
folding.”

[1295]
“This will I, Sir Hartmut, freely to you allow,
When, by my crown, your kinsmen me as a queen shall know.
No longer shall I scorn you, when I that name am bearing:
For both will this be fitting; me in your arms to take you may then
be daring.”

[1296]
Then, with all good-breeding, he farther off withdrew,
And thus Gu-drun he answered: “Maiden fair and true,
Since now you deign to love me, richly will I reward you;
Myself and all my kinsmen, whate’er you bid, will kindness show
toward you.”

[1297]
Then said to him the maiden: “Such bliss I never knew.
If, after my weary toiling, I aught may ask of you,
This first of all I wish for, that I, poor wretched lady,
This night, before I slumber, may have for me a restful bath made
ready.

[1298]
“And list to me yet further: another boon I crave;
’Tis that my friendly maidens I now with me may have.
Among Queen Gerlind’s women you will find them, sad and weary;
But in their room no longer those toiling ones away from me must
tarry.”

[1299]
“Your wish I grant you freely,” the young King Hartmut said.
Then from the room of the women the many maids were led;
With hair unkempt and streaming, and scanty clothing wearing,
They to court betook them: for them the wicked Gerlind nought was
caring.

[1300]
Of these came three and sixty; on them did Hartmut look.
Then Gu-drun, the high-born, with lofty breeding spoke:
“Behold, my lord, these maidens! Is it your worth befitting
That they are thus uncared for?” He said: “No more shall they the
like be meeting.”

[1301]
Then spake the high-born lady: “Hartmut, for love of me,
I beg that these my maidens, whom here in shame you see,
May have a bath made ready. Let now my word be heeded;
You ought yourself to see them decked in the comely clothes they
long have needed.”

[1302]
To her then answered Hartmut, of knights a worthy one:
“Gu-drun, belovéd lady, if clothes the maids have none
Erst by them brought hither, when they their home were leaving,
To them yet other clothing, the best in all the world, will I be
giving.

[1303]
“Gladly would I see them, with you, more fitly clad.”
Then by those in waiting baths were ready made.
Among the kin of Hartmut chamberlains many were there;
To help Gu-drun they hastened, thinking that later she their hopes
would further.

[1304]
Gu-drun and all her maidens were by the bath made glad;
Then the best of clothing that any ever had
To all the homeless women alike was freely given.
The lowliest one among them might gain the love of a king, if she
had striven.

[1305]
When they their bath had taken, wine to them was brought;
In all the land of Normandy none better need be sought;
And soon the weary maidens the best of mead were drinking.
To Hartmut thanks were given; to gain such praises how could he e’er
be thinking!

[1306]
Soon the lovely maiden was seated in the hall.
Gerlind bade her daughter then, with her maidens all,
To don their clothing quickly, the finest and most fitting,
If they Queen Hilda’s daughter wished to see, among her maidens
sitting.

[1307]
At once the well-born Ortrun clothed her in her best;
To seek Gu-drun then straightway gladly did she haste.
The grandchild of wild Hagen quickly went to meet her;
When they saw each other, the happiness of both was never greater.

[1308]
Each one kissed the other, ’neath a band of gold on her head;
The hue of both was brighter for the golden light they shed.
Each in her way was happy; Ortrun’s eyes were beaming,
To see the high-born washer in finest clothes now clad, so comely
seeming.

[1309]
The poor Gu-drun was blithesome, as we have said before,
That soon her friendly kinsmen she would see once more.
The maidens sat together, with playful talk now gladdened;
Whoever looked upon them might gain a happy heart, however saddened.

[1310]
“’Tis well for me,” said Ortrun, “that I have lived till now,
When as the wife of Hartmut you here yourself will show.
To one who loves my brother gladly will I give her
The crown of my mother, Gerlind, that I of right should wear did I
outlive her.”

[1311]
“Ortrun, may God reward you,” thus the maiden spake;
“Whatever you shall bid me, that will I do for your sake.
You have bewept so often the sorrows I was bearing,
From you will I ne’er be sundered, and every day shall you my love
be sharing.”

[1312]
Then with maiden wiliness spake the fair Gu-drun:
“Now you ought, Sir Hartmut, to send out runners soon,
Through all the Norman kingdom, to give to friends your bidding,
As many as will hear it, to come to your palace now, to see our
wedding.

[1313]
“When peace is in your borders, this to you I say,
Before your host of warriors I will wear the crown one day.
How many he has who woos me thus shall I be knowing;
Then before your liegemen myself and all my kin will I be showing.”

[1314]
The maid in truth was crafty; from the castle on that day
A hundred men or over did Hartmut send away.
So, when the Hegeling fighters should for him be seeking,
Fewer foes should meet them: for this was Gu-drun their going thence
bespeaking.

[1315]
Then spake the old Queen Gerlind: “Now, fair daughter mine,
You two must leave each other; when another morn shall shine,
Then may you be together, with none your bliss forbidding.”
She left Gu-drun, low bowing, and begged that God would her in his
ways be leading.

[1316]
Then did Hartmut leave her. All hearkened to her word;
They gave to the maiden cup-bearers, and carvers at the board:
The high-born lady’s wishes they bade should well be heeded;
Nor food nor drink she wanted: busy were they to bring her all she
needed.

[1317]
Then spake one lovely maiden among the Hegeling band:
“When we on this are thinking, how from our fatherland
Our foes have brought us hither, to live unblest forever,
We still are bowed with sorrow; when in our homes, such woe we
thought of never.”

[1318]
She then began a-weeping, where sat her lady fair.
When this was seen by others who stood beside her there,
They felt yet greater sorrow their heavy hearts now filling.
All then wept together; but they saw their mistress, fair Gu-drun,
was smiling.

[1319]
They thought that now forever they far from home must stay:
But their lady ne’er was thinking to bide so long away;
They would, ere four days later, their freedom all be knowing.
The time had come already to whisper to Gerlind that they would soon
be going.

[1320]
Beyond her wont a little to laugh had the maid begun;
For fourteen years now bygone she never bliss had known.
Of her glee the bad she-devil quickly now was hearing;
She gave the hint to Ludwig, for care she felt, and anger past all
bearing.

[1321]
She went at once to Hartmut, and said: “Oh, son of mine,
List to the truth I tell you! throughout this land of thine,
All within it dwelling shall see both strife and toiling.
Why it is I know not, the fair young queen, Gu-drun, is now so
smiling.

[1322]
“I know not how it happened, or how the news she heard,
But men sent out by her kinsmen hither to come have dared.
Therefore, knightly Hartmut, some way must you be choosing,
Lest, thro’ the friends she looks for, your worthy name and life you
may be losing.”

[1323]
He said: “Be not so fearful. I grudge it not to the maid
That she, with all her women, should for a time be glad.
All her nearest kinsmen far from me are dwelling;
What harm can they be doing? I need not guard ’gainst ills they may
be dealing.”

[1324]
Gu-drun, now over-wearied, some of her maidens sent
To see if her bed were ready, for she on sleep was bent;
For a night at least her sorrow she could now be leaving.
Then went with them most kindly King Hartmut’s chamberlain, his
service giving.

[1325]
Youths of the Norman palace before her bore the light;
On her they ne’er had waited until that very night.
Thirty beds or over now were found made ready;
Nice were they and cleanly, meet for Gu-drun and many a well-born
lady.

[1326]
On them were pillows lying from far Arabia brought,
With green, like leaves of clover, and other hues, inwrought.
Bedspreads on them hanging were sewed in strips most fairly;
And red as fire was shining the gold mixed in with silken threads
not sparely.

[1327]
Beneath the silken bedspreads fishes’ skins were laid,
To make them thicker and warmer. The fair and lovely maid,
Thither come from the Hegelings, Hartmut would be wooing,
For he as yet knew nothing of the harm to him that her friends would
soon be doing.

[1328]
Then said the high-born maiden: “To sleep you now may go,
All you that wait on Hartmut; we, too, the same will do.
I, and my ladies with me, one night at least will rest us;
For, since our coming hither, freedom from hardest toil hath never
blest us.”

[1329]
All who there were gathered of Hartmut’s knights and men,
The wise as well as youthful, thence to go were seen;
They to rest then hasted, the ladies’ bower now leaving.
Wine and mead unstinted to the homeless maids were others freely
giving.

[1330]
Then said Hilda’s daughter: “Now shut for me the door.”
They barred the ladies’ bedroom with heavy bolts full four:
The room was shut so tightly that what therein was doing,
However much one listened, outside he nought could hear, nor might
be knowing.

[1331]
Awhile they all were seated, merrily drinking wine;
Then said Gu-drun, the queenly: “Dearest maidens mine,
You well may now be happy, after your heavy sorrow:
Your friends I soon will show you; on gladsome sights your eyes
shall feed to-morrow.

[1332]
“Herwic, my betrothéd, did I this morning kiss,
And Ortwin, too, my brother; you now may think on this.
She shall soon be richer, and care from her be taken,
Who shall well be mindful, when night is over, me in the morn to
waken.

[1333]
“You well shall be rewarded. To us glad days are nigh:
And freely will I give you castles strong and high,
And with them many acres; for these shall I be gaining,
If I the day shall witness when, as a queen, I o’er my lands am
reigning.”

[1334]
They now lay down to slumber, with hearts all free from care.
They knew to them were speeding knights full brave to dare,
Who erelong would help them, and their woes would lighten.
To see them they were hoping, soon as to-morrow’s sun the day should
brighten.

Tale the Twenty-Sixth.
HOW THE HEGELINGS LANDED NEAR LUDWIG’S CASTLE.

[1335]
We ask you now to listen to a tale as yet untold:
Ortwin still and Herwic their way did onward hold
Until they found their followers on the seashore standing.
Then ran these Hegeling liegemen to meet them on the sands where
they were landing.

[1336]
Them they gladly welcomed, and bade that they make known
The news that they were bringing, and freely all to own.
First they asked of Ortwin, if he could them be telling,
If still Gu-drun were living, and if in Ludwig’s land she now was
dwelling?

[1337]
The knightly Ortwin answered: “Of this I may not speak
To each and all that ask it; the truth I will not break
Till all are met together; then shall you be hearing
All that our eyes there greeted, when we to come near Hartmut’s
walls were daring.”

[1338]
The word was told to others, and soon a mighty band
Of warriors brave and knightly around the two did stand.
Then to them said Ortwin: “Sad is the news I give you,
And, were my wishes granted, gladly I’d spare the tale, for much
’twill grieve you.

[1339]
“List to what has happened, for wonders now begin;
Gu-drun, my long-lost sister, I, in truth, have seen,
And with her also Hildeburg, erst in Ireland living.”
When he the tidings gave them, they thought the tale he told not
worth believing.

[1340]
All then said together: “It is not well to jest;
For her we long have waited, and now our time you waste.
We hoped from Ludwig’s kingdom you would bring her sooner;
To Ortwin and his followers belong the shame and blame for wrongs
still done her.”

[1341]
“Ask you, then, King Herwic: he, too, has seen the maid;
And he can also tell you what wrongs on us are laid.
Could you, my friends, bethink you of any shame that’s greater?
We found Gu-drun and Hildeburg upon the seashore standing, washing
in the water.”

[1342]
Soon were his kindred weeping, all who there were seen.
At this the aged Wâ-te right scornful was, I ween:
“Truly for women only is such behavior fitting;
Why you weep you know not. This, in a knight, one never should be
meeting.

[1343]
“But if you are in earnest, to help Gu-drun in her need,
The clothes that she has whitened must you in war make red.
Erst white hands did wash them for men who must be bleeding;
So you now may help her, and soon the maid forlorn be homeward
leading.”

[1344]
Then said the Danish Fru-te: “How can this be done?
How can we reach their kingdom before our plan is known,
Before the men of Ludwig, and Hartmut’s knights, are learning
That Hilda’s friends are gathered, and toward the Norman land at
length are turning?”

[1345]
Then said the aged Wâ-te: “Hear what ’tis best to do;
I trust before his castle fitly to meet the foe,
If I may live to see him there before me standing.
Brave knights, your rest now leaving, soon on the Norman shore must
you be landing.

[1346]
“The air is fresh and gladsome, the sky is broad and bright,
And, well for us it happens, the moon will shine to-night.
From the sandy shore now hasten, my warriors bold and daring:
Before it dawns to-morrow, we King Ludwig’s stronghold must be
nearing.”

[1347]
Then they all were busy, when thus old Wâ-te spoke;
Soon their clothes and horses on board the ships they took.
All the night still sailing, towards the land they hasted;
And ere the morrow’s daylight, before the castle, on the sands they
rested.

[1348]
Hushed were all by Wâ-te, throughout the warlike band,
As soon as they to rest them lay down upon the sand.
To his water-weary followers leave for this was granted;
Their shields about them spreading, on them they laid their heads,
for sleep they wanted.

[1349]
“Whoe’er to-morrow morning hopes to gain the fight
Must not,” said the aged Wâ-te, “oversleep to-night.
For the struggle now before us we hardly can be waiting;
As soon as morning lightens, then, good knights, the foe must we be
meeting.”

[1350]
“Further I give you warning: whoe’er my horn shall hear
Along the seashore sounded, soon as it meets his ear,
Let him at once make ready the foeman to be meeting.
When I shall blow at daybreak, no longer then may any there be
waiting.

[1351]
“When I again shall blow it, let each to this give heed;
Quickly let his saddle be laid upon his steed.
Let him then be waiting, till I see ’tis daylight fully,
And the time has come for the onset; let none hang back, but meet
the struggle truly.”

[1352]
To do as Wâ-te bade them their word they gladly gave.
How many a lovely woman did he of bliss bereave!
For soon their dearest kindred unto death were wounded,
Who now were only waiting until the horn in the early morning
sounded.

[1353]
“When you, my friends and kinsmen, thrice my horn shall hear,
Then, seated on your horses, must you your weapons wear;
Thus must you, brave warriors, wait, your steeds bestriding,
Till me you see, well-weaponed, under the fair Queen Hilda’s banner
riding.”

[1354]
Now on the seashore weary lay they, one and all;
Very near were they resting to old King Ludwig’s hall.
Altho’ the night had fallen, its towers they saw while waking;
The brave and fearless warriors in stillness lay, no sound or outcry
making.

[1355]
The early star of morning now had risen high;
Then came a lovely maiden unto the window nigh.
She there was gazing skyward, to see when day was breaking,
That she might bring the tidings, and rich reward from fair Gu-drun
be seeking.

[1356]
Ere she long had waited, there dawned on the maiden’s sight,
With its wonted gleam on the waters, the early morning light;
Then the sheen of helmets and many shields there flittered:
Foes had besieged the castle, and all the sands below with weapons
glittered.

[1357]
Back then went the maiden to where Gu-drun she found:
“Arouse, my queenly lady, wake from your slumber sound!
The land is held by foemen, who will these walls be storming;
We have not been forgotten by those at home; our friends come hither
swarming.”

[1358]
Gu-drun, the high-born lady, quickly sprang from her bed,
And, hasting to the window, to the maid her thanks she said.
“For this good news you give me, wealth shall you be earning.”
After her heavy sorrow, now for her friends Gu-drun was sorely
yearning.

[1359]
Rich sails were seen to flutter near by upon the sea;
Then said the high-born maiden: “Ah, wellaway! Woe’s me!
Would that I ne’er were living!” the wretched one was sighing:
“Many a doughty warrior this day for me shall here in death be
lying.”

[1360]
While thus she was bewailing, nearly all still slept;
But soon was one heard shouting, who guard for Ludwig kept:
“Be up, you careless warriors! your arms, your arms be taking!
And you, my king of Normandy! I fear that all too late you will be
waking.”

[1361]
This the wicked Gerlind heard, as the warder cried;
Then, while fast he slumbered, she left the old king’s side.
Up to the roof of the castle then at once she hastened;
She thence saw many foemen, and on her devilish heart great sorrow
fastened.

[1362]
Back again she speeded to where she found the king:
“Awake, my lord, make ready for guests who followers bring!
Now hem they in your castle, and well may they be dreaded:
That smile of young Gu-drun will cost your knights a strife as yet
unheeded.”

[1363]
“Hush!” then answered Ludwig, “I will go myself to see;
We must all be bravely waiting for whatsoe’er may be.”
Then looked he from his castle, to see the foemen thronging;
His eyes by guests were greeted, on whom to look he never might be
longing.

[1364]
Before his palace waving, he saw their banners spread;
Then said the old King Ludwig: “Let some one go with speed
And bear this news to Hartmut. I for pilgrims take them,
To sell their wares come hither; before my hall a market would they
make them.”

[1365]
Then they wakened Hartmut, that he the tale might hear.
Outspoke that daring warrior: “Let none be sad or fear.
I see full twenty princes their blazoned banners bearing;
I ween these foes are coming to wreak the hate they long ’gainst us
are wearing.”

Tale the Twenty-Seventh.
HOW LUDWIG AND HARTMUT MET THE HEGELINGS.

[1366]
Asleep still left he lying all his faithful men.
He and his father Ludwig, the twain, to go were seen,
And, gazing from the window, they saw the throngs below them.
Quickly then said Hartmut: “Too near our castle-walls methinks they
show them.

[1367]
“I ween they are not pilgrims, in truth, my father dear;
More like it is that Wâ-te and all his men draw near.
He from Sturmland cometh, the lord of Ortland bringing;
The men I see are like them, as I know from the flag that they to
the breeze are flinging.

[1368]
“I see a brown silk pennon, that comes from Karadé;
Before that flag is lowered, many will rue the day.
On it a head is blazoned,— as red as gold it glitters:
Guests so bold and warlike we well can spare; their sight the day
embitters.

[1369]
“The Moorland king is bringing full twenty thousand men,
Knights as strong and daring as any I have seen;
To win from us great honor methinks they now are craving.
There comes another banner, that o’er yet other knights its folds is
waving.

[1370]
“It is the flag of Horant, the knight from the Danish land;
I see with him Lord Fru-te, I know both him and his band.
And hither, too, from Waleis, many foemen leading,
Morunc now comes riding; he, for the morning’s fight, o’er the sands
is speeding.

[1371]
“I see another banner, on it a chevron red,
With sharpened spears within it; for this shall many bleed.
Ortwin it is who bears it, from Ortland hither faring:
Erewhile we slew his father; no kindly thought to us he now is
bearing.

[1372]
“There floats another banner, whiter than any swan;
Blazons bright and golden you well may see thereon.
It is our mother Hilda who sends it o’er the water;
The hatred of the Hegelings will soon be known by me who stole her
daughter.

[1373]
“There I see uplifted a flag outspreading wide;
Of sky-blue silk ’tis woven. The truth I will not hide;
Herwic bears this banner, he in the Sealands dwelling.
Sea-leaves are shown upon it; he soon on us his wrath will here be
telling.

[1374]
“There Irold, too, is coming,— this that I say is true,—
From Friesland leading many, as well indeed I know,
With fighting men from Holstein, warriors brave and daring.
A stormy fight is nearing; now in our castle all must arms be
wearing.”

[1375]
Then cried Hartmut loudly: “Up, my faithful men!
If to these guests so warlike, who ’neath our walls are seen,
It may not now be granted to ride so boldly near us,
Then, before the gateway, with sword-blows we must greet them, and
bravely bear us.”

[1376]
Then from their beds upsprang they all who yet did lie;
At once, to bring their war-gear, loudly did they cry.
The call to guard their master gladly they were hearing;
Forty hundred warriors showed themselves, their shining armor
wearing.

[1377]
Ludwig and Hartmut with him armed themselves for fight:
To the sad and homeless maidens this was a sorry sight;
These within the castle uneasy hearts were keeping;
They said to one another: “Let him who smiled before this day be
weeping!”

[1378]
Quickly came Queen Gerlind, old King Ludwig’s wife;
She said: “What will you, Hartmut? Would you lose your life,
With that of all your kinsmen who here our lot are sharing?
The foe will surely slay you, if to leave the castle-walls you now
be daring.”

[1379]
The well-born knight then answered: “Mother, stay within;
You may not give your teaching to me or to my men.
Spare your words for women; they mayhap will listen,
While they sit at sewing, making their silks with gold and gems to
glisten.

[1380]
“Now, mother, let us see you send Gu-drun to wash,
As you did before, with her maidens, where the billows dash.
You weened they all were friendless, and had no kindred living;
You yet may see, ere nightfall, what thanks to us our guests will
yet be giving.”

[1381]
Then spake his devilish mother: “I did it for your sake,
Thinking her will to bridle. My bidding kindly take;
Strongly built is the castle, let now the gates be fastened;
They then will gain but little who on their toilsome way have hither
hastened.

[1382]
“Full well you know it, Hartmut, you bear the maiden’s hate,
For you have slain her kinsmen: your watch you must not bate.
It is not friends or kinsfolk who at our gates are knocking;
The proud and warlike Hegelings, twenty to one of us, come hither
flocking.

[1383]
“Of this bethink you further, my well-belovéd son:
Bread we have in the castle and wine for every one;
Food will not be lacking if here for a year we are staying;
But if on the field you are taken, our foes will you from bondage
ne’er be freeing.”

[1384]
Then to him spake further old King Ludwig’s wife:
“Ever guard your honor, but do not lose your life.
Bid men to shoot with longbows at the loop-holes standing;
So shall wounds be given, for which their friends at home will tears
be spending.

[1385]
“Let slings with ropes be fitted; we then will meet the foe
By hurling rocks upon them: knights we have enow.
Before with these new-comers you your swords are crossing,
Stones will I and my maidens bring in aprons white, on them to be
tossing.”

[1386]
Angrily spake Hartmut: “Lady, get you gone!
Why do you seek to lead me? Is not my mind my own?
Before my foes shall find me within my castle hiding,
Outside I would die far sooner, in fight with Hilda’s men, against
me riding.”

[1387]
Then to him said, weeping, old King Ludwig’s wife:
“I gave to you this warning that you might spare your life,
And guard yourself the better. Whoe’er is seen this morning
Beneath your banner fighting, rich gifts from us shall he be fairly
earning.

[1388]
“Now arm ourselves,” cried Gerlind, “stand by my son in fight;
Strike from your foemen’s helmets a glowing, fiery light.
Be always near your master, to help him ever striving;
Fitly these guests to welcome, deep be the wounds that you to them
are giving.”

[1389]
Then to his men said Hartmut: “My mother’s words are true;
If you to me are faithful, and strive your best to do,
And this day, in the struggle, to give your help are ready,
When fathers shall have fallen, a friend I’ll be to sons bereft and
needy.”

[1390]
A thousand and a hundred within King Ludwig’s halls
Now were all well-weaponed. Before from out the walls
Went any thro’ the gateways, they left the stronghold guarded;
Still within it posted, five hundred warriors brave the castle
warded.

[1391]
On four gates of the castle the bolts were backward thrown:
Ne’er had they been opened to a single spur alone.
Then with the youthful Hartmut, outgoing at his bidding,
All with helmets fastened, went thirty hundred followers boldly
riding.

[1392]
The hour of strife drew nearer. He of the Sturmisch land,
Wâ-te, his horn was blowing; and loud across the sand,
For thirty miles or over, men the blast were hearing;
The fighters of the Hegelings, to flock to Hilda’s flag, their arms
were wearing.

[1393]
Once again he blew it: at this should all take heed,
That every knight among them then should mount his steed,
And each his men should gather to ride as they were bidden.
A knight so old as Wâ-te, and yet so brave, to the fight had never
ridden.

[1394]
The third time that he blew it, he such a blast did make
That all the land was shaken, and the sea a sound gave back;
Almost from Ludwig’s castle the corner-stones were falling:
To raise Queen Hilda’s banner Wâ-te to Horant then was loudly
calling.

[1395]
They feared old Wâ-te sorely, none dared to speak aloud;
A horse was e’en heard neighing. Upon the roof now stood
Herwic’s well-belovéd, and saw the warriors daring,
Onward proudly riding, to wage the fight with Hartmut, nothing
fearing.

[1396]
Hartmut rode to meet them; he and all his men,
Bearing well their weapons, to leave the gates were seen.
Those from the windows gazing saw the helmets glisten
Of friends as well as foemen. Hartmut not alone to the fight did
hasten.

[1397]
To all four sides of the castle the foes their banners bore;
Bright in hue like silver was the armor that they wore;
The bosses of their bucklers were seen to glitter brightly.
Much was Wâ-te dreaded; no lion grim and wild were feared more
rightly.

[1398]
The fighters from the Moorland were seen apart to ride,
And heavy shafts were hurling; splinters were scattered wide.
When with the Norman foemen soon the fight did thicken,
Sharply from their weapons and from their breastplates fiery sparks
were stricken.

[1399]
The warriors from Denmark near to the castle rode.
There the mighty Irold six thousand fighters good
Up to the walls was leading, an onslaught to be making:
Brave and daring were they; sore ill from them erelong was Ludwig
taking.

[1400]
Elsewhere, riding boldly, Ortwin his followers led,
No less than eighty hundred; sorrow and woe they made
For many of the Normans, and all the land they harried.
Gerlind and Ortrun weeping, watching the fight from the roof,
together tarried.

[1401]
Then came Herwic also, betrothed to fair Gu-drun;
Through him full many a woman must come to sorrow soon,
When, for his heart’s belovéd, he to the fight was springing.
Beneath the heavy weapons were heard the clattering helmets loudly
ringing.

[1402]
Now came the aged Wâ-te, with warriors not a few;
Grim was he and fearless, as soon they all well knew.
His spear not yet he lowered as he to the walls came riding:
Sad was the sight to Gerlind, but other were the thoughts Gu-drun
was hiding.

[1403]
Then came the Norman Hartmut, riding before his men.
E’en had he been Kaiser, never would he be seen
To bear himself more proudly. In the sun was seen to glisten
All his shining armor. His boldness on the field not yet did lessen.

[1404]
When he was seen by Ortwin, the lord of Ortland’s throne,
He said: “Will any tell us, to whom this knight is known,
Who is the daring fighter now against us turning?
He shows as bold a bearing as if to win a kingdom he were yearning.”

[1405]
Then said one among them: “’Tis Hartmut whom you see;
There indeed is a warrior! a daring knight is he.
The selfsame foeman is he who erstwhile slew your father.
Where’er the strife is raging, a bolder man than he there’s not
another.”

[1406]
Angrily spake Ortwin: “Me for his wrongs he owes,
And must atone full dearly before from here he goes.
The ills that he has done us must he be soon undoing;
Gerlind cannot help him that he from hence may e’er alive be going.”

[1407]
Down upon young Ortwin Hartmut riding bore.
Altho’ he did not know him, deep he plunged his spur;
His horse sprang forward widely, against brave Ortwin driven.
Both their spears were lowered; fire on their armor flashed from
spear-strokes given.

[1408]
No thrust against the other did either leave undone:
The war-horse then of Ortwin was on his haunches thrown;
Soon, too, the steed did stagger whereon was Hartmut seated;
They could not bear the onset of kings who rushed together, to
madness heated.

[1409]
High upreared the horses; a mighty clang arose
From clash of kingly sword-blades. Thanks were due to those
Who the fight thus opened, as knights beseemeth ever.
Brave were both and fearless; to shrink from one another thought
they never.

[1410]
On both sides came their followers, lowering their spears,
And bringing death to many; each his foeman nears,
And in the shock of the onset heavy wounds was giving.
All of them were faithful, and well for a worthy name they now were
striving.

[1411]
A thousand ’gainst a thousand, now the strife began
Of Hartmut’s men with Wâ-te’s, each man against his man.
Soon by the lord of Sturmland were they so badly treated
That whoso now came near him never a second time with him was mated.

[1412]
Now were thickly mingled of foes ten thousand men,
Among King Herwic’s warriors; they came in anger keen.
Their mood it was so stubborn that rather than be flying
Far from the field of fighting, they on the ground would first in
death be lying.

[1413]
A knight indeed was Herwic; what daring deeds he did!
Earnest was he in fighting, that so the lovely maid
Might be to him the kinder. But how could he be dreaming
The boon could e’er befall him, that the eyes of fair Gu-drun on him
were beaming?

[1414]
Ludwig, king of the Normans, and they of the Danish land,
Now had met together. Ludwig bore in hand
His strong and heavy weapon; lordly was his bearing,
Yet he with all his followers to come too far without the walls was
daring.

[1415]
There, with his men from Holstein, Fru-te, brave and bold,
Slew full many a foeman; of this could much be told.
Now, too, from the land of Waleis, Morunc, many slaying,
Before King Ludwig’s castle made rich the earth with the dead he low
was laying.

[1416]
Irold, the youthful champion, a knight both true and good,
Slashed thro’ foemen’s armor, shedding their hot life-blood.
Under Hilda’s banner was Wâ-te’s kinsman fighting;
Many in death grew paler as Horant thinned the crowd he fast was
smiting.

[1417]
Now the young King Hartmut and Ortwin met again.
Thicker then than snow-flakes blown by the wind are seen,
The sword-strokes of the warriors upon each other lighted:
Thus it was that Hartmut once more by Ortwin on the field was
greeted.

[1418]
Gu-drun’s young brother, Ortwin, was bold and brave enow,
But Hartmut through his helmet smote him a heavy blow;
Over his shining breastplate soon the blood was streaming:
The followers of Ortwin sadly saw the flow, its brightness dimming.

[1419]
Great was the crush and uproar; hand to hand they fought;
Many wounds were gaping thro’ rings of steel well-wrought;
Many a head had fallen beneath the sword-strokes given:
Death was like a robber, that from their kin the dearest friends had
riven.

[1420]
Now saw the Danish Horant that Ortwin from his foe
A bloody wound had taken; then Horant bade them show
Who ’twas that thus had wounded his master loved so dearly.
Hartmut at this was laughing, for both upon the field had met too
nearly.

[1421]
Ortwin himself then answered: “’Tis Hartmut this has done.”
Then Hilda’s banner was given by Horant to one of his own;
Thinking thus the foeman he could harm the better,
And gain himself much honor: now he sought his foe with boldness
greater.

[1422]
Hartmut heard around him a loud and stormy din.
On many of his warriors streams of blood were seen
Fast from wounds out-welling; down to their feet ’twas flowing.
Then cried Hartmut boldly: “For this shall you atone, and this be
ruing.”

[1423]
Now he turned him quickly where Horant met his sight;
Then might one be seeing, so brave were both in fight,
How from their ringed armor sparks of fire were flying;
Blunted were the sword-blades which they on each other’s helmets
fast were plying.

[1424]
Hartmut wounded Horant, even as he had done
Not long before to Ortwin; a ruddy stream full soon
Ran from out his armor, at Hartmut’s hand forth welling.
Strong indeed was his foeman; who now to win his lands could hope be
feeling?

[1425]
Then in bitter struggle many, on either side,
Saw their bucklers shattered, tho’ strong and often tried;
Beaten were they and broken by sword-strokes quickly given
By each upon the other. Well to guard himself had Hartmut striven.

[1426]
Now the friends of Ortwin, and those of Horant, too,
Away from the field did lead them; and care did they bestow
To bind their wounds wide-gaping; no time for this they wasted.
Then again to the war-field the knights both rode; once more to the
strife they hasted.

[1427]
We now must leave them fighting as bravely as they will.
Who the day was winning, or whom his foe did kill,
Before King Ludwig’s castle, none could yet be saying.
Grimly strove the Normans; their foes, not less, for fame were
strength outlaying.

[1428]
Of all that there befell them none may ever tell;
But ’tis not yet forgotten that many a knight there fell.
On every side were sword-blades heard together ringing;
Foemen all were mingled, the slow with those who quick in fight were
springing.

[1429]
Wâ-te stood not idle, that can I well believe.
He bade farewell to many, nor longer let them live;
Cut down by him in the struggle, were they before him lying.
Fain were Hartmut’s kinsmen to wreak their wrath for friends who
there were dying.

[1430]
Now came Herwic nearer, so the tale is told,
And led against King Ludwig many a champion bold.
He saw that aged warrior his weapons bravely bearing,
Where he with all his liegemen, a wondrous host of foes beat down,
unsparing.

[1431]
Herwic called out loudly: “Can any one now tell
Who is that fighting graybeard, who all his foes doth fell?
Deepest wounds for many there his hand is hewing,
With bravery so fearless: women in tears will this erelong be
ruing.”

[1432]
When this was heard by Ludwig, outspoke that Norman foe:
“Who in the midst of battle seeks my name to know?
I bear the name of Ludwig: for Normandy I’m fighting;
Could I but meet my foemen, them indeed would I be sorely smiting.”

[1433]
Then spake to him King Herwic: “This thou well dost earn:
Seeing thou art Ludwig, with hate for thee I burn.
For us, upon the sand-drifts, many knights thou wast slaying:
Thou slewest Hettel also; a warrior brave was he, beyond all saying.

[1434]
“Still further thou hast wronged us, before thy day was done:
For this we still are mourning. I for my loss have known
Heart-heaviness and sorrow: thou hast my lady stolen
From me upon the Wulpensand; and many knights for her in death have
fallen.

[1435]
“I bear the name of Herwic: thou hast taken my hoped-for wife,
And again to me must give her; else to give his life,
With that of many a liegeman, must one of us be willing.”
Then King Ludwig answered: “Too boldly thou in my land in threats
art dealing.

[1436]
“Thy name, and this thy warning, thou hast no need to tell;
There yet are many others from whom I took, as well,
Their goods and eke their kinsmen. To trust my word be ready,
In this I will not falter; thou nevermore may’st hope to kiss thy
lady.”

[1437]
When they thus had spoken, the kings no more did rest,
But sprang upon each other. If either got the best,
To hold it was not easy; youths were forward pushing
Under both the standards, and daring knights to help their lords
were rushing.

[1438]
A fearless king was Herwic, and long and bravely fought;
But quickly Hartmut’s father the youthful Herwic smote,
Till he began to stagger ’neath blows by Ludwig given,
Who gladly would have slain him, or would from out his lands his foe
have driven.

[1439]
If Herwic’s faithful followers so near him had not been,
And given help so quickly, never could he, I ween,
Have freed himself from Ludwig, or left the field yet living;
So well that aged warrior to make young Herwic dread him now was
striving.

[1440]
But help to him was granted, his life he did not lose;
And, neither stunned nor wounded, he from his fall arose.
Then to the roof quick turning, his eyes he now was raising,
To see if, ’mongst the ladies, his heart’s beloved had on his fall
been gazing.

Tale the Twenty-Eighth.
HOW HERWIC SLEW LUDWIG.

[1441]
Now said Herwic sadly: “Ah, welaway! Woe’s me!
If fair Gu-drun, my lady, my fall did lately see.
Should e’er the hour be coming when I shall clasp the maiden,
And as a wife shall own her, with blame and scorn shall I by her be
laden.

[1442]
“Sorely doth it shame me, that now the gray old man
Thus has overthrown me.” Forthwith he bade again
His men to raise his banner, and ’gainst King Ludwig bear it;
Then rushed they on the foemen, who might not flee the fight, but
all must share it.

[1443]
Ludwig heard behind him an uproar loud and din;
Then he turned him quickly, and Herwic sought again.
Soon he heard on helmets many sword-blows stricken.
Those who stood near Ludwig well might dread the wrath that both did
quicken.

[1444]
They sprang upon each other, and fast and well they smote;
Blows on blows loud sounded the stormy field throughout.
Who can tell how many now in death were lying?
The day was lost to Ludwig, who there his strength with Herwic would
be trying.

[1445]
Soon Gu-drun’s betrothéd reached over Ludwig’s shield,
And smote him ’neath his helmet; well his sword did he wield.
Him he sorely wounded, and strength no more did leave him;
Grim death he there awaited until King Herwic should of life bereave
him.

[1446]
Then Herwic with his broadsword smote the king anew;
At once the head of Ludwig from off his shoulders flew.
Well repaid was Herwic for his shameful overthrowing;
The king lay dead before him. For this fair eyes must soon be
overflowing.

[1447]
Ludwig’s faithful followers, after their king was slain,
His banner to the castle thought to bear again;
But all too far from the gateway they had now been straying:
From them the flag was taken, and death must them erelong with their
lord be laying.

[1448]
The watchman saw from the castle how Ludwig lost his life;
Then was heard the mourning of knights and many a wife:
Their king, so old and mighty, they knew in death was lying;
Gu-drun and all her maidens stood in the hall in fear, and loud were
crying.

[1449]
As yet the Norman Hartmut, knew nothing of the tale,
How that the king, his father, and kinsmen young as well,
With many bravest warriors, now in death were sleeping,
Then he heard from the castle the shrieks and wails of those who
there were weeping.

[1450]
Now the knightly Hartmut unto his followers said:
“’Tis best we hence withdraw us; how many here lie dead
Who in stormy fighting thought our men to be slaying!
Now will we seek the castle, and there until a better time be
staying.”

[1451]
To him they listened gladly, and followed where he rode.
Great was the work of slaughter the field around them showed,
Where with grimmest foemen they were closely warring;
Freely had blood been flowing beneath the hand of Hartmut and his
followers daring.

[1452]
“So well,” he said, “have you helped me, who my kinsmen are,
That all my lands and riches gladly with you I’ll share.
We now will ride to my castle, and there to rest betake us;
Men the gates will open, and wine for us will pour, and mead will
make us.”

[1453]
Fallen knights full many they left on the field behind:
Were these of the land the owners, still with no braver mind
They then had met the onset. Those for the gates now striving,
By Wâ-te and his thousand were not allowed to reach the castle
living.

[1454]
He with a host of fighters near the gates was seen,
When Hartmut with his followers sought to come within;
They in this were baffled, and their strength were wasting.
Those who the castle guarded heavy stones from off the wall were
casting.

[1455]
They hurled them down so wildly on Wâ-te and his men,
Like hailstones they were falling, with not a stop between.
Wâ-te recked but little how many were dead or living,
Might he the day be gaining; to this alone his thoughts he now was
giving.

[1456]
Hartmut saw old Wâ-te before the castle-gate.
He said: “Tho’ from our foemen our gains this day are great,
Before it shall be ended, for this their hate they’ll show us:
Let now the strong be heedful; dead must many lie on the field below
us.

[1457]
“Fear and care it gives me that many here are seen
Whom we must now be meeting. Wâ-te with all his men
I see before the gateway, there with sword-strokes hewing.
If he of the gate be keeper, I look for little kindness he’ll be
doing.

[1458]
“See for yourselves, my warriors, the gateways and the walls
By foes on all sides girded; knight to knight there calls.
The roadways all are crowded, whichever way we’re turning:
Gu-drun’s good friends and champions will spare no toil; to win the
day they’re burning.

[1459]
“That you may know too truly, as I see already well;
Friends we must lose full many. Howe’er it so befell,
Before the outer gateway already see I waving
The Moorland foeman’s banner; lest they get in, a care must you be
having.

[1460]
“Near to the second gateway I see yet other foes:
I saw Lord Ortwin’s banner, as on the breeze it rose.
Gu-drun’s young brother is he; fair women’s smiles he’s seeking:
Ere he shall cool his anger, beneath his blows will helmets yet be
breaking.

[1461]
“Now see I, too, brave Herwic, before the third gate there;
With him seven thousand followers upon the field are near.
He comes in guise most knightly, to win his own heart’s lady;
On him are gazing gladly the fair Gu-drun, and many maids already.

[1462]
“To hasten back to my castle, the thought too late has come.
I know not where, with my warriors, now to seek a home.
I see the stern old Wâ-te before the fourth gate fighting;
My many friends in the castle, I fear indeed must long for us be
waiting.